Community Forums

shanman · 03-04-2014, 07:13 PM

Hello everybody,

I like all of you enjoy the great outdoors. I am looking forward to talking to like mined people that enjoy camping as much as me and my family do.

A quick synopsis of myself. I am married and have 3 kids 4, 2, 6 months and all love to camp. My in-laws have a 30 foot keystone ultra lite that they have owned for about 6 years now. Last spring I decided to take the plunge and buy a popup trailer since my little ones enjoyed camping with grandma and grandpa so much and this way we could have our own setup and it is great family time. This did not last long and I sold it by the end of summer and purchased a full 30 foot keystone bobcat? I was able to get out with it a few times before winter using my in-laws tow vehicle but now I am tasked with finding something to tow this thing with. Well that was until today. I purchased a Ford F250 diesel. Problems solved.

My family and I are looking forward to traveling around the country and camping. Looks like I jumped in feet first. I should have a setup that should last for a few years. Yes I am already looking at 5ers.

Since I am still new to the whole diesel and travel trailer camping thing I would welcome all suggestions from season campers. I look forward to meeting everybody. Cheers

**JohnRR** · 03-04-2014, 08:54 PM

Good luck with your plans.

Chiefbvfd · 03-05-2014, 06:25 AM

Welcome and congrats on your new setup....

Medico · 03-05-2014, 06:53 AM

Welcome and glad to meet you!

**TonyDi** · 03-05-2014, 06:53 AM

Great to have you on board. My best suggestion is to make a checklist of everything you have to do to get your trailer on the road. Over time you will add to this list as you find new things that have to be done. Then check that list every time you get ready to hit the road. You'll never have to worry about leaving it plugged in and drive away, or some other calamity.

Fred1609 · 03-05-2014, 07:00 AM

You've done a great thing for your family. You will create life long memories around RVing....Good for you.

bdickson · 03-05-2014, 07:09 AM

Superslif · 03-05-2014, 07:31 AM

With 3 young ones you and the DW will have your hands full. You sure will have more space for all your stuff than the Pop-up offered.

Only thing or 2 or 3 I can add is we keep a long narrow tote ( 30" x 15" x 15" ) with snap on cover to keep all the shoes and boots in. And another rubber made bin for all the toys and sporting good (Frisbee, bat & baseballs, gloves, badmitten?, balls, pool toys, sand toys...this way everything goes back in the bin, and you have one bin to load. Once they get to the bicycle age I keep a small box of bike repair items. Extra inner-tube, brake cable, tire patch kit, air pump, valve stem remover.

I also keep a small box of assorted screws, bolts, nuts, washers, cotter pins, electrical connectors, nails, electrical tape, duck tape. Extra hot water drain plug, Large lag bolts (for awning support brackets). You just never know when you or a fellow RVer will need it. Twice now, a fellow RVer had their awning arm pull out of the RV wall. Used a larger lag bolt to re-attach it again. O, pipe tape in case the drain plug for the hot water tank starts to leak. So basically you have a home on wheels...

I think of our 25' tt as a condo on wheel, except we can go many different places. A buddy of mine bought a $350k lake front townhome and then found out, the state of NY. has very high property taxes...

I paid 16k for my condo (on wheel) and don't have to pay property taxes, association fees, utilities.... and I'm free to move about the country. We use ours about 60 nights a year.

aschuh53 · 03-05-2014, 07:45 AM

welcome to irv2

shanman · 03-05-2014, 08:42 AM

Thank you all for your advice.

Is there any software you can buy that will help make trip plans?

Superslif · 03-05-2014, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Is there any software you can buy that will help make trip plans?

Personally I have a note pad I have check-offs for like: beer, $$$$, extra glasses, rain coat, cell + charger, dvd's, stop mail, bike helmets, backpack....depending where we go ( lake, mountains, beach) I may add things to it...like kayak +(paddles), umbrella (beach) extra firewood.

MSHappyCampers · 03-05-2014, 10:17 AM

Welcome to IRV2 and to the wonderful world of RV'ing!

It's great that you are introducing your kids to camping. Hope you enjoy the forum!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

sadrand · 03-05-2014, 10:23 AM

Hello and welcome! I recommend this Youtube channel by a couple who is travelling in a motorhome with 6 kids.

B D HOWie · 03-05-2014, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shanman

Thank you all for your advice.

Is there any software you can buy that will help make trip plans?

Welcome
RV trip wizard is web based. I have not used it enough to be fully comfortable with it yet. There may be others.
Packing, loading, and departure checklists I use Paperless on my smart phone. Separate lists for each.
Last minute pre-drive off double check I use low tech clothes pins on the lowered sun visor for antenna down, step stool in, shore power stowed, etc. only removed after visual confirmation.
Safe travel.
Paul