Must buys for our new to us travel trailer?

jarata1 wrote:
Yes a pressure regualtor

but make it a good watts type, not a $9.00 walmart special.
also a good multifunction surge protector, $250 and up. not the $90 special.
bumpy

Yes a pressure regualtor

OK.... I'm rambling here:

You asked about special chemicals for the toilet black water tank. Here again, this is your personal preference.

When we got our first camper with holding tanks, we went through the gauntlet of various black tank chemicals. It took a few years, but we finally learned that if you empty your black tank and flush it (or rinse it), and don't let it sit for weeks and weeks at a time with "stuff" in it, you'll never need any kind of RV black tank chemicals. Simply draining (at least) at the end of every campout, and flushing the tanks is pretty much all you need to do. Many of us will add (to the empty tank) some laundry soap, water softener soap for washing machines, bleach, and / or dishwashing liquid with about 3-5 gallons of water and drive home. The household laundry / dish washing products is pretty much MORE than adequate to keep your tanks clean and smelling (well ... not like poo, anyway).

So, save yourself a bunch of money of needles RV black tank chemicals and just keep an extra bottle of Tide liquid laundry degergent or an extra bottle of Dawn Dishwashing liquid on hand and put a little in the tank after you dump it. All will be well.

ok ... you asked! (look up Geo Method).

You asked about a water pressure regulator! I don't have one any more and don't use one at all. I use to, but then changed that a few years ago. Why don't I use a water pressure regulator? Because I never hook up water directly to the camper. I fill my fresh water tank (with a hose), and then use the on-board water pump. Why? Because, this way, I "never" have to worry about water pressure. So???... the pump makes a bit of noise. It doesn't matter to me.

You also have the option to fill your fresh water tank and use it exclusively, or hook up to the campground water spigot. (your choice). If you do hook up to the water spigot, it probably is a good idea to get a water pressure regulator.

Depending upon where you are camping, (and every place is different), you many end up on a campsite that does not even have a spigot within reach. You fill your fresh water tank at a designated spot and then drive your camper to the camp site.

Chocks for your tires.
Something to use for leveling under your tires (your choice, lumber to Lego blocks and how much is up to you) and for your stabilizer jacks.)
Water hose. (which you are getting)
Sewer hose. (which you are getting)
Electric extension cord for your camper. (here again, every campsite is different regarding the length you need, and it's possible the one in your camper is adequate for the moment).

After this, absolutely everything else is for your own comfort and enjoyment and your lifestyle.

Here's a few links to some "lists" of thing to consider. Again, all this depends upon your personal life style and your comfort level. You don't need to go out and purchase "special" items to outfit your camper. Everyday items you use around your home is what you'll use in your new camper too. Nothing special there.


WWW.rv-camping.org

Changin' Gears RV check lists

Stocking an RV -- RV.net forum sticky

These will give you boundless ideas!

You do not need to go to any kind of specialty stores to get what you need to outfit your camper. Anything you use in your house is what you'll use in your camper. WallMart is your friend. But if you're looking for something special, Camping World, Cabela's, or any number of sporting goods stores or outlets. Don't over look yard sales, flea markets, and even your local grocery store. You never know where you'll find that perfect 'gadget' you really want for the camper!

Wine

Go camping, you will figure it out. I know what I use but I also know that I have wasted a lot of money on things that I do not use. Buy what you find that you need for your style camping.

Wont we need a water pressure regulator? Do we need sewer connectors, etc? Do we need the packs for the sewer tank?

Credit cards and a Walmart or Camping World along the way. We treat our RV as a second home, it is stocked as such. Most of the items you will receive from the dealer in their so called starter kit will be of substandard quality, those items will need to be replaced early on to avoid mishaps. There are lists galore available under Beginning RVing forum, it takes a bit of time to figure out essential and non-essential items which will differ from person to person. Good luck and here's hoping that your RVing experience is all you expected it to be.

Most likely more drain hose. They like to give out the cheapest 10 footer they can. You will probably want to upgrade to a better hose and get two 10 footers.
A camp axe
A fire poker
Comfy chairs to sit around the fire
Hot dog/marshmallow fork
Mountain pie maker