RV Standard Equipment, Failures and Must Haves for Dry Camping

Here is a list of things that should have been included as standard features or are must haves for the type of camping we enjoy.  Peace of mind is important.  Dry camping is important.  As you can see by the photo to the right there are no hookups where we camp.  I bought a Toy Hauler and had some expectations that were not met.

This rig was not setup for dry camping.  I suppose to have all of these things as standard features would have cost more.  Maybe I should have looked for a rig that had more.  On the other hand I get to customize things the way I want.  Not sure that is a good thing or not yet.

Items that should be standard equipment, failures and must haves for Dry camping:

• Sewer Hose Storage: Where do they expect me to put my stinky hose?
• Solution:  I purchased and installed a Super-Slider Adjustable Super-Tube for $50 from D&W Incorporated.
• Leaky Waste Valve:
• With 4 feet of Pipe between the valves and the end of the pipe a safety valve would be nice.
• I think I have a slow leak in the Black Tank Valve.  
• Solution:  I installed a Valterra T58 Twist-On Wast Valve for around $21.00.  Works great!  Not a single drop of waste water on my gloved hand.
•  Flawed Heater System:
• Fail #1: The Thermostat is located in the Living area and cannot be controlled in the bedroom even though there is a second controller there.
• Fail #2: If all the heat goes into areas farthest from the thermostat how is the thermostat supposed to know when the desired temperature is reached?  IT CAN'T!  As a result we cooked in the bedroom and you could fry an egg in the Bathroom and shiver in the living room, loft and garage area.
• Solution I hope:  I installed fully adjustable ceiling vents, an adjustable outlet vent for the bathroom and 3 floor registers with dampers from D&W Incorporated.  I had an issue with the order from D&W but they went above and beyond to correct the issue.  Price was $38 and change for 6 spaceports, 3 floor registers and a 4" heat outlet vent with Damper
• You can't cook bacon without running the generator:
• The unit has a Microwave with a Vent Fan but it only runs on 120v. So you can't run the vent fan without running the Generator when you are dry camping.
• This issue is at the moment not resolved yet.  My thought is to install an Inverter to light up that microwave.  This should allow me to run the Fan.  Running the Microwave on Battery power is not the goal but maybe someday.  I don't mind kicking on the Gen for the Microwave.
• Reputable Tires:
• Solution:  For peace of mind I replaced my Power King Towmax tires AKA: BlowMax with 5 Goodyear G614's ($2000 installed by America's Tire).  There are too many horror stories of people having Blow outs with Tow Max trailer tires which in turn tear up the side of their trailer.
• The Tables were located under the mattress with the leg holes pointing up.
• The leg holes stick up about 2" so you might feel them while sleeping.
• It takes two people to remove them.  One to hold the mattress and the other to carefully slide them out without scratching them on the tie down mounts.
• Solution:  I have since relocated them.
• The Fantastic Vent needs a thermostat
• They skimped on the fantastic vent in the living room.  It has one speed and no thermostat.  
• I replaced it with one that has a Thermostat, Rain Sensor, reversible and remote Controlled.  We use it on every trip.
• LED lights:
• I have replaced most of my bulbs with LED lights.  Going from 16 watts per bulb to 1.2 each makes a difference when the main cabin light switch activates at least 8 bulbs.
• For the T10's I am happy with GRV T10 921 194 24-3528 SMD LED Bulb lamp Super Bright Warm White for around $2.00 each.
• I wasn't sure about the HAMIST 20-smd T10 12v Light LED as the light is Blue and doesn't put out much light however in the right place they are a great mood light.
• Disc Type G4 Base Side Pin 10 SMD Led - Wish these were a tad brighter but this might be your best bet.
• 2.1-Watt G4 LED Bulb 12V AC/DC, 10SMD 5050 LED, 1.5W Cool White Color - Don't recommend these as the color is on the Blue side and not very bright.
• 12 volt cigarette lighter or USB Charging stations.  This is a no brainier!
• In this day in age how can you sell a camper without a way to charge your devices.  The only 12 receptacle is in the bedroom in the ceiling in a corner above the TV.  Do you really expect me to run the Generator to charge an iPhone?
• Solution:  I installed three USB charging stations.  One behind the TV and one in the Storage compartment outside and a third in the Garage.
• I bought these but the jury is still out.  You can only charge one devices at a time so it appears yet it comes with USB two ports.
• 12V Waterproof Power Outlet Cigarette Lighter Socket 2.1A Dual USB Charger Panel Flush Mount  $23.83 for two after tax and shipping
• There is only 10 inches give or take of clearance below the rear jacks and spare tire. 
  
• I relocated the Spare tire mounting it higher and closer to the tires gaining 3+ inches of clearance, but I still have the hydraulic Jacks to worry about.  This severely limits the parking lots that I can get in and out of.
• The Jacks can't be raised unless you cut a hole in the garage floor from what I can tell. 
• My 4X4 Dodge is stock height.  Seems like my best option is to raise the rig with a lift kit I presume. Still researching....
• A Towel Rack and Toilet Paper roll holder would have been nice in the Bathroom.
• Installed a hand towel rack and toilet paper roll holder.  Still need one for the big towels though.
• A light switch near the entry door would be nice.
• DVD Player?  Really?  Who buys DVD's anymore.
• It doesn't even have an HDMI connection for the cheap HD TV that it came with.
• The sound from the cheap HD TV can't be sent through the surround sound system so what's the point?
• I will be replacing the receiver at some point.  Due to size constraints I have my eye on the Marantz NR1504 Slim Line 5.1 with AirPlay.  $500.00
• Solar:
  
• I installed a 200 Watt kit from Renogy.  30amp Charge Controller, 2 100 Watt bendable panels.  So far I am loving the setup.  $653.95
• Bought some Velcro, used 4 screws and some RV Roof Caulking to finish the job.
• Inverter:
• I hard wired a 400Watt inverter in the Storage area, ran an extension cord to the area behind the TV.  Now we can watch TV and grind Coffee without running the Generator.
• Future plan is to install a larger one and light up some outlets and the Microwave for Vent fan usage on 12 volts.  Maybe even run the microwave some day with if I add more panels and battery storage.

I am sure I could poke more fun at my trailer but that covers most of it.  If you add up all the mod's mentioned above you can plan on spending over $3,600.00 more to have the peace of mind and features you desire, assuming you do most of the work yourself.  As you may have read I have more to do still so the $3600.00 is just a start.  If you read my previous posts you will see some of the expenses I incurred getting my Truck setup.  So make sure you leave a little cushion in your budget when start looking at sticker prices.  Might be better to buy used.  If you are lucky some day you can buy mine from me as it will be a sweet setup when I am done with it.

On our last trip I breathed a sigh of relief as most of the issues above were corrected.  Warranty issues mentioned in a previous post were corrected.  The Beast is starting to feel like home now.  Anything you can do to decrease stress and increase the fun and convenience is a plus.  There are some things that Heartland did right, but unfortunately it is the things they didn't do that stand out.  When I am done this rig will be worthy of it's name "The Beast".

Warranty Issues on my 2014 Heartland Cyclone 3110

We got a great deal on our Cyclone however perhaps it came at a price.  Perhaps the dealer knew about some of the issues associated with the trailer and neglected to mention them.  Our Cyclone is a 2014, manufactured in  2013 so it had been sitting on a lot for a while.  What follows is the list of our issues covered under warranty.  Some issues were caused by the dealer.  Most issues were covered under the warranty. Most issues were resolved in the end, but the Beast spent around two months in total at the dealer luckily in the off season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Items that were denied by Heartland:

1. Relocate Auto Leveling Control to a sensible location.  Factory installed location was approximately 3 1/2 feet inside the compartment.  Sorry, but this is not convenient?  This just didn't make any sense but it was easy to move!
2. Replace Tow Max Tires (AKA: Blow Max) with reliable tires. Too many horror stories.  I replaced them with Goodyear G614's.  Peace of mind!
   
   

Warrantied Issues Corrected by Dealer:

1. Leak in one of the water tanks.
2. Leak in one of the cross fill tank lines.
3. Water tanks when over filled were not draining properly.(See Video)
4. Brake Wires were resting on the Springs.  Dealer corrected one of them to satisfaction.
5. Replaced severely cracked rubber generator exhaust pipe support.
6. Shower Surround cracked.  Fiberglass was repaired.
7. Screws holding hose bracket pulled out.  Dealer replaced with bigger screws.
8. Wiring going to main slide-out burned.  Cut, re-routed to prevent grounding on Ram.
9. Replaced Fireplace due to fan wheel problem.  New one appears to have a cosmetic defect.
10. Blank Tank registering full when empty.
11. Dealer emptied Blank Tank because they left the tank in the open position after working on it.
12. Bathroom Sink had a stain.  Thought they would fix, but instead they replaced it.
13. Molding had pulled away from the wall at the base.
14. One of the Bedroom Drawers was not closing flush.
15. TV in main living area was mounted crooked.  Was leaning to the right.
16. Carpets and exterior were washed.

Dealer created issues:

1. Failed to properly close the Refrigerator outside vent cover which flew off shortly after taking delivery.
2. Left the valve on one of the grey tanks open after taking initial delivery.
3. Dealer left the Black Tank in the Open position after working on it, which unfortunately went unnoticed until it was too late.
4. Black tank drain pipe left unsecured after working on the water leak.
5. After dropping one of the water tanks that was cracked they supposedly buttoned up the other tank so we could use the rig while the new tank was being delivered. Something else was wrong and the tank was only holding a few gallons of water.  We ran out of water very quickly as a result.  No showers!
6. Chloroplast underbelly was only partially replaced and cracks were taped up.  Probably won't last.
7. Did not remove old caulking under the Sink when they replaced it.  They corrected the issue.
8. Pins were missing from the outside ladder which the dealer replaced.

Unresolved:

1. The back wall of the New Fireplace appears to be pulled away at the bottom making more light come through behind the fake wood and it doesn't look right.
2. One of the brake wires can still touch the Spring so i will need to address this.
3. The Level Up jacks make a popping sound all day and all night as weight shifts.  The slightest movement will cause random popping sound that will wake you at night.
1. Lippert recommended replacing some of the fluid with a couple quarts of Fork Oil which I have done but it didn't help.  Did it a second time with a quart of the more expensive stuff and it still pops.

Customer corrected issues:

1. Front door piston screws were loose on one end and the other end had been repaired, but with un-matching chrome screws instead of black headed screws.
2. Relocate Auto Leveling Control to a sensible location.
3. Removed three loose screws left behind by the repair men that were sitting on top of one of the Jack bases directly inline and in front of the tires. 
4. Replace Blow Max tires with Goodyear G614's. 

You may have noticed, I have not mentioned either of the two Dealers involved by name.  Many mistakes were made.  Some of them were shady and down right dumb however I am not ready to bash either one yet.  I am not ready to bash Heartland either as they took care of all of my issues so far but it will make me think twice about buying or recommending another heartland product.  Trouble is, the initial dealer could have prevented several of these issues ahead of time rather than passing them on to an unsuspecting buyer. They could have hired smarter service and delivery techs, but then they would have to charge more.

Had the selling dealer kept up on the issues they would have asked a higher price for the unit.  I probably would not have bought it had it been priced higher or if I knew about all the issues.  I would know what to look for next time but I don't plan on having a next time anytime soon.

I hope to post more positive posts in the future.  We will be testing the beast out soon on another trip to the beach so hopefully everything runs smoothly.   Soon I will be posting about some other items, problems and must haves that could have been addressed by Heartland at the factory.  I will be customizing the beast to allow for better dry camping, replacing the tires, and I need to leveling the rig to match my stock Dodge 4X4 height.  Eventually and after spending a lot more money the beast will suit our needs very nicely.  For those reading this prior to purchasing perhaps you will be more prepared before and after your purchase.  Happy Camping!

Pismo Beach 1st Timer Experience

So you want to go to Pismo Beach in your brand new 5th Wheel Toy Hauler eh?  All the stories are true.  Plan on getting stuck.  Maybe if you read this you won't get stuck but even if you do it's no big deal.... probably.  Don't panic or be afraid, just be prepared.  Like anything in life it's not so bad once you have done it once.  Just make sure you do it right and you will have a great time.  If you are reading this post prior to your 1st trip then you are heading in the right direction.

My cousin, an avid Pismo Beach goer told me about how he burned up his brakes, blew up his clutch and how dually's don't do so well in the sand.  Kinda puts the fear in you right?  Other friends told me I would have to air down.  I am towing around 15,000lbs of 5th wheel behind a Dodge Ram 3500 4X4 Dually with a Cummins HO 6 speed MT.  I took the advice, made some modifications to my Truck, bought a tow strap, brought a shovel and a tool for removing air from my tires and off to the beach we go.

I had hoped to avoid airing down as it's a pain to air back up so I head out on to the beach without airing down. It was low tide so the sand was hard packed near the surf so I had no trouble driving to mile marker 7 to meet up with some friends.  They already had a site picked out for me.  I end up passing them a bit and start up the hill to turn around and I didn't make it 20 feet before I was knee deep in the sand.  My wife panics and jumps out.  I am calm, cool secretly a little concerned as this is my 1st time.  I immediately begin to air down the front.  A friend works on the trailer tires.  He has these things that you screw on and it takes the tires down to 18lbs automatically.  My wife digs out behind the tires with our shovel in preparation for backing out of the hole.  In less that 5 minutes I am backing out no problem which is good cause if the tide came in my 5th wheel would become a houseboat.  :)

But I am not out of the woods yet.  I still have to turn up and around into loose sand and drive to the spot.  I make a run and turn up and surprisingly traction is solid and I am moving along just fine in the soft stuff.  Airing down really does make a world of difference.  I still can't quite make it up the hill into the spot that was picked out for me.  I would get most of the way and start to dig in.  I am able to back out though since it is down hill.  I make few runs and gun it, throw some sand and finally come to rest next to three other RV's.  We were all circled up like they did with wagons in the old westerns.  Now it's time for a beer.

Backing out when it was time to leave was no problem.  Granny geared it out no sweat.  Left at high tide in the soft stuff and still no trouble.  Drove to the garbage cans with a mile left to go and felt it was ok to air back up.  Friends followed me there with their air compressors and I was backup in no time.  It helps to go with a group of friends that have done it before.  Now that I have done it, it will be much more relaxing drive next time.  The pre-trip anxiety will be gone.  Since I am still a newbie at towing a 5th wheel I have enough anxiety as it is.  After making the trip without any major issues I feel 100% more confident now.

Here is a summary of what I did to prepare and what I would do next time.

1. Added a PacBrake brand Exhaust Brake.  It comes with a tank which I used to air up the front tires.  This offers peace of mind coming down the hill.  Awesome!
2. Next time I will bring a small compressor as the small PacBrake compressor will take too long.  There is a service that will air you up for $1 per tire as a backup plan.
3. Added Smarty Jr programmer and 5" exhaust system to add and additional 100hp.
4. I purchased a Tire Valve remover to speed up the air down process but if you loose the valve you are screwed unless you have some spares.
5. Before the next trip I will buy set of Tire Deflators.  I think 18lbs was too low for my trailer so I will look for something to take them down to 25 or so and experiment from there.  I will also try to only air down the Trailer instead of the truck as I have heard that works for some.
6. Before the next trip I will pick up a small 6 gallon or similar portable compressor.
7. I used a full tank of diesel so I had nothing left by the time I got on the beach and had to make a special trip in to town for diesel.  Next time I will be looking to fill up part way there.
8. I brought some 4X6's to put under the jacks for stability.
9. Some folks bring boards and tarps that wrap around the RV keep the wind and sand out.  It wasn't too windy on this trip so they weren't needed but I gather it could be nasty on a windy day.

Other optional tips and info off the top of my head.  Bring firewood.  Nothing like a nice fire and Smores.  I learned that double riding is not allowed and helmets, flags are required on all vehicles on the dunes.  There is a 15mph speed limit on the beach which is patrolled regularly by authorities.  It's only $10 bucks a night and reservations are recommended on popular weekends.

Planned or Completed Upgrades, Mod's and Additions

This is a list of upgrades, modifications and additions that are necessary, nice to have or wish I had.  I own a Dodge Ram 3500 HO Cummins 5.9L with 6sp mt.  I just bought a Heartland Cyclone 3110 and they both needed some work done.  The Truck has met it's match power-wise and the Cyclone just doesn't feel like home yet but I am getting there.

1. Exhaust Brake - PacBrake $1,258
2. 5" Exhaust - Flo Pro - $510
3. MADS Smarty Jr - Done - Wow! - $495
4. Fifth Wheel Hitch - B&W Companion $2,000ish installed
5. Brake Controller 
6. Air Bags
7. Adjustable Shocks
8. Replaced Blow Max Tires with Goodyear G614's. 
9. Air Compressor that can put 110 lbs of air into your new G614's after a Pismo trip when you have to let the air out to avoid getting stuck in the sand.
10. 200 Watts of Solar power with Charge Controller
11. Inverter 
12. Replace all bulbs with LED bulbs.
13. Blue Ray Surround Sound Receiver to replace the old DVD version that it came with.
14. 12 Volt Receptacles for charging devices
15. Replaced the basic Fantastic vent with one that has a thermostat remote control, rain sensor and is reversible.
16. Installed a sewer hose storage tube.
17. Added a screw on sewer pipe valve since one of the other valves is leaking.
18. Relocated the spare tire as it hung too low.
19. Need to increase ground clearance between the rear Level Up jacks and the ground to avoid scraping and to allow for traversing area's with sharp grades like parking lot entrances.
20. Water Filter, regulator, gauge.
21. Made some nice cup holders to either end of the Couch.
22. Made a small storage shelf for the garage for nicknacks. 
23. Found and utilized a significant hidden storage area located just to right of the drawers on the kitchen island.

Not cheap.  Keep these costs in mind if you plan to tow a fifth wheel.

Maiden Voyage of the Beast

Our maiden voyage/shakedown cruise in our new Heartland Cyclone aka "The Beast" is a family reunion in Napa.  The hotels are all booked up so three of our families take the RV's and we stay in a parking lot owned by one of our relatives.  We didn't get far out of our driveway when two significant problems were brought to my attention.  No brake lights on one side and water was pouring out of the underbelly.  After some investigation and due to the fact that we were on a time table we determined the problems could wait and we hit the road.  My dad was following us so he would take up the rear to help deal with the lack of brake lights on one side.

Summary of observations and lessons learned:
Brake lights failed on one side - Broken plug found under the back bumper.
Water leaking from underbelly
Shower Stall Crack - Covered under warranty
Add blocks under jacks that won't reach when fully extended
Unable to use the fan above the Stove without running the Gen or plugging in
Smoking brakes and clutch concerns brought to my attention

We got a killer deal on a new 2014 Heartland Cyclone, but I am starting to wonder if maybe there was a reason for the deal. I had already found a significant crack in the shower stall.  God knows how they will be able to fix that one.  A patch won't be acceptable.  I asked if there were any leaks during the PDI and was told there are no leaks.  We tested the lights at the dealer and I was told the brake lights worked so were they lying to me or did something shake loose?

On the way to Napa I am experimenting with different levels on the brake controller and finally seem to find a good setting, but then I end up changing it again.  Just can't get it right.  I wonder if there is a better way.....  My almost stock 03 Dodge HO Cummins does an ok job but as I mentioned in my last post, it has met it's match.  But it handled the hills just fine.  Accelerating up to speed from a stop is a problem though.  Stopping the beast is still uncomfortable.  More about my thoughts on these thing later though.

We arrive at our destination again without a scratch.  We are late for dinner so we all jump in my dads camper and head off.  Good times with some of our family.  Belly's full and a couple beers and I am good.  The stress of the drive and all the issues is fading a bit.  We head back to our new home in the parking lot.  I unhitch and level the beast with a few buttons but there is an error.  Turns out one of the Jacks was unable to reach the ground.  Noted and will correct the next time with a block.  We settle in for the night.

I am a bit of an early bird in the mornings so i get up to see if I can figure out the Brake problem.  After a few tests I find the problem was a result of a plug that had vibrated loose behind the bumper.  This was an oversight by the guys that installed the fifth wheel hitch.  The plug is damaged so it doesn't clip in like is should.  For now I taped the two plugs together with electrical tape and one problem is solved.

There is still a very slow and steady drip coming from the underbelly.  The Coroplast underbelly material covers everything so there is no way to determine where the leak is coming from .  The pump isn't cycling randomly so I have ruled out a leak in the water system for now and ignore the problem for the remainder of the trip.

Now my mind turns to breakfast and others are starting to awake so I ask around as to what the plan is.  Turns out it is potluck breakfast and we will all be eating in the Cyclone.  Cool.  This will give me a chance to try out the back deck patio and tables.  We were able to seat all nine of us very comfortably using the three tables that come with the beast.  Yeah!

I am used to a Lance Camper that had solar and most everything ran off the batteries.  This Cyclone is not setup for dry camping.  The Fan above the stove is integrated in the Microwave which runs on 120v.  The only way to use the fan while cooking bacon is to run the generator or plug into power.  This will have to be resolved at some point since I plan to do a lot of dry camping. Adding Solar and an inverter is one of my top priorities.

Skipping ahead to breakfast the next day where I sit with a cousin of mine that has been towing a Toyhauler for many years.  He also has a Dodge with a Cummins and begins to tell us about his trips to Pismo beach.  One one trip he smoked his brakes trying to come to a stop at a bottom of a hill.  He drives like he is racing though even when toying his beast.  On another trip he punches the pedal on his pumped up Dodge and smokes the clutch.  Lessons learned without having to experience them, but now I have to spend some money.  Ouch.  My wife is listening in and says that I didn't research this enough.  I need more horsepower, but not so much that I smoke my clutch and an exhaust brake is a must have.

The trip home goes somewhat smoothly, although still stressing a bit, things are improving.  While dumping the tanks I realize that one of the tank valves was left open at the dealer.  Thank god it was grey water.  I used the black tank flush system but it didn't seem to help as the black tank still shows as almost full on the gauge.  We arrive home.  Backing into the driveway was easier this time.  Unhitching and again I realize it pretty nice to unhitch and have full use of my truck vs having to remove a truck camper.  But I am far from satisfied with my decision yet.  I will keep posting my progress.

What have I done?

Those were the words that went through my mind as I drove off the lot with my 2014 Heartland Cyclone 3110 in tow.  Pulling out of the dealer I shift from first to second gear for the 1st time with 14,000lbs in tow I am realizing that my truck has met its match.  I had a bit of sellers remorse after selling my 11 year old Camper the night before.  I am starving from the 3 hour PDI, I have a beast in tow and I am stressing about where I can pull over to eat.  My mind races to justify my purchase but there is no turning back now.

Summary:
My truck has met it's match.  Need to add power.
Jacks and Spare Tire Hang too for comfort in the back
Need a backup camera and a co-pilot
Once I am on the freeway towing is comfortable
The Refrigerator vent cover came off during transport
Finding parking is a problem, but I feel experience will help reduce stress

I am used to a Lance Truck Camper.  It was the biggest one they made at the time and I could go anywhere with it.  The ass end of the Cyclone sits too low for comfort so I know I can't go into just any parking lot.  Starving, I look for a truck stop on my way home.  I finally find one ahead and I pull over and attempt to find parking.  I drive around and find an entrance where all the truckers pull in.  I take a right down an alley that appears to be a potential parking spot and ooops.  There is no way I am going to make it back on the road due to the deep dip where the side walk meets the pavement.  So I have to back out without a backup camera or a co-pilot to guide me.  Not fun.


I am back on the road for a bit and thinking about whether or not to stop off for some diesel or not.  I need practice to get over the fear of towing the beast so I decide to pull over to top off the Diesel and fill up the tanks on the Cyclone.  The distance behind the wheels on the Cyclone Toy Hauler and the ass end is seemingly endless.  I worry I will take someone or something out as I make a turn.  This is going to take some getting used to.  You can't drive around and look for cheap gas.  You pick the first station that can accommodate you and the beast.  Found one, filled up the tanks(Over $200 Bucks) and successfully navigated back to the highway without any damage.  Woot!

I decide I need supplies and figure it is now or make a special trip later, so I keep an eye out for a Wal-Mart.  Some folks boon-dock including us on occasion at Wal-Mart so I thought it would be a good option for finding parking and the supplies I needed.  NOT this one!  All the lanes were bordered with huge trees that hung low and narrow entrances that I can't fit through.  It is almost as if it was done on purpose to keep the RV's out of the parking lot.  I manage to find a spot but my rear end is sticking out.  I wait for a Bus to pull out and I reverse into a spot with help from a fellow driver who sensed my need for assistance.  With supplies purchased I am on the road again.


I finally make it home without a scratch.  I had to place wooden blocks near the curb so I could make it up onto the drive way.  I back into a spot that was earmarked for a potential beast long before the thought came to mind to buy one.  Unhitching the beast was a breeze compared to removing the Lance camper.  Just lower the front jacks, unplug, open the jaws of the hitch and pull away.  Push a button and the 6 point leveling system did it's job and I am done....for now. Maybe this wasn't such a bad idea after all.


During the trip home at my 1st stop I parked and did a walk-around and find that the Refrigerator cover is missing.  Damn.  During the PDI the guy opened it but I guess he didn't close it properly.  I immediately call ed the Salesperson and he tells me he would send me a replacement.  He did it, sent the wrong size, then sent me a second one and it fit but it doesn't have the decals.  I am a little bummed about that.

I feel like I need a place to vent, share, warn and remember this adventure.  For now all I have done is put the fear of god in anyone thinking about moving up to a 5th wheel.  I hope to reach a point of comfort as I gain experience and as we customize the beast so that it feels like home.  I like to boon-dock and the beast is not ready yet.  There is much to do and all I really want to do is hit the road.  I am stuck behind this computer for now sitting in my comfortable arm chair but that will change soon I am sure.