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Old 06-29-2015, 12:34 PM   #1
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Tent Camper to RV Camper

Hello All,

I grew up as a tent camper, and after taking the wife and three kids, (at the time, 4 now) camping last year during a three day monsoon, I was encouraged by my wonderful wife to consider a trailer. We recently purchased a 2015 SolAire 317BHSK. We have only stayed in it one night so far while its parked at my in laws driveway, but the kids love it and we are looking forward to our first trip in a couple of weeks. Would any one have suggestions on what items are must haves for the first trip out for new owners?

Thanks in advance for any ideas,

Albert
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Old 06-29-2015, 12:46 PM   #2
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The list could go on and on! What are must haves to me might not be must haves for you, and vice versa. That being said, cleaning products such as paper towels, RV toilet paper (don't use wet wipes or regular), window or counter cleaning spray of your choice, plates, cups, silverware, mugs, cereal bowls, dish towels and wash cloths, dish detergent, pots and pans for cooking, serving bowls and plates, small cookie sheet, microwavable bowls, salt, pepper, and other spices use frequently use, cooking oil, colander (for spagetti and pasta salads, etc.), cheese grater, spatulas and cooking forks, cutting knives, bath soap and shampoo, cutting boards, etc. Sheets, bedding, pillows... We used to have a pop-up, so had a little idea about what we needed, but it took us three different weekends to get it figured out. We needed that time prior to our ten day vacation with ten people. By the time we had the big trip, we had everything but the wine opener figured out. Good luck with it all!
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Old 06-29-2015, 12:54 PM   #3
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OH Boy! get ready!!!
We too were tent to trailer campers. There are many items but the best is to put them into 3 categories:
Must
Should
Want

For the must:
Wheel Chocks

Blocks for your tongue and stabilizer jacks (so they don't sink into the mud)

Sewer Hoses (Rhino is the best) 15 ft at least, 25 or 30 is better. Pick up 2 90degree clear elbows while you're at it because you'll wind up getting them anyway.

Your TT most likely came with a power cord, but get a 30 - 50 amp adaptor.

level.

White water hose (the white ones are made for potable water) 15 ft but longer is better, or 2 shorter ones.

Water Pressure Regulator

Patience

Toilet chemicals (a whole other topic for discussion in and of itself) Start with the camco 8 pk of little bottles, one bottle takes care of 1 40 gallon black tank.

Surge protector (isn't really a must, but a should. -- you don't need one but it's risky if you get a surge and it fries your AC, MW, TV, etc).

That will get you going. It's a good idea to stay close to home, driveway, state park nearby, etc. for an outing or 2. Go around the campgrounds where you stay and look to see what others have and talk to them.

Some folks are pretty elaborate and others are more bare bones.

Do yourself a favor and make sure everything (AC, Furnace, Hot Water Heater, etc.)works and you know how to work it on battery, LP, Shore Power. Know how to manually extend your slides and jacks if you need to. Do this before you out into the wilds, you'll be more confident and less stressed.

Everyone has fun though. You and your family will too!
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Old 06-29-2015, 03:04 PM   #4
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Welcome to the forum. Enjoy your new rig Folks posted some items needed so I pass. However beer is a must. Later RJD
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Old 06-29-2015, 04:27 PM   #5
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Welcome from the southern shore of Lake Ontario! CampingGator, OxCamper and aceinspp appear to have covered most of the essentials. A shakedown cruise somewhere close prior to your first big trip will help you figure it all out. Keep a notebook, pen and measuring tape handy. You're going to love camping in your rig!
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Old 06-30-2015, 01:41 PM   #6
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Old 06-30-2015, 08:39 PM   #7
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If your unit has an outside fridge, get a strap that wraps around whole unit (mini bar fridge), this will keep the door closed during travel. Assortment of fuses, 3-5 of each 5amp, 10/15/20/25/30/35/40 amp fuses.
A good sharp axe for chopping wood; a good splitting maul for splitting logs; and a good chain saw for falling trees (extra chain, bar oil, and mixed fuel). Stair covers if the stairs have rough steps vs the smooth ones. Collapsible broom & dustpan. Great for sweeping the mat & awning. First aid kit is a must. Electric bug zapper for skeetos and flies. Assorted tools (screwdrivers, plies, adjustable wrenches, battery terminal brush.
Fishing rod, tackle, & licences.
Beer & friends.
Good empty, quiet place in the woods and away ye go!
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Old 06-30-2015, 10:11 PM   #8
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Plenty of adult beverage on hand for your first windy/camping day and how quiet and DRY it is and you just enjoy playing a board game or watch a movie. I suggest getting a power invertor (400w) to run your entertainment center of you plan on doing a lot of dry camping. That way you can still have family movie night without running genny for two hours in bad weather.
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Old 06-30-2015, 10:15 PM   #9
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Welcome to the forum from the top side land of Lincoln

4" memory foam for the bed, nothing like a good-nights sleep
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Old 06-30-2015, 10:21 PM   #10
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Congrats A weberQ grill for sure with a 6 foot extension hose so you can hook it to the propane tank.
Happy Camping!!!
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Old 06-30-2015, 10:28 PM   #11
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Make a written list and check everything off every time you go.
Keep a notepad (or an Evernote note) handy and write down everything you are missing every time you think of something.
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Old 06-30-2015, 10:28 PM   #12
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Can opener, ziplocs (quart and gallon), potholders, scissors. And if you're going to be building campfires, matches and lint from dryer (great fire starter material)

All things we have forgotten. And all things my mother forgot (except ziplocs - but she always forgot foil and/or wax paper)
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