'Getting started' shopping list - what should I buy?

[Sprinter2x]

From another newbie thanks for all the great ideas.

[Dwilcox]

Re: the EMS, I got the 50 AMP hardwire version. Don't have to remember it at home. Protection 100% of the time. Would need to lock it up at home. Only had one theft while camping, but several at home. Go figure. The camping one was in a private fenced park, those around us lost wine, beer, we lost potato salad in DW's favorite Tupperware. Man she was pi$$ed.

[TreeLady]

Still on the fence about levelers / chocks and what I need there. Not 100% clear on the benefits of them... I'm riding solo and maybe don't care as much as others do about being perfectly level or about bobbing around a bit... but I guess I'll know once I'm actually on an uneven site.[/QUOTE]


You have to be close to level for your fridge to work correctly, if you have one. I am guessing you do.

[alexisc]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

Honestly, for your first trip I would advise you not to buy much of anything. As long as you have a sewer hose, a fresh water hose with a pressure regulator, and tire chocks, you will be fine. Maybe leveling blocks if you don't have auto level.

The rest of the stuff you can get out of your house.

After your first trip or two you will know what you need/want and can make better decisions.

We have been doing this for over 30 years and our RV list is still changing

Yeah I don't plan on buying too much to start with. I'm going to use as much house stuff as I can.

BTW, what do I need the chocks for? My Mum & Dad have been RV'ing for 10 years and have only used them the dozen or so times that they've needed leveling blocks.

[alexisc]

Originally Posted by pdqparalegal1

I have been RV'n for over 30 years and read this forum daily. Always learn something new. What I haven't learned is how to get rid of things I carry that I don't need. Good luck and pleasant travels.

hahaha exactly... I really don't want to just end up with a bunch of useless stuff. Will definitely be buying things slowly and only when I've learned that I really need them. I'm striving for as much minimalism as possible.

[robinmiller]

Unless you have a generator you can leave the electric appliances at home. They wont work off your battery.

[hd0187dh]

Portable ice maker, pots n pans, kitchen utensils, coffee maker, dish drainer, out door patio mat, coax cable, folding table, table cloths for picnic tables, sewer hose hook up fittings, hose supports, ....the list never ends. Good luck

[alexisc]

Originally Posted by Terier

I agree that a lot of stuff can wait especially until you have determined your camping style. I still borrow from the house for limited use items. Black Friday sales are great for picking items for next to nothing. My little crock pot was only $6 and still getting put to use 6+ years later. Yard sales can be great too.

I learned that I didn't necessary need separate specially items. For example I have used a beach towel as a table cloth for a folding outside table, folded as a pad on a one step stool that was being used as a foot rest and of course as a towel.

Another suggestion is to keep a little bit of clothing for both warm & cold weather in the RV. A couple items of both as back up is not much but can come in handy when the weather is much different than expected.

Nice tips. Thank you!!!

[alexisc]

Originally Posted by robsshots

I can add but two very helpful, inexpensive and small items.

1. A portable gas detector (for checking your propane lines) About $20 on Amazon and worth their weight gold. Find a gas leak once and you've paid for them several times over.

2. Digital air gauge - also available on Amazon for about $10. handy-dandy accurate read on your tire pressure, both trailer and truck. I am regularly surprised after camping in one spot for awhile to find my trailer tire pressure down from what it should be.

Full-timing since August 2014 in Rockwood Ultralight fifth wheel, about 20,000 miles of towing so far. Another Western swing starting in three days - will add another 5,000 miles this summer.

Both sound like good ways to spend a few bucks. Thanks for the suggestions!

[alexisc]

Originally Posted by Dwilcox

Re: the EMS, I got the 50 AMP hardwire version. Don't have to remember it at home. Protection 100% of the time. Would need to lock it up at home. Only had one theft while camping, but several at home. Go figure. The camping one was in a private fenced park, those around us lost wine, beer, we lost potato salad in DW's favorite Tupperware. Man she was pi$$ed.

bahahahaha, this made me laugh out loud. RIP potato salad and favourite tupperware

[alexisc]

Originally Posted by robinmiller

Unless you have a generator you can leave the electric appliances at home. They wont work off your battery.

I do have a gennie. I'll also have an inverter.

[TLAK]

Add a corkscrew, something for it to open, and a lawn chair.

[hd0187dh]

Get the clear sewer 45 elbow. You need to be level for the fridge to work right. Also don't want to be to far off when opening n closing the slides

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by alexisc

BTW, what do I need the chocks for? My Mum & Dad have been RV'ing for 10 years and have only used them the dozen or so times that they've needed leveling blocks.

Maybe we aren't talking about the same thing. I'm talking about tire chocks that you place behind and in front of your tires to keep your trailer from rolling away when you hook, unhook, and stay in.

[alexisc]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

Maybe we aren't talking about the same thing. I'm talking about tire chocks that you place behind and in front of your tires to keep your trailer from rolling away when you hook, unhook, and stay in.

I have an RV vs a trailer, so the handbrake should keep it from rolling away

[NMWildcat]

Ah, ok. Most of our MH friends still use them, but everyone is different.

[Beauty and Beast]

Spend a few nights in the driveway or a nearby campground. You will get all the answers you need. We have a erasable white board mounted with command strips to write it all down. It always varies by destination. Don't try to carry it all and remember there is always a Walmart or Target along the way.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by alexisc

I have an RV vs a trailer, so the handbrake should keep it from rolling away

Trailers are also considered RVs.
So are truck campers and foldable campers.
RV doesn't mean just Motorhomes.

[alexisc]

Originally Posted by bikendan

Trailers are also considered RVs.
So are truck campers and foldable campers.
RV doesn't mean just Motorhomes.

I have a motorhome

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by bikendan

Trailers are also considered RVs.
So are truck campers and foldable campers.
RV doesn't mean just Motorhomes.

Yep.