Maiden Voyage, at Last!

[Hans627]

This Thursday we make our first trip in our '09 25' FB Int. It is a relatively short trip of only about 120 miles and only for two nights. It is mostly a learning trip but we are visiting an 94 year old army buddy of my dear father.

We started looking at AS near Ft. Myers, FL about a year and a half ago. While touring several models some kind folks suggested we check out the Air Forums (probably the best advice we got). I wish we would have gotten their names.

So it's been an interesting journey to get to the point and are excited about finally getting out on the road.

I know that there is still a lot to learn but I guess I'm concerned about the things I don't know that I don't know. The surprises. I think I have the obvious covered (thanks to many answered questions on this forum). What were some of the surprises that you didn't expect on your maiden trip?

Thanks again to all for your patient assistance.

[Piggy Bank]

We pulled up a YouTube video showing how to unhitch the equalizer, just as a double check.

Also gloves are good so you don't get grease on your hands.

We also forgot to drain out our freshwater holding tank when we broke camp. We remembered on the way back. It took a while to all drain out.

We also didn't know that the campsite electrical hookup would also have a standard outlet too. Next trip we brought an extension cord and fan to use by our chairs.

[Hans627]

Originally Posted by Piggy Bank

We pulled up a YouTube video showing how to unhitch the equalizer, just as a double check.

Also gloves are good so you don't get grease on your hands.

We also forgot to drain out our freshwater holding tank when we broke camp. We remembered on the way back. It took a while to all drain out.

We also didn't know that the campsite electrical hookup would also have a standard outlet too. Next trip we brought an extension cord and fan to use by our chairs.

Gloves are a good idea. Thanks! I also have several videos just in case!

[Jukeboxfun]

You are going to have fun, doing what you dreamed of doing.

That being said, some of my dumbest mistakes happened on my second or third trip out.

No glassware pots! Put the lock in the hitch coupler when towing! Wind up the stabilizers before trying to use the power tongue jack! Don't leave much water in the toilet bowl when heading out! I could go on, but I won't.

[Hans627]

Originally Posted by Jukeboxfun

You are going to have fun, doing what you dreamed of doing.

That being said, some of my dumbest mistakes happened on my second or third trip out.

No glassware pots! Put the lock in the hitch coupler when towing! Wind up the stabilizers before trying to use the power tongue jack! Don't leave much water in the toilet bowl when heading out! I could go on, but I won't.

Steve, thanks for your comments and reminders. I particularly liked the reminder about water in toilet bowl!

[m.hony]

Originally Posted by Piggy Bank

We pulled up a YouTube video showing how to unhitch the equalizer, just as a double check.

Also gloves are good so you don't get grease on your hands.

We also forgot to drain out our freshwater holding tank when we broke camp. We remembered on the way back. It took a while to all drain out.

We also didn't know that the campsite electrical hookup would also have a standard outlet too. Next trip we brought an extension cord and fan to use by our chairs.

You don't have to drain your fresh water tank. The trailer rides smoother if you travel with a full fresh water tank.

[kaa4111]

Someone liberated my hitch pin. When I hitched up to leave I got about 30 ft. and the hitch fell out of the TV (tow vehicle).. Had to unhitch; go buy one, come back and start over. Did I mention it was pouring rain?

Also, no matter what the guy at the shop tells you, don't let him thread your brake release cable through the chain to keep it from dragging. That rubs the cable in all the wrong places.

[Piggy Bank]

Kaa,
Sorry to hear that.
Curious where did you buy an extra hitch pin?

[timhortons]

> Wind up the stabilizers before trying to use the power tongue jack!

this

[BoldAdventure]

Have fun, it's easier than you think once you got the basics down.

[kaa4111]

Any rv dealer; hardware store in a tourist area or farm supply store will have lots of little "pulling parts".

[moxie t. moto]

grade 8 nuts & bolts on hitch. cant be removed without wrenches!

[bingrobinson]

I just had my first trip with my 1971- 31' Excella 500 I found this spring. I did a lot of polishing and not much else so I felt my way along with some help of a veteran camper. I pulled about 80 miles in S. Michigan to Lake Michigan for a week. 1996 Chevy van pulled it just fine at 55 mph, needs stabilizer bars for over 55. The awning looked new and really made my camp stay nice, no leaks, fridge didn't work, goucho needs to go, lots of compliments. Had a great time!

[Hans627]

Home again and almost all went well. There were two lessons.

The first is that my dear wife, Dianne, and I have to learn how to better communicate when backing the AS into its parking space!

The second was that when I unhooked the trailer I also removed the hitch. I placed the hitch pin and spring retainer on the back bumper. We then drove into town for dinner, about 10 miles including 2 on the interstate, and when we got out of the truck at the restaurant Dianne pointed out that the pin and spring retainer were laying on the back bumper. Why they did not bounce off I do not know but it was a good lesson.

I promptly worked on developing a check list!

[Lily&Me]

Yep, leaving things on bumpers happens....also on electrical boxes at campsites, picnic tables, etc.

Last one in the vehicle should make a walk-around for just those reasons.

At our first Forums rally in 2009, I watched a husband and wife communicate via walkie-talkies while parking/backing in. Good idea, I thought.

She said.... "these are so we can yell at each other quietly".


Maggie

[m.hony]

I have driven for hours with the pin on the bumper- twice- and it didn't fall off-