New owner of 2008 SV302

[Mynticelx]

Well, I've finally taken the plunge and purchased my first RV. We've decided on a 2008 Surveyor SV302. We are going on Saturday to pick it up. Any recommendations on some "MUST HAVES" that I should buy?

It's the first RV we've owned, so I'm looking for tips on some accessories that makes life easier, more fun or anything else you all have found useful. Thanks for the tips - I'll likely have many more questions to come!

[NWJeeper]

Contgrats on the new rig.

You will need everything you have at home, just less of it. Over time you develop techniques to speed in hitting the road and packing efficiently.

For basics a quality sewer hose, not the cheapo freebie you will likely get with our rig. I like the Rhino Hose. We carry an assortment of fresh water hoses, 2 -25' and 2-4' hoses. Don't pay big money on RV toilet paper, just use a good quality single ply from your local store.

I could of course go on and on but I expect the others here will chime in with lots of good stuff for ya.

[cardinal4fun]

If you have not done your PDI (pre delivery inspection) yet let me shed some light that way first. There are alot of pdi check lists out there and you should use anyone of them. A good pdi should take at least three hours and cover everything. I have even heard some people will video tape the pdi so they can remember all of the operation things. With that being said, what will you need to spend your money on? Wheels chocks, leveling boards, and a small amount of house hold stuff for the inside. Go camping and enjoy the rest will take care of its self.

[pondlady]

Hey, you are newer than me! Congratulations on your new toy.

[blake2727]

If I didn't buy anything else I would buy a pressure regulator for your water. It will keep you from replacing water lines if the pressure is to high at a campsite. I am new to rving as well but everyone told me if I didn't buy anything else to buy one of these. I am purchasing accessories right now but I think I almost have my list complete. I haven't bought any of the fun stuff yet just the things I acctually need.
Here is a list of the things I have bought or put in my rv.
2 25' water hoses
1 15' sewer hose
1 10' sewer hose
1 water pressure regulator
1 30amp to 50 amp adapter
1 Drill with sockets for stabalizer jacks and slide in case the electric motor goes out
1 25' coax cable
Wheel Chokes
Leveling boards

Probably some more things but like I said I am new too and learning as I go. Good luck and I hope you enjoy rving.

[Mynticelx]

All great responses. Definitely keep them coming!

[NWJeeper]

The advice given earlier about the PDI checklist is good but remember this: A PDI is a Pre Delivery INSPECTION. It is not INSTRUCTION. Most dealers and salesmen do not know much about the rigs they sell and in a lot of cases don't know how to run the systems on an RV. You are much better off coming here and asking how something works rather than asking the dealers.

It is a very common problem here that people ask a question stating "the dealer told me" and in about 90% of the cases the dealer is wrong.

[dimurrrw]

Ditto the last post. Suggest you at least try to get them to show you where the low point drains, fresh water tank drain and fill, water pump and filter and the winterizing connection are located and operated. These things are often hidden and the locations vary from model to model. You would be surprised at how many people run into problems because they can't find these things on their own. Take along a dvd and a cd and make sure that the Concertone (TV and sound system) works properly.

[tmmar]

Congrats on the new camper and welcome to the forum. I would either make leveling ramps or get a stack or two of the plastic leveling blocks.

[milzat]

I'd say a Must Have would be an Electric Tongue Jack, if you don't already have one. Also, a good pair of wheel chocks, and what the others have already stated.

Oh, and a good Ice Chest.