1st Trip with 1st Camper EVER! - Page 2

dsagal79 · 05-17-2013, 10:22 PM

RV Companion free (iPhone app) has a leveler. Tells you how far you are off in inches so I is easy to get it right the first time. I use it frequently.

goin2drt · 05-17-2013, 10:24 PM

Patience

Broadway Joe · 05-17-2013, 10:34 PM

After all the good advice, try to pre-cool your frig the day or night before leaving. They usually take 12 - 24 hours to cool down, and as everyone else has said slow and steady. It's supposed to be fun, so enjoy.

YoungKopernik · 05-18-2013, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hornswoggle

All good points! I will have a hard time relaxing until we get there and get set up, but I am SUPER excited. I wish I could leave a week early

I didn't think about the hook up, but I agree that I should send the wife and kids away while I hook it all up.

I am towing a Coachmen 292BHDS with a 2012 Nissan Armada

Any thoughts on the best way to level the TT once you arrive at your site? Level side to side before you unhook with blocks?? I assume I would use Lego blocks or 2x6s

Always leave a few feet to go up on blocks, blocks go on the low side. Then chock trailer BEFORE disconecting from TV. Then level front to back with tonge jack. Then put down stabilizers, I use blocks if the ground is soft and I might tighten them up a couple of times to help TT from rocking too much.

Hornswoggle · 05-18-2013, 11:52 AM

Perfect! Thx for the advice

Hornswoggle · 05-19-2013, 11:48 AM

Another quick question… How do I turn off all power, so that it does not draw from the battery?

Do I need to disconnect the battery when I am not using the camper or I am in route to a campsite?

TURBS · 05-19-2013, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hornswoggle

Another quick question… How do I turn off all power, so that it does not draw from the battery?

Do I need to disconnect the battery when I am not using the camper or I am in route to a campsite?

Disconnect battery only when not hooked to shore power.
You need your battery while traveling to run your emergency break away switch in case your camper dis lodges from your tv.

Turbs

Hornswoggle · 05-19-2013, 12:03 PM

Thanks Turbs!

Garrette · 05-19-2013, 09:08 PM

When I enter and leave the CG, I roll the windows down so I can heat stuff. Heard the rattling of chains leaving. Thought the grim reaper was getting a tat closes, just forgot to connect one of the safety chains.. Have fun.

**dcheatwood** · 05-19-2013, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hornswoggle

Well...we are scheduled to depart for our first camping trip with the family next Friday. This will be our first camping trip in our first camper, so although I am excited, I am also NERVOUS as heck!

This weekend I need to bolt down my battery case, install a battery shut off, sanitize my fresh water system and thoroughly clean the camper.

I plan to take the fully loaded TT and TV across the scales on our way out of town to get all the numbers.

We have an RV setup check list on my iPhone, but wanted to ask if anyone has any words of wisdom...

Wow. I remember the first. White knuckles. It'll be fun. Smile a lot. Watch others in campgrounds. Ask em about things on your RV and their RV. (You'll meet some great folks.) Rest often when driving. I stop at least every 2 hours to stretch, restroom or snack. Walk around RV while gas is pumping. Kick tires for low pressure. Have other adult check behind you. Double check them. You'll find a routine and it'll seem easy on the back half of the trip. Enjoy.
Some basics before each morning start. Slides in. Awning in. Chocks up. Jacks up. Hitched up properly. Toilet bowl empty (it'll slosh). Antenna down. Water Hose, power and cable stored. Sewer hose stored. Cabinets & drawers closed. Roof vents closed. Stove and oven turned off. If you have 7 pin plug into truck, your RV battery will charge from trucks alternator while driving so keep 12vt battler power connected. Sounds like a lot, but you'll do fine. Have fun.

chiefly1 · 05-20-2013, 12:51 AM

You will have fun but take your time and double check your work. It is easy to get distracted and that is when it can get expensive if you are not carefully! Just start a list of the things you would like to add as without a doubt you will not have everything you would like the first time out.

sherman12 · 05-23-2013, 09:51 AM

What I learned from my boating days where there is always a sense of danger is Routine, Routine, Routine! Find your way of doing things from hitching up to set-up and re-hitching and do it exactly the same each and every time. Most RV'ers will have the DH doing all the outside preperation with the DW taking care of the inside. One little tip I depend on is every time the tv antenna is up and any ceiling or roof vents cranked open, I hang a red satin sash to the cranks that remain there during the duration of the camping. Yeah they may look dorky, but its better than pulling out of the CG and ripping one or the other off on a low tree limb. Some campers will tie or place something similiar on the steering wheel or gear shift as a reminder.
Good Luck! Happy camping and enjoy yourselves to the fullest!!

Hornswoggle · 05-24-2013, 12:42 PM

Well… We're about to leave on our first camping trip. I'm ready to pull out of the driveway and I have everything hooked up, but I have a question about bumper height.

My bumper height is exactly 1 inch lower with the camper hooked up. Is that normal or should I look to adjust my WDH for my next trip?

Hornswoggle · 05-24-2013, 12:47 PM

That is after the auto leveler on the Armada kicked in

Doering · 05-24-2013, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hornswoggle

Well… We're about to leave on our first camping trip. I'm ready to pull out of the driveway and I have everything hooked up, but I have a question about bumper height.

My bumper height is exactly 1 inch lower with the camper hooked up. Is that normal or should I look to adjust my WDH for my next trip?

Normal to drop a bit. If the trailer is fairly level you should be good to go. Send us a pic when you can of your Armada and trailer hitched. You may still have to adjust a touch.

Have fun and enjoy the trip.

Hornswoggle · 05-24-2013, 01:06 PM

Not sure how to load a pic via the mobile app. Will have to do that when I get back. Classic first trip… my four-year-old threw up as we are pulling out of the driveway

**ependydad** · 05-24-2013, 02:05 PM

I'll admit, I LOL'd a little. Sorry to hear of the mess. May that be the worst of your weekend!

Hornswoggle · 05-24-2013, 09:13 PM

We made it!!! First 30 miles sucked as I was not used to pulling a camper, but I settled in and enjoyed the first trip this far. Only thing I can't figure out is how I get the fridge colder. No dial, just a small cord with a plastic piece at the end.

I would think a simple knob would have been easier

Doering · 05-24-2013, 10:13 PM

Good stuff! Ya, it doesn't take long to get used to the feel and effect of the trailer behind you. Takes several hours for the fridge to get really cold.
Enjoy the long weekend!

**ependydad** · 05-24-2013, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hornswoggle

We made it!!! First 30 miles sucked as I was not used to pulling a camper, but I settled in and enjoyed the first trip this far. Only thing I can't figure out is how I get the fridge colder. No dial, just a small cord with a plastic piece at the end.

I would think a simple knob would have been easier

Herk has a photo in his Herkabrary, but essentially - slider the plastic piece up that holds up the wire-looking thing.

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