New to RVing

[Mbornzo]

Just wanted to say hello to everyone. My wife and I just placed an order for our first travel trailer. We purchased a Rockwood Mini Lite 2503S from RV Wholesalers. We had to order our trailer since the ones in stock didn't have the equipment we wanted. We look forward to taking delivery in about 6-10 weeks (they said 6-8), but I know how ordering anything can mean a longer waiting period.

We look forward to the new experience and hope to learn a lot from all the nice people on this forum.


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[donanddona]

Welcome from northern Illinois. Where you from? Two things that will help you along 1) Get used to the search feature, it helps a lot when looking for information on just about everything. 2) Posting pictures help a lot on questions you might have. Any questions on navigating this web site? Were here for you on that one too. Don't know how much camping you did/do but remember our experience's today are our campfire stories tomorrow.... Again welcome!

[dj3spots]

Welcome from New Windsor, Maryland. Wishing you many happy camping trips.


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[BamaBob]

welcome to the forums -- and the RV lifestyle! From Huntsville, AL. Questions? Ask away, LOTS of helpful folks on the forums!

[Mbornzo]

Thanks everyone for the warm greetings. I'm sure to have a lot of questions and will try searching for answers first before bothering members.

donanddona: we are from the western suburb of Aurora!


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[Blackhat6mike]

Originally Posted by Mbornzo

Thanks everyone for the warm greetings. I'm sure to have a lot of questions and will try searching for answers first before bothering members.

donanddona: we are from the western suburb of Aurora!


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Don't worry about "bothering members". That is one of the main reasons for this forum and most of us look forward to passing on experiences that can help you. There is very little that many of us have not experienced or dealt with in the past. Unless you are a mechanical wizard, you WILL have problems that stump you. Let us know.

[Wiscampsin]

Welcome from Wisconsin and congrats on placing the order for your Rockwood Mini Lite 2503S. It's worth the wait to get your camper with the equipment you want.

[Terier]

Welcome aboard!


Questions are always welcome so please do post them. I asked my fair share of questions, some more than once. The search option can be pretty helpful from searching feedback on select topics to looking at the numerous mod threads.

[Moose509]

Welcome from SW Georgia. Always someone that can shed a little light on most questions.

[Bowhnter]

Welcome from another new owner from N TX

These folks offer a lot of help!

[Mbornzo]

Thanks for all the warm greetings. My wife and I cannot wait to start our journey int the world of RVing. I am now working on my list of items I need to purchase for this trailer. I think my wife is afraid I might spend to much time and money on new items for the trailer.


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[fella10]

welcome MBORNZO,

and congrats on your new trailer, I'm more familiar with the Flagstaff models than the Rockwood, but I think your 2503s is the same as our Micro lite 25KS and we love it. Just picked it up 4 weeks ago and right now are sitting in a small campground 2hrs. from home on our shakedown cruise. You might be interested in the link below, it is dedicated to the Micro Lites and Mini Lites. again welcome aboard.........

Forest River Forums - Mini Lite and Micro Lite Trailer Talk

[BamaBob]

Originally Posted by Blackhat6mike

Don't worry about "bothering members". That is one of the main reasons for this forum and most of us look forward to passing on experiences that can help you. There is very little that many of us have not experienced or dealt with in the past. Unless you are a mechanical wizard, you WILL have problems that stump you. Let us know.

X2 - DO search, but if your search leaves you with questions or more confused don't be afraid to ask a question!

[DaveSchwartz]

Originally Posted by Mbornzo

I think my wife is afraid I might spend to much time and money on new items for the trailer.

Spending lots more money is a given - especially on a first trailer where you don't have anything to bring over. There will be a number of must-haves and nice-to-haves and after the first few trips the inevitable additions and modifications list will start to grow.

Welcome from southern Ontario.

P.S. Its always nice to see a good and up-to-date profile (on the left) and signature (under your postings). Both are set up using the 'User CP' menus.

[BamaBob]

Originally Posted by Mbornzo

Thanks for all the warm greetings. My wife and I cannot wait to start our journey int the world of RVing. I am now working on my list of items I need to purchase for this trailer. I think my wife is afraid I might spend to much time and money on new items for the trailer.


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You have NO idea...nor does your wife!

Honestly, if you do it right, you will need @ $600-ish worth of RV Accessories:

A Sewer Hose that actually works (RhinoFlex) $25
http://www.amazon.com/Camco-39761-Rh...ords=rhinoflex

Tire Pressure Monitors (TST 507) Truck Systems Technologies $259.00
507 Starter System Kit -

Power Management System - 30AMP is $266
http://www.amazon.com/Progressive-In.../dp/B003AL23TC

Good quality drinking water hose $26.00 for 35ft hose:
http://www.amazon.com/Camco-22833-Pr...+drinking+hose

A Water Pressure Regulator
On a Budget: $8.00
http://www.amazon.com/Camco-40055-Br...sure+regulator


Best (you will eventually get this one ) $46.00:
Water Pressure Regulator. Brass Lead-free Adjustable Water Pressure Reducer for Rv with Guage. Includes Inlet Screened Filter. Model A01-1117tm - - Amazon.com

Andersen Levelers (You will need 2) $80.00/pair:
Amazon.com: Andersen-3604 Camper Leveler: Automotive

X-Chocks (You will need 2) $73.00/pair:
Amazon.com: X-Chock Wheel Stabilizer - Pair - One Handle - 28012: Automotive

And that's about it for the stuff you really "need" And, if you are on a budget, the Andersen Levelers & X-Chocks can wait. The Andersen's make leveling easier than wood/lego blocks. The X-Chocks markedly reduce trailer movement when camped (which a lot of folks find annoying).

Some on this list would advocate new tires as well - and, in fact, since you have not taken delivery yet, why not call the dealer and see if they will let you upgrade your tires to Goodyear Marathons or Maxxis?

(The RV industry is notorious for cheeping out on Chinese made tires).


Finally, if you haven't noticed...most of my links are to Amazon.com -- it would be worth it to become a prime member if you are not already one - you will save more than your $100/year membership on shipping costs PLUS you have access to a awesome audio/video/movie/book library as a benefit of Prime membership.

There you go! Hope I have not scared you off!!

[ColoradoRick]

Congratulations on the new Rocky...we love ours and, yes, you can spend quite a bit upgrading and improving stuff (if you want) but Rockwoods have so many upgrades that come standard, you won't spend too much.
Search on what to do and not do when you have the walk-around when accepting the trailer. (They may not want to, but make them connect water and power and check EVERYTHING...don't sign unless everything is fixed unless they have to order something and you're comfortable doing that.) With our walk-through, the technician broke the plastic latch on our stove exhaust so they ordered a new one from Forest River and we were okay with that. (When the installers glued it in, they got some on the plastic part so that's why it broke.)
If you plan on doing a lot of driving, also check the tires that come with it....if I knew what I know now, I would've had the dealer replace the Chinese tires with Maxxis. (Lots of posts about this issue in here.)

[LANShark42]

Hello and welcome from another 1st timer from SW IN. This is a great place to learn RVing!

[Semperfi24]

Welcome from Waldorf MD! You might be surprised on how quickly you get your trailer. Last year at this time, there was a significant back log on orders because of the harsh winter (not sure if this past winter was the same). With the back log, our dealer said it would be 10 weeks instead of the traditional 6-8, and it was at the dealership ready for our walk through in 7 weeks. I am not familiar with your model specifically, but we LOVE our 2504S. The slide makes all the difference. For a "small" trailer, they are very spacious on the inside. Best of luck!

[DaveSchwartz]

Probably should get a 30 amp RV extension cord too and a 15-to-30 amp adapter to plug in at home (unless you get an RV outlet wired in at home). A patio mat will probably head the top of your nice-to-have list. Should also pick up some 3M Command coat hooks - they'll come in handy. Then there's the Oxygenics shower head - so much better than the stocker. Tire covers sometime too (I don't care what GY says about it... less UV on the tires is going to be a good thing). How about an awning tie-down mechanism for peace of mind when it gets execptedly gusty (poles, strap, Happy Hook)?

So much to spend money on!

Nice to see you set up the profile and sig... wish everybody did that because it can provide a lot of background info when you ask questions later without having to type a bunch (or be asked for it as a followup).

[ColoradoRick]

If you're like us, the winters will be when you buy lots of upgrades and neato things. (We use the crap out of Amazon Prime...free 2-day shipping!!)

I'm currently researching portable generators....but probably won't buy one until I retire for good in about 15 years...but you never know!