Jun 22 2009
GOT MY RV NOW WHAT
Finally got youpself a RV and are ready to take your first trip but there are a few things you should do first. Before taking an extended trip you should try a shakedown trip somewhere cl;ose by. This is the time to try everything out to make sure you understand how and that everthing works.
The first night in your RV go to a full service campground. Get a site that has full hookups including cable if you need it. Some parks will have people that can help you set up if needed. Just ask.
Some items forgotten on these trips are a sufficiently long enough sewer hose, water pressure regulator, leveling boards or chock blocks you can pick these up at camping stores or get it cheaper at some discount stores.
Test and inspect the parks power before you hook up. It’s a good idea to use a multi meter to test it before plugging in. Common problems are reverse polarity and low voltage-both can cause damage to your RV.
To test the shorepower run the microwave and air conditioner at the same time. Try all your appliances to make sure they work. Don’t just turn them on use them. Also try the furnace to make sure all the vents blow.
Use a water pressure regulator in line with your water hookup, some city water pressure will blow out your plumbing. Flush any spiders out of your hose before hooking up. This way you won’t have as much air in your lines either.
Once city water is on make sure water water pump is off, check all the faucets.
Fill black water tank up to the toilet bowl. How is the seal around the toilet?
Hook up the sewer hose to be sureyou have enough without having to stretch it.
The black water tank gets everything from the toilet. Where semi solids hit the bottom of a dry tank, they solidify. Be sure to add enough water to the black water to avoid any problems.
Don’t just hook up the sewer hose and leave the black water tank valve open. You need to build a reserve of fluids to flush out the solids. Also let the gray water fill, this is what you will use for the first rinse after dumping the black water. After dumping and closing the valves; add enough freshwater back into the black water tank to cover the bottom of it.
Most importantly learn to understand your RV and you will avoid a lot of problems and enjoy it more.
GOOD TIMES, GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD FOOD
