New to RV World..Any suggestions..tools, etc

[murfette]

We just purchased a 5th wheel toy hauler.. new to the RV world. Just joined camping world and purchased a couple of books from Woodralls. Any tips, tricks, etc regarding RV camping would be great. Prior to purchasing RV (5th wheel) always tent camped. Trying to avoid mistakes and learn from the experienced RVer. Thanks a bunch

[jim01]

If you have never pulled a trailer before, I suggest you go to an empty parking lot and practice turning corners and backing the unit. That way, you won't get into trouble on the road or in the CG.

Being that you are brand new to the RV lifestyle, I guess the first thing I would recommend is to go to a park close to home and figure out all of the systems in your rig. Make sure you know how everything works before you go on a long trip. If you do have problems, don't hesitate to ask someone for help. Most RVers are more that willing to assist someone who is new and having problems.

Check out older posts on this forum and others and you will find a great deal of information to help you learn.

We've been RVing for about 20 years, and through trial and error, have learned many things, (and are still learning), but I don't know how to tell you what tricks and tips you will need to know. If you could ask more specific questions, I think you would get some very good answers. But, probably like most new-be's you don't know what to ask, and that is normal. Just take your time, read the manuals and if you have trouble, ask for help.

We're a friendly bunch!:)

[oljoiner]

I think Jim's advice is great. I am fairly new to fifth wheel camping, just over a year, and I learn something most every trip. I do think practicing turning and backing your trailer is a good suggestion and one I didnt do. I have been lucky so far but I have gotten myself into some tight spots that practice would have kept me out of. Just watch your trailer some as you back so you dont bend up the truck. Also, get used to the mirrors as you drive so you can judge the blind spots that you may have. Be prepared to stop a long way before you have too. I try to let my truck slow the speed down with the brakes. Most of the trucks have a tow haul setting that works real well. Also, as jim says, look for help with your neighbors in the campgrounds. The first trip my wife and I made was 50 miles from home and it took a long time to set up. We got to the time to put out the awning and I couldnt remember a thing about how to do it. The neighbor in the next site saw us struggling and came over and helped us put it out and gave suggestions on it and on the dumping of our tanks. You will find many helpful people out there. Also, read as much as you can, not only on this site but others also. I have found that if I dont know a campground I am going too, I look to find a pull through if possible. It takes me a bit more room to back in that most people because I am still learning. I have held up traffic in a campground more than once. But, if you have to hold up traffic, dont worry about it, just back in at your pace and get it in there right without hurting anything. Good luck and enjoy camping, I know you will.

[jim01]

Watch out for this one.

Campground memberships are not for everyone. Check all the fine print very CAREFULLY. I know some people who have really gotten burned.

Buyer beware!!!

[murfette]

Thanks. Don't plan on doing anything (purchasing memberships) until research has been done and we've gone camping some.

To everyone who has replied...Thanks so much.

[wwnewton]

The only Membership I recommend is Passport to get started - great savings and very good campgrounds

[zippy1215]

what is a passport //// a member ship?

[rving]

its 1/2 off on certain campgrounds we r life members it pays for its after the frist time of use in most cases its great... also good sams is a must and good sams road service is better than anything on the market ..happy rving camping is only if you have atent bsafe:) :)

[kroving]

Hi Murfette
Backing the trailer is probably the first thing to master. Some campgrounds have pull through sites and they are nice but some don't! Do take the trailer to a big empty parking lot and get the feel for it. One simple trick, when backing, is to watch where the trailers wheels are. It may sound stupit to say but "where the wheels are, is where the trailer is" . Pick the spot, on the ground, where you want the wheels to be, and put them there, and the trailer will be in just the right place.

Best of luck to you
Dave