Pulled the trigger

[Jason234]

Well after weeks of searching, looking at dozens of travel trailers and visiting 10 dealerships, we finally found "the one."

Thanks to those who gave me your opinion on previous posts about my different options.

We ended up going with a 2017 Keystone Passport 2810BH Ultra Lite Grand Touring. It has everything the wife and I wanted. The quality seems to be very good, dry weight of only 5200 and tongue weight of 565. Spent a little more than we originally wanted but I think we will be pleased with this one.

Now, tell me some absolutes I need to buy for the TT. Things you can't live without in your TT. We are not new to the camping lifestyle, but will be new to doing it in style, lol.

[DiskDoctr]

RollTideCamp wrote:
The best thing you could do is take a small (overnight) trip to the a local campground and bring a pen and paper. when you get home you will have a very specific list of what you need to bring next time.

YES!

We keep a small notebook in our camper. It's amazing how many "little" things make a big difference if you have them.

Lighter for campfire, a small amount of kindling, sponge and dishwashing liquid, handsoap, coffee filters, ketchup/mustard/salt/pepper/garlic salt/whatever, hand towels, flashlights and headlamps, small toolkit, knife, hammer, extra hose, extra extension cord, table cloth, etc.

Congratulations and have fun!!!

[RollTideCamp]

The best thing you could do is take a small (overnight) trip to the a local campground and bring a pen and paper. when you get home you will have a very specific list of what you need to bring next time.

Also, assuming you have a Weight Distribution Hitch and other towing essentials, here are some things that are specific to Travel Trailers vs tents:

tank cleaner,
gloves,
boards to level side to side,
potable water hose, ( PLEASE..GET A WATER PRESSURE REGULATOR ),
wheel chocks,
a good level,

This like most others is not a complete list.

Congratulations

[Krusty]

I always keep a roll of eternabond in my trailer..just in case. A tube of sealant isn't a bad idea either. Along with some spare bulbs and fuses, electrical tape.

[kennyd63]

Don't forget the cooler for extra refreshments, you don't want to over load your fridge with unnecessary liquids.. :B

[Durb]

Congratulations on your new trailer. I'm sure it will supply you with many years of fun and adventure.

I suggest going to Camping World, grab a cart and walk the aisles. Don't forget the credit card.

[handye9]

Leveling blocks (pieces of wood or those plastic Lego levelers) :

Leveling your trailer is done side to side by raising the tires on one side or the other, and front to back by the tongue jack.

There's going to be campsites where you'll need something under the tires on one side or the other. I carry a couple five foot pieces of 2 X 8, with the ends trimmed for making a ramp, and a some shorter pieces (12 - 16 inches long) for use under the tongue jack.

Your stabilizer jacks are for stabilizing, not lifting, and work much better when not fully extended. I carry some of the plastic blocks to stack, as needed, under the stabilizers. Short pieces of 2 by's will also work for this.

[Jebby14]

highly recommend camp driveway for a night then a local weekend

also refer to my sig for solid advice

[Jebby14]

+1 for awning mat and broom

15-30 (and maybe 30-50 depending on your camper) amp adaptor

7 miles of extensions cords (even if you only think of 6)

beer/wine

bottle opener/corkscrew

batteries

flash lights

the usual camping stuff

a dustbuster is super handy

[j_p_f_]

"Congrats. Don't forget the duct tape, just in case."

and a wire coat hanger

[pickjare]

An awning mat, broom and dust pan or small vacuum will help keep the floor clean.
Good point made suggesting you change a tire and drain clean water from both tanks so your sure you know how everything works.
Apparently the neighbor kids opened both gate valves on the trailer that belongs to a friend of mine, so the story goes, but since end caps were on my friend didn't know it until he took the end cap off. It sounded awful and I was surprised he didn't look at the gate valves while getting ready. That shows he doesn't really get it.
Understand how things work on your new trailer. Keep owners manual for fridge and furnace and water heater inside the trailer. Keep tire psi gauge handy.
Pay attention to the roof and do the maintenance in coming years.

[MarkTwain]

Jason234 wrote:
Well after weeks of searching, looking at dozens of travel trailers and visiting 10 dealerships, we finally found "the one."

Thanks to those who gave me your opinion on previous posts about my different options.

We ended up going with a 2017 Keystone Passport 2810BH Ultra Lite Grand Touring. It has everything the wife and I wanted. The quality seems to be very good, dry weight of only 5200 and tongue weight of 565. Spent a little more than we originally wanted but I think we will be pleased with this one.

Now, tell me some absolutes I need to buy for the TT. Things you can't live without in your TT. We are not new to the camping lifestyle, but will be new to doing it in style, lol.

1st. what tires did your new rig come with? E or G rated 12 ply or 10 ply? If not, throw them away and get some good tires or I made it a condition of the sale that they take the "tow master tires" off and replace them with Good Year "G" rated tires or no Deal!!
2nd. Surge protector
3rd. Good Sam Emergency Road Side service and Emergency assistance policy.
4th. Reese Dual Cam hitch
5th. replace the original water pump with a Shur Flow pump to get a quiet and positive pump.

[Davo7]

Congrats on the new rig!! Have fun, and enjoy...

[Jason234]

gbopp wrote:
Congrats. Don't forget the duct tape, just in case. 🙂

LOL, Duct tape and a multi tool will fix anything.

[gbopp]

Congrats. Don't forget the duct tape, just in case. 🙂