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Mountianeer's avatar
Mountianeer
Explorer
Sep 23, 2014

Picking up our first TT on Friday...what to expect?

Selected our new TT...check
Installed Prodigy P2 Brake Controller on our 2012 GMC Sierra...check
Dealer installed sway control...check

Going in for PDI/Orientation this Friday. Our dealer says to expect 2-3 hours for this process. What should we be looking for? Questions we should ask? We are new to this and want it to be as painless as possible. Thanks in advance for your advice.
  • Hi All. Just an update. We picked up our new Apex Friday. We had a really good, patient tech do our walk through with us. We asked a lot of questions. Tested everything. BUT our heads are spinning just a bit. The water heater is the biggest thing I've still got some reading to do. We plan a 3 night/4 day maiden voyage in two weeks.

    Thanks to everyone for their advice!
  • Mountianeer wrote:
    The water heater is the biggest thing I've still got some reading to do.


    Congrats! I googled your camper model, very nice!

    Be sure to never turn the water heater on without water in the tank. Always be in this mindset when turning on the WH. Fill and from a sink bleed the air from the "hot" water line to ensure its full.


    If your WH is like my suburban WH maybe this will help.

    You have two switch's. One in the camper, one outside on the WH.

    Always start with both switch's set to OFF.

    Think of the switch in the camper as the ON/OFF only. From your mindset it doesn't matter if its electric or propane. "Inside switch ON/OFF only."

    To use propane:
    Turn on the propane, light the stove to bleed the line. (Only need to do once when camping.)
    Turn OFF both HW switch's. (Wall switch and WH electric option switch on the WH)
    Turn ON wall switch. WH will try to light from propane.
    Turn OFF wall switch when done.
    Turn ON wall switch to reheat
    Turn OFF wall switch when done.
    Turn ON wall switch to reheat
    etc...


    To use electric:
    Propane can be on or off.
    Turn OFF both switch's. (Wall switch and WH electric option switch on the WH) *I say this just to give you a known starting point.
    Go outside, turn on WH electric option switch on the WH)
    From inside, Turn ON wall switch. WH will use electric.
    Turn OFF wall switch when done.
    Turn ON wall switch to reheat
    Turn OFF wall switch when done.
    Turn ON wall switch to reheat
    etc...

    ********************************************************


    *As long as the outside WH switch is set to (ON) it will use the electric, when the inside wall switch is turned on/off.

    *As long as the outside WH switch is set to (OFF) it will use the propane, when the inside wall switch is turned on/off.


    Note: (Again this how mine works), my wall switch has a light. When its illuminated while the wall switch is ON, the WH is not lit. When its trying to ignite, the light goes out. It will try 3 times before quitting. If it can't light, the light will stay on. If the light is out and the wall switch is set to ON, it means everything is good.

    -HTH.
  • Mountianeer wrote:
    We plan a 3 night/4 day maiden voyage in two weeks.


    Camp driveway is the best place.

    Why wait, Get some propane, hook up some water, electric, make dinner and spend the night in the driveway in the camper. Start using it now. Get to know it now and see if you have any issues that need addressed.


    *Keep in mind, your battery will drain as the camper always has something turned on. CO2 detector, radio clock, etc... Connect electric if you can or remember to charge your battery.

    Good luck and enjoy!
  • Thanks for the tips docnascar! We really like our unit. We think it's a good mix of size (for a couple), storage, amenities, and construction quality.

    I wish we could camp in the driveway. We live in a townhouse for now. No camping allowed! My wife suggested we camp at the mini-storage lot where we have it parked. A big no-no there too. So our trip in 2 weeks is close to home and extended family we can call for support if needed.
  • Thats a bummer you can't use Camp Driveway.... :(

    Since your camper is in storage most of the time and if not already done, I would recommend you remove your battery and propane tanks. There is a high theft rate of batteries from storage lots. I've actually had my battery stolen while my camper was in my driveway next to my house! Alternatively you could use a metal box or a battery box lock; but bolt cutters and/or some other hand tools can cut through alot of things.

    Removal while in storage is most secure.