Thoughts on first outing

The Fan-Tastic Fan is exactly that. Quiet and effective.

We started with one but when ours went to the factory for repair, it came back with a MaxxAir fan, which is much the same in quietness and performance. Both are very good.

Don't reserve a back-in site. Do check that your reservations are for the correct nights.

Why not reserve a back-in site? After some practice, you will gain experience in backing and it isn't that bad. It is best though to arrive during daylight hours. Backing in at night is a pain. I've had to do it more than once. In that case, a good ground guide who knows how to signal which way the trailer needs to move is very, very helpful.

I really need a set of those adult Lego blocks.

Yes, they are good. I really like the Andersen Leveler (or other rocker/wedge shaped leveler with the smaller wedge to chock with. It is much faster and does not have the guesswork component of the stacking blocks. However, in my driveway, I use the stacking blocks. I did cut one in half so I could use it to make the stack work for me. They really ought to come with a pair of half-blocks in the package.

The external storage is too small and the interior storage too ample -- temptation to overload!

The storage is quite ample, especially under the stove. The only down side is that it is hard to get to the back corner.

Need some plastic dishpans to organize storage, especially the drippy water supply hose.

Get a 5-gallon bucket. When you disconnect the hose, try to drain the water from it as you are coiling it. Then store it in the bucket along with your filter and water connections. Keep these completely separate from your sewage drain hoses/connections. This may not fit in the trailer, but it will fit in the bed of your truck. Also, connect the two ends of the hose together. That stops any water that remains in the hose from dripping out.

I-95 drivers are insane, but the Ram 1500 + equalizer hitch seemed immune to the giant trucks blowing by at Warp 9. The sway bar is still in the box, and I'll install it when I get time, but it was good to know that sway is not a big problem.

Agreed! I am a bit confused. If you have an Equal-i-zer hitch, it has 4-point sway control built in. If it isn't an Equal-i-zer or Fastway E2 hitch with built-in sway control, then it is just a weight distribution hitch. I am in favor of having some form of sway control. I like the electronic ones that activate if needed, but otherwise do not affect low-speed maneuvers or backing like a sway-bar does.

Need to pack a Yeti full of ice. The Dometic fridge is great for keeping food cold, but not a good ice maker, at least not at our volume.

Some people get one of the small counter-top ice makers. If you are not dry camping a lot, that might be a better option. However, you know your situation best.

Table is annoyingly high relative to the couch. Need top find something smaller and store this one in the garage.

I modified ours by removing the mechanism and installing two pedestals instead. I'm much happier with it.

Don't sit on the ottoman! It's too soft and you're liable to roll off onto the floor.

If you have a place near you that sells fabric and foam, have replacement foam for the ottoman cushions made from high-density foam. That will make them much better. I did that and am much happier with them now.

Previous owner was smart about putting fabric shades over the interior lights.

My wife and I like the brighter lights we have. However, at night it would be nice to tone a couple down. The good thing about the 179 is that there are a number that can be turned on or off to adjust the light level inside.

Need a travel-proof French press. Instant coffee sucks.

Instant is good in a pinch, but get a Melitta filter cone and #2 filters. Easy clean-up and good coffee without the mess. My wife does not drink coffee, so the single-cup Melitta cone is good. Also, you could get a stovetop Moka pot/Espresso maker. We have one that is induction capable in Stainless Steel since we carry an induction cooktop. Also, check out the Magma nesting cookware. It is available in induction or non-induction and is as good as any stainless steel cookware you might have in your house, if not better. 

Hopefully, some of this will help.