Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 16, 2020, 10:12:33 PM
Just learning all the systems and learning some little do's and don'ts.
So the wall tent thread got me thinking. What are some of the items that y'all have that you feel are a must have when taking the RV on trips.
Post by: Special T on November 16, 2020, 10:29:50 PM
Cribbage board
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Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 16, 2020, 10:45:27 PM
Post by: Special T on November 16, 2020, 11:03:07 PM
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Post by: Cylvertip on November 17, 2020, 01:08:07 AM
A tea kettle. Heat the tea kettle and use hot water from it. If you run the water heater in the summer, it heats the whole rv. Plus to get hot water at the faucet, you purge a bunch of cold water first. Water is a precious resource if you aren't connected to it. And no constant running of the water. A little really goes a long way.
Indoor outdoor thermometer that has the remote sensor for outdoor. Put the outdoor sensor in the fridge to keep track of how cold it really is. A couple of exploring cans of soda in the winter is not a fun way to spend an evening. Just saying.
Post by: BD1 on November 17, 2020, 01:21:07 AM
Post by: Oh Mah on November 17, 2020, 09:42:38 AM
Post by: Woodchuck on November 17, 2020, 09:44:05 AM
Post by: gutsnthegrass on November 17, 2020, 10:11:09 AM
Post by: Sandberm on November 17, 2020, 10:17:43 AM
We didnt use our travel trailer for a year last year and the furnace was plugged. Again, this fall we went camping after the travel trailer sat for a year, the fridge quit working when the nozzle got plugged. Some 9pm in the dark mechanic work, I got it unplugged.
Post by: Special T on November 17, 2020, 10:30:48 AM
If you do not use your RV regularly, turn on anything that runs on propane every couple months to keep bugs from plugging up the propane nozzles.
We didnt use our travel trailer for a year last year and the furnace was plugged. Again, this fall we went camping after the travel trailer sat for a year, the fridge quit working when the nozzle got plugged. Some 9pm in the dark mechanic work, I got it unplugged.
Ask for your grandparents checklist. anyone with an RV has one even if not written down. Do this not that. Write that stuff down! SOP LIST!
Post by: Widgeondeke on November 17, 2020, 10:36:48 AM
nitrile gloves for emptying the black tank :yike: :sry: on serious note. learn the sequence for emptying tanks :hello:
make sure if hookin up to "city" water, that your hose has a pressure regulator. too much pressure will blow RV hoses :yike:
Post by: Alchase on November 17, 2020, 10:47:09 AM
If you do not use your RV regularly, turn on anything that runs on propane every couple months to keep bugs from plugging up the propane nozzles.
We didnt use our travel trailer for a year last year and the furnace was plugged. Again, this fall we went camping after the travel trailer sat for a year, the fridge quit working when the nozzle got plugged. Some 9pm in the dark mechanic work, I got it unplugged.
Ask for your grandparents checklist. anyone with an RV has one even if not written down. Do this not that. Write that stuff down! SOP LIST!
My dad had laminated checklists with a grease pencil, one for Prep, year end storage, and one for maintenance.
Another handy tip, mount bubble levels at each corner, so it is easy for a novice to level it out. The RV stores sell them. But you can also just make them from those inexpensive line levels.
An outside Propane valve comes in handy so you can cook outside as much as possible. Keeps the grease or stink out.
Quote
heater with fan so when plugged in at a campground, you don't have to use your furnace (This saves on the LP bill)
:yeah:
Once hooked up, electricity is free, save your propane.
A 10x10 popup with bug screens, makes relaxing outside more enjoyable.
I have seen some people attach bug screens to their awning, though I am not familiar with how they do it.
Cheap LED line lights for outside.
Post by: Special T on November 17, 2020, 10:50:51 AM
Post by: metlhead on November 17, 2020, 06:04:41 PM
Post by: Oh Mah on November 17, 2020, 06:40:07 PM
Post by: BD1 on November 17, 2020, 06:50:42 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 17, 2020, 07:23:42 PM
I have it stored in my garage so that's a huge plus compared to outside.
The thing is like new and my grandparents barely used it so they couldnt answer to many of my questions. They have a giant live in type motor home and bought this small class B as well but never really used it much besides trips to like the bigger cities. I have been watching videos and reading manuals and learning. I am not new to a rv per say as I have had a camp trailer before. However this is my first motor home. This thing is about as fancy as they get. To many bells and whistles for this simple redneck lol.
My aunt and "uncle" borrowed it and took a trip with it and somehow could not figure out how to dump it after using it and brought it back with 2/3 full black and grey tank and never told my grandparents. Lame I know and it sat for months like that. So I read all the manuals and figure out how to use this turd blender system this fancy sucker has on it. Only to figure out they used wipes and regular tp in it "not smart people" and have it jammed up. So my first chore was using the emergency empty to get it all cleaned out and they had opened the valves and let all that nasty charge up the line. PUKE fun stuff to have to deal with first thing you deal with lol. So going to have to take it in and see if they can un clog this macerator thing or replace it. I tried back flushing it to get it to kick free but it wont work. So got the emergency dump system working and got a house fitting and old school dump line coming for that.
Post by: Encore 280 on November 17, 2020, 07:43:31 PM
Post by: DRobnsn on November 17, 2020, 08:06:48 PM
Handy little items for the fridge, those round, spring loaded extendable curtain rods that extend between 18 - 24" or so. Put them in front of the milk cartons or whatever so things stay put and don't come jumping out at ya when you open the fridge door.
Great idea! :tup:
Post by: Alchase on November 17, 2020, 08:09:59 PM
Awesome keep them coming. I'm making a list!
I have it stored in my garage so that's a huge plus compared to outside.
The thing is like new and my grandparents barely used it so they couldnt answer to many of my questions. They have a giant live in type motor home and bought this small class B as well but never really used it much besides trips to like the bigger cities. I have been watching videos and reading manuals and learning. I am not new to a rv per say as I have had a camp trailer before. However this is my first motor home. This thing is about as fancy as they get. To many bells and whistles for this simple redneck lol.
My aunt and "uncle" borrowed it and took a trip with it and somehow could not figure out how to dump it after using it and brought it back with 2/3 full black and grey tank and never told my grandparents. Lame I know and it sat for months like that. So I read all the manuals and figure out how to use this turd blender system this fancy sucker has on it. Only to figure out they used wipes and regular tp in it "not smart people" and have it jammed up. So my first chore was using the emergency empty to get it all cleaned out and they had opened the valves and let all that nasty charge up the line. PUKE fun stuff to have to deal with first thing you deal with lol. So going to have to take it in and see if they can un clog this macerator thing or replace it. I tried back flushing it to get it to kick free but it wont work. So got the emergency dump system working and got a house fitting and old school dump line coming for that.
We grew up with strict rules, no going No. 2 inside. Period, end of story!
My Dad believed if we were on hookup, that means there is a public restroom close by. If not on hookup, grab a shovel and move 100 feet away from the RV
Also when not on hookup, Dig a whole a couple feet deep, and run your grey water through an extended hose into to the hole.
Post by: Alchase on November 17, 2020, 08:11:30 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 17, 2020, 08:30:42 PM
Handy little items for the fridge, those round, spring loaded extendable curtain rods that extend between 18 - 24" or so. Put them in front of the milk cartons or whatever so things stay put and don't come jumping out at ya when you open the fridge door.
Oh that is great I use to have that happen all the time in my camp trailer.
Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 17, 2020, 08:34:01 PM
Awesome keep them coming. I'm making a list!
I have it stored in my garage so that's a huge plus compared to outside.
The thing is like new and my grandparents barely used it so they couldnt answer to many of my questions. They have a giant live in type motor home and bought this small class B as well but never really used it much besides trips to like the bigger cities. I have been watching videos and reading manuals and learning. I am not new to a rv per say as I have had a camp trailer before. However this is my first motor home. This thing is about as fancy as they get. To many bells and whistles for this simple redneck lol.
My aunt and "uncle" borrowed it and took a trip with it and somehow could not figure out how to dump it after using it and brought it back with 2/3 full black and grey tank and never told my grandparents. Lame I know and it sat for months like that. So I read all the manuals and figure out how to use this turd blender system this fancy sucker has on it. Only to figure out they used wipes and regular tp in it "not smart people" and have it jammed up. So my first chore was using the emergency empty to get it all cleaned out and they had opened the valves and let all that nasty charge up the line. PUKE fun stuff to have to deal with first thing you deal with lol. So going to have to take it in and see if they can un clog this macerator thing or replace it. I tried back flushing it to get it to kick free but it wont work. So got the emergency dump system working and got a house fitting and old school dump line coming for that.
We grew up with strict rules, no going No. 2 inside. Period, end of story!
My Dad believed if we were on hookup, that means there is a public restroom close by. If not on hookup, grab a shovel and move 100 feet away from the RV
Also when not on hookup, Dig a whole a couple feet deep, and run your grey water through an extended hose into to the hole.
Oh yeah it wont be used to much by me I like the great outdoors. When it goes hunting it will probably not be used at all but with the little kiddos and ladies on trips and such will be about the only use. I hate using public restrooms and only do around big cities so I dont get a ticket for flashing to much skin if you get my drift lol.
Do you just leave the valve on the grey open to the hose so it can free poor down the line?
Post by: Oh Mah on November 17, 2020, 10:52:37 PM
Post by: BD1 on November 17, 2020, 11:30:00 PM
Handy little items for the fridge, those round, spring loaded extendable curtain rods that extend between 18 - 24" or so. Put them in front of the milk cartons or whatever so things stay put and don't come jumping out at ya when you open the fridge door.
That is something I never thought about...great thread for all of us :tup:
Post by: Cylvertip on November 17, 2020, 11:50:45 PM
when draining the tanks i always leave the grey for last,helps to clean out the hose after the black tank has drained.
:yeah:
Post by: Cylvertip on November 17, 2020, 11:55:49 PM
Handy little items for the fridge, those round, spring loaded extendable curtain rods that extend between 18 - 24" or so. Put them in front of the milk cartons or whatever so things stay put and don't come jumping out at ya when you open the fridge door.. I use the really small bungies with hooks on both ends. Run them between the shelves as needed. Through the milk jug handle from shelf to shelf, etc.
Post by: Encore 280 on November 18, 2020, 03:05:06 PM
Handy little items for the fridge, those round, spring loaded extendable curtain rods that extend between 18 - 24" or so. Put them in front of the milk cartons or whatever so things stay put and don't come jumping out at ya when you open the fridge door.
I have to confess and give credit where credit is due. I got that idea from when I was tow boating in Alaska. The cook used those tension rods in the fridge on the tug. Really came in handy. :tup: Been using them since my first camper and now the travel trailer. Thanks Peg!
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on November 18, 2020, 03:16:45 PM
Curious if anyone has a different way?
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 18, 2020, 04:01:10 PM
Handy little items for the fridge, those round, spring loaded extendable curtain rods that extend between 18 - 24" or so. Put them in front of the milk cartons or whatever so things stay put and don't come jumping out at ya when you open the fridge door.
I have to confess and give credit where credit is due. I got that idea from when I was tow boating in Alaska. The cook used those tension rods in the fridge on the tug. Really came in handy. :tup: Been using them since my first camper and now the travel trailer. Thanks Peg!
You can do the same thing if your door latch becomes weak, and you have a lip to tension it between.😉
Post by: msg on November 18, 2020, 04:17:11 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on November 18, 2020, 04:26:21 PM
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on November 18, 2020, 09:13:09 PM
Take care of the battery, I leave my trailer plugged in, I'm hoping it has a smart charger built in it. But a tender would be best.
Be careful with the on board chargers. Some will cook your battery faster than bacon. For off season while being stored as Carpsniper2 is id disconnect all batteries and plug in Battery Tenders for the winter till the RV is used again. Seems RVs and Boats go hand in hand for maintenance and stuff breaking! :bash:
Post by: tbrady on November 19, 2020, 09:56:09 AM
The best upgrade we ever did was put in lithium coach batteries. They cost a fortune but if you plan on keeping the RV a long time I think it's worth it. Since we almost never have hookups the lifepo4 batteries help a ton. They can charge at 30-50ah so the generator only has to run a little every few days to keep up. Really helps in natl parks etc... Plus, our batteries have a built-in bluetooth app so you can see actually what you are drawing and current state of charge.
Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 21, 2020, 08:31:37 PM
My uncle introduced me to the black tank cleaning wand today and I am ordering one of those!
Post by: HntnFsh on November 22, 2020, 06:39:44 AM
Post by: JKEEN33 on November 22, 2020, 07:26:46 AM
Post by: JJB11B on November 22, 2020, 07:44:00 AM
Post by: lee on November 22, 2020, 08:07:48 AM
You can also dump a couple bags of ice in your black tank and let them slosh around while you are towing. Cleans things up pretty well.
Post by: Wake1 on November 23, 2020, 11:38:08 AM
Post by: browney5er on December 08, 2020, 09:42:32 PM