Getting ready for maiden voyage. First time 'streamers.

[Pendleton000]

We took delivery this month of our new Pendleton edition Airstream. We are beyond excited but also a bit nervous. This is my first time towing the trailer to actually camp. Prior to this I've just gone out on some practice drives. Can't wait to get out there but everyone keep your fingers crossed for us! #Pendleton000 #MerwinRiveted

[sandollars]

Congrats on your purchase!!! Get out there and enjoy!

[Hans627]

Congratulations on your new AS. I can understand why you would be excited, albeit a bit nervous. Like I was once told, "Feel the fear.... and do it anyhow!"

Wishing you well and keep us posted on your travels. Pictures always help tell the story as well!

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Congratulations !!!

Go someplace quick and easy the first time out. It will still be a lot of fun. The drive will not be as tiring. Burn out while driving is *not* a good thing. You will find lots of things in a "shake out" no matter where you are.

Bob

[old 10s bum]

My wife retired and told me we were going to travel across the country and see America. We sold the house, bought a TV and will be picking up a 23FB in August. I decided to go to Top of the Mountain Rally Labor Day weekend traveling from Myrtle Beach for a test run. It's a AS only park. So, there should be people there to give my more advice then I will comprehend.
Is this a good idea or should I go to Myrtle Beach State Park 4 miles away first.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Anything that takes you through the routine of hitching up, driving a ways and setting up camp is good practice. Any night you spend in the trailer will have you spotting things you might want to bring along next time. We made a lot of shopping trips for stuff that cost < $10 each to get the setup "just right" ( = until the next trip)

Truth be told - I that shopping process started with AS parts at the dealer's "store" before we ever got the trailer out of the lot ...

There is a lot of "this bin fits here, we need a bin for that" sort of stuff. You just will not be able to work it all out without trying. It's not a lot of money, it's not even a lot of time. It is the kind of optimization that will make life much more simple in the trailer.

There's also running through the process of working the hitch, backing up into a space, and all the fun with hoses. None if it is crazy difficult. Doing it a couple of times in low pressure / take your time settings is by far the best way to get familiar with all of it. "I forgot to do this" is far less critical when you catch it quickly. It then becomes part of the story. (Don't ask about our adventures with the keys unless you have a *lot* of time )

Bob

[LBOskiBear]

For the first trips make sure you have a pad and paper handy.

It's great to make checklists for the process but also what you need to buy - the latter part never ends, but that's part of the fun.

[Mollysdad]

My first trip in a large RV was 2000 miles. I was nervous for about 100 miles, then it seemed doable. I did hold my breath a few times in construction zones. "Will I fit through there? {at 50 mph}"
Make a checklist and go.

Be careful at gas stations. Look for islands that are parallel to the store. That way you won't be backing up to get out. I liked Flying J's because I knew they'd have an RV island, even if I had to wait in line.

I agree with stopping the first night close to home. Just in case.

[LBOskiBear]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

I agree with stopping the first night close to home. Just in case.

And ideally near a hardware store, Wal-Mart, Camping World, etc. or something of that nature. We ended up unhitching and running to the store for a few things that first time.

Again - don't look on this as something bad - it's all part of the fun!

[kendrick.l.j]

You mentioned Top of Mountain, could you have meaning Top of Georgia Airstream Park just north of Helen, Ga? If so, it is a nice quiet little RV park. I have been there many times and always enjoyed myself. During the week it is extremely quiet with weekends only slightly fuller at least when I have been there. I prefer the area they call "the bottom" just over the creek. Lots of trees, cooler, area for dogs. There are always more experienced Airstreamers their to lend a hand should you need one. Easy to get in and out and should be a pleasant drive for you.

[old 10s bum]

Yes the place is called Top of Georgia. I think I'm going to go straight to Myrtle Beach SP right after I pick the AS up. Camping World and Walmart is 4 miles away. Then at the end of the month head to Top of Georgia. Thanks all for the advice.