I'm new here and new to the world of TTs. I have been tent camping and popup camping since I was a kid (way too long). So I'm no stranger to camping, but I've finally decided to step up to a Travel Trailer. I've picked one out at a local dealer, and I will most likely pull the trigger this weekend on it.
It's a brand new 2012 Coachmen Freedom Express 292BHDS. It is pretty loaded with electric everything, outside camp kitchen, etc.
Anyway, being new to travel trailers, I'm not sure what else I should look at buying to go with it. I'm positive the shop will try and sell me a bunch of extras, but I'd rather find out from real people than salesman. Any recommendations you have on getting started accessories would be great. I'm talking things like leveling blocks (what kind and how many), hoses, sewer lines, etc. I really have no idea what all I need and what brands are better or worse. I'd rather spend a bit more upfront and get what will last me than buy it 2-3 times until I finally get the right thing. TIA
I think I'm familiar with that floor plan based on the model number.. My DW really wants a similar one with the outside kitchen and all but can't do it at the moment. Very nice choice!
In regards to what you need. My advice and others will share the same.. Set it up in your driveway and camp out for the weekend or near a Camping world. Most all RV deales will include a "startup kit". It will come with wheel chocks, a cheap sewer hose, cheap level, toilet chemicals, gloves, water hose and so on. That will get you started however I'd recomend picking up a better sewer hose (maybe longer) an additional water hose and an extra length of power cord. Levelers are nice as they stow better than wood however not critical. Keep in mind as well that often you may need some wood/blocks for under the front jack to unhitch as well as to make up some ground under your stab jacks depending on the level of the site you camp at (each holds their own obsticals). You may also want some way of locking your hitch both on the TV and trailer if left unattended or stored in a lot or off site.
Inside - Everything you would use in your home you'll need in the kitchen and other areas.. You wont remember it all the first time.. PS - Don't forget the lawn chairs
EVERYTHING thst the dealer trys to sell you is going to be available and likely less at Camping World, WalMart or online.
A good weight distribution anti-sway setup like the Reese system will be a good start. The dealer can set you up with that fairly easily, shop around your area at hitch shops to get a better idea of what is a reasonable price from your dealer.
I think Lynx Levelers are the best overall...simply because they have a fairly comprehensive system of brite orange blocks, chocks, ramps and jack stands...with storage bags. The blocks are 1" tall and stack...so it's easy to use them by looking at your RV's leveler bubble and adding just the right number of blocks to level your rig.
The Rhino sewer Hose it seems, is popular due to how well it holds up, doesn't seem to spring leaks, amd is rugged. A white fresh water hose from Camco will take care of your TT's water tanks, it is made from virgin vinyl and doesn't contain lead, and your water won't taste "plasticy".
Spend a weekend in the driveway "camping" to get familiar with the furnace, Air Conditioner, water heater, showers, etc. And keep a pad and pencil to jot down "must haves".
You already got the hardest thing out of the way..buying a good RV like the Coachmen. Congratulations and best of luck!
My posts shouldn't be taken for factual data. They are purely fictional, for entertainment purposes and should not be constituted as actually related to scientific, technical, engineering, legal, spiritual or practical advice. Amen.
Add to the list a water pressure regulator. Don't know if your Coleman comes equipped with a water filter, if not I'd start with a standard blue torpedo shaped one from WalMart. While you're at it get a hand held weather radio with S.A.M.E.technology too. Congrats on your TT.
Thanks for the advice. I have a pressure regulator I used with my popup. I'm assuming that will be compatible with my TT? That was about all I was planning to keep from the popup.
As for a weather radio. I am a HAM operator (KF5CKB). So I definitely have the radio covered! I actually might find a way to rig a portable antenna to it and create a mobile station out of it.
I would add a surge guard/protector as well. Some folks will say they are not necessary, but I won't hook up to a CG electric service without one. Cheap insurance compared to the cost of an AC, fridge etc. Camping World has a sale every now and then...also other places like AdventureRv carry them and sometimes less expensive than CW
I have the same trailer and love it. I just got mine over a month ago. A couple things you want to get:
- Wheel Chocks
- 2 boxes of 10 Lynx Levelers Walmart ($32 per box)
- 3 Entrance step covers ($9 each at Walmart)
- Fresh water hose (White)
- Sewer hose (Recommend better then the basic hose with sewer head screw on and at least 20ft long)
- Fuses
- Tool Kit
- A good WD hitch with Sway control
- Black tank additive (Some come in packages)
- Internal and external cleaning supplies/Dish detergent/RV toilet Paper
- Dishes/Silverware
- Towels/rags/Sheets/Pillows/Blankets/Memory foam topper
- Trashcan with trash bags
- Regular waterhose (green)with y adapter so you can hook up your trailer water supply the same time. Also a waterhose sprayer
- Ladder (Use the ladder so you can use the water hose to spray the dirt and leaves off your slide before you close it or include a slide topper but will cover your skylight)
- Awning lights and hangers
- Welcome mat
- Large mat to cover the area beneath the awning.
- TV cable 20ft
- External Surge Protector
- Smaller flat screen for the bunkhouse with 5ft tv cable.
- Small green propane tanks for your outside grill
- Grilling tools
- A level to put on the floor to check how level the trailer is.
- Extra batteries for your remotes and smoke detector
- Water filter
- A few plaster storage containers with lids for storing some of this stuff that will fit in outside storage area.
Some of these items can be transferred between the house and the trailer. You will find it more convenient to have some for the trailer itself. Please let me know if you have any questions.
* This post was
edited 03/22/12 05:45pm by steeleshark *
2011 Nissan Armada SL w/Tow Package
2012 Coachmen Freedom Express (292BHDS) Liberty Edition
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