What Accessories should I buy for my 5th wheel?

[Tyesmead]

Calling all experienced 5th Wheel dwellers!!! November will see our new 2018 Columbus 377MB by Palomino delivered! So excited! I've been watching all sorts of You Tube videos and scouring various websites for accessories for our new 5th wheel. We're going to be on a concrete standing seasonal pitch with waste and water plumbed in.

Questions:

What should I buy?
What brands should I look for?
What brands should I avoid?
What's been the most useful accessory?
You thought you needed it, but ended up being the most pointless item you bought?

Do I buy leg stabilisers or tripod stabiliser or both?
Do I need wheel chocks?
Any good storage solutions for basement?
Do I need wheel covers?

I've ordered a Thetford waste water 37 gallon tote.
I've seen a waste water pipe support that's like a snake? Lifts the waste pipe off the ground?

Thanks in advance!

[FrankG]

Lots of questions, what state are you in, will it be in a permanent site, you talk about a waste hook-up then you buy a portable waste tote. Sorry if we are not understanding you but more specific information will yield better answers.

[Tyesmead]

Originally Posted by FrankG

Lots of questions, what state are you in, will it be in a permanent site, you talk about a waste hook-up then you buy a portable waste tote. Sorry if we are not understanding you but more specific information will yield better answers.

Sorry for any confusion, I've bought the tote as there will be some seasons we are more mobile but generally we will have a seasonal site. Also if we had an issue with drainage I felt the tote would be useful if we needed to drain any of the tanks safely.

My other questions relate to any accessories that people have bought or would like to buy that would be useful to me.

We are new to 5th wheels and we are in the U.K England to be precise. 5th wheels are more niche here. There is limited information available to me here so joining the forum made sense. You guys have these things coming out of your ears.

[FrankG]

Lets focus on the waste issue. There is a add on waste valve that hooks onto your existing outlet, where the cap is. This valve prevents any unwanted spills when removing the cap for hook-up. Sometimes the tank valves leak or are opened with the cap on allowing waste behind the unopened cap.

When the slinky waste tube is deployed it must be supported in a level sloping fashion without dips to prevent build-up and possible plug-up's. Until you get on site to determine the length of run there are a lot of unknowns.

Purchase a quality waste hose 10' with a clear elbow. I carry an additional length. I also have the slinky accordion type support. I carry all the waste stuff in a sealed tote in the basement.

When on a seasonal site you will have your scheduled emptying (maintenance) duties depending on usage. You cannot just leave the valves open. Empty and flush the black tank first, close and empty the grey tanks. This will flush out the waste hose.

[Tyesmead]

Originally Posted by FrankG

Lets focus on the waste issue. There is a add on waste valve that hooks onto your existing outlet, where the cap is. This valve prevents any unwanted spills when removing the cap for hook-up. Sometimes the tank valves leak or are opened with the cap on allowing waste behind the unopened cap.



When the slinky waste tube is deployed it must be supported in a level sloping fashion without dips to prevent build-up and possible plug-up's. Until you get on site to determine the length of run there are a lot of unknowns.



Purchase a quality waste hose 10' with a clear elbow. I carry an additional length. I also have the slinky accordion type support. I carry all the waste stuff in a sealed tote in the basement.



When on a seasonal site you will have your scheduled emptying (maintenance) duties depending on usage. You cannot just leave the valves open. Empty and flush the black tank first, close and empty the grey tanks. This will flush out the waste hose.

Thanks Frank. All good advice. I've found this waste pipe support, looks a good idea. The dealer will demonstrate all the maintenance items, flushing tanks in order which is common sense, black first, grey then water to clean everything.
I've been advised to buy a tripod to support the front end? Wondering if the leg support braces are better or do I buy both?

[Capt. Mike]

Originally Posted by Tyesmead

Thanks Frank. All good advice. Attachment 150659 I've found this waste pipe support, looks a good idea. The dealer will demonstrate all the maintenance items, flushing tanks in order which is common sense, black first, grey then water to clean everything.
I've been advised to buy a tripod to support the front end? Wondering if the leg support braces are better or do I buy both?

You asked about a tripod. I think I read in an earlier post that you had opted not to buy the six-point level-up system. If so, a tripod will help stabilize the unit a great deal. We bought the level-up system on our Columbus, and it is extremely stable without a tripod at the king pin.

As far as wheel chocks, yes...or just boards to block the tires when you are hooking / unhooking the trailer.

Wheel covers? IMO, yes. Sunlight shining on the tires all the time will dry-rot and crack them.

One thing you did not ask about but SHOULD get is a surge / power protector. Even a slight spike or power drop can ruin the electronics on these trailers.

Congratulations on your purchase and have fun with your new Columbus.

[phil falls]

If you have a 6 point leveling system, you don't necessarily need a tripod or front stabilizer supports. You may notice a little movement but very little.
This is VERY important, when at a site with sewage available, DO NOT leave your black tank valve Open. Keep closed until full. Also, be sure your black tank is at least 3/4 full before dumping. After dumping black tank, use your black tank rinse port to fill your black tank to at least 3/4 Full then pull valve open and drain. I do this at least 2 times and sometimes 3. This insures your black tank is clean and also, rinses your waste hose out.

[phil falls]

Wheel chucks are always a good idea.
But a "Y" for you water hose. Then use 2 shirt hoses that hook up to your supply water and for you rinse port. Buy 2 water hose bronze 90 degree elbows and hook them to the water supply port and your waste tank rinse port. Then hook the 2 short 2' hoses to the elbows. Normally, I leave all these hookup together and just fold the hoses up inside your wet bay. Then, when you get to you destination, all you have to do is feed the 2 short hoses out the bottom of you wet bay and hook them to the "Y" and then the water hose to that. Easy Peasy.

[RobertDS]

Originally Posted by phil falls

Wheel chucks are always a good idea.
But a "Y" for you water hose. Then use 2 shirt hoses that hook up to your supply water and for you rinse port. Buy 2 water hose bronze 90 degree elbows and hook them to the water supply port and your waste tank rinse port. Then hook the 2 short 2' hoses to the elbows. Normally, I leave all these hookup together and just fold the hoses up inside your wet bay. Then, when you get to you destination, all you have to do is feed the 2 short hoses out the bottom of you wet bay and hook them to the "Y" and then the water hose to that. Easy Peasy.

While I understand the concept, I am a picture person. When I get back to my rig in two weeks, I will take pix and post them of this setup.

[ependydad]

Ok, first- RESIST THE URGE TO BUY a bunch of things! You'll decide what you need or want; if you're a RV Park queen with full (sewer) hookups, you won't need that tote. If you're a campgrounder and rarely have sewer, you won't need the sewer hose support.

Here's an idea of the absolutely minimal essentials for your first trip:
http://learntorv.com/newbie-first-trip-essentials/

I try to talk our what is required, should have, and nice to have.

Secondly, being new- I have a whole "Newbies, Get Started Here" section of the site. It could be helpful.

[ependydad]

Responses below:

Originally Posted by Tyesmead

What brands should I look for? ***it really depends on what you're buying. Water stuff- www.rvwaterfilterstore.com for leveling blocks- TriLynx LynxLevelers

What brands should I avoid? ***I'm not a fan of Camco and Valterra but often can't avoid them. Same with Lippert.

What's been the most useful accessory? *** Safety thing: a Progressive Industries EMS.

You thought you needed it, but ended up being the most pointless item you bought? *** Thinking I needed every campfire tool known to man. We love the idea of the moonlpie makers but never use them. They just got donated.

Do I buy leg stabilisers or tripod stabiliser or both? *** Leg stabilizers. SteadyFast brand.

Do I need wheel chocks? *** YES. Get heavy rubber ones (Tractor Supply has them), not the cheap plastic ones.

Any good storage solutions for basement? *** Build shelves and use bins.

Do I need wheel covers? *** No.

I've ordered a Thetford waste water 37 gallon tote.
I've seen a waste water pipe support that's like a snake? Lifts the waste pipe off the ground? *** 5 years camping and fulltiming for 2- I've only ever rigged a waste support a handful of times. I use pieces of gutter and LynxLeveler blocks.

[rlh1957]

I think walking into Camping World and saying I'll take one of everything should cover it! LOL
I believe we enjoy tinkering, outfitting and accessorizing our rigs more than we enjoy camping sometimes.

[Beauty and Beast]

If you remember nothing else from these posts remember this one thing, DO NOT leave your black tank handle open. Repeat after me, I will not leave my black tank dump handle open while I am hooked up. You may thank me later.

[RobertDS]

X2

Never, ever leave your black water handle open after dumping nor when connected to a sewer. The sediment depends upon an aqueous environment to vacate the tank.

Um, don't ask how I know.

[checkmate99]

A water pressure regulator valve with gauge is a must have item.

[cajunmansion]

A surge protector would be a good investment.

[Comanchecreek]

Command hooks. Walls are very thin and do not support expansion screws. Command hooks are solid and removable and changeable. Just don't leave things hanging on them while traveling.
Hunt plastic containers that fit inside your cabinets. Sometimes hard to find ones that fit, but the hunt is worth the reward. Things stay contained and are easily accessible.

[Charles.maine]

Originally Posted by Comanchecreek

Command hooks. Walls are very thin and do not support expansion screws. Command hooks are solid and removable and changeable. Just don't leave things hanging on them while traveling.
Hunt plastic containers that fit inside your cabinets. Sometimes hard to find ones that fit, but the hunt is worth the reward. Things stay contained and are easily accessible.

We made a list the first 3 or 4 times we camped. Extra plugs here or hook here etc.
Command strips are good for permanent/semi-permanent things. However if you want it there forever, use rivets. We used a few in ours. For example cupholders in livingroom, toothbrush and toilet paper holder in bathroom are all rivets. YouTube it!!!

[Tyesmead]

Originally Posted by cajunmansion

A surge protector would be a good investment.Attachment 150909Attachment 150909

My dealer is installing one in the price together with UK spec 240v sockets and electrical system. So we can run both U.S and U.K electrical equipment.

[Tyesmead]

Originally Posted by Charles.maine

We made a list the first 3 or 4 times we camped. Extra plugs here or hook here etc.
Command strips are good for permanent/semi-permanent things. However if you want it there forever, use rivets. We used a few in ours. For example cupholders in livingroom, toothbrush and toilet paper holder in bathroom are all rivets. YouTube it!!!

There is a coat closet built in and lots of storage in the bathroom already. I'm not a fan of having things on show. I'm sure if we need a hook the strips would be a good idea though. We've used them before.