New T@Bbie with supply questions

twocutes

My first trip with the T@B CS-S is the weekend of July 25.  I have never owned a RV and I'm feeling a bit nervous about all the new things to learn and manage.  I already downloaded the useful towing checklist.  Thanks to those that compiled it!  There is so much great information on this forum. 
I know I will need hoses for various purposes, but not sure what else.  Does someone have a list of essential supply purchases for a new owner, besides the trailer, hitch, and related?  I think I could also use a RV primer for dummies.  In case anyone gets nervous looking at the photo, I have since implemented wheel chocks and the stabilizers are down.  Thanks in advance!

DurangoTaB

I'm sure others will have more...but I'd add...fresh water hose, water pressure regulator, 30amp cord with 15amp attachment plug. We've also ended up with a lot of bungee cords and small flashlights...

Verna

Camping World has an RV for Dummies book.

Wanderoo

You'll need some extra fuses in different size AMPs, just in case something blows while you are trying out all your systems.  I bought a variety pack of Buss blade fuses.  Also, do you have the Alde?  There is a separate thread on this Forum about the special Alde glass fuses that are a little hard to find.  I, as well as others, have ordered them from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/F3-15AL250V-F3-15L250V-cartridge-Fast-blow-SHIPPING/dp/B009EU9ZWQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405017235&sr=8-1&keywords=f3.15al250v

Feel free to ask any questions.  We were all "new" at one time, too. 

:(

DurangoTaB

...you need access to this forum! ;-)

TABaker

Many first-time RVers will do "camp driveway" before heading out.  As you camp near home keep a check list and purchase list.  It's a good way to find what you need but don't have in the T@B.

Cyclonic

Agreed, it is a good idea to camp locally at first if possible, it gives you a chance to work out all of the bugs.

twocutes

Thanks for all the helpful info!  I do plan on a driveway night before the first trip.

DurangoTaB

While we have a ton of car camping gear, we bought some light-weight, stackable/storable GSI brand cups & dishes, and a couple stackable/storable GSI pots & pans from our local outfitter. Our T@B RVV store is carrying the GSI brand also...well made and fits into LG/T@G/T@B small spaces.

twocutes

I just ran across this checklist -- this is really valuable to me as a new owner.  I naively thought RVs would come with a detailed guide on whats and hows.  The online T@B user guide has great key information, but for someone that has never owned a RV, it's not enough.
http://www.rvlifestyle.net/essential.htm

twocutes

Just looked at some of the GSI accessories on the REI web site - ooohhh, cool!

DurangoTaB

Two additional helpful items...a cheap cigarette (12V) lighter outlet voltage indicator (e.g.Camping World), and a level gauge for your propane tank.

twocutes

I should also post the main page that has several links to checklists, even ones that can be customized.
http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2007/09/checklists_rv_checklist.php

twocutes

Follow up question on DurangoTaB's comment about a level gauge for the propane tank.  Is it true that certain functions will not operate unless the T@B is level, like the stove?

Wanderoo

Hi, Beth -- The instruction manual for the Norcold 3-way suggests the T@B be leveled to within 6 degrees for the propane to flow properly through the lines.  I have a small bulls eye leveler that I put on the counter top when I get to camp to see how "off" I am.  Then I use those Lego-type plastic snap-together levelers to get me as close to "level" as possible, and I have never had a problem with my Norcold.  I have not heard of people having problems with the stove if they are out of level.  I have heard the comment before that if you are level enough to be comfortable sleeping, then the T@B should be level enough to operate the appliances.  Best practice is to get as level as possible.  

DurangoTaB

Sorry about my confusing "level gauge" suggestion...I meant something like this:  http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Bar-B-Q-Propane-Level-Gauge/dp/B002SUCOR2 , so you know when your tank is low (vs. tilted)!

twocutes

Oh, level of propane, not level to the ground!    The Norcold refrigerators in the T@B CS-S only operate on AC and DC, not propane, so I don't have to worry about that particular item.  Thanks!

DurangoTaB

Beth...but what about your stove?

twocutes

I did purchase a 5 way level and plan to purchase the 2 way adhesive levels from Camping World, too.  Any gotchas I should look for?  Thanks!

Michigan_Mike

One thing I take along are a few freeze dried meals for those times when you arrive later in the evening after a long drive and are just too tired to prepare a meal and have to deal with dishes, etc.   I've taken many long cross-country trips and it's a heckuva lot easier boiling a couple of cups of water than having to prepare a meal in the dark in some remote location.   And while the water is boiling I'm able to do some of the site set-up details, come back, empty the water into the bag and have a hot meal and a cold beverage which really is quite tasty and satisfying.   And they have come a long way with these meals too and they really are not too bad!  

But hey, that is just me and it has saved my bacon on several occasions while on the trail and away from home over 2K miles!  

twocutes

To answer the question about the stove - yes, it does make a lot of sense to have a propane level monitor, so I don't run out at very inopportune times!    Thanks!