(Part 3) Best products from r/GoRVing

First of, excellent choice of RV and truck.

I love my Andersen Magnetic Jack Blocks. You have the 6 point auto-leveling system from Lippert (Ground Control 3.0 I reckon) so you just attach these jack blocks to the round feet magnetically so you never have to 'center' the blocks when leveling.

LevelMate Pro is another item I have that I love. You can check if your level, side to side before even detaching. It's a must have as I shave a good 5-10 mins each time I setup and I'm always 100% perfectly level.

Purchase a Kingpin Lock for when your RV isn't hooked up to the truck so no one can steal it.

Purchase a regular lock to replace the lock pin on your 5th wheel hitch to prevent people from unhooking your RV when you're stopped. Yes, it's happened.

Consider getting the Furrion observation camera. Your RV is already pre-wired for it so it's crazy easy to install.

Which surge protector did you get? Progressive Industries makes really good units and they're quite popular.

Enjoy!

I put these LEDs in my fifth wheel. Cool white,
Warm white

They're 12-28v, some reviews reported issues with using the 12v version from that brand in RVs. The warm white its kinda yellow like the stock incandescents while the cool white looks like a florescent light. Most of my fixtures use two bulbs, so I put one of each in them for a good mix of color temperature. They don't put out quite as much light as the incandescents, but it's still enough and the power usage and heat are reduced a ton. I got a 10 pack of each and they're all working great after 6+ months of daily use.

I highly recommend the Champion 3400 Dual-Fuel. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FAWMMEY/

I upgraded from a 2000 watt generator just like you so that I could power A/C on low while also running other things at the same time. I chose this one because it has an RV ready plug and also can run off propane or gas which is a great plus. Electric start is nice as well. It's not very loud, 59 dBA.

I liked this model because it has wheels and is a bit easier to move around, and the 3400 watts peak vs 3100 on the next lower RV ready model could make a decent difference in what I could do.

I have a nice Yamaha 2000 watt inverter generator that I was using before. It just didn't have the guts for things like the A/C or microwave. Like you I also considered getting a second one because you can chain them together, but then I have twice as much that can go wrong, twice as much maintenance, etc. I did keep it as an emergency backup at home but for ease of use when camping lugging around two generators didn't seem to make sense to me. I have a small solar panel setup that I use to top off the RV batteries during the day which is cheaper than dealing with two generators so worst case scenario I'd just be a little uncomfortable if it's hot out and the generator had issues.

I also installed a transfer switch at home so I can also use this to power critical items in my home in an emergency. Since it was just 120V that was pretty cheap too, I was able to pick up the transfer switch for under $200.

Get a hitch tightener. It will alleviate much of the "normal" noises a hitch can make. But yes, like everyone else says, make sure your hitch etc is correct.

https://www.amazon.com/StowAway-Cargo-Carriers-20-6-Tightener/dp/B0001CMUV4

I've done a few things. My most recent mod was adding USB plugs all over the place wired directly to the 12v system. I used these: http://amzn.com/B00MNGCDVS
That helps when we're dry camping and keeps our 120v outlets open for other things when we're not.

The best mod I've done is adding a battery voltage and current display: http://amzn.com/B013PKYILS

That shows how many amps you're using and gives a very accurate display of your voltage. SUPER handy while dry camping.

In order of performance/relabilty

1. Wilson, The go-to antenna of truck drivers for years. I have a Wilson 2000 trucker that's been in service for well over 20 years. I also have a Lil Will for the pickup that's over 10 years old.
   
2. Next in line after that is Firestick
   
3. and of course if you an figure out a ay to mount it, the ever trusty 102 inch whip.

The control and ducted vs non-ducted is determined by the "ADB" (Air Distribution Box). So, in addition to the roof box you'd have to buy something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-Air-Conditioners-3314851-000-Control/dp/B00HJQ86UO/Or for Coleman/Airxcel, this: https://www.amazon.com/AIRXCEL-Standard-08-0059-Deluxe-Non-Ducted/dp/B00RQSP400/


Probably worth seeing if the pre-wiring involves wires running to a thermostat that could control both units. If so, just match the brand/model of the one you already have.

If he's a coffee drinker, we have a great insulated french press (and it's stainless steel so doesn't break!)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072QYB79W/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B072QYB79W&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=21517efd-b385-405b-a405-9a37af61b5b4&pd_rd_wg=SsZGw&pf_rd_r=2TWP5M79TF17Y8G03YNJ&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&pd_rd_w=9Uvvv&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pd_rd_r=8a65920d-ed0d-11e8-85b9-e360a19f1fa1

Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4,000-9,000-BTU Indoor-Safe Portable Radiant Heater https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002G51BZU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_nvL-zbF85BZ12

For when/ if electricity fails you. Whether it's a problem with your internal wiring, or an external lack of power. I keep this inside my rig all winter incase of emergency. One of those green propane bottles last 4-5 hours, so keep a couple bottles inside. It's safe to run in the trailer.

I bought my rig last November and went straight to Denver for all of December and January. I stayed totally dry for most of that until I got a heated hose and figured out a couple more tricks.

Keep a clean 5 gallon bucket inside, sometimes motivation or the time isn't there to make it to the gym for a shower. You can boil a kettle of water and use it to wash up.

You can also buy a hand pump for those primo water jugs which are quick, easy, and cheap to fill. Those make it easy to keep water in the place.

You can either wash dishes in a bucket and dump it outside, or you'll need to figure out grey water from the sink. It shouldn't be a problem to run a line out and dump it on the ground, you'd just want to watch the line to make sure you don't get an ice block in there.

If the outhouse gets old, you can look into a composting toilet if you have somewhere to keep it. Or a toilet with a "cassette" which you can dump in the outhouse when it's not -10 out.

Sometimes it's nice to have an option for anything you might need inside the trailer to get though cold days and nights.

Here's what I use for outside cooking:

https://www.amazon.com/Tourist-Single-Portable-Propane-Compatibility/dp/B071P8PF35/ref=sr_1_2?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4_f2wP7n5AIVFuDtCh3msQMHEAAYASAAEgIPGfD_BwE&hvadid=285983954853&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9005728&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=13953745982145323318&hvtargid=kwd-493728123784&hydadcr=6043_9993635&keywords=stok+tourist&qid=1569277577&sr=8-2

It works for grilling, and without the grill surround, you can put a frying pan or other pot on the burner. I love the flexibility.

You may prefer something with multiple burners like this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Tourist-Single-Portable-Propane-Compatibility/dp/B071P8PF35/ref=sr_1_2?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4_f2wP7n5AIVFuDtCh3msQMHEAAYASAAEgIPGfD_BwE&hvadid=285983954853&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9005728&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=13953745982145323318&hvtargid=kwd-493728123784&hydadcr=6043_9993635&keywords=stok+tourist&qid=1569277577&sr=8-2

I have one of these too, but don't travel with it as our RV has a propane stove inside.

I make and sell a ton of these. People seem to like them!

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I can switch out the Travel trailer for an RV if you like.

I also do custom Yeti style insulated tumblers.

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https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CGTWLCY

When we had a popup we had a string of these along the awning:

https://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Backyard-Deckyard-Pergola-Umbrella/dp/B07GB2CLTP

Really like mellow light.

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On our new trailer we have the factory bright white LED strip which I am not a fan of.

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Yeah, that was our plan this weekend. I've been searching around and one of these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K87FR5C looks like it might do the trick. I think it would be good piece-of-mind, since I'd hate to have to disconnect everything just to go and dump the tanks.
We just purchased this camper 2 weeks ago and space is limited at most places we're interested in. Next summer we hope to get in on full-service sites.

If you have a wifi hotspot, you could probably do it easily with a wifi cooking thermometer. A little more expensive, but probably what you are looking for is something like this https://www.amazon.com/MINGER-Temperature-Humidity-Hygrometer-Thermometer/dp/B07FBCTQ3L/

I got a simple plug-in that reads the ups/dns of the starting battery. Works great, albeit not bright enough to overcome direct sunlight.

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0795CNWZ9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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Jim

I went back and checked it looking for the sail switch. found 2 possibilities... one was a small plastic black box attached to the fan housing in the front. it has 2 wires connected but seems to just be this https://www.amazon.com/Brumfield-W58-XB1A4A-10-Thermal-Circuit-Breaker/dp/B0195UWNCI

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The second other option was 2 wires going upwards connected on the roof of the furnace panel. I'ts not directly mounted on the housing of the fan and i cant seem to see exactly what the 2 wires connect to. They're just connected together to the ceiling.

If they're handy, give them a couple of [these.] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00MNGCDVS/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1) Very easy to install, just need access to 12v line. I have a couple in mine and it's very convenient.

Using a generator for a space heater is inefficient. It's also expensive.

If all you need is heat, go for a catalytic propane space heater. Something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU

That one is expensive at $70, you can get decent models as cheap as $20 that screw onto the top of a Coleman propane cylinder.

We have a 2006 Rockwood. Since its the same manufacturer, we may have the same lights.

Our dinette light is two bulbs, with a half dome...

Outside porch and yard lights...

Small round reading lights.

All overhead lights...

Hope this helps.

Edit: the outside lights and the dinette lights look very similar. Also, the stove hood light uses the same bulb as the overheads.

I have two of these i installed to prevent bouncing and such. One on the car bike rack and one on the hitch on the rv the car is attatched to. Not sure about the one on the rv doing much but i am sure the one the car for the bike rack reduced the amount of moving around the bike rack does. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001CMUV4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

How much of a pita is it to hook up the ProPride each time? Do you mark something on a bar or somewhere to know how far to raise it each time?

This is the generator I was looking at:

https://www.amazon.com/Champion-3400-Watt-Portable-Inverter-Generator/dp/B01FAWMMEY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1522347779&sr=8-3&keywords=champion+generator&dpID=51diHuUCxhL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch