I bought my first ever LQ trailer Friday and am so excited, but didn't realize there is so much to learn about how things work, winterizing, etc.  I have read the manual once, and am going to go over it again.  Lots to figure out.  This trailer has 2 20lb propane tanks, 2 deep cell batteries, big extension cord for plugging in for power, big water tank (people water), hot water tank, furnace, AC, etc.    

The other surprise is how much longer it is than my old GN... old one was about 20' total length... this one is 28.  I am going to have to really think about where my back wheels are when I pull in to gas stations and ride camps. 

Anybody have any special tips or insight on taking good care of your first LQ?

*

It won't be that much different if you have been pulling a gooseneck trailer.   But you won't fit in many regular sized gas stations.  At least not easily. 

Biggest advice is to remember you have holding tank termination valves on the bottom to think about now.  Just keep an eye on them when there is any kind of a rise you have to go over, railroad tracks, raised curbs (like at gas stations), even uneven ground in horse show parking lots or camp sites.  

I live in Western Washington also and don't winterize my trailer, other than draining all the water out of the holding tanks, water lines, and hot water heater.   I keep my trailer plugged in the AC power all winter and keep a portable ceramic space heater running in the LQ part.   For the most part it doesn't get cold enough here to be concerned.  I do check things more regularly on those few days we get a real cold snap, well below freezing.

Before you go out on your first outing, do a dry run in your driveway.   If you will be at a show or campground with hookups, plug in and attach a hose.  If you will be dry camping, unplug and fill your freshwater holding tank.  Cook, shower, etc., do all the things you would do in a 24 hour period and just see how everything works.  I learned, based on the location of my shower drain, that its better to have my trailer sloping very slightly nose down if I can, because the shower drain is towards the front of the trailer.  One of my show buddies has her shower drain on the left side of her trailer, so she tries to park with a slight slope to the left.  Knowing these things helps you pick out your spot and get leveled before you unhook.   If you do have to park out of level in a way that won't let your shower drain correctly, I have found using a rubber sweat scraper to pull the shower water to the drain works really well.   Learned that from a show buddy as well. 

Have fun with your new trailer!

What fun! A new LQ!

Things you'll want to get to have in your new trailer: fuses of all types used by your truck & trailer, an extra plug for both the trailer & truck, wire strippers and a small spool of wire, and wire splices, flashlight, house slipper for you to help keep the inside of the trailer clean, door mat. If you use liquid soap in the shower, it stays cleaner longer. A 30 amp extention cord, and adapter pug for your power cord if it didn't come with one. Chemical for you black water tank. Spring bars for your freidge to keep stuff from falling out when you open the door. Cleaning supplies for your LQ, small brood or vacum, some rags. A long white water hose. One of those two or three way water cut-off things.

-Betty

The thing you won't be able to leave behind is the smile on your face when you use your new trailer. The privacy, convenience and pride of ownership is amazing. Your only mistake was not making every effort to to purchase one earlier.

Congratulations and enjoy!!!!!!!!!

BOL   Gard