Yet another newbie question!

[jhfxrtleeh1]

Getting ready to finally go out on our first trip in the 'new-to-us' TT. We had some serious renovations to do -- read replacing a couple of good chunks of flooring, and some long-neglected maintenance (wheel bearings, systems checks, etc, - but we think we're good to go now.

We are are not newbies to camping (long-time tent campers), but this is our first trailer, and I'm trying to cover all our bases to make this first trip as easy as possible.

I've downloaded prep lists and adapted them to our personal situation, but I still have a couple of questions for all of you seasoned folks...

What is the one thing that you found you really needed for trips?

What 'gotta have' item did you buy and found out you didn't need?

Thanks in advance. One week and counting.

[AJBert]

Speaking of changing tires, if your TV and TT have different sized lug nuts, make sure you have the correct size for both. I've run across a few folks that had a flat on the trailer and nothing to remove the lug nuts.

[rbpru]

My advice is a bit different. Surge suppressor, water pressure regulator, fine ideas and necessary for sure but if you can buy it at Wal-Mart do not worry about it.

What you cannot buy at Wal-Mart is the ability, tools and blocking to change a TT or TV tire on a back road someplace. I suggest spare TT and TV tires, torque wrench, jacks, wood shoring blocks and practice changing them before you leave. Also, remember a good 5 gal. gas can.

These items and changing practice were the difference between a couple of half hour delays and waiting for road service to find an old couple stranded on the road in MT.

As the Boy Scouts say "Be Prepared" .

[jhfxrtleeh1]

Thanks AJ -- hubby's a machinist/mechanic, so a tool set goes without saying. His 'basic' set is probably enough to rebuild an engine, so I think it'll handle most anything!

[AJBert]

Don't forget some basic hand tools. Socket set/wrenches, set of pliers, screwdrivers, and might want to throw in some zip ties, assorted bolts/nuts/washers/screws.

[jhfxrtleeh1]

Well, shoot... had a good long post typed up and hit the wrong key... These are great suggestions -- thanks so much for sharing. I'll get DH to look into the EMS system -- sounds like it might be a good idea. Pretty much have everything else. We're going to be doing both campground and boondocking, so we know we'll need another battery soon (one just ain't gonna cut it). We've got the leveling blocks (2x6) and blocks for the tongue and stabilizers. Cells will probably be our option for awhile -- we'll see how it goes. Everything else was in the trailer when we bought it (a 50 to 30 adapter, power extension cord, and LOTS of TP), so whether we need it or not, it's there. Looking forward to next week. Will update when we get back. Thanks again for the suggestions!

[Golfcart]

Need-A-Vacation wrote:
Maybe I missed it mentioned, but a form of blocks for leveling the trailer side to side. Blocks for under the tongue and stabilizer jacks. Wheel chocks, placed before unhooking the truck!!!

An absolute must. But in my personal opinion, dont waste money on those packaged stackable blocks sold at RV stores. Its much cheaper to just cut down some 2x6 pieces of wood, and the weight is nearly irrelevant.

[Need-A-Vacation]

Maybe I missed it mentioned, but a form of blocks for leveling the trailer side to side. Blocks for under the tongue and stabilizer jacks. Wheel chocks, placed before unhooking the truck!!!

30amp ext cord.
Fresh water hose. We have used a hose splutter for years, but now have an outdoor shower!!! ?? Short piece of hose on the splitter for rinsing kids off helps also.
Paper plates as mentioned. We dirty as little as possible, so we use plasticware.
Sewer hose to dump the tanks.

[samhain7]

Are you planning on hookup camping or boon docking or both?

[myredracer]

jhfxrtleeh1 wrote:
What is an EMS

Not to be confused with a surge suppressor, it's an energy management system. It protects anything connected to 120 volts inside an RV (low voltage, open ground connection, reversed polarity and some other things). The best one around is a Progressive Industries EMS. Lifetime warranty, made in the US and a few more or better features than the competition. Info. on a PI EMS here. We have one of these and when we pulled into a Thousand Trails CG a couple of days ago, it tripped on us. It indicated both an open ground and low voltage. The power was so bad at the site, we had to move to another one. An open ground is a serious safety concern. Sure glad we have an EMS.

I've forgotten pajamas a few too many times so finally hid some in the TT just in case. Then I stopped forgetting! (True story)

If going on longer trips or driving on unfamiliar roads and towing a TT, a GPS can really help. We also don't go camping and "roughing it" without taking our laptop and Verizon 4G. Can't imagine camping anymore without internet. It's also good for when you are having problems while out camping and you can onto to RV.net for help. 🙂

Can't think of much that shoulda/coulda been left at home, except for maybe DW once in a while, lol. We've got space to store rarely used things tho.

[Sean_Boburk]

Things I bought and never used....power extension cord, and 50 amp jack to 30 amp plug adapter.

Must haves...a lighter...

Sean

[AJBert]

I'll throw in the number one must is toilet paper. Paper towels "work" but not a great replacement!

[Alabama_Jim]

Looks like you got a lot of good advice. Welcome to TT camping and I pray you enjoy every minute of it.

[jfkmk]

Golfcart wrote:
My wife likes to walk out of mirror sight while she gives hand signals.. So yea, walkie talkies are a must lol

Hey, my wife does the same thing! Then, when out of sight, she'll say "ok, now come this way". :h

Yeah, the walky talkies are a must. We prefer the cell phones so it can be a two way conversation, but if there's no service they come in handy.

I also second nixing the dishes. Bought a set of Corning ware for the trailer and almost exclusively use paper or plastic plates.

[Chuck_thehammer]

I/We use cell phones in place of walkie/talkies..

we have outside shower... is great for cleaning up after cooking in pots.
when I was looking at this trailer and Said. I see not use for outside shower.. boy was I wrong on this one ,,:)

2 credit cards... of different accounts.... in case 1 is lost or stolen...
and NOT kept in the same place (wallet) ..