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First time full timers permanently parked - advice appreciated

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  • First time full timers permanently parked - advice appreciated

    Hi all!

    Background:
    We just bought a brand new 2023 Reflection 337RLS and plan to go full time.

    We've never owned an RV before and are going to park it on some family property permanently while we save up for a house or some property of our own to build on.

    We live in the Pacific Northwest and get a pretty vicious northeastern wind that can be about 12 degrees and 60+ miles an hour at the worst. The wind definitely knocks out the power from time to time. We also get plenty of rain and some snow. Our summers have gotten more severe with some days reaching as high as 100 degrees.

    Question
    I'd love some advice on what purchases we should prioritize and anything y'all wish you'd known starting out? Should we invest in a good carport for the RV? A generator? Gooseneck and slide out supports? Wheel stabilizers? Slide out covers? Other things I don't know to list? All advice welcome

  • #2
    rudy558 First suggestion is a large propane tank (with a delivery service to refill it) to run the furnace since you're in such a cold environment. The linked article below does a decent job of explaining the affect of cold weather on propane:

    https://www.hunker.com/12597867/how-...a-propane-tank
    Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

    Howard & Francine
    2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus

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    • #3
      A carport with a wall on the windy side, and back maybe, would help with cold weather as well as keeping the debris off of the roof. Do not add supports to the slide outs. When the RV "settles" or moves you could damage the slide mechanisms or even the slide box itself. A generator in the 4500 w range or larger if you like.

      Brian
      Brian & Michelle
      2018 Reflection 29RS
      2022 Chevy 3500HD

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      • #4
        I'd focus on stabilizing the unit first. Unstable unit that moves around a lot can get annoying to me but you may find it's not an issue.

        A good GN hitch stabilizer to help reduce the overhung weight affected by the wind.
        X-Chock brackets for the wheels to help keep the unit from rocking forward and backwards.
        Concrete slab to park the unit on (this is multi fold as it will also help with settling).

        Then as mentioned Larger LP tank with a delivery service.
        Min 3kw Generator as this will keep your heater running in the winter should you loose power and need the battery charger to work. larger is better, but remember the fuel use values are proved at 50% load (basically idle) and 100%. Our little 3250 burns about 5 gallons of fuel a day when I was using it to run one AC the Micro (not with AC and HWH) and the HWH for about 12 hrs per day / night.

        As time / money permits, RV carport, adjust the walls as needed to keep visibility out of the windows as desired.
        Joseph
        Tow
        Vehicle: 2024 GMC K3500 Denali Ultimate Diesel
        Coach: 303RLS Delivered March 5, 2021
        South of Houston Texas

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        • #5
          Good suggestions above. I will just add a recommendation to address relative humidity inside the unit. Dehumidifiers and fans in closets and cupboards will help keep mildew and mold at bay. Pay close attention to corners of the slides, these seem to be less insulated than other parts of the slides and concentration points for mildew and mold. If you don't have additional covers for your ventilation fans, get them so that you can run the fans even while it is raining, and remember to let the fans run for several minutes after finishing cooking or showering.
          John
          2018 Momentum 395M
          2018 Ram 3500 Dually
          Every day is a Saturday, but with no lawn to mow.

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