PurdueGrad
Indiana
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Joined: 05/07/2012
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Hi everyone! I'm new to this forum and to camping (well, other than tent camping). We recently acquired a 2013 Roo 21SS - I'm dying to go camping! Any advice you can give us newbies???
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drenjoey
Gray, Maine
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Joined: 06/25/2008
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I know you'll have a great time with an hybrid which we call here an HTT.
Time for you to start building memories.
Read the topics this site, and you will find what to buy, what to do, and what not to do.
Some people here have a lot of knowledge (I'm not one of them), but I did learn a lot from them.
Have a great time with your new ROO
Dre
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bikendan
Napa, Cal.
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Joined: 11/21/2005
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PurdueGrad wrote:Hi everyone! I'm new to this forum and to camping (well, other than tent camping). We recently acquired a 2013 Roo 21SS - I'm dying to go camping! Any advice you can give us newbies???
first advice is: have a TV big enough to tow it. and unless you have a 1 ton, get a good WDH with sway control.
second, buy a set of Popup Gizmos or the generic solar blankets for the bunk ends. also a set of tandem wheel chocks, to cut down movement from inside.
third, i recommend joining Forest River Forums. lots of 21SS owners there with a Roo owners' section.
other than that, buy the basic stuff at Walmart's RV section. anything else they don't have, get at Camping World or your favorite RV supply store.
Dan- Firefighter , Shawn- Musician/Entrepreneur , Zoe- Faithful Golden Retriever , 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche LS, 2007 Rockwood Roo 23SS w/Equalizer and Prodigy, and 5 Mtn. bikes and 2 Road bikes
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HeyJude
Emmett, MI.
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Joined: 02/15/2009
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Make sure you have pen and paper at hand at all times, to write down the things you need! I think of something then forget a few minutes later. Take photos to remind you what sites you love best. Walmart is my favorite store to buy supplies from. Oh, and don't let anyone tell you you need special tp, just buy scotts or any other single ply paper, works fine.
2 DD both grown.
2 GC-loves of my life!
Campground lot in Harrison MI.
2013 Keystone Summerland 3030BHGS
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HeyJude
Emmett, MI.
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Make sure you have pen and paper at hand at all times, to write down the things you need! I think of something then forget a few minutes later. Take photos to remind you what sites you love best. Walmart is my favorite store to buy supplies from. Oh, and don't let anyone tell you you need special tp, just buy scotts or any other single ply paper, works fine.
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WI Bowhunter
Shiocton, WI
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Joined: 06/06/2010
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I agree, you need weight dist. hitch and sway control unless you are pulling with a 1 ton. I pull a 23' HTT with my 1/2 tom silverado.
I would recommend getting grey and black water treatments for the waste tanks before your fist trip. We did not treat the grey tank the first year and it started to stink. we must have rinsed more food particles down the drain than I thought.
I would also suggest an electric heater( if you plan on camping in cooler weather). I use that when I am paying for electricity vs. running my built in furnace. Saves some money in propane cost.
Enjoy!!
Keep the Shiny Side Up!
2011 F150 Supercrew, 4X4 3.5 Ecoboost, 145" wheelbase, 3.73 gears, Max trailer Tow package
2014 Puma 30DBSS
Equali-I-Zer WD Hitch
3 kids and 1 DW
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Padlin
W. Ma.
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Joined: 06/15/2006
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Work out hand signals with whoever you go with for hooking up the trailer and for backing into a site, or buy small walkie talkies. Be ware of gas stations, take wider turns. Don't flush the toilet with the vent fan on. Walk around the trailer before heading out. Tree branches win over air conditioners. Talk your SO into making the bed/s. Carry a noise generator and Popup Gizmo's, the small electric heater is good too. Pretend your not concerned with gas mileage.
Happy Motoring
Bob & Deb
W Ma.
12 F150 HD SCAB EcoBoost LB 4x4
06 Starcraft 18SB
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aftermath
Washington State
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Joined: 09/18/2005
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Great advice so far. You will figure out all the "stuff" you will need to take as you get more experience.
I have a suggestion for the long run. As with a PU, it is very important to take care of all the tentage. Make sure you always dry it out before storage. If you are caught in the rain you will have to wait for a nice day. Open the trailer and let it dry thoroughly before putting it away. I owned a used PU for 17 years and the canvas was as good as the day we got it. I took very good care of our hybrid as well and never had any trouble with mold or mildew.
Enjoy the trailer. You are going to have some great times.
2008 Toyota Tundra, Double Cab, 5.7L V8
2006 Airstream 25 FB SE
Equalizer Hitch
Prodigy Controler
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PurdueGrad
Indiana
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Joined: 05/07/2012
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Thanks everyone for all the advice! Some of the things we have covered - some I would have missed on our first trip! 
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PurdueGrad
Indiana
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Oh, we are towing with a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 (with a cummins diesel). Don't think we have a wd hitch - do we need one? I can tell you it rode completely different coming home (we towed a Cardinal 5th wheel to the dealership, the Roo home from the dealership - huge difference in weight)!
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