RV Educational Events
Each conference day is divided into four, one and one-half hour class periods. A variety of subjects are presented simultaneously during each of these class periods. Students select the classes they wish to attend by simply showing up. A half-hour break between classes and a one and one-half hour lunch break assures a relaxed, comfortable pace.
Individual classes are scheduled so a student can attend a series of programs and progress from the basics of RVing to more advanced and technical subjects. A prospective or novice RVer, for example, might start out by attending a class on how to choose an RV, and then go on to learn the basics of equipping, operating, traveling and camping in an RV.
An experienced RVer, on the other hand, is free to skip directly to classes on repair and maintenance, making money on the road, or how to travel in an RV for extended periods of time. Technically oriented individuals might be drawn to subjects that deal with solar power, inverter/chargers, satellite systems, or electronic communications. More general subjects such as RVing with computers, RV insurance, travel destinations, and travel writing are also available.
As an added bonus, conference participants are encouraged to camp in the comfort of their own RVs right on the campus of the university or college. Students arrive in truck campers, telescoping trailers, conventional trailers, fifth-wheels trailer, class A and class C motorhomes, van conversions and hi-line buses. As many as 300 RVs (and a few tents) have been known to set up camp on the University of Idaho’s campus grounds.
These college encampments provide plenty of opportunities to meet fellow RVers from various parts of the country. It’s not unusual for impromptu happy hours and potlucks to spring up on a nightly basis.
The students represent a cross section of RV lifestyles, age groups and backgrounds. While most are retired or about to retire, a good number of them are less than 50 years of age. And, not all of the participants are experienced RVers. Prospective, first-time RV buyers frequently make up to 30 % of the enrollment (they stay in nearby hotels). It’s not unusual for some of the basic classes to be repeated in order to accommodate the number of “newbies” who wish to attend.
The RV Life on Wheel Conferences do not have a scheduled entertainment program but local merchants and/or RV industry sponsors often put on a barbecue or some other food related activity. This is where novice RVers learn that wherever RVers gather there is usually something to eat.
