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11-23-2014, 06:26 PM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 65
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First Timer
We are about to purchase 25' Flying Cloud and are new to RVing. Any suggestions for a maiden voyage would be very much appreciated. How far from home should we go and for how long, etc...? Also, when it takes a day or two to reach a destination, what's the best way to plan for stops/overnights? Many thanks!
Rich
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11-23-2014, 07:03 PM
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#2
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Moderator
2015 25' FB Flying Cloud
2012 23' FB Flying Cloud
2005 25' Safari
Santa Rosa Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,156
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We use an Android app called RVPARKY to locate campgrounds as we travel. Depending on the circumstances, we sometimes overnight at a Wal-Mart parking lot or a truck plaza.
Brian
__________________
SuEllyn & Brian McCabe
WBCCI #3628 -- AIR #14872 -- TAC #FL-7
2015 FC 25' FB (Lucy) with ProPride
2020 Silverado 2500 (Vivian)
2023 Rivian R1T (Opal)
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11-23-2014, 07:43 PM
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#3
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begorragirl
2017 25' Flying Cloud
Denville
, New Jersey
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,029
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Welcome and congrats. Where are you? Up North where weather can be a pain? Or more South? Just make a plan and go, travel maybe four hours or so away since it gets dark early and you really want to take your time enjoying your new adventure. Perhaps stay in full hookup place so you can try all your bells and whistles.
__________________
2006 Bambi CCD ("EireStream!!")
2010 Funfinder
2005 T@B
2001 Teardrop, Mountain Hardware Tent
For some perfection takes a little longer...
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11-23-2014, 07:58 PM
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#4
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3 Rivet Member
1962 22' Safari
Vintage Kin Owner
kansas city
, Missouri
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 195
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I agree with Sbb some where close with hookups and enjoy your adventures!
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11-23-2014, 08:53 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2006 19' Safari SE
Tucson
, Arizona
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,627
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I agree...not to far from home and with full hookups would be good. I think we went 45 miles to a state park. While you are there check all the systems both with and without your hookups... run your frig on both propane and electric to make sure everything is working to your expectations. Practice your holding tank dumping routine, etc etc ... in short, try everything out, including your AC and furnace even though you may not need them. You can do alot of systems checks in your driveway, actually, except for the AC ...and even that if you've had a 30-amp service installed.
But most of all enjoy yourselves and have a great time! Welcome to the good life!
__________________
TB & Greg and Abbey Schnauzer
AirForums #21900
PastPrez, 4CU/WBCCI
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11-24-2014, 06:20 AM
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#6
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2 Rivet Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 65
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Many thanks, all very good suggestions and you all seem to be in agreement that the first trip should not be too "adventurous" and more to check out all the systems. Very helpful. Thank you. We look forward to if!
Rich
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11-24-2014, 06:33 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
1973 Argosy 24
Kitchener
, Ontario
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 945
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Short trips at first are best. You also need to shake down your kitchen and other take along stuff to find the compromise between what you think you need and what you really need.
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11-24-2014, 07:18 AM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2020 28' Flying Cloud
Upper St Clair
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,943
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You might consider close to the AS dealer if possible. In that way if something goes wrong they can usually get you in ahead of the line and get the warranty work done. Trying all the systems is key. We had 30AMP installed in the garage so we could test systems, now gone to 50AMP but can still test everything except both ACs running. Word of caution if you do have it installed make sure they do 110V, despite being told three times our licensed electrician installed 220V and when we "tested" his installation boom, converter blew. $1,500 later all was well with the AS and house, he paid for everything without any discussion.
Enjoy the AS
__________________
2020 28' Twin Flying Cloud
2021 F350 6.7 King Ranch
USAF Master Training Instructor (TI) & (MTI)- 68-72
Volunteer K9 Rehabilitator & Trainer
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11-24-2014, 07:51 AM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2015 30' International
2009 27' FB International
2007 25' Safari
Currently Looking...
Greensboro
, North Carolina
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,564
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Go online and search out a book.... Spend a few hours just walking around becoming familiar with all the check list items before departing, hook and unhook two or three times and when you are ready head out on the road. Stop rest areas, check the trailer again, then find a large empty parking lot and practice backing...SLOWLY... so you can drop it between trucks at the Flying J and not be embarrassed
But read all the books from Airstream on pulling a trailer, especially following the safety precautions
Then, enjoy..... Most of us consider pulling an Airstream the finest way to travel. While I am clearly biased, I consider Airstream the Prevost of the trailer trade.
__________________
Happy trails and Good Luck
Ms Tommie Fantine Lauer, Greensboro, NC
AIR #31871 KQ3H
www.fantinesvoice.com
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11-24-2014, 08:00 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2012 25' FB International
Trent Woods
, North Carolina
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 3,120
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I towed the trailer 120 miles to get it home, but our shakedown trip was to a KOA just a few miles from home. It was a great opportunity to be in a full service campground and just a few miles from all of my tools and stuff.
I had a moderate list of desires after spending a few days in the trailer...
Larry
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11-24-2014, 08:20 AM
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#11
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Rivet Master
2015 25' FB Eddie Bauer
2013 25' FB Eddie Bauer
2012 20' Flying Cloud
Small Town
, *** Big Sky Country ***Western Montana
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,860
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First camping night should be in your driveway ...after you do it, you'll understand ...
__________________
2015 25' Eddie Bauer Int'l FBQ / 2023 Ford Lightning ER
2022 Ford F350 6.2 V-8; equalizer hitch + Shocker air hitch
Honda Eu3200; AIR# 44105; formerly WBCCI 2015.1
Terminal Aluminitis; 2-people w/ 3+ dogs
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11-24-2014, 08:40 AM
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#12
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Rivet Master
2012 25' FB International
Trent Woods
, North Carolina
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 3,120
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I could not check out my tank draining setup in my driveway, but I do agree you can check out everything else.
Larry
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11-25-2014, 12:29 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
2022 Atlas
Homosassa
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 729
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Enjoy your new A/S. Close to home is a good place to start just to do a complete systems check and to get comfortable with hitching and towing.
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11-26-2014, 06:27 AM
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#14
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2 Rivet Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 65
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Thanks to all for really good advice. Can't say enough about how good if feels to have knowledgable AS owners as a resource. Absolutely, first trip will be close to home (maybe close to dealer) to check everything out. Many thanks again for your help.
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11-26-2014, 07:44 AM
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#15
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Rivet Master
1973 Argosy 24
Kitchener
, Ontario
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 945
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Read the thread " What is your favorite OOPS story" It'll give you a handle on what not to do.
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11-26-2014, 05:58 PM
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#16
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Retired
2008 30' Classic
Currently Looking...
Livingston
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 850
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Two hours or so for travel, but get to the destination before dark. That way, it is easier to see the site, to back in. Have a spotter, with some inexpensive walkie talkies, to make this easier. The close in distance allows enough travel to feel how you combo tows, but, not to far to go get important but fogotten items, or to go buy replacements.
__________________
Tom
AIR 71620
WBCCI 5809 Reg 9 Unit 155
2008 Classic 30'
2019 F250 4x4
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11-26-2014, 06:21 PM
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#17
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2 Rivet Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 65
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Oops stories are very enlightening - lessons learned. Thanks for reference.
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11-26-2014, 06:22 PM
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#18
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2 Rivet Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 65
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Understood, spotter is a must! Thanks.
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