This is our first travel trailer…questions about initial accessories

PN

pnbarton

Guest
Hello everyone,
We just ordered our first travel trailer and will pick it up in March. I am not sure what accessories that it will come with besides a 50 AMP power cord. Here is the list of things that I think I will need, please help me add or subtract from the following.

1. Sewer Hose
2. Fresh water hose
3. Water pressure regulator
4. 50 AMP surge protector
5. Water Filter
6. Blue tabs for sewer system
7. Weight Distributing Hitch


I appreciate the help.

v/r

Neal Barton
 
Both of our RV's, a TT and a 5th wheel, came with the first three on your list. Though the sewer hose is usable there are much nicer and easier to use ones available.
One other initial investment, if you plan to use your unit alot, would be a mattress or memory foam topper. The stock ones are not comfortable, no matter how nice a dealer or manufacturer tells you differently.
Congrats and enjoy!
 
Thanks for the reply. The wife and I had already talked about the mattress, the stock one is very firm.
 
Scott and Jan are right, you will get the first 3 things,

Hello everyone,
We just ordered our first travel trailer and will pick it up in March. I am not sure what accessories that it will come with besides a 50 AMP power cord. Here is the list of things that I think I will need, please help me add or subtract from the following.

1. Sewer Hose - Will Come with it
2. Fresh water hose - Will Come with it
3. Water pressure regulator - Will Come with it
4. 50 AMP surge protector - You will need to purchase your own surge protector, unless you can get the dealer to install one for you
5. Water Filter - My unit came with a water filter, but you can get the camco water filters available on places like Camping World and Amazon
6. Blue tabs for sewer system - the camper will come with one bottle of the blue stuff for the sewer system, but you can get a 6 pack at walmart for like $20
7. Weight Distributing Hitch - That may be supplied with the purchase of the camper, but if you would like, I have my old one for sale. It is rated for 10,000# I don't need it anymore, but I also not sure what shipping would be on this item..


I appreciate the help.

v/r

Neal Barton

Other then that, congrats on the new camper and I think you will have many happy years camping.
 
Thanks to all for the info, we are excited and ready to go.
 
I would add grey water deodorizer, and one of those clear sections for the sewer hose - much easier to tell when the drainage has actually stopped.

Hello everyone,
We just ordered our first travel trailer and will pick it up in March. I am not sure what accessories that it will come with besides a 50 AMP power cord. Here is the list of things that I think I will need, please help me add or subtract from the following.

1. Sewer Hose
2. Fresh water hose
3. Water pressure regulator
4. 50 AMP surge protector
5. Water Filter
6. Blue tabs for sewer system
7. Weight Distributing Hitch


I appreciate the help.

v/r

Neal Barton
 
You will probably want to get something to help level the trailer on uneven sites. Either pieces of 2x6 or the plastic stackable blocks like these: http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/rv-leveling-blocks-set-of-10/24733. You will also want some sort of chocks for the wheels so the trailer doesn't roll.

Some other common items I would suggest are; a doormat or outdoor rug, camping chairs and maybe a table cloth for the picnic table. Also make sure you have a pen and paper so you can write down the things you will realize you want and then make a run to Walmart or an internet run to Amazon :)

Always bring a big smile on your face and heaping helping of patience :)
 
Other than the 50Amp power cord, our Reflection didn't come with any of the items listed above. There was no sewer hose, fresh water hose, water pressure regulator, etc. Quite often, a dealer will include a package of basic items such as these, but at least in our case, we didn't receive them.
 
Other than the 50Amp power cord, our Reflection didn't come with any of the items listed above. There was no sewer hose, fresh water hose, water pressure regulator, etc. Quite often, a dealer will include a package of basic items such as these, but at least in our case, we didn't receive them.



same here our 369RL came with the power cord only but I see that a water filter now comes with the new ones
 
In addition to sewer hose, if it's not part of your starter set, pick up a threaded elbow to attach to the end of the sewer hose. Many (most?) campgrounds today require you to use a threaded connection into their sewer system.

If you have a 50 amp power cord, get a 50F to 30M adapter in case a 30 amp site is the only one available. Just don't try to run both AC's off a 30A circuit.

A leveling gauge will help determine how many of those 2x6s or blocks you need to use, although you'll soon learn to eyeball it pretty well.

Duct tape and bungee cords.
 
Some campgrounds require a rubber donut ring on the sewer connection. I recommend a surge protector to protect your expensive appliances
 
Good idea to assemble a basic tool kit; assorted wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, etc plus some spare fuses and light bulbs, duct tape, electrical tape, torque wrench (use it often to check lug nuts, springs and shackle bolts) tire pressure gauge, 10-12 ton bottle jack (you will have a flat at some point in your travels) short pieces of 2x6 and 4x4 for blocking up the jack, a clear 90* elbow for the sewer hose (so you can see when the discharge is running clean and the tank is empty). A couple of two-way radios are nice so your partner can help you when backing into a campsite (or you get lost in Walmart). You will also pick up on various gadgets and handy things to have by walking around the campgrounds and talking with other campers. Good luck on your new adventure...don't be shy about asking questions or opinions.
 
X2 on the tool kit. We have a section in our attic set aside of things we upgraded in the house, but would still use in the RV when it comes (utensils, cups, etc.) Whenever I get a a coupon for tools at Harbor Freight, I pick them up and set them in that pile. Only additional tool I'd add to the list above would be a multimeter and/or test light.
 
We have been doing this a few years now and have finally settled in on most of our accessories. I’ll say I tend to lean to higher quality over lower price so some will not agree with my preferences. I will say this if you are going to connect it to something at any park you’ll be amazed at the different lengths of stuff you’ll need.

1. The sewer hose we bought first was a Rhino it started to leak at the connections after about a year so it’s now our backup. We bought a Dominator hose and like it much better.
2. We have several of these from cheap on up and have settled in on Camco’s blue Premium water hose. We have several different lengths. We also use brass 45 and 90 degree couplers and brass quick connects on every hose and fitting.
3. We bought a high volume regulator at CW we like. It goes on at the faucet so everything is regulated.
4. We bought a surge guard with LCD display. It’s cheap insurance.
5. Don’t have a water filter, we also only use bottled water to cook and drink.
6. Keep an eye out lots of places use these as loss leaders.
7. WDH, the list is long, quality and price run the gambit. Spend a good deal of time researching this it will be one of the most important decisions you make.

As mentioned you'll need leveling blocks and a good level, you can get the Lego type, make them out of wood, the Andersen deals. We have the legos and use them mainly in RV Parks that are almost level and the Andersens for extreme situations like dry camping and state parks.

This is part of the adventure.
 
One thing I didn't see mentioned (unless I missed it) is an extension for the 25ft main 50 amp power cord. I have needed to use mine (I got the 15ft extension) several times. It's one of those things you might not need very often but when you need it, it can be a life saver. One other thing I found is, once in a while, a standard 25ft fresh water hose might not be enough for certain camp sites. I got a 35ft and have never had issues being able to hook up.
 
I second the chocks we use x-chocks and they work great.

Also make sure you can change a tire, whatever device you use, jack, ramp, boards, etc. Just make sure you have what you need before you are stuck in the rain on a four lane highway!
 
One thing I didn't see mentioned (unless I missed it) is an extension for the 25ft main 50 amp power cord. I have needed to use mine (I got the 15ft extension) several times. It's one of those things you might not need very often but when you need it, it can be a life saver. One other thing I found is, once in a while, a standard 25ft fresh water hose might not be enough for certain camp sites. I got a 35ft and have never had issues being able to hook up.


we bought an extra power cord as well but bought a 30 amp instead of a 50amp, those 50 amp ones are outrageous
 
took me a while to make a list of accessories for our 337RLS, but i came up with what you have. Spent alot of time on amazon, and even mfg websites like www.camco.net to see what is out there. One thing i wanted to have was power adapters for 30amp, and also standard 110v outlets. We are also considering a portable water softener. The other thing we pack is a dehumidifier.
 
We have basically all the above with us. Just keep in mind that some things you already have at home and can save a few $$$. The other thing, for us anyway, is we are careful of what we add as all things add weight. WE have been through the test of times and have bought things that were never used and now finally have it down to a pretty good science. take your time and get what you NEED along the way. I might add, don't skimp on cost and end up with something you will need to replace quickly. Good Luck & Be Safe! ! !
 

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