Newbie

Forrest1975 wrote:
Hello everybody. Just got a 2015 Ram 2500 6.4 hemi and will be going to get my first fifth wheel this week. I will be driving from Perry, Iowa to Key Largo, Fl by myself and this will be my first experience towing a fifth wheel. . I am looking for some general advice for a first timer. Wondering if there's any routes I should avoid (planning on following gps) advice for campgrounds gas stations etc. also if anybody is towing with the same truck any advice on using tow mode, manual or auto etc would be greatly appreciated.

Some good advice, so far. I'd add to take some time at home and find a big, empty lot, and practice turning and backing. Get some cheap cones at WalMart to mark your spots. Also, if your PDI when you pick up the FW is anything less than 2 hours, you're getting short-changed. ESPECIALLY being a newbie, you should plan on =at least= 2 hours, 3-4 if you can get them to agree with it. Video the entire process, if possible, because you =will= forget stuff. Another good thing to do, is to "driveway camp" for a night or two to familiarize yourself with all, and I mean ALL, the systems.

Another thing to look for on the web, are checklists. 3 lists is a good thing. One for contents; pots, pans, utensils, dish rags, dish soap, sheets, towels, TOOLS, PHONE CHARGERS, etc. Second list for pre-hitching walk-around and hitching procedure. Third list for unhitching and post-unhitch/set-up at your site. Better to have too much than not enough. You can modify the lists for your specific use as you become more familiar with camping. I've met more than one camper who, even after camping for decades, still uses checklists and have seen a couple guys with laminated lists that they check off as they go.

Lyle