Our First Travel Trailer Adventure: Learning as We Go!

After months of planning, shopping, and learning everything we could about travel trailers, we finally hit the road for our very first camping trip! Fully packed, groceries stocked, and hitching/unhitching process practiced—there was a mix of nerves and excitement as we pulled out of the driveway.

First Stop: Indianapolis KOA

Our first stop was the Indianapolis KOA for a quick overnight stay. The drive was smooth, getting gas not so much but pulling into our first campground as official travel trailer owners felt like a huge milestone. Setting up for the night was a learning experience, but everything went relatively well. We double- and triple-checked everything, took our time, and made it through our first night with no major issues—success!

One of the unexpected highlights of the day? Stopping at a rest stop for lunch! We pulled in, made sandwiches in the trailer, and enjoyed a little break before finishing the trek to Indianapolis. There was something so satisfying about having everything we needed with us—kitchen, food, and even WiFi! I even managed to take a quick work call and send off some emails before we got back on the road.

Second Stop: Nashville KOA

 The next morning, we hit the road early for our second stop: the Nashville KOA, where we stayed for two nights. The weather threw a little challenge our way—windy conditions from Indy to Nashville—but we stuck to 65 mph and had no traffic, making for a relatively stress-free drive, for the passenger at least. As a new trailer towing driver Corby struggled to find his confidence and comfort with all of the unknowns and SLOW speed. Going so slow was definitely a challenge.

Pulling into the campground felt amazing! We were starting to get into a groove, and each step (pulling in, setting up, getting settled) was becoming more natural already. Confidence level? Slightly higher than yesterday! But drive eyes and exhaustion were still pretty high once we finally could relax.

Adjusting to the “Take It Easy” Lifestyle

If there’s one thing we’re quickly learning, it’s that camping is a slow-and-go sport—a big adjustment for us! We’re typically hurry-up-and-go people, always on to the next thing. But here, things take time—setting up, breaking down, troubleshooting little problems.

When frustrations or insecurities arise, we’re working hard to remind ourselves to be a team. It’s easy to take stress out on each other when things feel unknown or overwhelming, but we’re trying to focus on the end goal: being happy campers!

The fear of the unknown is real, but it’s also part of the fun. Every challenge we face is a chance to learn and grow together. The best part? We’re already seeing how this experience is bringing us closer as we navigate this adventure hand-in-hand with a little help from the trusty Google.

Milo is just along for the ride and moral support!

Last-Minute Google Searches (a.k.a. Second-Guessing Everything)

As first-timers, we had a LOT of questions—some expected, some… well, a little embarrassing. Here are just a few of our last-minute Google searches (plus what we learned):

Towing & Driving Questions

1. “How many gallons are left when the fuel light comes on?”

 Most trucks have 2 to 5 gallons left, meaning around 30-50 miles of range—less when towing. Lesson learned: Fuel up before the light comes on!

2. “What can help stabilize when pulling a travel trailer in the wind?”

 Drive slower (60-65 mph), use a weight distribution hitch with sway control, and keep the trailer’s weight balanced. Small, smooth steering adjustments are key!

3. “Do you adjust the maximum output and gain on the brake controller?”

 Yes! Properly adjusting the brake controller ensures smooth braking and prevents trailer brakes from locking up.

How to Adjust Maximum Output and Gain on a Brake Controller

 1. Start at a Low Speed: Find an open parking lot or a quiet road.

 2. Set Initial Gain: Most brake controllers allow you to set a starting point—begin around 50% (mid-range).

 3. Perform a Brake Test: Drive around 25 mph and apply the manual override (slider or button) to see how the trailer brakes engage.

 4. Adjust Up or Down:

 • If the trailer jerks or locks up, reduce the gain.

 • If it feels like the trailer is pushing the truck, increase the gain.

 5. Fine-Tune on the Road: As you drive, adjust for road conditions and trailer weight. Wet or slippery roads may require slightly lowering the gain.

Trailer Setup & Equipment Confusion

1. “Why is my brand-new travel trailer’s hot water heater anode rod hole rusty?”

 Manufacturing residue, oxidation, or the anode rod reacting with water can cause rust-colored buildup. A quick flush should clear it up!

2. “How do I clean the hole where the anode rod goes in?”

 Use white vinegar and a bottle brush or a wire brush attachment on a drill to clean any buildup inside the hole before installing a new anode rod.

3. “Does the travel trailer battery charge off the truck while driving or only when plugged in?”

 Yes, but slowly. Most trucks provide a small trickle charge while driving, but the battery charges much faster when plugged into shore power.

Water System Questions

1. “Do you leave the water pump on in a travel trailer while parked or only turn it on when needed?”

 Only turn it on when needed unless you’re dry camping (no water hookup). If you’re connected to city water, you don’t need the pump at all!

Staying Warm in the Trailer

1. “It’s really cold! How long does it take for the heater to warm up?” (LOL)

 NOT LONG Google couldn't help, and so we had to rely on our patience. Luckily, we didn't need much patience as our trailer isn't that big and the furnace kicks on and takes only minutes to heat up. Within 10 minutes, all 22 feet are toasty warm.

And don't forget the FUN! Exploring Nashville!

Of course, we couldn’t come to Music City without checking out some live music. Our first stop was The Nashville Palace, where we soaked in the honky-tonk atmosphere and enjoyed some great performances. There’s just something about Nashville—the energy, the music, the history—it’s everything we hoped it would be!

We had planned to do the Grand Ole Opry Backstage Tour, but that was a BIG no-go. Turns out that it was the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th Anniversary, and they were hosting a huge televised concert. Tickets were $6,000 each (!!)—so that dream will have to wait for another trip. Instead, we stuck around to see Mindy Miller, who put on a fantastic set. No regrets!

We’re looking forward to heading downtown for more great live music before moving on to our next stop.

What’s Next?

 

We’re getting more comfortable with each stop and learning a ton along the way. Next up—more exploring in Nashville before heading further south on our journey to Florida!

Have any first-time RVing tips or funny newbie stories? Drop them in the comments—we’d love to hear them! 🚐💨

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