Just Joined By Purchase of 1999 T-2453 Sunline Yesterday

[Grayson]

My lovely bride and I purchased our first RV yesterday (8/15/2013). We had been looking at new and used units for the past several months. I saw an ad in our local paper about a Sunline for sale. After some on-line research about the brand, we went and looked at the T-2453. It appears to be great and we bought it. We have tent camping experience, but this will be our first RV. I am sure I will be asking many questions in future posts. In advance, I will say thanks to those of you in "The Club", that have the time and inclination to answer new RV'er questions. We are looking forward to perhaps meeting you on the highways & byways of our great country, the U.S.A.
Best Regards,
Grayson

[Anita1]

Grayson,

Welcome, you will LOVE this group. They are super nice and helpful.

Congrats on your new camper. When is your first trip?

Anita

[Grayson]

I have to get registered at DMV for a tag and then practice some towing and backing in particular. After that, we think our first foray will be to Ft. Yargo State Park. It is not far away and we believe will provide us a good "shakedown" cruise. It was pleasant to receive a welcome reply so quickly. I know we will enjoy this group as well as the other travelers.
regards,
Grayson

[bunjin]

Grayson,

Welcome. Let the questions fly. There are great people here and willing to help best as they can. I too am new to trailers. Just got mine in April. I'm learning lots here and the people are very friendly. Be a regular. Enjoy.

[dtstanton]

Welcome, Charles! My wife and I were in the same boat you were last year - first timers. You will find that there are no stupid questions here. Believe me, I've tested them. They've kept me out of a lot of trouble. Anything that comes to mind, ask away!

[bunjin]

Originally Posted by dtstanton

Welcome, Charles! My wife and I were in the same boat you were last year - first timers. You will find that there are no stupid questions here. Believe me, I've tested them. They've kept me out of a lot of trouble. Anything that comes to mind, ask away!

And reading his questions and answers have kept ME out of a lot of trouble also......just kidding.

Like the commercial on TV for Fiber One (I believe)...."I'm in deep babe"

[EMD_Driver]

Grayson,

Welcome to the SOC! We're always glad to help!

Don't worry about learning how to tow and spot your camper. Just take it easy and don't get/feel rushed. Everyone has to start learning and everyone else should be patient. There are several youtube videos, that let you see what you need to be doing and when.

Here's one, that gives a tip on spotting your camper when you get to your camp site.

The Scoop - How to Back Up A Travel Trailer - YouTube

Here's another video on towing safety.

Towing Safety by RV Education 101® - YouTube

There are tons more videos available. Just search youtube!

[bunjin]

Good videos. Funny I was just thinking about the scoop video earlier today!

[henryj]

Grayson, congrats on new beginnings in life as well as RVing. To keep everyone in your marriage happy, it's important to note that learning to back up can be just as tricky as learning to be a good spotter. Learn together on an empty parking lot like a church during the week or a business on the weekend where the only thing you can possibly hit are the white lines on the pavement. A spotter needs to learn things like, if they can't see your face in the mirror, you can't see them--never back up unless you can see your spotter. Also settle on some hand signals like both hands up with a panicked look for stop immediately. For beginners, it's usually easier to back into a site on the driver's side, especially if it's on a nice angle--after years of towing I still hate 90° sites--and there's no shame in asking for a pull through. Don't forget to watch for low hanging branches and overhanging roofs at park gates or gas stations. When leaving never turn tighter than necessary, the trailer bumper will swing out like the back end of school bus--always better to have some room to drive straight ahead and turn while moving--never crank the wheel thinking you'll get out a tight spot at a gas station, you'll hit the pumps for sure.

Once you start towing, and watching in the mirrors for how the trailer tracks behind the truck, you'll be surprised how easy and second nature it becomes. Each trip out will be easier. Just don't forget there are 6000 lb. behind you and leave lots of room in traffic and to accelerate onto expressways.

Enjoy!

Henry

[Grayson]

Thanks for the tips and videos. I will be posting some questions on the main site. If you have a chance, you may be able to see those and also provide some insight and assistance.
Cheers,
Grayson

[Wannabes]

Welcome, Grayson! Last year at this time, we were also newbies, having just bought a Sunline 2363 with no RV experience whatsoever. The people here at the SOC have helped us tremendously. We hope you and your wife enjoy your Sunline as much as we enjoy ours.

[Grayson]

Mathew & Lisa,
Thanks for the welcome. I just posted some questions on the "community" thread. Attached a picture with the post. I am excited about learning more about my RV. My priority right now is learning about the braking system, so that was my lead off question.
regards,
Grayson

[Ham Radio Op]

Hi Grayson and welcome to the group. Nancy and I hope you and your bride have lots of good times in your "new to you" Sunline. As has been said, there is a lot of very helpful information on this site, as well as many helpful people. Again, Welcome!

[kpardue]

Hey Grayson where in Ga are you. If you're close to Fort Yargo we're practically neighbors. I live in Buford and use to fish a lot in Yargo. Great to have you in the "Club". There are some great folks on here ready to help. You would probably enjoy near by Hard Labor Creek State Park also.
Ken P

[jim44646]

Just a thought. Go to a deserted parking lot and practice backing into parking spaces. No other campers giving you "helpful" suggestions

[Ahkhira]

Welcome! This is the best group on the web!

I've asked a LOT of questions, and even posted some funny pictures of the redneck repairs that my trailer came to me with. Everyone here was more than helpful- they laughed with/at the silly stuff, and offered loads of good advice. I'd be lost without these folks!!

Happy Camping!!
Jen

[Sunline Fan]

Welcome!