Hello, My name is Kuba and recently I bought a 22' Travel Trailer - Coleman CTS192RD '2013. My wife and I are performers and we will be playing our concert almost every day Sep 6 - Oct 18 in different towns. Our tour starts in IL then IA, MN, WI, SD, ND, NE, KS, CO, MT and IN. Lots of states, 38 towns. We are taking our 4 yo daughter with us. We have done one similar tour in October 2012, traveling with Jeep Grand Cherokee and we stayed in hotels. I've changed the car for Toyota Sequoia 2007, 4.8L RWD and last winter we got our Coleman trailer. We have done one short tour last May from Nashville, where we live, to Texas to play two concerts, and that was our first professional trip with our TT. First of all, I have to say, we love absolutely everything about having and traveling with TT. We already made friends who we stay in touch with, we love nature and freedom. By the way I am from Poland, moved to Nashville about 8 years ago and I absolutely love my new country, there is no better place than USA to be, live, work etc! :) (I apologize for my English, I am still under "naturalization" process :) ). My wife is from Texas, we met on a cruise ship, and she is a wonderful singer. We are very excited to hit the road in less than two weeks, but I want to make sure that I am fully prepared. I have a few questions and if you feel like to help me, I would appreciate it a lot:1: A few people we met on RV parks recommended to change factory installed Chinese tires on our TT for better ones. And one gentleman strongly recommended air pressure remote sensor. The question: do I really need those?2. Should I get an air compressor? (I don't have a power generator. We will be staying on RV parks only). 3. I have a freezer in my TT. I like to cook in advance and freeze for later. Since I can't travel with appliances on, how safe is to use frozen meat after 8-10 hour travel? (our average trip from town to town is 4 hours)4. Last time we traveled, my wife and I had a laryngitis and she almost couldn't perform. I suspected our A/C unit, but it might be just a coincidence. Should I checked A/C outside before we travel? (last time I checked only a filter inside and it seemed to be clean)5. I have a very low pressure in the kitchen sink. What causes it and how to fix it and how to prevent it?6. I don't watch a lot of TV, but we will take one (21"). Does anybody knows about tv mount which is easy to put the tv on or take it off without using screws? I am pretty handy, but it's not easy to do it every day.These are my biggest concerns so far. I decided to buy a dehumidifier because it could be cold at night especially in Oct.Thank you very much for any advice. I know there is a lot to learn and I am ready for it :)KubaPS. If you want to learn more about us here is our website: kubecca.com or kubavibes.com. We will be releasing our new album in September with lullabies. Our story is on kickstarter.com - Rebecca Lowe "Goodnight My Someone".

1: A few people we met on RV parks recommended to change factory installed Chinese tires on our TT for better ones. And one gentleman strongly recommended air pressure remote sensor. The question: do I really need those?For the tires, in my opinion, depends on the weight of the trailer. My "China Bombs" are doing fine, but my tires rated at 6800+ lbs capacity are carrying maybe 4000 lbs. I drive 55-60, and check my tires daily. As for the Tire Pressure Monitor, that is up to you. With the amount of travel you are doing, I would think about it.2. Should I get an air compressor? (I don't have a power generator. We will be staying on RV parks only). I think spending 50 cents or a dollar at gas stations when needed is a better option, since you are traveling small.3. I have a freezer in my TT. I like to cook in advance and freeze for later. Since I can't travel with appliances on, how safe is to use frozen meat after 8-10 hour travel? (our average trip from town to town is 4 hours)A poll I have seen on the forums shows that about 70 percent of people travel with their refrigerator running in LP (Gas) mode.4. Last time we traveled, my wife and I had a laryngitis and she almost couldn't perform. I suspected our A/C unit, but it might be just a coincidence. Should I checked A/C outside before we travel? (last time I checked only a filter inside and it seemed to be clean)Doesn't hurt to check. Look for black mold. And, as a precaution, spray some Lysol disinfecting spray.5. I have a very low pressure in the kitchen sink. What causes it and how to fix it and how to prevent it?Check the screen in your faucet. They sometimes get plugged with debris from manufacturing. 6. I don't watch a lot of TV, but we will take one (21"). Does anybody knows about tv mount which is easy to put the tv on or take it off without using screws? I am pretty handy, but it's not easy to do it every day.Can't help you there.These are my biggest concerns so far. I decided to buy a dehumidifier because it could be cold at night especially in Oct.Thank you very much for any advice. I know there is a lot to learn and I am ready for it :)KubaPS. If you want to learn more about us here is our website: kubecca.com (Clicky) or kubavibes.com (clicky). We will be releasing our new album in September with lullabies. Our story is on kickstarter.com - Rebecca Lowe "Goodnight My Someone".

qbakawnik wrote: . I decided to buy a dehumidifier because it could be cold at night especially in Oct.Thank you very much for any advice. .don't know why a small ceramic cube heater wouldn't be a better cure for cold nights. that said, when I lived in Cincinnati there was a lot of weather that was very humid and chilly. the perfect solution at that time was to put a dehumidifier in my bedroom and close the door. it took out moisture and produced heat. both desirable traits.bumpy

I forgot ,we tow a box trailer with dog gear and a golf cart ,with ease. towing a small car would be cool. I like those smart cars.

We traveled over 20K miles on our 'china bombs.' However, if you still have the original tires on your 2007, it is probably time to get new tires.If you check your tires at each fuel stop, there is no need for remote monitors. Especially if you have newer tires. I would spend the money on new tires rather than a monitor.We have an air compressor. In our seven months of living on the road, we have used it exactly O times. In our 4 years of travel before that, we used it once.We always travel with our fridge on using propane.While the a/c filter might look clean, it is probably a good idea to clean it with soapy hot water and bleach. The amount of dust I got out of our 'clean' filter surprised me.As posted, check the screen for the water pressure.There is no mount I know of that doesn't use screws, both into the wall and into the tv. With a tv that small, you can place it just about anywhere if it is an LED.Best of luck! Sounds like a wonderful trip!

Welcome, you have come to the best RV forum for help.You can buy a wall mount for the tv at any number of places like Best Buy, etc.It will have a metal bracket that fastens to the wall. You will want to find at least one of the studs in the wall to fasten the metal bracket with. Another bracket will go on the tv and the tv will then be able to installed and removed easily. Just lay the tv on the bed or something while traveling.They make a 90 degree coax fitting to go on the back of the tv so the cable isn't smashed into the wall. I think I bought mine at HD.You can buy a cheap 12 volt air compressor or stop at gas stations but keep an eye on the tires. Buy a decent air gauge for your tires, not a .99 cent pencil type. We hope to be able to attend one of your shows some day as you look to be very talented.

First trip with 22' Travel Trailer (advice needed)

ChooChooMan74
Explorer
Aug 25, 2014
1: A few people we met on RV parks recommended to change factory installed Chinese tires on our TT for better ones. And one gentleman strongly recommended air pressure remote sensor. The question: do I really need those?

For the tires, in my opinion, depends on the weight of the trailer. My "China Bombs" are doing fine, but my tires rated at 6800+ lbs capacity are carrying maybe 4000 lbs. I drive 55-60, and check my tires daily. As for the Tire Pressure Monitor, that is up to you. With the amount of travel you are doing, I would think about it.

2. Should I get an air compressor? (I don't have a power generator. We will be staying on RV parks only).

I think spending 50 cents or a dollar at gas stations when needed is a better option, since you are traveling small.

3. I have a freezer in my TT. I like to cook in advance and freeze for later. Since I can't travel with appliances on, how safe is to use frozen meat after 8-10 hour travel? (our average trip from town to town is 4 hours)

A poll I have seen on the forums shows that about 70 percent of people travel with their refrigerator running in LP (Gas) mode.

4. Last time we traveled, my wife and I had a laryngitis and she almost couldn't perform. I suspected our A/C unit, but it might be just a coincidence. Should I checked A/C outside before we travel? (last time I checked only a filter inside and it seemed to be clean)

Doesn't hurt to check. Look for black mold. And, as a precaution, spray some Lysol disinfecting spray.

5. I have a very low pressure in the kitchen sink. What causes it and how to fix it and how to prevent it?

Check the screen in your faucet. They sometimes get plugged with debris from manufacturing.

6. I don't watch a lot of TV, but we will take one (21"). Does anybody knows about tv mount which is easy to put the tv on or take it off without using screws? I am pretty handy, but it's not easy to do it every day.

Can't help you there.

These are my biggest concerns so far. I decided to buy a dehumidifier because it could be cold at night especially in Oct.
Thank you very much for any advice. I know there is a lot to learn and I am ready for it :)
Kuba

PS. If you want to learn more about us here is our website: kubecca.com (Clicky) or kubavibes.com (clicky). We will be releasing our new album in September with lullabies. Our story is on kickstarter.com - Rebecca Lowe "Goodnight My Someone".
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Aug 25, 2014
qbakawnik wrote:
. I decided to buy a dehumidifier because it could be cold at night especially in Oct.
Thank you very much for any advice. .

don't know why a small ceramic cube heater wouldn't be a better cure for cold nights. that said, when I lived in Cincinnati there was a lot of weather that was very humid and chilly. the perfect solution at that time was to put a dehumidifier in my bedroom and close the door. it took out moisture and produced heat. both desirable traits.
bumpy
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Aug 25, 2014
I forgot ,we tow a box trailer with dog gear and a golf cart ,with ease. towing a small car would be cool. I like those smart cars.
dahkota
Explorer
Aug 25, 2014
We traveled over 20K miles on our 'china bombs.' However, if you still have the original tires on your 2007, it is probably time to get new tires.

If you check your tires at each fuel stop, there is no need for remote monitors. Especially if you have newer tires. I would spend the money on new tires rather than a monitor.

We have an air compressor. In our seven months of living on the road, we have used it exactly O times. In our 4 years of travel before that, we used it once.

We always travel with our fridge on using propane.

While the a/c filter might look clean, it is probably a good idea to clean it with soapy hot water and bleach. The amount of dust I got out of our 'clean' filter surprised me.

As posted, check the screen for the water pressure.

There is no mount I know of that doesn't use screws, both into the wall and into the tv. With a tv that small, you can place it just about anywhere if it is an LED.

Best of luck! Sounds like a wonderful trip!
azrving
Explorer
Aug 25, 2014
Welcome, you have come to the best RV forum for help.

You can buy a wall mount for the tv at any number of places like Best Buy, etc.
It will have a metal bracket that fastens to the wall. You will want to find at least one of the studs in the wall to fasten the metal bracket with. Another bracket will go on the tv and the tv will then be able to installed and removed easily. Just lay the tv on the bed or something while traveling.

They make a 90 degree coax fitting to go on the back of the tv so the cable isn't smashed into the wall. I think I bought mine at HD.

You can buy a cheap 12 volt air compressor or stop at gas stations but keep an eye on the tires. Buy a decent air gauge for your tires, not a .99 cent pencil type.

We hope to be able to attend one of your shows some day as you look to be very talented.
DiskDoctr
Explorer
Aug 25, 2014
Sounds like a ton of fun!

I tow with a 4Runner, too. Before that much travel in one go, I'd suggest you review and tweak your towing setup to make it as efficient as possible. The satisfaction and relaxation gained from a well-tuned setup is reliable and invaluable.

Newer, properly rated and inflated tires, service/lube axles/bearings, inspect/service trailer brakes, review your wdh setup with your trailer fully loaded (as you will be traveling), review your 4Runner's tires, brakes, exhaust, etc.

This can help prevent trip interruptions and unexpected breakdowns in unfamiliar areas. You'll never regret preventive maintenance :)

You may wish to clean and run the trailer's furnace a bit with all the doors, windows, and fans open and running- especially if your voices are sensitive to the dust that collects in these systems over time.

You may not need the furnace, but if you're surprised by cold, you surely don't want to have any problems.

Good luck and have fun!
dadmomh
Explorer
Aug 25, 2014
Hi and welcome! Tires.....there is a huge amount of discussion on this, but both of our trailers have had China manufactured tires and we have had absolutely no problem with them. Check the tire pressure and torque every morning before you head out. Give them a good looking over for signs of wear. Keep your speed where you are and you will have eliminated many of the possible problems.

Re the air conditioner....I suppose it's possible that it could effect your wife's throat, but I would guess that a good, regular cleaning of the filter will fix it. You can access the filter in the ceiling unit. It's usually a piece of thin, sponge type material. I use a small amount of Dawn dishwashing liquid and water, swish it around in the sink, let sit for a bit, rinse well and let it dry. Replace. I do ours about 3 or 4 times a season, but since you are using yours daily, since it's a 5 minute job, suggest you do it every week or two.

Since you always stay at RV parks, I think an air compressor would be a waste of your money. Most of the larger Travel Centers such as Pilot, Flying J, Love's all have air compressors and even if they charge you a small amount, you're money ahead. Besides, you'd have to carry it and they are not lightweight. Definitely keep a good pressure gauge on hand for your daily tire check. Remember to check the tire pressure and condition of your spare tire also.

Agree that before you get into the colder weather areas, test your furnace. It likely will set off the smoke/CO detector, so open your doors and windows to let plenty of air in. This just lasts a few minutes and is not dangerous, but the detectors are very sensitive and will likely go off.

You certainly can travel with your refrigerator operating with the propane. It does not use very much and you will be sure your frozen foods stay frozen. It is perfectly safe and only in a few places in the country with long tunnels usually, is it required that you shut off the propane. Most of those are along the east coast.

Re your TV....if you do not want to attach it permanently with a bracket into the wall, most of the TVs have a base that lets you just set it on a countertop. The problem would be that you would not have access to the antenna if you can't set it close by. If you usually would just watch a movie, you can put it wherever is convenient.

Hope we have been able to help with your questions. It sounds like you have a great time with your travels and performing. Best of luck to you for lots of success with your talents. Safe travels.
qbakawnik
Explorer
Aug 25, 2014
Thank you very much for quick replies. Very helpful.
When I got my TT and started reading some forums, I got an impression that traveling with my fridge/freezer on is not cool, and definitely not safe. But I am going to follow your advice and keep it on LP while traveling (I guess it's my responsibility to remember to turn it off during getting gas on gas stations).
I just brought my TT from a storage place and started working around it. I cleaned the A/C filter like you advised, but now I am running a different issue with the A/C. My unit is making a louder sound than usually and vibrating a little bit. I am planning to go on the roof, open it and inspect it. I have never done it before, so we will see..
So far so good. didn't notice mice or other animals inside.
Thanks once again,
Kuba
qbakawnik
Explorer
Aug 25, 2014
Here is an update:
Just fixed A/C unit by opening its cover on the roof. I found a nest of dirt daubers on the fan and removed it. It caused a vibration of A/C.
Kuba
BarneyS
Explorer III
Aug 25, 2014
qbakawnik wrote:
by the way: is there any other filter of A/C unit outside (on the roof), or should I clean only the filter in side?
Kuba

It will probably help you if you take a look at this blog by member Chris Bryant, a very helpful RV tech. He has a good diagram and pictures on that blog of a typical rooftop RV air conditioner and instructions on the cleaning and care of it that will help you.
Barney