Initial set up/start up items & costs - RV-Dreams Community Forum

RVKevi · RV-Dreams Family Member

Initial set up/start up items & costs

nessiekatt · RV-Dreams Family Member

I am doing that now. I moved into my 5th wheel last June and am getting those extra things that Iwill want to have once I retire in 2012. I won't have any money to spare then, so it's now or never. I just bought a refrig/freezer for thr basement, because I freeze a lot of fruit for protein smoothies. I also saved nearly 300.00 when it was on sale at Camping World. I also got a couple of I Chocks, much better for chocking the wheels when parking on sand at the beach.

I also saved a lot of containers that are empty while I'm in one place and then I use them to put all those loose things from counters, etc. for when I'm on the move. They go on the floor under the table. Another thing that I saved was the spring type shower curtain rod to block the printer on the desk. (heavier than regular curtain rods) Sometimes you just have to be creative. It also helps to be actually living in the space to see what you need or don't need.

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

Good quality sewer hose, I use the Rhinoflex. Also get a hose ladder to hold it off the ground.
Duct tape. Always carry duct tape, it works on almost anything.
I like to carry an extra water hose that is wrapped in pipe insulation. Any area of the country can experience below freezing weather. We also carry an old hair dryer, just in case things freeze up and we need to break camp.
Electric space heaters, saves propane when parked where electricity is included.
If condensation is a problem, a dehumidifier comes in handy.
Speaking of colder weather, we bought pillows that seal up the roof vents to keep cold air out and warm air in.

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

If your rig is a 50 amp rig, I recommend a 50 amp electrical extension cable, one that is at least 15 feet long. You will be surprised, if you travel a lot, how many times the 30 foot one that usually comes with the rig is “just that much too short.”

I actually carry a 30 footer that I have needed many many times. But a 15 footer is a must IMO.

Consider as well, if you are going to travel and be away from RV supply stores, a spare water pump. That is one thing that can really shut you down and are not that expensive to have as a spare.

12 volt fuses for all the rig’s circuit sizes.

A whole rig power protection system. Not just a “surge suppressor.” (There are several threads on the forum regarding this critical item.)

Finally, for me, a 150 psi air compressor. It is just way to much trouble to find easy to access air at service plazas that can give you higher air pressure. As an example, if you have “G” tires your needing at least a 125 psi supply to get them to the nominal 110 psi required. And naturally it is impossible to properly fill your tires “cold” when they have been on the road to get to the service plaza.

The electric cable and air compressor aren’t cheap, but are, like a fully coach power protection system, IMO, just necessary for full-time RV’s that travel. Like insurance, you don’t need them till you do, and then you really need them.

Bill

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Have at minimum, 20 feet of quality sewer hose,30 is better,at least 50 feet of white drinking water hose and like Bill mentioned for 50 amp units the extension cord especially if your cord plugs into the back of your coach like mine does.That has probably been my most used and well worth the money item I bought.Also a 50 to 30 amp adapter(some call it a dog bone).Eventually you will need it.

53 Merc · RV-Dreams Family Member

Listing the "gotta haves and the wanna haves" for a rig is one of the almost impossible tasks we run into. For each of us it is different. You will find that you constantly add to your items you just cannot get by without. It is dependent on your camping or living style. Are you a pavement guy or a gravel guy. Do you need 50 amp service at every stop, or can you go without power hookups for a day or seven? Do you travel daily, or do you stop of a week or month(s)? We all of us carry more than is required for this particular day, but it might come in handy tomorrow or next year. We do not carry our generator with us on every trip, because we like the campground experience. It is really one of the "if you don't have it, you will tomorrow".

Jim01 · RV-Dreams Family Member

You've got the most important items on your list already, and as others have said it can be very usefull to have and extension cord, electrical adapters and extra water and sewer hoses.

However, I don't recommend buying too much other stuff until you've full-timed for awhile and find out what you need. Way too often a new RVer goes out an buys all kinds of things that look neat or think they'll need and then never use them. What you will actually need will be determined by the type of CGs that you stay at, if you boondock a lot, or other variables.

Camping styles change and even though you may be planning on staying at a certain kind of park right now, in a few months you may find that that type of park is not right for you.

If you find you need something once you get out on the road, you can usually find it somewhere along your route if it's a real necessity.

Jim

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

Jim01 is giving you very good advice. Buy the basics and you can always pick up what else you need later. There are RV supply stores in just about every town. You can't predict ahead of time how your interests will develop and if you jump in you may be wasting money.

I'll give you a personal example. We thought that boondocking would be wonderful, so we inversted $5000 in a big Onan generator. Now almost 6 years later it has under 100 hour on the clock. Boy, do I wish I would have waited!!! :)

Good luck on you new adventure.

-- Edited by Luvglass on Saturday 1st of October 2011 07:28:53 PM

TXRVr · RV-Dreams Family Member

How about I sell you at a deep discount all of the things I have bought over the years and then only used once a year?

Initially, you need basic setup stuff and whatever else you need for your normal daily existence. The rest you can usually get at Wal-Mart or Goodwill as you gain experience. Oh, and I almost forget.. Beer. biggrin

Delaine and Lindy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Take your time if not you will buy things you really don't need when we started this adventure we bought many things that really isn't needed. There are so many feel good things on the market that just isn't needed. I do agree with the 15' extension 50 amp cable, used ours many time. Things like Roto/Choks are great but you can buy a rubber chock block at Tractor Supply or Truck stores for less than $10.00 and they work fine and installs in seconds. And if you have the Level up system 6 hydraulic jacks choks really aren't needed. Pin box supports is another waste, there is no way to stop movement inside a 5th wheel which is sitting on tires and suspension and if your suspension is air ride you will have movement. You can stop movenment with concrete blocks and shims like is used in Mobile Home parks. But I don't like spending lots of time on set up when it really isn't needed. Other have different opinions and thats their choice. You will need basic hand tools and for sure a Air compressor. My 5th wheel tire has to have 125 lbs of pressure so make sure what ever you buy it will do the job. As a matter of fact Howard has the same Air compressor I have used for years. Good Luck.... Happy Trails...

RVKevi · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks for all the replies everyone!! There looks to be great advice in them and I'm sure it will be a great help. I agree it is better to get many things as we find that we need them. But some things, like a good power protection system would be best to have from the beginning to protect our home and belongings. Mostly we are trying to get an idea of how much money to reserve for this kind of thing, and your answers will help me figure out a ballpark figure for that.

Again, thanks so much!