Things we've learned in our first month

First of all, I'd never pulled a 5^th. Wheel before picking up our Sprinter at the end of February. We left the dealer and pulled straight to a campground to try and figure out how everything was going to work. Looking back I should have found a large and I mean really large empty parking lot so I could practice turning, backing, braking, did I mention backing, yes backing is a BIG part of towing. There's a comfort level you need to obtain in order to move down the highway.

After two days we hit the road. I had a white knuckle grip on the steering wheel the entire day because I wasn't confident in what I was doing. That makes for a very tense day. After a couple of days on the road I felt better about how the truck and 5^th. Wheel would handle as we got passed by big rigs, winds, and bridges.

Back to our first day on the road, we drove 350 miles before stopping for the night. After that I instituted a new driving policy. We call it the 2/2 rule, stop driving by 2PM or after driving 200 miles. It works so much better. You have plenty of daylight left to set up and relax. Getting up the next day refreshed ready for the road.

                                                                         

Always ask for discounts when checking in at the campground. We joined Good Sam Club before leaving at a cost of $25.00. We stayed a total of 7 nights on our way to our first workamping job and saved the cost of the membership in those 7 nights.

One thing we didn't try out our first 2 nights in Georgia was the oven. Since we didn't have to pay for electric we bought a 2 burner electric hot plate to save on propane. The only problem was we had the plastic sink cover under the hot plate sitting on the stove. The heat from the oven melted the sink cover just enough to bend it out of shape. Oh well, Live and Learn. Turns out we now get our propane free since I'm in charge of landscaping now.

This last one I've read about so many times I can't even put a number to it. Gunk and you know what I mean gets stuck to your black tank senors so you never really know how full your black tank is. But you'll learn how many days you can go before its time to empty the tank.

These are just a few things we've learned so far. I'm sure their will be many many lessons learned as we head down the highway.

Safe Travels and I Hope to See You Down the Road

What it takes to get set up in this lifestyle or at least us

Now before anybody says anything like, It didn't take much for us or That's all it took you. I know getting started as fulltime RV'ers will be different for everybody. We started from scratch. Barb and I hit the road with what we kept from our house and the little starter bucket from the dealer.

Let me say first off the cheap little 10 foot sewer hose they supply you with is totally worthless. So go out and buy a good quality sewer hose and while you’re at it get a hose support to raise the hose off the ground. A quality water hose is also a must have, and don't forget a water pressure regulator so you don't blow out your water lines.

We invested in a Progressive Industries surge controller, it monitors everything at the power pedestal and shuts down power to our RV if something goes wrong. Somewhat pricy but good insurance and piece of mind. Anything with wheels will rock side to side and front to back so we purchased a 5^th wheel tripod and stabilizers for the large slide out.

Storage will always be an issue in any RV so learn to deal with it. One item we bought was an expansion pole with 3 adjustable storage trays for the bathroom. Decorative baskets will also be a big help to store and organize a lot of stuff.

Now for comfort, we got 2 zero gravity chairs, a nice big mat to go under the awning and a small gas grill. We already had a couple of folding end tables to hold a refreshing beverage while listening to some music or grilling out. And now here's the big tip of the day. COMMAND HOOKS are your friend. Nails and picture hangers are not going to work in most RV's (at least not the ones we looked at). Walls are to thin for pop rivets and the ever popular Command Hooks work well. Just be sure to follow the instructions and use the correct weight hooks for what you are hanging.

I know there are still a lot of things I want to get for the RV and things to make our lives easier. But I've been cut off for now so I'll have to add these things to my wish list for a later date. Bottom Line is only you can determine what is important to get first and what you can wait on. Just a little hint here, you will need water and a way to dispose of your waste. So keep that in mind when you go shopping to outfit your RV.

Be Safe and I Hope to See You Down The Road.