basic needs for first time rv'er

[devilonmyback]

I'll be taking delivery of my used 2004 Cherokee in a few weeks. It will be semi permanently (5 months) placed on private land for weekend use. Can someone tell me what items I should pre purchase to make my life easier/better?

Some things I "think" I need are as follows:

inline water filter (won't be drinking water, just showering with it)
water pressure regulator
some kind of black water tank stuff like Rid-x
black water tank wand?

Thanks, all info appreciated.

[laurarice26]

chocks, boards to go under stabilizing jacks if you have them, & camping mat reduces dust inside camper.
There is a good article within this forum about tank maintenance. have fun! Our camper didn't come with sewer hose. We bought a Rhino hose that was recommended in several posts. it worked fine.

[SKnight]

Interestingly enough, I posted this just today.

Originally Posted by SKnight

As said, power cable only. See if your dealer will let you take store credit on the starter kit, then use that money towards better stuff. Here's a basic list of what you'll need that's in the starter kit plus a few extra things you'll need.

1. Sewer hose. I've got a dual 10' (20' total) RhinoFlex kit and love it.
2. White hose. I got good quality hoses years ago and still use them, three 50' lengths, that way I only get out what I need, can go as far as needed and if one fails, I've got two more in the winds. Though I'm wondering how long they're going to last, they've been around a long time but are still soft and pliable. Good white hose is coated to prevent mildew buildup and I drain the hose every time I roll it up.
3. Brass water regulator. I want to get an adjustable, but my basic straight through one has served me well over the years.
4. Toilet paper and black chemical. Opinions vary, any TP that breaks up easily is fine. Septic safe is what you're looking for and will save some money. I'm still using drop in chemicals but while supplies last I'm looking hard at the GEO method. Either way is fine though.
4A. Rubber gloves. Go to a parts store and find Nitrile gloves. Tougher than latex, not expensive and work great. You'll feel better first time you dump the tanks knowing your hands are covered.

Not in most starter kits.
5. Levelers. I use Andersen, others use Lynx. They're all good, pick what looks best to you.
6. Cable for TV. Regular coaxial cable, I think I have 50'.
7. 30A extension cord. Will be worth it's weight in gold at some point.
8. 2X8 ripped into 1' lengths, about ten of them. Makes life easier with jacks, stabilizers, etc.

Much as I hate it, most of it can be had at Walmart much cheaper than your dealer. I don't mind supporting my local dealer, but I don't want the guy to retire off me either. Sad thing is, they know it too.

I'll agree with Laura, and opinions and techniques vary. Biggest thing is, don't leave the black valve open, leave it closed until at least 2/3 full that way you get a good purge on the way out. With the wand, leave the valve open while cleaning so that water doesn't fill in and block the spray pattern, then fill it up and dump it to purge it out.

Another idea that worked well for me, 1/3 full of water in the black tank, then throw 40-50 pounds of bagged ice in through the toilet, then tow it. The water sloshing around with ice rocks beating against the walls does a great job of scrubbing things. The ice is small enough that no harm will come to sensors or the walls, then melts so it just flushes out.

I haven't tried it, but RV RidX has a good rep too.

Many, many ways to skin the black tank cat. Bottom line is, do something to take care of it and you're far ahead of most people.

[Wiscampsin]

Rid-X is meant for septic systems. Your black water holding tank is just that, a holding tank. There are other chemicals available to use in your black water holding tank.

I would recommend a surge protector also. Progressive Industries is the brand of choice for most of us.

[KyDan]

Note pad and pencil.
Broom
Dustbuster hand vac

Write down items as they come to mind.
Thinking "I'll remember that when I get home" does NOT work for me!!

[WFD]

Would you recommend 1/2" water supply hose or 5/8"....1/2" seem to be much more abundant in supply....is 5/8" overkill given that must plumbing in the trailer is smaller than that.

Rick

[dj3spots]

First Aid Kit! Just saw this mention by someone else. You can search on the topic to see what to get.

[SKnight]

1/2" will work fine, but you'll appreciate that 5/8" hose when two faucets are running at once, such as when I'm showering and my MIL forgets. Again. That we have limited supplies and her coffee can wait five minutes.

[JSolomon]

It doesn't sound like you'll be moving much for awhile. However when you do, I believe a set of 2 way radios/walkie-talkies are a must to help you get backed in to spots. Nothing worse than hearing couples yelling back and forth.

[Prothos]

i would suggest a 50amp to 30amp adapter. i have ran into a few locations the 30amp outlet is damaged or non funtioning