Help! Need advice! New to RVing

Ags2376 wrote:
We are new into rving and have not yet made a purchase. I would like any and all suggestions anyone can offer. The 5th wheel we are looking at is a 2018 42ft Forest River Sandpiper 383. It has 2 ac units and 4 slides. What additions or packages should we consider and are there any particular questions we need to ask the dealer? Are sandpipers good quality?

Hi,

I'm by no means an RV or trailer expert, but I did just get a new Jayco, so I have a couple of ideas. Again, my advice is worth what you've paid for it!

1) Ask about the slides. How do you maintain them? Where, if needed, are any grease/oil points? Ask about the rubber seals.

2) I had a Forest River cargo trailer for about three years. No problems with it whatsoever (apples and oranges, I know).

3) Look at the fifth wheel hitch they install, and see that the trailer is pretty much level. When my Jayco was at the dealer, they installed a shank that made it ride nose-high. I caught that and had them change it.

4) Have them show you all the features and functions of the trailer before you drive away after purchase. I discovered my thermostat wasn't wired up, so again, I had a tech change it before driving away.

5) After you get it, camp near the dealer for a few days. That way, you're nice and close if you find something amiss. I did that, and didn't find anything amiss.

6) After you get it, sit in it, take some time and breathe it all in! It's a very exciting thing that you can now call your own, so enjoy it! I full-time in mine for the summer, (I'm a teacher up north) and it goes into storage. I'm sitting on my couch right now talking to you, and it's bliss!

I hope this helps, again, my advice is worth what you've paid me for it!

thanks!

Kevin