Been 20 years since we pulled a TT so the 5th wheel experience was new but the first trip in the new 310 was very interesting. On the whole the remembered more than I thought but also discovered what I didn't need to bring and what I should have brought. Some observations below for anyone interested.
1) Made an arrival and departure checklist unique for us. What I discovered was that the order of what we had planned changed on any given day depending upon a lot of factors we hadn't considered - like closing up and then dumping but having to open up again, turn water on, and regen the black tank.
2) Weights for one weekend were too high (all well within payload and vehicle weights). I brought far too many tools which I discovered I wouldn't need and could buy on the way if needed. Examples, I need two specific allen wrenches and I brought a set. I carried a set of 3/8 sockets, ratchet, and wrenches - nope. Bought a 50 pack of shop rags - needed one. Don't need a full set of impact sockets. List goes on and will be culled.
3) We spent more time trying to connect/disconnect sewer and fresh water. For us older folks with new slinky gear, sewer wrenches would have saved us a half hour in departure/arrival tear down/setup. Trying to coil/uncoil unpack/pack a 'kink-free' fresh water hose another 20 minutes. Wrenches and new hose ordered. A short 10 ft hose to rinse things off before packing (like chocks) is worth it since we had already disconnected the water.
4) Checked the lugs before we left. Specs say 120-140 ft-lbs. Figured I'd set the torque wrench to 130. 6 of the lugs on the two rear tires didn't meet it. Prior to the trip back, upped to 140 ft-lbs and 5 of the lugs on the front two tires didn't meet it. Check your lugs - only an 80 mile trip each way.
5) Tire link is useful but very finicky as are the Lippert and Compass Connect apps.
6) Check things out that you hadn't tried before. In our case, cable TV was a non-starter on one TV (though we probably won't use it much). Couldn't lock the front compartment (batteries and generator) because the lock didn't reach the door frame (graphite lube all locks - ours really needed it). No documentation on the satellite booster button in the manual.
7) We don't need 4 dinette chairs - two will be staying at home. We would have liked some disposable coffee cups with lids.
8) The heat pump was an inexpensive investment and kept the propane off down to 43 degrees and kept the 310 warm inside. Didn't need the furnace. Very comfortable.
9) Dual pane windows really do cut the noise and no condensation this trip.
10) Our dry weights with a TV at 8920 lbs were 5500 steer axle, 6280 for drive axle, 10480 for trailer. For a two night stay the numbers were 5480 steer axle, 6580 drive axle, and 11440 for trailer. 1240 lbs added with 2/3 fresh water fill. Very easy to get the weight up. Will be looking to move locations of some items
11) 32 gal fuel tank is not enough. 180 miles and 3/4 tank used - mostly flat territory. That will be my challenge this week - bigger fuel tank. Used 1/4 tank DEF.
12) 3 case numbers opened up with Grand Design and one with dealer/Reese.
13) The new mattress isn't as bad as I thought it would be though I wish we had ordered the queen instead of king.
14) The VIAIR was indispensable. Needed to increase tire pressure on a tire on both start and finish, and needed to add air to the Goosebox or we would have had a very harsh ride home.
15) For us, small sizes of food staples for a month trip are fine. Big is not better.
16) If GD could make two changes to the 310, I'd ask for lower storage at the rear of the 310 and reversing the location of the optional dishwasher (we don't have it) and the drawer pulls to put heavier items behind or on the axles. The cabinets over the rear sofa have no weight capacity according to GD and I would be hesitant to load much in them after seeing how they are attached. Some subtle weight and balance changes would be welcome.
Anyway, great shakedown and fun time in prep for longer trip.
cheers,
John
1) Made an arrival and departure checklist unique for us. What I discovered was that the order of what we had planned changed on any given day depending upon a lot of factors we hadn't considered - like closing up and then dumping but having to open up again, turn water on, and regen the black tank.
2) Weights for one weekend were too high (all well within payload and vehicle weights). I brought far too many tools which I discovered I wouldn't need and could buy on the way if needed. Examples, I need two specific allen wrenches and I brought a set. I carried a set of 3/8 sockets, ratchet, and wrenches - nope. Bought a 50 pack of shop rags - needed one. Don't need a full set of impact sockets. List goes on and will be culled.
3) We spent more time trying to connect/disconnect sewer and fresh water. For us older folks with new slinky gear, sewer wrenches would have saved us a half hour in departure/arrival tear down/setup. Trying to coil/uncoil unpack/pack a 'kink-free' fresh water hose another 20 minutes. Wrenches and new hose ordered. A short 10 ft hose to rinse things off before packing (like chocks) is worth it since we had already disconnected the water.
4) Checked the lugs before we left. Specs say 120-140 ft-lbs. Figured I'd set the torque wrench to 130. 6 of the lugs on the two rear tires didn't meet it. Prior to the trip back, upped to 140 ft-lbs and 5 of the lugs on the front two tires didn't meet it. Check your lugs - only an 80 mile trip each way.
5) Tire link is useful but very finicky as are the Lippert and Compass Connect apps.
6) Check things out that you hadn't tried before. In our case, cable TV was a non-starter on one TV (though we probably won't use it much). Couldn't lock the front compartment (batteries and generator) because the lock didn't reach the door frame (graphite lube all locks - ours really needed it). No documentation on the satellite booster button in the manual.
7) We don't need 4 dinette chairs - two will be staying at home. We would have liked some disposable coffee cups with lids.
8) The heat pump was an inexpensive investment and kept the propane off down to 43 degrees and kept the 310 warm inside. Didn't need the furnace. Very comfortable.
9) Dual pane windows really do cut the noise and no condensation this trip.
10) Our dry weights with a TV at 8920 lbs were 5500 steer axle, 6280 for drive axle, 10480 for trailer. For a two night stay the numbers were 5480 steer axle, 6580 drive axle, and 11440 for trailer. 1240 lbs added with 2/3 fresh water fill. Very easy to get the weight up. Will be looking to move locations of some items
11) 32 gal fuel tank is not enough. 180 miles and 3/4 tank used - mostly flat territory. That will be my challenge this week - bigger fuel tank. Used 1/4 tank DEF.
12) 3 case numbers opened up with Grand Design and one with dealer/Reese.
13) The new mattress isn't as bad as I thought it would be though I wish we had ordered the queen instead of king.
14) The VIAIR was indispensable. Needed to increase tire pressure on a tire on both start and finish, and needed to add air to the Goosebox or we would have had a very harsh ride home.
15) For us, small sizes of food staples for a month trip are fine. Big is not better.
16) If GD could make two changes to the 310, I'd ask for lower storage at the rear of the 310 and reversing the location of the optional dishwasher (we don't have it) and the drawer pulls to put heavier items behind or on the axles. The cabinets over the rear sofa have no weight capacity according to GD and I would be hesitant to load much in them after seeing how they are attached. Some subtle weight and balance changes would be welcome.
Anyway, great shakedown and fun time in prep for longer trip.
cheers,
John