I need a mentor...
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,773
Likes: 0
From: Bonney Lake, WA
I need a mentor...
We've been looking at travel trailers, and have found the one we wanted to buy. We met with the sellers, and struck a deal today. I meet them at the bank tomorrow to transfer funds, and they'll deliver it afterwards.
Fortunately, I'll have as much time as needed to get my truck set up to tow before taking it out for the first time.
Is there a source for answers for all of the dumb rookie questions that will help me with the learning curve I'll be embarking on?
Fortunately, I'll have as much time as needed to get my truck set up to tow before taking it out for the first time.
Is there a source for answers for all of the dumb rookie questions that will help me with the learning curve I'll be embarking on?
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
We've been looking at travel trailers, and have found the one we wanted to buy. We met with the sellers, and struck a deal today. I meet them at the bank tomorrow to transfer funds, and they'll deliver it afterwards.
Fortunately, I'll have as much time as needed to get my truck set up to tow before taking it out for the first time.
Is there a source for answers for all of the dumb rookie questions that will help me with the learning curve I'll be embarking on?
Fortunately, I'll have as much time as needed to get my truck set up to tow before taking it out for the first time.
Is there a source for answers for all of the dumb rookie questions that will help me with the learning curve I'll be embarking on?
I would also suggest you examine the title to make sure the year on the title is in agreement with what you are buying, if you have not done so already. Lots of folks advertise one year and the title says another. Not trying to be dishonest, they often just don't know.
Just a thought,
Steve
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,773
Likes: 0
From: Bonney Lake, WA
OK, here comes the first question that comes to mind...
when the trailer is first disconnected from the truck, and plugged into 110v, do the trailer batteries need to be disconnected, or will all electrical demands be drawn from 110v?
when the trailer is first disconnected from the truck, and plugged into 110v, do the trailer batteries need to be disconnected, or will all electrical demands be drawn from 110v?
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
The converter and battery can actually share 12 volts needs if necessary. Make sense?
Steve
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,773
Likes: 0
From: Bonney Lake, WA
Trending Topics
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 427
Likes: 4
From: Prescott, Michigan
Steve can probably answer any questions you have.
Looking for people fighting over questions, check out:
Trailer Life Magazine Open Roads Forum
and
iRV2 Forums
Good luck and have fun.
Looking for people fighting over questions, check out:
Trailer Life Magazine Open Roads Forum
and
iRV2 Forums
Good luck and have fun.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
Steve can probably answer any questions you have.
Looking for people fighting over questions, check out:
Trailer Life Magazine Open Roads Forum
and
iRV2 Forums
Good luck and have fun.
Looking for people fighting over questions, check out:
Trailer Life Magazine Open Roads Forum
and
iRV2 Forums
Good luck and have fun.
There is a tremendous amount of latitude in how to do things with an RV and you will find even the factories don't agree on the best way to do some things.
The absolute best in this forum, in my opinion, is there is a "live and let live attitude" and not a lot of "if you do it this way you will burn in Hades" comments. And of course, I rely on a lot of folks here to keep me honest!
Steve
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,379
Likes: 1,862
From: Frederick, MD
Congrats! Ask away right here. You can keep this thread going as long as you need to.
also take a look at the tech folder. Lots of good info there as well.
Take your time, learn the rig.
Also a big parking lot to practice your turns and backing up helps if you don't have the experience already.
also take a look at the tech folder. Lots of good info there as well.
Take your time, learn the rig.
Also a big parking lot to practice your turns and backing up helps if you don't have the experience already.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,463
Likes: 724
From: Calgary Canada
When I bought my trailer, I went for a few drives without my wife and kids. That really paid off. What I didn't expect, although it seems obvious now, was that low-speed driving near my home was 10x more stressful than the highway. I live in a very urban area, and it's a lot of work to wheel my rig around these tight streets.
I also practiced parking quite a few times. places like wal-mart aren't too bad, but it helps to have an exit plan before you enter. Parking beside the curb also has a couple challenges. one I hadn't expected was that the crown of the road tilts the top of your trailer over the sidewalk. If there is a lamp-post too close to the curb, you can be in big trouble. I rubbed my awning off on one of those, expensive lesson.
It's nice to know the total height of your rig, as some gas stations are lower than you think.
I also practiced parking quite a few times. places like wal-mart aren't too bad, but it helps to have an exit plan before you enter. Parking beside the curb also has a couple challenges. one I hadn't expected was that the crown of the road tilts the top of your trailer over the sidewalk. If there is a lamp-post too close to the curb, you can be in big trouble. I rubbed my awning off on one of those, expensive lesson.
It's nice to know the total height of your rig, as some gas stations are lower than you think.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,379
Likes: 1,862
From: Frederick, MD
It's nice to know the total height of your rig, as some gas stations are lower than you think.[/quote]
That is a nice one there.
Don't go off of mfgr specs.
Measure to the highest point. Probably the A/C.
That is a nice one there.
Don't go off of mfgr specs.
Measure to the highest point. Probably the A/C.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 2
From: Southern Cal
When I bought my trailer, I went for a few drives without my wife and kids. That really paid off. What I didn't expect, although it seems obvious now, was that low-speed driving near my home was 10x more stressful than the highway. I live in a very urban area, and it's a lot of work to wheel my rig around these tight streets.
I also practiced parking quite a few times. places like wal-mart aren't too bad, but it helps to have an exit plan before you enter. Parking beside the curb also has a couple challenges. one I hadn't expected was that the crown of the road tilts the top of your trailer over the sidewalk. If there is a lamp-post too close to the curb, you can be in big trouble. I rubbed my awning off on one of those, expensive lesson.
It's nice to know the total height of your rig, as some gas stations are lower than you think.
I also practiced parking quite a few times. places like wal-mart aren't too bad, but it helps to have an exit plan before you enter. Parking beside the curb also has a couple challenges. one I hadn't expected was that the crown of the road tilts the top of your trailer over the sidewalk. If there is a lamp-post too close to the curb, you can be in big trouble. I rubbed my awning off on one of those, expensive lesson.
It's nice to know the total height of your rig, as some gas stations are lower than you think.
To Steve's original point, check all paperwork very carefully. Unless you know who your dealing with, I'd double check everything.
The other, paying today and having them "drop off" the trailer later?
If me, I'd ride back with this person and watch them hook it up and deliver. Not saying...but?
The other thing by being there, you can learn how they connect and disconnect, etc.
Happy and safe travels.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 950
Likes: 6
From: Waco, Texas
Don't look at this as a chore, but an Adventure! Keep your humor and don't worry if you mess up. We all had to learn it and we still are learning. I have had an RV since early 70's when it was a slide in Pickup camper. Enjoy, it, don't be afraid to experiment on what works for you. We can help with a broad range of questions, but the bottom line is for you to do it the way you are comfortable.
First things first, get it home and get familiar with it. Camp in the driveway, pull it around the block, and etc. You don't have to take a 100 mile trip to get acquainted with you Rig. And Oh BTW, Congrats! Enjoy! Always smile, even when you knock off the air conditioner going under an overpass that is 11'6" and it is marked as 13'6"! Yep, done that too!
First things first, get it home and get familiar with it. Camp in the driveway, pull it around the block, and etc. You don't have to take a 100 mile trip to get acquainted with you Rig. And Oh BTW, Congrats! Enjoy! Always smile, even when you knock off the air conditioner going under an overpass that is 11'6" and it is marked as 13'6"! Yep, done that too!
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
Likes: 1,432
From: Millersville, MD
The best thing to remember is: DO NOT - repeat - DO NOT keep your black water drain valve OPEN even if you are in a E-W-S site in the campground. Dump your black water holding tank only when it is near full! Also go for the GEO Method:
https://sites.google.com/site/cbruni/
https://sites.google.com/site/cbruni/