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qhumberd
Moderator
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qhumberd
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First RV and first getaway this weekend with the wife, baby and a dog
maddmike
Member Posts: 137
We got a good deal on a barely used '17 CS. Unfortunately, the previous owner passed away before he could use it and his widow wanted it gone as she was not using it. He had it ordered from the factory to his specs. He was big on battery savings and ordered it without the audio/TV system and fridge but with some good options such as the AC, bathroom, Fantastic Fan, and external shower (we will be hitting the beaches so external shower is necessary).
We have been car/tent campers for a while and usually take our two and then three large dogs with us. We have since added a baby to the family and wanted to get into camping again but with a little more comfort and the ability to keep the baby dry and warm/cool as necessary.
I have been doing some prep work to get ready for this weekend maiden voyage:
We have been car/tent campers for a while and usually take our two and then three large dogs with us. We have since added a baby to the family and wanted to get into camping again but with a little more comfort and the ability to keep the baby dry and warm/cool as necessary.
I have been doing some prep work to get ready for this weekend maiden voyage:
- Refilled the gas tank and charged the battery
- Sanitized and flushed the tanks
- Picked up one of these awesome little bluetooth speakers on sale at Costco, very loud with surprisingly good sound, waterproof, small and light, built in flashlight and phone charger and has its own battery so no battery drain there. It fits easily in the top shelf above the bed so we can have our music https://www.costco.com/ECOXGEAR-EcoSlate-Waterproof-Bluetooth-Speaker.product.100336071.html
- I work for Lenovo and have a Yoga Book where I watch most of my TV shows from and read books and my wife has her tablet so having a TV on the wall will not be missed (baby does not get TV time)
- Needing AC, I ordered the Yamaha powered generator from Costco. However, since it will not get here on time, I went to Home Depot and picked up the Ryobi which is $100 more but you get more power and bluetooth control. I'll wait and compare it to the Costco one which I think is a bit smaller but right now, I'm kind of digging the Ryobi
- My TV is a '16 CX-9 that I installed a cat III hitch on. Unfortunately, it has a four pin so tomorrow I have the fun of installing the correct connector on it and running it to the battery to etc.
- Bought a bunch of miscellaneous stuff like some light-weight camping pots and pans, plastic reusable plates and cups, a rug for outside, a mattress topper from Kohl's, storage containers etc.
Ordered some stuff that won't get here in time for its first trip:
- Upgraded battery: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S1RT58C/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A33OOXQLQV58WQ
- PahaQue XL visor. Hopefully will get here on time for Memorial Day trip, wish it was here this weekend as rain is predicted.
Everything so far has been working as it should except the water doesn't get hot, just warm. I tried playing with settings but cant seem to get it hot. Anyway, wish me and my small family luck on breaking Tabatha in. We will only be taking one dog which will break the other two dog's hearts but it is just too much to deal with everything and three dogs on our first trip with untested equipment in a campground we have never been to (Ocracoke Island).
Wish us luck!
Comments
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@maddmike, enjoy! Each time out it does get easier.2017 t@b sofitel(Dr@gonsFly)TV 2015 Silverado 2500hd(Behemoth). Wyandotte, Michigan.
Draco dormiens numquam titilandus. -
Good luck, good camping and good fun for you all!John, Judi, Guinness & OD in PDX
T@Bit@t 2015 S Max Outback, ‘18 V6 4Runner -
Congrats & happy trails!!Linda & Dan
Cleveland, Ohio
2018 Ford F150 XLT pulling a 2020 T@B 400
LIFE IS GOOD! -
Have fun!I'm looking forward to reading about your first trip. Be sure to tell us all about it, and snap some pictures too. I like pictures, and I know I'm not alone on that one.2016 T@b 320 CS-S - 2018 GMC Sierra - St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
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Congrats and good luck!
2021 T@b 320 Boondock "Mattie Ross" | 2021 T@b Nights: 239 | Total nights in a T@b 455 | 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland | T@b owner since 2014
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Waiting for the late night ferry to Okracoke. Missed the 9:15 by 10 minutes. The good news is that my re-wiring of the trailer hitch worked. I was out of time to run the power line to the battery so I will have to do that next week.
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We made it albeit after midnight. Till my visor comes in, I’ll have to make do with what I have. Nothing like sleeping on the beach.


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I’m actually pretty happy that we don’t have a fridge as the trusty cooler serves us just fine and I appreciate the extra pantry space.


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Looking good! Nice setup you have
I'm not too fond of our 3-way fridge. I suppose it's good, but the fan kicking on at night really bothers me. My wife likes it as she doesn't have to pack as much into a cooler, which leaves more room for beer. Hmm... actually I think I really like that fridge...
Jon & Angela | Florissant Colorado | 2017 Outback S -
Good point. Thankfully, I do all the prep work so I get to decide on the alcohol/food ratio.
Stella so far approves.

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My Dad and I have missed that ferry more times that we want to count. OR, too many vehicles waiting and they stop taking vehicles and you were there 30 min before launch. Ugh.
Great pictures!!!! That's one happy babeh!2017 820R Retro Toy Hauler from 2015 Tabitha T@B from 2009 Reverse LG Teardrop (but a T@Bluver at heart) -
Oh my goodness! I don’t know what I love more, that cute dog or that beefy thighed baby! Enjoy!2019 Custom T@B 320 U Boondock Lite-ish
Custom Colors & Custom Interior
We've slept in 34 states, 2 countries & counting -
You sure do have a ton of storage without the fridge!
We don’t have a visor or awning. It makes setup super quick and easy. We do have a screen room to escape from biting insects when needed.
And Stella is super cute!
Happy camping.2016 T@b 320 CS-S - 2018 GMC Sierra - St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada -
Stella is a chunky monkey. Both greatly enjoyed the beach.



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Nice hat.maddmike said:Stella is a chunky monkey. Both greatly enjoyed the beach.
San Francisco Bay Area
2013 CS-S us@gi
2015 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner Double Cab
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