Season Wrap Up...

[stantyszka]

Just got back from our last trip of the season. We went from the South Jersey area to Staunton, VA for a stay at the Walnut Hills KOA in Staunton VA. A total of about 700 miles towed round trip and with roughly 42 PSI f air in the AirLift on my RAM, a decently balanced load, and about 10 gallons of fresh water this was by far and away a drive that went as smooth as butter with one exception. South Eastern PA and the NJ Turnpike roads suck. Maybe I got spoiled because 81 is so smooth, but boy is there a difference between the road quality with it changing on the way home JUST about at valley Forge.

Anywho - pointing out a few things as I wrap my first season as a TT owner. I've heard a lot of negative things about Forest River products. I have to deduce that it is because you do indeed hear more about negative experience and less about positive experience. Our Wildwood X Lite has served us wonderfully this season. Bumps in the road? Yes. Corrected by Dealer? Yes. Reason to trash manufacturer? No. Granted we made a lot of local trips this season but I still put about 3000 miles on the TT itself. My biggest complaint thus far would be about the lack of pantry storage in my TT.

A few things that I have learned along the way...for as split as the debate is on suspension air bags - I installed a set of AirLifts after our second trip and IMO they DO make a huge difference. I did buy enough truck, more than enough TV for my TT, but these things work. I was sold before I got a mile down the road after installing them. Bed covers...life saver for keeping cargo safe and dry in the bed of the truck - do very little MPG. Range hood exhaust vent - make sure you open that on the outside or your family will hate that you cant cook without the smoke detector going off. Towing with propane on to keep that fridge cool - was on the fence about this however on the last few trips I ran the fridge on propane. This debate seems as strong as the suspension airbag debate with people steadfast on either side. The biggest thing I learned, the people on this forum will help you out if you ask a question, no joke. I came into buying a TT as something to do for my Family - specifically for my 9 year old son. I knew zilch about owning, operating, and maintaining a trailer. I had to pose a lot of questions and many of the more experienced people here helped me out without a second thought about it. I've deduced that the vast majority of campers have some sort of southern hospitality in their soul because on my side of the Mason Dixon line, we sadly are not so helpful and giving (even if this is just a web forum). It's made me consciously roll that "camper hospitality" over into my everyday life just a little bit more than before because all along the road I've met people who smile and share instead of frown and close down. Makes me look forward to next season.