Hi, my name is Ivan

[retired]

I am new to this group. I recently purchased a 2015 Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite 8289WS. We are lost on trying to figure out this thing.

[Paradise115]

Hi and welcome. Didn't the dealer go thru it with you prior to delivery? And don't worry. There are lots of helpful people on here who will help with your questions. You may want to be specific about exactly what you're trying to figure out.

[Terier]

Congrats on your new Rockwood! Ditto about this being a good site for help. Do you have any specific questions or is it RVing in general? Have you taken delivery of the unit yet?

[Black]

Hello and welcome aboard from Eastern Ontario, Canada.
Not to many question this group can't answer, lots of knowledge here !

[retired]

Not right now. The dealer spent about 3 minutes going over everything. When we couldn't find stuff in the book, we would call him up. His reply is it's in the book. So, we would just do the trial and error process. Never owned a 5th wheel, always motorhome. This is a new experience for us.

[FordHauler]

There are DEALERS and then there are dealers.
I would try to speak with the owner, face to face, politely, to ask if they would schedule a PDI. Now, that is a Post Delivery Inspection. After the fact, you will be at their mercy because they already have your money. Ask anyway.
Look up the PDI checklist on this forum, read through it to familiarize yourself with terms etc then go over it with them. Good luck and enjoy camping.
Travel safe

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by retired

Not right now. The dealer spent about 3 minutes going over everything. When we couldn't find stuff in the book, we would call him up. His reply is it's in the book. So, we would just do the trial and error process.

advice for other new owners, NEVER accept such a poor walk-through like this dealer did.
most good dealers will spend 2-3 hours for your walk-through.
you spent your money, so you have the right to get a good PDI/walk-through.

and never accept a statement like, it's in the book. most RV owners manuals are just basic ones that have nothing specific about your model or even type of RV.

to the OP, i agree about contacting the owner. tell them you're a member here and we have a pretty strong following.

[iceblaze580]

If the dealer isn't willing to do a walk through with you after the fact I would suggest have a friend that has an Rv help you figure things out

[Scootdawg]

Hello and welcome! I have the same 5th wheel and love it!! Me and DW have never been happier! I have had no issue's (so far). I just opened it up today and gave it a quick once over. It did survive the Western New York winter. Tomorrow I plan on de-winterizing it and sanitizing the water lines.


There is a wealth of knowledge on this forum. Look in the 5th Wheel section under Rockwood. Plenty of good reading, and there are very experience campers on this site.


Feel free to ask questions. They will all be answered. As for the book, sorry but it suxs.


What type of tow vehicle do you have and which hitch did they hook you up with?


Happy camping.

[Capt. Mike]

Retired,

Congratulations on the new Rockwood 5th wheel, AND on your retirement. Welcome to the forum.

There is a F.R.O.G. (Forest River Owners' Group) rally in Branson, MO at the end of May. Branson is only about 285 miles from Wichita. I know you probably want to get your "fiver" out and use it before then, but this would be a great opportunity to meet other forest River owners, ask any questions you might have, learn from them, and meet people with similar interests. I know some of the folks who will be there. Lots of experienced RV'ers and just generally nice folks. think you would enjoy it AND get (almost) any and all of your questions answered. Rally info and contact person is listed below.

FROG at Four
May 27, 2015 - May 31, 2015
ABC Campground
Branson, MO
Join with us in those thrilling days of yesteryear!
Come and tread on the hallowed ground where the first FROG event started it all!
Join FROG in the beauty of spring in the Ozarks at ABC -- America's Best Campground.
Patriotic Party featuring live entertainment, snacks, soft drinks is included. Two potluck dinners. More events in the works.
Don't be left out of the excitement of food, fun, friends, and FROG!
Call ABC at 800-671-4399 & say you're with FROG for a special rate of $31 per night.
For more information call Bob Schorfheide at (918) 520-8929, or e-mail
Email: hotlapsbob@hotmail.com
www.ABC-Branson.com

[caper]

If the dealer will not do a PDI try a local RV repair facility and see what they would charge to show you how to operate the items on your trailer.

[retired]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcomes and help. We are planning on taking a trip to Yellowstone, redwoods in CA, Las Vegas and phoenix. Then home. Long trip.

[gmeeker]

Hello from California! We too purchased the 8289ws after owning a motorhome. I love the fifth wheel! Sooo much more room & a great floor plan. Good choice. One question that I have is how do you identify the 15000 ac as opposed to the 13000? The dealer couldn't tell me without looking at it! Theres got to be a simpler quicker way! Anyway, welcome aboard!

[retired]

We are not sure. I think that the 13000 would be in the bedroom and 15000 in the living room area. We figure you might of thought of that yourself.


Thank you for the welcome. Is your truck a heavy duty 4x4? Ours is and it raises the trailer a bit when going down the road.


P.S. What is the price of diesel out there?

[iceblaze580]

In California the cheapest I've gotten diesel for is 2.87

[retired]

In Kansas the cheapest we've gotten is $2.45. Our truck gets about 14-16 mpg

[bob caldwell]

Originally Posted by retired

Thanks everyone for the warm welcomes and help. We are planning on taking a trip to Yellowstone, redwoods in CA, Las Vegas and phoenix. Then home. Long trip.

I'd try to level out the trailer by moving the pin box up or you might see some unwanted tire wear on rear axle. Your Dodge will pull and stop it just fine....long bed ?

[Rockwoodjoe]

First things first. Always pull your trailer or fifth wheel down the road. It's much harder to push it.

[bob caldwell]

Originally Posted by Rockwoodjoe

First things first. Always pull your trailer or fifth wheel down the road. It's much harder to push it.

Uphill.