First time out!

[ernieandbert]

I purchased a 2005 R-Vision Max Lite M-29BHS last month and we are going out for the first time in her this weekend!

A little nervous - I have towed a 15' before but nothing this large.

I have a Silverado 1500 with a maximum towing capacity with the 5.3-liter V8 that is 8,400 pounds.
The TT is 5100 dry so I assume that the truck will be able to handle it fine.

I am only traveling about 45 minutes away so it should be the perfect distance to get my hands dirty.

Any advice?
Anyone else had this camper and liked it?


I have all the tools loaded just in case.

My wife and I have read up on all the essential supplies in the forums and think that we have that covered but you know that we will get there and be like - "Oh yea - we should have had that!"

Any good stories on other people's first venture!

Thanks all and wish us luck!

Ernie

[dadmomh]

If you feel you need it, don't hesitate to make a checklist and use it. Start with the complete hookup with all the little things. Walk around the outside and look for things you'll need to do...remember to latch the vent flap for the stove. Make sure your door(s)are not only locked but that the deadbolt is also. Things you would think sound stupid to put on your list are for sure the ones you'll forget. Before you leave, both you and your DW need to check it off. Remember to check the tire pressure and torque. Check the spare from time to time. Sounds crazy, but I've known 2 who have missed this part.....unplug the electric and water.

When we bought our HTT in '06, DH "let me drive" about 10 miles....straight only, no corners and definitely no backing. Worked for us all those years until last year when he got up sick the morning we were to head home. As hard as it will be, sit in the passenger seat and don't say a word. I had learned a lot from watching him and from these forums, but he started telling me to remember this and don't forget that. I told him he just needed to be quiet and let me get a feel for what the heck I was doing. It isn't hard, but just takes a bit of time to see how all this works. If you can, go to an empty parking lot and practice. On my first real day of driving, I got us from San Antonio to Little Rock, including stopping at a Walmart and going into and out of downtown LR with no problems. He said I did a really great job and that it would now be on my list of things to do. Picking up our new TT last week, he drove from Lakeview to just south of Cincinnati and I drove the rest of the way home. Forward and corners.....no problem. My backing could stand some work, but I'll get it soon. You both need to be able to handle the job should the need arise. Somehow, it seems to be on my list more than his list....except for that backing part. Relax, take your time and enjoy!

[JKQ]

Just relax & have a good time.

[bfever74]

Find the nearest hardware store to your campground before you get to there. One trip after you start hooking things up the first time for the year is almost certain.

[the_bear_II]

Hopefully you've spent some time in a large empty parking lot or field getting used to your new setup. I always practice with a new RV to see how it will stop quick, backup and turn...etc. Get a feel for it before taking it out on the road.

Take your time if you have to back into a site. This trailer will take longer to turn than the 15 footer did.

Watch the curbs on the inside of turns, this trailer will track tighter than your tow vehicle when making tight turns.

Make a list of the stuff you need for the next trip.

[fla-gypsy]

Your truck will be adequate, good choice not going to far. Advice; be prepared for a few things to go wrong but you can minimize that by hooking everything up at your house and trying everything out. Otherwise laugh when you mess up and learn from it. Take your time setting up and breaking camp so you don't forget to do something. One of the most common mistakes is to let others interrupt you while you do these critical tasks. If people want to come and visit while you are setiing up or breaking camp, stop and sit down until they leave. Your confidence will grow with each trip.