Question for MH owners

[Colliemom]

Hey gals, I’m looking for some info here. My financial advisor is going to retire and he and his wife want to do some traveling around the country. Not full-time as they are keeping their S&B. They have a motorhome on order, I don’t know if they have it yet or not. But the office is going to have a retirement party for him in a couple of weeks and I was thinking about making up a little gift pail up with some items for camping in the new motorhome. One of the things I have thought about putting in it are extra fuses, because nobody ever thinks about that. I think this is their first RV. I know what size fuses I need for my travel trailer, but I was wondering what size most motorhomes take because they are usually 50 amp, where as the trailers is 30. Does it depend on the particular model what size they take?

Also looking for some ideas on what else might be nice to throw in there.

[Acadianmom]

I don't know what fuses a 50 amp motorhome uses but I carry a package of assorted fuses. I seem to use bungie cords a lot and the kind that you can put around cords and hoses. I have one of the round levels that I put in the freezer. Since that is what needs to be level I level to the refrigerator. Also thermometers for the freezer and refrigerator.

Martha

[BarbaraRose]

RV books for newbies. Command hooks. And yes, bunge cords are a must!

[MandysMom]

His and hers travel mugs (stainless steel is nice), microfiber "Turkish" light weight towels, headlamp, map of US -those you add stickers to as you travel, table cloth for outdoor table and clips that go over edge of table to prevent it blowing away; water "thief"; set of quick connects for water hose; extendable windshield squeegee with sponge on other side (I got mine at Walmart )

[JudyJB]

I like all of those suggestions because they are things people often don't think of getting, but can really use. They will thank you especially for the fuses some day!! I would get the gigantic rubber bands for the tablecloth, rather than the clips, however, as the clips don't fit all picnic tables.

It's too late now, but in the early spring Walmart had a whole bunch of picnic stuff, and I got my DIL in CA two big bags of stuff for her late May birthday. They have a new trailer to replace their old one. (Grandson is 16 and now 6'1" so his legs no longer fit in the rear bunk room. Last season they had to remove the door and add a curtain because of his long legs, so this year just got new trailer with bigger and longer adult bunks!) I ended up buying DIL several disposable tablecloths, dish towels and dish cloths, two big colorful pitchers, several food storage containers, three big plastic storage bins, some colorful plastic cups, water bottles for everyone, and can't remember what else. Most of it was very colorful and matching, so she was very happy with it all. It was also very inexpensive, but stores no longer have what they had then.

[Bethers]

I'm the naysayer here. I would get rid of many of the items mentioned. Fuses are a good idea if an assortment of what they need. That said, in over 15 years I've only had to replace the same one a few times. So those are good to have, if you can find them when you need it. And a few levels are always good to have. Lol I got suggestions to buy a water thief and never used it, thus gave it away. I got a quick connect and it leaked so tossed it. I am really a minimalist, and want to pick my own towels, etc. I think I'd rather give a gift certificate unless I know the person well enough to get really personal items.

[BarbaraRose]

I also think gift cards are the way to go. Everyone has their own style and what things will be useful for them. Let them pick out what they want. I do think a good beginner RV book is essential to learn the basics. I have one called "RVing Basics" and it covers all the systems, hooking up, setting up the inside, campgrounds, towing, etc.

[Bethers]

Sue, I did think of something I believe everyone should have that wouldn't break the bank as a gift and that would be a water pressure regulator. You wouldn't want to hook up where I am now without one, for example.

[IrishIroamed]

I'd hold off on the fuses also, only because even tho they may need 15, 20 30 etc amps, the size of the actual fuse may differ. They were different for me when I bought a new trailer.

I vote for gift cards, but maybe give them a binder with lists like:
All things that are a must (sewer hose, water hose, chocks, tool set etc)
Other things they may want (chairs, picnic table cover, outside rug, grill, etc)
Check lists for setting up and tear down
I had some of these lists, let me see if I can find them.

I would not but any decorative items, everyone had their own color schemes. I'm a bare minimalist. If I have to store things on move day, it's a nope. Plus there is a big difference between vacationing and living fulltime.

[Colliemom]

Thanks for the information gals. Some good points there and yes Beth, a water pressure regulator is on my list already. I plan to call the office this morning and find out a few things from the gals there.