Community Forums

Goneracin · 04-03-2014, 12:43 PM

We purchased a Keystone Passport Express Super Lite last fall and havent used it yet. We are planning our first trip Memorial Day weekend. What do I need to do to get her ready? What are some items you all keep stocked in your travel trailers that I should add?

I have already bought a new battery and a battery tender that will be installed this week. Propane is full. And I know I need to drain the antifreeze and flush it all with water. What else.

Thanks in advance

450Donn · 04-03-2014, 12:56 PM

Holding tank treatment, toilet paper, food, clothes, cooking utensils, bedding are what your going to need. How much of each is up to you. We have always stocked our RV like our home. For the last few years, then only things that come out during the summer is perishable food. In the fall basically anything that can freeze comes out. And the dehumidifier goes in. Proper dewinterizing the potable water system is crucial to having clean water to drink. First trip you should plan to be close to home or at least near a Walmart to buy what you might have forgotten. Do not move stuff from house to RV and back to house. That is really a bad idea. Have dedicated RV stuff. It really makes life easier.
BTW if you have an Ipad download RVchecklist for free. Great app that you can use to pack your RV each trip.

Goneracin · 04-03-2014, 01:00 PM

That all sounds about right. Thanks.

I will look up that app, but I have a droid, not sure if its there. Thanks

**NLOVNIT** · 04-03-2014, 01:17 PM

Yep, pretty much everything you need at home you'll need for an RV. Take measurements of any storage bays so you can get tubs/containters to fit that'll hold stuff. To add to Don's list (& x2 on having dedicated stuff for RV):

Some kind of voltage protector (most of us have Progressive Industries) to protect your electronics/appliances
Bleach, vinegar & Dawn dish detergent (multiple cleaning/sanitizing uses)
Sewer hose kit & an extra 10ft piece (to stretch your connection if needed)
Disposable rubber gloves & Lysol/Chlorox wipes (for dumping tanks job)
Regular & drinkable water hoses (2-25ft recommended) & spigot Y-connector
Water pressure regulator (we've been in CG's w/pressure as high as 125psi - that'll blow a line in the blink of an eye)
Water thief (to get water when the CG faucet isn't threaded)
Shop towels
Broom or stick vac
Small tool kit
Duct tape/Eternabond tape
Silicon caulk
Slide lube (if you've got slides) / Silicone spray (for jacks)
Matches or a lighter (for campfires)
Bug spray

There's so much more I could mention but more members will contribute their ideas & you'll figure out what you need & don't need.

Congrats on your RV & Happy trails!

Lori-

Goneracin · 04-04-2014, 05:26 AM

Thats all some great stuff. Its amazing how many things I read and think "oh yeah, of course, why didnt I think of that?" Great list

By the way I did find the RV checklist, it is quite elaborate, but a good checklist to use until I get it all in a habit.

Keep the advice coming.

monkey · 04-08-2014, 06:01 PM

First aid kit,,, just in case....

ahicks · 04-08-2014, 07:37 PM

Before that big outing, suggest one that's close by, like in your driveway? An overnight stay there will let you chase down the missing stuff pretty easily. Second trip, maybe a weekend at a park within 10-20 miles of home? That one should be pretty enlightening, revealing most any issue without possible serious repercussions?

Get through those outings, then you can leave to go anywhere with experience and confidence.....

Goneracin · 04-09-2014, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahicks

Before that big outing, suggest one that's close by, like in your driveway? An overnight stay there will let you chase down the missing stuff pretty easily. Second trip, maybe a weekend at a park within 10-20 miles of home? That one should be pretty enlightening, revealing most any issue without possible serious repercussions?

Get through those outings, then you can leave to go anywhere with experience and confidence.....

Not a bad Idea, maybe we will give her a little driveway test run.

And the first aid kit is an obvious one, at least it should be, thanks for adding it to my list since it wasnt on there.

BCooke · 04-09-2014, 08:23 AM

The other thing I do at the start of the season is take it out local land make a 10-20 mile pull. Check brakes, hub temperatures....
Most of our trips are 3 hours, better to find out close to home.

Goneracin · 04-09-2014, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCooke

The other thing I do at the start of the season is take it out local land make a 10-20 mile pull. Check brakes, hub temperatures....
Most of our trips are 3 hours, better to find out close to home.

Good idea, will do!