looking at a camper tommorrow.

[JesseRC]

Tip#1:
If you do use a fridge, turn it on days before your trip. Then load her up with frozen or cold stuff. Sodas, beer, juices can stay in an ice chest to save room. Really just perishables in the fridge.

Tip#2:
For extended stays , pre-portion meats and stuff into zip lock bags. It saves on mess and having to cut meats and poultry. Freeze them. It keeps the mess in the fridge to a minimum.

Tip #3:
Make sure you have plenty of tools and supplies. Duct Tape, worm clamps, zip ties, electrical tape, entension cords, rope.

Tip #5:
Never leave an awning unattended. NEVER. Every camping outing we have ever been too, I have seen one fly away.

 

[Bernie Brewer]

Another space-saving idea: Does your camper have a sink? Are you going to use it? I never use my sink (I do the dishes outside) so I disconnected the drain hose from underneath to make more room for dishes.

Oh and visit your local Goodwill or St. Vinnie's for dishes, silverware, etc. It's a cheap way to outfit your camper.

 

[JesseRC]

we bought corelle dishes. Virtually unbreakable for everyday use.

 

[mmb]

We setup our travel trailer by shopping at the dollar store and garage sales. Paper plates for most meals allows you some fire starters as well.

Congrats on the popup purchase! One of the best things you can do with your kid(s). I always loved going camping with my folks.

 

[IrregularPulse]

Another space-saving idea: Does your camper have a sink? Are you going to use it? I never use my sink (I do the dishes outside) so I disconnected the drain hose from underneath to make more room for dishes.

Good idea. We'll probably see how much we use the sink. We probably won't, and will do as you mentioned here. Add a small box/cabinet in it's place that's removable/ foldaway.

We setup our travel trailer by shopping at the dollar store and garage sales. Paper plates for most meals allows you some fire starters as well.

Congrats on the popup purchase! One of the best things you can do with your kid(s). I always loved going camping with my folks.

We already have dishes and silverware from our college days. Goodwill and stores like that are a great source for silverware. But having a wedding is an even better one .

We folded it down cause rain was coming and I didn't take any pictures. i know I'm lame.

 

[Aleforge]

Yep pretty lame indeed, still waiting. You put it down because of rain? Can't it be out in the rain, or did you just have it up in your driveway or something.

 

[IrregularPulse]

yeah we just had it up in the drive way to air out. It can be out in the rain, God I hope so!

 

[Ryan_PA]

Well, to continue with my hijackery, her is the story of what has been going on with my popup. When I went to look at the camper, I knew there was water damage in the front storage compartment, I looked around online and learned this was fairly common in the this line of campers. There was also a good assortment of repair photos, so I knew it was doable, but a fairly lengthy undertaking.

After buying and bringing home the camper I got started. Here is the storage compartment rotten and gnarley, only if you could smell the funk:

A few more:

So I had to rip out the old, make new panels out of high grade plywood, prime, paint, and install.

I went with the best hardwood plywood I could find, and used solid wood where appropriate. The original construction was made of dense cardboard and super cheap particle board; niether held up well to years of leaking rain water. I made the new panels, and applied two coats of oil based primer, then two coats of 30 year exterior latex paint.

 

[Ryan_PA]

Here are some shots of the buildout:

 

[Ryan_PA]

And here it is as it stands today, after 3 days of pretty good rain:

The source of the leak was two cracks in the section of plastic between the main body and the lid of the storage section. I sealed with vinyl siding caulk since that appeared to have more play than a fiberglass solution. Not a drop of water in the compartment at all. I am happy with the job I did. There is still a little work to be done, but I know this is much better than it was the day it was bought.

Aside from the storage compartment work, the only thing I have had to do is get new tires. I have checked every major system but the water and water heater, they have all worked perfectly. I plan to de-winterize this week or weekend (if it stops raining), then I can test all systems.

 

[springer]

make sure you tow vehicle is up to snuffto big

 

[IrregularPulse]

haha "A bit rich".

 

[Aleforge]

Ok, so that is why you guys ragged me for trying to max out my towing capacity.... I get it now... lol