New not only here but also to trailer camping

[im1kris]

Hey guys
My husband and I purchased a brand new 5th Wheel (2013 Sabre 36BQOK) waiting for it to come in. I have never camped in a trailer before this, just tenting in Northwestern Ontario. My husband has a tendancy to go overboard. It has been super helpful reading through but is there any advice that everyone could give as it seems very overwhelming on what to do first. We have a spot for the summer but we are going to be taking it on the road for a couple of trips this year as well.. Where do I start ? What do I need to buy that is really important and what can wait??

[MtnGuy]

to the forum !!!

Where to start ??? Read through a bunch of the treads here for starters. If you can't find it, ask away !!

[TURBS]

Number one tip/s !
Turn fridge on at least the day before adding food !
Make sure hw by pass is turned for summer operation and hw tank is full before turning on.
Battery will go dead without shore power in a few days unless disconnected.

[pbrackney]

Here is a great forum on some first steps.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...rig-21586.html

Enjoy and treasure all the memories.

[wbdvt]

jeezum crow....what a big jump from tenting!!!

[tinkerreknit]

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

Number one tip/s !
Turn fridge on at least the day before adding food !
Make sure hw by pass is turned for summer operation and hw tank is full before turning on.
Battery will go dead without shore power in a few days unless disconnected.

What he said!

[RonLynnJr]

Welcome to the forum!

Ditto to mtnguy above.

Some of the things that I found are quite essential to have on board are:
Bug spray
Beer
Sun screen
Small tool kit
More beer
Small saw or axe for fire wood
Flashlights
Candles and matches
and more beer...

[ng2951]

If you can do your first overnight in the driveway. If everything really gets bad, the house still awaits.

I think one of the other things you want to look at is whether, or how much dry camping you intend to do. If you are going to do a lot of dry camping, you might want to consider getting a genset. On the other hand if most of your days and nights are on the cool side, that may be unnecessary.

[JFM-jr]

Originally Posted by RonLynnJr

Welcome to the forum!

Ditto to mtnguy above.

Some of the things that I found are quite essential to have on board are:
Bug spray
Beer
Sun screen
Small tool kit
More beer
Small saw or axe for fire wood
Flashlights
Candles and matches
and more beer...

Can I add some more beer to your suggestion list?

[trudinator]

Welcome to the forums and congrats! First of all, calm down and take a deep breath. These forums are just LOADED with information and you can find answers to any problem or situation that arises. We went from tent campers to a 32-foot TT and the transition was seamless. We did our homework and trolled these forums for months before picking up our unit. my DH is pretty handy and can figure out anything mechanical, etc. Even if your DH isn't, there are always answers here with photos, diagrams, etc. Spend a few nights in the driveway exploring every inch and figuring out how everything works. It helps immensely!

[im1kris]

I don't mean to sound stupid ...but what is a "DH"

[TURBS]

dear husband

[jamar]

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

Number one tip/s !
Turn fridge on at least the day before adding food !

This is so very true!


Welcome, lots of great info here, enjoy!!!!!

[trudinator]

Originally Posted by im1kris

I don't mean to sound stupid ...but what is a "DH"

DH - Dear husband
DW - Dear wife
TT - travel trailer
TV - tow vehicle
WH - water heater

There are others...just can't think of them right now.

[capucine]

It is a good thing to have a dining shelter even if you have a trailer instead of a tent. I cannot go camping without it. Us too have camped with tents for years and I still have 2 tents that I dont want to sell just in case! I cook a lot inside the shelter specially when it rains. Just replaced this dining shelter with a bigger one for this season. Bought a Eureka 12 foot with closed sides .

[jmswms]

LOL-Just remember you are basically setting up house. Sheets, blankets, towels, a couple pots and pans, silverware, since you're on a seasonal site a gas grill would is nice maybe some outside lights, silverware, a few real plates, coffee pot, coffee cups, , a rubber backed rug for the entrance, cooking utensils, pot hoders, outside chairs, toilet paper for RV's, maybe a small battery operated clock for the bedroom - I use small plastic baskets to hold a lot of items-like spices ,tolietries etc so they don't fall over in the cabinents. Just get some basics and add them as you find a need. Trick is to only have to bring food and clothes on trips.

[Bttravel]

If you deploy the awning be sure to drop one corner slightly lower than the other for drainage and if it starts getting very windy retract it. Makes a great big wind sail.