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rollindownthero's avatar
rollindownthero
Explorer II
Apr 23, 2020

Purchased my first RV

After a long time researching RV's I finally bought my first one.

Purchased a 2018 Prime Time Tracer 253AIR. Had the floor plan and storage that I like. It is 28' with one slide and rear kitchen, a good size to start with. I will be using it weekends and vacations. When I retire I would like to full time in a travel trailer but will probably be a different one than this one. I figured I would get something not overly huge to start with to see if I even like it. It is just me so this one should perfect.

I got what I thought was a good deal on it. They ended up taking $2,500.00 off the price. Also got a Equalizer 4 Point hitch, 10,000 lb. They wanted to do one with 2 Point sway control. I called their parts department and spoke with them to see which one they recommended. They said the 4 Point was much better. They did the 4 Point one for the same price as the 2 point.

Once this Covid19 thing clears up I can't wait to start using it. Want to visit state parks. I live in Florida so I can use it year round. I've been busy buying all the stuff that I need to use it, sewer hoses, drinking water hose, electric surge protector, water pressure gauge, sheets, jack pads, etc., etc., etc. I am sure my first time out I will have forgotten something.

So already 2 questions for all you experts:
1) Where do you store your sewer hoses? I ordered a Camco RhinoExtreme, total of 30'.

2) Can I operate the slide on just the battery? I am picking it up this weekend, want to bring it home and give it a good cleaning. Want to move the slide out to do this.

20 Replies

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  • bikendan's avatar
    bikendan
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2020
    Congrats! We bought our new 2016 TracerAir 255 a few years ago. It's been a very good TT, once a few issues were fixed. We got it for a great price, for the West Coast.

    We move our slideout, on just the battery, all the time.
    I store my Camco sewer hose in the bumper.
    I lucked out and got a bunch of adapters from a fellow member, at a great price. It also is a rear kitchen floorplan but came with theater recliners.
  • rollindownthero's avatar
    rollindownthero
    Explorer II
    Apr 23, 2020
    I have seen the plastic tubes that you can mount on the bumper. I haven't ordered that yet. I am picking up the TT this weekend so I will look at my options once I have it in my possession.

    I didn't get a 90 degree hose but a 45 degree one.

    I don't think I will be doing any boon docking. At least now, maybe will I retire and full time I may once in a while. I am assuming you are going to say I need a generator? I have thought about it but probably won't get one right away.
  • opnspaces's avatar
    opnspaces
    Navigator II
    Apr 23, 2020
    The bumper is a bad place to store the sewer hose. The interior walls will rust and the vibrations from going down the road will make pinholes in the hose.

    Some people use a 6 inch square PVC fence post and caps from HD or Lowes and mount it on the rear bumper with straps I use a round one like in the link and just drove self tapping screws into the bumper. I am able to fit 20 ft of hose without adapters. I have a small tub with lid that stores the adapters and a rubber donut (which I have never used) Link


    Also get a 90 degree hose fitting to attach between the fresh water hose and the trailer. Link
  • rollindownthero's avatar
    rollindownthero
    Explorer II
    Apr 23, 2020
    With all the other stuff that I have ordered I did get a 50 amp to 30 amp converter as well.

    I need to measure the opening for the storage so I know what size plastic bins to get. I have already thought of separating like items into their own bins: electrical, drinking water hoses, etc.
  • ken56's avatar
    ken56
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2020
    Congrats and welcome to the RV community and this forum. Yes you can opperate the slide on just the battery but if you can plug into a 20 amp household circuit so the battery stays charged up. The trailer converter should do this automatically. Now you have to remember to check the water level in the battery every so often so put it on like a monthly check list. Now you will need varying adaptors for plugging into different recepticles so pick up an adaptor that is regular duplex to 30 amp plug like that is on the trailer. Pick up a 50 amp to 30 amp adaptor for campgrounds that only have 50 amp service plugs. You say you already have the surge protector so that's good.

    I keep my sewer hoses in a bin. Find some bins that will fit into your storage compartments and then you can collapse the slinky to fit into it. I get 30 ft. into one bin with the connection fittings and caps. I put my outdoor cooking pans in a bin and put electrical cords and outdoor lights and lanterns in another bin. I have basic tools in another bin....categorize your bins for the things you store.

    As you camp you will find out the things you need to have. Don't over buy stuff. You will end up with a bunch of stuff you find you don't use or need. Seeing that we can't really go anywhere yet read your manuals. Learn about your new trailer and its workings. You did right by getting the 4 point Equal-I-Zer hitch, its a good hitch. Read that book too on how to keep things torqued and lubed properly. After all that you will be ready to go have fun.
  • rollindownthero's avatar
    rollindownthero
    Explorer II
    Apr 23, 2020
    The Camco RhinoExtreme I ordered was a 20' and a 10' extension. However, the 20' is actually 2 - 10' pieces. Thought it was best to be safe than sorry. I also bought a Camco sewer sidewinder support. The bumper on my TT is 4", the RhinoExteme I don't think will fit in the bumper.
  • Dick_B's avatar
    Dick_B
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2020
    We keep an expandable hose in a blue tote in one of the side storage compartments and another length of hose in the back bumper. You will probably never need 30 feet of hose and probably 15 feet rarely.
    When hooking up the hose one should keep a slope down and away from the camper 1/4 inch drop per foot of length or about 2 inches per 10 feet. To slope a 30 foot hose would require a 6 inch drop over its length.
  • MarkTwain's avatar
    MarkTwain
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2020
    2oldman wrote:
    2 yes


    Just keep your batteries charged or just leave your tow vehicle hooked up and run your engine while using slides.

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