I finally got my travel trailer!!! Picking it up this Friday. This is our FIRST camper and I've got millions of questions!!!! I've found a place near me that sells the Equalizer Stablizer bars. I've ordered an Activator II brake controler. My mom is giving me some spare towels(what more could I need!!!???) AND Now we're thinking about taking it to the Norfolk rally. I've got Raoul looking up campgrounds in the area!!! Sooo is there anyone else thinking of going to the rally and camping too??? Sure would be nice to go on our first trip and have someone camping near us that could point out all the things we're doing wrong. (so we don't look like complete idiots)

 

Congrats Tina! So what did you end up getting? I'm sure whatever it is, the monster truck of yours will pull it easily (I test drove one last week, nice).

My wife went out and bought all kinds of cups/dishes etc when we got ours. After the first few times out most people recommended paper, you're on vacation so you don't need to be doing dishes. Plus you fill your tanks faster having to wash dishes, if you're out at a campground without hookups those tanks can fill pretty quickly with a family.

I was stationed at Langley for 10 years but didn't camp around there. I remember seeing people camping on Ft. Monroe not far from the beach, don't know if they had hookups or not. Might want to check with an MWR by you. It's just minutes from Norfolk.

Good luck. His a RV bulletin board with some good info:
http://www.happycampers.net/bbs/index.html

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99 F250XLT Supercab LD
5.4L 3.73 LS
White/Silver
Graphite interior
6 CD changer/Captain's Chairs



[This message has been edited by JD (edited 07-16-2000).]

 

Tina, did you get your TT from the auction in Kenly? If so, what did you get and what kind of price. Thinking about going before the next open bid date which is the 26th. We are thinking about getting a fifth wheel but I want to check out these trailors and see if they are worth what people have been paying for them. If you did get yours from there do you have any suggestions on how to win a bid, without paying to much.

Thanks

 

Congratulations

First think is you need to pay attention when the dealer explains the systems (I helped 2 families in the poconos that were renting) ie. Awning operation sewer hook-up and everything inside.
If you have never towed a trailer as long as your TT. Then go to a parking lot and do some backing to see how much wheel it takes to get the TT turning.
There is alway a big contraversy (SPELL??) on running the fridge on gas when moving. The manufactures say it's ok as long as your moving but when stopped for a lenght of time the fridge must be close to level, also when fueling and going through a tunnel it is best to shut it off because of the open flame inside the unit.
Think about what you use in normal day to day operation and pack your supplies to reflect that. There is a wealth of information on the internet about camping and what to take along. Remember there is always a shopping mall within driving distance of where you are camping so don't pack the kitchen sink.

It would be best if you could go close to home for 2 or 3 nights just to get the hang of the hook-up and what you will need.
Take your time and have fun.


I tow a 25' Coachman TT
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GOLD RUSH

'99 F150 XLT SC SB 5.4x2 Harvest Gold
3.55 limited slip
Trailer towing package
In-dash CD player
Ford Beanie bear
Slip on extender mirrors
Powerstop brake controller
Covermaster 1000 topper with wing
BugflectorII
Ventvisors (front&rear)
3 www.f150online.com decals
Ford Lumi Logo
Steelhorse Billet grill
Ford hitch cover
Yellow wire loom
Hyper White head light bulb
Painted to match AVS slotted taillight covers
Ford system 4 alarm

<A HREF="http://www.firezap.url4life.com" TARGET=_blank> </A>

<A HREF="http://njf150truckclub.homestead.com" TARGET=_blank> </A>
firezap@f150fanatic.com
firezapper@home.com



[This message has been edited by Firezap (edited 07-16-2000).]

 

Firezap: It would be nice if I was getting some instructions but this is strictly a pay and pick it up type of operation. They don't even care if I hook it up right to the truck!!! So when I get it back to my house, we'll start trying everything out. I hope we don't blow something up Thanks for the info on the gas fridge. As far as driving/pulling it: the biggest thing I've pulled was a 12 foot flat trailer. My husband has his CDL and drives an 18wheeler. I'm hoping that translates into his being able to drive/pull this (although he did put the 18wheeler into a ditch last year)!!!

JD: I got a Thor Dutchman year 2000, 30' travel trailer. It's got a bedroom up front w/two bunks in the rear. I to will be going with real plastic dishes/cups. But thanks for the advice on "ruffing it" type camping. If we do any of that, then we'll use the paper stuff too. Thanks also for the RV site address. I bookmarked it to check out after I'm finished w/this site

98XLT: YES!!! I did get the trailer from the NC auction. I got one from the July 10 bid, item#36 $10100. I noticed from the internet site that they have quite a few trailers on their next bid. I'm going this Friday to pick up mine. What day are you going up to view them?? When you go, take the 106 exit off 95. To get to the trailers, you have to travel a small dead end side road that runs beside I95 (on the west side of the road) This is about the 4th or 5th one I've bid on. I just kept uping my bid amount. I'm hoping that with the increase in the number of trailers they are putting into each bid, that the prices per bid will come down. Make sure you look at what you're biding on. Every bid, I've picked out what looks good on paper then went to see them and picked out a completely different trailer. This last bid, there was one other trailer just like mine and it too went for over 10k. E-mail me if you've got more questions: pmason7@bellsouth.net

 

all right Tina. Congrats! That camper you decribe has got to be worth close to 18K. Great deal. Firezaps advice to go out for a night or two close to home is great. In fact nothing wrong with the driveway! Or Moms house to pick up the towels.

We find a lot of our stuff at knock off stores. Biglots, Dollars stores have pots sad pans plastic dishes etc. Moms basement holds a treasure trove of these things also.
It's easier to have complete stuff to jsut leave in there so it's not so mucha hassle to get ready each time. You will go more often on a whim if all you have to do is hook up and go. Well... pack the beer first.

After you get it you will have plenty of questions. We will be here for you.

We need pictures!

 

Fantastic deal! Good luck.

Here's another site I was referred to today from someone else, has the same type of layout as this one:
http://www.irv2.com/cgi-bin/Ultimate...assCookie=true



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99 F250XLT Supercab LD
5.4L 3.73 LS
White/Silver
Graphite interior
6 CD changer/Captain's Chairs

 

Tina,

Congrats! Look here for more info on your Dutchman. www.dutchman-rv.com

[This message has been edited by V10 man (edited 07-18-2000).]

 

CPhilip: my mom just suggested the same thing, go camping right down the street from me at Carolina Beach (but take them too!!) She's also just done some spring cleaning and I seem to be the receipant of a bunch of "stuff".

JD: nice site, thanks, I added to my bookmarks

V10man: couldn't get that site to work

 

Tina,

Well that sucks...try this....
www.thorindustries.com

 

Thanks V10man!!! That one worked

 

Tina,

Did Raoul hook you up? I figured he probably did but if your husband doesn't want to go to a place that men wear skirts , I saw in Trailer Life there is RV resort in Virginia Beach, looked pretty nice, couple pools and not far from the beach. 1(800)333-7515

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99 F250XLT Supercab LD
5.4L 3.73 LS
White/Silver
Graphite interior
6 CD changer/Captain's Chairs



[This message has been edited by JD (edited 07-24-2000).]