We are new and eager to learn

[Bad-Bunny]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!

Hubby and I are new to the RV life. We purchased a Toy Hauler and camped for a couple of days last week to make sure everything works and to get a feel for our RV.

We're heading out next week to go cross country and explore the old areas along Route 66.

As beginners, we are anxious to hear from all of you about your favorite BEGINNING tips.

I don't even know how to store our kitchen and bathroom items, or what to take along.

Thank you in advance for any tips.

All the Best,
Bad Bunny

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We’re sure glad you joined the gang here!

Congrats on the new rig! Have fun and keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!


MERRY CHRISTMAS!

[Spdracr39]

Welcome !!
There are many good folks here to offer help and advice, glad you could join the party
Safe Travels!!

[rarebear.nm]

A common practice with a new rig is to go and camp at a Walmart for at least one night. That way you can make many trips into the store to get things you have missed. And you will miss some items.


People's needs vary a great deal and all kinds of way to store that stuff. Here's a list I assembled to provide some ideas.


RV Stuff

Power cord and 25-30ft extension
Power cord adapters, if you have 50 amp, then carry a 30amp to 50 amp adapter (dog bone), I also carry a 20amp to 30 amp adapter
25 to 30ft of quality sewer hose
Sewer hose slinky to maintain slope, required at some parks
Sewer hose wrench set and drain plug wrench, usually orange plastic
Spare sewer hose end washers, they fall out sometimes
Box of disposable gloves for handling sewer lines, the 5 mil ones are fine to me
Two 25 ft drinking water hoses. I use a pair of 300lb burst hoses
45 or 90 degree brass water hose adapter to ease the bend at the RV
Spare hose washers
A hand towel/ shop towel to dry your hands from wet hoses. Sometimes hoses and power cords need to be wiped down from mud/dirt, etc.
A brass hose Y adapter. Sometimes you have to share a water facet
Another hose for black tank flushing, I put red electrical tape on both ends to identify it from my drinking water hoses.
A water bandit to connect to damaged hose bibs, I also added thumb hose clamps to hold the bandit on better.
Either a portable or built in water filter. Use can use Camco blue filters, very common or plump in a residential whole house water filter
A water pressure regulator, I use a residential Watts unit with ½ pipe fittings. Mine is built into the internal system. Could be set with adapters to use outside. Most of the “pressure” regulators you find are really water flow reducers. They do reduce the pressure but may also reduce the water flow. These are not the same as a true pressure regulator. But you need something because some parks have really high water pressure that may damage your plumbing.
Variety of flashlights, perhaps hand held and head lamps as you like.
Spare batteries for anything that uses them
Some kind of jack pads to protect the pavement or prevent the jacks/levers from sinking into soft ground.
Front door mat
May want a RV patio rug
Folding chairs as desired. It is common is to carry only two. If company comes over its bring your own chairs typically
Perhaps a folding table/table cloth and hold down clips as desired
Outdoor grill if you like. RV may have an external propane connection for a grill. If so you’ll need the hose adapter.
Borax or other ant repellant for some places
Tools and spare parts, that’s another long list for me. Some people only carry a credit card for a tool set. What ever is your style.
Other toys as desired.
We use various plastic tubs to store this stuff in to keep things neater in the storage compartments. What works varies greatly. Keep sewer stuff away from drinking water stuff.
Consider the age old debate if you want to carry a mounted spare tire, just a spare or none. This is always a lively thread subject, just search for it. You don’t want to start another thread on this subject.
An electrical power protection device, like a PD 30 or 50 amp device, either built in or portable. I always use the built in version, another lively debate subject, search for it.
Some people like having an autoformer. Like a Hughes Autoformer. Used to correct low voltage, may be prohibited at some parks, just saying.
Sometimes you may need something to force/keep your sewer hose in the drain hole when things don’t fit well. I just find something local, other folks like to carry a weight of some kind, your choice.
I also carry a sewer riser section. Simply a 3” male threaded ABS adapter joined to a female threaded adapter. About 6” long overall. Nice when the sewer drain is in the bottom of a concrete depression that your 90 degree hose end can’t fit. Not a common problem, but I see it. Parts from Lowes or HD.
Depending on where you travel you may want a RV GPS system. We just use a phone app for our GPS, your choice
A tire pressure monitoring system, TPMS. It can save a lots of trouble and damage. Some rigs may come with one. There are several good ones, again search for a thread, already a beat to death subject.
A small air compressor to inflate tires as needed. A common option is the Viair 450 model, could be a 120v electric unit as well. Just make sure it produces air at 25-30 PSI above your tire pressure. Many options here, search for it.
A good quality tire pressure gauge. I like digital ones.
Good paper maps as well as digital GPS, maps, trip planning tools etc.
A pair of walkie-talkies is very handing to get backed into some camp-sites.
Small vacuum and broom/dust pan and assorted cleaning supplies for both inside and outside.
A ladder to clean windows and what not.


Just experience, we don’t really need all the clothes we frequently bring. Sometimes, we’ve went too heavy on warm stuff and not enough colder stuff and then got to buy more. Not a problem to the DW.

We keep a set of files on board for all of our repair/improvement expense and stuff. Also carry another file for camp reservations and trip information.

Oh don’t forget your significant other when departing.

Most of all have fun and be safe….

[Skip426]

Welcomer to iRV2

You haven't mentioned your starting point .

Many arears of old Route 66 are not particularly accessible at this time of year.
Many areas will have snow and are way beyond cold; not great for first timers.

JMHO; keep close to home for at least 10 more days, to figure out your packing and RV systems.
Then start investigating weather forecasts along your planned route, to be ABSOLUTLY sure you, your RV and tow vehicle are up to the challenge.

Stay safe. We don't want your first RV adventure to be the one that could turn you off off the RV lifestyle.

[RonandDeb]

Welcome to the show!


I would take a few hours and binge watch youtube videos regarding beginner camping. You'll find a ton of information.


I wouldn't go anywhere until you're sure of what you're doing. It's a lot of work and could be intimidating. Even some of the simplest of mistakes can ruin your trip.


Good luck!!

[hamm2018]

Originally Posted by Bad-Bunny

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!

Hubby and I are new to the RV life. We purchased a Toy Hauler and camped for a couple of days last week to make sure everything works and to get a feel for our RV.

We're heading out next week to go cross country and explore the old areas along Route 66.

As beginners, we are anxious to hear from all of you about your favorite BEGINNING tips.

I don't even know how to store our kitchen and bathroom items, or what to take along.

Thank you in advance for any tips.

All the Best,
Bad Bunny

For our toy hauler, Road Warrior 427, we put in sliding trays in the kitchen lower cabinets and stackable wire trays in the overhead cabinets. It gives more room to store dishes. Wife bought Corelle dishes at an outlet center and we have used these for 3 1/2 years full time.
One thing you may find out is that the garage will not get very warm. Check underneath and see if the under belly under the garage is enclosed. Our is not, because of the fuel tanks for the toys & generator need to vent.
Also check your low point drain outlets, these are the red and blue water lines hanging down from the bottom of the RV. Before you get to cold weather insulate these or try to stuff these up into the underbelly to keep these from freezing on you.
Any other questions ask away.