New to RVing, looking for advice, suggestions, etc

[TheElectricMayh]

We just purchased a used 2011 Keystone Cougar 31SQB 35' travel trailer and we are pulling with a 2001 Ford Excursion 7.3 TD. Looking to do some full time RVing with the family, and any information, advice, or anything generally useful would be more than welcomed.

[Rick57]

Hello TheElectricMayhem
Driving in the mountains. You seem to have the horse power to make most grades up hill. If you don't have a tow mode on your transmission it is good to try to use lower gears going down hills. You do not want to heat up your brakes. Uphill is difficult on most transmissions. If you do not have a transmission cooler or a temp gauge you might want to pull over at rest stops to allow your transmission to cool. Traffic. Mostly going up hills you will get frustrated motorists behind you. You may feel like you are being pushed into driver beyond your and the trailers ability. Never sir come to this always drive at speeds you are comfortable with. Use turn outs a passing lanes to let these people pass. Most of them don't understand that towing a trailer is not like driving a car. Good luck and happy camping 🙂

[allen8106]

cameronpatentlaw wrote:
Generally know how much load you can put on your generator without the circuit breaker flipping. This is a function of your generator's capacity in wattage and the drawn load. For example, we have a 2500 watt CumminsOnan in our Class B (a relatively small unit) and running the AC on high and the microwave and a hair dryer all at the same time is enough to flip the circuit breaker. If we turn down the AC, we can use the microwave at the same time (assuming we are not also running other current heavy appliances). With trial and error, you'll figure it out (a matrix diagram could be a helpful guide). Good luck with your new (to you) TT. Mike www.era70x.com

I'm confused, the OP didn't say anything about a generator. :h

[Dick_B]

and get a good GPS to take the pressure off the human navigator.

[MarkTwain]

TheElectricMayhem wrote:
We just purchased a used 2011 Keystone Cougar 31SQB 35' travel trailer and we are pulling with a 2001 Ford Excursion 7.3 TD. Looking to do some full time RVing with the family, and any information, advice, or anything generally useful would be more than welcomed.

1.buy an Emergency Road Service policy
2. Put "G" rated ties or the highest rated tires that will fit your trailer. Do not try and skimp on tires:)
3. Buy a Surge Protector
4. Buy theGood Sam "travel Assist" plan. This will cover you for just about medical emergencies that might come up.
5. Have your trailer bearings repacked now and then every other year.
6. buy the Good Sam Trailer Directory and/or learn how to use the GS internet application to help you locate RV Parks. Make advance reservations when ever reasonably possible. Reservations can always be changed or cancelled.
7 Wax or pay to have your RV waxed every 2 or 3 years.
8 . Have a CB radio installed to keep you informed of road condtions or accidents. Ch. 17 or 18

[cameronpatentla]

Generally know how much load you can put on your generator without the circuit breaker flipping. This is a function of your generator's capacity in wattage and the drawn load. For example, we have a 2500 watt CumminsOnan in our Class B (a relatively small unit) and running the AC on high and the microwave and a hair dryer all at the same time is enough to flip the circuit breaker. If we turn down the AC, we can use the microwave at the same time (assuming we are not also running other current heavy appliances). With trial and error, you'll figure it out (a matrix diagram could be a helpful guide). Good luck with your new (to you) TT. Mike