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Old 07-10-2015, 12:24 PM   #1
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Observations from 1st overnighter

Brand new to all this travel trailer/camping thing. Been doing a lot of reading, trying to avoid the big mistakes. But no matter how much ya read, ya just gotta go out and do it to learn some things. So this week, took our 1st short trip to Lake Georgetown.

Mistake #1: I put the TT pretty close to the center of the parking pad. I did not notice, that in this position, once the doorway step was extended, it would be just over the edge of the pad. This added a few extra inches to the step to/from ground to step. It was a PITA. But since it was just an overnight stay, we lived with it. I'll attach a pic of this. Not real clear, but maybe you'll see what I mean.

Mistake #2: We have 3 dogs. Thought stringing three rope lines & attaching their leads to that, would keep them under control & provide a little freedom for them. What a disaster. They all found ways to get so twisted & tangled, you'd thought they were making the Gordian Knot. I still think I can make this work. But maybe some sort of enclosure might be better.

Mistake #3: Worried too much about weight. Brought too little BBQ briquettes. It got the job done, but just barely. Next time, the whole bag comes. Also did not bring the proper tools for working the grill.

Learned: The AC unit is LOUD!! Cannot listen to music or watch TV with it running. We cooled down the TT, turned it off, ran a fan & watched a movie. Had to crank it back on after the movie. Kinda warm here.

Saw a good idea: A family set up close to us had a Y splitter on the water supply spigot. So besides the white potable water hose to the TT, they'd attached a
hose for handy outside use.

These are all kinda simple things you old veterans already know. Just passing on to the other wet behind the ears folks ( especially that parking thing ).

Wonder what I'll learn next time.

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Old 07-10-2015, 12:42 PM   #2
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It is a learning experience. Hopefully most of it will be minor inconveniences as you learn. As far as mistakes go the only ones who have not made a mistake have not yet bought their camper and gone camping.
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Old 07-10-2015, 12:58 PM   #3
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You've done quite well, Young Grasshopper.....


Learning from one's mistakes beats repeating them!


It took me several outings to get close to smooth.


After 6 years of RVing, SWMBO & I have almost mastered the sport. Then we try something fresh. Only to re-try a couple of times and finally get it 'right'.
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Old 07-10-2015, 01:07 PM   #4
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looks like your fresh water tank is right above the axle, but your black water tank is forward of your axle. this shift of weight on your drive home from a boondock could get interesting.

Make sure you account for it. drain the black tank at your first opportunity on the way home, shift luggage and empty beer coolers around to ensure your ride doesn't get squirley, especially with your short wheel base tow vehicle.

enjoy the camping!!
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Old 07-10-2015, 01:11 PM   #5
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Tuckerdog,


I can appreciate your insight. We haven't even ventured out on our first trip yet (will the calendar ever clear?), but once we do, I can assure you some of your comments will stick in my mind....I woulda parked the TT in the middle of the pad, too. I guess I wouldn't have thought about it until my wife complains about stepping out into the grass.


Thanks for the tips, there are still lots of us "young (ha!) grasshoppers" out there.
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Old 07-10-2015, 01:22 PM   #6
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I've seen where dog owners have put up a raised line (like a clothes line) and attached the leashes to that. It still posed some tangle problems but appeared to be better than the alternative.
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Old 07-10-2015, 01:25 PM   #7
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Kinda hard to see in the picture, but are the trailer wheels chocked???
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Old 07-10-2015, 01:36 PM   #8
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As you make those small mistakes, and some big ones, you are building memories and stories. Sometimes a mistake or breakage can lead to a better experience (I remember this one time in West Virginia.....), so be sure to be open to a measure of serendipity as well. Oh yeah, remember to laugh. A lot. Especially at small mistakes. In the end, it's all about the memories.
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Old 07-10-2015, 01:44 PM   #9
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Quote:
Kinda hard to see in the picture, but are the trailer wheels chocked???
Not when that pic was taken. I noticed later & did rectify that. Another good point.

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Old 07-10-2015, 01:50 PM   #10
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Every trip can be an adventure at first. This year DW and I are "assisting" friends with their first TT. Never towed (or backed up!), and it's 34'. Been out with them twice so far, and it's been more than interesting! Lots of "memories" this year.
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Old 07-10-2015, 01:52 PM   #11
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I could do with fewer "we'll laugh about it later" moments. AKA 'boneheaded' moments.
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Old 07-10-2015, 01:52 PM   #12
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When you are prepping to leave a CG don't forget to pull the chocks.
Don't ask why I mention this
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Old 07-10-2015, 01:55 PM   #13
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I think we all have a set of crushed plastic chocks! They crunch nicely lol.
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Old 07-10-2015, 02:02 PM   #14
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<------ The "Crushed Chock King"!!!
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Old 07-10-2015, 02:03 PM   #15
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It's even better when they in front of the first axle. That way you can run over it twice
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Old 07-10-2015, 02:04 PM   #16
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Originally Posted by RedHorse1 View Post
When you are prepping to leave a CG don't forget to pull the chocks.
Don't ask why I mention this
Let's include unplugging the power cord instead of being forced into installing a detachable cord.
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Old 07-10-2015, 02:08 PM   #17
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I've seen where dog owners have put up a raised line (like a clothes line) and attached the leashes to that. It still posed some tangle problems but appeared to be better than the alternative.
Yea, that's what we did. One line for each dog. The problem was on this particular site, there was only one good tree to attach all three lines. So as the dogs got together at that end, they'd tangle with each other. And they'd wrap themselves around the tree or the tie down points at the other ends of the lines. Next time, we'll try for a site that has tie down points that will keep the dogs well away from each other. I will also work something onto the lines that will stop their travel before they can reach the tie down points and begin wrapping themselves up there.

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Old 07-10-2015, 02:09 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mike837go View Post
Let's include unplugging the power cord instead of being forced into installing a detachable cord.
Along the same lines.. replace the sewer cap after done emptying!

And don't forget to CLOSE the valves... Ask me how I know.
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Old 07-10-2015, 02:11 PM   #19
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When you are prepping to leave a CG don't forget to pull the chocks.
Don't ask why I mention this
I worked at an airport for 31 years. All equipment was to be chocked when you got off it. I don't have enough fingers & toes to count the number of times I jumped back on a piece of equipment & ran over the chocks. And there always seemed to be somebody watching when I did it

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Old 07-10-2015, 02:13 PM   #20
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When it all goes smooth we call 'em "Drama Free". We've also noticed that a trip without a visit to a big box store or Wally Mart cause something broke or was forgotten just doesn't seem complete.
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