Ordered New 5th Wheel

[KarlMc]

My bride and I just ordered a new 30' Fleetwood Prowler Regal 5th wheel. I've always just roughed on the side of a river or in the woods and had a grand old time but my wife will have none of that. I took her to the Novi RV show just to look around (she only went to tag along with me, wasn't really interested) and she fell in love. My questions to all you veteren RVers is this: What MUST I remember, what is just nice to have along and what did you cart that you should have left at home? I understand that alot is personal preference but I'm sure there is alot to learn also.

Thanx, Karl

[trout]

First Aid kit
Lawn chairs
Picnic table/card table
tool kit
xtra wheel bearings/grease
Tire repair kit/fix a flat/hand pump
clothes line/pins
H/D trash bags
Radios
Disinfectent: in case skunk sprays while windows are open.
Paper plates/napkins /TP
Mop/Broom
Indoor/outdoor carpet to lay at front steps keeps mud out of unit.
Axe/Saw/small Shovel
Survival kit/matches/water filter
Fishing pole and lures
Cards/ board games

[KarlMc]

Trout, thank you. Some of the things are common sense but for example I would never have thought to take an extra wheel bearing and grease. It makes perfect sense but I wouldn't have thought of it. I also didn't know that disinfectant kills skunk smell, another little tidbit to tuck away.

[kroppe]

KarlMc,

Congratulations on your new acquisition, hope it's all you expect and more! The wife and I are looking at travel trailers, we're new at this but interested in learning.

What's your tow vehicle for your 5er?

[KarlMc]

kroppe, Thank you for the congrats. Tow vehicle is a 2000 f350 with a v10. It's got a short box but a slider 5th wheel hitch takes care of that. My family hase a large house in St Helen with rooms for my folks , my wife and I and my siblings and thier respective spouses but it gets a little crowded when everybody is there. We have a cement pad with elec/water and septic hook-ups so we will also use it there and free up a room. Have you looked at the two rv shows? Looking at anything specific?

[kroppe]

KarlMc,

I just got an F-250 crew cab with the new 6.0L diesel; it should do a decent job of pulling a travel trailer.

We are thinking of renting a trailer once or twice this year, then potentially buying one next year. I haven't been to any of the shows, but have been surfing the RV web sites and went to a dealer twice.

[KarlMc]

kroppe,

You could hook that 6.0L to a house with a chain and drop it into drive and let it idle, all you would have to do is start changing the numbers on the mailbox. It should pull just about anything you would hook to a P.U.
I went thru Vicars trailer sales in Taylor. I know that is a ways from you but I have a salesman named Gary who was very upfront and I liked that. I sold new and used cars for about three years until I couldn't look myself in the face and had to do something else so you could say I am a salesman's nightmare. This guy naturally wanted to make a sale but didn't try to get so far in my pockets he was pulling up my socks. If you want more info pm me and I'll be glad to give it to you.

[Liver and Onions]

Be sure to carry along a roll of duct tape, about 50' of binder twine, and a 7 gallon pail with a screw on lid.
L & O

[kingfisher 11]

I bought a new fifth wheeler for the wife and kids 2 years ago. What I did, is try to find out what style I wanted. How many push outs? bunks? and so forth. Then I started to stop at RV dealers that sold quality brand names. I would ask if they had any NEW last year models left from last year. I found some real good deals and they would even bargain more to deal it off.

I ended up getting a better deal then my wife's cousin who got some kind of discount from a friend. Almost the same camper also.

Mine was a camper that was ordered and someone lost there job.

Just a suggestion.

[Oct.1]

KarlMc

You’re going to really like the world of RV-ing. Some will say that’s not camping.
After your first outing your answer will be I know, isn’t it great! You can still explore new areas of where ever you go and relax in comfort when you get back. As for supplies, you will load it just like your home. Just remove the perishables if you store it for a long time. Special items you will want to store.

· A couple camp chairs. The collapsible ones work great. With footrests.
· A small outdoor barbeque grill.
· About 20 foot of indoor out door carpet for under the awning. Helps keep the sand out of the camper. Color match it to your awning. Makes the place look good.
· A small broom and dustpan. If you have carpet get a small vacuum cleaner.
· A 3 gal water bottle. Some campgrounds don’t have water on site. Three gal. isn’t too heavy to lug around.
· An extra power cable. At least 50 feet. No less than 12 gauge.
· Some sort of outdoor lighting for the awning. And please don’t get those little pink pigs.
· Extra black water deodorant. So far I have found the blue liquid stuff works good.
· A 15-amp to 30-amp (or 50-amp.) converter plug. Some campgrounds don’t have 30-amp service.
· Good wheel cogs. It is a must that your camper won’t roll when it’s unhooked.
· Flat plates of some sort for the levelers to set on. 2X6’s cut to fit work.
· A set of walky-talkies for backing in to a campsite. I never hear my wife till bam! ……..Than she yells.
· A water filter. Put this between the water outlet and your supply hose.
· You may want a small weather cube. Just in case you want to know.
· If you can fit a second battery on board somewhere. Its good to have a backup. D.C powers many items on board. Or a small generator. If you’re like me you may still want to go to some of the rustic campsites.
· A dirty cloths bag. The netted bag works well. Allows them to breath a little.
· Get a fresh water blow out fitting. A bicycle pump will connect to this. You will use it before winter storage.
· Read you maintenance manual and warrantee book.
· Check with your insurance company on what’s covered at what deductible. Things like your awning.

After your first trip you will find items you want based on your own personal needs. But don’t get rid of your rugged camping gear. Believe me its nice to get away from all the noise and smoke that comes from a campground. RV-ing is a new world. You will now be able to come indoors. Away from the damp and cold.