New campers, new Kodiak 283 BHSL

[MillerTime5]

Hello. My family of 5 just purchased a 2014 Kodiak Express 283BHSL. This is our first camper and it has been about 11 years since my husband & I camped. We have boys 14 & 8 and a 12 year old daughter. Actually kids don't know we have actually purchased yet. They did know we were looking and today we plan to make a trip to Camping World in Indy. My first question is what should we be looking for there that we can't get at big box stores?

We also have Bass Pro & Cabela's points accumulating, along with an Amazon wish list so plan to order some online from them as well. Christmas this year for the kids will be camping items that the whole family needs and they're okay with that. Things like their own camper bedding and a TV for their bunkhouse.

We'd like to take the camper out for the first time next weekend and just want to get some bare bones items to get started. Some things I think we need to have from the get-go are an outdoor rug & mattress covers for beds. What other things would be must haves for our first weekend out & things that we should pick up at Camping World that aren't available elsewhere.

Thanks. I am sure this is the first of my many questions.

 

[Fanboy]

Congrats in the new rig!


Must haves

Water Hose
Sewage hose
Jack, capable to change tire on your trailer

 

[EricNSTL]

Welcome and congratulations on the new camper.
I equipped my trailer 95% from amazon. I would look at camping world and compare prices, and amazon was lower on everything.

Some suggestions for the first trip.
1. Sleeping requirememts- Bedding, sleeping bags, sheets, blankets, ETC.
2.Cooking and eating- cups and plates, napkins, utensils, pan, trash bags and food/drinks.
3. Flashlight, fire starter.
4. Bathroom- TP, towels, soap, toothpaste ETC
5. Water hose and sewer line.
This should be enough to get you started..

Have a great time!

 

[Adair1965]

Enjoy the new trailer, you and the kids will love it.

 

[dougs2]

I'd add to the list an in line water filter, a water pressure regulator and a 50 amp surge protector.

 

[Panhandler]

Don't know if you got yours from Holman's in Batavia, but if so, The walk-through when you pick it up should be very informative (consider taking video). The fellow that walked us through shared many tips and recommendations and their parts department is well stocked with any specialty items you're likely to need at competitive prices. Be sure to ask lots of questions. I think most dealers want you to be informed and happy. If your dealer happens to be Holman's, I hope your experience is as good as ours was, initially and since.

 

[MillerTime5]

Thanks. Ours is from Arbogast in Troy (15 minutes from home for convenient servicing) & we plan to video the walk thru!

 

[knesdad]

Look at Lynx Levelers for under the tires and/or stabilizer jacks. I carry 2 sets. Also look into an X-Chock for between the tires to help with front-to-back movement. A 30 Amp extension cord can always come in handy. Maybe a nice rug too. Just going thru my storage area in my mind and typing what comes up..

Dave.

 

[rcharrette]

Nice!

Congrat's on the new camper. LOVE that layout with the bunks and desk. We looked hard at that model but thought it was a bit too much for our SUV to tow. We ended up with the 240BHSL,

 

[MillerTime5]

We are set up for our first weekend & have cracked open the first beer. Think we are going to love this! The kids are off on scooters and loving life.
Pulled it 20 minutes north of us to Lake Loramie with my Yukon XL. Very smooth tow! DH didn't want to venture too far from home our first trip out & our view of the lake is gorgeous!

 

[angeljdelao]

Hey there MillerTime5. Sounds like your maiden voyage got off to a great start! How'd it finish? We just bought our new TT from Arbogast as well and we were pretty impressed with everything except the prices in their parts/supply store. We ordered just about everything we needed from Amazon and prices were almost 50% less across the board. If you're in the Miami Valley area, Cowan Lake campground which is about 45 minutes away, is a great little family campground with lots of activities throughout the Summer. Welcome to the club!