Community Forums

Ice-Man · 08-03-2018, 01:16 PM

Hey Guys
Finally, after many years of dreaming and reading all the great tips on here, we are going to Tampa RV show in January to buy our retirement home.... excited much!
We are going to use it in Europe for the first 5 or so years FT. Never having owned or travelled in one, I’m interested to know what add on you’ve had on your RV that you find invaluable, particularly for FTing...
If we can make it affordable, we will get a DP with a bath and a half and seem drawn to Winnebago’s, but we must stay under 39’4.
Your great advice and experience is appreciated

pops2 · 08-03-2018, 01:22 PM

Safe-T-Plus Steering Damper

The addition of this made my Bus made driving a whole new experience.

UFO Pilot · 08-03-2018, 01:31 PM

I am not a full timer but here are my best adds.

1. 130 watt solar panel to keep the batteries charged while in storage

2. Travler Satellite Antenna

3. Macerator sewer system

4. Magnum Inverter Charger

5. Auto Gen Start

6. Koni Shocks (My wifes favorite)

Dav L · 08-03-2018, 01:32 PM

Android head unit. Most used device in the RV with the exception of the engine

hmmm, actually, it's used more than the engine...

MSHappyCampers · 08-03-2018, 01:35 PM

You've got a lot of tire kicking to do at that show!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

RKins · 08-03-2018, 01:56 PM

Must haves:

1) Protect your coach from bad voltage - get a Progressive Industries hard wired surge protector
2) Tire Pressure Management System for the coach and the towed vehicle - TST is a good one.
3) Small compact 120V powerful fan, like a centrifugal fan (https://www.amazon.com/Lasko-Stanley...entrifugal+fan), that moves a lot of air. You can use this inside or outside. I have 2. These are small and don't take up too much room in the basement. You may also find you like Axial fans that oscillate? They may take up more room.
4) Tools depending on your skill level. I have common tools that I keep inside the coach and tools I keep in the basement.
5) Good sewer lines.
6) Extra 25 or 50 ft water hose
7) adapters from 50A to 30A to 15A

Nice to haves:
1) Collapsible/foldable ladder - maybe like this - folds to a 4"square package.
2) Good BBQ - doesn't have to an expensive one, just one that works for you (I bought mine from Sam's Club). And tie a line for fueling it, into the propane tank (unless you're going all electric)
3) Extension cord(s)

Anything else is stuff you usually buy for your home.

I'm sure everyone will add to this.

dexters · 08-03-2018, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ice-Man

Hey Guys
Finally, after many years of dreaming and reading all the great tips on here, we are going to Tampa RV show in January to buy our retirement home.... excited much!
We are going to use it in Europe for the first 5 or so years FT. Never having owned or travelled in one, I’m interested to know what add on you’ve had on your RV that you find invaluable, particularly for FTing...
If we can make it affordable, we will get a DP with a bath and a half and seem drawn to Winnebago’s, but we must stay under 39’4.
Your great advice and experience is appreciated

If I were you I'd join this group:
https://www.caravantalk.co.uk/

Basics:
Electrical Surge Protector

Generator

Solar Power

Self protection security system - Check out CaraVanTalk about this. Break in of Caravans is popular in Europe. And it is done while people are in it. One popular method is to pump some sort of sleeping gas into the coach and then rob the coach while the people are asleep.

Various electrical connections for your shore power.

cusnow2day · 08-03-2018, 03:40 PM

1 — EEZ TPMS 2 — Surge Protector 3 — BBQ Grill

Cooperhawk · 08-03-2018, 03:46 PM

How are you shipping it to Europe? Are there weight limitations? What voltage will they have available?

Ice-Man · 08-03-2018, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cooperhawk

How are you shipping it to Europe? Are there weight limitations? What voltage will they have available?

It will be shipped by container ship, arranged by the agent. The RV will have a voltage converter so that shouldn’t be a problem.

Cooperhawk · 08-03-2018, 04:29 PM

It's all a learning experience. I suspect that CGs in Europe are quite a bit different that here in the states.
Here's what we use daily.

A gas grill. Lots of places won't allow charcoal.

A tool set. Something always needs fixing.

GPS. We use the Garmin 660 RVLMT

Tire pressure monitor. I use TSTs.

Wineguard Satellite Dish. Not sure what you want in Europe.

Otherwise just add things as you need them. I always tell my DW while she loads the MH for a weeks trip, "You know they sell all that stuff where we're going." Doesn't do me any good.

96 Wideglide · 08-03-2018, 04:30 PM

Have you been on any European RV forums?

Don't think many go for 38'+ RV's over there. Lota tight roads from what I've read.

Cooperhawk · 08-03-2018, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96 Wideglide

Have you been on any European RV forums?

Don't think many go for 38'+ RV's over there. Lota tight roads from what I've read.

Uh, they live in England. Probably know what to expect.

Ice-Man · 08-03-2018, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96 Wideglide

Have you been on any European RV forums?

Don't think many go for 38'+ RV's over there. Lota tight roads from what I've read.

You are quite right, we are looking at 35 to 39’ Max as there is a max length in UK and Europe.
We are considering the Winnebago Vista 35F - petrol or The Forest River Berkshire 39 - diesel, we will have plenty of time to check them out when we are over January