New to RV'ing

Not even seeing this camper yet I'd like to put the solar panels on the roof if there is enough room up there (should be I would think).

What kind of batteries and how many are you using?

I use a 75W solar panel to keep the batteries charged while dry camping. I cut a short extension cord in half and wired one half to the panel wires and the other half going into the controller. Coming out of the controller I wired a 7 pin receptacle just like what's on the back of the truck. Thus, I can plug the trailer's pigtail into it. I set the panel on the ground, sometimes propped up on a rock or anything handy. If I need more wire to get into a sunny patch, I add a standard 25' or 50' extension cord between the panel and controller. Very easy when you have those standard plugs in the line.

If you just want to run a fan, LED lights, and the occasional burst of the water pump and whatnot, the two 6V batts and a 100W panel should keep you going for several days (unless you just don't get any sunshine at all).

An '04 Tahoe most likely has the 4L60E 4-speed transmission. If you don't have the full tow package I'd urge you to install a good size transmission cooler.

The Tahoe probably has the brake controller wires taped up under the dash (my '04 Envoy did.) Get a good brake controller (Prodigy is one highly rated one) and splice the brake controller harness wires by function and not by color. I don't think the Tahoe is plug 'n play but I may be wrong.

And you'll need a weight distribution hitch. The Tahoe will have a soft suspension & you'll need a WD hitch.

Then you'll need the mundane stuff - sewer hose, fresh water hose & pressure regulator, wheel chocks, and levelling blocks. A 20 to 30A adapter and maybe an extension cord if you camp with electric hookup.

Good thing your willing to do some of your own fixing it's something that comes in handy. There is an R-Vision camping forum where you may find some good information about Trail Lites -http://www.r-visioncamping.org/modules.php?name=Forums.

You certainly jumped into the deep end with both feet. Just having a Tahoe and a hitch does not at all make you ready to tow. You will need a brake controller in your truck and you will need a Weight distributing hitch to hold the whole thing together with.
Neither are optional!

mbopp wrote:
Welcome, and congrats on the NTU trailer.

One big question - what are you towing it with?

For off-grid camping the modifications can range from installing LED lighting and dual batteries to all-out solar and generator options. And besides power there's the fresh and gray water to consider.

I have a 2004 full sized Chevy Tahoe to haul with...Towing shouldn't be a problem. It has a 2 inch hitch and hookup already installed.

I've learned quite a bit so far about the tanks and the fun that they can provide. I'm eagerly anticipating going over this thing!

If I'm camping off grid it will only be for a few days....four at most. I'm looking into using two 6 volt golf cart batteries to give me some extra juice!

I don't really have any friends that have campers. My family never did. This is uncharted territory for me! Should be a fun learning experience!

This unexpected RV purchase is slowing up my Telescope rebuild project! I have too many projects going on right now!

As an owner of a Hybrid TT for over 8 years, I have to warn you that a hybrid is not for everyone.
suggest you go to the Hybrid section here and read up as much as possible.
ESPECIALLY threads about what to look for on a used hybrid.

Lord,

Do you have a friend that has been RVing a while??
Ask his help.
Learning about all the systems is a great place to start.
There will never be an emergency in your driveway in nice weather.
Get the Family into a power and water conservation mode NOW.
Know how to dump the black tank. You will want disposable gloves (at least at the start).
What is the difference between an adventure and an ordeal? Attitude!
Not everybody is Bilbo Baggins. "Nasty, disturbing, uncomfortable things, they make you late for dinner.”

Matt

Welcome, and congrats on the NTU trailer.

One big question - what are you towing it with?

For off-grid camping the modifications can range from installing LED lighting and dual batteries to all-out solar and generator options. And besides power there's the fresh and gray water to consider.

I've been watching a ton of Youtube videos going over the plumbing and electrical systems. I've been teaching myself Carbon fiber resin infusion in the same way!

I'm a bit of a tinkerer so I'll have to restrain myself from taking it apart!