Hello from Louisiana

[JAChandler]

I am a retired soxial worker who developed programs worldwide but never paid much attention to America except for indigenous and immigrant populations.

There comes a point in time whete you realize you just have too damn much house, and since I cant get the heck outta the country I decided to take my "show on the road!"

Just bought a 2018 Flagstaff FD for my first time RV and set it up in my backyard as sort of a test of it and my dogs. Alrrady found some issues that I am glad I didnt find on the road, so I am gonna "pressure test" it through the winter and see what the New Year brings.

Expect a lot of questions cause this is a DIY all the way. First lesson, never buy a used camper from a "dealer" who turns out not to be a dealer for the trade in you bought!

Oh well.

First question: got to build a roadworthy toil box for this thing and am learning things like I need a 1 1/4" ratchet to check out the anode rod in my water heater.. that kinda thing you dont need to learn in the backwoods.

Anyway, I am Jessica. Nice to meet you all.

[Chris Pastuzyn]

Welcome Jessica to the forum from New Jersey, Good looking rig and pup.Safe travels

[Fun finders]

Welcome to the forum from Winnipeg, Manitoba

[JAChandler]

Thank you both! I just figured out how to turn on the heater YAY!

[debit]

Welcome and you have the right idea of practice in you back yard.There are several items that have helped me with my new TT. One is to add a voltage meter (mine is next the the light switch at the door) so that you know the health of your battery. Connect it to a 12 volt line. The other item is to consider buying a supplemental power source. We use a simple Honda 2000. Again, welcome.
...............
Ram 2500 / Surveyor 251rks

[debit]

p.s. Heater - We always use the propane to run the heater and we NEVER turn on the electric switch that is above that heater anode (on the outside of your TT).

[debit]

p.s.s A simple 1/4 socket wrench (not a ratchet type) will work with that socket. Use a large bolt "nut" inside the socket to get the thread started on the anode.

[CurtPutnam]

Welcome from Southern California!
You have found the best place for help!

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by JAChandler

... First question: got to build a roadworthy [tool] box for this thing and am learning things like I need a 1 1/4" ratchet to check out the anode rod in my water heater.. that kinda thing you dont need to learn in the backwoods. ...

Practice changing tires to determine what you need on hand to do that. You may have a road service contract but you may not have cell service.

You'll need to check the torque on the lug nuts periodically. Buy a 150# torque wrench, a 6 inch extension, and a deep socket that fits the lug nuts. It needn't be a high-dollar version.

[TLAK]

Check out Sisters on the Fly. We met some ladies who belonged to the group up in the Glacier NP area. They were from Texas and hooked up on the internet through the group to caravan their campers together on the long trip. Some were brand new and some had many years of camping experience, might be a good way to get your feet wet.

[Reverse_snowbird]

Nice to meet you. A good roadside assistance plan like coach-net can help with tires, technical advice, and mobile mechanics in case you need it. An rv club for women or singles is a good idea too. Not necessary though. We've met plenty of men and women who camp solo.
You've got a good size rig to go camping in state and national parks. Nice looking dogs. I think you're going to have a great time.
Welcome to the forum from Texas@

[JWallet]

Originally Posted by JAChandler

I am a retired soxial worker who developed programs worldwide but never paid much attention to America except for indigenous and immigrant populations.

There comes a point in time whete you realize you just have too damn much house, and since I cant get the heck outta the country I decided to take my "show on the road!"

Just bought a 2018 Flagstaff FD for my first time RV and set it up in my backyard as sort of a test of it and my dogs. Alrrady found some issues that I am glad I didnt find on the road, so I am gonna "pressure test" it through the winter and see what the New Year brings.

Expect a lot of questions cause this is a DIY all the way. First lesson, never buy a used camper from a "dealer" who turns out not to be a dealer for the trade in you bought!

Oh well.

First question: got to build a roadworthy toil box for this thing and am learning things like I need a 1 1/4" ratchet to check out the anode rod in my water heater.. that kinda thing you dont need to learn in the backwoods.

Anyway, I am Jessica. Nice to meet you all. Attachment 241316Attachment 241317Attachment 241318

Welcome Jessica! I never imagined how great being a part of the RV community! Awesome people! It’s American as it gets! I love the USA![emoji631]