For the new trailer owner - what do I need to buy and which products are recommended?

[Gegrad]

I would suggest a small, portable floor jack capable of lifting the trailer in a pinch, if you don't already carry one. I have carried one (2 ton rating) in my cars for my entire driving life, so wasn't an issue for me. But a small, portable floor jack is a must for me.

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by Northofu1

We are in the same boat as Rick. We start our maiden voyage to the NY side of the Thousand islands tomorrow morning. The one thing I need help with is the surge protector. I just want a good one, but not spend a ton of money. We are planning on buying it stateside as our prices in the great white north are crazy. Tips please?
TIA

I agree with Joe. Good and inexpensive usually don't mix. Many use the Progressive units and others use the Surge Guard brand, as do I. They make "surge guard" only units...that is not what you want. You want the more expensive electrical management units that monitor virtually every aspect of your power usage as well as all the faults and shuts the power down to the trailer if there is a failure. I've had an issue or 2 with power surges, but far, far more from no ground, no power on one leg, low power etc. A "surge" protector doesn't do anything for those.

The totes are an excellent idea. Measure your pass thru and get some totes that fit. We carry various ones for fresh water hoses/equip, black water hose/equip, cleaning supplies and misc gear etc. That way you don't have everything just loose and rumbling around.

It was mentioned once I believe but I would have a clear elbow to go on the RV dump connection. We used to never use one but have for some time now. They are invaluable trying to determine what is going on in the tanks. Not necessarily a "can't function" without it, but I sure don't want to go without mine.

You have been told about torque wrenches with sockets for the trailer and truck, tire gauges, leveling blocks, chocks; you will use them every time you set up. I carry a cordless impact wrench as well. Don't use it to torque the nuts but it speeds up the process. I carry a 120v compressor as well as a 12v one.

As you will find, the list is endless. Just make sure that what you get is really needed. I think everything I've read on this list is something that I carry on every trip.....and there's lots I can't think of at the moment

The non slip shelf liner listed earlier is a must IMO. We have it on all of our cabinet shelves.

[Canonman]

Originally Posted by Northofu1

We are in the same boat as Rick. We start our maiden voyage to the NY side of the Thousand islands tomorrow morning. The one thing I need help with is the surge protector. I just want a good one, but not spend a ton of money. We are planning on buying it stateside as our prices in the great white north are crazy. Tips please?
TIA

So what are you really trying to protect your travel trailer against?
Surges happen from time to time so you want to make sure the TT's electrical isn't going to be damaged by a close lightning strike or transformer surge.
What we've found on those occasions we've stayed in an RV Park is reversed polarity and no ground. This has been almost every time we've used these types of parks. The basic model progressive has identified these faults each and every time and does all we need it to do performing flawlessly on multiple occasions.
It's unfortunate that many RV parks have a "handyman" who is responsible for general maintenance including the pedestal electrical, water system , bathroom plumbing etc, etc. Jack of all trades and master at none! As far as I know no one inspects RV parks for code compliance
Here's a link to some comparisons of portable and hardwired options:
http://www.progressiveindustries.net...ed-comparisons
Hope this helps

[GHen]

Thought of another item I carry, it was mentioned to bring a cordless drill, I make sure I have sockets and extensions for the slide out motors to bring in manually and sockets for the manual drive on the leveling gear. I hope you never need to use them.

[travelin texans]

A real water pressure "regulator" with a gauge, not the "restrictor" they may have given you. We've been to parks with 80+ psi & that restrictor, in my opinion, is not up to that task.

[RickBetterley]

Originally Posted by travelin texans

A real water pressure "regulator" with a gauge, not the "restrictor" they may have given you. We've been to parks with 80+ psi & that restrictor, in my opinion, is not up to that task.

These are really good suggestions and much appreciated.
I have done a lot of towing (and should have mentioned that) so in pretty good shape for towing related (distinguished from camping-related) items.
Thanks all and keep those suggestions coming! I’m particularly interested in specific product names (I.e., Progressive being a good electrical protection device manufacturer).
Happy camping to all!

[RickBetterley]

Originally Posted by RickBetterley

These are really good suggestions and much appreciated.
I have done a lot of towing (and should have mentioned that) so in pretty good shape for towing related (distinguished from camping-related) items.
Thanks all and keep those suggestions coming! I’m particularly interested in specific product names (I.e., Progressive being a good electrical protection device manufacturer).
Happy camping to all!

Thanks again for all of the suggestions. I now have most everything suggested loaded nicely into appropriate storage and looking forward to leaving for Moosehead Lake area Sunday. Trailer towed great from the dealer to home. May it always be so.

[rogeru]

Personally, I like using the "Blue Line" sewer hose system. There is no threaded or twisting anything. They just fit together plain and simple, and they come with end caps for storing, too. Completely keeps the crud from leaking out of the hoses. Just my 2 CW.

[tundrwd]

One thing I'd HIGHLY recommend - after you get all the trinkets everyone has mentioned.... (this is after nearly 30 years of camping in various size trailers, etc.)

When you arrive at a campground - WALK AROUND AND TALK TO OTHERS. See what they are using/doing/brands/etc. ASK - I haven't found anyone who isn't willing to talk and discuss. You're going to see a lot of different things that various people do - many of them are similar to each other, but you'll find some unique differences as well.

And always ask WHY they got that/do that/etc. Some things appear stupid, until you find out the why - then it'll be like a bolt from the blue, the "why didn't I think of that" kind of thing.

Think carefully before going "cheap". Cheap usually means "buy three times and cuss between purchases" until you get the more expensive thing. BUT - somethings can be had cheaply, and do as well. Like - instead of buy <whatever> disposable gloves to handle the sewer hose, etc. - go to Harbor Freight and get a box of 100 or 200 nitrile gloves, etc. MUCH cheaper, and do just as well. Experience helps tell you where you can save.

PAPER plates with a holder instead of plastic plates. You don't have to wash - so that means your gray tank has less water in it. That kind of stuff.

And most of all - have fun!

[RickBetterley]

Originally Posted by tundrwd

One thing I'd HIGHLY recommend - after you get all the trinkets everyone has mentioned.... (this is after nearly 30 years of camping in various size trailers, etc.)



When you arrive at a campground - WALK AROUND AND TALK TO OTHERS. See what they are using/doing/brands/etc. ASK - I haven't found anyone who isn't willing to talk and discuss. You're going to see a lot of different things that various people do - many of them are similar to each other, but you'll find some unique differences as well.



And always ask WHY they got that/do that/etc. Some things appear stupid, until you find out the why - then it'll be like a bolt from the blue, the "why didn't I think of that" kind of thing.



Think carefully before going "cheap". Cheap usually means "buy three times and cuss between purchases" until you get the more expensive thing. BUT - somethings can be had cheaply, and do as well. Like - instead of buy <whatever> disposable gloves to handle the sewer hose, etc. - go to Harbor Freight and get a box of 100 or 200 nitrile gloves, etc. MUCH cheaper, and do just as well. Experience helps tell you where you can save.



PAPER plates with a holder instead of plastic plates. You don't have to wash - so that means your gray tank has less water in it. That kind of stuff.



And most of all - have fun!

Good advice and timely, as our first outing starts Sunday.
Interesting that my wife keeps referring to the trailer as the boat. We did a lot of sailboat cruising in years past and this feels a lot like that.
Thanks again

[RickBetterley]

This list was a huge help. Can’t think of anything we are really missing.
I do need to buy a Y fitting and another length of hose to connect the 2 sewer outlets and maybe a sewer hose support, but neither were must haves this early on.
Thanks again for all of the suggestions. Having a great time comfy camping in Eastport ME.

[yoster]

So, most of the interior pics were on the first page, but here's a few more since picking it up. I'm happy with the balance with the truck - looks to sit pretty level!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/2VQdVZ2LVGbLcYvE8
https://photos.app.goo.gl/R6aHALLCrBGfDrgv7
https://photos.app.goo.gl/SiZCx39iZzHEeYxS7
https://photos.app.goo.gl/GpHmQzZscX5gozAeA
https://photos.app.goo.gl/gHzRP69L5EjdV4Dx9

[RickBetterley]

Originally Posted by yoster

So, most of the interior pics were on the first page, but here's a few more since picking it up. I'm happy with the balance with the truck - looks to sit pretty level!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/2VQdVZ2LVGbLcYvE8
https://photos.app.goo.gl/R6aHALLCrBGfDrgv7
https://photos.app.goo.gl/SiZCx39iZzHEeYxS7
https://photos.app.goo.gl/GpHmQzZscX5gozAeA
https://photos.app.goo.gl/gHzRP69L5EjdV4Dx9

Excuse me for asking, but did you mean to post this to a different thread?
I can’t see how your post relates to the thread topic.
Not that threads never wander away from the original post. [emoji3]

[notanlines]

I believe Yoster finally caught that and did post to "Just bought a Hideout - help me stop from feeling sick"