Beverly
Member
- Joined
- Sep 20, 2016
- Posts
- 12
So our maiden voyage (Rockwood Roo 17, pulled by Ford Explorer), though short was successful. Before going on a longer trip next weekend to NH, we did a quick overnight at a local state park to make sure we knew what we were doing and to have a "dry" run. The forecast was grim, and we were pretty sure we were going to have a "wet" run, but we lucked out and the weather was just fine.
Things we learned:
Questions I still have:
Took the advice of starting a Need and Want list. Need list is manageable so far- level, blocks for under jacks, broom and new tooth brushes to fit into holder. Have to decide which pans/cooking necessities to keep in there etc. The Want list is another story.... I will resist the urge for now and stick with the needs!
Loving the new life and excited for our first real adventure!
Things we learned:
- After having a brief heart attack thinking we had a defective unit, we realized you have to put the circuit breakers in the "on" position after plugging in. Not sure if this is true of all hook ups or just the park we were in.
- Don't put the heat on the first time without opening all the windows etc. On the plus side, our detectors work wonderfully!
- Bring the rug for outside- even though it may not be a necessity to some, it is for us. Great paved spot, that abutted dirt right outside our front door!
- If you are not perfectly placed, your hitch will not connect to the ball. No matter how many times you raise and lower it!
Questions I still have:
- I read on this forum a lot about the black water tank. Can someone please answer this- when should you empty the black water tank? I get that you do not hook up the sewer hose and then open it- totally understand that. I read that a lot of people don't empty it until it's 2/3 full. Is that per trip? Or 2/3 full period? I understood that if the tank wasn't full, you should leave it until it gets 2/3 full before emptying. I may have misunderstood that. After a brief argument, we emptied it - black tank first followed by gray. Left a little water in the toilet to keep the seal wet.
- Still unsure about using chemicals in the tanks. So far have not used them, will continue to do so until I see (smell) a need to. Any thoughts on that? We've decided to institute a no #2 rule. For now....
- I found that I am not a huge fan of the mattress- can anyone recommend a mattress topper that can make the mattress a bit more comfortable. My back isn't great and I woke up pretty stiff after sleeping.
- Need to buy blocks for under the stabilizing jacks.We'll be heading to a little more rustic site this weekend. I am going to go with wooden blocks. Any recommendations for size? I'm thinking pressure treated 4x6 beam cut into 12 inch sections?
- So gas mileage is crazy while towing- we expected that. Any recommendations as to whether it's better for our SUV to use premium when towing or does it matter?
Took the advice of starting a Need and Want list. Need list is manageable so far- level, blocks for under jacks, broom and new tooth brushes to fit into holder. Have to decide which pans/cooking necessities to keep in there etc. The Want list is another story.... I will resist the urge for now and stick with the needs!
Loving the new life and excited for our first real adventure!