First thing I sugest to everyone I do orientation with for a 5th is a padlock for the hitch so that you don't drive away from a rest area or gas stop and leave the 5th behind
Good luck with your new 5er, I did the driveway thing, it was great.If you want to really seem like you are away, go to a friends driveway!We had our friends here for a weekend working out their kinks.
I totally agree with the driveway campground first. Then go to a local RV park with full hookups. I also made friends with them cause we frequently had to dump there on the way home from a weekend of camping. It was nice cause they (and their parents) were RV people too.
Driving. If you've pulled a 4000lb boat the RV will be a piece of cake. Just don't forget it's back there If you are very nervous about it, hook it up and drive around. Nothing like a bit of practice. I drove around with my 5er for a little over an hour when I first got it. Get used to the noises. Backing should be simple compared to a busy boat ramp.
Packing lists depend on whether you are staying in RV parks or boondocking and the reason for your trip. Are you going to an area to be a tourist and stay out all day or are you going to stick around the campground? Are you using your RV as a 'base camp' for ATV/boating/cycling/hiking? etc, etc. How much will you really cook in it?
We use our RV for three reasons.
First, it is a mobile hotel room for traveling with our dog. Drive cross country to see the kids. These are usually two week trips and we mainly just sleep in the RV. We pack a lot of clothes and very little food (we eat out or get what we need at the Walmart when we stop for the night). The refer is filled with our favorite sodas and snacks. TV and/or laptop (for watching movies).
Second, we use it as part of our business to attend rallies (not RV rallies). Long weekend type stuff and usually dry camping. We pack more food and cooking stuff, mostly frozen stuff, sandwich, or other simple meals.
Third, we go camping, back woods, no hookups. Usually near a good fishing lake or stream. Fishing gear (duh), outside grill and board games. Sometimes some firewood. Cold and wet weather gear (cause it always rains when we go camping ). Extra boots/shoes, towels. Good first aid kit. 'Typical' camping food, hamburgers, corn on the cob, etc.
Always carry a cell phone, GPS, and a CB. If out of cell range we let someone (forest service or relative) know where we are going and when we expect to get back. We don't forget to check in when we get back.
Have fun!
charlie
2006 Toyota Tundra Crew Cab
2003 Skyline Nomad 24ft Fiver
Me and Wife
Maggie the Old English Sheepdog
Wow, a lot of great ideas out here. Congrat's on the new 5ver.
Started camping when I was 5, my dad always said each trip was an experience. I'm 46 now, have gone from tent's,TT now on the second 5ver.
And I still do not have everything I need or want.
The great thing about this pastime is if you don't have it, and need it, your neighbor will lend it to ya if you can't find one to buy.
2 or 2 water hoses 10ft, 20ft, 50ft, pressure regulator, inline water filter, "Y" adapter for the water hoses (I always have a second 50ft hose with a spray knozzle connected to the "Y" for emergencies) sewer hose.
If you have a 50a cord..50a to 30a reducer.
If you have a 30a cord...30a to 15a.
Whatever you use or eat from the house.
EVERY Trip WILL be an experince!!
01 Ford F250 SD, SC, 4X4 Off Road Package. 7.3
07 Mountaineer 307RKD
a few more thoughts:
- window cleaner and good paper towel (automotive kind, blue from Costco)
- power cord adapters; we have 30 amp cord and we have both 15 to 30 and 30 to 15 amp adapters (you never know) they are available at KOA's
- a good water filter
- rain gear and rubber boots
- a shovel, you never know when you will have to dig a small moat around the entrance
- a good vinyl table cloth for those roadside table stops
- support stand(s) for the sewer hose, sewer hose should be 20 ft
- etc. etc.
- as you can tell the list just keeps growing
But always remember to have some fun with the ones you love.
IMHO, your first trip away from the driveway should be to a good sized rv park with full hook ups and pull through sites. I say "good sized" because they usually have well stocked camp stores with things like light bulbs, sewer hose, water hose, adapters, fuses.....etc. Things cost more at these places, but it is a blessing when your all set up and just need to take a walk to get that one thing you forgot.
on edit: Dont forget cold beer's.
Late model wife
2002 Daughter
2005 Daughter
2007 Ram 3500srw 5.9L Cummins Laramie. QC Short bed.
2008 Crossroads Zinger 30RB 5th wheel.
18k Reese signature series slide hitch
Print off a check list for hooking up and towing, unhooking, etc and use them.
Go to a large parking lot and practice driving around, turning, backing etc.
Other items:
Set of 2 way radios, use while backing into sites;
Weather alert radio that is portable, runs on batteries.;
50' chunk of tv antenna cable;
An extra 25 foot heavy electrical cord. (Many sites are a challenge with out);
Extra adapter for electrical cord;
Take your time when hooking and unhooking.
Follow the check list in order,
Have fun!
Don't be nervous.
Drive the truck, the trailer will follow you, if the trailer stops following you there's not much you can do about it anyway.
Start camping.
If you need something you don't have, live without it for that trip or go to Walmart and buy it.
Plan "B", camp with veteran campers. If you need something you don't have they may have two and loan you one...
Dave Lindemulder
Tammy, Mark & Kirsten
04 Dodge 2500 4x4 SLT QC/SB
HO-CTD/48RE - Graphite: Raptor SS nerfs, Prodigy, Reese 16K Kwik-slide, BD X-Monitor, PML Trans pan, PML Diff cover, Firestone Airbags
09 Heartland Cyclone 3210
You are already doing the most important thing, going here for info. I started one year ago and these great people have help me so much. They have made it so easy for me. Just keep reading and you will learn so much and will be able to avoid many mistakes/problems before they can ever happen. Congrats and enjoy!!!
Offline
If you are very nervous about it, hook it up and drive around. Nothing like a bit of practice. I drove around with my 5er for a little over an hour when I first got it. Get used to the noises. Backing should be simple compared to a busy boat ramp.
). Extra boots/shoes, towels. Good first aid kit. 'Typical' camping food, hamburgers, corn on the cob, etc.
