Newbie's first family outing

[CakeHenn]

I've been looking at RVs and specifically travel trailers for over a year now.  I really wanted it mainly to be able to go camping with the family but also for things like BBQ cookouts, tailgates, and hunting.  A few weekends ago was the last weekend of duck hunting and my easy duck hunting spot plans fell through so instead of trying to scramble I decided I had a great season and was honestly ready for a break. So I loaded up the family and we went shopping for a TT.

I've seen lots of good deals from private sellers but not knowing anything about RVs it was really hard to pull the trigger.  I even looked at a few and many of them were either more than I wanted to spend or were just kind of too used looking.  So I decided that I'd buy one from a dealer so they could help show me how it all works as well as help me find the one thats really right for us.  We looked at a few new ones and then we looking at used ones as well.  All along I wanted to buy a used one since they seem to really depreciate so quickly.  We really wanted one with bunk beds.  We ended up finding a great used one that was cheaper than a new one we were thinking about but at the same time a little bigger and much better quality overall and not only did it have bunk beds but it has two sets of bunk beds in the front...it's pretty awesome.  Saturday we picked up the TT in Georgetown, TX.  We were there like 4 hours...3.5 of that going over the TT and learning how it works...still a lot to learn but we got the basics.  We headed home to pack and pick up the girls.  We then went out to Lake Belton's Cedar Ridge Park...it was about a 12 mile drive..I thought it would be a good idea to stay close. 

It ended up working out well and we learned a lot in the process and are now much more confident.  We still have a ton to learn and are trying to figure out our long storage plan....right now it's out at my father in laws place...but that can only really be a temporary thing.  I have a big double door gate that goes into my back yard and the TT could be backed and stored there...so we are going to get bids on getting a concrete pad or crushed rock.  We are then going to add a RV port...but also a covered area just to hang out in the back yard.  I'm a cheap ass so this is a major purchase and expense in my eyes but so far so good...we are having fun.

Anyway here is the TT:

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u210/Marcstar13/067618bf.jpg

I left the trucked hooked up since we just went for the over night:
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u210/Marcstar13/a17ccf23.jpg
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u210/Marcstar13/bf89d240.jpg

We had to do the whole camp fire and smores thing:
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u210/Marcstar13/623b8af1.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u210/Marcstar13/8c897667.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u210/Marcstar13/65f48d2f.jpg

There was a play ground there too:

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u210/Marcstar13/f4f73a3e.jpg

Edit: Fixed links.

[CakeHenn]

Well I guess pictures can't be posted here like all other forums.  Sorry

[Tom]

Well I guess pictures can't be posted here like all other forums.

Not quite true. Inline images are disabled, but you can attach pictures to your messages. Just click  Attachments and other options below the message composition window.

Meanwhile, I fixed your links, so they're all active; No need to surround them with parentheses.

[CakeHenn]

Thanks Tom!

[Tom]

You're welcome. Glad to help.

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Congrats on the new-to-you "Roo" and welcome to the RV community!!!

[imadtchmn]

Now those are pictures, and times that will become a happy memory. Congrats on the TT and welcome to the forum. BTW, you didn't say if you had any problems on your trip. If not, you did good. Have more fun this summer and make every day special for the little ones. They will remember the camping trips.

[jje1960]

This is such an awesome post.  I looked at the pictures... and wow, the kids smiles were priceless.  This is exactly how and why we started in the RV thing, we moved from a tent (which has many memories) with the family to a couple of TT's and now the 5V'er, kids will both be in college next year (first year and last) however still want to go with us on vacation!  Not sure that would have happened in a motel or other arrangement... RV families are happy families in our opinion!  Enjoy your adventures... we sure have.

[GMascelli]

Very nice set up!  The kids looked liked they had a blast! 

[CakeHenn]

We ended up going out again last weekend.  Interesting and more challenging.  The site they gave us has the power meter hook up far away so I had to back up the TT just perfect so my cord would reach.  I think my cord is 10 to 12 feet...I'm going to get a longer one so I don't have to deal with that again.  The other bad thing is it started pouring down rain.  So we mainly just stayed inside.  I also discovered that my water pump had a small leak coming from the screwing water hose line...I have since took it off and screwed it back on but I'm not sure that did anything...going to get some plumbers tape and see if that "seals" it.  Otherwise I guess i'd need a new hose for that section.

[4ducksrus]

Oh how I remember taking our kid's camping in our first TT!  Your pictures took me right back there!  Those are memories I will always cherish!  And, I had to laugh at your signature...my DH is also and duck hunter and that's his "gun of choice!"  Guess you two have something in common.  LOL  Hope you and your family have years of fun in your TT.  Congrats!   

Mikie

[CakeHenn]

Haha...I was wondering if anyone noticed how I snook in my shotgun in there.  I figured everyone was listing stuff they had so why not, lol.