Tips for New Campers

[caper]

Our radios are a child toy that fit over the head. There are no buttons to push. There is a speaker that fits over your ear and a mic that is always in front of your mouth. Hand free and easy to use. The only draw back is they have a short distance and must be in sight of each other. We picked them up at a yard sale for $2.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by caper

The only draw back is they ... must be in sight of each other.

Heck, I consider that a positive. I like being able to see my wife and she see me while we're backing things in.

I also love having radios (or in our case, cell phones) because it means that I'm only taking directions from her and NOT the other men that we camp with. For some reason, they try to take over the backing in process - before the radios/cell phone, she wasn't able to overrule them. NOW, she's in my head and I only listen to her.

Hands-free Bluetooth in the truck is a beautiful thing.

[caper]

I considered the short distance a draw back. Not being in line of sight.

[milw156]

Just passed 1 year as a first time TT owner.

Note to self: when the awning is deployed, don't touch that switch on the right side that says "close", even if accidental.

No damage, but it makes me feel like a complete jackwagon...

[asquared]

[QUOTE=sideout1961;328034]

Originally Posted by Oakman

Well hopefully this can be cleared up before I put my battery back in. I will have to see if there is something in my Manuals. Yea I know I should have paid more attention while I was removing battery lesson learned.

If you look at your trailer it will tell you which wire is which. I know the tt are usually backwards from a car. Not sire of the 5 ers are different. At work right now so I can't go get a picture but I know many on other forums have mentioned the same battery issues.

[ddphillips52]

Originally Posted by ependydad

Heck, I consider that a positive. I like being able to see my wife and she see me while we're backing things in.

I also love having radios (or in our case, cell phones) because it means that I'm only taking directions from her and NOT the other men that we camp with. For some reason, they try to take over the backing in process - before the radios/cell phone, she wasn't able to overrule them. NOW, she's in my head and I only listen to her.

Hands-free Bluetooth in the truck is a beautiful thing.

My wife got in my head once, but it scared her and she got out!

[roanmountaincampers]

Originally Posted by DAISY BOYKIN

Some first for some first time campers.

1.Never take company on your shake down camping trip!

2.Always open a small window (kitchen) when bath vent fan is on.
The campers are air tight, the vent fan has to draw air from
somewhere. (even when stove vent hood is on, open window)

3. I use a nylon red web belt about 18" long with buckle on end to attach
to antenna crank handle (it hangs down in the way, you can't miss it)

4. Never give up YOUR BED for a guest in a too small camper!!!!!

5. When water is limted, direct ALL to the campground showers and rest
rooms.
6. Never take more people than the camper can sleep inside.

7. If rain is forecast for camping trip, plan on eating fast food at
MacDonalds, Burger King.
8. When you have your own camper, never take a tent to sleep in!

If you do not follow the few above guide lines for your first time camping trip, the exsperience will be a very bad, will cause you to buy a larger camper shortly!

Sure wish someone had told me about numbers 6 and 8. Did I mention I pick up the new camper Sat?

[dkb74]

We're getting ours Saturday, too!!!!

We're bringing a tent.... for our son. HE can sleep outside.

[whj77372]

I would suggest the Excapee's RV Boot Camp for all people new to RVing. They teach you to buy your third RV first and it worked well for us.

[firephighter]

If I forget which wire is which, I find the one that is fastened to the frame. Yes that one is the ground.

[jar3316]

I personally believe that people, including me, need to read the child's story Goldie Locks and Three Bears before going out to buy an RV. We had a 18' Ford Truck RV as our first and that was too big (top heavy) for the trails when we were a couple. Then time and a kid or two and we bought a 10' double queen pop up and a mini van and that was too small once the kids grew a little. Now about 15yrs after the start we have a 26' xlite and a V10 Ford (over kill I know) and to be honest it fits us fine but a 23' would have been just right.

We bought the 26' because it was MUCH cheaper than the 23'. Dealer was closing another facility and had to get rid of the stock that would not fit on his lot.

[rip]

Tip # 0... If it's your very first brand new trailer, AND your very first travel trip... DO
NOT stop at a rv park until you find one where you can rent a drive-through site.

That first night, your marriage will still be ok, your trailer will be undented, and you guys can kick back with a cool one and watch the show as others back into their sites for the next few days. It will not only be entertaining, you'll learn a lot.

[tgtiburon]

Originally Posted by columbusfan325

Very good tips and funny also. We bought three new campers in three years before finally getting the one we should have bought first.

I feel so much better! I thought it was just us. Started with a HTT, moved up to a bunkhouse TT and just bought a Class C. All within four years.

[jmswms]

Oh all things bring back soooooooooo many memories

[robert elling]

Most important tip for many folks.
Antenna down
Step up
Wife on board

[SabreDoc]

Originally Posted by robert elling

Most important tip for many folks.
Antenna down
Step up
Wife on board

You put your wife in the trailer???
Doc

[caper]

Do not forget to hold handle back. The handle will not fold if you hit a solid object (hydro pole). Please do not ask how I know.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by DAISY BOYKIN

Some first for some first time campers.
...The campers are air tight, the vent fan has to draw air from
somewhere...

Daisy, I thought you had a Forest River product. You must have traded since FL. Never seen a camper of any make that was 'air tight'.

Shoot fire, my wife's Caddy isn't even air tight, close, but no cigar!

[Edgycanuck]

When attempting to fill the water tank, don't attach your hose to the city supply, and keep checking your levels going why the hell isn't the tank filling.......so I've been told

[Dabmeb]

I like to hang the door keys on the antenna handle as a reminder to lower it. Just whatever works, tree branches are killers of antenna.