mikeschu42
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Joined 11 years ago
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Re: New PopUp
fmattox73 wrote: A battery cut off switch would be good, a simple solution is a 20 amp fuse with a water proof fuse holder inline on the positive side of the battery. You didn't mention it, but does the Rockwood have brakes? I like the idea of using an inline fuse as a cheap alternative to a battery cut off switch - thanks! The Rockwood does have brakes, makes towing it so much more comfortable/safe.457Views0likes0CommentsRe: New PopUp
Happy to report that we had no trouble picking up the trailer from the dealership, and our first camping trip was a success. My initial thoughts on camping with the pop-up: - Most of the drawers are too small to be of any real use - The sink is more trouble than it's worth. I hooked up to the city water connection so that we had running water. Tried washing a couple dishes with it, and it was just a pain to bring stuff in from outside, and keep the water inside the sink. I'm considering a 'camp kitchen' to setup outside - The water had a strange taste to it... not sure if this was from our new potable water hose, or just how the campground water tastes. I will have to get an inline water filter to see if this helps. - The propane detector is wired between the battery and the circuit/fuse panel - so when the trailer is being stored, it will be a constant drain on the battery. I'm considering installing a battery cut-off switch. - Smoke alarm kept going off when the wind would blow smoke from the campfire towards the trailer. Ended up taking the battery out of it. Can't say I really understand the need for a smoke detector in a pop-up trailer. Overall, we're enjoying the camper so far, and can't wait to get back out in the woods.457Views0likes0CommentsRe: New PopUp
Thanks for all of the suggestions - good stuff. Our first camping trip is setup for a KOA about an hour away from home, and it's close to a sizable town so I think we should be fine. I'm hoping to get out the door with as little gear as possible for this first trip and figure on making a list of 'must haves' and 'would be nice' stuff.457Views0likes0CommentsNew PopUp
My wife and I have been back and forth trying to figure out what kind of camper to get over the last 2 years. Started looking at pop-ups, then went through just about every option all the way up to a 38' fifth wheeler. Finally made the decision to start small with a Rockwood 1940LTD pop-up that we are picking up on Friday. We're super excited to pickup our new camper and get out in the woods. Any recommendations on essential things to do to/with a brand new pop-up camper? We've been tent camping for many years, but have no experience with campers (yet!)3.2KViews0likes16CommentsRe: Dad looking for family's first camper. Bunk vs. Rear living
If it were me, I'd go with a bunkhouse for the many reasons already stated, and then I'd build some sort of covered deck outside. I'm thinking a roof over a 8'x12' foot area, maybe just a back wall, maybe 3 walls with an open front. Couple of big rocking chairs with comfy cushions that could be stored inside... fire pit just outside the roof... Situate the structure so that you can just back the camper right up to it, maybe make use of an outside kitchen. I'd probably put a futon or couch in there and would end up sleeping outside most of the time!572Views0likes0CommentsRe: Rear loading bunkhouse ?
I've been looking at the Aerolite 282DBHS that has the bunk lift system and a rear door. I really like the bunk lift function and the ability to store bikes/other gear in that space. I believe that for 2014 the bunks were only rated for 150lbs, but the 2016 model I saw at a recent RV show had them listed at 600lbs. At 150lbs, the bunks would be almost useless, so I was happy to see the weight rating was increased. I also remember seeing one other model with the bunk lift system which had a side facing door instead... can't remember the model. Point is, if you search for the bunk lift system, you're likely to find the cargo door as well.280Views0likes0CommentsRe: Adding Power to Utility Trailer
Thanks for the input so far. I'm really leaning towards installing a converter/charger as this would seem a more permanent solution than a simple battery charger. This is the unit I'm looking at: Progressive Dynamics (PD9245CV) 45 Amp Power Converter with Charge Wizard Any thoughts on this charger/converter?437Views0likes0CommentsAdding Power to Utility Trailer
Not necessarily a travel trailer question, but everything I'm looking for would be part of a travel trailer... Anyway, I need to add a battery and a shoreline to an enclosed utility trailer, and I'm looking for some recommendations on what I'll need for the electronics - power converter/battery charger/AC to DC... etc. I want to add a power tongue jack, run some interior lights and have a couple power outlets. I'm not sure what all would be needed, and would like some help with sizing/brands. Backstory: the trailer belongs to a volunteer fire department and is used to store/transport an ATV outfitted for off-road rescue and brush fires. Trailer is stored inside the station, with easy access to shore power, and is only used occasionally (3 - 5 times/year on average). Interior lighting would be used on scene while loading/unloading. Currently the power tongue jack is wired to pull power from the 7 pin connection to the tow vehicle, but we want to power it from an onboard battery. The break-away brakes are currently powered by a tiny little 12V battery that is not maintained, so it's questionable at best. Would want to move the emergency brakes to the new battery.2.1KViews0likes7CommentsShort Bunkhouse Option
I'm looking for a shorter (30' or less) fiver with 2 bunks - but not a full bunk room. Seems this is a somewhat uncommon layout in fifth wheel campers. One model I've found is the Cougar XLite 28DBI. Any recommendations on other makes/models that might work? I've been primarily looking at travel trailers, but after seeing that 28DBI at the Hershey show last weekend, I'm interested to see if a fifth wheel might be a better option. I don't currently have a tow vehicle, so will be getting something appropriate for whatever size/weight trailer we end up with. Will be myself, wife, 2 boys (7 & 12), and one medium sized dog for weekend camping trips in PA and surrounding areas.1.1KViews0likes3CommentsRe: navagation devices used on trips
If you're a smartphone user, I'll recommend an app called Waze. Waze works similar to Google Maps or a Garmin device, but it is user driven, so you get real time traffic info from other Waze users on the roads. I've used this on a number of long trips and have been very impressed with the timely and accurate reporting on traffic/accidents/speed traps. I know a lot of the newer in dash systems these days have the ability to work with a smartphone, some of them will even display the phones screen on the dash screen. Not sure if MyLink has iPhone/Android integration, but might be worth checking.319Views0likes0Comments
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