First night...what to bring

[sharkbate]

Ok, we will order our rockwood at the show at the end of the month. The dealer has on sight hookups to do your first check out night in. If the intent of the check out is to do everything and use it like you would, what do you bring? I'm torn between loading it up, rare opportunity to organize and pack without the three "helpers" vs finding something wrong and needing to send it in for repairs.

[ependydad]

I'd take a bare minimum to test all of the systems.

I'd use a PDI checklist for the process so that you try and not forget anything.

[iceblaze580]

I would say pack it up on the dealers lot if you will be staying there for a couple of nights

[KyDan]

One of the most important things to bring is a
notebook and writing instrument!
Take notes write down questions and things you want to bring next time.

Strongly suggest video of your walk thru. They will say things and show
you things that later you will be like "what did they say about .....?"

[ryand]

As other stated, bring very little other than a change of clothes and basic stuff. Its more of an investigation kind of night than anything else. Run all the systems and then run them again. Bring something to plug into the 120V outlets and test them all. Fiddle with everything...get some take out.

[MeepMeep]

Originally Posted by sharkbate

Ok, we will order our rockwood at the show at the end of the month. The dealer has on sight hookups to do your first check out night in. If the intent of the check out is to do everything and use it like you would, what do you bring? I'm torn between loading it up, rare opportunity to organize and pack without the three "helpers" vs finding something wrong and needing to send it in for repairs.

Bring a change of clothes and personal hygiene items. Also a very healthy curiosity and a writing pad. At some point during your stay, you should have pushed every button and turned every dial. If you don't know what it does, write it down. If there's a problem, write it down....big thing is, the question you don't ask is the one that ends up bitin ya

[ZBoater]

Bring snacks, a cooler with your favorite beverages, a flashlight, something to take notes in, your favorite blanket and pillow, and mobile entertainment (music, iPad/iPod). I'd suggest cookies. But that's me.

[rattleNsmoke]

Plenty of liquor and batteries for the tv remote..

[fonzie]

If it's in cooler temperature, a portable small 1500 watt heater in case propane furnace quits working in middle of the night.....

[davido_]

There are a few of those "We're giving you one to get you started" things; toilet/holding tank chemical, RV-friendly TP, a water filter cartridge, blocks of wood as temporary chocks, and so on. Jot down each of those things so that you remember to buy your own supply before your next real trip.

Bring toiletries, and bedding or sleeping bag.
Clorox wipes, whisk broom, hand vacuum, and other cleaning supplies (there's a lot to clean up in a new RV).
Trash bags.
Pencil and paper.
Something to eat on your overnighter.
A shore power cord if it doesn't come with one.
Paper plates, utensils, and whatever else you will need for food prep/consumption that first night.

Don't worry about packing it up. Go by yourself so you aren't distracted. Spend some time reading through manuals. Get the fridge going, the furnace, water heater, and all other systems and appliances.

Then bring it home, and with the notes you took on this trial run, get packed up for a real trip.

[ZBoater]

Toilet paper! Or my preference, baby wipes and a plastic bag for the trash can.

You know, the essentials.

[Rockwoodjoe]

Did anyone mention dvd's. That's assuming you have a dvd player. Reception with most rv antennas stink.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by Rockwoodjoe

Did anyone mention dvd's. That's assuming you have a dvd player. Reception with most rv antennas stink.

I agree with the DVD for a different reason. If the camper has surround sound, the DVD will let you test it. We had an issue with my camper that the center channel speaker wasn't hooked up.

[Terier]

The feedback has been pretty good. Keep it simple but it wouldn't hurt to have plan B if things don't go as planned.

As for loading it up you could bring everything but hold off until the next morning to stock the Rockwood but be prepare to bring it all home again in case something needs fixing. If it were me I would keep it simple as possible so that I can relax and enjoy my new toy.

[Mary Ellen]

I agree there are lots of great suggestions here. One thing I would add is to make sure you bring something to test the fridge & freezer. Either a thermometer (2, actually), or even just food/water to put in the fridge, and something cold & solid for the freezer. Next morning, you can see how cold these items are and determine if your fridge/freezer is working properly. Sometimes it doesn't...

[Big George]

so proud that you are spending the night at the dealership, go over everything esp. look up, make sure the shower in sealed no cracks, drawers close, the floor is not damaged, than check the appliances, make sure they work, get slide out covers included in price, check the roof, have them reseal it before it leaves the lot, you can't see small holes if they do not want to reseal the seams do not purchase, also before you make the final purchase sit in the repair area and listen to others, that will tell you a lot about the mechanics, and if they have a lot of issues. Good Luck

[cdangel0]

I'd bring kids.

Kids are great for finding stuff you missed and asking "What's this for?'

Or more importantly "Why'd this thingy fall off in here?"

[HONDAMAN174]

Spend some time on battery power only- not plugged into shore power- to make sure convertor can recharge and to get used to dry camping.

Maybe game of uno?


2014 Stealth Evo 2850 "Woodstock"
2011 Toyota Tundra Rock Crawler TRD 5.7 "Clifford"

[Platokidd]

All great idea's for sure.

Here's mine of HIGH importance, 4" memory foam topper for the bed. Most rv bed are hard as a rock!

Enjoy

[tenttotrailer]

All great ideas. Bring a friend along that has experience with campers, it is not a date, the friend would/should have a critical eye for anything that is not right. Like buying a used car, bring a buddy that knows cars they will tell you of you are buying a lemon.

Kevin