First Time Everything!

[RollingStones]

We purchased a Bighorn 3610RE after looking at a lot of units but knowing nothing about them. We have owned boats for years but this is completely new to us. We "practiced" camping in our yard last weekend to advance our "learning curve" but this weekend we are taking our first adventure away from home. Five miles one way to the campground! Looking forward and planning many great adventures in the future.

 

[jimtoo]

HI RollingStones,

Welcome to the Heartland Owners Forum and family. We have a great bunch of folks here with lots of information and all willing to share their knowledge when needed.

You will have a great trip, just take your time, double check everything when you hookup and unhook. The Heartland family is here if you need help with anything.

Have a great safe time.

Jim M

 

[kowAlski631]

From another former boater, welcome! You'll like your land boat. If you have questions, make sure you ask them here. Everyone likes to help each other.

 

[Mizmary]

Congratulations. have fun on your "long" journey. ;-P

 

[4ever]

Congratulations on your new 5th wheel. I am sure you will enjoy. I also had boats for years and there are some similarities although some differences as well. Enjoy.

 

[RollingStones]

Thanks, Love the land Yacht! Have a first draft of departure and arrival check list. Doing the close thing as a shake down cruise so to speak to keep the anxiety part low. Don't want to make any big mistakes. Will post how it goes.

 

[ParkIt]

Good to hear you have a check list before heading out (it will grow by the next trip), have fun and post up any questions once you are there if something doesn't seem right...there are a few things that work a little differently than marine craft.

Just to make sure...you are going to a campground and not going to launch it in a lake, right?
Welcome to Heart Land living!

 

[donr827]

We went from a sailboat we used in South Florida and the Keys to a fifth wheel. Just take your time and ask all the questions you need to.
Don

 

[kowAlski631]

We totally understand a shakedown cruise mindset. Make a check list, check it 2x, & add to it as you go along. You already know how to stow stuff before leaving your slip. You won't have waves to contend with, but sometimes you will have to maneuver due to other drivers which will cause non-secured items to launch across the room. Don't ask how we found that out.

Have fun. That's what these rigs are for!

 

[billyjoeraybob]

Congrats on the new rig! Be sure to top off you fuel tanks! Don't want to come up short on that maiden voyage. Most importantly be careful and just have some fun. That is what this is all about.

 

[2psnapod2]

Don't forget to do a pull test, to verify that your hitch is hitched. Also check you lights! And then have fun......

 

[NWILSON]

Before using any of the inside water fixtures (sinks, shower, commode) check the T-handle drain releases to make SURE they are all the way in. You don't want any surprises the first time you take the cap(s) off to connect the drain hose for emptying.

 

[jmgratz]

Congrats and it is smart to take the close to home 'trip'. That way if you forget something (like a can opener) you can run home and get it. The very most important thing about camping and RVins is to Have Fun!

 

[Theresau]

Our son didn't do this when he picked up his new Jayco - we went camping together and I guess after we left when he went to dump - he got a huge surprise - we missed it all but he's had this story to tell ever since - I guess he was a real mess.

Before using any of the inside water fixtures (sinks, shower, commode) check the T-handle drain releases to make SURE they are all the way in. You don't want any surprises the first time you take the cap(s) off to connect the drain hose for emptying.

 

[Mizmary]

Ever seen the movie RV? ;-P

Also- if you have big changes in altitude watch that. Pressurized waste is no fun!

 

[RollingStones]

Happy to say our first adventure was a lot of fun and without any big mishaps. Certanly need to make a few adjustments in our routine. Our Dodge Ram needs longer mirrors. I had installed a backup camera but its not enough. Blew three fuses with the new tire pump. Thinking we may have air bags installed to help the springs. Hands free cell phone worked okay "docking" but we were really slow. Need more leveling pads. Did not see the post about the sewer, when I took cap off there was still test water in the grey water tank. Thankfully just got wet shoes. Learned without any damage to look closer at tree branches. Thankfully Palm limbs give way pretty easy. Shook a few things up but nothing broken. Met some great folks and learned a great Margarita recepie. Thanks for all the input! Looking forward to the future.

 

[Kbvols]

Sounds like a great first outing!! Congrats and happy camping.