New to the RV world

[trboehm]

Hello all just starting out and getting things prepped for next summers workamping, we recently purchased a 2013 RAM 3500 SRW 4x4 Laramie edition, and are waiting on our Montana 3725RL to be delivered. Any suggestions on what kind of items we will need to have a successful experience would be appreciated (water pressure regulator, extra sewer hose connections, and other things I probably am not even thinking about). Its great to read all the advice on here.

[seahunter]

quote:Originally posted by trboehm

Hello all just starting out and getting things prepped for next summers workamping, we recently purchased a 2013 RAM 3500 SRW 4x4 Laramie edition, and are waiting on our Montana 3725RL to be delivered. Any suggestions on what kind of items we will need to have a successful experience would be appreciated (water pressure regulator, extra sewer hose connections, and other things I probably am not even thinking about). Its great to read all the advice on here.

Welcome Tim,

Congrats on the new truck and trailer! As to what you're going to need, that's a difficult question. One, it's a long list. Two, a lot of it will be personal choice. Try going one system at a time. What will I need for water - hoses, adapters, etc. Electrical - cords, adapters, surge protector, etc. Setting up - chocks, blocks, etc. Well, you get the idea. Then maybe go room by room for items you'll need. Try the search on here too, and there might be a list on the first page, can't remember.

Good luck!

Greg and Kris

[HOOK]

Welcome Tim!
Separate hose for sewer flush, preferably different color.
Chocks
Electrical adapters
Surge protector

Happy travels
Larry

[NCFischers]

Surge protector first. There is a lot to protect. The rest of the list can be endless. Check the threads on the forum for lists as to what you will need. One more thing, read the threads on tires.

[Art-n-Marge]

Welcome to the MOC, trboehm! There are many stages of equipment you can get. You can start with quick and cheap, then upgrade or learn about the good stuff and buy it from the start. You asked a simple question of which there are unlimited answers.

For example, don't buy the tripod stabilizer. Spend a little more and get the SteadyFast, or similar stabilizing system. Or spend a LOT more and get an automatic leveling system, then you don't need blocks, but you might want to still have the chocks (triangular at the wheels or X-chocks between the wheels).

Water filtration - do you use the simple "blue" inline filter, or get any of the more complicated, but effective water treatment, water softening, water filtration systems?

Regarding a surge protection system, that's what I have now. But, I should have gotten a power conditioning type system. Now that I've brought it up, maybe others can describe the brands and the technical terms.

Even the hitch has several levels of quality. Do you want a flat bed when not using the hitch? There are hitches with rails (like mine) and some without (that I wish I had) Do you need a tool box or aux tank or both (I have a tool box but not enough GVWR for an aux tank?)

Then there's tools you need - strong compressor, torque wrench and proper sockets (for wheel lug nuts, suspension u-bolts, etc.), IR temp gun, just to name a few. Or other things you might need - Do you want an air suspension (for the rear axle, hitch, or pin)? Do you want to add a passive suspension (Timbrens, superspring, etc.)?

Like seahunter mentions right off the bat, all these make your rig personal to fit your needs. As a newbie, you may not know your needs are yet. We can only mention some things we've experienced, then hope you get what you need so you don't have the discomfort we've already gone through. Good idea on keeping the fresh water hoses a different color than the hoses used for flushing the gray or black tanks. I recommend white for fresh, and gray or green for the tanks. DO NOT mix them ever to eliminate any possibility of cross contamination.

You'll find that whatever solution you buy now, there is probably a more expensive and effective option elsewhere that you wish you had. This forum for ideas is a great start.

[DQDick]

If you're spending the money skip the surge protector and get an EMS system. Not only will it act as a surge protector but it will tell you if something is wrong at the pedestal and won't send bad things to your rig. Here's what I'm talking about: http://www.progressiveindustries.net/ems_pt50c.htm Just today the pedestal at the park here in Noblesville, IN had an open ground so I had to change sites and this wasn't the first time the EMS has kept me out of trouble. I use the portable one because I want to check the pedestal before I back in, others use the hardwired one for convenience. Well worth the money.

[lestx]

A good multimeter will tell you have a open ground if you choose a hard wired EMS, Like Dick and other say this is well worth the money. We have a black hose for our black tank flush. Also give some thought on what is needed to changing a flat tire. Like a bottle jack, blocks, cordless impact and a torque wrench.

[1retired06]

Have fun with those new toys. From your thread, sounds like you are already on top of things to do.

[bncinwv]

No matter how well you stock your rig, the secret is not to enter a rv store such as Camping World without some money. There is always something in those places that you will want. Not need, want! Even after years of stocking the rig, everytime I go to a Camping World, I see something of interest that somehow ends up at the checkout line!
Bingo

[CORattler]

First of all, WELCOME!! The MOC is the motherlode for great people and a wealth of information.
I'll pitch the Progressive industries HW50C (this is the hardwired version). It was the 1st mod I did to my unit and without question, the BEST mod I've done so far. HIGHLY recommended. You have a lot to lose by not protecting your new unit with an electrical management system (EMS).
Other posters have given some good suggestions.
Happy trails!

[Captain Joe]

Tim,
First of all, welcome to the 3725RL family. We love our unit because we believe that is the most well balanced unit Montana makes. In previous RVs, either the shower was too small, the kitchen counter area was too small, the bedroom was too big, etc. The 3725RL is perfect for us: everything is sized well. Nothing is too big or too small.

List:

Exterior:
Chocks
Sewer hose and connections, with spares
Black tank flush hose
Potable water hose and backup for long hookups
Cable TV cable
Quick disconnects for hoses and cables
Water regulator
Vent screens for water heater, furnace, and frig
Blocks of wood of various sizes
Leveling blocks
Lock for hitch
Air compressor, fittings, and gauges
EMS external
50A to 30A coupler
50A to 110v coupler
15' 50A extension cable for long hookups
Tools
Extension cords

Internal:
Door screen protector
Door handle
Flashlight
Weather radio
Surge protectors for TVs, stereo, appliances
Clocks
Indoor/outdoor temperature monitor
Cupboard liners (no slip)
Stick on felt tabs to prevent doors from hitting things when opened.

This list should get you started,
Joe
P. S. Feel free to PM me regarding our units.

[trboehm]

Thank you all for giving me a great list and ideas to get started, I appreciate the time you took to give me suggestions and hope that you have a great day.

[Recumbent]

Welcome and Congratulations on the new Coach. Based on the replies to your post you have a good list started for items to install or use. As recommended getting the Surge Protector first then making a list and prioritizing the other items according to your particular style of RVing. We recently put in Plexiglass type see through on our screen door, now we can keep the air conditioning inside and let additional light into the rig with the door open. Several folk did their install themselves, but we based on (Larry) Hook's advice took our screen door to glass shop and had it professionally installed. I know you will enjoy that new Monti. Have Fun. Garry