Getting started....

[aknavy]

So, in my quest to go full time RV'ing, I decided to rent a friends that was sitting lonely in storage, as he has been unable to sell it and has no truck to use it anymore. It's being delivered tomorrow, and I'm setting up for two weeks in it. It's a Cyclone 4100, which isn't my first choice of trailer type, but it allows me to try it out with no commitment.

With that being said - other than putting it on the pad, leveling it, and hooking up water/sewer/electricity, what surprises do I have in store for me?

It's currently winterized - anything to do besides flush it out?

Thanks for any advice!

[Skip426]

I hope your set up close to home so you can run back for those " forgotten items " there will be a lot.
I've been RVing for 20+ years and still finding out that no matter how comprehensive your list for packing , you'll forget something.... or a lot of somethings.

[monkey]

Since it has been sitting a while,,, check the furnace/fridge openings on the outside for wasp nests or such.... As soon as you turn on the water, check for leaks. If its cold where you are, make sure the propane tanks are filled... Check/replace smoke detector batteries... Simple things... Good luck and ask away !!! Keep us informed. Monkey
PS,, not sure of that model 5vr, but since you say it is "winterized" , make sure the water heater bypass (if it has one) is set in the proper position. There should be a fresh water drain on the tank. Make sure it is closed. Don't turn on the water heater until you are Sure water is in the tank and lines !

[aknavy]

Well, made it thru delivery and setup. Only had a couple hiccups - the drain plug for the hot water heater was out, and it took me a min to figure that out. Flushing the antifreeze and getting water running everywhere was pretty simple. Didn't find any leaks, but did notice that the undermount sink is slightly separated from the sink, allowing water to get into the cupboard. Looking at it, it appears that the counter and sink supports are poorly constructed and need some reinforcing, then resealing the sink. All in all, nothing serious.

[monkey]

Glad everything is going ok so far. There is nothing "rocket science" about a rv. BUT many things are a little different. I have learned SO many things here from these nice people. Any questions, just ask away. I'm sure someone will come along to help you.
Monkey

[aknavy]

So, after a week in the trailer, here are my observations/issues:

1. Waste tank valves mislabeled. Figured out which is which, but is it that hard to label correctly?

2. Black tank wouldn't drain. Not a drop. Before using, I put water in, and it's just me, so not alot of use. I use extra water every time I flush, just because.
Ended up hooking up the flush connection, adding water, then repeatedly opening and closing valve until water started flowing. Eventually got it to work reliably.

3. Tonight was the first time I was interested in TV, so I ****attempted***** to hook up cable. Another example of labeling issues - nothing labeled. Nothing. So - at this point, I've got the antenna channels working. No combination of cable inputs seems to work. I can't find the antenna booster, so it may be on and interfering. Any idea of where to look besides bedroom and entertainment center?

Other than this, everything seems to be going ok. Of course, I must have mentally checked out when I "packed" for this adventure, cause I seem to have forgot everything. Still managing to avoid too many trips to the store, so I think I'll make it till going home. I really don't want to buy stuff, cause I have so much at home.

Thanks for any assistance you can provide.

[TonyDi]

Skip426 advice is spot on. Stay close the first few times. Making sure everything is working before you take it far away. Then if something does go wrong it will be easy to fix.

[Wolffox00]

aknavy, your sig shows your looking to full time in a 5th wheel. When you get ready, look at Grand Design's Reflection and Solitude brands. A lot of full timers purchase them.