Community Forums

discnik · 08-16-2017, 09:59 PM

The wife and I just started financing a Dutchman, NorthShore, 28', 9000lb,5er, & 2005 Silverado, 2500HD, 6.0l. Question on the tip out. When not in use should it be kept in or out ? What is the Best way to sanitize,(Insure it is safe to use), the Potable water tank ? Should I leave the 5er hooked to house electricity for the frig, etc. ? Where is the best place to buy a trailer cover ? More to come as we get our feet wet. Still trying to find hitch rails & install kit. Using a PRO Series 15k hitch. Any comments and wisdom greatly appreciated. We are hoping to have both paid off by retirement time, God Willing. Thank You for your time.

jimcumminsw · 08-17-2017, 01:08 PM

I would always leave the slide in when you are not using the trailer. You do not need to keep the fridge on when in storage, just insure that the doors remain open to prevent mold and mildew. If you have an RV fridge there should be some plastic clips that attach to the doors to help keep them open when in storage.

There are many ways as there are Sundays to sanitize the fresh water tank. I use a product that is called Taste Pure. Although we do not use the fresh water tank at all when we travel. I bring our house tap water in water containers for drinking purposes and use campground hook-ups with water filter for washing dishes and showers. When we run out of drinking water, we will refill the containers at a Wal Mart or some other store that offers water dispensing machines.

Mr_D · 08-17-2017, 01:15 PM

1/4 cup standard bleach per 15 gallons of tank capacity. Run through all the plumbing and let sit at least 4 hours, then rinse as necessary.
Leave slide in. I've never used a cover and don't plan to.

discnik · 08-17-2017, 11:26 PM

Thank you for your input. As far as the drinking water I take it, it is best to use what you are use to or purified rather than risk digestive problems ? Is it wise to use surge protectors when staying at a park ?

jmck1737 · 08-18-2017, 07:32 AM

We have found some campgrounds have good water but others are more questionable. We now use the 5 gallon jugs and a pump from Lowes. Either buy another jug or take to walMart to refill. We start trip by filling jug from our well water from home.

We carry 30 or so gallons in our tank for use while traveling or a overnight boondock. If the water sits for more than a couple of weeks in summer between uses we flush and sanitize with bleach We fill with water from our deep well so we have no chlorine to keep water longer and do not want added chemicals.

bddadles · 08-18-2017, 08:34 AM

If it is just parked I'd leave the slides in. There is also no need to leave the electric hooked up unless you are cooling the frig in preparation for a trip. I have never put a cover on a trailer I just parked it inside but now I'm a full timer so there is never a need to cover it. Now that you have it be sure to get out and use it. Don't get to busy to enjoy it.

Brad