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Old 09-18-2012, 12:07 PM   #1
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2013 19' International
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If you could make a starter kit for a first-time Airstreamer...

Hello All,

My husband and I are brand new to rv-ing on our own, so we were wondering what basic necessities we needed for our Airstream. We are talking about potable water hoses, water filters, etc., not necessarily food or household items. We are unfamiliar with the items necessary to hook up to a campsite or mechanical items required for rv-ing, so we are hoping you all can help us! So if you were going to make a starter kit for a first-time Airstreamer, what would you include in the kit? What do you wish you knew about on your first trip out? Any advice is appreciated. We will be getting our Airstream sometime within the next week. Thanks in advance!
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Old 09-18-2012, 12:15 PM   #2
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Old 09-18-2012, 12:33 PM   #3
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Your Owner's Manual Has a Pretty Good List...

... but Here's what I carry, in no particular order:
Chocks -2 pair - Industrial Hard Rubber from Harbor Freight
Extension Cord - 30 Amp - 20 Ft
20 Amp Male to 30 Amp Female adapter
50 Amp Male to 30 Amp Female adapter
Electrical tape - one roll
Duct tape - one roll
Fresh water hose - 10 ft
Fresh water hose - 20 ft
Hose washers
Brass Y connector
Sewer Hose - Long
Sewer Hose - Medium
Sewer Hose Coupling
Sewer Hose Adapter- Valterra
Slinky
2 Airstream Folding Chairs
2 Coleman Folding Chairs
Folding Table
Outdoor Mat - 10 X20
Leveling Blocks- Camping World nesting in carry case
Portable Electric Drill with Adapter to fit Stabilizers
Yamaha 1000 Generator
Full-Size Spare Tire
Camco Trailer Aid 21 Tandem Tire Changing Ramp (Yellow)
Tool box
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Old 09-18-2012, 12:34 PM   #4
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water hose, sewer hose and connections that fit the Airstream, possibly adaptors for 30 to 50 amp, 30 to 20 amp. TV coaxial. Dissolving toilet paper. Chemicals for black tank and gray tank. A little foam pad to kneel on. Links blocks to level. wheel chocks. rubber cover for hitch ball. How to work the awning. How to work the hitch. If you go to a commercial campground first to try it out they probably will have anything you forgot in the store. I would try starting with little and adding as needed.
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Old 09-18-2012, 12:35 PM   #5
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A potable water hose and filter.
A black water he's to flush your tanks (never use the fresh one)
A couple of bags of the leveling blocks for uneven campsites (your stabilizing jacks are for stabilizing not leveling)
A bottle jak in case you need o change a flat or a ramp if you have multiple axles
A filter for your fresh water line. Sometimes campground water is gritty.
Wheel chocks
A general set of tools. There will things which com loos or need adjustment
One of the chula in AC voltage meters to ensure proper voltage for air conditioner operation
Flashlight(s)

Lastly, a coffee maker, coffee and a good book to use while relaxing
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Old 09-18-2012, 01:03 PM   #6
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Thumbs up "If only I'd thought to bring..."

Here's a list I include in the DenCO Unit Directory each year...

It's split into two categories...things that could stay in the trailer all the time and things that can be packed-up before each trip. Of course, this is just a suggestion list which could be shortened or lengthened by your own "travel style" - but it's a starting point with the idea of triggering your train of thought when packing.

Shari
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Old 09-18-2012, 01:12 PM   #7
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What everyone else said, plus the little things…
Caps for the ends of your fresh-water hoses, to keep them clean inside.
Disposable gloves for handling your discharge hose.
Tire pressure gauge.
Torpedo level or bubble level for leveling your trailer.
Shop towels in your toolbox so you don't get your bath towels dirty after you've worked on something. Also helps stop your toolbox from rattling in transit.
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Old 09-18-2012, 01:24 PM   #8
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Bottle Opener!

Although nothing impresses the campers on either side of you like cracking open a cold one off the A-frame. Oh, and a Silverado 2500 with the Duramax.
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Old 09-18-2012, 03:18 PM   #9
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Since we were camping in the Airstream this weekend the items I use all the time are fresh on my mind. The above posts have covered basically everything I carry with me. Alumaholic's list is great. I would add a few things. I carry a couple of 12 in long 6x6 wooden blocks to rest the tongue jack pad on. It serves two purposes. First, I don't have to screw the jack down so far to unhitch and it saves time. Secondly, there are times depending on the angle of the camp site that the standard tongue jack is just not tall enough to either level the trailer or raise is up enough to unhitch from the truck.
I don't know what you tow with but a good set of extension mirrors is a must.
Take the manuals for the fridge, water heater, etc., just in case.
Dirty clothes bag or hamper.
Plenty of paper plates, cups and utensils. No need to spend camping time doing dishes.
Finally, always take along plenty of patience. Things will happen, things will break, the weather will be bad but don't get upset, just enjoy the adventure. Having this attitude has saved us on a couple of trips.
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Old 09-18-2012, 04:24 PM   #10
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A decent set of rain gear - pants and jacket for those times you have to unhitch or hitch in a rain storm or steady rain. Worth it's weight in gold!

Kay
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Old 09-18-2012, 04:29 PM   #11
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Great list Shari!

I would add an assortment of bungee cords to the mix as I always seem to find myself in need of one, or a few when camping.
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Old 09-18-2012, 04:38 PM   #12
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Thanks!

Got 'em Kevin, they're on my list - spelled wrong ("Bungie") but they are there ~ We use them all the time too...

Shari
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Old 09-18-2012, 05:10 PM   #13
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We have a small volt meter that stays plugged in behind the drapes near the door. We can plug into shore power and then check the volt meter to make sure that there is enough "juice" to run the AC.
We also carry a small plug in polarity tester. We have run into several campgrounds where the posts have been incorrectly wired.
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Old 09-18-2012, 05:12 PM   #14
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For the kitchen:

small and large zip lock bags
small trash container and bags for refuse
plastic/Tupperware style containers
Saran wrap & tin foil
paper towels (lots)
Clorox/Lysol disposable wipes
coffee filters
chip clips
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Old 09-18-2012, 05:19 PM   #15
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Okay. By my calculations you are approaching 10,000 pounds GVW. What kind of tow vehicle do you have?
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Old 09-18-2012, 06:27 PM   #16
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and a couple more, too

Quote:
Originally Posted by Protagonist View Post
What everyone else said, plus the little things…
Caps for the ends of your fresh-water hoses, to keep them clean inside.
Disposable gloves for handling your discharge hose.
Tire pressure gauge.
Torpedo level or bubble level for leveling your trailer.
Shop towels in your toolbox so you don't get your bath towels dirty after you've worked on something. Also helps stop your toolbox from rattling in transit.
I liked this list of "little things" and would add a couple more:

a small container of heavy duty work-in-the-garage-type hand soap to go with those shop towels (just in case)

take stuff to treat your black tank (this was what we forgot the first time we went.)
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Old 09-18-2012, 06:48 PM   #17
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I would add a water line pressure regulator. It's extra insurance...
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Old 09-18-2012, 07:26 PM   #18
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A pair of work gloves, grease for hitch ball, silicone spray for awning struts, tent pegs for tarp, broom and dust pan, and a water pressure regulator
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Old 09-18-2012, 09:33 PM   #19
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Wow! Thanks for all the replies...you all have been so helpful! It is scary the amount of information we need to know. We will definitely start checking into the items everyone mentioned. By the way, alumaholic, we are towing with a 2011 explorer (it can only tow about 5000 lbs, but our airstream is only a 19 footer). Thanks, again, everyone!
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Old 09-18-2012, 10:23 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Protagonist View Post
Caps for the ends of your fresh-water hoses, to keep them clean inside.
Hi, I roll my hoses and connect the ends to keep them clean. I always connect my water hose to the spigot, turn the water on, and after the water flows out the end, I turn off the water before connecting it to my trailer. [then turn it back on] I bundle all of my hoses and power cords with old dog collars that I have saved.
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