Outfitting for the first time

[DaleMom]

We have recently bought a new 2010 Forest River Lexington. We've never camped before and are wondering what the necessities are for both inside and outside the rv. Any info would be appreciated.

Lex, Linda and the traveling canines, Raffy & Rhyse

[GOLDWINGER2]

$$$.

[GaryKD]

Hi DaleMom,
This will cover just the basics. After that it is all personal preference.
1. 1/2" dia water hose. 2 25' hoses.
2. Sewer dump hose. 1 10' and 1 20' hose.
3. Electric adapter. My assumption is your coach is a 50 AMP plug (4 prongs). Purchase a short cord that will allow connecting to a 30 AMP (3 prongs) shore receptacle.
4. Additional length of electrical cord the same size as came with your coach. 30' cord.
5. Fresh water PSI regulator.
6. Gallon of antifreeze.
7. 4 quarts of engine oil.
8. Breakdown emergency kit. reflective triangles, flares, etc.
9. join a emergency roadside service plan. Coach-Net or Good Sam are examples.
10. Air compressor capable of filling tires to the correct pressure.
11. Linens for all beds.
12. Food & drink
13. clothes for destination
14. toiletries
15. soap (shower, kitchen sink, bathroom sink)
16. RV toilet paper.
17. medicines
18. eye glasses
19. dishes, pots and pans, cooking utensils
20. dinnerware
21. silverware
22. maps
23. money
24. vacuum cleaner
25. entertainment components (sat receiver, etc.)
26. credit cards
27. first aid kit. bandages, disinfectant, gauze, etc.

Consider having duplicates so loading and unloading the coach can be minimized.

[Clay L]

Gary gave you a really good list.
I do use 5/8" diameter water hoses instead of 1/2".
We have used plain old toilet paper for years with no problem. If you do a search on toilet paper you will find lists of dissolve times for many brands. Many of them dissolve as fast or faster than RV paper.

Also for the dogs we carry a few fold over sandwich bags in our pocket. We have an oak TV remote holder we bought at an RV store screwed to the wall beside the door that holds a 50 count box of the bags so they are handy as we go out.
We use empty coffee cans with lids to keep the full poop bags in until we can dump them in a trash can.

We have a round toilet brush in a closed stand for the bathroom. RV toilets seem to require the brush every time except for liquid only deposits.

I screwed an eye bolt to a metal piece under the edge of the coach on the curb side just in front of the rear dual and clip the dogs leashes to it when we are sitting outside with them.

A few other things we carry:

A loose weave patio mat , 9' by 12' or so.
A bristly mat in front of the steps to wipe feet on.
A collapsible garbage container that takes a full size garbage bag.
Fold - up laundry bags.
Four bag chairs.
Several small fold-up tables.

[GaryKD]

Hi Clay L,
You are correct, my bad. I use 5/8" dia hose to. I do not know why I entered 1/2".

[RJay]

I wouldn't over think this. There are the basics that you need like food, clothing, basic tools(more if your handy) but whatever you need you can get on the road or over the internet. Try to think about what you would like to do, for example if you like to read bring books, if you like to cook bring kitchen appliances, if you like the outdoors bring chairs, grill, small table, and maybe a small screen house, if you like to be on the go bring money. The point is try to envision what your day to day activities will be over the course of the different seasons and what you forget you can buy on the road. But be aware of your overall weight. I have a rule: Whatever comes into the RV something of equal weight has to leave the RV. It makes you think about what is really important and necessary.

[ksg5000]

My 02.

Carry the essentials - plus a credit card and a cell phone. Unless your going off into the wilderness you can buy just about anything you need on the road. In short - don't sweat it.

[a k]

I use Sam's toilet paper. It's cheap and I know it disolves.

Also try not to take too much equiptment. You don't need place settings for 12 people. My wife thinks if it will squeeze into the drawer she needs it. And you don't need ten lawn chairs.

[PNWGirl]

Hi Lex & Linda,

The following thread might also give you some good information:

outfitting a class a coach

Have fun!!

Sheila

[Fred and Bonnie]

Above all, a good sense of HUMOR, and the ability to laugh at yourself.

fred

[new rver]

don't for get fishing pole & box

[TXiceman]

A credit card or two and plenty of adult beverages.....

Ken

[DaleMom]

Thanks for all the help. Keep it coming. As an "old" teacher I love the info!!!!!!

L&L&R&R

[scenic route]

Here is our most important(most used) piece of camping equipment we own. Bob

BTW, we also bought the hose adapter so we can use a 20lb. LP tank.