Forum Discussion

profdant139's avatar
profdant139
Explorer II
Apr 05, 2020

We're using the TT's fridge as a "semi-lifeboat"

We've always thought that the trailer would come in handy as a "lifeboat" in an emergency -- so, for example, if an earthquake knocks down our house, we could stay in the trailer. (We live in California, not far from a major earthquake fault, so that is not a far-fetched scenario.)

Well, in a much more limited way, we are now using the trailer to help us out in this emergency. DW and I are both in "high risk" categories, so we are strictly limiting our trips to the grocery store. DW got the idea to buy extra quantities of fresh produce and then to stick the extra into the fridge in the trailer.

This means that instead of having to go to the market every week, we can cut back to every ten days or so. That reduces our cumulative exposure to the general public.

Yes, it means extra wear and tear on the fridge in the trailer, which is not a good thing. (Most of the year, the fridge is off because the trailer just sits in the driveway.). But we figure that the reduction of risk of infection is worth the extra wear and tear.

So there you have it -- yet another reason to own an RV! (Gotta look at the bright side these days, right??)
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Apr 05, 2020
    2oldman wrote:
    profdant139 wrote:
    if an earthquake knocks down our house, we could stay in the trailer.
    If an earthquake is strong enough to knock down your house, I wonder what it would do to an Rv? Rock around a bit?


    I've wondered about this as well. Our TT is sitting in a carport. Be just my luck if the whole thing falls down and "traps" the RV!

    I was driving real slow on I5 during a quake. The steering wheel started turning left and right in my hands! I had no idea what was happening.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Apr 05, 2020
    profdant139 wrote:
    if an earthquake knocks down our house, we could stay in the trailer.
    If an earthquake is strong enough to knock down your house, I wonder what it would do to an Rv? Rock around a bit?
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Apr 05, 2020
    Our fridge is stocked as well. Mostly with stuff our disabled son would not understand going without. So far, none of those items have been on shortage but some other items do seem to be short this week, like sugar and flour.

    Oh and we taught ourselves how to make Maitai's so we're set.
  • NRALIFR's avatar
    NRALIFR
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2020
    I’m doing the same thing with my truck camper. It’s in the garage, and I’ve been using it, and it’s fridge as a staging area for all the new groceries we bring into the house.



    I wipe down everything that can be wiped down with a disinfectant, then leave it in the camper till it’s needed. I keep a fan going in the camper to encourage drying, as it’s my understanding that’s what kills those little buggers if they’re on a surface. Nothing new comes in the house immediately unless there’s just no choice.

    My garage beer fridge is also helping out a little, but it’s still primarily a beer fridge. After all, most jurisdictions consider liqueur stores to be “Essential Businesses”, so that means everything they sell is essentially essential. They might as well just say that beer’s mandatory, IMHO.

    All bottles and cans get dunked before putting them in the fridge.



    :):)
  • CavemanCharlie's avatar
    CavemanCharlie
    Explorer III
    Apr 05, 2020
    profdant139 wrote:
    We've always thought that the trailer would come in handy as a "lifeboat" in an emergency -- so, for example, if an earthquake knocks down our house, we could stay in the trailer. (We live in California, not far from a major earthquake fault, so that is not a far-fetched scenario.)

    Well, in a much more limited way, we are now using the trailer to help us out in this emergency. DW and I are both in "high risk" categories, so we are strictly limiting our trips to the grocery store. DW got the idea to buy extra quantities of fresh produce and then to stick the extra into the fridge in the trailer.

    This means that instead of having to go to the market every week, we can cut back to every ten days or so. That reduces our cumulative exposure to the general public.

    Yes, it means extra wear and tear on the fridge in the trailer, which is not a good thing. (Most of the year, the fridge is off because the trailer just sits in the driveway.). But we figure that the reduction of risk of infection is worth the extra wear and tear.

    So there you have it -- yet another reason to own an RV! (Gotta look at the bright side these days, right??)


    Good idea ! I just quit eating fresh produce for now. I still have quite a few jars of things that I canned myself out of last years garden to eat on.

    I don't know if you are adding much wear and tear to your trailer fridge by using it a little more often. The change would probably be so insignificant to almost be immeasurable.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Apr 05, 2020
    Haven’t touch my TT’s supplies yet nor have I activated the fridge. I believe in being ready to camp with a full stock of supplies and dry/canned food. Need fresh water however.
  • hotjag1's avatar
    hotjag1
    Explorer II
    Apr 05, 2020
    We keep our motorhome stocked and ready to go also, but the nice surprise was when I looked in the bathroom, there were 12 rolls of TP that have been in there for 3 months. We didn't have to worry about the empty store shelves.
  • opnspaces's avatar
    opnspaces
    Navigator II
    Apr 05, 2020
    profdant139 wrote:

    Yes, it means extra wear and tear on the fridge in the trailer, which is not a good thing. (Most of the year, the fridge is off because the trailer just sits in the driveway.)


    Mine is in storage, but I do have a chest freezer in the garage that is getting put to good use.

    You know, it's funny how we take a little observation and fill in the rest with assumption. I swear from all your awesome picture posts I assumed that you are camping way more than being at home.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Apr 05, 2020
    Our 5vr is parked next to house..FHU
    Is plugged in 24/7 and fridge stays on with cold beverages

    Use it as a quick get put of the heat refuge when working outside.
    Can be used as guest quarters when her brother shows up
    Fully stocked---ready to GO whenever the need arises.

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