10 Things Every Fiberglass RV Owners Should Know.

[ceilityme]

Hi, I'm new. My name is Jude. I'm a she.
I've been floating around reading the posts and thanking my lucky stars I've found this place with all this knowledge.
I am about to be, if all goes according to plan, the proud new owner of a Boler this very weekend.
Fingers crossed.
I've never owned a trailer before. I've never slept in an RV not to mention a Boler, but I've always wanted one. I love to camp, I just can't do tents anymore. And so many 'camp' grounds don't allow them anymore and I'm getting, well, I'm getting sick, sore and tired in the morning from packing to planning. So it's the end of an era and the beginning of something new.
I'm a pretty sharp cookie, but as I've said, I'm new. I don't know a lot about pluming, or wiring, welding, working with glass, or heaters, water tanks. But I'm dying to get my hands dirty and create a beauty. And get back to camping!!
So, What should I and every other owner know about a these unique trailers? Those little common sense things people ought to know better??
Please keep adding to the list.
Thanks.

[Kevin K]

If you have a propane frig. the trailer MUST be level to make it work.
I travel with the propane tank shut off.
After I stop to camp. I turn on the propane and light my stove, this will pull the gas through the lines to make it easier to light the propane frig.

[DonDeutsch]

Always disconnect the wiring from the tow vehicle when you arrive, this is a failsafe to prevent drawing down the tow vehicle battery.

[Cyndi B.]

Not to mention driving away with it plugged in.

[Frederick L. Simson]

Originally Posted by ceilityme

Hi, I'm new.
I've never owned a trailer before.
So, What should I and every other owner know about a these unique trailers? Those little common sense things people ought to know better?

1. Molded Fiberglass Travel Trailers and conventional trailers are more alike than they are different. Components and sub-assemblies are acquired from many of the same manufacturers. Also, many skills that were learned from tenting also apply to trailers.

2. There is no "Right" or "Wrong". There is only personal preference, and what works for YOU. Your trailer can be as simple or as complicated; or as "Stock" or "Custom" as you are comfortable with.

3. It is a good idea to practice ahead of time, when you're not under pressure and have time enough to make a few mistakes and learn how NOT to do that again. Camp in your driveway so you can use your home as "Plan B".

4. The laws of Gravity and Physics are not subject to referendum and you don't get to vote on them. For example wheels are meant to roll, and they will continue to do so if you unhitch without chocking them.

5. When using propane, a BLUE flame is vitally important. A Yellow flame means something is wrong and the quicker you extinguish it and find out WHY it was yellow, the healthier you will be and the more intact your trailer will stay.

...to be continued

[Andrew GPSMapNut]

#1 and in my mind the most important thing to remember is; with trailering, just like with tenting, whatever drives you nuts today is going to be a fond memory tomorrow so, don't wait, laugh it off right away!

[Bobbie Mayer]

Whenever you stop for gas or at a rest stop or to eat, walk around the trailer and make sure everything still looks okay.

[CindyL]

Be prepared to answer lots of questions about your trailer. We have had people chase us in store parking lots for a chance to talk to us about our trailer and get a tour.

CindyL

[Doug Arthurs]

Have someone you trust and knows about trailer or cars look your unit over before you tow in anywhere. Frames can become weak from years of neglect and a quick coat of paint can hide problems. Don't ask me how I know.

[Alf S.]

Hi: Doug Arthurs...My recomendation is to get underneath with a ballpeen hammer and create some music. Make sure you listen for any sour notes!!! Look for visable cracks while you're down under and any spots that have already been repaired too. This isn't fool proof as any fool can do it, but usually doesn't.
After inspecting and rather than painting I used a large aerosol can of Krown rust control(10bucks) to coat the frame parts under the coach. You can get the Krown spray into places a paint brush can't go!!!
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

[alan in alberta]

Find good parts and repair shops. Arrkann has been good so far and there is a good axle shop in Spruce Grove

[Roger C H]

Well, besides the Buyers Check List in this website, learn from another member and be sure you are getting a clean title. Do not buy a trailer that is not titled to the person you are buying it from, not signed over but titled!

[theresa p]

my thoughts-----i will simply add that when attempting to back up/in....make sure you pull ahead alot farther than you originally think you should....and you'll not need to make a zillion attempts.

[ceilityme]

Awesome. I love great lists and this will definitely give me food for thought.
I'm addicted to the this site already. I've been reading and storing all the great ideas.
Keep 'em coming.
Thanks

[Darnelle]

My 2 cents: always double-check your coupler/ball connection (you can feel if it's locked on correctly just by running a finger under the coupler and feeling for the bracket), make sure you cross the safety chains and check trailer lights before rolling. I also run a padlock through the coupler latch to make sure it can't pop open during travel. Have fun and welcome!

[Monica M]

Make sure your fridge and cabinets are closed completely, and turn your water pump off before you roll. These could save you some BIG messes!

[Bobbie Mayer]

Originally Posted by Alf S.

Hi: Doug Arthurs...My recomendation is to get underneath with a ballpeen hammer and create some music. Make sure you listen for any sour notes!!! Look for visable cracks while you're down under and any spots that have already been repaired too. This isn't fool proof as any fool can do it, but usually doesn't.
After inspecting and rather than painting I used a large aerosol can of Krown rust control(10bucks) to coat the frame parts under the coach. You can get the Krown spray into places a paint brush can't go!!!
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

How do you spray paint while you are lying under a trailer?

[Alf S.]

Hi: Bobbie Mayer...I used "Undercoating" so I did it...UPSIDE DOWN!!!
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

[aumpleby]

These are all such great tips! For a newbie, such as myself, these tips are invaluble! I'll be taking note of these for future.

[BCDave]

Originally Posted by Bobbie Mayer

How do you spray paint while you are lying under a trailer?

You don't lay under it - you simply turn the trailer over and paint it normally! (borrowed from one of those "insert favorite ethnic joke group here" lines)