Complete Newbie

[RedWolf]

Hello. My name is Kyle. I hail from Virginia. Just bought a Keystone Passport 189RB and I'm here for ideas and inspirations. I'm new to travel trailers in general but here in my lower thirties I feel a drive to go solo traveling while I'm still free enough to do so.

[chuckster57]

Welcome to the forum

Congrats on your new purchase. Lots of good information and loads of great people here. You should build your signature so members know what unit you have and what your towing it with. Makes it much easier to answer.

[RedWolf]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

Welcome to the forum

Congrats on your new purchase. Lots of good information and loads of great people here. You should build your signature so members know what unit you have and what your towing it with. Makes it much easier to answer.

Thanks. I edited in some details.

[Roper46]

Welcome from south Georgia and congrats on your new Passport.

[revrusty]

Welcome from southside Virginia. You have found the right place for great information. Wander around while you can, then marry someone who also has wanderlust and keep on wandering! Worked for me.

[dutchmensport]

Welcome RedWolf to the forums and congrats on your new camper.

If you are asking for "tips" here's one.

When outfitting your new camper, (if this is your first one especially), you do not need to purchase items that have the letters, "RV" on their label. Most items with RV labels are over priced and usually not as good as the same product you'd use in your house.

When outfitting your camper, outfit it with comfortable items you are familiar with. It's actually an extension of your house, and an extension of who you are. I think, maybe the only exception here is.... if you plan on fixing meals over an open fire when camping, then you'll want hotdog sticks, and pots and pans that can withstand direct fire. An electric skillet on a fire pit ... well ... that JUST won't work you know.

I think the other exception is your choice of lawn furniture, outside folding, collapsible chairs and tables. But, you do not have to buy them at a Camping World or an RV dealership. Wall Mart, Home Depot, Lowes, even places like Penny's, or Bed Bath and Beyond too. It doesn't have to be purchased from an RV source.

Use your head, outfit your camper wisely, but comfortable for you! Don't be tempted to purchase every RV gadget available to mankind. In a year, you'll be leaving them behind, in your house, in the basement or attic.

Good luck, enjoy, and happy camping.

[Roper46]

The only thing I use that is RV specific is toilet paper.

And yes I have read on these forums you can use "regular" TP, but I don't want to take chances with my black tank. And just FYI. I read on these forums ref treating the black tank prior to going on a trip with approximately 5 gallons of water, Dawn blue and some fabric softener.

I did this treatment prior to leaving for the campground last week. When I got to the campground and got all hooked up, I drained the black tank and OMG, I could not believe all the "stuff" that came out!! So, before I left that campground, I did the "treatment" again for the ride home.

[wiredgeorge]

Suggested couple of first buy items would be a bona fide EMS, RV toilet paper, city water pressure regulator and a second sewer drain hose. Good luck!

[RedWolf]

Thanks all for the warm welcomes and the tips!

[CrazyCain]

Welcome to the forum from SE Michigan! Enjoy the new home on wheels' Great group on here with a ton of knowledge. Ask away!!!!!

[spicercars]

Welcome from northern MN.

[German Shepherd Guy]

Another thing most first timers do not know. When in a campground that supplies water and septic hook-ups. DO NOT leave you black tank open. Let it nearly fill each time and then open and dump and then re-shut. Reason ? So that the much dreaded "Poop pyramid" does not materialize. Once established Poop Pyramid is hard to make go away. Lots of water in the black tank will keep it from forming and lots of water when you dump will help wash it away.