The little/light Camper Trailer Thread...

[Queen]

So, without reading through a bajillion pages of this thread... anyone have a link to some good packing tips for campers? Seems like there are a hundred things to pack and a list would be helpful.

[Hannda]

Originally Posted by Queen

So, without reading through a bajillion pages of this thread... anyone have a link to some good packing tips for campers? Seems like there are a hundred things to pack and a list would be helpful.

Just like having a vacation condo . . . only smaller.

I would think:
dishes - Corelle Ware dishes are cheap, lightweight and break/chip resistant - better than regular dishes
flatware
cooking utensils
pots/pans
coffee/tea pot - for use on the stove for when there's no electric
splash guard if you're into bacon
Dawn dish soap
sponge, wash rag, etc
linens
bath consumables - tp, shampoo, soap, medicine cabinet must haves
sun screen
bug spray/repellent, etc - maybe citronella candle for outside at night
paper towels
large plastic wash tub if you only have a single bowl sink
(assume something large enough to wash dishes in)
extra pillows, blankets, etc - for guests or when it's just cold
broom & dustpan
(dishwashing wash tub can double for clean up duties)
a couple of those blue 7gal water jugs if you're going to be doing any boondocking
toilet/black water tank chemicals
spare water hose - water supply hose (and maybe a water filter)
at least two lawn chairs - you'll be spending more time outside than in
small parson's table for outside for drinks, nosh, etc.
BBQ length cigarette lighter - just in case there's a problem with your stove's igniter
you'll probably want to add a second battery to the power system - they typically only come with one
small BBQ - easiest to get the ones that take the little propane bottles - for outdoor cooking
maybe even a small propane - camping style - cook stove for outdoor cooking
cooler/ice chest to augment the fridge and for outdoor use
small ac/dc inverter if your trailer doesn't already have one, so you can charge laptops, iPads, iPods, e-readers, etc.
lots of folks like to take a section of "astro turf" type stuff for outside the front door to keep from tracking in dirt and walking on gravel in bare feet

One other item. If you're going to be gone for any extended periods, lots of books take up space and add weight. That's why if you each had a Nook or a Kindle (e-reader of any description) it would be nice. Storage, and shifting of loads during travel, ceases to be an issue this way.

heavy duty extension cord
shower shoes or flip flops
headlamp(s)
carefully edited list of inmates that will loan you bikes and gear.

Edit:
I'll augment this list here if/when anything else comes to mind.

[Queen]

Thanks, Hannda!

The inverter thing, can't I just plug into the outlet in the camper to charge things up?

[Hannda]

Originally Posted by Queen

Thanks, Hannda!

The inverter thing, can't I just plug into the outlet in the camper to charge things up?

If your camper has a 110v outlet in the wall, like you have at home, then it already has an inverter built into it. You have that, you're good to go. I mentioned it only as some of the smaller, lighter weight units don't come with them.

You might like a few of these as well:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Coleman-1...1#.UV2ao5Ozd2A

And/or a small Honda generator. I believe even just this one small unit will run your a/c.
http://powerequipment.honda.com/gene...models/eu2000i

Light weight, quite and will charge your batteries or let you do about anything else you'd want to do in your new camper. Including running the a/c.

One more thing. A heavy gauge extension cord, at least 50'. Sometimes you're at campgrounds, sometimes you're boondocking. But on your trips there's a good chance you'll be beached in inmates driveways and side yards. Being able to get 110 power from the house would be helpful. Especially on hot and humid nights when the a/c is necessary. Why run your generator when you can top off your batteries and run the entire camper for $1.00/day in juice off someone's home? I won't charge you and I'm sure we've got enough hose to top off your fresh water tank.





Last thing. It wouldn't hurt to take, at a minimum, your helmets. You never know when you'll be someplace where there are a couple of Sherpas you could borrow for the day.

[Queen]

Originally Posted by Hannda

Last thing. It wouldn't hurt to take, at a minimum, your helmets. You never know when you'll be someplace where there are a couple of Sherpas you could borrow for the day.

[hppyfngy]

Hannda list is excellent but he left out lighting. I like lanterns but headlamps are the bomb for doing things in the dark and saving house batteries.

That Honda generator is awesome too. I've had one for years and it's an excellent investment.

Have fun!

[Queen]

We're having a good time with the planning and preparing.

[Hannda]

Originally Posted by hppyfngy

lighting
headlamps are the bomb for doing things in the dark and saving house batteries.

Good catch.
Besides, there's nothing attached to the camper that'll do you any good if you decide to head to the campground's toilet/showers or camp's store after dark.

Oooh, that reminds me. Flip flop sandals (shower shoes) for when you're going to use the campground's shower instead of the one in your camper.

Off to edit the original list.

[Queen]

Originally Posted by Hannda

Good catch.
Besides, there's nothing attached to the camper that'll do you any good if you decide to head to the campground's toilet/showers or camp's store after dark.

Oooh, that reminds me. Flip flop sandals (shower shoes) for when you're going to use the campground's shower instead of the one in your camper.

Off to edit the original list.

I've been camping my whole life, so the tips for basic campground use I've got down pretty well... it's the RV that's new.

[Hannda]

Originally Posted by Queen

I've been camping my whole life, so the tips for basic campground use I've got down pretty well... it's the RV that's new.

Did you have shower shoes on your packing list? Hmmmm?

[Patrick46]

Originally Posted by hppyfngy

Hannda list is excellent but he left out lighting. I like lanterns but headlamps are the bomb!

I never go anywhere without my headlamp. I LOVE IT!!

I wear it so often that I forget I still have it on my head.

[EvilClown]

Originally Posted by Queen

So, without reading through a bajillion pages of this thread... anyone have a link to some good packing tips for campers? Seems like there are a hundred things to pack and a list would be helpful.

A mini Weber you can connect to the propane is handy. Everything from pizza, nachos to steaks.



We hook ours right to the rig's tanks. Set it up on one of these from Coleman as they pack small.



Then there's the dark side of RVing...



So you know.





You'll soon learn that it's like outfitting a second home - largely because it is. Good times, though.

[hppyfngy]

Originally Posted by EvilClown

You'll soon learn that it's like outfitting a second home - largely because it is. Good times, though.

It's true. And once you have it properly kitted, you don't have to pack! Just get in it and go.

Yeah, remember the stinky slinky gloves...

[Hannda]

Originally Posted by hppyfngy

It's true. And once you have it properly kitted, you don't have to pack! Just get in it and go.

I have friends who keep a set batch of clothing in their RV. Jeans, socks and underwear, t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, raincoat, etc. Only have to pack any clothing that would be specific to the trip they're taking.

Originally Posted by hppyfngy

Yeah, remember the stinky slinky gloves...

So you don't get poo-poo-paws?

[Jurgen]

Originally Posted by Queen

Just took the first step towards camper ownership... swapped out the SUV for a truck. Nissan was offering insane rebates and they gave us a bunch for our trade. It can tow 6100 pounds.

Very nice--- tell me about the rebates?






no wait, no don't, don't