Back in 2021we had decided to spend our Thanksgiving outdoors and rented a small RV. I had written about our experience here. We went to Byerly RV Center wanting to rent a camper van and there was nothing available, but the 23TW Gemini RUV Motorhome was available so we had rented that. We had a lot of fun and thought we should go to the RV show here in St. Louis to check out what are the other motor homes that are available.
We did find a lot of RVs, Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels and Campers but we were not ready to purchase at the show just yet. We did decide though to visit Bill Thomas Camper Sales because we were talking Anthony Hill, a sales representative, from that company who was really helpful in explaining different features in the campers. He had invited us to come to their dealership because they have a lot more he can show us than what is on the show. That we did!
After talking it out a day or 2 we decide to buy a used 2021 Grand Design Transcend 221RB. We figured that with the high cost of rental and how much we really enjoyed it we would get our money's worth if we just have our own.
We took it for a a "test" camp in Cuivre River State Park which was about 30 minutes away from the Bill Thomas Camper Sales. Shortly after the turnover of our camper we head on to the park.
Attaching the travel trailer to our truck I think is the most nerve wracking part of the set up because you have to make sure that you do not skip a single step when attaching the trailer to the truck.
Thankfully we arrive at the park, we even back up this entire thing into our camping spot which was on Campground (1-68) site 19.
The campground we were on were pretty open and there were already a lot of other campers on the site. It was a full hook up site (water, sewer and electricity) but since it is still winter water was off.
The next day we spent the day exploring some of the trails we have not hiked before. We had to pose for a photo op on one of the bluffs with our matching t-shirts courtesy of Bill Thomas. Georgia of course had to do a look back
Here are some of the pictures from the inside
We stayed in Cuivre River for 2 nights and the total cost of our camping trip was a little over $53 but we had so much fun trying out our travel trailer and learning how to use it as we go.
We learned a lot of things on our first trip camping but here are my top lessons on the trip:
Top 10 Tips for Beginner Travel Trailer Camping:
Camping with a travel trailer is an exciting adventure, especially for beginners. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, here are the top 10 tips to keep in mind:
Choose the Right Trailer: Select a trailer that suits your needs, considering factors like size, amenities, and towing capacity. Our dealer helped us determine the right capacity for us.
Practice Towing: Familiarize yourself with towing and parking your trailer before hitting the road. We had practiced doing this in the parking lot before we took the trailer out for camping.
Plan Your Route: Plan your route in advance, including campsite reservations and potential stops along the way.
Pack Thoughtfully: Make a checklist and pack essentials like cooking equipment, bedding, clothing, and RV-specific supplies.
Level Your Trailer: Use leveling blocks to ensure your trailer is on a flat surface to prevent discomfort while sleeping.
Hook Up Utilities: Learn how to connect water, electricity, and sewage, and always carry necessary adapters and extension cords.
Stabilize and Secure: Use stabilizer jacks to prevent rocking, and secure all belongings inside the trailer during travel.
Maintain Safety: Familiarize yourself with the trailer's safety features and always carry safety equipment like fire extinguishers and first aid kits.
Be Mindful of Weight: Avoid overloading your trailer to maintain safe towing and control.
Embrace Flexibility: Stay flexible with your plans, and don't be afraid to ask for help or advice from fellow campers.
Remember, the key to a successful first-time travel trailer camping experience is preparation and a willingness to learn. Embrace the journey, and you'll create wonderful memories in the great outdoors.
Also an additional tip, since we had heard that it is difficult to find camping spots we've had a couple of camping site already booked for the summer so this is just the beginning of our travel trailer camping adventures! If you had enjoyed your camping trip. Plan ahead, looking for camping spots can be difficult.
Beginner Travel Trailer Tips
How do you reduce moisture and prevent mold in an RV?
To keep your RV dry and mold-free we like silica containers like 𝗩𝗮𝗰𝗽𝗹𝘂𝘀 Moisture Absorber Boxes. Using silica gel packets is a smart move. Put them in spots where air doesn't flow well to absorb extra moisture. Silica gel sucks up humidity, making the air drier and stopping mold from growing.
Do you bring a portable fan in the travel trailer?
YES! Bringing a portable fan on your RV trips can be highly advantageous, especially during sweltering weather. While many RVs come equipped with air conditioning and a built-in ceiling fan, a portable fan enhances air flow and helps manage indoor temperatures more effectively. You can position the fan in various locations inside the RV, ensuring consistent air circulation throughout the space and improving overall comfort on particularly hot days.
Just check out this sophisticated set up!
What is a tip for increasing comfort in an RV mattress?
We use a mattress protector RV Short Queen Waterproof Mattress Protector and Bedsure Short Queen Mattress Pad - Soft Cooling Mattress Pad RV Queen. These products seems effective to make the RV mattresses a little bit more comfortable . Depending on your preference, opting for a thickness of two, three, or four inches can significantly improve the feel of the mattress you currently use.
Can motion sensor lights be used to light up dark closets and cupboards in an RV?
Yes! Some of the closets are deep and the room lights does not always reach them so we "installed" WOBANE LED Closet Light Motion Activated which is just really sticking it to the wall. I like that you just stick it to the closet walls and it is rechargeable.
What is a tip for reducing heat loss in an RV?
A useful strategy to minimize heat escape in an RV is to employ a vent cushion, which helps to seal the vent and prevent warmth from leaking out.
I hope you found our Beginner's Guide to Camping with Travel Trailer
TTYL
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