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Old 01-03-2016, 11:49 AM   #1
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First ever rv

Just bought a brand new 2016 FR evo 200rd. There isn't much info on them cause they are brand new, the dealer didn't even have a brochure on this model. I hadn't planned on buying brand new but got a great price at the RV show. Don't pick it up till next weekend, we are really looking forward to our new toy. I have a lot to learn. Not sure where to ask questions yet. I am looking at generator vrs solar panel with a converter, the unit is wired for a solar panel, so I think it has a converter but is it big enough to eliminate the need for a generator?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HKK5VXY..._2aeIwbD01Y23S
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Old 01-03-2016, 11:55 AM   #2
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Pictures! We need pictures!
Congrats on your new trailer and welcome from northern Arizona!
Happy Camping
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Old 01-03-2016, 08:18 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pt1655 View Post
Pictures! We need pictures!
Congrats on your new trailer and welcome from northern Arizona!
Happy Camping
i agree, pics....
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Old 01-03-2016, 08:39 PM   #4
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Congratulations and welcome from SW Idaho.
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Old 01-03-2016, 08:43 PM   #5
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Congrats on the new Evo!
Those RV shows can inspire us to buy unexpectedly. I was considering upgrading after visiting my local RV show back in October. Sorry but I can't provide any feedback to your question.
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Old 01-03-2016, 08:55 PM   #6
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Congrats on the new Evo

Welcome from the home of the Stanley Cup
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Old 01-03-2016, 09:18 PM   #7
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In all the ones I found on-line, they all seem to have a 2" receiver hanging under the 4" bumper. It doesn't appear to be any kind of beefed-up bumper, but I don't know.

Interesting!!
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Old 01-03-2016, 09:57 PM   #8
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In general terms, a converter and an inverter are opposite. A converter converts 110v a/c current (when plugged in at the campground) to ~12v d/c to run 12v things in your trailer such as lights, pump, furnace, and also charges the battery - most, if not all, RV's come with one. An inverter inverts 12v battery power into 110v a/c to run things like TV's and computers and microwaves, when you don't have access to an a/c socket.
So, a large converter will not eliminate the need for a generator since they provide two different things.
If you want my advice, I would do a lot of reading, and a lot of camping before deciding to make any "power" purchases. If you plan on staying in campgrounds, with the occasional overnight in Walmart, you probably already have everything you need.

Happy camping!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stetay View Post
Just bought a brand new 2016 FR evo 200rd. There isn't much info on them cause they are brand new, the dealer didn't even have a brochure on this model. I hadn't planned on buying brand new but got a great price at the RV show. Don't pick it up till next weekend, we are really looking forward to our new toy. I have a lot to learn. Not sure where to ask questions yet. I am looking at generator vrs solar panel with a converter, the unit is wired for a solar panel, so I think it has a converter but is it big enough to eliminate the need for a generator?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HKK5VXY..._2aeIwbD01Y23S
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Old 01-03-2016, 10:11 PM   #9
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Welcome and congrats on your new toy. You will find more information that you ever need on this forum, so don't be afraid to ask.
Before you sign, make sure everything works and the dealer has explained how everything works. You might even video ( w/phone) some of the more complex things like winterizing or furnace and water heater operation.
Wired for solar usually means that the wiring is in the unit for later installation, but not much more.
Before you can make the Generator /solar decision, you need to determine when , how and where you will be using the unit. If it is in the summer in the south solar is probably out as you can not run the AC on solar. There are many great places that explain solar windsun.com is the one I use. you can calculate how much power you will need based on what you expect to run ( and how long) and how much battery and solar capacity you will need. There are many specialized sections of this forum, to get the best and fastest responses, post specific questions in the appropriate section.
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Old 01-03-2016, 10:12 PM   #10
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congrats! Happy and safe camping!
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Old 01-04-2016, 07:09 PM   #11
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Welcome to the forum and the world of RVing. Enjoy Later RJD
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Old 01-09-2016, 11:15 PM   #12
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We picked it up today. Yahoo lots to learn... Jason at giant rv went thru everything with us, he sure knows his stuff. Now we gotta get er out!
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Old 01-10-2016, 07:38 AM   #13
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Way to go Stetay, nice matching color combinations. Welcome from Tennessee!
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Old 01-10-2016, 07:43 AM   #14
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Congrats!
Just wrote this for my nephew who is looking to buy a new one of things "to do".

When you do what they call your "PDI" (Pre Delivery Inspection). Make note of EVERY little thing you find not perfect and have them fix it.
Maybe not that day, but noted on their reports so you can bring it back in a week or so to have it done and they don't claim you damaged it.
I would take it out at least once before you take it back to note anything else you find not right. Which you will. LOL
Some dealers really suck at PDI's, make sure they show you the following:

1. How to light water heater if not electronic, if electronic from the inside, what do you do if it doesn't light? How do you know it didn't?
2. How to put awening out AND back in again.
3. Where are the fuses and breaker panel at.
4. Where physically is the water pump and switch to turn it on and off.
5. Is there a bypass for winterizing, if so, where and how do you use it.
6. How do you put stablilizers down and up?
7. How to operate fridge to auto switch between 110 and propane?
8. Which valve for grey water (sinks and bath tub) and black water (toilet).
9. How to light/turn on furnace.
10. Where physically is the "house" battery. (One installed in trailer). Is there an inline fuse somewhere for it
11. Where are the low point drains at (used when you winterize your trailer)

Now for what you will need for it:
1. Sewer Hose (walmart)
2. RV water hose (walmart)
3. RV 30 amp extension cord. May not need it right away, but you will eventually, just get one. LOL (some walmarts have them)
4. Set of tire chocks for each side (walmart)
5. Step rug to mount on outside step to keep sand and stuff out of the trailer (walmart)
There is about 100 bucks

Inside:
Plates
Silverware and cooking utensils
Dish towels and sponge to wash dishes
Small size drying rack for dishes on (maybe)
Bath towels and wash cloths
Small garbage can
Paper towel holder and paper towels (if you use them)
Coffee maker. Know you like your coffee
Some pans for cooking
Broom and dustpan to clean the trailer floor

After your first trip, you will figure out the other stuff you don't have. LOL
What we did years ago, bought stuff at garage sales and left all the plates, silverware, towels etc.. in the trailer all the time.
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Old 02-22-2016, 11:59 AM   #15
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Old 02-22-2016, 12:04 PM   #16
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Welcome!

We use both solar and a gennie. The fastest, easiest, cheapest way is with a gennie in our experience.

Are you wanting to use solar to just keep your battery charged so that you can use the 12v systems in your coach (lights, etc)? Or are you wanting to use solar to charge batteries and then have an inverter so that you can use ac power when you aren't connected to shore power?

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