I didn't sleep much last night. I'm really excited and a bit nervous. We chose a beautiful local campground for our first outing, Grandfather Mountain Campground in Linville Falls. It's 30 mi Utes away. We thought we'd stay close to home for our first trip.
I really look forward to the time when getting ready to go isn't stressful. We have our checklists but fear we are forgetting something. If we do we are close to home. :D
My biggest fear should be behind me quickly. The engine hasn't run since I parked it about 4 weeks ago. The generator got lots of exercise during this time as I worked on the coach. I hope something happens when I turn the ignition key.
I secured a 50amp pull-through site. They know I'm a newb and have secured an on staff expert to help me if I need it. That is worth the price of admission. We will be thee for 3 nights, time we plan on learning about the coach and getting everything settled. The basement was packed when we bought it. We need to figure out what we need to keep and what we need to remove. Currently there is zero room in the basement for anything of ours. Weather permitting we will empty the basement to see what we have and make decisions on what stays and what goes.
So far we've discovered a full set of tools, more spare parts and accessories than I can count...thousands of dollars worth. There are chairs, tables, an outdoor rug, a grill, even a pop up tent canopy, extra hoses for potable water and black water, some still in original packaging. Everything is labeled and incredibly well organized.
The main awning is out of the track on one end. I have an expandable 12 foot ladder and I'm hoping it's an easy fix. If not I'm heading to Tennessee RV next week to install tank monitors and a tire pressure monitor system, I'm sue they can fix it.
When we return hopefully we will have a better understanding of the coach and future trips will be less stressful. We are taking the coach to permanent storage Thursday. It's temperature controlled and secured. We can plug in and it's indoors.
Wish me luck! More posts later...
I know you are nervous but I think you will be very surprised at how relaxing this weekend will be. We have one of the most simple RV's around. Unless there are mechanical problems you will pull in to the site, hit the leveling button twice and plug in the electric cord. Then you just sit an watch everyone else arriving try to level their trailers or motorhomes without auto leveling, hook up their sewer hoses and water hoses (they don't have huge tanks to work out of) and put out their slides that half the time don't extend properly.
If your into simple, sanitize your water tank, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEepug8N-aE and fill up at home. Work out of the tank rather than hooking up the campground hose using water you don't know anything about. I only hook up the sewer hose when its time to leave. It just looks better.
A couple of other tips:
We always use a pressure regulator and filter when I do fill the tank.
We use regular Angle Soft bathroom tissue. It dissolves and doesn't affect the dump process.
We seldom use toilet deodorizer and have no problems with toilet odor.
Thanks Kent!
Nerves come from not knowing whats ahead or the unknown. You will be fine, just a learning curve thats why you are on this trip.
Take your time, most of the time problems are man made and not that of the FOT. Double check and think about what you have already learned. Talk to others at campground. They have had the same experience. You are not alone. Forum is here.
One of the best things you can do to ease your transition into the RV life. Whether you pull a towd or not, "Pull-Through" makes getting parked as simple as possible. Save the more "challenging" back-in sites for later... For planning purposes, I like to pull up the satellite view of the RV park on Google maps. You can zoom in and get a very good idea of the park layout, how the access roads are situated, and the best route to your parking site (if you have a specific reservation). You can also locate the dump station, if the sites are not full hookup.
BUT, even with pull-through, you have to be careful! In some parks, the turn into and out of the site can be TIGHT. And always watch for low hanging tree branches, which can easily escape your attention while you are concentrating on watching what is happening in front and down the sides of the coach. If in doubt, stop on the road, get out and walk around, talk it over with your "Spotter".
Never feel rushed - take your time - you'll do fine!
Relax and have fun. You will be amazed at how much you already know. The rest will come from experience and you always have the forum available if you need it.
Watching the others do all of the setting up, hours worth of it, is just free entertainment. A nice thing to do while sitting outside enjoying the refreshment of your choice, smiling at each other being glad you are not doing all that. ;D
Grandfather mountain is where we had our honeymoon. We stayed at Archer Inn. It is a very beautiful part of the country. Enjoy your trip.
Mark
Have fun, it is easy to do. The awning out of the track could mean a trip to tnrv. Be careful of the spring.
Enjoy the trip. Don't worry and over-think things! When I purchased my coach I just drove the 1001 miles home without incident (OK I did drop a gallon of milk). A well maintained coach is a joy to drive and use.
Keith
Please do keep us posted on your trip. Have fun, and remember it gets easier as you gain experience!
Made it and all is well! I'm parked, level and hooked up. The beast fired up instantly. I was worried for nothing. I love that rumble!
I decided to connect everything as I don't have a tank monitor and want to be prepared to dump if I need to.
We are testing the washer/dryer tomorrow so I'll dump the black tank, then the grey tank, leaving that open for laundry?
The only issue I have is putting air in the tires. The valve stems on the rear outer tires curves inward, towards the axle. I can seem to get a good purchase on the stem with the air nozzle. It seems like I was just deflating the tire.
I will need help from my new friends next month at the mini rally in NC figuring out all of my fresh water connections. The PO had a bunch of quick connects, various lengths of hose, pressure regulators and a Culligan filter. I need to spend more time trying to figure out how he managed this. I tried and was not successful. For now I just used the regulator and a new hose and connected it to the coach without a filter. The water here is mountain well water but I still need to figure this out. Water pump is off.
I fired up the Satellite dish and locked on to 9 stations...impressive compare to what we get at home 30 miles away.
Hot water works. I think the ice maker is working.
Looking forward to testing the kitchen tonight. Pork chops from a hog we processed, fresh picked green beans and a tomato and cucumber salad from my garden.
I'm sitting outside enjoying a post setup cigar and a big icy glass of well water, waiting for my wife and dogs to arrive.
More later I'm sure. Thank everybody!
Here is a picture of the rear, outer tire stem.
(https://www.foreforums.com/imagecache.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi57.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg221%2Fjyarchin%2F54c7e4dd5e65ef2f2da6ddc4af05d6a9_zpsjfnvld5e.jpg&hash=6f2f6f972e32c69be47499670839493c" rel="cached" data-hash="6f2f6f972e32c69be47499670839493c" data-warn="External image, click here to view original" data-url="http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/jyarchin/54c7e4dd5e65ef2f2da6ddc4af05d6a9_zpsjfnvld5e.jpg)
Jeff,
You need an air chuck like this one: Amazon.com: Milton S693 Dual Head Straight Foot Air Chuck: Automotive (http://www.amazon.com/Milton-S693-Dual-Straight-Chuck/dp/B000COS0PG)
Thanks I found two like that in the coach and couldn't get them to work. They do look worn so I ordered the one you linked.
Thanks for always being there Brett!
I have better luck with the "straight-in/straight-back" style air chuck. Second photo shows the difference between the two.
I agree with Chuck.. You'll have much better luck with the straight return type chuck. The same applies to tire gauge design.
Thanks guys.
We had a great evening. Should have brought a sweater or fleece as it was a bit chilly. Our dogs are figuring things out, trying to find their spots. One of our labs is 10 and has hip displasia and arthritis. Her tempurpedic bed fits perfect between the front seats. She refuses to use the ramp so we had to carry her up the stairs.
I'm hearing all kinds of activity in the coach now that it's quiet. I believe I hear the satalite dish moving around.
I'm surprised at how hot the water heater makes the area inside and around the around the sink. I shut it off after showers and dishes were done.
The ice maker is making all kinds of noise too but no ice. The compressor is cycling and it sounds like it's trying to fill. I need to see if I can find a valve tomorrow that may be turned off. Under the sink, I'm guessing.
Have a good night all and thanks for the help.
Thanks Chuck, I'll hit the auto supply store tomorrow and see if they have one.
If you have the original U-Line stand-alone ice maker, there is a wire lever inside, right above the ice container. You lift the wire up to stop it making ice - pull it down to start making ice again. Might check to see if it is in the "UP" position. If that doesn't do it, the valve on the water line is probably (as you guessed) under the sink. If you have the water filter under the sink, the water line goes to the filter, then to the "filtered water" dispenser, then to the "instant hot water" dispenser (if present), then to the ice maker. Valve should be located near the water filter.
If you can't find one locally, this is where I got our air chuck plus a digital pressure gauge/tire inflator...pricey, but excellent quality.
Air chuck: POWERTANK - CO2 Air Systems (http://powertank.com/products/productID/452)
Pressure gauge/inflator: POWERTANK - CO2 Air Systems (http://powertank.com/products/productID/364)
Sit back and enjoy the Cigar.
Everything you NEED is working on the coach.
Its time to sit back, take a puff, and have Sandy pat you on the back for purchasing a fine coach and providing a wonderful 3 day holiday for you both to enjoy with the Dogs. MANY more WILL follow.
Don't sweat the details, they tend to work themselves out.
You'll be fine. NEVER be I a hurry doing ANYTHING with your Coach ,period!
My TacStar Sat will continue to scan or search making a little noise so just push the start button again and it will go to hold.
This will keep it quite. Your sat should have such a feature.
We had a great night sleep! We actually slept in which is unusual for us. It was dark, quiet and we slept with the windows open with a nice cross breeze.
After making breakfast this morning I understand why I've seen a few posts about people using an electric skillet. The stove burners are small and don't really get very hot. No searing with those burners. ;+). If I need that much heat I can always use a Coleman propane stove out side.
We are busy making lists for things we forgot or that we need for the coach.
Today we will tackle the basement to see what we've got, run the water dryer and dump the tanks for the first time.
Have a great day everyone.
Jeff and Sandy,
That first trip is exciting, everything is new. Even when someone showed you how it worked you are just not sure. Everything becomes more routine after a while. You figure out the best way for you to do things and in what order.
We as many have, got an counter top induction cook top. Works inside or out. All you need is induction ready cook wear. We found this one. All the pots nest together, handles come off, saves a lot of room. They make smaller sets too.
Amazon.com: Magma Products Gourmet Nesting 10-Piece Induction Stainless... (http://amazon.com/Magma-Products-10-Piece-Induction-Stainless/dp/B00IB39K1S/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1436361024&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=Magma+induction+ready+non+stick+cookware)
Out first trip in our FT was from California to Minnesota. It was all on faith. Our next trip was 6 miles away.
Roger
If, like us, you do not have a "conventional" oven in your coach, then a "tabletop roaster" is another very handy cooking device. We got this great idea from Pamela & Mike on the Forum. They are light, store easily under the coach until needed, and work great (the ovens - not Pam & Mike)!
Purchased ours on Amazon (see link) but they are available from many brands/sources.
Amazon.com: Rival RO180 18-Quart Roaster Oven, White: Electric Roasters:... (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000G0HPEI/ref=pe_385040_30332190_TE_M3T1_ST1_dp_1)
Holy cow Jeff & Sandy, you all are so brave, & doing great so far, wonderful! My 1st road trip in the coach I was lucky enough to be in a caravan of 5 FT's, 2 of whom were top notch FT techs, (Gary O. & Ron, "red tractor") so when any little thing went wrong (it didn't until the last day & those fellas sure jumped into action) I was pretty happy I had help! Plus I had a co-pilot (Sandy O.) with me for the 1st half of the trip.
And remember, you also got her back to NC from Nac, right? So this is your 2nd trip, but learning about all the systems & playing with all the goodies, so much fun! See you guys soon on your 3rd trip, by then you'll be pro's & we'll all be there in person (at least 5-6 more FT's!) to cheer you on!
It just gets better & better.....(and I'll bet that bed's more comfy than the one at home, mine is!!!) ^.^d
Breakfast or anything really. I use a flat electric grill you can get anywhere and cook outside on the picnic table. Clip a trash bag to table for trash. Cook the hash browns, bacon, sausage and eggs right on the electric grill. An electric skillet is OK and I carry one; but, the flat grill has more room for everything. Just wipe it down when finished, cool and restore until needed again. We have never cooked in the coach. Infact, we have never turned the stove on. I carry a small Lp tank and outside grill we got at Sams. Cook vegetables like in a wok. I use an extension cord from the shore box. Easy
I do most of our cooking and do not have a problem with the heat that the Gag. produces - although I must admit that sometimes I can't get enough. I did have the same issue with our fancy gas range in our S&B. We use an electric skillet to cook bacon outside as the smell is quite strong. ;D
We also carry a 3 burner outfitter stove and grill box and most all cooking outside. We do use the convection for baking though.
We also have the gagineau two burner stove in our coach. Although it takes a bit of time to get the pan hot I can sear steaks quite well with the gagineau. Cook all our steaks with the stove and the oven, much more control then on the grill, and a much better sear.
Roland
Getting ready to pack up and head out. We learned much more than I expected, from how to dump the tanks to learning when you are just about to fall asleep and the AC comes on it is not an explosion outside. ;D
My dogs learned quickly. I do understand why we see so many folks traveling with small or medium sized dogs. Mine are 70 and 85, happy Labradors that take up lots of space in the coach. Wouldn't leave home without them.
I realized that I just need to relax, go slow and be flexible and write things down in my trustee notebook. We learned that we need to rethink our cooking methods. I ordered an induction burner and a new propane grill. We already have a two burner Coleman stove and an awesome toaster oven tha came with the coach.
I need a coffee maker. The old school percolator on the stove is a great backup but it takes too long.
The only regret without a solution is that I can't get the coach to my house. I realize not what a big convenience that would be. It would be great to have the coach at home at the end of a trip to clean and restock. We aren't moving so I have to deal with it.
Time to get to work. As always thank everybody, I really appreciate everyone's help.
I am so happy that we bought this coach.
Jeff
Happy to see your journey is starting and that you successfully survived. It gives me a few things to expect. Our journey starts tomorrow, with anticipation and anxiety mixed. Going full-time and never had an rv before :o
Larry
A thought on coffee makers is one that makes into a thermal pot and turns off so you dont have to have a warmer burner on all the time . that way if boondocking you won't be using battery power on invertor to. Keep a coffee pot on.
I'm happy about it to Jeff. And I'm happy I got Steve's motorcycle lift.
I leave the fan on the AC on low or high whenever I'm running the air conditioner, not on auto. In that way the temperature is more even throughout the coach, and the compressor is noise is not as noticeable when it comes on.
Jeff- glad you had fun. This is an adventure, not a destination, so continue to learn, relax and enjoy this great adventure you have started on.
We use our induction burner to cook when plugged into electricity, or sometimes generator. Use the stove in the coach too, no problems. Also have a Coleman propane stove and my Smokey Joe charcoal grill ( been raining so much here haven't used it much lately).
We use a Farberware percolator exclusively and then fill an insulated carafe to keep it hot ( thermos). Works great for us and we try to use the "KISS" principle as much as possible.
Cya down the road
Congrats on the first trip!
Never say never... 9 years ago after moving into our current house we said we'd never move again. 9 years of not being able to keep the coach at home = we are now planning to move again so we can.
Good luck Larry!
One thing I did when I started, was walk around the campground and see how others were hooked up or how they set up. It gave me some ideas.
If I didn't understand how or why a particular RV was hooked up that way, I would ask. Most people are happy to explain why they hook up that way. Sounds like you are already well stocked and may have most of what you will want to carry.