Brand New RVer with Questions

[ZippyRae]

Hello! My name is Jibril and I am totally new to RV life. Quite overwhelming and have my first purchase (travel trailer) in the works. Lots of questions and though the dealership has been nice, I'd rather get information from another source. After all I know their main goal is to make the sale.

Really weighing on my mind are:

The RV will be in our driveway for several months (late summer/fall) before use. Can she be connected to the regular electric to operate lights and maybe a fan inside while we clean and pack things?

If we wanted to run it fully off electric at our home what would be needed? It'd be nice to use all items inside to iron out any potential problems before going on the road. I'd like to spend time in it on weekends - watch some TV, test out the stove/oven, see how she heats/cools, etc.

Since there won't be any other hookups what is best for keeping all in good working order while she sits? A full water tank is fine which I could use while cleaning the inside of the RV and dump water outside as no grey/black tank hookups and won't be moved for a few months until we get the truck.

The potential RV is an Outback Diamond Super-Lite 2016 326RL with two AC 15,000 and the 13,500 in the bedroom. I'm curious how they are with keeping cool. I don't mind the cold much but heat isn't the best for me so would like to try and keep it as comfortable as possible in the upcoming hot/humid East Coast summer. Been reading about tips like covering windows, using the awning, etc. but wondering if anyone has this or a similar model and how they are. The TT does seem well insulated for cold as viewed on a extremely windy 32 degree day and even though the door had been open 15+ minutes till we got to look at it, the indoor temp wasn't bad.

Due to the area I live in the windows will be kept closed 99% of the time which is just a shame in spring. (Really unpleasant factory nearby).

I know I have a lot of learning and am grateful for any tips or advice. Books are great, but so much is just those life-learned gems that simply work better.

Thank you.
ZippyRae (Jibril)

[sbleiweiss]

You can hook up to house electric (15 or 20 amp) to keep lights on and batteries charged (if you have a smart battery charger built in). To run your air conditioners you will need a 30 amp (one AC) or 50 amp outlet wired nearby. You will also need an adapter to allow your 50 amp TT to hook to either 30 or 15/20 amp outlets. And of course if dumping on ground don't use your black tank.

[ZippyRae]

Thank you Shell. I do believe it has the ability to charge the battery while connected (will double check). Also will be asking about the adapter for the hookup to lower amp outlets as would want that from day one. I know there are so many of these little things I am unaware of and am hoping to gather the most important to make the process easier and get all done before the TT leaves the dealership.

The TT will be right next the house, so the black tank won't be used at all until it comes time to travel. The grey water would just be what I would use in giving the inside a total cleaning. Wouldn't even go down the drain, just from the bucket to the plant bed. I know they'll do a cleaning, but just like to give it a good going over myself before starting to put items inside. Figure it'll make a great way to inspect all the nooks and crannies as well.

Thank you so much.

Originally Posted by sbleiweiss

You can hook up to house electric (15 or 20 amp) to keep lights on and batteries charged (if you have a smart battery charger built in). To run your air conditioners you will need a 30 amp (one AC) or 50 amp outlet wired nearby. You will also need an adapter to allow your 50 amp TT to hook to either 30 or 15/20 amp outlets. And of course if dumping on ground don't use your black tank.

[MrNiceGuy]

Here is a great place to get started.
https://m.youtube.com/#/user/rved101

[ModestMonk]

Hello Jibril and

We looked at a few Outbacks and a Jayco WhiteHawk thinking they were properly insulated. I discovered that they suggested they are above average and that may be true. However we intend on camping between October and April and searched at length to find the best insulated TT's.

Found them, both made in La Grande, Oregon:

Northwoods Mfg

And

Outdoors RV


I'm bringing this to your attention not to throw you off your path to a decision but you mentioned an insulated unit was important.

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi Jibril! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Congrats on the new rig! Keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[DenverTransplant]

When we started out with a travel trailer I discovered the Long Long Honeymoon site. First one I found was How to Back Up a Travel Trailer. Sean and Kristy now have a couple hundred videos posted on all sorts of subjects.

https://www.youtube.com/user/walkaboutgroup

[parkerbill]

I agree 100% on Long Long Honeymoon and another good web site is Love Your RV. Ray has lots of videos and how to's as well as great videos on lots of places to camp out West.

[ZippyRae]

(Hopefully doing a general reply correctly)

Thank you everyone for your welcome, advice and recommended links! I see lots of good reading & watching in my future.

MrNiceGuy - Thank you for the YouTube link. That is going to be my first stop once I am finished here. The sheer amount of info out there is unbelievable and it helps to have an idea where to start.

ModestMonk - Thank you for the welcome & advice with RVs! Right now finances play a huge part (we are relocating to the west coast and once the house is sold will take our long journey and enjoy the sites of the country for a month or so till it's time to settle once again - figure might as well take the opportunity though it is something never done before). The Outback was in the price range needed and seemed higher quality then the others on the lot. Bit worried about such a purchase as it's an investment. I am glad to know this one is said to be at least above average. I am going to look at the others you mentioned as if the house sells high enough we may end up upgrading before leaving or once resettled out west so we can continue our adventures. Our travels will mostly be summer/fall based so more on the hot side then cold for now - but a well-insulated, year round one would be ideal as you never know.

MSHappyCampers ~ Thank you for the welcome!! Your post made me smile as boy, first day on the road will be exciting yet a bit scary! God Bless!!

DenverTP ~ I appreciate the link!! Now that will be handy indeed! Before considering the TT I was looking at video to hitch/unhitch to make sure it would be doable. I love videos as it is closest to being there watching someone do things.

ParkerBill ~ Glad for a second vote for a site, and the suggestion of Luv Your RV. I think I was on that a few times when I was browsing for general info online. There are so many out there - good and bad - it is nice to get an idea for the better places to start, and with recommendations out West that will be a big help.

Wishing everyone a great Sunday.
Jibril

[scottandanna]

I have found that you can (usually) run the A/C on 20 amps, but it better be a good strong 20 amps. And don't try to use much else electrical in the trailer, definitely not A/C and microwave.

I ran fridge, battery, tv, dvd player, radio, A/C all at the same time without tripping the 20A breaker.

[Texastbird]

I can run my one 13000 btu ac with my 20 amp breaker for my garage area. Just don't turn on the electric water heater or microwave at the same time.

[cmcguire48]

Please send me an email on any questions because I learn more when I talk to other campers. Send all questions it will not be a bother at all cmcguire2@att.net

[luckyd]

Hi and welcome

Here is a great starting point.......RV Basics .com - RV Information for RVers about RVing

[Old-Biscuit]

Welcome!

IT's always nice to be able to have RV at home...especially when you can plug in AC power

IF you even think about turning on/running FRIDGE........
LEVEL the RV.
LEVEL the RV
Fridge NEEDS to be LEVEL in order to NOT overheat cooling unit (due to disrupted gravity flow from NOT being LEVEL)

LEVEL.........comfortable to walk is level enough

If I forgot to mention it
LEVEL the RV before operating FRIDGE