Archive - Aluminium Camper Forum

Member Introductions => New Members => Topic started by: threedukes on February 17, 2015, 12:15:04 AM

Title: Updated - Soon-to-be-owners in East Tennessee
Post by: threedukes on February 17, 2015, 12:15:04 AM
"We just ordered out 14DB from Southland RV in Georgia on Friday. Very excited about starting our new adventures. We welcome any and all tips and tricks as this is our first RV. :-)"

Well, thanks to the factory shutdown and move, we were not going to get the 14DB in time for our big Arizona trip we had planned starting July 1. We are now going with a 13 BHB from DH RV in Apex, NC. Both Brett from Southland and Dave from DH have been super-amazing working hard to find us a good unit for our family in time for our trip. Can't say enough nice about those guys. I could say rather grumpy things about the factory, but just poor timing for our trip.

So, we are excited to be picking our unit up next weekend and prepping for our July road trip.
Title: Updated - Soon-to-be-owners in East Tennessee
Post by: fasteddieb on February 17, 2015, 08:20:29 AM
Welcome!

We bought elsewhere due to availability and price, but have used Southland for a couple of warranty issues and they seem like good people who got the job done.

Karen and I live just south of Copperhill, TN. We'd love to see your new rig and compare notes if you happen to be in the area.

Have fun!
Title: Updated - Soon-to-be-owners in East Tennessee
Post by: spot1 on February 17, 2015, 09:33:02 AM
Welcome from North Carolina!!!!!

Title: Updated - Soon-to-be-owners in East Tennessee
Post by: daplumbr on February 17, 2015, 09:09:37 PM
Good to have you and glad you found this site. It's a rich source of good info and good humor from good people. The 14 is a nice size. Put up some basic info in your Profile when you get a chance. Oops, I see you already did that! 
Title: Updated - Soon-to-be-owners in East Tennessee
Post by: livinthegoodlife on February 17, 2015, 10:26:20 PM
Welcome!!  Now the fun begins!!
Title: Updated - Soon-to-be-owners in East Tennessee
Post by: shovelhead on February 18, 2015, 12:47:01 AM
Welcome.  I bought from Southland. Good folk.
Title: Updated - Soon-to-be-owners in East Tennessee
Post by: jtelles3993 on February 21, 2015, 11:14:23 AM
Congrats.. and another welcome from the fine state of North Cackalacky!
Title: Updated - Soon-to-be-owners in East Tennessee
Post by: ron on March 02, 2015, 11:54:42 AM
Welcome.  We got our first rv, a 14dbs in silver about March of last year.  We did 2000 miles and 21 nights before the season ended.  We tow with a Honda ridgeline, and I never felt the need for a weight distribution hitch or sway bars.  I heard a ton about these, so you may have too.  Try towing a bit before you consider these.

We just retired, and come from a backpacking background, so we keep it light, and do not carry around a ton of stuff.  Camplite folks must like quality over bling, otherwise we would not pay big $$$ for small campers.

We are in Bristol.  Give us a shout if you are in the area, would love to see it, and share our first seasons thoughts, what we bought and use, what we bought and do not use, some shelving we made for storage, organization and such.

Parks:  Roan Mt SP is beautiful and friendly.  Your 14 will easily go up the hilly loops. Park at the office and walk the loops  to choose a site. We had some late season stays where we were almost alone in the entire campground.  I suspect that in a few weeks, we will head out and in mid week, we will be almost alone again.

 We also really like Claytor Lake SP that is 100m up I-81 in Virginia.

Panther Creek in Morristown looks great too, we will go there to catch some Knoxville Smokies games.  A more adventurous trip is to Hunting Island SP in SC. Older outdated facilities, but magnificent beach and some campsites are grand.

Best of luck, be safe, watch the stars.

Ron
Title: Updated - Soon-to-be-owners in East Tennessee
Post by: ron on March 03, 2015, 02:00:48 PM
I would highly recommend a Stow Away hitch tightener, about $20 from Amazon or other retailer.  Google it and see how it works.

It took out a ton of banging and clanging noises.  I was very unaware of the amount of noise from the tow ball and assembly.  Do drive around the dealership and learn the noises. Good luck.