HELP! What does this NEWB need?!

sljkansas wrote:
Don't buy the RV toilet paper, just buy a septic tank safe brand you'll save money. Also when taking about toilet paper, you need to discuss with wife and kids about how much toilet paper they use. less is better for the black tank, and use just enough water to empty the bowel.

should also use enough water to empty the bowl.
bumpy

A "junk box" for all those little screws, duct tape, spare hooks - just like your kitchen drawer. A small portable drill and tool set.

And for those nights sitting around the campfire and wanting to enjoy a glass of wine, don't forget a wine bottle opener.

Don't buy the RV toilet paper, just buy a septic tank safe brand you'll save money. Also when taking about toilet paper, you need to discuss with wife and kids about how much toilet paper they use. less is better for the black tank, and use enough water to empty the bowl.

You may also want to pick up a tank wand ,either flexible or straight, depending on how your toilet is plumbed.

When you dump the black tank, make sure you add 5 to 10 gallons of water back in the tank so whats left inside won't dry up. may also want to add about 1 cup of cheap laundry soap, this will help keep the tank clean. and when driving it will help clean the side cleaner.

Also camping in you driveway is a good way to find out what you need. Also after a few trips you will also find out what you don't need. Then take it out.

I didn't see it mentioned above, maybe I just missed it. You may need some way to level the RV. I use wooden blocks. If yours is a TT, I would use 2 by whatever is wide enough to support the tires and long enough to go under both wheels. Probably 2 would be enough. Motorhomes need more.

Sewer chemicals are questionable, I would only use them if you need them.

If you go to a dealer for advice just remember his job is to sell you whatever he can.

Tvov wrote:
Another vote for your driveway for your first "campout". Next camping trip, if possible, closest campground so you can run home for stuff.

Next one is hard to resist:
Try not to buy everything you "think" you will need before you actually start camping! If that makes any sense. Our first couple years camping we bought tons of "needed" stuff for the camper... then we spent the next 8 years cleaning out all the stuff we didn't actually need.

Talk with other campers about what they have, everyone loves talking about camping stuff! Everyone also has a different opinion. Get info from various people, then figure out what will work for you.

Have fun, and see you on the road!

Great advise! Not much I can add to this or previous posts.

We were in the same situation a couple years ago when we bought our 1st RV. Did a lot of research and found that you need to outfit another "house". :) Pretty much a duplicate of stuff you have in your stick house. Wal*Mart, Amazon and such are great places for supplies. Also found our local Dollar store to be valuable for things like paper plates, totes, etc.

Each of the past 2 years, our trips have gotten a little farther away and longer in duration. This year we think we're ready for a long haul to South Carolina. Been in preperations since the beginning of the year.

When you go for the first time, be sure to have a note pad and pencil. You'll soon realize the stuff you don't have and need to get for the next time. It's all a learning curve.

Happy Camping!!

Another vote for your driveway for your first "campout". Next camping trip, if possible, closest campground so you can run home for stuff.

Next one is hard to resist:
Try not to buy everything you "think" you will need before you actually start camping! If that makes any sense. Our first couple years camping we bought tons of "needed" stuff for the camper... then we spent the next 8 years cleaning out all the stuff we didn't actually need.

Talk with other campers about what they have, everyone loves talking about camping stuff! Everyone also has a different opinion. Get info from various people, then figure out what will work for you.

Have fun, and see you on the road!

Francesca Knowles wrote:
1.Go to Walmart or the local hardware store and get a water hose, a sewer hose, and a pressure regulator for the water.

2.Put some grub in the trailer, some plates/silverware, and a pot/pan or two.

3. Put cash in your wallet.

4. Pack your scanties and your panties and go camping, but not too far from civilization..

5. Everything else you need will become apparent over the course of the next few days, and you'll spend much of the trip acquiring it.

Just don't forget tip number 3....;)

Number 5....Bingo!

AND don't worry about having EVERYTHING- there's lots of stuff you can do without.

rockhillmanor wrote:

Do yourself a real big favor out the gate and buy a Rhino Sewer Hose Kit. Kit has a great collapsible type sewer hose and 'all' the connections you will ever need for CG hookups and requirements.
!

or do yourself a bigger favor and get either a sewer solution or macerator pump. invest one time and be done with the stinky slinky.
bumpy

My first outing was in my CAMP BACKYARD. Spent two days camping there...

ALot of folks do this or at least go to a local camp ground where they can drive back home to get things they forgot to take along. We have our so called "HOME CAMP GROUND" which is just 20 minutes down the road.

Will use the camp ground to test out new things... All of our camping items needs are usually picked up at WALMART and LOWES. We also have a pretty well stocked local RV dealers for camping supplies as well...

Most camp sites also have a camp store on the grounds.

We normally pick up our groceries from a WALMART on the way to the camp ground just before we arrive. The bigger walmarts have it all - supplies and food...

Roy Ken

Another tip. As you figure out items you need, check some local yard sales and thrift shops. You can find pots, pans, etc... dirt cheap and save some money for the bigger items you may discover you want. A nice small grill to keep in your TT is nice to have also. Nothing like grilling out in your favorite camping spot. The driveway camping method is a good idea if you can do it. Park it in the driveway, set up, and camp for a weekend. Anything you need, just get it from your house and put it in the camper. That, and the other tips on here, will get you a good start on your camping adventures.