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Old 06-21-2019, 03:25 PM   #1
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Noob Here

Picked up a 2018 271RL Demo yesterday. Spent all day researching and purchasing all the accessories needed: portable EMS, pressure regulator, non-kink hose, chemicals, TP, Lippert Waste Management System, Camco flex swivel stick, rubber gloves, mat, drinking water hose, Dish, and hope to be ready for an early July trip to Montana. I plan to use the trailer for camping with wife, dog training in the summer, hunting in the fall, and even travel for work. Lots to learn since this is our first camper. Open to suggestions for must haves...Love this community site.
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Old 06-21-2019, 05:48 PM   #2
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Welcome to the forum from NC. Never be afraid to ask questions. A lot of experience on this forum. Congrats on the camper.
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Old 06-21-2019, 06:55 PM   #3
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Welcome aboard from one Wisconsinite to another. Congrats on the new trailer.


If You are new to the trailer life, I would suggest setting up in the driveway or in the yard and do a little camping right there so you can become familiar with how everything works before you take off on the long trip. Might save some frustration out on the road.
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Old 06-21-2019, 09:13 PM   #4
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(1)Leave your sewer valve closed until your ready to dump; if you leave it open things will stick to the tank and your have a mess. (2)Leave gray tank (sinks,shower) open when your camping, but close it before you dump the black tank.(3) Always make Shute your sewer hose is attached securely, before you pull that black(sewer) valve. Don’t ask! (4) Dryer sheets will take all the bugs and crap off the front of you camper. Just put them down into your bucket of water and then wipe away like magic.
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Old 06-22-2019, 06:02 PM   #5
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Thanks Papa T. Those are great tips and I was actually wondering about those things. Especially the sewer issue. I do have a question. Ours came with a table affixed to the floor. I moved it to put the recliners in that spot. Is there a way to affix the table without drilling holes? Velcro?
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Old 06-22-2019, 06:05 PM   #6
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Lloyd, I'm already doing that. I still need to learn where to find connections and switches. Should we practice using plumbing too?
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Old 06-22-2019, 06:08 PM   #7
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Go Pack Go!
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Old 06-22-2019, 08:50 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by jimonalog View Post
Thanks Papa T. Those are great tips and I was actually wondering about those things. Especially the sewer issue. I do have a question. Ours came with a table affixed to the floor. I moved it to put the recliners in that spot. Is there a way to affix the table without drilling holes? Velcro?
Screwing to the floor is the only secure way to do it. Velcro wouldn’t hold up during travel in my opinion.
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Old 06-22-2019, 09:13 PM   #9
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Welcome to the forum. Congratulations on the new camper.
⚾️ GO BREWERS ⚾️
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Old 06-23-2019, 12:02 PM   #10
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If your a good at backing into RV spaces great. If not, find somewhere to pratice. Just my 2 cents.
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Old 06-23-2019, 06:19 PM   #11
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Lloyd, I'm already doing that. I still need to learn where to find connections and switches. Should we practice using plumbing too?

Well, if you are not familiar with it and you intend to be using the plumbing on your trip, I think it would be beneficial to make sure you understand how it all works.

Some times that water/plumbing system has a way of developing leaks. That would be better to find at home, rather then out on the road a few hundred miles away, where you aren't familiar.
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Old 06-23-2019, 08:39 PM   #12
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I'm good from many past experiences and so in need of practice!
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Old 06-24-2019, 07:37 AM   #13
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I was the same 2 years ago, never knew how to turn on the fridge or anything. This forum can be a lifesaver to learn the in and outs, plus add a few modifications and upgrades as you see them that catch your eye for a need. I spent a couple weeks on our new to us 7 yr old camper fixing odds and ends, added a few drawers, clean this and that, plus a general going over from top to bottom and by the time I was comfortable with everything we were ready for it's first camp. My best tip is keep a paper and pencil handy for the first few voyages to write down thing your missing so you can add them to your new home away from home. After a few times it's add the food, hook on and go, You know you have the hose, plates, and the proper screwdriver, lol. Enjoy
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Old 06-25-2019, 01:18 AM   #14
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Welcome and congrats on the new camper...All good suggestions from our members...The best one is by Lloyd if I may say so...Best way to find out what you might need or NOT need is to camp, and the closer to home the better...One of the downfalls I found of being a novice is buying things I thought I would need but ended up not needing them at all...
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Old 06-25-2019, 09:39 AM   #15
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Hello and welcome.

The main thing I would say is to remember to have fun!
Learn your camper - everything from how to hook up to how everything works.
If you have never pulled a trailer before go somewhere and practice backing in. Also when pulling especially in a campground remember to swing a little wide on the corners - the trailer tracks different than the truck.
As far as what to take start with the basics then have a list and add what to it the things you need but don't have. We do a annual purge to take out things we don't need..


Also remember "campground etiquette" Because you like AC/DC don't mean your neighbor does.

Also did I say to have fun. To me the whole point is to relax and unwind - leave the stress at home.
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Old 06-25-2019, 11:23 AM   #16
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Congratulations! Welcome to the forum!
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Old 06-26-2019, 06:45 AM   #17
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Thanks everyone for your input.
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Old 06-27-2019, 02:05 PM   #18
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I have the 271 RL as well and love it!! Welcome to the forum!
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Old 06-27-2019, 02:23 PM   #19
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Congrats on the new trailer !
Some other things to consider purchasing:
Small tool kit with good variety of sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers
Emergency roadside kit - reflectors, flares, etc.
Wheel chocks - at least 2
I cut some 2 X 12 boards that I use to rest my camper feet and tongue on, helps if your parked on an offset.
I also get the leveling blocks, which allow for 3/4" increments and are stackable. Yes even level looking campsites can be off a tad.
Test your water heater before you leave, make sure if you are using the "CITY WATER" connection to let it run and bleed the air out of your faucets before you fire up the water heater. Also the same I guess for portable water tanks with the water pump (I never use mine).
Test switching your fridge from gas operations to electric and vice versa - on mine, it may take 3-4 attempts switching to gas before it stays lit.
Small broom and dustpan for cleaning up around the entry door - seems like dirt always accumulates there.
Unless you sprung for a high end mattress, consider a mattress topper for your bed - it can make the difference between a good nights sleep and a good backache.

Always 2 walkarounds before you take off: (especially on maiden voyages)

Steps in
Step rail in
awnings in
slides in
power disconnected and cords stored
lock your storage bins - they tend to work themselves lose and can open up on the road
leveling arms in upright position
Bumper connection tight
chains tight
truck power connector plugged in correctly
lights work - runnings lights, turn signals, flashers, brake lights


and there are 100 other things to get road ready that will all become 2nd nature after a few trips.
Count on crappy gas mileage and not exceeding 65 MPH.

My 2 cents - safe travels

Charlie
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Old 06-27-2019, 02:33 PM   #20
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Oh, and one other thing, most of the stuff I listed can be purchased at Walmart. Camper World can kiss my right wing.
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