Newbies and oldies, things nobody told me.

[Okietrucker]

Originally Posted by Pawjam3

Ditto on the friendliness and helpfulness. But we have been kept awake by folks who stay up partying loudly past "quiet hours" time. Suggestions on handling that?

When there is alcohol involved its best to contact campground officials, they will either shut it down or have the cops shut it down.

[Dunner]

People don't realize that bass music travels a lot farther than higher notes. I hate trying to sleep when all I hear is boom, boom, boomity boom boom.

[tomwalt]

Here's another one: Hide spare 'critical keys' where you can get to them.
It's easy to missplace keys during all the camping and traveling activities (or the only person not in camp is the one with the keys).

[JohnBoyToo]

for those rainy days & peace of mind that there are no leaks:
Moisture Test Meter | Moisture Meters| Northern Tool + Equipment

for taking tire temps at fuel stops to see if one is down on air and heating up:
Amazon.com: Mastercool 52226 Dual Temp Infrared Probe Thermometer: Automotive

quick connects for water and cable
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Camco-Bras...nnect/14504295

and if full hookups, I position the dump valve closest to the pedestal to shorten the sewer hose needs... the electrical and water are MUCH easier to adjust...
(oh yeah, always allow for slide opening if you have them )

Also, I usually am pulling in in the late afternoon when it's hottest,
so on the drive over I will pull blinds down or put my reflectix in sun side windows,
leave the roof vent open a bit to pull air out on the way since I have vent covers,
hook up electrical first and turn the ducted ac to dump straight down instead of going thru the ducts and cooling the roofline - MUCH rather cool the interior air...
then water,
and usually do not do sewer until the next morning when it is cooler

unhook the truck from 5er, and level, THEN put the slides out...

[Okietrucker]

Originally Posted by tomwalt

Here's another one: Hide spare 'critical keys' where you can get to them.
It's easy to missplace keys during all the camping and traveling activities (or the only person not in camp is the one with the keys).

Very good idea! Thanks.

[pthomann]

My missus and I made a simple check-list that we taped inside of a cupboard for set-up and takedown, things like:

1) Turn off pump and water heater
2) Lower TV antenna
3) Install/Remove Slide Locks
4) Install/Remove bungee strap for cupboard/closet
5) Clean-off slide top and put slide in
6) Sweep mat and fold and place in trailer
7) Sweep and put down awning and lock in place
8) Plug-in/Remove power cord from main box
9) Connect/Disconnect water supply
10) Dump black/gray water tanks and flush
11) Add 10lbs of ice to toilet before leaving home - helps keep the tank clean with
the ice slushing around while on the road - and the ice turns into approx 7gal of
water in the tank that keeps the pyramid of doom from forming!

We have this down to a science and my missus does the inside stuff while I am taking care of the outside stuff.

[JAMMFAM]

Originally Posted by Pawjam3

Ditto on the friendliness and helpfulness. But we have been kept awake by folks who stay up partying loudly past "quiet hours" time. Suggestions on handling that?

Just join them, by that time they wont notice their beverages being taken and you might make some new friends.

[Pawjam3]

Newbie talking again....does anyone recommend buying a CB radio? And, if so, why? Thanks.

Jim
St. Louis

[RV-to-travel]

Moerman Laundry Solutions Y-Airer Indoor Folding Clothes Drying Rack 79 Feet Of Drying Space -this model can be staked down, or use firewood to hold legs down in windy conditions.
long handled shovel -great for camp fire poker.
coffee filters =as napkins, holding tacos, etc.
Oxygenics shower head
water thief
Gilmour Full Flow Poly 4-Way Connector AY4FF Teal / Black
buckets-washing dishes, clothes, by fire to put it out
plastic for sale signs, large, to rest RV tires on. Asphalt and concrete degrade tires.

[Downwindtrac]

Small electric heater.Plastic bins for food and clothes.Pads for the stabs.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by Pawjam3

Note to other newbies...make sure you only use TV/Marine type toilet paper (as the owner's manual tells us) as well as flushing plenty of water down the toilet after use.

As long the TP is rated for "septic use" you'll be fine. I've been RV'ing since 1957 (before most RV's had toilets). Have NEVER had a black tank problem even when using whatever TP we had in the stick house.
The only thing "special" I do is to make sure the tank has enough fluid in it to create a good flow.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by Pawjam3

Newbie talking again....does anyone recommend buying a CB radio? And, if so, why? Thanks.

Jim
St. Louis

I haven't turned my CB on in YEARS. Too much foul language in use. I used to be in REACT so I do know how to use.

[Okietrucker]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

I haven't turned my CB on in YEARS. Too much foul language in use. I used to be in REACT so I do know how to use.

I recently got out of trucking and must agree. The CB is pretty much useless except for getting traffic updates (which my gps gives me anyway) and asking for direction (gps again). That being said, I'm still running one in my TV because you just never know and they are cheap.

[Okietrucker]

Originally Posted by Downwindtrac

Small electric heater.Plastic bins for food and clothes.Pads for the stabs.

Good idea on the electric heater. Cheap don't take up much room and very handy in a bind.