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Post by huntemup on Feb 15, 2013 10:34:34 GMT -5
I am purchasing a 2013 Sportsmen 331BH. (Large family) This will be my first camper.
First question - Plastic stackers or boards? Read reviews on plastic stackers. Most say they are easy stored and light. Cons are they seems to wear and crack under certain conditions. A few says stick with boards. Heavy and take up space but last alot longer and cheaper. Your opinion?
Second question - Any helpful hints on accessories? I have looked and there are so many items that promise "to make your camping experience more enjoyable", but how many really do and are worth the money? Just like to hear any opinions or advice on this?
This is all I have for now but I am sure there will be more.
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Post by joecamper on Feb 15, 2013 13:50:52 GMT -5
About plastic stackers or boards. I've used both and both have pluses and minuses. I like the stackers in that they give you more options. To duplicate the boards, you'd have to carry a lot of boards and yes, they are heavier and take up more space. Having said that, I still take a couple boards. If I only need a little bit and a board fits the bill, I'll use boards because they are faster and simpler to use.
That probably didn't really answer your questions, but maybe gives you some idea.
On the accessory thing, you'll have to figure out which items are really worth it. If funds are no issue, you'll have lots more choices. The items that I find I'm really glad I got are a water restrictive device with gage that lets me know how much pressure is available and along with that a good water filter.
Ask specifics and I'm sure we'll all chime in on whether that's a "keeper" or "not worth it" item.
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Post by majorloser on Feb 15, 2013 15:54:27 GMT -5
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Post by majorloser on Feb 15, 2013 15:57:16 GMT -5
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Post by ozandus on Feb 15, 2013 19:24:01 GMT -5
First question - Plastic stackers or boards? Read reviews on plastic stackers. Most say they are easy stored and light. Cons are they seems to wear and crack under certain conditions. A few says stick with boards. Heavy and take up space but last alot longer and cheaper. Your opinion? I use plastic Lynx levelers, the advantage being they lock together HOWEVER they can crack if sitting on a rough surface such as crusher stone and they can shift as you pull the trailer up on to the stack, especially if the surface they happen to be sitting on is slick, such as tarmac. I solved both those issues by mounting a layer of Lynx to 3/4" wood, creating a base that protects the Lynx from cracking and prevents any shifting at all. I've been using this system for quite a few years now, first with our hybrid, then a longer folding version for our travel trailer. A series of 10 pics starts here. |
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Post by spadoctor on Feb 16, 2013 8:40:33 GMT -5
I have a 1.4 milk ceate bin that I filled with various size pieces of 1/2" and 3/4" plywood that I stack to level side to side and it has always been enough. Been using the same setup since 1985 long before the plastic ones and none ever broke. I also suggest not going crazy and outfit your rig as time goes by. The one thing I find most useful is a good stainless steel portable gas grill, coleman stove, 20lb gas bottle and hose setup to run both off the 20lb bottle.
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bluegrass
Seasonal RV’er
2019 1500Durango 259rdd
Posts: 177
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Post by bluegrass on Feb 16, 2013 18:04:43 GMT -5
When selecting plastic stacker boards consider other uses. We decided against Lynx because the surface was not as good for leveling picnic tables, due to the spacing of the connectors. You can bring a thin piece of wood to cover the top if you prefer the Lynx brand. There are others on the market that worked better for us. Look at what you might use them for in addition to trailer leveling and then make your decision.
We too have used the milk crate with various lengths and thicknesses of 2x6 pieces...worked great for a lot less money....just depends on your storage space.
I agree with others, you need to figure out what you definitely need....you can waste a lot of money and space on what you think might work. I suggest you start out with the minimum and add as you go along and find the need. Also, check to see if items are available elsewhere, some of the RV stores are rather pricey compared to discount department stores or hardware stores.
Happy camping!!!!
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fhenn
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 1
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Post by fhenn on Feb 16, 2013 18:23:51 GMT -5
I use the Lynx for leveling. Use to us wood, and got a small spinter in the hand. It became infected. besides I just rinse them off and they do not pick up the pine straw that the boards do. Every one has to make their own choices
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Post by huntemup on Feb 26, 2013 13:59:21 GMT -5
Thanks for all the advice. I went ahead and went with boards. I attached some rope to them so the splinters should not be a problem especially since the kids will be helping me. Waiting on purchasing some of the accessories. I went ahead and had them put on permanent bypass kit for the water heater and a freshwater pump kit to pump antifreeze in.
Another question - I asked the dealer what they reccommend in cleaning the RV. They stated "Mean Green". I quess that is something like Simple Green. They said I could use it on everything. If it is this simple, great. I would hate to buy numerous bottles of cleaners when all I need is one.
Another question - My camper does not have an dark water flush on it. The walk through guy recommended dumping a 10lb bag of ice in the toilet after you dump at the campsite. He said with the melting and it moving around in the tank, it cleans it. When you get home, use a 5gal bucket to dump it in to. He said this is the best way to clean it. What is your opinion?
Another question - During warm weather, do you recommend leaving the gray and black tanks completely dry or left some water in them? Any chemicals?
Hopefully, with all the questions, I do not upset anyone.
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Post by joecamper on Feb 26, 2013 15:49:32 GMT -5
Thanks for all the advice. I went ahead and went with boards. I attached some rope to them so the splinters should not be a problem especially since the kids will be helping me. Waiting on purchasing some of the accessories. I went ahead and had them put on permanent bypass kit for the water heater and a freshwater pump kit to pump antifreeze in. Good idea on the permanent bypass kitAnother question - My camper does not have an dark water flush on it. The walk through guy recommended dumping a 10lb bag of ice in the toilet after you dump at the campsite. He said with the melting and it moving around in the tank, it cleans it. When you get home, use a 5gal bucket to dump it in to. He said this is the best way to clean it. What is your opinion? Mine does have a flush, but I've heard many say the ice thing works really good. In addition, this also does a good job of cleaning the level sensors. But I wouldn't empty it afterwards (see my answer below)Another question - During warm weather, do you recommend leaving the gray and black tanks completely dry or left some water in them? Any chemicals? I don't leave my tanks empty except when winterizing. In fact I continue to keep adding to them until they have to be emptied because they drain better when full anyway.Hopefully, with all the questions, I do not upset anyone. Question away, that's the only way you can learn. You know the old saying: the only dumb question is the one you don't ask. |
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