Must haves for a new owner?

[rockytrail]

Hi, I just purchased a 2518KB Sport that I’ll pick up in about 6 weeks.

Previously we had a class B that we did vanlife in for a year with our two kids.

Now the kids are in school, we bought a Trailmanor for school holiday trips.

It’s a 12 hour drive each way to pick it up and we plan to take a week to get back for shakedown trip.

I haven’t had a tow behind before. What are some must have items that we should get before we make the trip to pick it up? Things like:
- towing mirror extensions
- 30 amp surge protector
- leveling blocks
???

Thanks!
James

 

[Bill]

Be sure you have a Class III or IV hitch receiver on your tow vehicle, and that you have a trailer brake controller, properly wired into the 7-pin connector on the rear of the tow vehicle. Review the likely towed weight of the trailer, adding at least 1000 pounds to the rather meaningless "dry weight" spec. Be sure your tow vehicle can handle it - check the manufacturer's tow rating for the make, model, and year you have, and make sure your vehicle meets the fine print in the "When Properly Equipped" description. If you are at all close, get familiar with the concept of a weight-distributing hitch (WDH). Most likely you will not need sway control, but there is nothing wrong with getting a hitch with sway control.

Finally, don't hesitate to ask questions here on the Forum. We have a lot of members with lots of experience, all glad to help. That''s what the Forum is all about.

Bill

 

[rockytrail]

Sorry I wasn’t clear, I meant in terms of accessory items.

I have a Subaru Ascent with an OEM class III hitch and brake controller installed. Unfortunately, as it’s a unibody construction I can’t use a weight distribution hitch. Apparently the electronic sway control is better than nothing.

I’m wondering if there’s any towing/camping accessories I should consider.

Thanks

 

[wbmiller3]

Spare fuses.
Screwdriver kit with square bit.
Ratchet straps so you can tow it home if the holddown latches fail (if yours is new, probably can wait on this one).
Blue tote.
Plastic jerry can for carrying water to fill fresh tank when in federal campgrounds.
Water stealer for using hose to fill fresh tank when in federal campgrounds.
Wheel chocks.