New Members, Start Here!!

RV Magazine has forums now!! That's AWESOME!
Let's use this thread to introduce ourselves.  

I'm Monica Thompson, 25, Southern California. Parents just bought a brand new Rebel Trailer, brother has a Shasta that he's been working on, grandparents still take their RV across country and show no signs of slowing down! We have a collection of dirt bikes and are STOKED to have our little toy hauler instead of of tent camping.   We really appreciate it.  

Hey, everybody!

I'm Rick, a software/computer engineer, and we just entered the RV world by buying a 2009 Skyline Nomad 18-foot camper trailer.  We pick it up next week when I have the electronic brake controller installed in my Tacoma V-6 pickup truck.

This is my first RV and we were tent campers when I was a kid so I've got a LOT to learn.  (I've already learned that anything with "RV" on the name means you pay 4-5 more than normal!)

Hopefully I can gleen some valuable knowledge from you experience RV'ers...I have a couple of RV books and an RV magazine to study today!

Happy trails!

Rick
Monument, Colorado  

Hey Rick, welcome! Congrats on your purchase! Can we see it? Create a profile for it at http://rides.rvmagonline.com and show us some pictures!
Have you picked it up yet? I grew up tent camping too, so I feel totally spoiled in a trailer! Makes you appreciate it more for sure!  

Hi.  I'm new (August 24, 2010).  My son goes to college in Alaska (Alaska Pacific University) and this summer we bought a 2004 35' Fleetwood Gearbox Toyhauler (fifth wheel) and a 2006 Ford Superduty F250 diesel.  WE live in upstate New York and he just left to return to school.  In the Spring 2010 issue of RV Magazine, Larry Saavedra wrote about airbag suspension.  Question - would the investment in rear airbags for the truck be worth it?  The truck seems to set level and not that old. he has a friend in Montanna that says he will install them for $300 (seem low). I can also be reached at hillerjerry@hotmail.com.  Thanks for any assistance  

hi,new member   my wife and i camp in a 27 foot coachman.we are members at a primitave club. would appreciate advice on an invertor generator. cant afford honda so im looking for an alternative thanks in advance  

Hey all,

We're trying to join all of the most popular RV forums that you go to for your most trusted advice on all things RVing. Just trying to join in on the conversation. That said we hope you'll check out our site and we'll do our best not to spam any of you.

Happy RVin'
Amanda
http://www.rvparking.com  

Yeah Rick Congratulations...As the editor of RV magazine, I welcome you to our growing community of people who enjoy the great outdoors!  

Thanks Amada and welcome. I'll check out your site today  

It all depends on the shape of the rest of the suspension. If you are experiencing issues when you drive the RV, like oscillation for example or sagging out back, then yes air bags to help the springs could be worth it. You didn't mention if there was anything wrong with the RV on the road...which leads me to wonder why you think you need bags. Air bags are used to offer support to a tired suspension...Hope that helps.  

Just joined today, so thought Id jump in here.  Retired CW4 US Army aviator, ride motorcycles (see the post in that forum), have a F350 and tow a Kit Companion TT we bought when as a civilian contractor got sent to Ft Polk La for a summer!  Camped out with the USA a few times, along with BSA (son is an Eagle Scout).  We have a 10 slide in camper but it doesnt fit the new truck and that is what we started family camping with, then a tent, now the TT.  I retired again from the contractor job and now drive a school bus!  Really like it only have to work 9.5 Mo a year!  2.5 months to do whatever.

As to the generator I responded in that forum on what I have take a look.

The airbags would probably be good for ya, they aid the suspension, not just support a "tired supension".  They help keep the truck level and really do save the suspension as you will not be pushing on the springs all the time.  probably a set of firestone airbags  or some from Air Ride like the 5000's I think they are.  I have them on my truck, took the over load springs off.  Now if you are talking full air bag suspension that is what the big trucks have and kellerman makes kits for them, no springs involved.

There are some other RV forums out here but this appears to be the newest, I think the mag is fairly new I dont know.

Anyhow enjoy, more than willing to try and help if ya ask, I know I will if I need some help.

Hank  

My parents covered the US numerous times in a Coachman travel trailer. We have a 2007 v-6 F-150 with towing package and are looking for a new pop up that will set up easily. I know they have changed since my parents RVd 20 years ago. Brands and tech-knowledge have changed and I don't know where to start. Just 2 of us and our dog. We want on-board shower and toilet. Most important is quality and easy setup.
Any help would be greatly appreciated! Looking for a new one.   The new light weights look pretty good also!  

well I guess welcome as I was the last to be a new member.  Instead of a popup why not look for a hybride?  You know they are pretty light have ends where they are like a popup but have hard sides.  I wanted one for my kids to use but the guy who had one wanted way too much for it.  Anyhow I think they are still available, nice part is they are single axle so fairly small around 18-20 ft but have all the amenities and you can get into them without having to put anything up.  

Thanks! I am not sure that the manufacturers have not changed hands several times. Are the old names: Jay Co, Star craft and the like still making good products?  

cant answer this one for ya.  there is a jayco made dont know if its the same.  star craft dont know.  Mine is a Kit, went under in the early 2000's.  get a trailer life or just do a search for RV websites.  If ya need some I can post for ya.  

Thanks! My parents lived and breathed RVing for 35 years. My Mom and Step father drove down to their Parkmodel in Florida for the last time when he was 91. They both passed away 10 years ago. He lived to be 100 so I guess RVing helps you learn to take life easy. They could tell us everything you wanted to know about what was good and what was not. Today so many things have changed hands I don't know if the old brands are still what they were. I have even heard "AIR STREAM" is still good but not what they were. My truck is not that heavy duty so I need to get something that will pull easy. A pop up or hybrid sounds about right. We don't plan on living in it year round. Just want to go out into nature once and a while before people destroy it all. I put little faith in magazines when Motor trend gave Vega the car of the year award. Mom thought me "Ask the people who live it" if you want the truth about something. Thank you for your input!

  Bruce Faubel   4flashman@comcast.net