Last trip of the year coming up.

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

Taking the rig and the tricycle out on Saturday, to our favorite beach campground. It has a great bicycle trail along the ocean, as well as the campground itself being huge, with plenty of miles to bicycle. It looks like I'll have pretty good weather for this short trip (Tues check out) average 70 in the sun during the day.


I'm sad it's our last trip. I'm still going to try to find something in my area that seems like a good place to camp in later October/November, when we can still have pretty mild weather here in CT. I already have my trips booked out for next spring and summer, into Labor Day.

This has been an awesome first year with my camper. Seeing it is a 2022 and hearing about what people have feared about the builds in the COVID years, mine has been okay. I've enjoyed getting to understand the systems, how to be proactive with things that COULD potentially be a problem and how to fix the little problems that arise. I've managed to properly set up weight distribution and learn what it feels like when a camper is behaving while towing vs. NOT behaving. I've already had to disassemble the tongue jack and replace some parts, then put it all back together again. I've spent my leisure time, maintaining, cleaning, applying rubber seal conditioner and ensuring all the moving parts receive lubrication, grease and attention. The start of next season, you'll be walking me through greasing the bearings. I think I have a good idea...I've done it before on my tiny pop-up...but this thing? It's a whole different project as far as jacking it up a few inches, etc.

I've had fun spending this past year outfitting my camper with improvements (2 lithium batteries, porcelain residential-like toilet w/ proper water shut off and new bathroom faucet, rooftop fan shrouds) Also, all the fun, gadgety stuff that takes it up a notch (SoftStart for the A/C and RV Airflow insert for QUIET A/C operation) As well as organizing tools and camping gear, making it 'mine' with my "Everything's Fine" decal. I'm not much of a decorator, so I've not spent a whole lot of time inside 'fluffing' the decor. That's not my cup of tea.

I appreciate and thank all of you here on the forum for your expertise, kindness, advice, help and ideas. Last but not least, thank you all for your tolerance of my often rapid posts and lengthy replies.

 

[Grumpy]

Have a great trip

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

Thank you!
I like busting out the margaritas.
Tequila is my alcohol of choice.
As much as smoking is bad for you and it's stupid to do, I LOVE a cigarette with my drink. Several times a year I'll have a drink and a smoke. The past year it's been when finally settled into the campsite, prepared drink and settled into my seat by the fire.

 

[Jagiven]

We still have about a month of camping left. Then it starts to get to cold for the hybrid, otherwise I'd go until I cann

 

[Tunce the traveler]

Left the 1,000 islands a few weeks ago and flew back to Bellingham to do the West Coast this winter

 

[Jayhawk 29]

You have surely been a busy bee and crammed a lot of effort into upfitting your rig and refining it in the short time of ownership while working a fulltime job. But please give up the cigarettes. Try a substitute . [yes I am old and remember these as kid.]

 

[JFlightRisk]

The past year it's been when finally settled into the campsite, prepared drink and settled into my seat by the fire.

Enjoy the last trip and good weather to boot. I believe you've been an inspiration to a lot of folks here. If we were all as motivated and diligent, there would mostly be no need for service departments. I still do all my own work on our TT, but I've found that at my age it just takes me longer to do it. I will until I can't anymore.....then I'm calling YOU!

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

You have surely been a busy bee and crammed a lot of effort into upfitting your rig and refining it in the short time of ownership while working a fulltime job. But please give up the cigarettes. Try a substitute . [yes I am old and remember these as kid.]

I used to partake in the candy cigs as well, in the early 70's when I was 6,7,8 years old.

Really. They total probably, EIGHT a YEAR? Kind of like guys who like their cigars. You think, well if it is only 10, then why do it? Because if you've smoked, you know cigs and your drink or coffee go hand in hand. It's a strange but understandable combination, but never at home and only when I'm on a vacation or recreational situation. I have no idea how I can only enjoy it for such a few times and not have it roll into a full on habit. I've never been a full timer smoker. Sometimes, if my trip is during hot weather, I don't do it...too hot, not enjoyable. The circumstances and my strange urge have to be in sync and just right. My sister does the same thing. People ask how we can just have the one and be done. It must be in the genes.

Thank you for your concern. I too sit and ask myself "What the heck are you doing?" I figure if something is gonna eventually 'get me,' it's probably not gonna be the actual smokes. If so, my 22 year 'career' of breathing heavy, second hand smoke at home and in public (the first years of my life) will have contributed significantly.

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

Enjoy the last trip and good weather to boot. I believe you've been an inspiration to a lot of folks here. If we were all as motivated and diligent, there would mostly be no need for service departments. I still do all my own work on our TT, but I've found that at my age it just takes me longer to do it. I will until I can't anymore.....then I'm calling YOU!

Ha! I'm 58 and have a solid set of years ahead. I'm not in the best weight shape, BUT I move...all the time. In my nursing job I walk miles a day, non-stop. When not there, I'm at home and most times never stagnant on my days off. I'm always up with the sun, even on my days off and get good rest at night. When at home or maintaining my restaurant, I'll work at something for 30 minutes at a time and take small breaks. I like spinning a lot of plates at once. At home, I'll do a little housework whilst simultaneously doing a project outside. Especially in summer. I do that all day from 9am into the evening. I'm not a sitter...once I sit, it is in the evenings after 7pm for about 2-3 hours, then it's time for bed. I've never been a 'relaxer.' People talk about vacations and laying on a beach or laying around, how it's so nice. I can't do it. Laying around is not relaxing for me. I like to keep it moving.

For many years I did not do the things I really felt I wanted to do; like fixing my own stuff, maintaining stuff, working with wood etc. I've always wanted to try to fix stuff, but never had the tools or the time...raising the kids.

One day, I decided I'm gong to get some tools and 'do something.' Me and husband realized our deck railings were a MESS. Many years of neglect. I told him I'm going to make new railings. He told me 'sure Judy, it's so easy'. I told hm it IS! It's not rocket science. Take your time and and it can be done.

I went forth and tore down that old railing, build new ones and replaced several deck boards, it took me 3 months. He did not help, but not because he wouldn't but because I didn't want it. He's no good with the tools and likes to argue with me. Then, the following summer I tore up all the boards from the upper deck and replaced them with Trex decking. He never doubted me again.

 

[MagnusBjorn]

Up here in NH, I'm planning on camping this weekend and next, then it's time to winterize unless we get a stretch of good weather.

 

[Jayhawk 29]

Really. They total probably, EIGHT a YEAR? Kind of like guys who like their cigars. You think, well if it is only 10, then why do it? Because if you've smoked, you know cigs and your drink or coffee go hand in hand. It's a strange but understandable combination, but never at home and only when I'm on a vacation or recreational situation. I have no idea how I can only enjoy it for such a few times and not have it roll into a full on habit. I've never been a full timer smoker. Sometimes, if my trip is during hot weather, I don't do it...too hot, not enjoyable. The circumstances and my strange urge have to be in sync and just right. My sister does the same thing. People ask how we can just have the one and be done. It must be in the genes.

Just half way razzing about the smoking bit, But I guess that issue hit way to close to home several times over as current as the last month and I made a passing comment in jest of sorts. [insert foot in mouth disease]

I lost another salt of the earth buddy. My family has been affected several times over as a direct result of smoking. My bride spent the better part of her career treating terminal patients. my apologizes, Love to follow your projects, Dealers could use you as a tech ,but manufacturers may not like your intense scrutiny of these rolling crates.

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

Just half way razzing about the smoking bit, But I guess that issue hit way to close to home several times over as current as the last month and I made a passing comment in jest of sorts. [insert foot in mouth disease]

I lost another salt of the earth buddy. My family has been affected several times over as a direct result of smoking. My bride spent the better part of her career treating terminal patients. my apologizes, Love to follow your projects, Dealers could use you as a tech ,but manufacturers may not like your intense scrutiny of these rolling crates.

I completely understand and never take offense. Both my parents were smokers AND worked in the shipyard. Both gone by age 71. I’m a nurse and know/see the potential effects. It’s a bad thing. But we all have a little vice here and there.

 

[TMTEX]

In Texas , we are just getting started for camping. Oct-Dec is the best

 

[norty1]

We have 3 more trips this year. One is to Edisto Beach State park and the other 2 will be to near by State Parks. Reservations are not to necessary in Nov. and Dec. here.

 

[Mesquiterose]

I used to partake in the candy cigs as well, in the early 70's when I was 6,7,8 years old.

Really. They total probably, EIGHT a YEAR? Kind of like guys who like their cigars. You think, well if it is only 10, then why do it? Because if you've smoked, you know cigs and your drink or coffee go hand in hand. It's a strange but understandable combination, but never at home and only when I'm on a vacation or recreational situation. I have no idea how I can only enjoy it for such a few times and not have it roll into a full on habit. I've never been a full timer smoker. Sometimes, if my trip is during hot weather, I don't do it...too hot, not enjoyable. The circumstances and my strange urge have to be in sync and just right. My sister does the same thing. People ask how we can just have the one and be done. It must be in the genes.

Thank you for your concern. I too sit and ask myself "What the heck are you doing?" I figure if something is gonna eventually 'get me,' it's probably not gonna be the actual smokes. If so, my 22 year 'career' of breathing heavy, second hand smoke at home and in public (the first years of my life) will have contributed significantly.

I am also an occasional smoker and less than a pack a year. Hits me at strange times and had not put it together but yes, first night settling in is one of those times. My genetically high cholesterol will probably kill me before the smoking ��

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

I am also an occasional smoker and less than a pack a year. Hits me at strange times and had not put it together but yes, first night settling in is one of those times. My genetically high cholesterol will probably kill me before the smoking ��

Welcome to my club.

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

left the 1,000 islands a few weeks ago and flew back to bellingham to do the west coast this winter

nice!

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

Taking the rig and the tricycle out on Saturday, to our favorite beach campground. It has a great bicycle trail along the ocean, as well as the campground itself being huge, with plenty of miles to bicycle. It looks like I'll have pretty good weather for this short trip (Tues check out) average 70 in the sun during the day.

Got back a few days ago. It was my first trip to a site without electricity. I purposely booked it this time of year knowing I could get by without A/C. The days were perfect, a couple kind of them warm in the direct full sun. Open windows and MaxAir fan proved to keep the camper cool BUT I have a unique situation with a daughter who has autism and expects certain sounds to be present during our trip.

The moment she stepped into the camper she wanted the rooftop A/C on b/c of the sound it makes, as it is calming to her. I know she doesn't know the difference between A/C and 'FAN' mode as long as SOME noise is coming from the rooftop unit/ducts. So, I turned on the rooftop A/C in FAN mode...all good, she was happy and settled into her spot. It really supplied some super nice airflow through the ducts. (Remember I have the RV airflow systems installed with all ducts nicely sealed with amazing velocity of air out of the ducts) BUT, how did I power the unit?

Well, I planned this trip in order to do some trialing on my EcoFlow Delta Pro 3600watt electric generator, how it would handle my needs and how long it would last before requiring a charge.

I ran the Maxair fan and lights and general USB plugs charging a phone, tablet and my bike battery at points throughout the day.

I had the EcoFlow in the covered bed of my truck. I plugged the camper into the EcoFlow. At most times I was pulling between 3150-450 watts of power running the rooftop A/C fan and the other items. When we were gone from the camper I turned off the rooftop fan.

Overall the Ecoflow powered my needs through the entire day, about 13 hours. To recharge the Ecoflow I had my small, Predator 1800 gas generator. In the eves I ran the Predator for 2 hours to recharge the EcoFlow. Then the EcoFLow (silently) powered the rooftop A/C fan all night while we slept and into the morning. Then by 9am, I recharged again for about 1.5 hours. It was what I expected and I was really happy with the results. I could use my microwave, make coffee and not worry about my power needs and stay within the campground confines of the generator use, rules.

Now, this would not be sustainable for summer, as the A/C would kill the EcoFLow in 3 hours, tops. BUT, now I know I can get myself a really nice non-powered campsite in the early Spring or October weeks and still have plenty of power, while keeping my daughter stress free.

The trial was also successful in the fact that I managed to deal with it raining heavily one night, then into the morning of the next day. In order to keep the EcoFlow protected, I kept the cover intact over the truck bed, with the EcoFLow about 1/4 the way inside the bed. I kept the gate open and placed the gas generator in the bed, just beyond the gate, with the exhaust pointing out and the outlets pointing into the dry bed.

I am able to monitor the EcoFlow's power consumption and battery level via a bluetooth app, which is convenient. When it got down to 2 hours remaining, I'd go outside and start up the gas generator to charge the EcoFlow.

Overall. it's a good set-up and not too much of a hassle. The EcoFLow stays put, as it is 100lb, but the gas generator is just right at about 40lb (with gas) and can be maneuvered if needed and runs for about 8 hours before needing refilling. I only had to add gas one time....I used about 1.5 gallons, tops.

 

[norty1]

We were without ac power for 3 days on this last trip due to hurricane Helena in upstate SC. My rig has 2 group 24 batteries but no solar.

Thru experimentation we found that our Honda i2000 would meet all our power needs as long as we were aware of what was on. I always thought the microwave would overload the small genny but it did a great job. Also we had other ways to make coffee but like our drip coffee and it worked fine, even with some fans going. We have not even tried the ac because we didn't really need it but without a EasyStart on one of my units, that is out of the question.

I checked the charging voltage and also monitored the battery voltage when it was under load and the i2000 kept the batteries charged with just a couple hours of running daily.

We were in a campground that had no power but there were multiple generators running, some 24-7. Only complaint I had was the noise at night. I would get used to the drone and then I could hear one shut off for a few minutes or so, I surmise for refueling. We assisted my relatives all we could and decided to cancel the rest of our trip to Maggie Valley. The cg there was partially flooded with no power or internet. We had an uneventful trip back home after finally finding a tank of diesel.

 

[Jayhawk 29]

The detailed report is very informative and helpful. It certainly gives folks that really loves to boondock a lot of ideas.