1st time RV'er--looking for advise & tips

[steve & darlene]

Hello,

My name is Steve Rees, and my wife is Darlene. Along with our two children ( Nick & Jake ), we just purchased a 2008 Crossfire 33MK.toy hauler. It is in very good shape, and we feel like we recieved a good deal.

I am looking for advise and tips on how to properly use and enjoy our coach. My boys race motocross so our primary focus is going to races in relative comfort. We also plan to use it for family vacations and traveling.

Our first experience was not so good though, the Onan 4000 generator only had 5 hours on it and the carb/ fuel pump/ pick up and fuel lines were coated with varnish from old gas, and after several attempts to remedy the problem ( and over $1500.00) we finally just replaced everything but the generator. The generator is running smoothly now and I am keeping fresh gas along with Sta-Bul in the tank. I also had a problem with the rear bunk beds in the garage area. They were making a loud clicking noise from the chains that raise and lower the beds. The origional owner never used them , and only lowered them once to make sure they worked. (when he purchased it new). The first time I tried to lower the beds to use them, the chain made a very loud bang, and the lower bed came off the track. I had it repaired by United RV in Ft Worth Tx, and while the beds do work, itthe chain stillmakesnoise .

This sounds like I am complaining , but I am very pleased with the overall experience with our fifth wheel.

I am hoping to find some other RVers with similar experiences and interests.

I am very open to any advise that might be given to me about ANY PART of using and maintaining our RV.

For example, there is two large fresh water tanks next to the door, which tank should I fill first for shorter trips? and we won't be needing that much water.

Do I need to drain the hot water tank every time I use it, or just when I am going to store it for longer periods of time?

As I said earlier, This is our FIRST time using a fifth wheel.



Thank you in advance for any help, it will be appreciated



Steve & Darlene Rees

 

[Hunter11]

First off, welcome aboard. It sounds like you have it pretty much under control. As far as the water tanks I would fill the one farthest forward so you keep the weight away from therear of the trailer for a better ride and control.



And I see you are in Texas, keep watching for an announcement at some point about next years Texas Crossroads Rally.

 

[Stan-XRD]

Steve and Darlene, welcome to the forum and congrats on the Cross Terrain. I only drain the water heater if it is going to sit for more than a month or so and when winterizing. I replaced the plug on the back with a small boiler drain to make this easier. I used to race motorcycles in Southern California deserts when I was younger and more, well shall we say crazy? Had a great time with lots of memories. Again, welcome aboard.

 

[happycampers-THOR]

Hi Steve and Darlene; welcome to the Crossroads family. There are lots of knowledgeable people in here, ask away!

 

[we-canoe]

Sounds like the chains are dry. We use a product called "Pen-Lube" (Dow Corning??) on my milling machine at work to hold up the milling head (about 35,000 lbs). It is thin and works into the pins/rollers then leaves a molly coat inside.

We use ours to go to the race track also (remote contol offroad nitro or elec http://www.mnnitroseries.com/) makes the weekend much more enjoyable for the whole family-shower,beds,fridge,stove....

I only drain the water tank,leave the hot full as we go every couple weeks all summer. As for the gen the worse thing you can do is NOT use it, Sta-bil is great stuff.

We have some friends that have a toy-hauler that have a screen that fitsacross the ramp opening to keep the "shop" aired or just keep the bugs out.

Congrats and good luck!! Keep up on this site LOTS of good people and VERY helpful.

Enjoy.

 

[MaPaChoo]

One note I would add if you are on well water and leave it in your hot tank it can smell if sets a long time between trips. With those boys riding however its more than likely out often. Good luck with the new rig, We often put a fold-up picnic tables in the Nephews toy hauler between the rear bunks they travel well and it gives more space on the road and when we get there. Good Luck have fun with the new rig

 

[mlsawmill]

We also have a truck camper which we had 10 + years and never drain the tanks.

If you are using it alot the water is fresh and not stale.

When we travel with the truck camper or travel trailer we go with a full tank of water for never know when we might dry camp. That way we can take showers and feel fresh.

I would think you only need one tank with water.

Marvin

 

[scarna]

Hi Steve,
I have the identical toy hauler, and have had the same problems. The bed issue was corrected by loosening the bed track mounting bolts to allow the track to "float" as the bed is raised /lowered. I wasn't thrilled by this fix, but it seems to have improved the bed operation.
My generator also did not run smooth from the day I purchased it. I took the carb apart and cleaned the main fuel metering passages and now it runs smoothly and can handle the ac and the microwave at the same time whereas it could not before.
Re the AC, I believe I have the upgraded AC, but it has no trouble keeping the main areas cool. For the garage, I use a floor standing unit that I have plumbed into the aft vent. It also keeps the garage cool in 100 degree TX heat.
If you still have the Mission tires on your camper - replace them ASAP. I had two blowouts within 50 miles a few years ago and the road hazard "warranty" and the tire "warrany" are not worth the paper they are written on.