Community Forums

theduktor · 08-22-2010, 08:56 AM

We experienced our first 2 nights in our new{2005}coachmen freelander{28}.
We live in central florida and as a result of a conversation at the barber shop we were advised of a campground near old town in kissimmee fl.
Driving down the turnpike we were truly as they say grooving.The check-in was complicated by a tremendous thunderstorm which lasted a short time. We were escorted to our pull-thru site and found our first problem.We had no cable to extend from cable service to the camper.My wife and friendly escort went back to the store while i hooked up the rest of the utilities.I was pleasantly surprised at how much i remembered and how simple it was,even the awning ,which was demonstrated once, went smooth.
Our concerns were the water heater which works on propane,and once started heated the water to very hot within an hour.The a/c cycled properly as set by the thermostat and even though we had invested in a new ikea mattress,the first night sleep was not the best.Getting in and out of the bed to use the bathroom was challenging,but by the fourth time we learnt the secret.
My wife is a foodie and truly loved preparing and the rv eating experience.One night a stove and microwave meal and the next a barbecue.Two nights went fast and the next morning we closed up.This was rather simple and we dumped and flushed,closed down with no trouble ,until the awning.We needed guidance from other rvers as to retracting the awning.As we headed home we realized our fantasties were becoming realities,and we look forward to more.

RickO · 08-22-2010, 09:37 AM

Welcome to the forum bronxboy! Sounds like you're on your way!

**CLIFFTALL** · 08-22-2010, 10:14 AM

Welcome Bronx boy.

I was born in that great Borough and grew up in the north east section off Allerton Ave.

I was just there last week as my Mother still lives there.

Wayne M · 08-22-2010, 10:16 AM

Be wery wery carful.

It becomes addictive.

Madame Boomer · 08-22-2010, 11:21 AM

Welcome, Bronxboy, to the forums and we look forward to many more stories of your adventures! We've all had our "first two nights" and you'll be adding to the memories soon enough!

Sandy

dsbike · 08-22-2010, 11:53 AM

Welcome to the iRV2 forum & to the Coachman owners.
May I make a suggestion on the hot water heater. When we first got our Coachman we would turn on the hot water heater & leave it on until we were ready to move on. We used a lot of propane in the first few months, I would fill a 20lb bottle every 2-3 weeks. We now anticipate when we are going to need hot water & turn it on about 15 minutes before we plan to use hot water. We leave the door to the switch open when the hot water heater is on. close it when off. You will usually have warm to hot water all day if you use it only to wash your hands after turning it on in the morning to take a shower then off after the showers are complete. We now use a 20 lb bottle of propane about every 3 months. However we do not cook very often.
Happy camping, Dan

Jol912 · 08-22-2010, 01:19 PM

Welcome Bronxboy!
From a fellow new member and Floridian. We have only been members for a short time but have found several helpful hints and ideas in the forums. Hope you enjoy rving as much as we have so far. Yes, we have had a few funny experiences in the last two months, but things are getting better.