Got the Trailer - Do we need other things?

[Janet H]

How "bout a tow vehicle?

[LuminumTraila]

Well, yeah, how 'bout it?

[Janet H]

tell us about your trailer ....?

[bsharpe]

Wow...I'm such a newbie that my post doesn't even show up??

Anyways... we're picking up our 2006 25' Safari SE FB (twins) in a couple of weeks and our TV is a 2003 Chevy Avalanche Z71 w/ the 4.1 transmission, so we should be good.

I was just wondering if there were other items that the AS doesn't come with that you might need right off the bat...(hoses, cables, blocks, etc.)

Hopefully, this post will make it through.

[Janet H]

Don't know where the post went - but welcome to the forums anyway.

Therea re several threads about this topic - if you use the search tool on the blue tool bar you will find them.

Chocks
Chunk of 4 x 4 to go under jack
levelers for under wheels or chunks of 2 x 6
box of disposable gloves for dumping

And - consider coming to the beverly beach rally in october - we'ld love to meet another forums user (and drool over your trailer).

[LuminumTraila]

Our 2006 came with a sewer hose, but it was just the minimal hose with one of the end pieces only duct-taped on. Not sure if that's factory, or dealer, but you might want to check what comes with yours. If it's like ours, you'll probably want to replace it with a new sewer kit.

Good luck with your new Safari, and Welcome to the forums!

-J

[yukionna]

Originally Posted by bsharpe

...our TV is a 2003 Chevy Avalanche Z71 w/ the 4.1 transmission, so we should be good...

What is the towing capacity on those Avalanche's? Those are darn cute trucks!

[bsharpe]

Thanks all... we'd love to come to the oregon rally. : ) I'm trying to see if we can wrangle my wife's schedule for that.

I've done a lot of searching, but keywords like: new, owner, list, checklist, items, extras, necessities, etc. turn up more posts than my small amounts of free time allow for browsing. Perhaps I'll collect what info I can and repost it as a list of things to consider getting for new owners.

The AV is rated for 7900#'s -- I think we'll be good to go. If I could swap it out for a 3/4ton AV 2500 with the same options (and more miles) I would. That may be the first item for business after our first trip to bring it home.

[Stefrobrts]

That would be great if you can make it. I'd love to see an FB in person, and you and JordanDVM can sit around and compare avalanches Fun for all!

[TIMEMACHINE]

bsharpe,

Glad to see you made the jump, you will love the Safari 25FB. If you have a Camping World nearby or similar RV retailer, a walk through the store will help give you a feel for the things you will need. It's also a good place to ask other buyers about "what you need". Of course you will also find many things that you dont need, but want....thats the hard part.

One thing that will be very important that is sometimes forgotten until after you pick up the new AS is a proper set of mirrors for the TV. I am not familiar with the Avalanche set up, but my guess is that the widebody AS at 8 1/2 feet will require getting new or add-on mirrors. Without good mirrors, it is impossible to merge in traffic and back safely.

Have fun and see you on the road.

John

[rebel beck]

Not to mention all the fun little decorative items. Also get a set of walkie-talkies they come in reallll handy for backing.

[bsharpe]

Mirrors, Sewer hose, Walkie-Talkies -- awesome suggestions. I'm definately going to need those mirrors.

Thanks for the suggestions all.

- ben

[john hd]

what? no flamingoes?

john

[moosetags]

We have an '05 25' Safari FB named Lucy. Lucy has the queen bed. We have had her three months and spent 18 nights in her. We absolutely love her. Our best accessories are the curly hoses for both the drinking water and the service hoses. You'll also need a hose splitter to make using both easier. A power drill w/ 3/4" socket works great on the stabilizers.

[tin sista]

How exciting to be getting ready for your new Airstream!! There's a great thread here about checklists http://www.airforums.com/forum...ght=checklists
Post #7 is super helpful! Best wishes!

[CanoeStream]

Oldies but goodies from 3 years ago and my research when a newbie to ASForums:
New Trailer Shopping List (Yay Maurice!!)
If only I'd thought to bring...
Emergency parts

Check Lists - Never get confident. Always do a walkaround!

[jordandvm]

Originally Posted by bsharpe

The AV is rated for 7900#'s -- I think we'll be good to go. If I could swap it out for a 3/4ton AV 2500 with the same options (and more miles) I would. That may be the first item for business after our first trip to bring it home.

BSharpe,
You may be a little short on power with the 1/2T.......especially in the mountains........as I see the 25'FBSE is 7500 GVWR. The rule of thumb is not to exceed about 75% of tow capacity of vehicle.....which would be about 5900#. So you're right on the bubble. My 2500 AV is rated at about 14,000 and am pulling a 28' with GVWR of 7300#. I have no trouble pulling in the mountains. I also have the power extending mirrors, which I really like.
I picked up a 2007 AV brochure the other day, and I see they're no longer making the 2500 with the 8.1 liter engine.......only the 5.3 V8.
You might be able to get a good buy on a used 2500.....what with the fuel prices and all. They're a nice ride if you can afford the gas (which I assume you can with the new 25' FB SE)!

Here's a pic of ours at Canyonlands NP!

[BillTex]

Congrats-nice setup!
I have a pair of CIPA mirrors from our 04 Suburban that should fit your AV.
Only used them once and then upgraded to a 3/4 ton, which has tow mirrors.
PM me if interested...

[bsharpe]

Thanks Jim for the truck info. That is one niiice AV you've got there. We're gonna take it slow and there's only one mtn. pass we have to go over and it's not much of a climb. Most likely, we'll upgrade the truck after a few short trips.

-
Ben
2006 Safari SE FB w/ Twins