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Old 05-15-2013, 07:34 PM   #1
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1st Trip with 1st Camper EVER!

Well...we are scheduled to depart for our first camping trip with the family next Friday. This will be our first camping trip in our first camper, so although I am excited, I am also NERVOUS as heck!

This weekend I need to bolt down my battery case, install a battery shut off, sanitize my fresh water system and thoroughly clean the camper.

I plan to take the fully loaded TT and TV across the scales on our way out of town to get all the numbers.

We have an RV setup check list on my iPhone, but wanted to ask if anyone has any words of wisdom...
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Old 05-15-2013, 07:54 PM   #2
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Keep an open mind.... don't get frustrated if things don't always go right, because they wont. Just relax and enjoy yourself!!
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Old 05-15-2013, 08:41 PM   #3
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Don't stress out, just have fun. That's what it's all about.
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Old 05-15-2013, 08:45 PM   #4
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Have fun, and don't be afraid to ask for help.
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Old 05-15-2013, 08:48 PM   #5
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Have fun and enjoy your first trip!!!
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Old 05-16-2013, 06:36 AM   #6
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Have fun. It's always a learning process and you'll forget things. I would say my most important rule is when hooking up the TV to the TT don't speak to anyone and always double check what you did.
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Old 05-16-2013, 08:30 AM   #7
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I am with everyone else relax and have fun.lots of memories will be made. If you forget something Walmart is usually close by. Whole family and I locked out of our trailer in a down poor on our very first trip ever camping. All I could do was laugh. And I agree on when hooking up double check everything I try not to converse while doing that. Have fun good luck. The family and I are going to Yogi this weekend in DE
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Old 05-16-2013, 01:24 PM   #8
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The main thing is to take your time hitching, unhitching and while in tow. Make sure your signal/brake lights are working every time you hitch up. It doesn't hurt to pull ahead a few feet when departing, do another walk around (allows you to also double check that you didn't leave anything behind at your site) and another peak under the trailer and you are good to go! Sounds like you are well organized!
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Old 05-16-2013, 02:00 PM   #9
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Just take your time, go a speed you feel comfy with, and do ask for help if needed.
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Old 05-16-2013, 02:50 PM   #10
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Have fun, be extra careful, and assume something will go wrong, when it does, don't sweat it, just work through it. If you forget something, there is always a Walmart close by. I would imagine your list on your iphone will change by the end of the trip... There will be things you don't need and things you did.
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Old 05-16-2013, 03:04 PM   #11
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Keep it between the ditches and have loads of FUN.

BTW, what kind of rig you have?
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Old 05-17-2013, 07:05 AM   #12
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X 2 on relax , double ck your list TT. Tv. , don't forget the kids ....lol

Take ur time , enjoy the time out
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Old 05-17-2013, 12:08 PM   #13
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Good advice out here….
I would recommend running everything in the drive way. Run your different systems(fridge, heater, water…..) on all power: 12vdc, 120vac, propane even off generator if so equipped; might even turn on the BBQ if its never been used.
I do a shake-down every spring.
Have fun, work together, go slow,
Nothing worse than watching couples argue/fight, while backing into a spot. Find a language you can both understand, I like “drivers side”, “passenger side”(left, right doesn’t work for us). It might take years to become a great team, go slow. I always walk the spot with the wife(or kids), talk about my concerns, where I want to end up and why. Then we stay in contact with radios(I use a voice activated ear piece so I don’t have to hold the radio).
Hope to see ya out there
John
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Old 05-17-2013, 01:19 PM   #14
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Don't stress over the little things-this is meant to be fun. You'll find fellow campers are usually more than willing to help, just ask.
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Old 05-17-2013, 01:30 PM   #15
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Be aware of your blind spots, double even triple check yourself. I always do at least 2 walk arounds before I pull out of the yard or campground. The only time I stress is when my workphone keeps ringing and I am low on ice cold Shiner Bock beer. Have fun and good luck!
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Old 05-17-2013, 05:43 PM   #16
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Great advice in this thread and I second everything here!! One thing I would consider is start developing your hitch/unhitch and setup/teardown routine. Once you develop that, everything starts to become second nature and it NEVER hurts to have a written checklist. I still travel with one just in case I get distracted by the occasional grandkid running around me while I'm trying to hook up the water line:-)....just go slow and remember that this is supposed to be fun and relaxing!! Good Luck!
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Old 05-17-2013, 06:23 PM   #17
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LOL, you sound like me! We've been camping for years and I still try to make sure I have everything! DH likes to tease me ~ did you leave anything at home???

I think the most important thing is don't hurry. Do what you can the night before. Make a last minute check list and use it the following day when you are finishing up. Relax, realize something silly, goofy, weird or stupid will happen. Enjoy your family ~ That's what it's all about
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Old 05-17-2013, 06:37 PM   #18
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Nervous is natural. Hell, I was nervous a few weeks ago with the first excursion for the season, when all we did was go 2.5 hrs away to a familiar CG we've been to 10 times. It's normal, so like the others have said, relax and it'll all be fine. If it's not, it still beats a day at the gravel pit.
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Old 05-17-2013, 06:39 PM   #19
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Make sure you are far enough away from the electric and water pole so your slide will extend all the way.
Use a measuring tape, stick, rope or pipe and mark it to the full extension of your slide plus a couple inches. When you get to the camp site, double check to make sure you will be far enough away so you can extend your slide without smashing it into the pole.
My slide is as long as the DW's arm when she stands with her back against the trailer.
Stinks to have move over a couple inches after you get leveled.
Enjoy your trip.
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Old 05-17-2013, 09:23 PM   #20
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All good points! I will have a hard time relaxing until we get there and get set up, but I am SUPER excited. I wish I could leave a week early

I didn't think about the hook up, but I agree that I should send the wife and kids away while I hook it all up.

I am towing a Coachmen 292BHDS with a 2012 Nissan Armada

Any thoughts on the best way to level the TT once you arrive at your site? Level side to side before you unhook with blocks?? I assume I would use Lego blocks or 2x6s
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