Shopping for RV stuff.

[mitch5252]

Sorry, Mitch, I wasn't clear. The push attachment is on the end that attaches to the inlet on the rv. Someone, not me screwed it on the hose and I can't get it off. I don't try, it stays on the hose. The end of the hose that attaches to cg water supply has the other junk, filter, regulator, etc. Correction, the filter etc is on a 3ft section of water hose, thanks Fernie and I attach that to the long piece of water hose. Am I making any sense at all.

Well, you were up until the end...

..

[VickieP]

Mitch, I think she has a 3ft. section of hose that has all her filters, regulators, etc attached to, that she attaches to her regular lenght of hose, that way she can change hoses (buy new one) and still have all her attachments on the 3ft section that she can just attach to the new hose. Clear as mud now?

[retiredhappy]

I put the filter at the end closest to the RV but I don't think it matters. I can't put a quick connect on the RV cause the door to the water outlets wouldn't close. Someone please tell me why I have a locking door on my water inlets? Is someone going to steal my water? Again, who designs these things?

[carold]

Karen, both our MHs have holes in bottom of the basement area that had water, electric and cable so we could close doors. Maybe you can drill and make holes in the bottom of yours. carold

[Shirlv]

My husband never thought I made sense either. I met Fernie in Florida and she had a 3 ft section of hose and I copied her idea. It is much easier to twist and attach a 3 ft piece of hose with the bulky filter and a regulator than a 10ft section.

[Bethers]

I've only used a water filter again when parked for any length of time - don't bother for one or two nighters. I have mine at the end by where the cg water comes out - cuz it's easier there with my rig. In TX I had to use my short hose, then the filter, then my long hose.

Some of these things you don't necessarily need to start with - get ONE 20' sewer hose - and if, as time passes you think you need another, add it. If you purchase everything everyone recommends, you'll discover you don't have room for it all. Only you will be able to decide, as time passes, what YOU really need. I don't want to tell how much money I wasted by getting stuff everyone thought I needed - that never got used. I don't believe that if I need something once a year, I need to carry that tool. I do know how to beg and borrow And rvers are almost always willing to help each other. I've loaned and been loaned the things we need.

[asirimarco]

One thing you'll want that you don't have to shop for are checklists - one for personal things when you are getting ready to go somewhere this is the one we use - have made it up as we have gone along - at lot of the stuff on there you probably wont use but it will give you an idea. Also you NEED a checklist for the RV when starting out on a trip or leaving a campground - both inside and out

Item Short Trip Long Trip
Stuff to do at house
Leave out home maintenance plan info
Let Alarm Co and neighbor know we are leaving
Let Sheriff know we are leaving (he can do drive bys)
Make sure Credit Cards are up to date – expiration date, ( PO won't forward new cards) all passwords etc

Take to Motorhome
Big kitchen knife
Frozen food and produce
Medication
Checkbooks – on line bank info - Bills credit card pouches
Charger for cell phone
Computer Glasses
Cameras, chargers, tri pod etc, laptop connections
Computer Disks- programs (incase of crash)
Info to access home phone messages
Laptops both – Ebook hard drive- Laptop GPS – Photo hard drive
Address Labels – update address table
Printer ink, paper
Extra blank CDs - DVDs
Maps – Books – State info – travel info
Ready house for trips
Back up Computer and transfer necessary files to laptop
Do Laundry change bedding
Garage Mustang
Put stuff in safe deposit box
Set thermostat air 75 heat 55
Set light timers
Do dishes
Make sure all windows and doors locked = set alarm
Unlug computers from electricity – other nonessential items
Trash out – stop trash collection Rumpke
Make sure refrig and freezer doors are closed tight
Clean house especially baths and kitchen
Business to take care of before leaving -
Make sure all bills okay – Credit Card, power, gas, AT&T, TV Internet - put on suspension or stop
Stop paper
Forward mail or put on hold
Get all IDs and Passwords for on line banking
Pay Water in advance leave couple signed checks for friend
ATT vacation suspension
Up Date Laptop BlueVoda, Excell, Access
Buy stamps

[carold]

Carol, I'm pooped after reading those lists I don't have a stick house yet, but will copy and give to TGM (DH doesn't like that term-wants to be known as "The Great Man" )

[AlmostThere]

That's a long list, but all necessary items to check off before leaving. In fact, I saw the one about the phone charger and realized I'd better get a second on and keep on in Little Missy. Anything I can duplicate I will. Makes the 'get away' much faster! lol

@ Carold and her DHs moniker wanna be!!

[mitch5252]

..

Anyone find a NOAA weather radio useful?

..

[sharon]

I have a NOAA radio, but only use it east of Ca, usuall only in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tex or wherever I think I might hit a tornado

[retiredhappy]

Lenora, I agree with having 2nds - so much easier and less to remember to take. Beth and Sparkle kid me that I have backups for everything.

[Bethers]

My outside light is the one by my door with a switch inside. Hahaha - I didn't have them in a stick built - am not gonna have them in an rv.

remember - what you need are checklists and haves for YOU - as what you'll have is different from me - or from Karen, etc.

Carol's checklist is great - but you won't have lots of that stuff (some is for working on her websites, for example) - what she's showing you is the value of finding out what you need to bring and making your own checklist. Something those of us full-time don't need the same.

But again, after I've spent way too much money on things others said I had to have - and I then discovered I never used - I'm very careful about that - and tell you to get the minimum - you can always add to it as necessary. And don't always buy something cuz you need it once. It might be once in 5 years! My tools are less than 1/2 of a shoe box - and while I've gotten rid of many, the only one I've added is the square driver - most everything in my rv requires it.

[kelpie]

I agree with what several others have said - being a somewhat newbie myself. I asked for input too before i went shopping and bought what was common to all suggestions BUT have found have about 18 months that some of the things i bought I have never used - such as wheel chocks, and leveler blocks. Doesn't hurt to have them and may need them someday but that was about $50 I could have used for other stuff. About your sewer hose - I just bought a new connector (from RV to Hose) and it is clear. I was amazed at how icky my tank was now that I can actually see it. I camped with my family and have sewer hookup so let them help me really flush out my tank really really well. Since you are buying new stuff, I hghly recommend the clear one. Okay, that's my 2 cents

[Acadianmom]

I use one of the clear connectors too. I like to be able to see when the tank is about finished draining so I can go in and flush a few commode tanks of clear water through. I usually have three fishing poles and 2 tackle boxes in my shower. Most people wouldn't want to travel with all that but that's what I like to have. I probably carry too much food but when I get to a lake I don't want to have to go to the store. There is a bathing suit and a couple of beach towels that stay in my RV. I don't get to use it very often but if I get a chance I can go swimming. When I replace my tennis shoes I put the old pair in my RV in case I forget to bring extra shoes. I keep some basic first aid items for cuts, headaches, colds, upset stomach and benadryl in case someone gets stung by something. There are a couple of $5.00 movies from Wal-Mart in case I get desperate for something to watch. You sill soon find out what you need most often and it's just easier to keep in the RV.

Martha