We Purchased A Travel Trailer. Any RVers Willing To Help Out A Newbie?

[scloyd]

My wife and I purchased a travel trailer last week and are excited to get out there and start enjoying it. We owned a pop-up about 30 years ago and we've been tent camping the past dozen years or so. I have a few questions and I'd like to know if any RVer out there on the forum would answer a few questions I have through PM? I know there are RV forums, YouTube and such, but everyone on this forum is usually very helpful.

Here's our Jayco. It's on the smaller side, but it's perfect for the two of us.


Thanks.

 

[shanez]

PM sent.

 

[warren]

My only advice is, join "Good Sam" and avail yourself of some of the insurance coverage. They set up and financed an air evac of my wife from Canada to Alaska. Saved me a bundle of money and probably extended my wife's life by a few months. The jet was staffed with two medical technicians. The jet was there within three days of the doctor's determination. Impressive!

 

[scloyd]

My only advice is, join "Good Sam" and avail yourself of some of the insurance coverage. They set up and financed an air evac of my wife from Canada to Alaska. Saved me a bundle of money and probably extended my wife's life by a few months. The jet was staffed with two medical technicians. The jet was there within three days of the doctor's determination. Impressive!

Great advice. I received a two year Good Sam Elite membership with the purchase and I purchased insurance before we picked it up.

 

[ashdigger]

Between AAA and Good Sams you’re golden.

The other advice is practice driving and do a shakedown sleep, cook and appliance check BEFORE you actually go somewhere.

 

[tbradsim1]

Good Advice!

 

[warren]

A shakedown, close to home, is definitely great advice. Learning where and fixing rattles, how to best stow gear, what's missing and what's necessary, are all best learned without the pressure of being 600 miles from nowhere. The first few trips can easily erupt into unnecessary arguments whereas, a short trip, close to home is certainly the best way to learn and fix the pitfalls.

But, be assured, if you are in a reputable RV park, help is close at hand for near any problem. Good Sam's and AAA ratings are usually very helpful with regard to amenities available, cleanliness, etc.

 

[scloyd]

Between AAA and Good Sams you’re golden.

The other advice is practice driving and do a shakedown sleep, cook and appliance check BEFORE you actually go somewhere.

More good advice. I've been checking everything (appliances/heater...) in the driveway. We're taking it out next week close to home as a test.

 

[scloyd]

Thanks everyone. Shane answered all of my questions and all of your advice is much appreciated. I knew I could count on you guys. Thanks again.

 

[warren]

Enjoy! The freedom of the road is a wonderful thing.

 

[ssjones]

Look perfect sized to me! Head somewhere warm and pop up a screen tent room, and just relax!

 

[daveinlax]

My usual advice is to get as small a trailer as you can. I really like your’s! ?

 

[mikethompson]

Well you are going to need a few things Scott. First off, a screened off room with wooden panels and a giant chair in which to ruminate and digest the days activities. Also you will need a large viewing gallery on the roof of the trailer, complete with drinks globe of course.

If you are feeling up to it, a small radio transmitter/receiver so you can enjoy your radio hobby on the go.

I think that should get you started.

 

[scloyd]

Well you are going to need a few things Scott. First off, a screened off room with wooden panels and a giant chair in which to ruminate and digest the days activities. Also you will need a large viewing gallery on the roof of the trailer, complete with drinks globe of course.

If you are feeling up to it, a small radio transmitter/receiver so you can enjoy your radio hobby on the go.

I think that should get you started.

Yeah, I'm going to need another trailer for all of the extras. The shortwave will be coming along.

 

[scloyd]

*UPDATE*
I've taken the camper on two short trips close to home so far. The first trip was about 80 miles from home. My wife and I stayed one night at a vineyard near Monroe, Wisconsin. We had a good time hanging out at the vineyard drinking wine and just relaxing. It was a nice short 'test' trip.

Last week, my son and I took the camper for two nights to Mississippi Palisades State Park near the Mississippi River on the Illinois/Iowa border, about 100 miles from home. We had a good time hiking the trails and sitting around the campfire.

Hoping to get it out one more time before winter. Next year, my wife and I will venture further from home and for longer stays.

Me and the Mississippi River


Our set up at the Mississippi Palisades State Park.


Thanks again to Shane for all of his help answering any questions I had.