Hello we are new to everything camping...

[sjbdeb]

We are 'very' new to the Travel Trailer ownership. We have just purchased a Forest River 2011 Surveyor SP240 (New) We got a great deal because the 2013 were coming out and it was a 2011 still on their lot. We are very happy with this unit and are looking forward to our first outing. There is alot we have to think about. We will tow with a 1999 Ford F150 super cab, so will be looking into what we will really need such as Anti-Sway, Weight Distribution Hitch, Electric Brake Control etc...... I have a feeling I will be on here asking for alot of advice from all of you experts!! We want everything to go smoothly, but don't want to overspend for things that are not necessary.

Thanks,
Deb

[Broadway Joe]

congratulations on your new toy. Other then the usual water hoses, sewer connection and assorted other items, I would recommend a Tekonsha P3 brake control. You will hear from the experts shortly.

[nuisance]

You will find that for setting up the inside you will need the same type of items as at home but a smaller size and if possible things need to do a double duty;;My futons double as storage units, footstools, coffee tables and chairs for the grandkids (and as bed extenders for my 6'5" son when he sleeps on the couch)

If your free next month there is a Forest River Rally in Indiana would be a great time to meet other owners and learn lots about the new unit......

[Terier]

to the forums and congrats on your Surveyor!

Looks like you have some important items on your shopping list. I tow my TT with a Anti-sway, WD bars and P2 brake controller. Ditto about finding double uses for items that goes into the trailer. As you start to use your trailer you will find out what you really need. In the meantime try borrowing from the house when possible.


Terier

[Mark and Linda]

Plug in adapter...30 AMP to 50 AMP. I used mine the first time this past week. I am glad that I had one in the old box because the 30 AMP breaker kept kicking out at the campsite. I finally decided I had enough...went out..got my plug and put it in the 50 AMP Service. Congratulations....enjoy it.

[Triguy]

Originally Posted by sjbdeb

We are 'very' new to the Travel Trailer ownership. We have just purchased a Forest River 2011 Surveyor SP240 (New) We got a great deal because the 2013 were coming out and it was a 2011 still on their lot. We are very happy with this unit and are looking forward to our first outing. There is alot we have to think about. We will tow with a 1999 Ford F150 super cab, so will be looking into what we will really need such as Anti-Sway, Weight Distribution Hitch, Electric Brake Control etc...... I have a feeling I will be on here asking for alot of advice from all of you experts!! We want everything to go smoothly, but don't want to overspend for things that are not necessary.

Thanks,
Deb

and congratulations on you new camper!

Here are a few thoughts for you.

WDH - get one that has sway and weight distributuion in one. Equal-i-zer, Reese Dual Cam and a few others work well.

BC - Hard to beat the Prodigy. P2 or P3 will work fine. Check if your truck has the wiring harness in place and order the one that fits.

Since you are new, I recommend that you practice maneuvering in an empty parking lot. Especially backing up.

Last, as has already been said, do a night camping in your driveway and then a weekend close to home or close to a Walmart before you buy a lot of extras.

Most of all, Have Fun!

[NanaKaren]

Congratulations on your new RV!!!

When we started out, we went to the nearest state park and asked at the gate if we could spend a couple of hours there with the trailer to practice parking in parking lots (re Wally World and rest areas, etc.), as well as pull through spots and back in spots.

We both have state park passes and they were more than happy to let us practice as it was in the middle of the week and not at a busy, overcrowded time for them.

Happy travelling!

[Misterdanderson]

Welcome. We are new, too. Welcome aboard!

[Rsgtivr6]

Originally Posted by sjbdeb

...so will be looking into what we will really need such as Anti-Sway, Weight Distribution Hitch, Electric Brake Control etc... but don't want to overspend for things that are not necessary.

Like Tri said, get the Equalizer, Reese Dual Cam or the similar versions of either of these. It will make life easier. I will use my standard chain roundbar+sway control system until I sell the TT since it works fine, but it's just added work to get out and remove the sway control to back with tight turns. Next time will be a Equalizer, that is if we don't go to a 5'er.

Any brake control that uses proportional braking. That is, it has an inertia sensor instead of a timer to apply brakes. The P2 and P3 are the big dogs in this category. Either will do what you want, but if you want to save a couple dollars, the P2 will serve you well.

Last, like I just posted for another newcomer, get locking reciever pins and a lock for the TT tongue coupler. These are much more secure than just using pins. It also keeps people from stealing them (seen that this happens more than I might have thought from another thread ) A set like this would be great:

Amazon.com: Master Lock 2848DAT Key Alike Set with Receiver and Coupler Latch Locks, 2-Piece Set: Automotive

Welcome and !

[sjbdeb]

Thanks for the warm welcome and all the information. I'm sure we'll all be talking soon!!!

Deb