Community Forums

baddogy · 11-01-2007, 05:33 AM

Hi everyone:

This is my first time on this site and also the first time ive owned an RV of any kind. Well, as of today i am still waiting for it to be built. I'm sure that i will have a lot of questions as time goes by but, since i dont have it yet all can ask is what are some of the first things that i need to do with a new 5er? and question # 2 has anyone compaired differnt satellites, in motion and not, and what is the best brand for the price.

Thanks for you time

Tom

baddogy · 11-01-2007, 05:33 AM

Hi everyone:

This is my first time on this site and also the first time ive owned an RV of any kind. Well, as of today i am still waiting for it to be built. I'm sure that i will have a lot of questions as time goes by but, since i dont have it yet all can ask is what are some of the first things that i need to do with a new 5er? and question # 2 has anyone compaired differnt satellites, in motion and not, and what is the best brand for the price.

Thanks for you time

Tom

Kablewizard · 11-01-2007, 07:12 AM

Tom, Howdy and Welcome to iRV2.

One thing I like to tell everyone in the pop-up area when asked that question is to go someplace to everything the first few nights, so if you find you foregot to pack the hammer or the power cord you dont have to drive 200 mile to a store. We have a place here its no hookups that we took our pop -up to and then we took the 5th wheel to another which gave me lots of practice on narrow winding roads . I really didnt need that. The idea is you test things out, like a full hook up place use the hookups the first night then the second turn off the water and electric and try those circuits, if any problems you can alway go back to full hook ups again if a problem comes up and your a long way out it will be a very long way home when your mad.I have heard of some who spend the first night in their drive way cause they cant wait to check it out.
We had satilite and it is great until you get that site in the trees and no signal then you have no tv. carry a DVD player and lots of movies you will find such a place. We had a dish mounted on the ground with 100' of cable sometimes I had to look for just the right spot even if you go with the much easier motion dish (which I think is great, but you realy cant watch tv while you drive its against the law, again a hanging tree in a camp site will stop the dish from working. I am sure you will get more input so enjoy.
Again welcome.

Roam America · 11-02-2007, 07:54 AM

Tom

Let me mimic Jim's welcome. Feel free to come back often. Ask what you want and input what you'ld like.

As Jim stated, go someplace close to home and spend a few days. Get used to using your new rig and how everything works. Also you can spend time stowing you items away.

As far a satellite, I have DishNetwork and prefer to use a tri-pod. If the is overhead cover a dome or roof mounted dish may not get signal. I can move the tripod around to get a clear line of site. I have a dish from a friend who moved and gave me the dish. I bought the tripod from Camping World for under 100 bucks. Bought the cable from Wal*Mart. I bought a satellite finder which is a handheld device where you set the angles and look thru to see if there is a clear line of site. Then I hook up a meter to help me dial in the highest signal. With a little practice I can now have satellite viewing up and running in less that 5 minutes. Of course there are times when niether will work. Then you are left to using the airwaves from local stations or cable (if the CG has cable). Or, like Jim noted, use a DVD player.

Best of luck with your new rig. Hope to meet up with you one day at on of our rallies.

Ray,IN · 11-03-2007, 01:56 AM

Our dealer has a small(soon to be quite large) full hook up place to "try out" a new RV for the first night or so. If yours doesn't, ask about a local RV park nearby. This way, if either of you have questions or forget something shown in the PDI walk-thru, you have convenient access to the dealer. Your new RV should come with a "starter kit" supplied by the dealer. If it doesn't, you must buy the necessary items. They know what is required to attach the utilities and sewage.
One good method to remember what is said and done during the PDI is to video the entire process. It's good to ask a relative or friend to do the video so you both can pay close attention to happenings. Do not be hesitant to ask questions if something is not completely unterstood during the PDI.
I too welcome you to irv2.com!

xc-mark · 11-03-2007, 03:58 PM

My advice is go camping in your yard a few times for dry runs to get a idea of what you should bring with you. Use caution on how much weight you put in your camper and where it is placed in conjunction with the axels and hitch. Every trip check your tire PSI . find a friend to camp with localy that has a similar style camper , it helps to have a friend set up camp and back in thats done it befor . Poss one of the biggest issue is not using the correct toilet paper and not enough water to flush solids , 3/4 fill the bowl with water then flush..... it will make cleaning your black water tank much easier . Take it easy on the road until you learn how your rig will act, sway at high speeds is enough to ruin any trip if it gets out of control! If you have a sway problem put your trailer brake controler on by hand hard and add just a little power to the truck. You will be surprized at how much help you can get in a camp ground , just ask I have never had anyone not go out of there way to help !

Max Hubrich · 11-05-2007, 02:37 AM

Baddogy--
If you travel up in the northern tier of states, or Canada, I recommend you use Direct TV. We spend 5 months a year in mid coast Maine and Dish users cannot find, or have good signals, with the satellite because it is lower on the horizon. This might change because HD TV requires more than one satellite and they could be positioned at higher elevations-- This is an industry in flux right now. If I understand correctly, you are in a fifth wheel trailer-- why would you consider an "in motion" dish? In my opinion a domed unit is the best. Press a button and your good to go in the darkest night or in the rain--- Provided no obstacles are in the dishes way. I have a KVH system now and had a King Dome before. Both work well.

Good luck and enjoy the camping life-- It's neat

450Donn · 11-05-2007, 06:19 AM

The only reason I have not installed a roof mounted sat dish is that I am not always in a location away from from trees. You do need a clear view of the Southern sky for a sat to work. I simply find it more convenient to have a tri pod and a portable dish I can position as necessary. And even that does guarantee a signal.