New member check-in

[SeanInVa]

Hello everyone!
New member here from Virginia. We recently acquired a new-to-us 2003 Outback 26RS. It's had some water damage, and prior owners did some repairs before selling. We're planning on spending this winter fixing it up as best we can and hopefully have it ready for our first trial camp somewhere local. I've never towed anything in my life, so this is all a learning experience.

Will be towing with a 2006 F150 FX4.

Looking forward to participating, and perhaps, gaining some wisdom from everyone here! I'm sure I'll be posting a thread asking for help soon

[Camping family]

Welcome and enjoy camping. As for towing take your time don’t let those in a hurry brother you. Remember slow and steady.
Also this is a great place to ask questions someone will always answer and all are ready to assist.

[flybouy]

Welcome to the forum. Having never towed before my first recommendation is to learn how. Driving down the highway is the easy part. Turning and parking take some practice. Find a nice large open parking lot (not hard to find nowadays unfortunately) and practice. Get used to how the trailer follows the truck when making 90 degree turns (like turning onto a side street or into a parking lot . Note how far the rear of the trailer swings out when making a turn.

Then practice backing it up. This is what presents the greatest challenge to most folks. Practicing backing up straight and also turning while backing up. Buy yourself a few cones or set up some buckets or gallon jugs and paint them bright orange.

Before you "take off" any great distance check out the age of the trailer tires. There will be a 4 digit "born on" date code in an oval outline. The first two digits are the week and the second two digits are the year. If they are 5 or six years old or older then replace them. Unlike car or truck tires they age out long before they wear out.

Also you'll need a decent weight distributing hitch and a brake controller. There are many other considerations but this should get you started. Enjoy your "new to you" project!

[SeanInVa]

Very good tips, thank you!

[Gary R.]

Greetings and welcome!

Some great advice provided above.

Have fun with the repair and updates to your Outback!

Cheers!

[BeagleMan]

Welcome to the Gurus. There are lots of them here. You just read one of them in flybuoy. He's one of the best. Enjoy your time here. Lots better info than any Facebook Groups pages.

AC

[spicercars]

Welcome from northern MN.