I am waiting for my Camplite to be built. Waiting is terrible. I am reading about mods and taking notes. But what about the stuff you have inside your Camplite?
I have my priorities. I went shopping and I am prepared for Happy Hour at the Campsite. I have extra wine glasses and cocktail glasses just in case some campers stop by. I have a blender for making frozen drinks. Now I want to shop for all the rest of what I need.
What have you purchased to put inside your Camplite? What works and what hasn't worked for you?
[font size="3"]Leslie,
There's no pat answer for your question. It's all up to the individual, but I see you have your priorities correct :). One way is to go to Amazon.com and click on all of the above, but then you'll need a bigger trailer. The most immediate problems will be the everyday cooking and living items. The CL has plenty of cabinet and shelf space, but no drawers. Plastic drawer and storage bins from Wally World work well. Don't forget the bathroom storage areas. Think through how you will cook and eat and take dishes, glasses, utensils, pots and pans. Paper roll holders for the kitchen and bath are a necessity. [/font][font size="3"]Get a selection of different sized 3M Command strip hooks for clothes, towels, hats, etc. [/font][font size="3"]Add bedding that you can leave in the camper so you don't have to move it from the house before each trip. A few nights in the driveway can help and keep two pads with a pencil handy: one for things you need and one for things you don't need. Your first trip should be close by so you can pick up stuff you forgot. I know waiting is torture but the planning is fun. We've been trailer camping for almost two years now and still improving our set up. Good luck and have fun.
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Perhaps I should list some of my other priorities. We have 2 dogs who will hang out on the lower bunk of our 21-BHS. I am a gourmet cook. Hubby is a history buff, especially when it comes to Civil War history. He has his own Kindle and is putting books there to cut down on weight in the camper.
To each their own, but here are a few things I have purchased for inside the camper that probably make sense for most people inside items:
Costco LED light strips 2 pack. I mounted one above the stove/sink and the other one in the front cargo area. The one in the cargo area I have set to go on via motion and it seems to work well.
Memory foam mattress topper. The factory mattress is nothing to write home about.
Right now (August) Target and Walmart have TONS of cheap plastic bins and storage containers for all the back to college kids. We scored plenty for all the "stuff" in the camper. My wife found one with three drawers that holds our kitchen utensils, etc. that is particularly helpful.
Regarding the pen and paper advice, we bought this dry erase board and applied it to the front of our fridge.
http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10032178&N=&Ntt=white+board
Comes rolled up like a poster. Just lay it out to flatten it for a few days and then carefully adher from top to bottom, pushing out the small bubbles to the side with something like a plastic dough cutter.
We mounted the dry erase pen high between bathroom and fridge so the 4 year olds can't get to it without permission. We keep a list while out on the road and then transfer to Evernote shopping list when we get home.
Great find.
We bought one of those folding, wooden, clothes drying racks. We set it up outside for towels and bathing suits. Also, purchased a 5gal potable water container. Next was a 120v to 30amp adapter (pretty inexpensive at Lowes), just in case some campsite doesn't offer the 30amp that we need. It's useful in the driveway at home, too.
i installed a Progressive Industries EMS-LCHW30 mostly to protect our AC from a brown out, but also, for peace of mind concerning incorrectly wired shore power. I still check shore power myself with a non-contact voltage tester before we plug in. But that's just me.
We also bought a small, plastic folding table; the kind that one might set up between two folding chairs to set coffee or other adult beverage on. That was maybe, $11 at a big box dept store.
I'll second the drying rack! We already had one and brought it with us on first trip with our QS10 since we had room. Worked great for bathing suits and towels.
[quote source="/post/2958/thread" timestamp="1409076143" author="@dave"]We bought one of those folding, wooden, clothes drying racks. We set it up outside for towels and bathing suits. Also, purchased a 5gal potable water container. Next was a 120v to 30amp adapter (pretty inexpensive at Lowes), just in case some campsite doesn't offer the 30amp that we need. It's useful in the driveway at home, too.
i installed a Progressive Industries EMS-LCHW30 mostly to protect our AC from a brown out, but also, for peace of mind concerning incorrectly wired shore power. I still check shore power myself with a non-contact voltage tester before we plug in. But that's just me.
We also bought a small, plastic folding table; the kind that one might set up between two folding chairs to set coffee or other adult beverage on. That was maybe, $11 at a big box dept store.[/quote]Walmart has 120v to 30 amp and visa-versa adapters for about 6 bucks each they even "glow" so you know you have power. If you are talking the locking 30 amp connector then those are expensive at about 24 bucks.
You'll also need:
sewer hoses and I'd recommend a clear connector to see the stuff is coming out right
drinking water hose
leveling blocks and level
wheel chocks
flashlights
dishes
silverware
sheets/bedding
towels/washcloths
pots/pans cooking utensils
soap/shampoo
extra batteries for all your gizmos/lights
coffee maker
electric skillet for cooking greasy bacon etc. outside
hitch pin lock and or hitch pin and I'd recommend a lock that goes in the hitch when your trailer is stored
black water tank smell good chemical
best brake controller you can afford...I recommend the tekonsha prodigy P3 and adapter for your make/model of Tow vehicle
Optional:
exterior roof vent cover so you can leave a vent open raining
master blaster for cleaning out the black tank
water line air adapter for blowing the water lines out for winter storage
LED light bulbs - reduces power demand and produces much less heat the the factory bulbs Mine took 921 size for inside and 1141 (I think) for the exterior bulb
propane tank level indicator
20 lb. propane tank adapter and hose to hook up a 1lb cylinder type grill
grill for above adapter
extra exterior extension cord for hooking up whatever outside the trailer
board games, card games, frizbees, etc, etc.
sunscreen and bug spray
umbrellas
sweatshirts/jackets
extra pair of old sneakers/shoes
rug/mat for outside door to wipe feet on before entering trailer
collapsable garbage can
lighter/fire making stuff
pie iron/fire pit stuff/hotdog sticks
Folding camping chairs of your choice
picnic tablecloth and clips to hold it down.
area rugs for putting on the picnic table seats if it rained and they are wet
assorted spare fuses for tow vehicle, etc.
one of every command strip product made
RV grade single ply TP (DONT use normal 2 ply!!!)
portable DVD player and your favorite movies for rainy days
extra USB adapters for all your USB charging gadgets
small generic tool kit and your favorite multitool
etc., etc. the list is endless!!!!
[quote source="/post/2974/thread" timestamp="1409088115" author="@tlbones"]Walmart has 120v to 30 amp and visa-versa adapters for about 6 bucks each they even "glow" so you know you have power. If you are talking the locking 30 amp connector then those are expensive at about 24 bucks.
You'll also need: etc.................
etc., etc. the list is endless!!!!
[/quote][font size="3"]An excellent compilation. I totally concur on the Takonsha P3 brake controller. And I believe the new CLs are coming with LED lighting packages standard and black tank flushers as part of the XL Living option. [/font]
Also optional:
2 way radios for backing up. Your spouse can tell what that crunch you heard was without yelling
small 12 air compressor
tire jack
road triangles or LED flares
reflective vests for roadside emergencies
[quote source="/post/2979/thread" timestamp="1409091946" author="@tlbones"]Also optional:
2 way radios for backing up. Your spouse can tell what that crunch you heard was without yelling
small 12 air compressor
tire jack
road triangles or LED flares
reflective vests for roadside emergencies
[/quote]These are part of my normal car kit (always in the back of the car). Instead of triangles or LED flares we use these industrial glow sticks:
http://www.amazon.com/Cyalume-SnapLight-Industrial-Alternative-Intensity/dp/B004NBZL8I/ref=sr_1_4?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1409092720&sr=1-4&keywords=glow+sticks
I've tested a few and they're extremely bright and no worries about the batteries being dead when you need it.
I am glad I asked this question.
I don't know what a hitch pin is. I assume a hitch pin lock is something like an anti-theft device.
I told the RV dealer I needed a brake controller for the camper's electric brakes. I mentioned that I had heard a lot about Prodigy P3. The parts manager told me they carry a brake controller by the same manufacturer as the P3, but it lacks some of the bells and whistles as the P3. He said something about a gauge on the dash for the P3 that the less expensive one doesn't have. Are the bells and whistles worth the extra money? The dealer will order the P3 for me since it isn't something they keep in inventory, if I decide to do that. They keep the less expensive version on hand.
Something I have on my PDI checklist is to ask if the fans that come with the Camplite have covers that allow me to use the fans in the rain.
[quote source="/post/2982/thread" timestamp="1409093217" author="@leslie"]I am glad I asked this question.
I don't know what a hitch pin is. I assume a hitch pin lock is something like an anti-theft device.
I told the RV dealer I needed a brake controller for the camper's electric brakes. I mentioned that I had heard a lot about Prodigy P3. The parts manager told me they carry a brake controller by the same manufacturer as the P3, but it lacks some of the bells and whistles as the P3. He said something about a gauge on the dash for the P3 that the less expensive one doesn't have. Are the bells and whistles worth the extra money? The dealer will order the P3 for me since it isn't something they keep in inventory, if I decide to do that. They keep the less expensive version on hand.[/quote]You could just order a P3 online and have the dealer install it. It looks like Tekonsha makes a harness for your vehicle, so installation should be plug and play:
http://www.amazon.com/Tekonsha-3045-P-2-Plug-Control-Adapter/dp/B004R36OV0/ref=sr_1_sc_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1409093588&sr=1-2-spell&keywords=tekonsha+harness+jeep
Just plug that in and attach a couple screws and you're set. If you hand the dealer a P3 and that harness they shouldn't charge you much (if anything) to do the installation. It should take less than 15 minutes.
I forgot to mention that I upgraded from a P2 to a P3 because of the bells and whistles, so obviously I thought it was worth it. The P3 looks a lot better in my opinion also. Functionally they are identical.
[quote source="/post/2983/thread" timestamp="1409093650" author="@leslie"]Something I have on my PDI checklist is to ask if the fans that come with the Camplite have covers that allow me to use the fans in the rain.[/quote]They don't come with the big covers (the ones that protrude from the roof), but I've found you can still use them in the rain if you just crack the vent a bit.
The windows are awesome in the rain though, so usually we just open the windows and leave the vents closed.
[quote source="/post/2983/thread" timestamp="1409093650" author="@leslie"]Something I have on my PDI checklist is to ask if the fans that come with the Camplite have covers that allow me to use the fans in the rain.[/quote][font size="3"]The factory supplied fans, which I think are really FanTastic Vents now, do not have the referenced covers. The supplied fans have covers that must be opened during operation, but they will allow rain to enter. The referenced covers are available as easily installed options.
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I went shopping online to check the P3 out. Love shopping... Anyhow, it doesn't seem to be that much more expensive to go with the P3. Heck, I'll go with the P3.
[quote source="/post/2984/thread" timestamp="1409093806" author="@tinkeringtechie"][quote source="/post/2982/thread" timestamp="1409093217" author="@leslie"]I am glad I asked this question.
I don't know what a hitch pin is. I assume a hitch pin lock is something like an anti-theft device.
I told the RV dealer I needed a brake controller for the camper's electric brakes. I mentioned that I had heard a lot about Prodigy P3. The parts manager told me they carry a brake controller by the same manufacturer as the P3, but it lacks some of the bells and whistles as the P3. He said something about a gauge on the dash for the P3 that the less expensive one doesn't have. Are the bells and whistles worth the extra money? The dealer will order the P3 for me since it isn't something they keep in inventory, if I decide to do that. They keep the less expensive version on hand.[/quote]You could just order a P3 online and have the dealer install it. It looks like Tekonsha makes a harness for your vehicle, so installation should be plug and play:
http://www.amazon.com/Tekonsha-3045-P-2-Plug-Control-Adapter/dp/B004R36OV0/ref=sr_1_sc_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1409093588&sr=1-2-spell&keywords=tekonsha+harness+jeep
Just plug that in and attach a couple screws and you're set. If you hand the dealer a P3 and that harness they shouldn't charge you much (if anything) to do the installation. It should take less than 15 minutes.[/quote]Leslie I would order it off amazon and attempt the installation yourself. It really is easy. The hardest part if finding a spot you would like to mount it. I removed a screw I found holding part of the plastic dash cover on and just screwed the controller's holder thing in with the same screw right back in the same hole. If you can't make it work then you can ask your dealer for help when you pick up your trailer. Also it will give you plenty of time to study the manual on how it works. (it's not that complicated, but read it and understand it)
Also: The minute the dealer calls and tells you your trailer arrived ask for the VIN# and call it in to your insurance co. and be done with it. Then you won't forget about it with all the excitement of picking up the trailer.
Another item that popped in my head:
Saw or ax for firewood
I think my Jeep is going to look like a pilot's seat in an airplane. Cell phone on a pedestal, monitor for back up cameras on a pedestal, Rand McNally GPS for RV on the dash, and the visual display for the brake controller. This is in addition to speedometer, the tachometer. Whew! A lot to keep track of.
Also 2 things not related to each other:
Measuring cup
box of disposable gloves for handling the sewer hose
You will thank me for both of those ideas later
[quote source="/post/2982/thread" timestamp="1409093217" author="@leslie"]I am glad I asked this question.
I don't know what a hitch pin is. I assume a hitch pin lock is something like an anti-theft device.
[/quote]The hitch pin is just that a pin that holds the lever in the down AKA"locked" position on the tow vehicle's hitch ball to the trailer's hitch. The pin fits through a hole on the lever and that prevents the lever from accidentally being jarred into the open position possibly releasing the trailer from your hitch ball while you drive down the road. A locking hitch pin is just a fancier pin that locks so if you are connected to your trailer nobody can steal your trailer.
Examples:
Hitch coupler pin:
http://www.amazon.com/Curt-Manufacturing-25080-Coupler-Safety/dp/B001GN3H5A/ref=sr_1_6?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1409097572&sr=1-6&keywords=hitch+pin
locking hitch coupler pin:
http://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-37KA-Armored-Trailer/dp/B001QK1X5O/ref=pd_sim_auto_12?ie=UTF8&refRID=1A5Y7FBV272A9Z5GQ9YY
Coupler lock for when your trailer is parked:
http://www.amazon.com/Trimax-UMAX50-Universal-Hardened-couplers/dp/B000F3RYGA/ref=sr_1_11?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1409097712&sr=1-11&keywords=locking+hitch+coupler+pin
In the picture for this coupler (I picked it at random) the coupler lever you are "locking" is the silver thing on top. If you look closely you can see the hole the coupler pin fits through locking it "down" In the picture it is already in the down position:
http://www.amazon.com/Fulton-E333050303-Class--Frame-Coupler/dp/B004EKVRPY/ref=sr_1_11?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1409097985&sr=1-11&keywords=trailer+coupler
Understand. I will add hitch pin and locking hitch pin to my PDI checklist. Thanks.
[quote source="/post/2996/thread" timestamp="1409097136" author="@tlbones"]Also 2 things not related to each other:
Measuring cup
box of disposable gloves for handling the sewer hose
You will thank me for both of those ideas later
[/quote]I have a small plastic shoe box for my sewer kit: a box of gloves, clear safety goggles, a "lamp" flashlight, and a spray bottle of hand sanitizer.
Plastic electric kettle for making hot water. Faster than the microwave. Can use it outside, too.
[quote source="/post/3024/thread" timestamp="1409181362" author="@pinstriper"]Plastic electric kettle for making hot water. Faster than the microwave. Can use it outside, too.
[/quote][font size="3"]Plastic electric kettle? You might be interested in my wood burning stove: made of 100% yellow pine. Also available in red oak. :P
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[p]OK, [a href="http://www.amazon.com/Proctor-Silex-32oz-Hot-pot/dp/B004YTW58S/ref=sr_1_12?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1409182298&sr=1-12"]wise guy[/a].[/p][p]
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Thank you! We are looking at a Livin Lite 16DB today. This list and the checklist on another thread are great! S&J
Pinstriper,
I have one of the "plastic kettles" and I love mine! Heat up super fast!! Found mine on clearance for $4.00 too!!
Steve and Julie - I have an appointment on Friday to get my new Camplite at the dealer. Part of my initial inspection will be to check the caulking and seals around all windows, vents, any other openings. If any caulking is needed, the dealer should take care of this under warranty.
Caulk (and a caulking gun) is never a bad idea to keep in the storage compartment just in case. I use Proflex RV. Really good stuff; available from Camping World.
[quote source="/post/4168/thread" timestamp="1412797900" author="@djsamuel"]Caulk (and a caulking gun) is never a bad idea to keep in the storage compartment just in case. I use Proflex RV. Really good stuff; available from Camping World.[/quote][p]If I have a leak on a trip, it will be solved by gorilla tape. I'll do the permanent fix back at home (or, rather, my dealer's service department will, if for no other reason that I'm a) lazy, b) incompetent, and c) want someone to hold responsible if it leaks after.[/p][p]
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We have added a fairly big funnel and tubing to attach to funnel just in case we have to add water with our five gallon collapsible water jug. They really saved us in Frisco National Park Campground in Cape Hatteras. We also use the small Hefty plastic boxes with the handles that snap shut for our food items along with paper products, our underware and socks, and rolled up shirts. Keeps everything dry and neat! I also found collapsible wire racks at Walmart to put in the deep and tall cabinet above our refrigerator so that I can put one larger box along with a smaller one on the top and bottom. We also store our flashlights and a few other things in that cabinet. I am in the process of putting a small towel rack on the side of the wall from the microwave next to the sink using command tape.
Just bought a used, truck cap for the Silverado. We'll be doing some extended trips this fall/winter. It's really nice to have the extra, covered storage; nice also, are the driver's side tool boxes.
Next up: ceramic heater. Any recommendations there?
[quote source="/post/4212/thread" timestamp="1413040863" author="@dave"]Just bought a used, truck cap for the Silverado. We'll be doing some extended trips this fall/winter. It's really nice to have the extra, covered storage; nice also, are the driver's side tool boxes.
Next up: ceramic heater. Any recommendations there?[/quote][p]Just about any cheap space heater in the 1,000 Watt range. Ours is like 7" cube, in 15 minutes it takes us from 50 to 65 degrees.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Cheap, small, light are the criteria.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Edit: Something like [a href="http://www.amazon.com/Holmes-Compact-Ceramic-Thermostat-HCH4051-UM/dp/B000V50GI0/ref=pd_sim_hg_16?ie=UTF8&refRID=07AF4JSWFAEDKZM9N9H5"]this[/a].
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[quote source="/post/4212/thread" author="@dave" timestamp="1413040863"]Just bought a used, truck cap for the Silverado. We'll be doing some extended trips this fall/winter. It's really nice to have the extra, covered storage; nice also, are the driver's side tool boxes.
Next up: ceramic heater. Any recommendations there?[/quote][font size="3"]El Cheapo 1500 watt from Wally World works fine. Just make sure it has a thermostatic control.[/font]