Nervous Newbie

darsben wrote:
How many dogs?

I have 2 dogs. A 12 year old Wheaten terrier and an approximately 3 year old rescued Schnorkie :)

teegee1025 wrote:
Hi everyone! I don't really have a question....yet! lol We've just purchased a 2016 Jayco 27.5' 5th wheel. WE HAVE NEVER OWNED A TRAILER BEFORE...we just got tired of having to find someone reliable to take care of our dogs while we go away. Now we can take them :) The 5th wheel is presently in our driveway and I take the dogs in it every day to get them used to it. I'm trying to gather up a list of what I'll need supply wise to make us comfy in our home away from home. At first, we'll be taking weekend trips to pull thru sites only until we get used to it. We live in Upstate New York so there are plenty of places within a 2 hour drive that we'll want to visit. I can't wait to take our first trip but I won't lie, I'm nervous. Any advice/tips of what you think is a definite must have, please let me know. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Gina.

Congrats Gina! You'll love your fifth wheel. We started trailer camping because motels would not take our greyhounds. We quickly found out that they love the trailer (as yours will). Here's the thing: they get so used to your trailer, they think it's their home. Now your trailer can be in Cleveland or in Florida, but as soon as they go inside and see their beds and water dish, they are home. They lose all the anxiety they have in a strange motel room with strange smells in the carpet or strange noises in the hallway. If they bark inside your trailer, no one in the campground cares. If they have an accident, you don't lose a security deposit. It's all so easy. Your dogs are more relaxed so you're more relaxed. Then, in the campgrounds most everyone loves dogs and you meet so many people who love to talk about their dogs or yours. You are going to love it. BTW we run a wine tasting event for four days near Watkins Glen every year! We camp in our fifth wheel. Come up and camp with us!
Larry

1) Spend a night or two in it in your driveway. Then you will know what you need.

2) Hook it up to your truck and take it for a mile drive then back it into your driveway. The next day do it again but a few more miles. You need to learn how to back up your trailer.

3) When backing up a trailer grab the steering wheel at the bottom, if you want the trailer to go left move the wheel left.

How many dogs?

Thanks everyone!

rk911 - we purchased a Ford F250. If we like this new venture, my husband said he wants to get a diesel pick up. We have a steep, winding driveway and the truck had no issues backing the 5th wheel up. My husband on the other hand, was a little frustrated!! lol

Relax, you will do fine. Do not be shy asking for advice or directions from rvers, other campers around you. It is in the nature of campers, rv owners to be helpful, not judgemental if you ask. You are seeing it here, aren't you?

One night in the driveway and your list will be made. Going into the house is easier then going to the store to get what you didn't know you needed.

Congrats and welcome. No getting around being nervous the first time out. Take it easy on the road and go somewhere close by.

teegee1025 wrote:
Hi everyone! I don't really have a question....yet! lol We've just purchased a 2016 Jayco 27.5' 5th wheel. WE HAVE NEVER OWNED A TRAILER BEFORE...we just got tired of having to find someone reliable to take care of our dogs while we go away. Now we can take them :) The 5th wheel is presently in our driveway and I take the dogs in it every day to get them used to it. I'm trying to gather up a list of what I'll need supply wise to make us comfy in our home away from home. At first, we'll be taking weekend trips to pull thru sites only until we get used to it. We live in Upstate New York so there are plenty of places within a 2 hour drive that we'll want to visit. I can't wait to take our first trip but I won't lie, I'm nervous. Any advice/tips of what you think is a definite must have, please let me know. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Gina.

congrats! what's the maximum weight of the 5'er and what are you planning to pull it with? do you know how much weight the truck can pull?