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Community Alumni's avatar
Community Alumni
Mar 21, 2017

1st trip in the "new" RV

So the wife and I are taking our 2 boys and 2 dogs to go camping this weekend for the first camping trip in the RV. We have purchased quite a bit of starter things that I think we need and few "luxury" items that I know the wife will need. We are going to Lake Martin in Alabama. The military has a FamCamp there. We have tent camped at the exact site that were are setting up the RV so we know what to expect as far amenities (not much) and general layout of the site. There isn't much hiking to do and the water is probably still too cold to go swimming so we will just be fishing and hanging out and breaking in the RV. We have a list that we will be keeping for items that we want for the next camping trip (I know this list never ends...lol).

My primary goal for this trip is to make sure the wife and kids are happy. Mainly the wife.

Primary checklist for the RV
- working sewer system
- working water system
- electric in working condition for the RV (generator primed for backup in case of power problems on site, I also have a EMS because I don't trust the military's electric)
- working fridge for food to showcase my grilling skills
- leveling blocks
- tire pressure gauge and portable air compressor
- fishing equipment and bicycles for the boys

I have been tent camping countless times so I have the general camping equipment (chairs, rug, etc). Other than that we plan on relaxing as much as a 13 year old and a 9 year will allow. One of the activities I plan on doing is completing with my 9 year old his "walk about" badge for boy scouts.

I am super excited to see how this goes with the wife. Last time we tent camped here, she said she would never camp again unless it was in an RV.
  • Community Alumni's avatar
    Community Alumni
    I actually do all the cooking. Momma will just fish, read, and relax. She is also in charge of the dogs.
    Premade meals is a great idea, so I can enjoy camping more. I will spend most of my time baiting the boys' hooks and preparing camp.
  • Suggestion, pre-make some meals so Momma doesn't have to work too hard camping and she will enjoy it more. If Momma ain't happy, you won't be either...have fun!
  • Community Alumni's avatar
    Community Alumni
    We plan on doing an overnight setup in the driveway this week. We had a 30 amp outlet installed at the house just for that reason.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    We always do a back yard setup with anything new or go our local base camp site which is just 25 miles from here in Virginia at Westmoreland State Park. Always good idea to try out all of the new items when you close to home or Walmart/Lowes haha...

    Been to Lake Martin in ALA a few times myself... great place to camp... Used to work with the guys outside of Wetumpka on DOD projects and I was allowed to bring along my camper on trips...

    Many memories associated with the Alabama trips...

    Enjoy your stay there...

    Roy Ken