Such a newby, need a little help

[dropthepop]

Thank you to each and every one of you. I have cut and pasted all suggestions for my next trip out and am anxious to try it now that I have some solid suggestions on how to cope with the problems last time out.

I have another issue but had so many to deal with on this thread that I will start a new thread for it.

Thank you, thank you, thank you a million times over.

[Kelly]

Terri ~

I'm not sure I can add anything to what others have said ... I don't have nearly all the bells & whistles on my pup as you do!  

What I can add is my vote of encouragement.  You can do this.  It's a pretty steep learning curve for a while.  This is my fourth season camping alone with my 4 kids and we've had some (mis)adventures of our own!  Each one you get through will give you a little more confidence with the next one.  Be patient with yourself and you'll be fine.  

I had a really tight spot to get into when we were in SD last year.  I took one look at it and thought there is no way I'm getting my trailer into that!  But, since I didn't have much choice ... I gave it a try.  The man camping next to me came over and "walked" me through it.  He stood outside my door and showed me what way to turn the wheel and made sure I wasn't close to hitting the wooden shelter on the site.  I really appreciated that ~ he helped me learn rather than taking over.   Don't be afraid to ask for help.  

(An afterthougth ~ there are 2 switches to make heat work in my pup ~ one on the thermostat and one under the cover of the furnace inside the trailer.  Don't know if this applies to you or not.  I also carry a small electric heater and have a heat strip on my AC ... so I don't always run the furnace.)

[mjdfarm]

I live in Florida too.  I dont need the furnace.  We use electric heaters even when in the 20's recently.  With a thick blanket we were fine.

As to backing, I have found the smaller the trailer the harder it is to back up.  The best thing to do is go to an empty parking lot in the evening or weekend and practice. Soon you will look like a pro......

Dont give up.  Once you work the bugs out you will love it.  Its better than any hotel Ive ever stayed at because its mine and kids nowadays need to spend more time outdoors in the woods....

[fourkids]

I can't help you with any of your technical difficulties, but I can try to help you see "the forest through the trees".  The most important part of your original post was that your grandson had a great time.  Keep at it.  You can figure it all out. I'm a 37 father of four (my name, and handy have never been used in the same sentence) and nothing makes me feel more incompetent than dealing with my PuP.  But my kids love it and they love going on "an adventure" sooo.... I practice, and putter when I can, and each time I use the thing I get a little better.  DON'T GIVE UP!  YOU CAN DO IT!!!  Your grandson wants to go camping with his grandma again.