campin4kids wrote: My understanding of backing a trailer is this. Put your left hand on the bottom of the steering wheel. Twist around and hold the back of the seat with your right arm, looking out the back window. Now wherever you want the back of your trailer to go, that is the direction you turn the bottom of the steering wheel.(Please anyone correct me if I am wrong)
Just go slow and have some one stand behind the camper to give you additional eyes. There is no time limit to parking your camper. Relax and enjoy the experience. Perfection comes with trial and error. MAYBE YOU SHOULD GO TO THE BATHROOM AND NOT COME OUT UNTIL THE CAMPER IS PARKED!!~ LOL (Maybe have a beer while you are in there) Good Luck.
You right campin4kids. Put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel(6 o'clock) and turn the wheel whatever direction you want the back of the TT to go. As it was said before, take your time and G.O.A.L. (get out and look) I'm fairly new to TT's myself. We've had ours for a couple of months. I've backed it up once in the CG's and four times into our driveway and I haven't crushed anything yet. It's not that hard if you just take your time.
Since this is your first time ask the dealer to walk you through everything if he doesn't offer to. Take a tape recorder or a camcorder and record the walk through for later reference.
Have fun and enjoy your TT. Let us know how you make out with pics if possible.
Your Rockwood tank capacities are 36 fresh, 30 gray and 30 black.
30 gallons of gray does us well on a three day weekend. You'll probably have to add water to the black to get to the recommend 2/3 level for dumping. You will learn where you can cut corners and make that gray water capacity last. LOL, or do like my DW did and ask the ranger or camp host where was a tree or shrubbery that needed some water. (Ducking)(She now has permission to water the sole tree on our fav campsite)
As far as backing goes, you'll do just fine and believe me, if you ask for help, you will have more help than white on rice. Just look at the responses that you have recieved on this post.
My suggestion is to check out RV 101 or RV University online. A great help for new RVers.
The posts saying to place one hand on the bottom of the steering wheel are correct. I used to instruct my students to, while learning, make a small trail of "pop cans, paper, sticks, etc. from where they are parked to where they want to back in to. This trail is where your sight side(driver side) wheels will travel. Start backing slowly 'Watching Your Tires'. Have your wife watching both sides of the camper, the top and front of the tow vehicle. Keep the trailer and Tow vehicle(TV) as straight as possible. There will be some angle, however if the TV and trailer get any ways close to a 90degree angle you're probably not going to make it. Pull up and start over. Realign the cans or 'whatever' you are using for a trail again. Remember to WATCH YOUR WHEELS. Where they go is where the camper is going. Your partner is watching everything else while you are learning. When she yells, stop immediately! Take your time, you'll be an expert in no time. I've backed many trailers for other people. Backing is really easy once you get the concept of what is going on. HAVE FUN!! Gary
Thanks to those who mentioned the sewer hose & connectors and the wheel chocks. I can't believe I didn't think to mention them!! Absolute necessities, all of them, along with the white water hose and the extension cord. (If Indian Lake is like the 2 other Ohio SPs we've been to, you won't need an ext. cord to reach the power hookup, but if it's like some other states' parks we've visited, you will. Best to have one right off the bat.)
I agree - relax, deep breaths now - and enjoy. And don't be afraid to ask for help when needed.
I cannot thank everyone enough for all the information you posted!!! I did purchase a "starter kit" from RV Wholesalers. Our dealer said it would have all the hoses I needed, is that not the case?? Should i bring additional items?
Allshouse,We too picked up our TT at RVW and did our first few nights camping at Indian Lake.There is one additional thing you want to ask during the PDI.Is the unit winterized? We picked up our unit in July and found out at Indian Lake the entire water system was full of antifreeze!Let them show you the awning unfurling procedure and then you and your mate each do the entire procedure by yourself.That way you cant mess it up.If the grey water tank gets too full you can always shower and do dishes with the outside shower!lol.Relax and have fun, we were all first timers at one time.
Nice trailer! Congrats. We bought our rockwood from RVW as well, they're great, take your time, and take advantage of their rv supplies store, and ask their opinion. They have great prices on their parts and they'll walk you through what you'll need if you ask. By the way, i believe the Rockwood has 2 gray water tanks, 1 for the kitchen and one for the shower. You'll be fine for one night of camping... have fun!
First off welcome, we are from Southern Maryland as well.
If you are buying supplies ahead of time you may want to buy toilet paper and tank sanitizer - they sell them now at Wal-mart. Also for all your "living needs" (be it food, paper/real plates, shampoos and everything else in between you'll save tons if you bring this all from home vs. buying it at the camp store - if there is even a camp store there).
There are lists posted around here that will tell you specific questions to ask and things to have the dealer show you before you leave with your new trailer. It can be very overwhelming but once you get over the initial confusion its great fun.
Listen, when we traded from a tent to a popup, I was panic stricken about towing, backing up, packing, getting water, the toilet, the stove, the bed supports, the rain, the wind, you get the idea. Now we have a 30ft TT and the only thing that worries me is towing it. And that means I'm worried about some fool pulling out from a roadside stand (you live in S. MD, I live on the Eastern Shore and you know what I mean) in front of us and taking their time doing it. I know hubby can back it up, everything else comes with time and experience. you'll be fine.
Hornet28BHDS wrote: You new TT will hold 36 gallons of freshwater. That won't be enough for three people to shower with. Just head to the bathouse to get clean! Your DH will have no trouble backing that up, just be sure to help!
The 2 of us can go for 3 days on less the 36 gallons, you do have to CONSERVE all the time but after you get used to being frugal when boondocking it becomes easier.
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Gary
