total newby just jumped into the deep end!
so my wife and I have been looking at campers on and off for two years. we have rented twice. once for Yellowstone and once local. we live in sacramento,ca. I have a crew cab f-250 6.0 and I tow a car...
Forum Discussion
What is your plan for leveling your camper?
Tip: Level Left-Right first using boards or blocks, whatever that you back the lower side's tires up on, chock both sides (front AND rear), then after disconnecting your camper, move the tow vehicle forward a little and use the tongue jack to level front to back.
If you can plug in your camper as soon as you get it home, do so and get the fridge turned on. Your camper should be pretty close to level for this. They take a LONG time to cool off initially.
AUTO is a good position for the fridge switch. Make sure it transfers and LIGHTS on propane before leaving. (Unplug the camper and listen for a dull roar coming from the outside vent behind the fridge)
Make sure your fridge doors are closed all the way and latch. We use fridge bars on each shelf and in the freezer to keep food and stuff from knocking the door open or falling out after shifting during transport.
Water: Unless you have water and sewer hookups at your site, I'd recommend using the campground showers this trip- until you get a feel for RV showers. Water and hot water go quickly, tanks fill quickly, too.
It's not hard to work with and around, but life will be more relaxed if you don't have to worry about it while everything else is new, too ;)
Oh- and don't think anything about it if people watch you pull in and how you park and level your camper. Once you're setup and relaxing in your lounge chairs, you'll understand as you watch other people setup.
Sometimes we learn things, pickup tips, chuckle to ourselves remembering when WE did it that way, and sometimes even shake our heads. It qualifies as entertainment. Sometimes you watch it, sometimes you provide it. Either way, it's all in good spirits ;)
Once you're setup and relaxed, take some time to walk through the campground. Check out the different setups and creature comforts others have used. Lots of ideas out there.
We're so excited for you guys! First camper, First trip! Enjoy!
Tip: Level Left-Right first using boards or blocks, whatever that you back the lower side's tires up on, chock both sides (front AND rear), then after disconnecting your camper, move the tow vehicle forward a little and use the tongue jack to level front to back.
If you can plug in your camper as soon as you get it home, do so and get the fridge turned on. Your camper should be pretty close to level for this. They take a LONG time to cool off initially.
AUTO is a good position for the fridge switch. Make sure it transfers and LIGHTS on propane before leaving. (Unplug the camper and listen for a dull roar coming from the outside vent behind the fridge)
Make sure your fridge doors are closed all the way and latch. We use fridge bars on each shelf and in the freezer to keep food and stuff from knocking the door open or falling out after shifting during transport.
Water: Unless you have water and sewer hookups at your site, I'd recommend using the campground showers this trip- until you get a feel for RV showers. Water and hot water go quickly, tanks fill quickly, too.
It's not hard to work with and around, but life will be more relaxed if you don't have to worry about it while everything else is new, too ;)
Oh- and don't think anything about it if people watch you pull in and how you park and level your camper. Once you're setup and relaxing in your lounge chairs, you'll understand as you watch other people setup.
Sometimes we learn things, pickup tips, chuckle to ourselves remembering when WE did it that way, and sometimes even shake our heads. It qualifies as entertainment. Sometimes you watch it, sometimes you provide it. Either way, it's all in good spirits ;)
Once you're setup and relaxed, take some time to walk through the campground. Check out the different setups and creature comforts others have used. Lots of ideas out there.
We're so excited for you guys! First camper, First trip! Enjoy!
