First timer questions

RV Assessory Checklist (items you need to buy, should buy, or just some that are nice to have)

Extended warranty.  Do not buy third party.  Forest River sells a one year extended warranty for $150.00 The dealer makes no money off of it and may not tell you about it and try to sell you their version (which legally cannot be called a warranty – it is an extended service plan).  You must act quickly, as offer expires ten days after purchase!.  Call Forest River directly if dealer acts ignorant.  Dealer service plans are generally expensive and most reviews are negative.  Some dealers include a free unlimited warranty.  This is not a scam but may not be a good deal.  You have to bring you RV back to dealer once a year for $150 inspection to keep warranty active.  And then it does not really warranty the RV (leaks, axle breaks) but rather the components (refrig, heater).  Only worth buying at a dealer that includes it if they do not charge more for the RV.  One dealer who was $3000 more than another said, “but the warranty is free and that’s worth the $3000 difference!”

Brake controller – Even if TV has towing package it probably lacks a break controller.  Tekumsa P2 is highly rated but more expensive.  The less expensive the unit the more it has to be in a fixed position (i.e. parallel to ground).  It comes with wires to splice into TV however most tow packages already have the female harness so only need to buy male harness for your vehicle (around $18) then no searching for the correct wires to splice into, and you can remove unit at will.  An internet search for your TV will let you know where to find the hitch.  On our Jeep Cherokee it was hidden away and we could not find it until we found a UTube video demonstration.

Weight distribution (WDH) and anti sway

-Equal-i-zer weight distribution hitch 10,000 lbs $408  includes 4 pt friction sway control.

-Blue OX is also highly rated.  It prevents sway instead of correcting it.  It is $600 and easier to connect.  Get 350 lb tongue weight version

Also popular is the Fastway E2 600 tongue weight model.  It is cheapest of the three

-There are numerous cheaper options.  But you may not be able to back up and/or do not have anti sway, only weight distribution.  Most people say anti-sway is required but WDH is not necessary as larger tow vehicles can handle it well.

Other items

□             White water hose (for drinking water only) 25’ Camco $9.97

□             Garden water hose (for black water flush and all other washing)

□             Water filter with right angle

□             Water pressure regulator

                Y connector to attach two hoses to single water line

□             Oxy-Kem holding tank treatment.  Turn off vent fan when going to the bathroom.  Always wait until black tank is 2/3 full before emptying

□             Sewer hose 2 x 10’ is better than single 15 foot (Valterra D04-0275 newer version comes with clear elbow $50.50).  Reported to have less leaks than Camco model

□             Sewer elbow to connect to ground hole (comes with Valterra above)

□             Sewer elbow clear to connect to RV to see when water is clean Valterra T1026  $11.50 (also comes with Valterra above)

□             Sewer hose holder to keep hose slanted to ground Camco 43051 20’ $22.94

□             Disposable gloves for cleaning out holding tanks (or strong rubber gloves to re-use and save the environment)

□             NCVT Fluke volt alert (looks like a penlight)– standing on the ground touch the door frame or steps if there is voltage leak it will light up preventing a shock.  Do it when first setting up camp and connecting electric. Not needed if you get surge protection (see below)

□             Tire leveling plastic with chock for under tires

□             Plastic pads for stabilizers (Do not use wood)

□             Lock for trailer hitch to prevent someone from stealing your RV when left alone unhooked

□             Leveling guides. One type goes on hitch and turns to tell you how many inches to raise RV. Other types stick to side walls.

□             Propane tank gauge.  May need to get second tank but try it first with one tank.

□             Bug and rodent screens – Spiders in furnace, refrigerator and hot water heater can do damage.  Need to get screens for all vents.  Camco 42154 for Dometic refrigerator Pack of 6 vents $15.88.  Camco 42141 furnace vent screen 2 Pack $10.86. Camco 42145 Large screen for water heater $16.00

□             Lawn mat (Do not use plastic grass – stays wet) use porous material made for RVing

□             Dust broom with pan

□             Lanterns and flashlight

□             Spare fuses

□             BBQ Grill –  can get propane now that 2017.5 RV has quick connector

□             Propane hose extension 10 foot Camco $21.26 (not the standard size 3/8”).  Will need a bunch of adapters to fit your grill.

□             Sticky mats to keep things on the counter

□             Wood dowels to keep windows closed and locked – so they do not open during drives

□             Expandable drapery rods to put in refrigerator to hold food in place

□             Oxygenics  BodySpa RV shower kit – white (Model ETL26781) Amazon $31.13.  Sends water at higher pressure thus using less water for a shower.  Great product reviews, really works. Made for RV