Hello to all from Texas

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krhthm

Member
Joined
Jan 29, 2013
Posts
8
Location
Arlington, Texas
I've been RVing since I was 20.  Drove across the country with my Mom & my Brother in a small motorhome.  That was in 1982.  Bought the motorhome from my Mom and took my kids on weekend trips when they were young.  My wife & I have just puchased a small Rockwood Ultra Lite travel trailer.  I'll be picking it up on 1/31/13.  I've never pulled a travel trailer. We'll be looking forward to learning from the forum.  Thanks for having us.
Keith
 
One of the first things I'd do then is head to an empty parking lot and practice backing.  That way if you get in a tight spot while traveling, you'll have the comfort with your unit to back it out of there. 

I was on my way back from Florida, and I parked in a Walmart parking lot.  I watched a guy for about 30 minutes, try to back out of a lot he was stuck in.  I went over and offered to get it out for him, his wife pretty much made him let me do it for him.  He was sweaty, they both were angry.  I shared with them that I've been backing everything from 4 feet to 57 feet around for over 35 years, and we've all been in tight spots before.  The more upset one gets, the harder it is to get out of a tight spot.  He thought that was the entrance to the Wal-mart.  I showed them my unit in the WM lot, and told them how to get there.  Hopefully they will be able to laugh about that for years to come.
 
Welcome Keith, from the east side of Texas.  It's a big place.  Where are you and where do you like to go?  Some good advice above.  Any other questions you have as you get your new digs, let us know.  We're here to help!
 
We don't have the backing up issues like the hitched people do, and I am thankful, but 99WinAdventurer37G's suggestion is very key.

When we bought our first motorhome, a 38 foot job, the first place we went was an industrial park, so my wife, who drives as much as I do, could get used to backing, cornering, using the mirrors, and our parking signals. It has paid huge dividends over the last several years as she is the designated park'er and I am the ground crew. You never know when that practice, to 99WinAdventurer37G's point, will come in handy when someone blocks you or you get in a tight spot.

Have fun with your new rig, and welcome from a paper Texan (Escapee)!
 
Thank you for posts.  Going to a parking lot for practice is a great idea.  And I will definitely need to practice keeping a cool head.  My wife will most certainly be helping out she, doesn't like to drive so her job will be ground crew.

My wife is a city girl, so this will be her first camping adventure.  She's a good sport though, and will do most anything I ask her to try.  She's very excited about the trailer.  We're getting a Rockwood 2304S.  Quite small, but should be great to start out with.  I'll be pulling with a Ford F150. 

This weekend we're going to Kimball Bend Park near Whitney.  Long range goal is for longer trips across the country (some to Nascar tracks).  I've had the opportunity to see a lot of the USA.  Although my wife's been to many countries and even lived abroad, she's not been to very many places in the states.

Thanks again for your comments.  If anyone has ideas for a pre-first trip checklist I'd love to see it.

Enjoy your day!
 
Cool.  As for a checklist, go to the top of the site and click on the "Library" link.  Go to the Checklists.  There you'l get all you need (and more).  If you have anything specific after looking those over, come back and ask away. 

I will say (and I don't know if it's on any of those checklists or not), the most important thing you can take is a pencil (pen) and a notepad.  Or if you're into the technology, don't forget your iPad (or whatever).  That way you can make a list of all the things you forgot, or would like to bring next time, or that you don't need.  Also what needs fixed, what needs "modded", and other bits of info.  If you try to remember it later, I guarantee you won't.  You'll forget something.  If it's on paper, you can see it.

Good luck, and keep us posted!
 
VERY true edjunior.  We did take pen & paper and added quite a few things, as well as procedures to follow prior to take off.  My wife and I have separated the items on the list to be more efficient.  It's going to be a lot of fun to see how we improve each time.

The first trip was a big success, with only a couple of rookie mistakes.  Can't wait to go out again.
 

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Looking good.  I live up here near the Texas Motor Speedway.  From what I hear, if you want a spot in the middle of the track, you better get your name on the list soon.  Those that like Nascar say it's a blast, but get there early, and plan to leave late.
 
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