RVing help....

[Earnhardt fan #1]

Okay guys I just went and bought myself a 17.5 foot bumper pull twin axle camper self contained at that. Now my question is this is my first one outside the tent so what do I need to put in it? I've got sleeping bags and some other camping stuff but what do you guys have in yours?

[reflex1]

Beer!

[octoberbuck]

Congrats on the camper!! Go to Sam's and pick up a box of plastic forks, spoons, about $10 for a 500 box of each. Add a filet knife and and a paring knife. Garage sale pots and pans or Walmart $15 special for a set. A flipper and a big serving spoon.
If it doesn't have a microwave, get a small one for $40 range. You will not regret it. Scott single ply tissue is the order of the day. Add a long grill lighter and add one box of matches for backup. Get a spare tire and repair kit plus an inexpensive air pump and make sure you have a tire tool to fit the lugs. I like the the fold over tractor clip for the tongue. Do you have electric brakes on the triler? If so get the electric brake control and learn how to use unless towing the rig with a 3500 series dually. JMHO

[DrakeTaker]

electric griddle,party lights,astro turf,fry daddy,sack of taters,and your old lady and you are set for the weekend...:thumb:

[crazyminpinmax]

I went throught the same thing you did when we got our "new" camper. We had our old one and just moved stuff from it to the new one but there were things we were still missing. I would just keep a piece of paper in your camper and everytime you go camping trust me you will think of something you need and write it down and then pick it up the next time you go. We have had our camper for 2 years and we still are finding things we need.

I would recommend getting a small fan so incase you cant run a generator all night a fan comes in handy. Also a small heater for when it cold.

Plenty of blankets, cause you never know who might be staying. A good table to set up outside the camper to cook on or set things on.

Ant killer. We have had a hard time with ants this year.

Get some of that astro carpet at Lowe's to put outside the door. Will save you lots of time cleaning the floors.

Go to walmart and go to the Rv/camper section and get you a small bottle of Black tank stuff. Helps keep the smell down in the hot summer. Plus breakdown all the stuff and makes dumping easier.

Plenty of lighters. I would make sure you have plenty of skillets. And make sure you have a big one. When making potatoes or gravy you just need a good size skillet. We sometimes cook outside too. Makes for easier cleanup. Or we cook somethings outside and some inside.

Get you some plastic tupperware bowls with lids. And plenty of knives, spatulas, can opener. Just about anything you need at home in the kitchen you will need camping. Seems to me sometimes this camper thing is really hard when you have a camper. So much to bring. But I would not camp without it!!!

If I think of anything I will post it. I'm sure I will!!!

Hope this helps.

[Sylamore]

EHF#1

How about a photo of your new rig? I would like to see it sometime. A camper is an idea we have thought about a lot for trips to Alabama. Do you have any data on how it affects the vehicle gas bill?

[crazyminpinmax]

If you want more info about camping go to this website. Lots of info!!

http://www.trailerlife.com

I think you will like it.

[born2hunt]

Something that I won't leave home without if I'm going on a long trip (like out west or something) is a Woodall's Campground Directory.

Someone mentioned that they do some of their cooking outdoors. I basically do all my cooking outdoors. This really helps keep the inside of the camper in good condition, especially if you fry very much. So, a good gas cooker is very handy.

Other than that, I can't improve on the advice already provided.

Someone asked about the effect on gas mileage. It depends on your tow rig and what you are towing, but you'd better be prepared for a significant drop in gas mileage. That's one of those things I refuse to calculate. It ruins the fun of RVing.

[octoberbuck]

One other thing that I use is a home made valve assembly for blowing out your water tank and lines for winterization. Get a tire valve, a 6" piece of garden hose with the twist end on it and a pipe clamp. Put the clamp on the hose and then push the valve into the hose. Tighten the clamp around the hose and valve. Remember the small compressor? Screw the hose on the outside water inlet. Go inside and close all the faucets except for one. Turn on the compressor and it will force the water out into the grey tank. When the water stops flowing go to the next faucett and turn it on then turn off the first one. Repeat the process with leaving one open all the time. (Kitchen first, bathroom shower/tub, sink then toilet. This allows you to not have to flush rv antifreeze and then recharge. When finished place about a cup full of antifreeze in each sink and shower. Sometimes it is necessary to drain the holding tanks. Don't forget to drain the water tank and hw/heater. Saves mucho time!!!

[Earnhardt fan #1]

That was the first thing I said I could make and not buy to get the water out but didn't know how too. Thanks for that bit of help:thumb:

I do have a small list of things I need to fix before I go out all out but it is ready to stay a night or two at hurricane or some where close.But I do have a few things I want to fix before I take for a week

I do have pretty good list of things to pick up at Wal~Mart and Sam's though:thumb:

[busterb]

I use this site for info
rvtravel.com

[doug]

Something that you will hopefully not need, but you should check on is a jack. I don't know how many times I have seen folks trying to rig something up to lift their trailer after they found out that the jack for the truck won't work on the trailer. It doesn't do any good to have a spare tire if you can't change it. I picked up a bottle jack and just keep it in the camper. That way, if I need it, I have it with me.

[browning_gold_12]

heavy extension cord, in case the electrical outlets are not close enough, (merrisach lake park). extra section of water line, and also a short hose for grey water. if you are on an extended stay, they make a little pull behind tank that you can drain your grey water in and go dump it without having to move your camper. plastic ware, paper plates, plastic paper plate holders, can opener, 2 ice chests, one for drinks one for clean ice, folding chairs, table cloths for picnic tables. go a few times, and fine tune it. i am still learning, been camping for years with my in laws, but just bought our first in october. enjoy, BG12

[bowhunter958]

TP and Yard Guard:thumb:

[Earnhardt fan #1]

A few pics of my second home:biggrin:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v175/Efanone/100_0539.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v175/Efanone/100_0540.jpg

[Earnhardt fan #1]

Inside....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v175/Efanone/100_0541.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v175/Efanone/100_0542.jpg

[Earnhardt fan #1]

You guys think it was worth the $1300 I gave for her?

[tony r]

maybe:smack: i would give you your money back if you think you might have got took:biggrin: tony