I have been die hard pup for a long time but now have a family of 5 and need space and convenience so I have purchased a HTT. This will be my first camper with "systems" i.e. Water tanks, water heater, thermostat controlled heat/air, etc. So what tips do you have for me?
Going to a htt- "systems" questions
- Thread starter 92xjer
- Start date
92xjer said:
I would suggest carefully inspecting all seams and roof to ensure there are no cracks and gaps and caulk/seal as necessary. Also check all your bunk door seals to make sure they don't let water in. Fixing problems later due to water damage is a major pain in the rear.
The 'systems' are all quite easy to use and maintain, make sure you winterize your water system for the winter, there are plenty of posts on how to do that here. Disinfect your water tanks before use and at least once each season (typically at the beginning of each season). Drain and flush out your water heater tank if not going to be used for excessive amount of time - there's a neat little hose attachment you can buy specifically for flushing out water heater tank.
Clean and flush your black tank as often as you can, but at least once a season.
Snow
Super Active Member
- Jul 19, 2007
- 12,326
Everything above pretty much covers the general stuff... have any specific questions ??
Got an '08 Palamino 23'. Thankfully everything seems to be in good condition. All seals look good and no water damage that I can find after SEVERAL detailed inspections. It does have 1 small hole (less than quarter size) in the front bunk window that I will have to fix. Any suggestions on that would be appreciated.
NOTE- I am not going completely dark, the pup still has a loving home with me!
NOTE- I am not going completely dark, the pup still has a loving home with me!
Having more systems to deal with was one of our areas of learning with out TT. Our first pup was bare bones, though it did have an LP stove. Our second (& last) one had a furnace too, plus battery and ceiling lights. With the TT, we had to learn fresh water system (incl water heater), gray and black waste tanks, 2-way 'fridge/freezer and a few other new amenities. [We also spend most of last year chasing an electrical gremlin, which seems to have been squashed for this season.]
We actually did not use the water systems for the first couple of trips, since we bought it in October and figured we could manage the trips that year w/out the water. (When we camp during cold weather, we revert to water jugs and gel bags.) We have learned to deal with all of the systems now - and learned the advantages of such things as a Valterra Hydroflush, sewer hose supports (when we have full hook-up sites - nice to have those for first/last nights on some trips, gives us a chance to take our time services tanks), water heater rinse wand.
We've learned some things such as the tank/battery level indicator is basically a set of idiot lights - they usually give an ides of levels, but we use a meter to really check the battery, and visual checks on the fresh and black water tanks (no way that we've found to check the gray). We camp enough that we now have a good idea of how long it takes us to empty or fill each tank.
As with the pups, we keep up routine maintenance. Due to having a "warranty Forever", as have to have some inspections and PM done at the dealer once a year. It's OK, since we don't have a place at home to do those, so would be paying them the money anyway, we just have to do it on time for the warranty.
Our dealer offers a winterizing seminar each year, so that was handy to attend. Our TT arrived with a hot water bypass, and the tube on the water pump to add pink. Learning about the blow out method for most of the water system was good, though, so we do a combination of that and pink.
We actually did not use the water systems for the first couple of trips, since we bought it in October and figured we could manage the trips that year w/out the water. (When we camp during cold weather, we revert to water jugs and gel bags.) We have learned to deal with all of the systems now - and learned the advantages of such things as a Valterra Hydroflush, sewer hose supports (when we have full hook-up sites - nice to have those for first/last nights on some trips, gives us a chance to take our time services tanks), water heater rinse wand.
We've learned some things such as the tank/battery level indicator is basically a set of idiot lights - they usually give an ides of levels, but we use a meter to really check the battery, and visual checks on the fresh and black water tanks (no way that we've found to check the gray). We camp enough that we now have a good idea of how long it takes us to empty or fill each tank.
As with the pups, we keep up routine maintenance. Due to having a "warranty Forever", as have to have some inspections and PM done at the dealer once a year. It's OK, since we don't have a place at home to do those, so would be paying them the money anyway, we just have to do it on time for the warranty.
Our dealer offers a winterizing seminar each year, so that was handy to attend. Our TT arrived with a hot water bypass, and the tube on the water pump to add pink. Learning about the blow out method for most of the water system was good, though, so we do a combination of that and pink.
yetavon
everything is better around a campfire.
1st off CONGRDS and welcome to the gray side....After 28 years in basic pop ups, we were faced with the same exact question 3 years ago.
Review any manuals you have or can find for the appliances you have.
Electric you didn't mention, But keep in mind you should be using a 30 Amp supply, especially if your using the A/C.
Water system- Sanitize your tank and system, especially if you plan on consuming the water. This should be done beginning off every season.
Don't carry water when towing unless you need to, and then just as little as you may need on the road. Fill at or near the campground if there is no water hook up at your site. Get a pressure regulator for your supply hose if hooking to the campgrounds system. Less pressure on your system, and decreased flow so you don't fill your tanks as fast.
Water heater- See if you have both gas and electric. Use the campgrounds electric instead of your gas(same goes with heat) Make SURE you FILL the tank before turning it on. Gas is not as bad but starting dry will instantly KILL an electric element. Also if running off your onboard water supply, fill your WH when topping up your tank...gives your an extra 6 gallons. Check and replace your Anode rod at winterizing.
Waste Tanks- Black (toilet)and Gray (sink/shower) As Kip said, the lights are a joke, You can look down the toilet and see you Black level, the gray your over fill will be coming up out the tub drain. If you use the #2 function, you MUST have some water in the black tank 1st (look up Poop Pyramid)...We use a dishpan for washing dishes, and dump the wash water in the toilet for cleaning type water and less in the Gray tank. Dumping....do the Black 1st then the gray. If hooked to sewer in your site...DONT just leave your valves open, wait to dump your tank until its near full. We always mix a little deodorizer in a couple gallons of water and add to the Black tank AFTER dumping, sloshing around helps clean while driving.
Heating and Air- are you familiar with PUGS and reflectix? We use a small electric forced air heater (their electric) when we can and Furnace for when really cold. O2 Cool fans for moving air, they are 12/120 volt or battery.
Good Luck and ENJOY....
Review any manuals you have or can find for the appliances you have.
Electric you didn't mention, But keep in mind you should be using a 30 Amp supply, especially if your using the A/C.
Water system- Sanitize your tank and system, especially if you plan on consuming the water. This should be done beginning off every season.
Don't carry water when towing unless you need to, and then just as little as you may need on the road. Fill at or near the campground if there is no water hook up at your site. Get a pressure regulator for your supply hose if hooking to the campgrounds system. Less pressure on your system, and decreased flow so you don't fill your tanks as fast.
Water heater- See if you have both gas and electric. Use the campgrounds electric instead of your gas(same goes with heat) Make SURE you FILL the tank before turning it on. Gas is not as bad but starting dry will instantly KILL an electric element. Also if running off your onboard water supply, fill your WH when topping up your tank...gives your an extra 6 gallons. Check and replace your Anode rod at winterizing.
Waste Tanks- Black (toilet)and Gray (sink/shower) As Kip said, the lights are a joke, You can look down the toilet and see you Black level, the gray your over fill will be coming up out the tub drain. If you use the #2 function, you MUST have some water in the black tank 1st (look up Poop Pyramid)...We use a dishpan for washing dishes, and dump the wash water in the toilet for cleaning type water and less in the Gray tank. Dumping....do the Black 1st then the gray. If hooked to sewer in your site...DONT just leave your valves open, wait to dump your tank until its near full. We always mix a little deodorizer in a couple gallons of water and add to the Black tank AFTER dumping, sloshing around helps clean while driving.
Heating and Air- are you familiar with PUGS and reflectix? We use a small electric forced air heater (their electric) when we can and Furnace for when really cold. O2 Cool fans for moving air, they are 12/120 volt or battery.
Good Luck and ENJOY....
![[HY]](/smileys/smile_hy.gif "Hybrid [HY]")
shardtke11
Active Member
- Apr 7, 2016
- 145
Hey 92xjer!
We got our 1st HTT a few months ago. Its in the driveway right now (floor replacement, we knew when we bought it...we know more now
). We have had many of the same questions and have found the answers here on the Portal. Ive learned even more reading the responses to the questions that you asked. I noticed that you live in Tennessee and so do we! We live near Nashville (Goodlettsville) and got to camp in our HTT before we started the repairs. 2 granddaughters and our 2 dogs were with us and it was a great trip! Enjoy your HTT!
We got our 1st HTT a few months ago. Its in the driveway right now (floor replacement, we knew when we bought it...we know more now
). We have had many of the same questions and have found the answers here on the Portal. Ive learned even more reading the responses to the questions that you asked. I noticed that you live in Tennessee and so do we! We live near Nashville (Goodlettsville) and got to camp in our HTT before we started the repairs. 2 granddaughters and our 2 dogs were with us and it was a great trip! Enjoy your HTT!
