Under Construction..
Ok you guys/gals, here will be a "sticky" to help new owners know what to do after they bring their new Jayco home and before their maiden voyage.... post some ideas and we'll go from there. Thanks for your help!
(The suggestions below still need to be edited)--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Camp driveway. Best place to spend the first night, anything forgotten is steps away.
Run the furnace an hour or so to burn off the new smell. Open the door and windows then light and burn the oven for 15 - 30 minutes to eliminate the new oven smoke that might set off your smoke alarm.
Give every other system and appliance a good tryout to make sure they function properly.This includes the fresh water system. Fill it with water, pressurize the system with the water pump and check for leaks.
Examine the underside of the trailer to look for loose, missing, or broken bolts and screws. I found one broken and three loose screws. Easier to fix while at home than on the road.
Spray silicone lubricant on the tv antenna gear on the roof. It helps when you crank it up and down.
Keep paper and a pen for the running list of "I forgot" items.
Think through everything you need in a "room by room" manner.
Bring 2 spatulas for the grill - as it seems I always loose one - not really sure how though....
Before you take off, do your walk around to make sure everything is stowed away, antenna down, steps up, everything is disconnected (water hose/electric cord). Inside, make sure everything is off the counter tops and tables.
Understand how the waste systems work on the unit so your first dumping attempt will be a snap.
Read your owners and appliance manuals and learn how things work so you can do as much maintenance and troubleshooting yourself as possible. This could save you some big bucks and possibly get you out of a jam someday.
If equipped with slide(s), find the manual slide retractor and learn how to operate it in the event of a power or slide motor failure.
Give every appliance and system a good tryout to make sure they are all functioning properly. This includes the fresh water system.
Inspect the entire unit for any cosmetic or mechanical issues/imperfections that may be missed in the PDI.
Read your owners and appliance manuals and learn how things work and how to do as much yourself as possible.
If equipped with slide(s) find the manual slide retractor and learn how to operate it so you can retract the slide in the event of power or slide motor failure.
Make sure WD system and brake controller are adjusted properly for your trailer and vehicle. If unsure ask dealer or another experienced camper.
Understand the capabilities/limitations of your tow vehicle.
Check tire pressure and lug nuts (spare tire too) before first run, and after every 50 miles for the first 200 miles or so.
Check the valve stem cores on the wheels to verify they are tight enough.
If new to towing, practice backing up in an empty parking lot to gain skills and confidence for backing into campsites, etc.
I few other suggestions is a small tool box of basic tools, duct tape, bungee cords, and making sure all lights are working on TT before leaving.
Have the essentials for first campout, fresh water hose, sewer hose and fittings,levels on trailer, wheel chocks, leveling blocks or boards to level your trailer in unlevel sites, side to side. Your tongue jack levels you front to back. Consider an electric tongue jack to make life easier, not a must but very nice to have.
Stock your kitchen, bathroom vanity and cabinets to your taste but IMO always be weight conscious in your decisions as to what items you put in the trailer. Weights can really add up.
Physically check the height of the rig - nothing scarier than seeing 13'2" and you are actually 13'6". And remember to include the air conditioner in your measurement!
If new to towing, practice backing up in an empty lot to gain skills and confidence for backing into campsites, etc..
Be sure your weight distribution system and brake controller are properly adjusted.
Understand the capabilities/limitations of tour tow vehicle. Be prepared for poor gas mileage in most towing situations.
Know the overall height of your unit and the clearances on any route you may be taking with the taller units.
Keep your computer logged on to the Jayco OwnersForum and ask us any other questions you may have!
New propane tanks need to be PURGED and then filled if it came from dealer EMPTY.
Make sure that your low point drain faucets are closed. Also make sure the settings in the water/tank drain box are set correctly other wise you will have a flood under the unit.
...And be sure to have some $$$ available for what I call "startup costs"- especially if this is your first RV. It's like furnishing another house as you'll be buying dishes, pots, pans, silverware, bedding items, patio rug, food, cleaning items/supplies, electrical cord extensions, outside lights, safety equipment and much, much more than what I've listed. Don't be surprised if you rack up costs well over $500.00. Back when I bought my TT, televisions weren't included, so I had to buy one of those too, along with a DVD/VCR player.
We gave up eating out and started cooking at home more. Saved us about $500 a month when you compare eating out vs. buying grocery's for our family of 4
If you tt requires a 7 pin electrical connector be sure all the wires are connected in the tv fuse box. Some tv mfg's don't connect the constant 12v conductor until it's going to be used. That is the one that charges your battery while in transit. ps be sure the battery is fully charged before leaving
1st Trip
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