First time out/

RJ Runyan · 04-14-2014, 09:51 AM

Hello, I am preparing to use my TT for the first time since I bought it. I am scared to death I will mess something up. It has set through the winter and now I need to get it ready for a vacation. It sits now just as it did at the dealership. What do I need to do to get everything up and running. Please help lol!

OurJayco · 04-14-2014, 10:00 AM

First - "Welcome to the Forum"!!!

Second - You say winter, does that mean cold freezing winter? If so, you will need to de-winterize the unit if it has pink RV antifreeze in the water lines. This is very easy to do. Turn on the faucets and let all the pink antifreeze out. A good suggestion is to run water through the system for a good length of time and even add a little bleach in the fresh water tank to clean out the lines.

Third - Do you have all essentials placed in the trailer? This would inlcude glasses, plates, pots, pans, silverware and other items needed for cooking? Do you have a sewer hose(s), water hose(s), full LP tanks, charged battery, personal items for bath/shower?

Fourth - Have you towed trailer before? If not, practice backing the trailer in a large open lot either by yourself or with your companion.

Fifth -Take your time, relax and enjoy your time camping or on vacation!!!

RJ Runyan · 04-14-2014, 10:15 AM

First, Thank You

Yes I mean freezing temps here in Kansas. I will do what you suggest concerning the water tank and lines. My wife has ensured we have all the "essentials" and I do have all the other items you mentioned except a charged battery. I will fix that in a couple days. I have a little experience towing and am confident I can handle the TT.
Besides the water tank and lines is there anything else I need to do before heading out on the road. I am really a rookie here but can't wait to get started.

Thanks again,
RJ

Tunce the traveler · 04-14-2014, 10:33 AM

There should be no antifreeze in the hot water tank because 2 valves were closed when they winterized it so now you have to open those valves in order to fill your water tank and circulate the hot water. There should be a panel inside the trailer at the back side of the water heater and they need to be open for the water to fill the tank. It would help us a lot if you told us what TT you have.

RJ Runyan · 04-14-2014, 10:39 AM

Sorry, thought my public info would show up as I listed it. I have a 2013 Eagle 328RLTS. An absolutely beautiful TT.

OurJayco · 04-14-2014, 10:42 AM

I would also take a pad of paper and pen with you and make notes of things that you may have forgot, would like to have or things that you would do differently on the next trip.

We found that having a 30amp to 15amp adapter is handy, but not used often.

http://www.ebay.com/bhp/30-amp-to-15-amp-adapter

If you do not have one, get a water pressure regulator. This is attached to the water faucet and your hose connects to that on one end and the other end goes on your trailer water inlet. They cost about $15.00 depending on where you buy them.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/14504323?w...679950&veh=sem

Local RV store or WalMart will have them. This is to keep the water pressure from the campsite to your trailer at a level that the lines in your trailer needs.

Leveling blocks or wood should be used to level your trailer from side-to-side. I, and many others, use what we call "Lego Leveling Blocks". Again RV Store or WalMart will have these for about $30.00.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/32983977?w...764581&veh=sem

Good Luck and have fun!!!!

Stingray75 · 04-14-2014, 10:58 AM

Add Propane to the list. Are the tanks full? Being as it's been resting a while, remember the furnace, hot water heater and fridge will take a few cycles before the lines purge and propane is at the burner tip. Light the stove first to get most of the air out of the lines.

RJ Runyan · 04-14-2014, 11:19 AM

Holy Moly there is a lot to do lol. I guess I better get started and I want to thank you all for the great advise so far. I will be sure to update you and post pics of my first outing. Should be interesting to say the least :P

Mspooley · 04-14-2014, 11:19 AM

In addition to this forum, You Tube is an outstanding resource. Simply log onto You Tube.com and type in the subject you are interested in learning about in the search area at top of page..

Camper_bob · 04-14-2014, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mspooley

In addition to this forum, You Tube is an outstanding resource. Simply log onto You Tube.com and type in the subject you are interested in learning about in the search area at top of page..

+1. I use Youtube all the time, great resource!

cekkk · 04-15-2014, 09:46 AM

It's always a good idea to spend the first night in the driveway.

Camper_bob · 04-15-2014, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cekkk

It's always a good idea to spend the first night in the driveway.

+1

It stormed like the dickens the night of our "camp driveway". Rain was pouring, wind was howling, the trailer was shaking in the gusting wind, and this was before we added our mattress topper, so needless to say, sleep was not available. I guess it was as good a night as any for a mini-shakedown; we didn't have any leaks!

cekkk · 04-15-2014, 11:33 AM

Camper Bob, no sleep but you couldn't have asked for a better shakedown!

Camper_bob · 04-15-2014, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cekkk

Camper Bob, no sleep but you couldn't have asked for a better shakedown!

YUP!

About 8:00, we finally decided to go inside for breakfast (we didn't really need to test the kitchen/cooking part). After we ate, we climbed into our bed and slept another couple hours. The factory mattress made me sore for days.

It was a good shakedown. It prepared us for the rest of our season; It has rained on 100% of our TT outings since we owned the trailer, and we're in the midst of a historic drought! It's getting better though, our last trip it only drizzled a little.

Scott · 04-25-2014, 12:00 PM

Check the tire pressure in the trailer before every trip.

Check the caulking at least 1-2 times a season. Not just the roof but also around the lights, vents, etc. Water leaks are the mortal enemy of RVs!

t2daniel · 04-25-2014, 03:19 PM

If it is still chilly and you think you will use your furnace, then run it at home with all the windows and doors open. There will be oil on the heat exchanger and it will fill your TT with smoke. I found this out on our Driveway campout before our 1st trip. Better to burn off the oil before you need the furnace on a chilly camping morning.

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