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09-02-2018, 10:38 AM
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#1
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Winnebago Camper
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 6
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Travel Trailer Rookies
Hello, We have a 2306BHS on order and will be picking it up next week. This is our first ever travel trailer. Looking forward to getting pointers and help from this forum😊
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09-02-2018, 11:30 AM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Spring Branch, TX
Posts: 8,332
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Welcome!
A TT is a great introduction to RVing. We had 3-Travel Trailers over 15 years before buying our first motorhome. Many very fond memories.
I don't know if you have received much advice already but there are some things to know right from the start.
1. When picking up your TT make the dealer go through EVERY function to both show you how it works and to PROVE that it's working. Don't let them rush you through. Take LOTS of time. Don't have a child or pet or anyone that needs to be somewhere by a certain time. The longer you spend with the dealer the better. If something doesn't work during this PDI (pre-delivery inspection) DO NOT pay for the TT. It has to be fully working before you sign and pay. Even a great dealer that seems like a friend will sell you short after you pay.
2. Immediately after pickup take the TT to the closest RV Park or campground near the dealer and spend 3-days in the RV. This will a) give you time to learn about it b) insure that everything works and c) give you a chance to go back to the dealer for repairs or further instructions.
3. The dealer will probably try to sell (force) you to get an extended warranty. Those are always overpriced at the dealership. There is no rush you can always add one later and you'll find prices as much as 50% lower buying directly from a extended warranty specialist. Many don't buy such a warranty at all. They are not really warranties but insurance and for everyone that finds the product a big help there are more that find it turns out to be wasted money. Decide for yourself - but don't let the dealer force you into an expensive "warranty."
4. Buy RV supplies you'll need sewer hose, connectors, white water hoses, power extension cords, LEVELERS etc at lower prices this week before the dealer sells you a "starter kit" for too much money that contains sub par products you'll probably just end up replacing. Some dealers will give you a discount the day you buy your TT but many times the discount doesn't save anything due to over priced starter items. I know some dealers will give you a $100 certificate to spend on delivery day. See if yours will.
There are HUNDREDs more suggestions. But these 4 above are the things I had to learn the hard way.
Most important, keep your expectations real. No RVs are sold in perfect working order. Expect there to be problems -- from small ones to large ones. Just don't wear any "rose colored glasses" for the first few trips in the TT.
__________________
2017 Winnebago Adventurer 37F
2016 Lincoln MKX Toad
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09-02-2018, 12:18 PM
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#3
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Winnebago Camper
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 6
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Great info!
Thank you for the info! Will start looking for hoses etc online today! We have 99.9% decided against a warranty policy, paint guard, and wheel and tire package. Been looking at lots of videos and reading lots of informative articles. Is Camping World a good source for hoses etc or Amazon? Is it worth installing an inverter? Rear view camera? We will be either towing with our MB GL550 or Toyota Tundra. We did buy a brake controller that mounts on the TT itself so we can use it in either vehicle. Unfortunately we cannot stay close to the dealer because we are on a time crunch for a car event a few days after pickup. It will be a 3-4 night event with electric hookups but no water. We figured we will test it out in our driveway a night or 2 before we head to the track. Keeping fingers crossed that all will go well and if not my husband is very mechanically inclined.
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09-02-2018, 03:46 PM
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#4
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Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Spring Branch, TX
Posts: 8,332
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Camping World is fine for accessories and small items. Not much else in my opinion.
I would up that 99% to 1000% especially on the paint and wheel packages.
I’d suggest you live with the TT awhile before buying a lot of stuff.
I’ve never heard of a brake controller you install on the TT. Hummm.
Have you guys researched what hitch you want?
__________________
2017 Winnebago Adventurer 37F
2016 Lincoln MKX Toad
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09-02-2018, 05:44 PM
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#5
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Winnebago Camper
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 6
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The brake controller is the Prodigy by Tekonsha. Model 90250. The hitch is a Recurve hitch?
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09-02-2018, 09:32 PM
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#6
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Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Spring Branch, TX
Posts: 8,332
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Cool. Back when we had a Prodigy controller I was not aware of any trailer mounted option. That's a neat setup. I'm not familiar with that hitch, but it looks pretty good as well. Sounds like you're all set.
Enjoy!
__________________
2017 Winnebago Adventurer 37F
2016 Lincoln MKX Toad
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09-03-2018, 06:28 AM
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#7
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Winnebago Camper
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 17
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I wish i had understood more about weights before I bought my first TT. I allowed the dealer to convince me that my tow vehicle, which was a Mercury Mariner, was capable of towing a 30' TT. I have negotiated a test tow before I purchased it. Test tow went well so I bought it. What I did not consider was how much weight I added to both the SUV and the TT after the test tow. My SUV was no where close to being an adequate tow vehicle in the end and I had to upgrade which was an expense I was not ready for. I even had the top of the line brake controller, weight distribution and sway control but towing with the SUV was very uncomfortable. It was basically the tail wagging the dog.
On the surface it seems that both of your options are capable, without much research on my part, and you may have already done all the math, but make sure you take into account all the weight you will add to the tow vehicle like passengers and then consider what will be added to the TT like water, propane, bikes, and camping gear. Add it all up and make sure you are will within the limits of your tow vehicle.
There are plenty of guides online that will help with this if you have not considered it.
Good luck and happy camping.
Doug
__________________
2007 Winnebago Adventurer 38T
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09-03-2018, 08:29 AM
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#8
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Winnebago Camper
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 6
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I really appreciate all the info from everyone. Hopefully it will help make it an easier step into owning a travel trailer
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10-13-2018, 12:50 AM
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#9
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Winnebago Watcher
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 2
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You'd better prepare what you need before you travel.I hope these things will be useful for your trailer trip.
Road rescue
No one wants to have a problem driving, but once the trailer has a problem, applying for a road rescue is useful.Know if your rv insurance company or rv manufacturer offers road assistance, and carry the relevant insurance brochure with a road rescue phone on it.
Portable grill
One of the most interesting parts of rv camping is barbecuing in beautiful places.Carrying a portable grill can be very useful.
The water valve
Bringing a water distribution valve will make your camping life easier.Most campsites offer only one faucet.If you install a water distribution valve, you can wash your hands and dishes on one side and fill the tank with water on the other.
High quality sewer hoses
There are some things that should never be lost, and the sewer hose is one of them.No one wants to have a sewer hose burst during the journey.So it's important to buy a quality sewer hose.
Backup camera can help you keep safe on the road, as well as recording your travel life.
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