Hello from Pittsburgh

TMD78 · 08-25-2018, 07:34 AM

My wife and I are picking up our first ever TT next weekend. We looked for many months and landed on the 2019 2509S. At the last min, we were told our unit wasn’t actually in stock, but a great deal on a 4 month used 2018 came along. We are super excited and equally nervous. Our maiden voyage will be about 4 hours from home since there was no units anywhere near our home. We take delivery next Friday and plan to stop for the weekend at a campground on our way home. Trial by fire! I hope backing up isn’t a problem for me but until it happens, all I can do is watch some vids. Looking forward to all the great info on this forum.

Wiscampsin · 08-25-2018, 09:23 AM

Welcome from Wisconsin and congrats on your new TT! Make sure you do a thorough PDI (Pre Delivery Inspection) before you sign any papers or hand over any more $. There is a PDI checklist under the Library tab above that you can download and take with you. As far as backing goes I'll give you a tip. Get the tow vehicle and camper in a straight line. Put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. Move your hand in the direction you want the back of the trailer to go. Careful, it's easy to over do it. Once the back of the camper starts going in the direction you want move your hand again to control the direction. Yeah it'll take a while to get the hang of it but you'll get it.

Reverse_snowbird · 08-25-2018, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMD78

Trial by fire! I hope backing up isn’t a problem for me but until it happens, all I can do is watch some vids. Looking forward to all the great info on this forum.

The best tip we got for backing up a trailer....
Put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. If the back of the trailer need to go right, move your hand to the right (turning the steering wheel). If the back of the trailer needs to go left, move your hand to the left. (Takes a lot of the thinking out of backing up.)

68 Whiskey · 08-25-2018, 10:10 AM

Welcome from Georgia. x2 on the info from Wiscampsin & Reverse. Lots of good experienced help on this forum. A short shake-down cruise is a good idea. Be sure you have the signals for backing up worked out in advance. Use either radios or cell phones to communicate. Visual signals can be a problem even for more experienced folks. There is a lot to learn, but just relax and keep in mind it a learning process. Happy trails and safe travels

cavie · 08-25-2018, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMD78

My wife and I are picking up our first ever TT next weekend. We looked for many months and landed on the 2019 2509S. At the last min, we were told our unit wasn’t actually in stock, but a great deal on a 4 month used 2018 came along. We are super excited and equally nervous. Our maiden voyage will be about 4 hours from home since there was no units anywhere near our home. We take delivery next Friday and plan to stop for the weekend at a campground on our way home. Trial by fire! I hope backing up isn’t a problem for me but until it happens, all I can do is watch some vids. Looking forward to all the great info on this forum.

Go to Walmart and practice backing up. Don't earn at a campground.

Personally I would campout for the first time in the driveway at home.

TMD78 · 08-25-2018, 12:37 PM

Thanks for the great advice everyone!

TMD78 · 09-04-2018, 07:57 PM

First weekend was awesome. Hooking up and towing was much smoother than I expected. We managed to back in at our camp spot on the first try (that part had me stressed). I’ve tent camped my whole life and always loved it, was worried the 2509S might be overkill but my wife is thrilled. I must say escaping the 93 degree heat for some AC was a welcome experience. We are very happy after our first weekend. Have the next spot already reserved for this weekend!

Reverse_snowbird · 09-05-2018, 02:01 AM

Thanks for sharing your experience. As former tent campers, we love the luxury of air conditioning too. Sounds like you're well on your way to being seasoned rvers.

CamperBruce · 09-05-2018, 02:31 AM

Welcome to the forum, I am glad you new trailer is working out for you. I have gone from tents to cabins to a pop up and then finally my current hybrid Flagstaff Shamrock 17.