Well I’m new here!

[ELM.Hill.Ltd. RV]

Hello everyone! New member here! We just purchased a FR Campsite Reserve 26CJ, looking like it is going to be a popular model this year! I have childhood memories of summertime TT camping and am excited to make new ones with my own growing family, my wife has never been but is thoroughly excited after finding and purchasing our campsite reserve. We have a ~18 month old daughter and a son due in October so hoping to get a shakedown or two in this season. We plan to start our search for seasonal park rentals for the next few years til the kids are a little older. We then plan on doing some more exploring. Although I have childhood memories of staying with my grandparents at their TT down the shore, we are definitely going to be novices and quite green. I hope my Irish Tinker heritage instincts kick in haha. Anyway, glad to have found this forum and see that it is quite active, thanks in advance as I’m sure I will be receiving help via existing posts and likely a few new ones of my own. Anyways if you’d be so kind with your welcome messages drop 1. Top words of advice for some newbs. 2. One gadget, gismo, or tool you can’t RV without 3. An east coast/mid-Atlantic destination recommendation. Thank you all again and look forward to miles and smiles.

[Bob K4TAX]

First, an open mind and a bucket full of tolerance are required. RVs are vehicles pulled across rough and unlevel roads. They are subject to vibration and twisting. Don't be surprised if something doesn't work. That is almost normal.

However no fear. The more you know and understand about your rig, the less frustration you will experience. I suggest making a list of all equipment, brands, and models, such as the water heater, the air conditioner, the stove, the microwave, and the furnace. Go online and Google each one for the manual. Download and print a copy. Put it in a binder to keep on the trailer. Manufacturers such as FR only provide general information for a wide-ranging and generic product line.

There is a lot of DIY associated with owning an RV, regardless of brand and model. The more you know the happier you and the family will be.

A basic set of good-quality tools is always a good place to start. Also, a DVM (digital volt meter) and knowing how to use it is a great item to have on board. You have two electrical systems to deal with. You have every system at home, plus two electrical systems, and every system at the RV along with structural issues to deal with. A big hammer, screwdriver, and roll of duct tape are not adequate. It is not at all complicated. Just be patient and think about it.

Of course, share any information or questions you might have. There are some real knowledgeable folks in this group and they are willing and available to assist.

Bob

[Oaklevel]

Welcome From Virginia !!!!

I must admit this is the first time I have heard of a Campsite Reserve camper. Congrats looks nice.

[ELM.Hill.Ltd. RV]

Originally Posted by Bob K4TAX

First, an open mind and a bucket full of tolerance are required. RVs are vehicles pulled across rough and unlevel roads. They are subject to vibration and twisting. Don't be surprised if something doesn't work. That is almost normal.

However no fear. The more you know and understand about your rig, the less frustration you will experience. I suggest making a list of all equipment, brands, and models, such as the water heater, the air conditioner, the stove, the microwave, and the furnace. Go online and Google each one for the manual. Download and print a copy. Put it in a binder to keep on the trailer. Manufacturers such as FR only provide general information for a wide-ranging and generic product line.

There is a lot of DIY associated with owning an RV, regardless of brand and model. The more you know the happier you and the family will be.

A basic set of good-quality tools is always a good place to start. Also, a DVM (digital volt meter) and knowing how to use it is a great item to have on board. You have two electrical systems to deal with. You have every system at home, plus two electrical systems, and every system at the RV along with structural issues to deal with. A big hammer, screwdriver, and roll of duct tape are not adequate. It is not at all complicated. Just be patient and think about it.

Of course, share any information or questions you might have. There are some real knowledgeable folks in this group and they are willing and available to assist.

Bob

Thank you Bob. Definitely some great advice. I am a Carpenter by trade, almost a renaissance ma. I dabble quite a bit in all facets of home repair/renovation, but definitely always learning. I look forward to delving in depth into the workings our new rig, definitely expecting quite a few hiccups, so will be downloading and printing off the manuals as you have suggested. The RV community seems to be a welcoming and helpful one in most circumstances and I’m not afraid to ask questions and always willing to lend a hand myself. Again thank you and happy RVing!

[flyflotrtim]

welcome to the forum!

[Bill and Gail]

Welcome for the Jersey Shore. Keep a check on the roof for any rips or cracks and check caulking, at least yearly, I check every 6 months. Get a good EMS it's better than just a surge protector. Also, keep it between the ditches. Have fun and safe travels.

[aceinspp]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your purchase of a Campsite Reserve 26CJ, Yep that's a new one I have never of either. Enjoy and Later RJD

[ELM.Hill.Ltd. RV]

Originally Posted by Oaklevel

Welcome From Virginia !!!!

I must admit this is the first time I have heard of a Campsite Reserve camper. Congrats looks nice.

Apparently it’s a new line of campers exclusively for camping world by forest river. Although typically I am against getting anything it’s first year out I am willing to give it a shot based upon my inspection of it’s construction, I’m a carpenter/contractor. The other camper we were considering was a coachmen, less amenities and more money, is also owned by forest river. We decided to give it a shot, I’m sure we’ll have trials and tribulations as with any manufacturer but couldn’t walk away from the deal after checking out a dozen or so campers. Thank you, and happy RVing to you!

[ELM.Hill.Ltd. RV]

Originally Posted by Bill and Gail

Welcome for the Jersey Shore. Keep a check on the roof for any rips or cracks and check caulking, at least yearly, I check every 6 months. Get a good EMS it's better than just a surge protector. Also, keep it between the ditches. Have fun and safe travels.

Thank you Bill and Gail, I have been researching a few solutions for surge protection thank you for the suggestion. I definitely plan to spend time walking the roof inspecting as that is one of my main concerns. Have any recommendations of campgrounds/RV parks down the shore? That is where we plan to land for a little while. Thank you, bid you safe travels as well!

[Bill and Gail]

If you want to be close to Long Beach Island, there are some not too distant.
Sea Pirate on Rt9 (Main St) in West Creek
They put in a new pool and water slides.
I usually go to Sea Pirate. They have free wifi. Plus we take the cars to their yearly car show (it's going to be May 31st to June 2nd this year).
--
Bakers Acres on Willets Ave in Little Egg Harbor
--
Sun Retreats Long Beach Island on Rt72 actually in Barnegat.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by ELM.Hill.Ltd. RV

Apparently it’s a new line of campers exclusively for camping world by forest river. Although typically I am against getting anything it’s first year out I am willing to give it a shot based upon my inspection of it’s construction, I’m a carpenter/contractor. The other camper we were considering was a coachmen, less amenities and more money, is also owned by forest river. We decided to give it a shot, I’m sure we’ll have trials and tribulations as with any manufacturer but couldn’t walk away from the deal after checking out a dozen or so campers. Thank you, and happy RVing to you!

So that's why I never heard of it. It's definitely a rebranded version from one of FR's divisions. You probably could find the twin version from that division.
Hope you don't regret buying from CW. There are a few that some customers are happy with but the vast majority have regretted buying from CW.

[NJKris]

Welcome from northern Jersey!


1. Top advice, driveway camp before ANY trips, and expect and be ready to make repairs.

2. Upgraded batteries rather than the crap they push you out the door with from dealer. I declined their crap battery and box and got a credit from Camping World for same.

3. Being a beach boy, my favorite mid Atlantic destination is Outer Banks of NC.

[Camperman83]

Howdy and welcome. Just bought the same camper. My orientation was rushed, so I've been pouring through the manuals. I can't remember what all the buttons on the control panel do, and no one at CW could tell me how to work the solar either. Congrats on your new addition(s) to the family.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Camperman83

Howdy and welcome. Just bought the same camper. My orientation was rushed, so I've been pouring through the manuals. I can't remember what all the buttons on the control panel do, and no one at CW could tell me how to work the solar either. Congrats on your new addition(s) to the family.

If members come here BEFORE buying a RV, we recommend that you refuse accepting the RV until the dealer can give you a comprehensive PDI/ walk-through.
Unfortunately many newbies buy before coming to a RV forum for advice.
On my second trailer, I refused accepting it until thee dealer had all systems working and gave me at least 2 hours for the PDI/walk-through.
You have the upper hand since you have the money.
A buyer should never accept a rushed and incomplete PDI/walk-through.

[ELM.Hill.Ltd. RV]

Originally Posted by NJKris

Welcome from northern Jersey!


1. Top advice, driveway camp before ANY trips, and expect and be ready to make repairs.

2. Upgraded batteries rather than the crap they push you out the door with from dealer. I declined their crap battery and box and got a credit from Camping World for same.

3. Being a beach boy, my favorite mid Atlantic destination is Outer Banks of NC.

Thank you NJKris, the driveway is or first scheduled stay, I have a pretty comprehensive set of tools in my garage to put together a lid for a kit for the camper I’m sure I’ll miss something. I’m sure we’ll make the Outer Banks, NC one of our stops, I figure in a few years we’ll make our way down and back up the coast. I’ll keep that in mind about the battery, I do have a RV battery from my solar setup in my garage already.

[ELM.Hill.Ltd. RV]

Originally Posted by Camperman83

Howdy and welcome. Just bought the same camper. My orientation was rushed, so I've been pouring through the manuals. I can't remember what all the buttons on the control panel do, and no one at CW could tell me how to work the solar either. Congrats on your new addition(s) to the family.

Thank you Camperman83, we’re excited to make family memories. Congrats on your purchase of the Campsite Reserve, we love the large window over the sink really set it apart from the other models we toured. We take delivery Thursday so I’ll put together a list for our orientation, maybe even have the wife try to film some portions to refer back to. I do already have a solar set up so hopefully I’ll be somewhat familiar with the system. If you have any particular questions I’ll try and bring them up, I have no problem stalling and making them answer my questions. Sounds like buying a RV from CW is like the hospital when you’re leaving with a new born, you leave with a lot of questions you don’t know you have yet and left to figure out when you get the new baby home. Luckily this forum seems ready to offer help promptly, and I thought forums were a thing of the past, glad to have found this resource.

[ELM.Hill.Ltd. RV]

Originally Posted by bikendan

If members come here BEFORE buying a RV, we recommend that you refuse accepting the RV until the dealer can give you a comprehensive PDI/ walk-through.
Unfortunately many newbies buy before coming to a RV forum for advice.
On my second trailer, I refused accepting it until thee dealer had all systems working and gave me at least 2 hours for the PDI/walk-through.
You have the upper hand since you have the money.
A buyer should never accept a rushed and incomplete PDI/walk-through.

Thank you for bringing this up bikendan. We want to make sure we leave with some confidence upon delivery in a couple days, as I’m quite a few years out from helping my grandfather around the camper and my wife is brand new to experience. I plan on firing up every system we can. Do you have any specific areas of focus to recommend? I have no problem being a nuisance and being thorough asking questions.

[ELM.Hill.Ltd. RV]

Originally Posted by Bill and Gail

If you want to be close to Long Beach Island, there are some not too distant.
Sea Pirate on Rt9 (Main St) in West Creek
They put in a new pool and water slides.
I usually go to Sea Pirate. They have free wifi. Plus we take the cars to their yearly car show (it's going to be May 31st to June 2nd this year).
--
Bakers Acres on Willets Ave in Little Egg Harbor
--
Sun Retreats Long Beach Island on Rt72 actually in Barnegat.

The car show sounds fun at Sea Pirate. I went on their website, looked like they had one site left to accommodate us for the car show weekend. We’ll check again once we actually have taken delivery of the camper, that campground looks like a good place to check out regardless of which weekend so hopefully we’ll be able to get a site for a few days this season. Thank you for the recommendations

[DogMan635]

Welcome to Forest River Forums!

ELM.Hill.Ltd. RV

We are from the Sunshine State, on Florida's west coast.
We are H.L. and Jan, our campervan is Greta.

As for your RV question what one gadget, gizmo can you, or tool you can't RV without? hmm I would have to say a Flashlight,
As for mid-Atlantic RV Parks check out "RvParky." As that may be of some help to your growing family.

Check both upper and lower MENU this is a large forum. On the second lower MENU click on "USER CP" and fill in as much RV information as you can. This will be helpful to other members trying to help you fix an issue, as they will check your "USER CP" to give you a quicker response to your question(s) for help. Most needed help questions come back needing basic RV information to know how to help you best. Please. do this for yourself be safe.

Now, should you need a USER MANUAL, both Forest River and Coachmen have them online for almost all their brands. Just go to the MAIN Page for "Forest River Models Click HERE and the other Click Here Find your Brand name RV go to the bottom of the page on your left look for. OWNER'S MANUAL, then look for your brand's YEAR. Be even cooler, and download your complete owner's manual onto an SD card. Here is how to do that for yourself.

Attachment 299354

Here are some FREE Tips, Tricks, and Checklist, from your new FRF if interested. It's all FREE to our Forest Rivers Forum members: Click HERE

Remember, all Outdoor adventures begin and end with a road trip, drive safely with your family cargo!

[dblr]

Welcome from Delware, one thing folks forgot to mention is to sign up and join FROG, Forest River Owners Group, there will be events held at different locations around the country and hopefully you might be able to attend one. Below is the link for FROG and check under events there is a rally near you at Knoebels

https://www.forestriverfrog.com/