Signed the paperwork this morning on a new 2014 Sundance XLT 285TS and I'm picking it up tomorrow. I have done a lot of reading on this forum and online about 5th wheels and I'm not new to RV's/camping as I've had a self-contained slide in truck camper for the past 20 years. What I'm looking for is a list of things that I need to get to use my 5th wheel the first time out. One of the main events every year we use our RV for is a week long off-roading/camping trip and that starts Sunday. I wish I had time for a quick weekend shake-down run with it to a nice RV park with level spots and hookups but that's not in the cards. I will be leaving Sunday for a week of dry camping in the Colorado high country with no hook ups. I'm mostly looking for what I'll need to setup, level, secure and run the camper in a "primitive" campsite for a week. So far my list looks like this:-Dog bone 30a to 20a to connect to my Honda EU2000 generator so we can run the microwave-4 wheel chocks-wood or plastic lego blocks to level side to side and for for under the landing gear/rear stabilizers-side to side bubble levelI believe all the systems should run on propane and/or 12v so I think I'm good there. The camper has two batteries and a 80w solar panel. This will be my first experience with solar. Is 80w going to be enough to keep the batteries charged all week or do I need to take a battery charger with me? Do you guys secure yours with a king pin lock? What am I forgetting or have not taken into consideration? Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

An outdoor rug or carpet to stick under the steps going in so you don't track into the camper. Also, 1 just inside the door that you can shake it out. Lars

A three foot level, tool box with socket wrenches, screw driver set and other tools you have used in your other camper. How about a couple of gallon milk jugs with water for coffee pot. I'd bring everything you found useful in your truck camper you will find it useful with your new rig also. Bring the charger. Bring more level blocks/wood than you think you'll need. Rather have more and not need them than not enough. A pen and paper to make notes on everything you want the dealer to fix under warranty. You will need them I guarantee it. And last but not least.....BEER AND ICE!-BC-

There was an excellent article in Trailer Life last month of solar systems. Check it out. I don't think that the 80 watt panel is going to keep up with the battery use.The only other things that I can think of that others have not already said is spare fuses. And a mat to go under the awning.

I would get a plastic lube plate .I carry a couple of 6x6 wood blocks.extra fuses are good to have..Firewood.Beer water .and food and .you set to go.

All good adfvise you are a camping vet so you know what you need. Battery charger is a good idea. Have a great tripGo Well. Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!

Newbie first time setup/usage list | Good Sam Community

jaycocamprs
Explorer
Jul 29, 2013
1320quick wrote:
Thanks for the good ideas, I have them on my list. Where is the best place to check if the camper is level? My truck camper, I used the floor of the freezer and then put stick on levels outside. I know side to side first, chock the tires, unhitch and then use the front landing gear to level front to back. Is that basically the order? Do I check level from the counter top? Freezer floor? Entry door frame? Rear bumper? King pin?

I did the stovetop. I just hate having my frying pan not level. Yes do side to side 1st. I use one of the big levels on the front where I can see it in the mirror. I also use some of the plastic wedges from Camping World. Back up till it's level! Chock the wheels, unhook and level front to back.
Roads_Less_Trav
Explorer II
Jul 28, 2013
We have four 6-gallon water bottles so we can refill the water tanks without moving the trailer.

We don't have electrical stabilizer jacks, so we use a good 18v cordless drill with a socket extension and socket that fits the drive nut on the jacks... only necessary if you will eventually be moving from place to place with the trailer a lot.

5-gallon bucket... We dump a 5-gallon bucket of water down the toilet at the end our initial black tank dump... ensures all solids beneath the toilet are dislodged (the fresh water flush system doesn't do it 100%...).

If you are going to be dry camping a lot in the long run, you'll need more like 400-600 watts of solar. Lots of info here:

Solar Power Tutorial - Part I of 4

RV Solar Installation on a Travel Trailer and a Fifth Wheel
1320quick
Explorer
Jul 26, 2013
gitane59 wrote:
1320quick wrote:
So far my list looks like this:

-Dog bone 30a to 20a to connect to my Honda EU2000 generator so we can run the microwave
Do you guys secure yours with a king pin lock?

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

I do believe that your Honda eu2000 is an inverter generator and as such you will need a bonding plug if your trailer has a electrical management system on the AC power input.
I tried boondocking this weekend with my new generator and had to scramble to make up a bonding plug to get my generator working with the PI EMS in my fiver coach.
I have attached a link to a thread which describes the issue very well.
PI EMS bonding plug

Yes if I am away from my unit in a secluded area without much human traffic around I do secure it with a king pin lock.

Thanks for all the advice everyone. This is great information about the bonding plug. I do not know if my new 5th wheel has EMS but I will certainly ask when I'm picking it up in two hours. I will also test here at the house to confirm the EU2000 will work to power the trailer. Got a can opener from the other camper and I carry my blocks in a metal milk crate so I could use that as a step if needed.
joeprinter
Explorer
Jul 26, 2013
OK,just from experience dont FORGET your can opener, have forgotten multiple times..
schlep1967
Nomad
Jul 26, 2013
One more thing. I aleays carry an additional step with me. It can be a wooden box thrown together with screws or one of the lightweight plastic fold-up ones. Seems it never fails that the door side is the one I have to put up on blocks to level the trailer. Raising my first step up too high to be comfortable going in or out.
gitane59
Explorer III
Jul 26, 2013
1320quick wrote:
So far my list looks like this:

-Dog bone 30a to 20a to connect to my Honda EU2000 generator so we can run the microwave
Do you guys secure yours with a king pin lock?

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

I do believe that your Honda eu2000 is an inverter generator and as such you will need a bonding plug if your trailer has a electrical management system on the AC power input.
I tried boondocking this weekend with my new generator and had to scramble to make up a bonding plug to get my generator working with the PI EMS in my fiver coach.
I have attached a link to a thread which describes the issue very well.
PI EMS bonding plug

Yes if I am away from my unit in a secluded area without much human traffic around I do secure it with a king pin lock.
1320quick
Explorer
Jul 26, 2013
Thanks for the good ideas, I have them on my list. Where is the best place to check if the camper is level? My truck camper, I used the floor of the freezer and then put stick on levels outside. I know side to side first, chock the tires, unhitch and then use the front landing gear to level front to back. Is that basically the order? Do I check level from the counter top? Freezer floor? Entry door frame? Rear bumper? King pin?
Allworth
Explorer II
Jul 26, 2013
Really good wheel chocks. NEVER unhitch from the truck without having them in place.
KFS
Explorer
Jul 26, 2013
A camera to take lots of pictures of yourself in and out of your awesome new unit having a great time? You'll want to remember when it was "brand new" when, one hopes, you've had years of excellent adventures and service out of it.

I know, I'm such a girl. :)
mamestra
Explorer
Jul 26, 2013
Unfortunately, 5th wheels don't come with a jack so a bottle jack is a good idea. I second the use of LED lights if you are boondocking they certainly reduce the drain on the batteries.

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