Doesn't everyone talk about their first time?... Road trip, that is...

[Hawk-ination]

Sorry repeat thread haters. Just wanting to open up the subject, probably once again.

We are trying to enjoy the late summer purchase and please forgive me as I am trying to spend my time finishing up last minute preps instead of combing through forum searches. There's always new things coming out so old threads are sometimes stale.

Any advice, items you wished you would have thought of, things to know? I'm leaning on the experts! Interested to hear your responses and try not to learn the hard way!

First trip this weekend! Excited and a bit nervous, bet you can relate!

[wachuko]

First of all, do remember to have fun!!

Before you head out, check that everything works... run the generator, run the stove, run the water pump, flush the toilet, clean the filter on the water pump, run the A/C, check air pressure in the tires... visually inspect engine bay and under the rig... just go over everything before you are on the road. Easier to fix something now than miles away from home...

Have a check list. Use the check list!! Even if it feels silly, use it! I managed to donate my water pressure setup in the second segment of my first trip!! And I had the list but did not used it because I was so sure I had gotten everything

Have some basic tools that are specific to your rig... spray-on lubricant, duct tape, zip-ties, etc. Again, the tools should be stuff that you could use in your rig, no sense in taking metric tools if everything is SAE, or vice-versa.

Did I mentioned to remember to have fun?

Do report back on how it went. Enjoy the trip!

[Iansk]

This thread contains a good checklist, albeit trailer centric, but many points can be applicable to both while others can be omitted or adjusted as needed.

Many things can go wrong that are out of your control, minimizing self imposed problems should be your first goal.

Ian

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...st-118745.html

[Pahaska]

I have laminated checklists. This one is for my wife, whose responsibility is the interior prior to rolling. This is an example list for my GT, working from rear to front.

[wachuko]

I printed mine and laminated it... handy on the side door pocket. Used all the time...

[GeeSag]

There are so many items that you are probably think you need,

But hold off on buying many of them,
as the ones you will really ened will become self evident,
and others that might seem necessary at first, might end of being a nice to have
and then over time not worth the space it takes up.

[coasttocoast]

I would give equal weight to what you take as to what you don't take. On a recent trip to Canada over a 37 day period, I wore white T-Shirts with my company logo on them. I took blue jeans. When it was time to do laundry, I was able to limit the amount of washing needed. I took three pair of shoes; my wife took five. Other things for me include a whisk broom and dustpan to go over the floors every day. Sand and small rocks get in every time you go outside and come back in. At the end of the day, run your hand over the floor and feel the sand. If it's warm/hot out, you might try some freezer blocks to rotate from the freezer at night to the fridge during the day to keep the fridge at temperature. Get a temperature gauge for the fridge. I like the checklist idea that others use. I am pretty good at doing multiple visual checks, but a list would catch an overlooked item on occasion. You need a powerful light to find your campsite at night. There is no consistency with how RV parks mark the sites. You need some good lights. If I'm backing into a space at night, I'll get out and survey the site, put a center light on the ground at the back of the space and use that to guide myself in. We have gotten to a point where certain bags fit into spaces and can be easily accessed and retrieved. Yeti duffel bags fit under the bed perfectly and can be reached from the inside. If I'm headed to Canada from Atlanta, I'll put my hiking boots and a Northface jacket in the bag and only use those when I get to cooler weather. Try to take the minimum, get organized, and you'll have a better time. www.coasttocoastphoto.com @coasttocoastphotoatl

[Hawk-ination]

Great advice and lists! My favorite is #33!

Also good idea on the parking with a light. Things I would not think of until it's needed!!

[greghoro]

My first piece of advice for maiden trip of a first time owner would be to reserve a pull-thru site. Plenty of stress without worrying about backing up!





Greg

[Pahaska]

Originally Posted by greghoro

My first piece of advice for maiden trip of a first time owner would be to reserve a pull-thru site. Plenty of stress without worrying about backing up! Greg

If you can back a car, there is no reason to avoid backing an AI. Just like longer trailers are easier to back because they react more slowly, the extra length of an AI over a passenger car makes it very easy to back.

The only caveat I have while backing is that the propane filler hangs quite low and a high curb or a high stop block at the end of some RV sites can damage your filler if you back into the blocks.

[Titus]

Hawk,
One of my best modifications was to raise the propane filler. I can't take credit for the idea, but it was easy to execute. I'll show you when you come up to visit. Generator is now the lowest item.

[Alex AVI]

HAWK - I won't beat the checklist to death, you already got plenty good examples. Checklist or not, I do redundant checks 3x of everything (looking & touching everything inside/outside) before leaving. If you are organized, it makes the checks a lot easier when everything has it's own designated place of storage.

If this is your first tall vehicle, know your height, mine is 9'8" as measured with VB Air on auto ride height setting. But I use 10' as my minimum, easy to remember and gives me some headroom for error (no pun intended). Have multiple constant reminders of your height clearance both on driver & passenger side. I use reminder decals made for rooftop bike carriers that we use on our suv. See 3 bright yellow decals below & bright red arrow on rear monitor which also doubles as my "poor man's" parking lines since my monitor did not come with it.

Explain to wife or significant other their role & duties are not just to be a passenger but a co-pilot. I myself have to do better at this as I let my wife or daughter sleep during 70% of the trip rather than be awake during 70% of the trip. Let them power nap but not sleep the entire time. Besides, they are missing out on the scenery.

Lastly, enjoy your maiden trip in the rolling "beach house"

[Mollysdad]

"look up" is great advice.
I actually saw a small sailboat on a trailer drive away from the launching ramp with the mast still up! It wasn't pretty when he got to the power lines.
I've seen many an RV pulling out with the TV antenna up.
I almost drove away with an 'above the door' awning still out in a MH.
I did drive away with my water hose neatly coiled on the picnic table! (I came back)

[Hawk-ination]

A bit of a sleepless night for our first full-fledged maiden voyage. Major storms rolling through the midwest and a ton of lightning and a bit of hail on our baby. I know it’s vain but this coach is pristine so I’m hoping we were spared those nasty little dings when daylight comes. It has to be 95 percent humidity so I opted for earplugs the first night out. I’m about to turn this into an Uber to support a quiet AC and generator fund . Hope to get more used to the noise though. I think we’ll appreciate the nights where it is nice enough to keep the windows open.

I’ve found the advice in co-piloting a bit ironic as it will be a learning curve on how to approach communication with a large vehicle vs. sounding like a nagging driver in the passenger seat! I guess we have not found that happy medium yet!
Another challenge was passing a wind generator blade on the interstate, so not only height, but finding height AND width become important when you are up against those types of transports! Who would think?!

Although I scoured a couple of sources to prepare items for inside the coach and feel like I have measured cubic capacity of every nook and cranny, finding the space availability more challenging than I first anticipated. There must be a true art to making this work efficiently. Hats off to all of you who have figured that all out!

We decided to test run a driveway trip to our family’s home and work out some of the challenges we face,, so I will be looking forward to a trip a bit more in nature to really fully appreciate the good life.

Oh, and a couple things I forgot, but most important, the copt of the checklists you all provided! So good it is all right on this page! Thanks to all of you and wish you all safe and happy travels!! Much appreciated...

[ROBERT CROSS]

Dumby....
It's always best when the dumbest thing, (damage), happens on the first trip.

On our first trip to our favorite and most familiar campground with our brand new 03 Classic. We had been there many times with our 63, very cocky and self assured after 18 Seasons. Sunday morning on our last day and we, for once, were ready to beat the crowd to the dump.

Now there is a one way wooden bridge on the road out, just before the Ranger station, and oh yes, with a slight turn on the approach.

DW was watching as I pulled out, and all of a sudden the arms started flailing like a wave off on the flight deck.

'Ya know something....the Classic is a bit wider than a 63 Safari, and the wooden bridge railing was now nicely placed on the streetside panel above the H2o access door. Already had a nice 2ft scratch and I was determined not to cause any more "learning scarz".

What to do? Well it was real early and no one else was around so of-course we started to disassemble the bridge....well only the railing really. We were making pretty good progress when the Ranger came out for his morning coffee and asked..."what the hell do you think your doing?"
"taking the railing off so I don't cause any more damage to our new AS" said I.

Now by this time a crowd was starting to gather and I did hear some snickers coming my way.
A line had started to form behind us and I thought things were going to get rather tense. But after an extensive conversation with the Ranger and some of the waiting fellow campers it was decided to proceed full speed ahead. We all pitched in, shared tools and discussed the best plan of action.

We had the new AS un-stuck and the bridge put back together in less than two hours.

And I was still first in line for the dump.

We still go back to the Campground and every once in awhile the Ranger or a fellow camper will say....."aren't you the ones who....."
"yes" 🤪

Bob
🇺🇸

[Hawk-ination]

Oh my, glanced through that post and not sure if I should cry for you or what. So brave to share!!! I will think of you with every learning experience from now on!

We are cutting the maiden voyage short. Learned a ton from all of you and some major and minor learning situations. The weather looks very sketchy and we don’t want to risk it. Had enough lightning and lack of sleep, time to go home and make plans for the next voyage.

Please continue on, we have a lot to learn with cutting our first trip short and your tips are very helpful! Can’t thank you enough for sharing your insights.

[mpsgolf]

My first time ... what awesome memories.

She was experienced - me not so much. I picked her up in Tennessee after an internet meeting and a brief virtual get to know you period. When I first laid eyes on her it was love at first sight. She was beautiful and young with a fabulous curvy body. Our first night together was by a lake. Other than not really knowing what to do, and going by instinct, it was an incredible experience for both of us.

We have had a lot of time together since that first night. I have learned what to do and most importantly what NOT to do to keep the peace.

All the above is of course about my “Sali” and not some quick romance....or is it??

[Alex AVI]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

so of-course we started to disassemble the bridge....well only the railing really. We were making pretty good progress when the Ranger came out for his morning coffee and asked..."what the hell do you think your doing?"
"taking the railing off so I don't cause any more damage to our new AS" said I.

ROBERTCROSS - only another engineer (ME perhaps) would do this as their first instinct. Love the story. If I was one in the crowd, it would've been a hilarious scene watching from inside my van (without audio) until I get the seriousness of the situation - scratching my own AS This is a campground "ghost story" that is hard to beat. Thanks sharing

Originally Posted by mpsgolf

My first time ... what awesome memories.

All the above is of course about my “Sali” and not some quick romance....or is it??

MPSGOLF - I need to show this to dear wifey so she understands my relationship with our rig transcends a mere quickie romance