We are planning our Full Time adventure in 18 months or a little sooner. We are signed up for the rally next Spring 2017 in TN. We have a 150 dollar gift card at Sears and want to spend it wisely for something we will need on our 5th wheel or truck. Any help is greatly appreciated and thank you in advance.
Bruce & Robin
Alie and Jims Carrilite said
08:48 PM Sep 29, 2016
Small air compressor, 150psi is great, the 125psi small pancake style is what we have used for 4 years now.
Do you have a rig yet?
Sears has an online camping selection you can order from if you want. But you might hurry..... Sears seems to be in decline.
Barb and Frank said
07:17 AM Sep 30, 2016
How about a torque wrench to tighten up the lug nuts on your 5th wheel? It was one of our first purchases for our new Landmark 5th wheel earlier this year.
BiggarView said
07:24 AM Sep 30, 2016
Gift card or not, it's basically all the same money-wise. I'd get any toys or goodies that Sears has to offer that you like that will fit into your RV dreaming model. It could be fishing gear you don't have now, hiking gear etc. Whatever your dreams are and Sears has it... go for it!
JMHO, Brian
The Bear II said
08:28 AM Sep 30, 2016
Air Compressor
Second Chance said
09:32 AM Sep 30, 2016
I just asked my wife and here's her list:
A pole style hanging rack for towels in the bathroom (there's never enough towel space in an RV). Less than $20.
The sound bar with sub-woofer for the entertainment system (more than your gift card).
Magnetic knife holder beside the stove in the kitchen (on the wall).
Fold-up electric frying pan.
Small ceramic heater for the bedroom and bathroom for the winter.
Small down comforter/lap robe for her on the couch.
LED rope lights around the inside of the pantry so she can see what she needs in there.
Comfy chairs for outside (ours are Zero Gravity).
I've not addressed the high-dollar stuff like pin boxes, suspension components, rear-view cameras, etc...
Rob
Bruce and Robin said
02:53 PM Sep 30, 2016
Alie and Jims Carrilite wrote:
Small air compressor, 150psi is great, the 125psi small pancake style is what we have used for 4 years now.
Do you have a rig yet? Sears has an online camping selection you can order from if you want. But you might hurry..... Sears seems to be in decline.
Hi Alie and Jim,
Thank you for the reply! No rig yet. No tow vehicle yet. House goes up for sale in a couple months. We live in a condo on the water now and the best time to sell is when the snowbirds arrive. Once the house sells we will look at purchasing the new house on wheels. Once we know what 5th wheel, then we will decide on the tow vehicle. Timing will be interesting.
I'm leaning towards the air compressor with some additional accessories. Your suggestion is a good one.
Bruce
Bruce and Robin said
03:03 PM Sep 30, 2016
Barb and Frank wrote:
How about a torque wrench to tighten up the lug nuts on your 5th wheel? It was one of our first purchases for our new Landmark 5th wheel earlier this year.
Hi Barb and Frank,
Another really great idea and one I did not think of. I will put that one on the list. You know the Heartland Landmark and Big Horn are on our narrowed down list. I might have about 25 questions for you, lol. Would you mind a private email message sometime? We have been looking at heading down the rv path for over a year. We were super excited to find this forum and site. We have never owned a rv or towed one. It's quite overwhelming to say the least.
Thanks for the reply! Very much appreciated!
Bruce
Bruce and Robin said
03:05 PM Sep 30, 2016
The Bear II wrote:
Air Compressor
Thanks Bear II,
It looks like that is my direction. I appreciate you helping me out! Thanks for the reply.
Bruce
Bruce and Robin said
03:07 PM Sep 30, 2016
BiggarView wrote:
Gift card or not, it's basically all the same money-wise. I'd get any toys or goodies that Sears has to offer that you like that will fit into your RV dreaming model. It could be fishing gear you don't have now, hiking gear etc. Whatever your dreams are and Sears has it... go for it!
JMHO, Brian
Brian,
Thank you for the suggestions and opinion, always welcomed and appreciated!
Bruce
Bruce and Robin said
03:16 PM Sep 30, 2016
Second Chance wrote:
I just asked my wife and here's her list:
A pole style hanging rack for towels in the bathroom (there's never enough towel space in an RV). Less than $20.
The sound bar with sub-woofer for the entertainment system (more than your gift card).
Magnetic knife holder beside the stove in the kitchen (on the wall).
Fold-up electric frying pan.
Small ceramic heater for the bedroom and bathroom for the winter.
Small down comforter/lap robe for her on the couch.
LED rope lights around the inside of the pantry so she can see what she needs in there.
Comfy chairs for outside (ours are Zero Gravity).
I've not addressed the high-dollar stuff like pin boxes, suspension components, rear-view cameras, etc...
Rob
Rob,
Great list! More and more things to think about. I am probably leaning towards the air compressor. I also am making another list with the additional suggestions you all are giving me. Everyone has such great ideas. Really appreciate you taking the time to give your input. A new category in the RV binder. RV accessories list.
Thank you,
Bruce
CJSX2fromCT said
12:46 AM Oct 1, 2016
Progressive power surge protector 50amp. buy that before compressor.
Barb and Frank said
07:34 AM Oct 1, 2016
Bruce,
We would be happy to answer questions about our experience with our Landmark. We purchased our Key West in June of this year, and although we won't full time until mid 2017, we are purchasing what we need over the course of a year. This is our third rig (our first 5th wheel). The other two were travel trailers.
Look forward to talking with you!
Frank
Bill and Linda said
07:58 AM Oct 1, 2016
CJSX2fromCT wrote:
Progressive power surge protector 50amp. buy that before compressor.
"X 10" on that. Absolutely - without question.
Do get a 150 psi compressor as the 125's usually will not actually produce 125 psi. You will need the higher pressure when you upgrade to "H" tires which are "must haves" - IMO - for big 5ers due to safety.
Bruce and Robin said
08:14 AM Oct 1, 2016
CJSX2fromCT wrote:
Progressive power surge protector 50amp. buy that before compressor.
Chris,
Thanks for the advice. Yes, it is on the list. My field of work is energy having worked in and around power plants my whole career. Clean power, proper polarity, and surge protection is a must. Especially with todays electronics and sensitive devices. I have a whole list of these protective devices. I want to have cargo carrying capacities for the extra batteries and solar too. Cable size and wiring is critical.
Thank you for your input! I appreciate it!
Bruce
Cummins12V98 said
09:41 AM Oct 1, 2016
Great little device. MUCH safer than bottle jack along the highway. Now that I have 6 point leveling I still pack it with. TrailerAidPlus
i.imgur.com/YjmO5all.jpg">
Bruce and Robin said
02:32 PM Oct 1, 2016
Bill and Linda wrote:
CJSX2fromCT wrote:
Progressive power surge protector 50amp. buy that before compressor.
"X 10" on that. Absolutely - without question.
Do get a 150 psi compressor as the 125's usually will not actually produce 125 psi. You will need the higher pressure when you upgrade to "H" tires which are "must haves" - IMO - for big 5ers due to safety.
Bill,
Thank you! I am glad you said that, because I was wondering how well a 125 or even a 135 psi max rated compressor would handle trying to get 125 psi in the tire. Thanks to you and others on the forum I have heard a a lot about tires, ratings, and safety. My number one priority is keeping track of all the ratings, not just any one in particular. What ever the least rated device is that becomes the limiting factor. Thank you for your contribution and knowledge you bring to this forum. I greatly appreciate it.
Bruce
Team Murc said
10:05 AM Oct 2, 2016
A good sence of humor.
Someday said
10:58 AM Oct 2, 2016
Surge protector, water regulator (pressure reducer!) must haves. CG's are known for erratic and irregular electric and water pressures, so these are two key items on our must have list to protect the rig for even just the odd occasion we hook up. Air compressor, lug nut tightener, variety of compact useful tools for plumbing/electrical system, good reliable flashlight preferably rechargeable, First Air Kit, Selection of Bug Sprays/Defoggers/rodent deterrents.
We personally use Corelle crockery and have found it practically indestructible for almost 2 decades travelling many miles and along bumpy Alaskan roads to boot. Just saying.
Tire Pressure Monitor Systems seem to be a a biggie on many folks must have lists nowadays.
Your style of travel/camping will dictate much else. We are into fishing, kayaking, rafting, snorkelling etc. Carried Golf clubs for 12 years and used them twice LOL. We are avid boondockers/dry campers so our needs tend to be different to someone that hooks up 90%+ each night. We have found our axe and small saw useful on numerous occasions FWIW. We love our Mr Buddy heater (furnace in RVs we find not very cost effective but depends on system I guess and whether you are paying for electric or not versus propane costs).
Hubby detests wearing creased clothes, so have a mini ironing board and iron = heaven only knows why as I tell him "do you really think the fish care"!
There's oodles of items, you'll end up adding and removing over time. A good tip we received was between now and when you go FT, put some boxes in a spare room/garage, and as you are using every day items add that item to your must take list, as you work through a drawer/cupboard at a time, stuff you've not used for a long time, put in a sell/donate box/pile. You'll find over time, you'll move some items from the "Keep to Get Rid" Boxes/Piles and vice a versa. Once everything is done and finalized remember, there's always Walmart/HD to fill any voids on the road :)
Exciting times for you Bruce and Robin.
SD.
RonC said
12:02 PM Oct 2, 2016
There are some great recommendations here but I think you will find that your "style" will determine what works best for you. Somethings that I do that is really not "style" related is that I carry granular ant bait with me and when we set up, I sprinkle the perimeter lightly with this product. Knock on wood, so far no ants in our rig. My rig also has a 6 point leveling system and I ALWAYS spray and wipe down the legs with 100% pure silicon lubricant before I retract them ... this serves to clean and lubricate the legs, which are drawn up into the cylinders past a wiper seal. This process keeps dirt (abrasive) away from the seals and out of the hydraulics. This came from my many years in the Air Force and keeping airplanes healthy.
Bill and Linda said
02:20 PM Oct 2, 2016
Bruce and Robin wrote:
Bill,
Thank you! I am glad you said that, because I was wondering how well a 125 or even a 135 psi max rated compressor would handle trying to get 125 psi in the tire. Thanks to you and others on the forum I have heard a a lot about tires, ratings, and safety. My number one priority is keeping track of all the ratings, not just any one in particular. What ever the least rated device is that becomes the limiting factor. Thank you for your contribution and knowledge you bring to this forum. I greatly appreciate it.
Bruce
Bruce, your very welcome. Glad you are also aware the "weakest link" determines the rating of the system. Yea, the extra costs, many times there is none, of a 150psi rated compressor is well worth it. The ones from Harbor Freight work just as well as the more expensive name brands for this purpose. We, RVers, just don't use them enough to worry too much about longevity IMO. I've had the same one for 10 years and I bought a floor sample.
Please don't miss the power protection system. After #1-tires #2-brakes #3-suspension - that item is #4 on the big deal list.
You can price these around but the one I highly recommend is:
The remote readout, along with the bypass switch, can be extremely useful in managing power usage (trailer power load) in marginal situations. The 50 amp one works just fine on 30 amp campground service as well. No worries. They have a lifetime warranty and telephone support. In almost all cases they are field repairable if they sacrifice themselves due to a power issue. If you travel around they will save the electronics, including the fridge, in the rig. It may take a year or two, but bad power will happen.
Bill
Bruce and Robin said
03:48 PM Oct 2, 2016
RonC wrote:
There are some great recommendations here but I think you will find that your "style" will determine what works best for you. Somethings that I do that is really not "style" related is that I carry granular ant bait with me and when we set up, I sprinkle the perimeter lightly with this product. Knock on wood, so far no ants in our rig. My rig also has a 6 point leveling system and I ALWAYS spray and wipe down the legs with 100% pure silicon lubricant before I retract them ... this serves to clean and lubricate the legs, which are drawn up into the cylinders past a wiper seal. This process keeps dirt (abrasive) away from the seals and out of the hydraulics. This came from my many years in the Air Force and keeping airplanes healthy.
Hi Ron,
Great preventative maintenance ideas. Yes, I also learned that in the Air Force. I didn, t stay in as long as you though. My good friend from HS who went in when I did was a E9 when he retired and now is in civil service at Wright Patterson. He was in Aircraft Maintenance. I was in power production, generators, hydraulics, and diesel mechanic.
Anyway back on subject, Thank you for the ideas and pm me any additional checklists you might have. Hard part is finding the right rv and tow vehicle. Just so many things to think about. I will select the RV first then match the tow vehicle best I can. We have a year to continue to plan. Looking forward to the Spring Educational Rally in Tennessee.
Bruce
RonC said
05:13 PM Oct 2, 2016
Bruce ... you are right, that there is a lot to learn ... but you're in the right place. Lots of experienced and friendly folks who are happy to help. Attending the Spring Rally is a GREAT idea. Keep asking your questions and use the search engine to research, there is a TON of info on this forum.
Gpndavid said
07:58 PM Oct 4, 2016
Cable and lock to secure the Progressive Surge Protector
Channel lock pliers - I use these every day. I keep them near the wet bay.
Tactical work gloves - use for dry tasks like hooking up
Rubber gloves with fabric liner - easy on and off for working with sewer hose and pumping diesel
White hose for drinking water. I carry an extra 50 footer as an extension.
Grey or black colored hose for black tank flush and washing rig (white never touches black)
Good Cordless drill with square bit for RV screws.
We are planning our Full Time adventure in 18 months or a little sooner. We are signed up for the rally next Spring 2017 in TN. We have a 150 dollar gift card at Sears and want to spend it wisely for something we will need on our 5th wheel or truck. Any help is greatly appreciated and thank you in advance.
Bruce & Robin
Do you have a rig yet?
Sears has an online camping selection you can order from if you want. But you might hurry..... Sears seems to be in decline.
How about a torque wrench to tighten up the lug nuts on your 5th wheel? It was one of our first purchases for our new Landmark 5th wheel earlier this year.
Gift card or not, it's basically all the same money-wise. I'd get any toys or goodies that Sears has to offer that you like that will fit into your RV dreaming model. It could be fishing gear you don't have now, hiking gear etc. Whatever your dreams are and Sears has it... go for it!
JMHO, Brian
I just asked my wife and here's her list:
A pole style hanging rack for towels in the bathroom (there's never enough towel space in an RV). Less than $20.
The sound bar with sub-woofer for the entertainment system (more than your gift card).
Magnetic knife holder beside the stove in the kitchen (on the wall).
Fold-up electric frying pan.
Small ceramic heater for the bedroom and bathroom for the winter.
Small down comforter/lap robe for her on the couch.
LED rope lights around the inside of the pantry so she can see what she needs in there.
Comfy chairs for outside (ours are Zero Gravity).
I've not addressed the high-dollar stuff like pin boxes, suspension components, rear-view cameras, etc...
Rob
Hi Alie and Jim,
Thank you for the reply! No rig yet. No tow vehicle yet. House goes up for sale in a couple months. We live in a condo on the water now and the best time to sell is when the snowbirds arrive. Once the house sells we will look at purchasing the new house on wheels. Once we know what 5th wheel, then we will decide on the tow vehicle. Timing will be interesting.
I'm leaning towards the air compressor with some additional accessories. Your suggestion is a good one.
Bruce
Hi Barb and Frank,
Another really great idea and one I did not think of. I will put that one on the list. You know the Heartland Landmark and Big Horn are on our narrowed down list. I might have about 25 questions for you, lol. Would you mind a private email message sometime? We have been looking at heading down the rv path for over a year. We were super excited to find this forum and site. We have never owned a rv or towed one. It's quite overwhelming to say the least.
Thanks for the reply! Very much appreciated!
Bruce
Thanks Bear II,
It looks like that is my direction. I appreciate you helping me out! Thanks for the reply.
Bruce
Brian,
Thank you for the suggestions and opinion, always welcomed and appreciated!
Bruce
Rob,
Great list! More and more things to think about. I am probably leaning towards the air compressor. I also am making another list with the additional suggestions you all are giving me. Everyone has such great ideas. Really appreciate you taking the time to give your input. A new category in the RV binder. RV accessories list.
Thank you,
Bruce
Bruce,
We would be happy to answer questions about our experience with our Landmark. We purchased our Key West in June of this year, and although we won't full time until mid 2017, we are purchasing what we need over the course of a year. This is our third rig (our first 5th wheel). The other two were travel trailers.
Look forward to talking with you!
Frank
"X 10" on that. Absolutely - without question.
Do get a 150 psi compressor as the 125's usually will not actually produce 125 psi. You will need the higher pressure when you upgrade to "H" tires which are "must haves" - IMO - for big 5ers due to safety.
Chris,
Thanks for the advice. Yes, it is on the list. My field of work is energy having worked in and around power plants my whole career. Clean power, proper polarity, and surge protection is a must. Especially with todays electronics and sensitive devices. I have a whole list of these protective devices. I want to have cargo carrying capacities for the extra batteries and solar too. Cable size and wiring is critical.
Thank you for your input! I appreciate it!
Bruce
Bill,
Thank you! I am glad you said that, because I was wondering how well a 125 or even a 135 psi max rated compressor would handle trying to get 125 psi in the tire. Thanks to you and others on the forum I have heard a a lot about tires, ratings, and safety. My number one priority is keeping track of all the ratings, not just any one in particular. What ever the least rated device is that becomes the limiting factor. Thank you for your contribution and knowledge you bring to this forum. I greatly appreciate it.
Bruce
We personally use Corelle crockery and have found it practically indestructible for almost 2 decades travelling many miles and along bumpy Alaskan roads to boot. Just saying.
Tire Pressure Monitor Systems seem to be a a biggie on many folks must have lists nowadays.
Your style of travel/camping will dictate much else. We are into fishing, kayaking, rafting, snorkelling etc. Carried Golf clubs for 12 years and used them twice LOL. We are avid boondockers/dry campers so our needs tend to be different to someone that hooks up 90%+ each night. We have found our axe and small saw useful on numerous occasions FWIW. We love our Mr Buddy heater (furnace in RVs we find not very cost effective but depends on system I guess and whether you are paying for electric or not versus propane costs).
Hubby detests wearing creased clothes, so have a mini ironing board and iron = heaven only knows why as I tell him "do you really think the fish care"!
There's oodles of items, you'll end up adding and removing over time. A good tip we received was between now and when you go FT, put some boxes in a spare room/garage, and as you are using every day items add that item to your must take list, as you work through a drawer/cupboard at a time, stuff you've not used for a long time, put in a sell/donate box/pile. You'll find over time, you'll move some items from the "Keep to Get Rid" Boxes/Piles and vice a versa. Once everything is done and finalized remember, there's always Walmart/HD to fill any voids on the road :)
Exciting times for you Bruce and Robin.
SD.
Bruce, your very welcome. Glad you are also aware the "weakest link" determines the rating of the system. Yea, the extra costs, many times there is none, of a 150psi rated compressor is well worth it. The ones from Harbor Freight work just as well as the more expensive name brands for this purpose. We, RVers, just don't use them enough to worry too much about longevity IMO. I've had the same one for 10 years and I bought a floor sample.
Please don't miss the power protection system. After #1-tires #2-brakes #3-suspension - that item is #4 on the big deal list.
You can price these around but the one I highly recommend is:
http://www.progressiveindustries.net/ems-hw50c
The remote readout, along with the bypass switch, can be extremely useful in managing power usage (trailer power load) in marginal situations. The 50 amp one works just fine on 30 amp campground service as well. No worries. They have a lifetime warranty and telephone support. In almost all cases they are field repairable if they sacrifice themselves due to a power issue. If you travel around they will save the electronics, including the fridge, in the rig. It may take a year or two, but bad power will happen.
Bill
Hi Ron,
Great preventative maintenance ideas. Yes, I also learned that in the Air Force. I didn, t stay in as long as you though. My good friend from HS who went in when I did was a E9 when he retired and now is in civil service at Wright Patterson. He was in Aircraft Maintenance. I was in power production, generators, hydraulics, and diesel mechanic.
Anyway back on subject, Thank you for the ideas and pm me any additional checklists you might have. Hard part is finding the right rv and tow vehicle. Just so many things to think about. I will select the RV first then match the tow vehicle best I can. We have a year to continue to plan. Looking forward to the Spring Educational Rally in Tennessee.
Bruce
Channel lock pliers - I use these every day. I keep them near the wet bay.
Tactical work gloves - use for dry tasks like hooking up
Rubber gloves with fabric liner - easy on and off for working with sewer hose and pumping diesel
White hose for drinking water. I carry an extra 50 footer as an extension.
Grey or black colored hose for black tank flush and washing rig (white never touches black)
Good Cordless drill with square bit for RV screws.