New and have a help question

[donw]

Never having had a trailer before except a wells cargo box. We finally made the decision and after searching for a used one, ended up ordering a new 23ft out of Arkansas. In 2 weeks we leave California and head to arkansas with a stop over in Texas to see relatives. I am trying to anticipate what we need for this trip. We purchased a Toyota tundra last November with the tow package on it. Airstream of Arkansas will add the sway hookup and get us ready for the road. We plan to take maybe 4-5 days for the trip back. Should we be getting a generator now?? Extension mirrors, or will the std ones on a tundra work??? The trailor was ready in Jusy and we added insurance at that time with state farm, our current carrier. Should we be looking at AAA or Good Sam Club also?? Any help would be appreciated. It has been a long time to get to this point.
Thank you all, Don

[Mrs_RedSHED]

I'm not qualified to answer all of your questions but AAA really is for standard vehicles only and will not cover your trailer. Good Sam is a good option for your trailer AND your vehicles. If you search airforums for Good Sam I think you'll find a good thread with some helpful information that was running sometime this year.

Welcome to the forums and we hope you enjoy your airstream as much as we do ours!

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

Sounds like your TV can do the deed. You've got sway control and weight distribution covered. I wouldn't mess with a generator until you determine what style of camping you're doing. We were about to get a generator, but have decided that it would just be in our way, for now.

Compare the RV specialty companies to State Farm. You may get a lot better coverage for less money. That was the case with Allstate for us. We have have AAA + RV. Good Sam's looks to be a better value. We are considering switching next year.

The extension mirrors are a real plus. We have the suction cup ones from Camping World. They work great and are easy to deal with. We have two, but I usually use only the left one.

You're going to love your Airstream and the RV lifestyle. We have spent 180+ nights in our sweet Lucy since we got her in June, 2006.

Congratulations on your decision. You made a good choice.

[Wayward]

Don, sounds like a great trip! I think you will find that some type of extension mirrors will make for an easier drive. Most stock mirrors don't provide much of a viewing angle when pulling a 8' wide trailer - especially on the curb side.

I used to have AAA - they will add a travel trailer to your policy in most parts of the country. You'll probably want the gold package that gives you up to 100 miles towing to a location of your choice. Most folks here like Good Sam's.

I've had all our cars and homes with State Farm for 25 years. I do not know what they quoted you, but State Farm gave me the worst coverage at the highest price so I went to Progressive. Check out Progressive's full replacement policy on new Airstreams. And they have low cost road service at a fraction of AAA or Good Sam's price.

Generator depends on how you will be camping. Biggest need for generator is A/C, TV, or charging batteries on extended boondocking. So if you do not need those on the trip home, you can camp pretty much anywhere.

If you've never had a travel trailer, you might want to read up on black and grey water tank draining. I can recommend the Sewer Solution - works great and you will not have to mess with the "stinky slinky". Sewer Solution

...........Scott

[moosetags]

Apparently, there are duplicates of this thread running simultaneously.

[azflycaster]

I towed my 75 TW with an 03 Tundra for a couple of years and found the mirrors to be the worst part of the truck. No one makes good mirrors for the 1st generation Tundras either. The best I could come up with were a pair of cheap strap on mirrors that I bought on sale at CW for $5 each. These mirrors gave me a better, but not a great view. I recently traded in the 03 for an 07 Tundra which came with great towing mirrors and a bigger motor.

As far as a generator, it depends. If you are camping without hookups for more then a few days you will need a generator. The size of generator is determined by what you will be running with it. I have a honda EU1000 that I use to charge the battery afer a few days. It is very quiet and very light.

[moosetags]

Actually, there are three of the same threads running. I think that a moderator needs to sort his out.

[Wayward]

Don, looks like you posted this multiple times- kinda throws folks off so you will have monitor all threads and probably will get even more opinions than normal

[moosetags]

This will get all three strings together.

[Janet H]

If your mirrors are not extendable, you will need to "upgrade" Doing it now allows you to shop at your leisure. Other items to consider now might include:

Tow Package (if needed)
Stuff for your trailer e.g. linens
Disposable gloves
Foot wiping door mat.
Wheel chocks.
Flashlight.

You shouldn't need a generator for a couple of nights, unless you anticipate boondocking.

When you pick up your trailer you will need some toilet chemicals (if you're going to be camping that night) but your dealer will have these.

Other items (may come with new trailer but are absolutely needed):
Fresh water hose
Sewer hose
Electrical adapter for the "big" extension cord.
Leveling blocks - you can buy or use scraps of 2 x 6 and other lumber.

Have a great time with your new adventure!

[donw]

Thanks for the input. Getting going on this board was alittle confusing as it kept saying, i was a guest and needed to register and make 1st post???
Thanks, Don

[Melody Ranch]

You said it was new? Your new to it too?
Great! just go at it slow. The dealer, if new, will help. Do what Janet said. Those are the basics. As for the rest...they fall into place with you experience. WOW! South West Mo. and Arkansas this time of the year. Beautiful. Watchout for some of those Ozark roads....not really a beginners drive .