Brand new to rv'ing... with a baby and toddler (2005 8298ss)

[adventurechic98005]

Hi all,
We are putting the backpacks away (since we have young kids) and have moved onto the world of travel trailers.... our first adventure will be this weekend in our 2005 Rockwood 8298ss. Very exciting!

I just found this forum while searching for tips for 'first rv trip'... any last minute tips? or advice for using this forum?

Looking forward to learning from you all.
Happy weekend!

[TURBS]

welcome to the forum !
good luck on the first weekend !
take it slow and and work through things as they come !

[Cajun Po-Boy]

We found the transition from tenting to travel trailer with little ones soooo much more enjoyable with all the conveniences of home under one roof!
Ours were 2 & 5 at the time....enjoy!

[Triguy]

You're probably on your first trip by now so have a great one.

We started camping before kids and quickly moved to trailers once the family started. Our oldest - now 10 - has been camping in tents and trailers since she was 5 months old. Great memories over the last 10 years.

I like Turbo's advice to take it slow. When I first started with trailers I drove my DW nuts until I learned that lesson. Patience helps. Also, your camping neighbors are friendly so feel free to ask them for help when needed. You might even run into one of us wherever you are going

• Checklists will help you immensely. Develop a couple for yourself or search for them on the forum or make a new post. I still find my checklists for departure and arrival are often used to make sure I don't forget the little things like lifting up the jacks before pulling away or closing all storage compartments and windows (I've done all three ). You get the picture.

• As for using the forum, visit our Rockwood forum for information specific to your trailer.

• All appliances and systems are used pretty much by many brands. You may find manuals for your appliances in our Files section if you don't have any for your 2005 trailer.

• With your trailer being 7-8 years old, pay a lot of attention to the roof. Inspect constantly and caulk as needed. This cannot be overstated! Also, make sure you check the age for your tires. Don't just go by how they look. These trailer tires only last a few years and yours would be way past their prime if they are original.

Most of all and post pics!

[bikendan]

also, make sure your tow vehicle has plenty of extra tow power and that you have a good WDH with sway control.

[Oakman]

Have a great trip and I hope your trailer is trouble-free.

[buffalohunter]

Be sure you have sun screen and a first aid kit. A camera of course.

Ah!, those were the days.

Enjoy!

[Capsfloyd]

Congrats. , y'all. Have a great time

[Big Dawg]

Congrat's, and Welcome. Let us know how your first trip went?

[adventurechic98005]

Thanks everyone for your wishes and advice...

Our first trip was a success! Maryhill State Park, along the Columbia River in Washington. Beautiful site and park.

Amazingly, the kids kept to their sleep schedules and the dog was a rockstar! I think having the trailer on our property for a few weeks before the trip was helpful. That way, the dog was used to the rig and felt at home before we even left.

Things we immediately learned were:

-where to park and where not to 'try' to park
-travel time is at least double for our family
-which types of turns are easy to make and which ones are a challenge
-certain cabinet locks need to be tightened or replaced
-we need to more info on un-winterizing the trailer (the water smelled strange? Due to being winterized? Need to do some research here.)
-it's worth having better plates instead of flimsy cheap plastic
-we need to adjust the fridge (it wasn't cold enough)
-don't forget to keep a broom in the trailer... oops!
-we also need to do research on care and maintenance of toilet system
-ask for help from other travelers. Most people are friendly and happy to help

I'm already researching spots to go for our next trip!
Hooray!

[woodsman]

Started camping with 3 young kids. While in washington went to several camp grounds. The best for the kids was a place called harmony RV park.
My son found and returned a water ski. The owner was so grateful that the kids spent the week on the water with their family.
Another park (SP) we got washed off the camp site by a storm. The kids had an adventure every time out. They were in tents we were in a slide in truck camper on a ford courier. A good camera is a must and a first aid kit.

[jar3316]

first I would like to say welcome and I'm glad you had fun

Originally Posted by adventurechic98005

-it's worth having better plates instead of flimsy cheap plastic

We also carry those plastic red baskets that burger joints use got some from pic and sav for $5 for a pack of 4. Then we bought a box of the wax paper sheets (that are made for the baskets) from Sams Club.

you wouldn't believe how much easier clean up is and a lot less waste in the can

If your kitchen is behind your axle then you might want to conciser padding between "real" plates. It can be a little bumpy back there