New owners, new to towing and new to camping!

[PandaRoo]

Hi! I’m Chanda. My husband, Craig, and I are empty nesters from Arkansas. We’ve been researching and dreaming like crazy for the past several years about getting a camper. Went to the Tulsa show in the spring and started really figuring out our priorities. We bought a truck last month and figured we would let that big purchase settle for a while before moving forward with a trailer. THEN I found almost exactly what we wanted on RV Trader. So we will have everything finalized on a 2020 High Country 294RL this week! I’m still a little shocked. I’ve spent so much time researching and daydreaming that now I feel a little stunned and unsure what to do next. So excited to learn from all of you with experience.

 

[AZ Traveler]

Chanda,

Welcome to the forum! Don't be bashful asking for help.

 

[jsb5717]

Welcome aboard! Since you haven't picked up the rig yet a very thorough inspection is in order. A detailed PDI (PreDelivery Inspection) should be done for any new purchase) There are PDI lists on this site. DO NOT sign the final paperwork until you are satisfied with the rig and that everything works as it should. All corrections are easier to achieve before signing the contracts.

Also, make sure it has new tires. The original tires (if still there) are five years old and are aged out. Get Sailun G rated tires. Cooper and Carlisle (Calstar) are also good brands. If in doubt about a good tire get back on this forum and ask before accepting a China Bomb.

The 295RL is a very popular floor plan. I hope it checks out well and gives you years of memories.

 

[DutchmenSport]

Welcome to the forums and congrats on your decision to get a Montana. You'll enjoy that model, its a popular floor plan.

There are lots and lots of things to consider and figure out when you purchase your first camper and I think we all (on these forums) certainly feel your excitement and enthusiasm as well as your fears AND anxiety. We've ALL been through that, and every new purchase brings all those same emotions back. What you are experience is perfectly normal.

Considering this is your first camper, it's important that you proceed with confidence, with the mind set, "I can do this." So, simply take one step at a time and as new unknowns develop, take them on one step at a time. In a short while, you'll look back at your initial moments of being overwhelmed and wonder why you had those concerns, because it's really NOT that strange any more.

So, be patient, relax, take every moment in, and proceed one step at a time, and you'll have great success!

Again, welcome to the forums!

 

[Theunz]

Make your first trip close to home ( your driveway works great ) so you can better learn the nuances of your trailer and get an idea of what and what not to bring.

 

[Rondo]

Welcome aboard! You have found the perfect forum to learn from and ask questions concerning your new to you Montana. You might consider joining us at the National Fall Rally in Goshen, IN (where your High Country was born). Check out the postings here on the Forum about the past Nationals and the upcoming one in September. There are still 69 sites open so come join in the fun, education and learning experience of the NAFR25. You can find the registration thread here, click on it and follow the directions on how to register. Hope to see you in Goshen!

 

[NCFischers]

Welcome and congratulations on the beginning of your new adventure. You might consider getting a professional inspection from a certified RV inspector. The inspections are extremely thorough and will identify any issues that need to be addressed.
I agree with Ron in encouraging you to join us at the fall Rally in September. You will learn so much about your RV and the RV life.
Hope to meet you in September.

 

[Daryles]

Congratulations.
First trailer.
WATCH YOUR HEIGHT !!!!
DON'T FORGET YOU ARE NOW 13'4" HIGH.
Also watch your tail swing on corners. Take ALL corners wide. I take up BOTH lanes when turning. DW has gotten out a couple of times and stopped traffic for me.
Practice backing into sites in a large empty parking lot. Buy walkie-talkies. Much better than hand signals.
If your truck is diesel, use the truck stops to fill up. If gas, when looking for a gas station, use google maps satellite view to see if you can fit through it before you pull in OR, fill up after you stop for the night and unhitch. Carry a 5 gallon can just in case. We are diesel but carry a can because we came VERY close to running out a couple of times out west (gas stations were closed, out of order).