What to buy for a first time RV?

[natepatton]

My family is new to this forum and to this lifestyle.

We just purchased our first travel trailer (2018 Forest River Cherokee 294BH) and will take delivery in March (too cold in the Midwest right now). The dealership is asking if we want to install a few options before we take delivery and I am wondering if they are worth it or not. The first offering is for slide toppers for the two slide outs (super slide & bunk house) - the cost seems high for something I could probably do with a ladder and a broom, but I'm a novice (what do I know?). The second option is for a vent cover. This is something I believe is a good investment (low cost, high payoff) to keep moisture out of the RV. The final option was for a hard-wired power surge protector. I'm torn between getting an in-line protector or having it hard-wired. The in-line is less expensive, but there is a potential for theft - or am I wasting my money getting one all together?
Thanks!

[evanrem]

Yes to the slide toppers. Yes to the vent covers. Not sure about the surge protector being hot wires but one is recommended.

[Mortimer_Brewst]

DownTheAvenue wrote:
The best way to decide if you need a RV accessory like a surge protector is ask yourself do you have one now in your stick and bricks house.

I disagree with this portion of your statement. The electrical service to my house is much more dependable that that of a rv park. My PI EMS saved me a lot of money when I hooked up to a pedestal which had problems in South Dakota.

[DownTheAvenue]

The best way to decide if you need a RV accessory like a surge protector is ask yourself do you have one now in your stick and bricks house. If yes and you find it necessary, then absolutely get one for the RV. IF yes and you find it worthless or if no, then don't buy one for the RV.

This same decision making strategy works well for deciding how to do certain things like only turning on the water heater when you need hot water, turning off the water every time you leave for the day, or even how often to wash the roof.

[ken56]

These upgrades can be expensive. I can agree if you are getting a good deal on them then do it. If you are physically able to get on the roof then you decide if they are worth the expense. If the unit does not have an installed ladder on the back for access then toting a separate ladder is a pain. Debris on the slide roofs can damage the roofing and seal materials so making sure they are clean before you bring them in is vital IMO.

Vent covers can be convenient if you don't go all out and put in vent fans with rain sensors that self close. Again, if you are able to get on the roof then do that one yourself if just going with covers.

The EMS/surge suppressor can be a life saver, especially at older parks. I have a Progressive Industries 50 amp portable one, not the hard wired, and I do cable lock mine to the pedestal. I have been saved once so far by its use.

Another factor is how long do you plan on keeping the unit? Are you sure you won't out grow it or come to dislike anything about it? Something else to look at is what tires are on it? Good ones or low end Trailer Kings? How about the suspension? Does it have the Mor-Ride or Equa-Flex equalizers and shackles? Makes a big difference in towing stability, again, just my opinion. Read about the nylon bushing inserts that are used and how they wear out fast. Wet bolts and bronze bushings are so much better.

Other than that go have fun when you do pick it up.

[drsteve]

Mortimer Brewster wrote:

drsteve wrote:

Mortimer Brewster wrote:
X2 on a Progressive Industries hard-wired unit to protect your electrical system. I’d take a look the installation instructions on their website and decide if you can install it yourself.

If you self install, they will not warranty the unit in case of failure. Has to be done by an RV dealer.

Here’s the warranty . They will NOT honor the warranty for an improper installation and they strongly recommend that it be installed by a qualified electrician. Nowhere does it say that if you self install the warranty is voided.

There was a discussion that touched on this last week. The company apparently changed hands recently, and changes were made to the warranty. I went and read it, and at that time the warranty specifically excluded self installs. Looks like they changed it, which is good. They probably realized they were going to lose a lot of sales...

On edit: That page is still up, and can be viewed here: http://www.progressiveindustries.net/warranty-information

The first item under "exclusions":

"Installation of hard wired units by any party other than a qualified RV dealer."

One has to wonder which of these applies....

[valhalla360]

What are they charging for each item? That's probably the big decision maker. If they are giving you a good deal because their techs don't have enough to work on, all three can be nice. If it's full retail price for installation, all three can be done later.
- Slide toppers, nice if you will be in wooded areas where stuff lands on the slide.
- Hatch covers are really easy to install in about 15-20min each.
- Plugging in a surge protector is pretty easy (wouldn't count on any warranty).

[Mortimer_Brewst]

drsteve wrote:

Mortimer Brewster wrote:
X2 on a Progressive Industries hard-wired unit to protect your electrical system. I’d take a look the installation instructions on their website and decide if you can install it yourself.

If you self install, they will not warranty the unit in case of failure. Has to be done by an RV dealer.

Here’s the warranty . They will NOT honor the warranty for an improper installation and they strongly recommend that it be installed by a qualified electrician. Nowhere does it say that if you self install the warranty is voided.

[OldShu]

Congrats on the new TT! LV Native myself and still local in KC.

Weston Bend MO campground would be a good place to get a feel for your new Rig. I don't think I would try to get into River Front park with your setup.

X3 on the Progressive Industries EMS. Cant comment on the others as I do not use them.

Ill just leave this here. TT has a 9985 lb GVW, UVW of 7929 lb., Published TW of 953 lb. 35' 11" long

http://www.forestriverinc.com/product-details.aspx?LineID=158&Image=5084&ShowParent=1&ModelID=700#Main

Have fun, go slow and be safe!

If you have any Qs about local spots shot me a PM.

BTW, did you get it from Olathe Ford RV or Camping World?

[drsteve]

Mortimer Brewster wrote:
X2 on a Progressive Industries hard-wired unit to protect your electrical system. I’d take a look the installation instructions on their website and decide if you can install it yourself.

If you self install, they will not warranty the unit in case of failure. Has to be done by an RV dealer.

Yes on slide toppers. Dragging a ladder around gets old quickly.

Consider upgrading to power vents with real fans. They will remove hot air and odors from your TT much better than the factory version.

[Mortimer_Brewst]

X2 on a Progressive Industries hard-wired unit to protect your electrical system. I’d take a look the installation instructions on their website and decide if you can install it yourself.

[DutchmenSport]

If taking a telly?

Slide toppers: no
Vent covers: yes
Hard wired surge protection: Maybe? (but definitely an in-line one)

If you get an in-line Surge Protector, you may be able to install it inside the camper and just have it's plug accessible to the outside. It depends upon accessibility from the inside of the camper.

I got lucky with my camper. After 1 protector died, and the second one got stolen, I decided to install another in-line, inside the camper. I cut the 35 foot cord, added a female plug on the, now short, cord inside the camper, and then simply plugged in the protector. Stuck the mail end outside the hole on the camper, and then use an RV extension cord from the protector to shore power. If the protector ever fails, or shuts down, It's just a matter of reaching inside the cabinet, and unplugging it, and plugging directly into shore power, or just unplug and plug in a new protector. No more wiring to deal with.

The ability to do this depends upon where and how the access is to the wire that actually goes outside the camper hole.

[donn0128]

Have had slide covers since day one with my fiver. Few inconviences, but I would never have another RV without them.

[2chiefsRus]

A basic surge protector is not the way I would go. I recommend a Progressive Industries EMS which will do much more than provide surge protection. Low power can be just as damaging as a surge. Hardwired will get used every time but inline will be easy to not use "just this once".

Slide toppers are very nice if you plan on camping in trees. If you will only be out West in windy areas, they can be annoying.

[old_guy]

I have slides and slide covers that came with the TT. I am too old to climb ladders to sweep off the slides. I for one am glad I have them. I like to take just about the least amount of stuff I have to take. loading and unloading is too time consuming and gets in the way of enjoying camping. vent covers are a good investment. lets air in the rain out. they are also sun resistant and the vent lids are not. vent lids cost about $20 each depending on style and need to be replaced often. they break so darn easy. the vent covers are much better and don't break as often unless you hit a tree. vent lids break esp in a hail storm and you sure don't want them to break at that time.

[gbopp]

I also have no slides. But, you are correct, you can use a ladder and broom.

Definitely get the vent cover. It's cheaper to DIY but either way they are worth installing.

I have an inline surge protector. I bought it after a lightning strike very close to our RV. It damaged several items..
Are they worth it? I don't know but it makes me feel better.
Some on the forum feel they are not worth buying.