Hmmm I leave mine open. But then I also have the clean outs built in.

 

As long as you use them.

Steve

 

Thanks for all the responses and support.
I had the truck delivered because the seller's truck is lifted, and I knew I couldn't just plug his hitch ball into my truck and get it home. When they dropped off the trailer today, they spent over an hour going over the various features, systems, etc. I'm also thinking that I might need to do something to help the suspension keep everything hunky dory.
As much as I'd love to hook up and go, I'd rather do my homework, get my truck prepped, and feel more comfortable before taking off.
One thing I hadn't thought of, since the seller' struck is lifted, I'll need a hitch ball that is considerably higher than I thought.

 

Not sure I am following here. Is the trailer sitting unusually high?

Steve

 

If there is a sign saying not to bring a trailer, large vehicles, or something it is best to listen or scout ahead first without the trailer. Lots of issues can be avoided that way.

 

get the trailer level, then measure where the ball is and then measure your truck to see where it would end up. Only thing is if the axles were flipped then it could be nose low for your truck! Dont know of many weight hitches than you can really move the tow ball up a lot, there may be some but.....

I am guessing it is a TT right?

 

Pics of the trailer would help.

 

Progress report....
First, thanks for the responses, they have sent me to doing some research. After a lot of reading, I went to Torklift yesterday and bought a weight distributing hitch. Once I put my coffee cup down, I'm going to go out and install it. If all goes well, a lot of my concerns about hitch height, etc. will be dealt with. Hopefully, I'll be able to post pics soon, but I'll need instruction on that as well.

 

My new hitch kit didn't come with instructions, so I'm stopped for today. The ball mount needs to be attached to the shank using nuts, bolts, and washers, but I don't have any information telling me how much to tighten the nuts, nor do I know for sure which way the washers are to face in relation to the nuts. I think I can reason that out, but would feel better if I knew for sure.
I've been on YouTube, but every video merely tells you how to connect a truck and trailer, assuming your hitch is already assembled. I've even downloaded the assembly instructions from the manufacturer's website, but that doesn't go into enough detail to answer my concerns.
The ball mount tilts down, though I know it will be brought back up by the WD bars. Are the bolts holding the ball mount to the shank tight enough, too tight, or just right? I'm not about to try to connect the truck and trailer without knowing things are assembled correctly.
I'm sorry if my frustration is showing, I guess things that are oblivious to most, aren't so obvious to me.
Does anyone know where the information I'm looking for is available? Otherwise I'm expecting to go back to Torklift tomorrow after work to get some answers.

Thanks for your patience with the rookie.

 

Did you look at hese? THe etrailer is pretty complete:

installation of weight distribution hitch - Search.com

 

Congrats on the new setup! These forums are great for answering questions and Google will be an invaluable tool for learning as much about your new toy as possible. I was lucky and learned most of everything I know about camping/pulling a trailer from doing it with my Dad growing up. I would always help him setup and teardown and when it came time for me to do it with my family I knew most of what I needed to know. I have had several friends get into camping over the years and when they do I always offer to go out for a weekend with them and guide them through their first trip. Everything from handy items to put in the camper, good tools to have (because things always break), how to setup the hitch, hookup, disconnect, etc. All the way to dumping your tanks (always dump black first, then grey; it will make your life much better). I guess what I am getting at is if you have a friend or somebody that you work with that camps regularly (that you see as being competent) it is a great way to learn the ropes and camping with friends is always a bonus. Also, don't be afraid to walk to the next camper over and ask questions. Campers are generally friendly people and I have never had an issue getting help when I needed it. I have even had older guys watch me do something and then walk over and offer me a new tool or advice on how to do it easier. Good luck and I hope you and your family have a great time camping.

 

Congrats There is only one dumb question that is the one that never asked. You will find Rivers in general are a friendly bunch and you may make lifelong friends along your way

 

My wife and I bought our first TT (30 ft Springdale 266RL) last April and have been having a great time with it ever since. We are getting ready to set out on a 6000 mile trip from GA to WA, so our learning curve went from amateur to experienced very quickly.

You will find that you prefer certain types of camping more than others, but the important this is to use the camper and not let it sit. We prefer dry camping or boondocking in the mountains where you don't see another soul for days if you don't want to.

The best advice I can offer right now is when you realize you have a problem, research it because there is a 99.99% chance someone else has already solved the problem. When you feel you need a product (electric jack, sewer hose, vent covers, etc) don't bet on the most expensive one being the best. Do you research and be thrifty with your dollar because RV products can get expensive really fast and you may pay a lot for something you didn't need or cannot use.

Don't be afraid to ask for help, and keep it slow when towing. When we are planning to go to a destination we have not been before, I get on Google and use street view if available and if not just use the satellite map and find a good spot to drop the trailer. I get the coordinates to that exact spot and we unhook and secure the trailer at that spot and set out with the truck to see how our proposed camping spot is. The last thing you want to do is get down some road that you cannot get out of except for the way you came and find yourself backing up a long distance.

Have fun with it, and find out what all the buttons and switches do before you need them.

 

Just because it is "rv" does not been you have to buy at the rv store. Walmart will be your friend.

 

You must have the world's strongest smile muscles, my friend!!

OP, if you find yourself making your way over to the dry side of the mountains maybe we can cross paths! We are headed up to Leavenworth for a quick camping excursion this coming weekend I (we) are also new to TT life, and have been taking it slow but having a great time!