Brand new owner and RVer with questions

[Bowhnter]

Hi, we just picked up a Vibe 268RKS Saturday. It is our first TT and are new to RVing.

So, it came with a 25 ft electrical cord, 25ft water hose and a 15 ft sewer hose. Are those lengths usually ok for a full service site or do I need to get extensions?

I am purchasing a water regulator, tire changing ramp, battery disconnect, clear sewer hose swivel (do I need a 45 or 90?) before our first trip in two weeks.

Is there anything else I need to have before our first trip?

Is there anything specifically I need to do to the TT to prep? We will have full services.

[Smitty72]

I think it depends on how far you're travelling. I am guessing not to far as its your maiden voyage. The lengths of your hoses and electrical hoses sound fine; but if your travelling to unknown camgrounds once in a while their setups will require some extra lenghts. Make sure you have wheel chocks or a way to level your trailer.

The maiden voyage is a perfect time to create your list.


Happy Camper
Nova Scotia

[Mr. Dan]

I've been to some sites at West Burns Run COE park just across the Denison dam from you and I needed two 25' water hoses... so I always carry 2. I also carry two sewer hoses and needed them this month at a full hook-up site in a private park in Stonewall, TX. I like a 45° clear sewer connection.

[deartruc]

Full hookups usually mean cable. Having two 15' coax cables and a double female coupler.

[deartruc]

PS...Welcome to the rv life!

[asquared]

We typically have at least fifty feet of fresh water hose, 35 ft of sewer hose. And at least fifty feet of electric cord. A surge protector is cheap insurance to get for your rig. You will also want dogbone adapters. Typically if you have a 30 amp trailer get a 30 to 20 and a 30 to 50 amp adapter. We use the 45 degree clear elbow up at the sewer hose junction to the trailer dump valve. Others use the 90 degree elbow at the dump station end. Either is fine. If your trailer doesn't have a black tank flush, a clear elbow with the ability to attach a hose to help flush is helpful but you would still want to use a toilet wand to flush the tank til clear. (Look up the geo method tank management). Instead of the changing ramp, look into the Anderson revelers which I believe can be used for tire changing and leveling your trailer. Make sure any chick blocks are heavy duty enough for your trailer as small chicks will just be crushed. Beyond this, bring a notepad and make a list of things you find you want/need. Camping near a Wal-Mart is a good idea for your first few trips.

[Bowhnter]

Thanks all. Geo method printed.
I have a set of linx levelers

One thing I forgot about was the coax!

I will get the surge protector. Do I need to have anything in the TT off before connecting the cord?

Mr Dan, we are going to Eisenhower park for our first trip to get a feel for everything. Bois D Arc section with a pull thru.

[vinmaker]

Yep. You absolutely definitely want at least 50' of electric. To me that is the one thing that I would be screwed on if I showed up and could not connect to power. I can figure out the water thing by using jugs and the waste thing by using a tote. But without electric. I cannot for the life of me think about a workaround I could invent on the spot.

Enjoy.

Vin.

[Mr. Dan]

Mike, around here, the term "Full hook-ups" does NOT mean cable... although I have carried coax just in case. Now, coax is mandatory since I take a DIRECTV antenna on each trip.

I love the setting of Eisenhower Park BUT I hate the way the nation of Texas operates its state parks. I feel like they nickel and dime you to death... I can never determine what a day's stay will cost me!

Enjoy!

[Flybob]

I would add a good 6-8 Ton bottle jack and a lug wrench appropriate size for your trailer. Many auto lug wrenches will not fit trailer lugs. If you do not have a level on the trailer, you should get one of those as well. If you do not have power stab jacks, purchase an adapter for a power drill ( inexpensive) makes lowering and raising the jacks much easier.

[TURBS]

If not already mentioned the best one item you can buy and leave in the camper is a digital volt ohm meter.
You will need it!

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded, 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "2 nights"

[mTn_biKer65]

We have a 25' 30amp extension but I only think we've used the extension once or twice since buying it. Still nice to have for piece of mind. 2nd white water hose and sewer hoses are used much more often so I'd get both of those as well. When you get a 2nd sewer hose look for one that comes with a threaded 90 adapter to connect to the drain. http://www.campingworld.com/shopping...ewer-kit/44151

Lots of options for storing those sewer hoses that you might want to consider. Some home grown setups you can find on this site and some store bought. We use the E-Z Hose Carrier mounted to the frame right next to our dump. Works great for us. 64" E-Z Hose Carrier- Black - Valterra A04-0153XBK - Sewer Accessories - Camping World

If you don't have a 30A Female to 15A Male plug adapter I'd get one for those sites that don't have 30A. Also, in a pinch with the adapter you can use a normal outdoor extension cord to get some extra distance if needed. Just won't be able to use you A/C. Power Grip Adapter - 15A Male to 30A Female - Camco 55165 - Electrical Adapters - Camping World

I'd outfit your trailer with a small tool kit specific to the trailer. Include a socket specific to the water heater drain and possibly one that might be needed to manually crank your slides in the unlikely chance that you loose a motor or battery goes dead. Throw in some replacement bulbs, teflon tape, fuses, multi-bit screwdriver.

Since this is a new trailer or at least new to you trailer once set-up with the water connected I'd do a walk-around to visually check as much of the plumbing as you can looking for any puddles that reveal a leak. We had one at the back of the outside shower connection. Connection was just a little loose and a simple turn fixed things up before any serious damage was done.

[Bowhnter]

You guys are doing a number on my Amazon cart ;-) Luckily I have some of these items at home already but may not have though to take along.

And of course my truck lug wrench does not fit the TT

[NYDP77]

Most of the spots I've been to, those lengths would be sufficient. Not sure of the company of the sewer hose, but you might want to upgrade that. Also, a collapsible sewer hose support would be useful.

[Arefbee]

For my own 2 cents - Walmart has most of the items you may need (and most CG offices can get you there too, sometimes for an extra price, not necessarily though.)

A good attitude and a well stocked first aid kit is about all I'd add.

[Arefbee]

I do prefer these for leveling:
http://www.amazon.com/Andersen-3604-.../dp/B001GC2LVM

[Bowhnter]

Originally Posted by Arefbee

I do prefer these for leveling:
http://www.amazon.com/Andersen-3604-.../dp/B001GC2LVM

Do you need to level with both wheels, or can one be off the ground? I would think you would want weight support distributed equally.

[Papa GLS]

I would do both wheels.

[LANShark42]

Originally Posted by asquared

We typically have at least fifty feet of fresh water hose, 35 ft of sewer hose. And at least fifty feet of electric cord. A surge protector is cheap insurance to get for your rig. You will also want dogbone adapters. Typically if you have a 30 amp trailer get a 30 to 20 and a 30 to 50 amp adapter. We use the 45 degree clear elbow up at the sewer hose junction to the trailer dump valve. Others use the 90 degree elbow at the dump station end. Either is fine. If your trailer doesn't have a black tank flush, a clear elbow with the ability to attach a hose to help flush is helpful but you would still want to use a toilet wand to flush the tank til clear. (Look up the geo method tank management). Instead of the changing ramp, look into the Anderson revelers which I believe can be used for tire changing and leveling your trailer. Make sure any chick blocks are heavy duty enough for your trailer as small chicks will just be crushed. Beyond this, bring a notepad and make a list of things you find you want/need. Camping near a Wal-Mart is a good idea for your first few trips.

Couldn't have said it better. I will add - I have both the Anderson levelers AND the Anderson jack. Jack is taller and allows for more lift. I don't think the levelers were designed as jacks, but now that I think about it, I don't know why they wouldn't work as such. I also like the X-Chocks. They really help to stabilize the TT. Also want to emphasize the surge suppressor. Progressive Industries makes some that are VERY highly regarded on this site. A bit pricey, but still cheap insurance when it comes to saving your electrical gear in your TT.

[LANShark42]

Originally Posted by Bowhnter

Do you need to level with both wheels, or can one be off the ground? I would think you would want weight support distributed equally.

Originally Posted by Papa GLS

I would do both wheels.

Anderson's specs call for one for each axle.