About Me

My photo
Columbus, Ohio, United States
A project manager by day, but an outdoor enthusiast 24/7. Desired profession....KAYAKER! My boats include a red 14' Wilderness Systems Capehorn, an orange 11.5' Dagger Blackwater, and a lime green Dagger Approach 9'. One more boat and I think I qualify as a livery. My other toys include a Specialized Allez Sport road bike and a Jeep Wrangler to hold 'em all!

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Top 10 camping lessons learned on my first solo camper towing:



Top 10 camping lessons learned


10.  Pay attention when the rental guy tells you that the awning is the hardest thing with the camper operations.

9.  Fill up the water tank at home even if it means carrying an extra 80 pounds.  When you’re already over the limit by 1000 pounds, what’s 80 more pounds!

8.  Bring a generator even if you don’t think you’ll need it.  Even better when a friend has one to loan you and offers it up!

7.  Hide the firewood underneath the camper even if you don’t think it will rain.  Tip: See #3.

6.  Don’t be shy…ask a camping neighbor to help you put the awning up so that it doesn’t scare you or your dog trying to do so. 

5.  Before departing, find out from Dad if you need to have the Jeep in 4-wheel drive or not.  Saves panicking as you’re half way through the trip wondering if you’re suppose to or not.

4.  Have a backup plan for important items whether it is no electric for the coffee maker, inoperable stove, inoperable water system.  Hints:  instant coffee, backpacking Jetboil stove, bring extra water to ‘flush’ the toilet.   As in #10, pay attention to the rental guy’s instructions so as not to be wishing you had done #9!

3. Don’t leave your camper windows open when leaving the site unless you know the weather report for the day.   

2.  When towing something, remember that it’s back there! 

1.  Choose a good co-pilot!  An 11-month old Boxer pup riding shotgun is pretty cute….not so helpful navigating or setting up the camper though!  


2 comments:

  1. Love this post. I learned the hard way about filling up the water tank. Also, single ply toilet paper is a good lesson as well. I love having a generator on board at all times (and 2 marine batteries to boot!).

    Great information!! Every trip is a new learning experience.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes, the TP is quite important. The rental trailer came stocked with plenty for me so I didn't have to worry. But I have heard marine grade/type toilet paper is a must. It sounds like single-ply too. Good to know!!

    ReplyDelete