New to RVing, Rockwood and my 2504s

[arutlosjr11]

Good afternoon, guys and gals. First post and new to RVing. Recently purchased a Rockwood 2504s and we LOVE IT. We had a 19 ft. Forest River with no slide and it proved to be too small.

Just got back from Garner State Park. A great family trip with a few friends.

We are learning a lot and working out the kinks (door is hard to close at times). Leveling seems to be our biggest issue.

Outside speakers seem a bit weak too, but it may be a setting.

I also just purchased a weight distribution hitch for my 1500 Ram that I'll install (or try to install) today.

Regardless, thank you all for having me. Looking forward to learning a lot.

Ariel S.

[mjones12]

Originally Posted by arutlosjr11

Good afternoon, guys and gals. First post and new to RVing. Recently purchased a Rockwood 2504s and we LOVE IT. We had a 19 ft. Forest River with no slide and it proved to be too small.

Just got back from Garner State Park. A great family trip with a few friends.

We are learning a lot and working out the kinks (door is hard to close at times). Leveling it seems to be our biggest issue.

Outside speakers seem a bit weak too, but it may be a setting.

I also just purchased a weight distribution hitch for my 1500 Ram.

Regardless, thank you for having me. Looking forward to learning a lot.

Ariel S.

Attachment 85796

Thanks for being here. Nice camper. How long is it? Looks to be about 25 feet, which is what we have. This is a great forum, and you will get a lot of great advice if you need it. Lots of nice and knowledgeable people here.

A lot of folks say the outside speakers need a lot of extra volume. Maybe it's so that you don't switch from inside to outside and blow out your neighbors at the campground. I really don't know.

Lots of experts on leveling here, and I'm sure they will chime in. I use the Andersen levelers and love them.

Anyway, welcome.

[Scootdawg]

Hello and Welcome!

[kandl]

to the forum and congrats on the rig - looking good!

Exterior speakers are typically marine units and require a bit extra power than the interior stuff. It's normal that they seem weak.

What's up with the leveling issue?

[mjones12]

Originally Posted by kandl

to the forum and congrats on the rig - looking good!

Exterior speakers are typically marine units and require a bit extra power than the interior stuff. It's normal that they seem weak.

What's up with the leveling issue?

Thanks. I've wondered about those speakers for a long time. Makes sense. Also curious about what the leveling issue is.

[arutlosjr11]

Originally Posted by kandl

to the forum and congrats on the rig - looking good!

Exterior speakers are typically marine units and require a bit extra power than the interior stuff. It's normal that they seem weak.

What's up with the leveling issue?

Thank you for your response; everyone's for that matter.

I just learned that you're NOT supposed to use the scissor jacks to level the rig, but instead support the rig once it's level - already.

I'm guessing that's why my door strikes the frame and at times, it's difficult to close. It should be noted that I'm using the cheap stick on levels you buy at the store.

[mjones12]

Originally Posted by arutlosjr11

Thank you for your response; everyone's for that matter.

I just learned that you're NOT supposed to use the scissor jacks to level the rig, but instead support the rig once it's level - already.

I'm guessing that's why my door strikes the frame and at times, it's difficult to close. It should be noted that I'm using the cheap stick on levels you buy at the store.

Yeah, just use the stabilizer jacks for keeping the camper from rocking while you're walking around inside. Do that after you've gotten level with leveling blocks (left to right under your tires) and your tongue jack (front to back). You'll be fine. Just search for some of the leveling suggestions on here. Take a look at the Andersen levelers or other solutions.

[kandl]

Originally Posted by arutlosjr11

I'm guessing that's why my door strikes the frame and at times, it's difficult to close. It should be noted that I'm using the cheap stick on levels you buy at the store.

Yep, that would do it. Some RVs can be leveled with scissor jacks but many cannot. Yours would appear to be the latter category. Stick on levels are ok as long as they stay stuck on. We use an old torpedo level on some designated locations that we know are actually level relative to the fridge and the TT.

[Emptypockets]

Welcome to the Rockwood Family we love our "Little One" a Rockwood Mini Lite 1809S.
We live almost 60 years in NWA mostly Bentonville.

[arutlosjr11]

Originally Posted by kandl

Yep, that would do it. Some RVs can be leveled with scissor jacks but many cannot. Yours would appear to be the latter category. Stick on levels are ok as long as they stay stuck on. We use an old torpedo level on some designated locations that we know are actually level relative to the fridge and the TT.

It's a learning process for sure. My wife and I (and my 7 yr. old son) are building a list of "must haves." We've taken this new one out twice so far, which would make a total of 4 whopping times we've RVed (had a 19 ft. Forest River for a few months).

I believe strongly in the power of community based forums, hence why I wanted to become a part of this one. Seems I chose well.

Very welcoming for sure!

[strat56]

Welcome from Maryland!!

[vanreever]

We have 2504s. We love it as well. The speakers are not very good. You have to put the stereo at almost full volume to get good sound when using bluetooth. The inside ones are decent. Enjoy!

[arutlosjr11]

Just finished installing the weight distribution hitch and boy does it help. Makes it feel as if the truck and trailer are working in complete harmony. Hopefully, it will help with gas mileage as well.

[Papa GLS]

Welcome from NE Fla. Very nice rig. The WDH will make your travels much more relaxed.
Enjoy & be safe.

[Lon]

Originally Posted by arutlosjr11

Just finished installing the weight distribution hitch and boy does it help. Makes it feel as if the truck and trailer are working in complete harmony. Hopefully, it will help with gas mileage as well.

Attachment 85906

I'm glad to hear that the WD Hitch makes a difference. I bought a minilite 2304 last fall and have mostly stayed in Arkansas with two long trips to NY and Florida. I'm thinking about buying a 5000 pound Kirk hitch next week. Looking forward to that ride you describe!

[arutlosjr11]

We bought the one from Harbor Freight after researching them quite a bit. This seems to be as good or better than some of the 700 dollar hitch setups some hitch places try to sell you. It's rated for 10,000 lbs.

[Evereddie]

Originally Posted by arutlosjr11

Just finished installing the weight distribution hitch and boy does it help. Makes it feel as if the truck and trailer are working in complete harmony. Hopefully, it will help with gas mileage as well.

Attachment 85906

Unfortunately the only thing you can do to help with gas mileage is go slow. Don't ever go past 65 mph and that has more to do with your tires and safety than mileage. For best mileage most stay at or below 62 mph.

What kind of tires are on you trailer? Hate to be the bearer of bad news but there is an on-going problem with sub standard tires being put on the trailers by the factory. Search this forum for 'china bombs".

Good luck and have fun!

Oh, and it may be hidden in the photo but I didn't see the emergency brake cable from your trailer to the TV. There is one I hope. State law in most places.

[arutlosjr11]

I stay at 65 mph 99.9% of the time. It feels like a comfortable safe speed for me. Anything past that feels as if the trailer begins to take on a life of its own.

Not sure what the tire brand is, but I do know they are nitro-filled.

[Papa GLS]

Noticed in the picture that you don't have sway control. For just a few $'s more it can be added & will help even more. Good luck & enjoy.

[sbcamping]

Welcome! This is our first camper and we're learning as we go.