Getting The Most Out Of This Forum

[traveldawg]

I came across this article and thought it might be of interest to many of us. It seems a good refresher of why we are here and how to make the most of this great resource.

Getting The Most Out Of RV Forums

Getting the Most Out of RV Forums: Etiquette, Tips, and Where to Start​

by: Chelsea Gonzales
Published on January 12th, 2025

Whether you’re looking for some travel friends, need some motorhome advice, or want to share a newfound tip with other RVers, RV forums are a fantastic resource that every RVer should be using. That said, if you’ve never used a forum before, there are some things you should know before you dive in.

In this article, I will share everything you need to know to successfully navigate RV forums. Use these tips, and you’ll get the most out of the forums you use every single time.

Why Join RV Forums?​

First, let’s talk a bit about why you might want to use an RV forum:

• Community Support: Meet like-minded travelers and find connections you may not find elsewhere.

• Exclusive Tips: Learn about destinations, boondocking spots, and DIY fixes.
• Cost Savings: Avoid unnecessary expenses thanks to advice from experienced RVers.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with other RVers for meetups, caravan travel, and more.

Forum Etiquette​

Of course, you will want to make sure you’re minding your manners while posting in RV forums. This is where forum etiquette comes into play. Follow the rules below, and you should be good to go.

Search Before Posting​

Most questions have already been asked more than once. Use the forum’s search feature to find old threads that might contain the answers you need and avoid duplicating threads. Duplicate threads are annoying because they clutter the forums and can make it difficult to find specific bits of information.

Avoid Hijacking Threads​

On the other hand, it is also important that you avoid hijacking threads other people have started. Even if the thread seems like it is related to the thing you’re asking, it is considered rude to pull the attention away from the original poster’s query.

Be Respectful​

Keep discussions civil, even if you disagree with someone. This means avoiding faux pas such as name-calling, inappropriate words and references, and putting people down. Remember, RV forums thrive on mutual respect. If you don’t have anything nice to say, just keep scrolling.

Be Patient​

Once you do post a question, be patient. It can take some time for others to see your post and respond, and bumping the post over and over shortly after it is put up is annoying to other forum users.

Stay On Topic​

Post in the appropriate subforum and keep replies relevant to the original question. This helps keep the forums organized and makes it easier for people to find the information they might be looking for. If you wish to discuss something different, consider a private message or starting a thread of your own in the appropriate subforum.

Skip the Spam​

Many forums have very specific rules regarding advertising. That said, even if a forum does not have any rules surrounding this topic, it’s still a good idea to avoid spamming the forums with advertisements. Stick to recommending specific brands or companies only in reply to relevant questions, and only do this if it is allowed on the forum.

Give Back​

Remember to give back to the forum community by sharing your own experiences, tips, and/or solutions when you can. Forums are about mutual support, and those who do their part by helping others help build a strong community. On top of that, helping others could earn new friendships, which might mean more help comes your way when you need it.

Show Thanks​

If you post a question and receive answers, make sure you thank those who took the time to respond. This is something you should do even if the answers aren’t exactly what you were looking for. After all, those people took the time out of their day to offer their little bit of advice.

Follow Forum Rules​

Each forum has its own guidelines. Always, always take a moment to read the rules and follow them every time you use the forum. If it’s been a while since you read the rules and you aren’t sure if something is allowed, consult the list of guidelines. This will ensure you stay in good standing with the forum moderators and other users of the forum.

Tips for Engaging with RV Forums​

The etiquette rules above include most of what you need to know to successfully engage in an RV forum. We have a few other tips that do not have to do with manners but will help you get the most out of the forums you use.

Be Specific​

When asking for help, provide detailed information. Include things like the RV make/model, your location, and a detailed description of what you’re experiencing. This helps others give accurate advice and avoids needless questions or answers that don’t apply to you.

Use Descriptive Titles​

Another thing that will help you get the answers you’re looking for? A clear title. As an example, something like “Water Heater Not Heating in 2015 Jayco” gets more attention than “Help Needed!” It also helps people who know something about that specific topic find your post so they can help.

Bookmark Valuable Threads​

Most forums offer a way to bookmark discussions. Save the ones that you find helpful. This will make it easier to find the conversations when you need to reference them again.

Join Local Subgroups​

Many forums have regional sections where you can connect with nearby RVers for meetups and advice. These subgroups are an excellent way to make connections in the real world. They are also good for finding information on events that are coming up in your area.

Stay Open-Minded​

Everyone has their approach to RVing. Approach every conversation with an open mind and use the many differing opinions as learning opportunities. By being willing to try new ways of doing things, you might find a way that you like better!

Where to Find an Online RV Community​

Clearly, RV forums are a great tool to have at your disposal, but how do you find them? Really, all you have to do is a simple Google search for “RV forums” and you should get a whole list of options.

That said, the best RV forums out there have got to be the super-active RV Life Discussion Forums. Join in the conversations over there and you’ll always have something RV-related to chat about!

Get to Know the RV Lifestyle in an RV Forums Community RVLIFE​

 

[Riverbug]

That's a really good reminder. And it raised a point that I actually felt the opposite about but now I see the rationale behind it...

"Search Before Posting​

Most questions have already been asked more than once. Use the forum’s search feature to find old threads that might contain the answers you need and avoid duplicating threads. Duplicate threads are annoying because they clutter the forums and can make it difficult to find specific bits of information."

When people in this forum told another person to do a search, I always felt that was being kind of terse/maybe a bit rude to someone that has an earnest question. Especially so in the previous platform where the search feature was pretty much useless.

I thought that stifled participation especially from new-comers so I've always tried to provide complete answers to topics I know about to help people out. But it seems I have been wrong all along. I guess I can see where it would clutter things up. This is the first forum I've been actively involved in (aside from professional/work related stuff). Curious how others view this, and I have no problem with refraining from answering duplicate questions going forward if that would improve the forum experience.

 

[traveldawg]

When I need to "deep dive" on a search I open up a new tab in my browser and insert search criteria such as: "mygrandrv.com etiquette" (without the quotes) . Even using multiple search words helps hone in on finding information not possible with this forums native search feature.

​

 

[Steven@147]

For a lot of forums, most times this information is contained in "Sticky Notes" probably in the Introduction sub-forum. But its a good refresher to read through again. I still notice vague subject titles in a lot of new postings. Majority of owners get the hang of forums with time and use, frequent and experienced uses just need a little patience.

 

[Capt Bob]

As a Mod on a boat forum, I try and provide links to threads that might help the member in their search. That stated, I “Google” first and enter Grand Design in the search. It seems to bring me to the multiple forums/Facebook sites dealing with our RVs. From there, it’s just a matter of sifting through threads to get what I want. IMHO, I think the Admins do a damn good job of sorting threads to the different sub-forums. This makes it much easier to find what one wants…..if they are willing to spend the time looking.

Just my thoughts as a Forum mod.