I'm new here...

[PaHunter]

Oh my goodness. I think I'm going to like this group!!! (Don't tell anyone I said this, but for some reason it seems to me that campers are just a little bit more "chill" than some other groups I've run in to.)

And Chkysbak - if you have any advice at all for me, BRING IT ON! My husband and I are very very new at this. And my hubby is a very capable guy. He just retired from 29 years as a police officer. (Don't worry - I'm sending him back to work at another job.) But I have to say, hitching and driving that truck/trailer is something that really makes him slightly nervous. I know we need lots of practice.

As far as the hitch itself, we just purchased a Hensley Hitch, but have yet to put on. (Our camper is sleeping undercover for the winter.) I think the purpose of the new hitch was weight distribution? Am I making sense? I feel like I might be speaking a foreign language here. I'm not terribly knowledgable. There are quite a few guys (longtime TT campers) that worked with my husband who have been trying to help us. But again, I am not the type of person to be offended by any advice or suggestions that anyone wants to provide.

We have driven to WDW many times in the past. Tell me more about avoiding I95 on the drive south...

Thanks for the nice welcome!

Well one of the ways around 95 headed south is to take 80 west in to PA, then you grab 81 South, you can take 81 all the way down to Interstate 77 then over to 26 and finally back to 95 in South Carolina. We used this going down last year and it is a nice route, very scenic, as bare trees can be. We came home coming up 95 to around Richmond and took 64 going west to 81 then to 80. Again not a bad route, just different. This works best if coming out of Northern to Central Jersey, and will add a bit time, but avoids all the big cities, with the exception of Harrisburg. I know others take 80 to 81 to 83 to 95 but that brings you out around Washington. So a ton of ways to get there. And many who will swear by one or the other.

 

[bama_ed]

SusieQ,

Here is a thread I found via the Search function about Baltimore highway tunnels and propane restrictions. Have to go around. See this thread from September 2015 in post #8: http://www.disboards.com/threads/tips-for-driving-from-ne-to-wdw.3444852/#post-54382763

Bama Ed

 

[jbrostek]

Yeah due to the restriction you have to go east or west around Baltimore to avoid the tunnels. I only found out about it by getting pulled over after going through the tunnel. So now I am aware and just plan my trips accordingly and usually try to avoid the Balt-DC corridor since I am to the west and have other less traveled routes I can rely on.

How you travel south really does depend on what day and time you plan to hit the road. I can think of only one backup we hit heading south and it was in SC when they where doing some construction on I95 and it was December 23rd. But for the most part I think we just luck out by our choice of timing to hit the road each day that we skate by the higher traffic times. And Sunday the Orlando area does not seem as busy thankfully.

 

[Susiequsie60]

SusieQ,

Here is a thread I found via the Search function about Baltimore highway tunnels and propane restrictions. Have to go around. See this thread from September 2015 in post #8: http://www.disboards.com/threads/tips-for-driving-from-ne-to-wdw.3444852/#post-54382763

Bama Ed

Thank you! Much appreciated.

 

[Clifton Tesh]

First and foremost,

Welcome!

Second,

It appears either you or your husband are an LEO. Thank you for what you do, it is really appreciated whether or not the world makes it feel that way.

 

[Susiequsie60]

First and foremost,

Welcome!

Second,

It appears either you or your husband are an LEO. Thank you for what you do, it is really appreciated whether or not the world makes it feel that way.

Thanks for your kind words.

Yup - the husband just retired. 29 years as a police officer, with a few years before that in other law enforcement positions. Even though he's retired, he's heading back to work as a school security/resource officer. That actually works out perfectly for us because I already work in a school, so our 10 month schedules will mesh very nicely!

And yes, you're right. Sometimes the country doesn't always make law enforcement feel appreciated. But the bottom line is that he got in to it for all the right reasons, loved his job for the past 29 years, and probably would not have left right now if there weren't so many things up-in-the air here in NJ with the pensions. And the public tone towards cops has definitely changed. He always says that he feels like he won the lottery when he was hired. That a couple of different local school systems are courting him to come work for them speaks to the fact that he was very well-liked and respected.

I'm sorry. I got a little carried away bragging on my husband! He's a good guy.

 

[peg110]

I'm sorry. I got a little carried away bragging on my husband! He's a good guy.

Brag away (as far as I am concerned). Like so many professions out there they (Law Enforcement) are not immune to corruption. The sad part is, is that it's those select few that make it bad for the ones who work very hard.

I was in Law Enforcement in the Military for 8 years, and it was the same there. The public, at large, have no concept the potential danger that a LEO faces (military or not) every time the respond to an incident or traffic stop. It always amazed me when I would pull someone over for speeding (or similar) and the attitude that I would (sometimes) get. An attitude like I did something wrong.

Thank you and your husband for his service. Even as his wife, it's almost as tough (and maybe even more so) on the spouse because they have to worry about them not coming home or getting "that" Phone call.

Okay, we got off the subject (of course) but as a final note, I am glad he was able to get a new position (post retirement) that works well for you both.

 

[Clifton Tesh]

I was in Law Enforcement in the Military for 8 years, and it was the same there. The public, at large, have no concept the potential danger that a LEO faces (military or not) every time the respond to an incident or traffic stop.

Thank you and your husband for his service. Even as his wife, it's almost as tough (and maybe even more so) on the spouse because they have to worry about them not coming home or getting "that" Phone call.

Yes and yes!

I'm a Marine, no longer active, but still a Marine. I respect anyone that goes to work knowing they might not come home and I respect their spouse and children too!

 

[peg110]

Once a Marine, Always a Marine. While I wasn't a Marine, I was in the Army, but the same holds true. Once a soldier.....

I joined at a very young age (I was actually 17) and I don't ever regret joining. It helped mature me in ways that I can't even begin to describe. If I had gone to college right out of High School I probably wouldn't be the person I am today (which I like the person I have become).

 

[KristinU]

Another friendly tip, female to female , since you mentioned that your DH is capable (but then you said that WE have stuff to learn)...do make sure that you emphasize that WE youn mentioned and learn your stuff too. A. it helps if your DH is sick or injured (but not enough to be all medi-vac'ed or whatever)...just the simple case of the barfies or chills and you still have to hitch up and get home, it sure is nice to able to do that. and B. it allows you to take your rig by yourself for a girls' weekend - woo hoo! and C. it helps to have both pilot and co-pilot do the pre-flight walk-around to check that everything is in order.

And as mentioned, a weight distribution hitch along with sway control helps immensely. We had an Equal-i-zer brand when we had a TT, but I know there are others that are also good. Noisy as all get-out, but it sure made towing smooth and safe.

ETA, I now see that you bought a Hensley - ooh la la, they're supposed to be the primo choice in hitches according to some of my camping friends.

And BTW, you are right, we tend to be less high strung around here than other areas of the DIS. We know how to kick back around here

 

[Susiequsie60]

Yes I DO like the people at this camping board.

And great advice Kristin. My plan is to get hubby very confident before I wiggle my way in. And yes to ooh la la on the hitch. That was one of the first pieces of advice my hubby's friends gave him. Not cheap, huh? But he figures we better do it right.

 

[Teamubr]

on the Hensley. I have never had one, but 2 friends do and they swear by them. I was just too cheap to spend the money. I got a good WD hitch as part of the "deal" when I bought my first TT. Once I saw how easy it was to hitchup a Hensley compared to snap up bars and sway controls on my hitch, I thought it was worth the money if I was buying new.

j

 

[Chkysbak]

The best thing about camping to me is the company, great scenery, & of course the relaxing. As stated before, when we started out we purchased the TT and with that much money spent I went shopping for all the accessories on the cheap. I have since replaced all those cheap accessories due to failure and/or quality. While I understand why I did things, I shouldn't have rushed into buying about 60% of the things that I purchased as we have never used them. Since you have been taking your TT on multiple trips you will know what you need and what you want. The more you go and stay the more defined those will become and you won't have to waste money. Personally, I add things to my Amazon wish list and keep them there for at least a month. After a month, if I still feel the need for it then I get it. Anyone that knows me, knows that I have OCD and I plan for everything, so some items I have as an emergency.

Most important thing is to relax, it will come together and you will have a blast. I find myself having more fun at Disney since I am able to bring my house and relax and not have to worry about if I forgot something. Besides, I can bring my dogs with me. Nothing like coming back from the parks and being greeted by your fur babies

 

[TheRustyScupper]

This is a slightly strange group... campers and all.

Ya Think ?

 

[peg110]

hen we started out we purchased the TT and with that much money spent I went shopping for all the accessories on the cheap.

I did this too. Big Mistake. Part of my reasoning on some of it was I didn't want to have to "Transfer" things from the house that I didn't need to. It made sense to have camper pots and pans and House pots and pans. Same for silverware, and other 'durable' items. So I bought a cheap set of aluminum pots/pans from the dollar general. Well that didn't work well. Anything above medium heat and the coating (Paint on the outside, teflon on the inside) came off. While I didn't spend too much (like $20 or so), it was a complete waste of money. So until I have the money for another set of GOOD pots/pans, I will transfer from the house.

Dishes... Well we have some souvenir type cups (Coffee, or soda) that we keep in the camper but mostly we have paper plates, bowls and disposable cups (solo style). The less "Washing" of dishes, the less of an issue it is with the water tanks (Fresh and Grey). We do also have some other durable items like reusable storage bowls/containers. We ended up with a supply of these



They were left over from a "Spaghetti Supper" benefit that my DW and I organized. Couldn't return them so we kept them. We love them. They are cheap enough to buy a supply of but durable enough to use daily. If they break, they go in the recycle bin and we grab another. I use them for "Single Portion" meals. (think left overs and freezer). They are great to store the food in, then microwave it in, and eat right out of.

Personally, I add things to my Amazon wish list and keep them there for at least a month. After a month, if I still feel the need for it then I get it.

I have done this as well. I may not buy/remove in a month, it may be longer, but it's a great way to keep a handle on things that you truly need.

 

[JETS70]

to the camping thread. We started camping at the Fort 3 years ago and the folks on this Dis forum were a great help in making that first trip and the ones to follow so enjoyable. Remember. .....there are no stupid questions. We look forward to hearing from you on your first trip to the Fort in August.

 

[rajak73]

My plan is to get hubby very confident before I wiggle my way in

Another suggestion. Find a big parking lot and you and hubby practice backing the TT into a spot you have marked off. Get your hand signals and arm signals so you both know what the other is doing/saying. As has been stated, we're a strange bunch, we just love to watch somebody else try to back into a space with spouse or other directing and then watch someone get mad and go sit down at the table mad. Good thing is...if you're having trouble, someone from the camping community is always willing to help!

 

[bama_ed]

Ya Think ?

I resemble that remark. Bama Ed

 

[whiplash]

Welcome..........always nice to have new viewers. You will LOVE this forum, anything you want to know about the FORT is here. You want specific info...just ask, someone will give you the answer.....especially Bama Ed.......he is "THE MAN" !!! A great guy who shares with anyone who needs answers. DW and I, two pups, DD and her crew will all be at the FORT June 19th thru the 25th. This after a week at Indian Rocks (Tampa area) for our Grand Daughter's wedding on the beach, that after a few days at the PGA Hall of Fame and a few rounds with my Brother-in-law before heading to Indian Rocks. No better place to finish than a week at the FORT. If all goes well we will be in 700, 800 or 900...just look for our Mickey Lite in front of our Fleetwood Bounder MH and a bunch of kids. Stop by and say hey !

 

[Nan P]

Well SQ, Welcome! It doesn't matter if you camp in a tent, a pup, a TT, 5th wheel, or a luxury motor home or something in between. You'll find everyone is friendly and ready to help. This community shares a love of Fort Wilderness, camping, and WDW in general. I enjoy this form and especially like the trip reports and photos and the helpful hints. Hope you will too. Lots to do at the Fort with a 3 year old. I think camping is the best way to vacation with a young family. Best of luck with your new trailer and may you have many years of happy camping.