New RV

pmoberg1 · 01-06-2018, 03:47 PM

We have been following this site for some time. Great info and fun !!!
We put a down payment on a 21 SS Roo in the fall. Expect delivery in March. Question should we have a topper installed ?? we have heard pros and cons. We would value you seasoned campers input. Other options we should look into ?? improvements needed before maiden trip?? Looking forword to upcoming season. We live in northern Illinois. What would be a good first short distance trip as we get our feet wet ?? We previously owned a Jayco Cardinal 8 popup many years ago and have been tenting intemittently since sale. Excited about getting back into a camper again for many years ahead.

Scubanut · 01-06-2018, 04:07 PM

I’m on the pro side for topper! I had mine installed by the dealer before I took it home. In my case I like it because it keeps the roof of slide clean and it’s another layer of protection for water intrusion. I also think it may help to keep the unit cooler by shading the slide out roof. You will get many opinions pro and against.

Bckdraft · 01-06-2018, 04:19 PM

Last year we bought a new camper and had toppers installed for the first time. I think the most likely place to have a water problem is the roof or the slides. So by starting out with these I hope to be ahead of the game. The guy that delivered the trailer said you can put cheap beach balls in the space under the topper will help them from getting a belly in it. I only had them for the last part of the year, and they did keep the pine cones off the top of the trailer.

Houston Remodeler · 01-06-2018, 04:42 PM

YES on the toppers.

Great for snow, ice, rain, pine needles, bugs that drop sticky stuff, bird poo, pine cones, blown sand.....

We installed our own on the first TT. Had the factory install them on the new TT

mwdilday · 01-06-2018, 04:49 PM

Toppers a must. Water pressure and power EMS and surge protector.

**bikendan** · 01-06-2018, 06:01 PM

I had a Roo 23SS and I didn't get one for our super slide.
BIG mistake. Should've had one installed before signining the papers.
One year later, we decided we needed one. Cost three times as much as the cost of a factory option.

Wouldn't be without one, especially with a super slide like your 21SS has.

pmoberg1 · 01-07-2018, 06:43 PM

Could you tell me more about the additional suggestions. Just starting out, Green on some of the terminalogy. Thank you !!!

**bikendan** · 01-07-2018, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmoberg1

Could you tell me more about the additional suggestions. Just starting out, Green on some of the terminalogy. Thank you !!!

Which ones?

mwdilday · 01-07-2018, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmoberg1

Could you tell me more about the additional suggestions. Just starting out, Green on some of the terminalogy. Thank you !!!

I guess I will take a shot.

What you will need for your trailer:

20 for minimum Sewer Hose with connection or donut for drop.
Fresh Water hose - 2 25 foot hoses are best.
Extension cord for electric
Tools for minor repairs
Boards or store bought jack pads to go under stabilizers
Boards or store bought blocks to go under wheel to level side to side
Wheel chocks
Cable TV cable
Rubber gloves

lcv800 · 01-08-2018, 06:10 AM

Most importantly a surge protector that guards against power surges, dirty power, etc. Plugs into pedestal at the campground and then you plug power cord into that. Surge Guard and Progressive Industries are the two most popular. Comes in 30 and 50 amp service. Pricey but necessary. Without it, power surge can burn out your appliances.
Rusty

rjshiflet · 01-08-2018, 07:29 AM

Yes - you'll regret it if you don't get slide toppers (and once you have them, you'll never want to be without them again).

I'd recommend a close RV Park for your maiden voyage. Not sure about Illinois, but if Texas most State Parks and COE parks don't have sewer hookup and you'll likely want to make sure you have that to put it through all the tests. If your parks do have full hookups - then that would be fine.

Often you'll find more people with more experience to help you out if you encounter issues if you're in a good RV park - at least that's been our experience. In a state park...people are on vacation and have limited time.

lablover · 01-08-2018, 04:46 PM

Definitely YES for slide out topper. My favorite APP is the Ultimate Public Campground US app. We try to only stay in public campgrounds cause that is what we like. X2 on the rubber gloves for dumping. Don't forget to have extra fuses on hand

RACarvalho · 01-08-2018, 04:53 PM

Absolutely yes.
Our previous 23IKSS had it on the big slide and our current 2909WS have it on it's three slides.

Chief T · 01-08-2018, 05:02 PM

I remember my dad dragging us to Fish Lake. Ugh, I hated that place. A test-drive in your driveway may prove beneficial to learn the TT. Definitely don't envy you navigating North Chicago traffic.

Safe and happy travels.

brian372lok · 01-09-2018, 12:01 AM

Hello from Southern Wi ( work in illinois). This post has me thinking about the toppers now (DW will kill me). What everyone else said. X2 or 3 on surge, actually you want an EMS. I am not big on camping local, So whitewater has a decent camp ground, no full hookup tho. Def go to a non state park to get full service. Lakeland is decent but pricey and in Milton, Wi. Only have 6or7 full sewer out of hundreds.

pmoberg1 · 01-09-2018, 09:06 PM

Thank you everyone !! is there any must buy and dream lists to be had ??
Don't want to leave home without something we need or wish we had.

brian372lok · 01-09-2018, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmoberg1

Thank you everyone !! is there any must buy and dream lists to be had ??
Don't want to leave home without something we need or wish we had.

My biggie was auto level, which you should have. I didn’t want manual jacks.

lablover · 01-09-2018, 09:39 PM

My suggestion would be to wait and see after you camp a few times. Keep a pad of paper and pen handy to make a list of what you need. Our big splurge was a Zamp solar suitcase, which allows us to boondock (camp without hookups) and stay in some out of the way places. I just thought of a must have. A funnel to use only for fresh water and filling tank manually along with a clean water 2-5 gallon container.

brian372lok · 01-09-2018, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lablover

My suggestion would be to wait and see after you camp a few times. Keep a pad of paper and pen handy to make a list of what you need. Our big splurge was a Zamp solar suitcase, which allows us to boondock (camp without hookups) and stay in some out of the way places. I just thought of a must have. A funnel to use only for fresh water and filling tank manually along with a clean water 2-5 gallon container.

Funnel won’t work, hose hookup for fresh tank so have to get a little more creative, but this is something I need.

lablover · 01-09-2018, 09:41 PM

A drill with an adaptor to raise and lower jacks

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