Some More Pictures

Today was another scorcher here in Florida – not conducive to working in an un-air-conditioned camper, but I did manage to get a little done and to take a few more pictures.

Since I have no way to dispose of the old double mattress that was on the bed at this time, I decided to put it back on the bed until the mobile home park brings in a dumpster for such items. The park manager assured me they would be doing this in November or December. I’ll then have to decide what kind of mattress to get.

Following are some pictures of the rest of the travel trailer except the bathroom:

The bedroom with no mattress

 

The bedroom with the mattress

 

The kitchen as seen from the bedroom (the white door leads to the bathroom) – the sink, the stove, the microwave above the stove, the refrigerator and freezer

   

 

The dining room table, cabinet, and small bed across from the sink, stove, etc.

 

The kitchen taken from in front of the bathroom door – note the dining room table and the bedroom

 

The dining room table with cabinets

 

A little different view of the dining room table

Doesn’t this look like a cozy place to live?

‘Til next time…

Bedroom Floor Plan

Yesterday and today, I used Visio to create a floor plan of the bedroom in my Travel Trailer. Doesn’t that sound easy?

Well, considering that Visio is a Microsoft program with plenty of power and capability and I am a poor old woman with little power and even more limited capability, you might be able to appreciate the difficulty I had in creating the following floor plan:

Part of my problem was that, until yesterday, I had only used Visio for flowcharts, never for architectural purposes.

Needless to say, the diagram works, but may need some explanation. 

The wall shown on top, which is at the front of the camper, slopes toward the front. You can probably best see this slope from looking at the picture of camper front from the outside.

The “Bed” (ca 74” by 54”) consists of a hinged piece of plywood which supports a mattress. The plywood lifts up to reveal the storage areas underneath, including the one holding the water tank.

The floor of the cabinet on the right side is about 12” above the floor in order to put it on a level with the bed and to make room for one of the outside cabinets to pass through under it. The storage area stretches under the bed over to the divider that separates the under-bed storage area into the area with the water tank and the area without it. These areas are clearly visible in the pictures in one of the previous posts.

The cabinets above the bed are not really above the window as they appear in the diagram. The window is the one that’s shown on the front of the camper in the picture of the outside. The cover for that window has the solar panel on it.

The window on the left is the emergency exit – every camper must have one besides the door.

The door into the bedroom has a folding ?canvas? door which allows for privacy.

I haven’t figured out what the little triangular shelf is for. It’s way to small to be very useful except possible as a place to put an alarm clock.

You’ll note the heater vent, which I hope never to have to use.

Tomorrow (10/30/2009), I will be free for 8 hours (Kristen will be staying with Mom), but am taking a break and will probably go to Busch Gardens instead of working on the camper.

‘Til next time…

Feeling A Little Foolish

Today, I spent a little while at my travel trailer, but it was so hot I only stayed there about an hour and a half.

As I mentioned before, the bed has helper tubes that make it easier to pick up the rather heavy plywood cover over the storage area. I was unable to figure out how to get the cover down once I lifted it up.

Today, as I was trying to take the brackets off so I could take the helper tubes over to Camping World to see if they had any suggestions about getting them to go down, I inadvertently leaned down on the top and the tubes just folded down.  

What an idiot i am! (but you probably knew that) -- I never tried just leaning on it; I just kept trying to lift it up to see if it would release and go down.

I think I mentioned in a previous post that I wanted to change the bedroom by making the bed “convertible,” i.e., make it so it would normally be a twin size instead of a double. This was impossible because of where the water tank was.

I then thought I might try to switch the bed 90 degrees and open up a little more floor space (about 20 inches wide…

Today, I decided that could not happen. There is a large storage area to the right of the water tank, but today I discovered that the water pipe goes through that area.

I still have to figure out what type of mattress to replace the icky one I took off. I’d like to get one that isn’t too heavy – this would not only help with lifting up the top of the storage area, but with the trailer weight.

Has anyone had much experience with the Air Beds – How durable are they? Are they comfortable? Do they have to be blown up quite often? Would they work for the long term?

I suppose I could get a Sleep Number bed, but I’m not sure I want to spend that much money or even if they have a double-bed size.

Next time, I hope to show you a floor plan of the bedroom with measurements.

“Til next time…

Measurements

Today, for a couple of hours, in the very hot weather, I measured the main bedroom. I can't believe it took so long.

I had to first take off everything I had placed on the bed, and then take the mattress off the double+ bed support (a piece of hinged plywood over a storage area. This was a difficult job, because the mattress was awkward and heavy. It also smelled of smoke and will be dumped as soon as I figure out where to take it. Right now, it's in the kitchen. I won't be putting it back in the bedroom.


The following pictures show the bedroom as it looks now.


There is a closet in the right corner, a 2-door cabinet over the bed, and a bed where the top lifts up to reveal the water tank and a storage area. From the open door, you can see there is a small shelf in the closet.

None of the pictures show very well that that the wall in the back of the closet and the wall behind the bed both slope toward the back of the travel trailer (the bedroom is on the front of the travel trailer on the right as you come in the door).


There are decorative mirrors on the cabinet doors over the bed.



The top of the bed support is hinged, the cover of which is raised to reveal the 30-gallon water tank and a good-sized storage area. One of the outside storage areas reaches through the bootom of the closet on the right into this area.























The top is heavy, but there are some metal tubes that assist in raising the top. My only problem now is that I can't figure out how to get them back down.

Reluctantly, I have resolved that there is no way I can modify the bed to take up less room since the water tank is right in the way. I may well be able to add another tank in the storage area on the right -- it all depends on whether the trailer will support the additional weight (at 8 pounds per gallon, that's 240 pounds, if my math is correct)

I do believe, however, that all of the clothes I wear on a regular basis will fit in that single closet to the right of the bed. I'll just need to add some shelves so I can keep stuff separated-- I don't hang up too many clothes, but there's plenty of room if I need it. There's plenty of room in the cabinets over the bed for the stuff I don't wear too often.





I'd love to hear from anyone who might have suggestions about releasing those rods so I can get the bed down. I'd especially like to hear from anyone who might have suggestions for a better way to hold them up. I almost think a couple of plain old wooden sticks could be used as props; it just wouldn't assist in raising the plywood.

'Til next time...

The Value of the Dollar

Tonight, Mom and Karen Dersham and I went to Kazbor's for dinner. When the waitress brought the bill to the table, Mom said she had some money, reached in her pocket, and pulled out a sock (a dirty sock, yet!).

Is this what the dollar has come to? We didn't try to give it to the waitress -- what would she have thought?

'Til next time...

LP Tanks

What a gorgeous, productive day!

I finished de-rusting and painting my LP tanks. Fortunately, I used a spray paint from Rustoleum that dried in about 30 minutes so I was able to put them back on the A-Frame of the camper.

Note the two pictures:

The first picture was taken after I re-installed the LP tanks. It shows the entry side of the camper, complete with awning. The other picture shows the other side of the camper, with the tanks off from the front.

Thankfully, you can't see the dirt on the outside of the camper, but it is there. I'm debating whether to clean the outside next or go to work on the inside. There are a lot of modifications I'm contemplating for the inside, such as adding shelves, cabinets, determining storage, perhaps changing the bigger bed. Oh, so many possibilities!

Since the camper will just get dirty again before I get to use it, I'll probably start on the inside, with the first job of drawing a detailed floor plan with specific measurements.

I did check the battery today and the voltage is up to 13.11. The regulator is supposed to stop charging the battery when it reaches 13.4. (I'll be checking it almost daily to make sure it does that.) Last time I reported that the battery was up to 12.44, but I checked my notes and it was really up to 12.94 (I shouldn't rely on my memory, should I?). It seems to be charging faster as it gets a higher charge. I guess this makes sense since the plates are probably getting more and more de-sulfated.

Today, I ordered a solar generator, which produces 1800 watts of power in full sun. This is much better than a gas generator (except at night or on really cloudy days). It's portable and will be a big boon when I'm boondocking (chuckle, chuckle), i.e., camping without hookups. If you have any interest in such a generator, just check out http://www.rvbackup.com/ It's a little pricey, but you never have to worry about gas cans or even being able to get gas like you would for a gas generator.

I hope you can tell by my blog that I am having a ball doing this work on the camper and anticipating getting it done, to say nothing of anticipating my full-time RVing.

'Til next time...

Deadbolt Installation

Today, I did something I have never tried before: installing a deadbolt in my double doors in my mobile home.

My mom sometimes leaves the house when I am taking a shower and could get out when I'm asleep and she isn't. My solution: the deadbolt. I'll hide the key up high so she can't reach it.

It took me much longer than I thought it would because the door is encased in some kind of metal. This made the hole saw struggle.

I also was slowed down by the fact that I had no idea what I was doing and had an awful time getting the parts to line up. In the process of testing my first try, I broke one of the chintzy little keys that came with it.

Well, I did finally get the key to engage and disengage the lock -- after several hours, but then it wouldn't go into the other side of the door because of the placement of the preinstalled plate.

I finally had to adjust that (by cutting out a hunk of metal) and it works great.

Unfortunately, having a solid lock like this just points out the weakness of the double door installation itself. Ironic isn't it that the reason I had these new doors installed was because Mom couldn't get the sliding doors open?

Now, I'll have to get some trim to solidify the doors themselves. One job just leads to another.

Doesn't this sound like fun?

'Til next time...

Progress Today

What a beautiful day it was for working outside. It was so nice, I was able to get the following done:

• Checked the battery to see if the number of volts was still going up -- it is. Last time I checked it was about 11.8 volts; today it was at 12.44 volts. The solar panel was charging at 19.43 volts. I think the battery may just be okay even though it was probably allowed to discharge a little too much before I got the trailer. I'm considering the possibility of exchanging the batteries anyway... I'd like to get two 12-volt AGM batteries - they don't take as much maintenance and don't release Hydrogen gas when being charged.
• Removed the LP tank cover and two LP tanks (this sounds easy, but I had quite a time unscrewing the hose from the tank... it takes a 7/8" wrench and turns off clockwise). I'll be creating a label that will remind me of this next time I have to take off the tank -- this type of reminder has saved me a lot of time when hooking and unhooking the battery cables -- I just put a label on the underside of the battery cover that says which cable to connect/disconnect first
• De-rusted the rest of the A-Frame
• Painted the rest of the A-Frame
• Started de-rusting the two LP tanks (I couldn't put them back on the A-Frame because the oil-based Rustoleum paint takes 24 hours to dry)
• Took the two LP tanks up to my house where I'll be able to de-rust and paint them (maybe -- it depends on Mom)

I forgot to take my camera with me today; I was going to take some pictures to post on the blog. On Friday, I'll try to remember to take it.

'Til next time...

A Far-Away Memorial

As many of you may know, in order to downsize, I'm selling a lot of my "stuff" on eBay.

Between 1991 and 1993, Mark and I collected First-Day Covers from the Postal Commemorative Society. Every little while, an envelope and supporting documentation would arrive from wherever a new stamp was issued. The envelope had Mark's name and our address in Brandon and was postmarked on the first day of issue at the place where the stamp was issued.

Yesterday, October 20, 2009, I sold a set of four such First-Day Covers on Space Exploration to the Mt. John Observatory in New Zealand. They will be using it as part of a display. To quote them:

"As this is the International Year of Astronomy we have been actively reviewing ways in which to improve and enhance our outreach programs and one of our main goals is to develop a philatelic collection dedicated to space, astronomy, and satellites through which we can engage and excite visitors. These covers would be a perfect match! We've put in a "best offer" which we hope you will look upon favorably. "

Most of you who knew Mark probably knew of his intense interest in astronomy. He had two telescopes and belonged to the astronomy club at the Museum of Science and Industry. It seems fitting that his name will be on display in an astronomy exhibit, even as the name of the recipent on envelopes with Space Exploration stamps.

Sometime, I'd like to travel to New Zealand and see it, but I have the whole US to cover first. Besides, how would I get my travel trailer to New Zealand? :)

In any case, Chris from the Mt. John Observatory has promised me some pictures of the display once they have completed it. I'll share them with you as soon as I get them.

'Til next time...

Mark, Who Loved to Camp

Today, October 21, 2009, Mark would have been 65.

It's hard to believe it's been 7 years since he passed away, but that's what my calendar tells me so it must be true.

Does time heal all wounds? Yes, at least to a degree; it at least softens the pain of the loss. It sure helps to know that he is now in a place where you don't count the milestones of your life in years or months or days.

I don't know if they even celebrate birthdays in heaven, but Mark really got excited about birthdays--probably not as excited as his brother, David, who wanted every day to be his birthday. He always said, "Today is my birthday, the best day of the year."

I like to think they are celebrating this important anniversary of Mark's birth today, along with countless others who love him.

Mark loved to camp and would be 100% behind my plan to RV full-time. We had many campers, including a 5x7 tent, an 8x10 tent, two different truck campers, a tent camper, and a Class C motorhome. I think he loved the planning of our excursions as much as the actual trips. He would spend hours looking at maps and studying places to visit. He approached each trip with an eagerness to explore and enjoy. He found many obscure places to visit, most of which were well worth the time.

One of his favorite places to camp was Moffits Beach, in the Adirondacks. In fact, most of his family hold Moffits Beach in a special place in their hearts... it was where they camped as kids, "roughing it" in a big "Army" tent.

We've spent many a rainy day in the Adirondacks, which somehow made everything more fun. Yes, it's true. It's often the challenging days that we look back on with the greatest joy. Same old, same old days are harder to remember.

He also got to spend time camping with David and Esther and the kids, when I was unable to because of having to work. This picture was taken by Esther at one of their camping trips in North Carolina. You can see from his smile how much fun Mark was having.

That's one of things I miss most about him -- his smile and his love of life.

'Til next time...

Rustoleum paint

Today, I also went to Ace Hardware and picked up the white Rustoleum paint I need for my LP tanks. If all goes well tomorrow, they should be pretty much done. I got primer and paint and both dry in about 30 minutes.

I also hope to get the A-Frame on the camper de-rusted and painted.

Hopefully, the cooler weather will hold for tomorrow.

'Til next time...

Reading is fun and helpful

Today, I received two books in the mail:

• The Audubon Society Nature Guides: Deserts
• Woodall's Owner's Handbook: Understand the Inner Workings of All RV Systems.

I really want to spend a lot of time in the southwest, where the main terrain (hear the rhyme?), or so it seems, is desert. I've never spent much time in the desert, except when Mark and I took our trip to Las Vegas and the surrounding areas. What I saw of Arizona, I loved. In fact, if I had seen Arizona before Florida, I'd probably be living there instead.

The author of the other book is Gary Bunzer, also known as "The RV Doctor." I've read a lot of his articles on RV sites online. Not only is he extremely knowledgable about everything RV, he has a way of explaining things that the average, or even below average, schmoo like me can understand. I'm still reading Trailer Life's RV Repair & Maintenance Manual and look forward to filling in some of the blanks when I read Gary's book.

I have always contended that you can learn how to do anything by reading. I guess we'll see if I'm right.

'Til next time...

LP Bottles

Yesterday, I read about how important it is that you not let your LP tanks get rusty -- it can destroy the integrity of the tank and could lead to a dangerous explosion.

In view of this, on Wednesday (my next day I can work on the camper), I've decided to take both LP tanks off (which I was going to do anyway) and de-rust them and paint them. Neither has much rust, but it's probably better to take care of it now before it gets serious. I'll just take them off and take them up to my shed for later work.

I'll have to get some White Rustoleum spray paint to use once I've taken off the rust. I'll have to stop in Lowe's or Home Depot or, more likely, Ace Hardware and pick up the paint. I already have the EVAPORUST which is an incredible rust remover.

Isn't it strange how one project can lead to another and another?

I'm looking forward to working with the cool temps we've been having this week. Hopefully, I'll get a lot done.

'Til next time...

Two-Way Mirror or Not

This morning I was reading the RV Travel blog and found some interesting info I thought would be good to pass on to everyone who reads this blog, even though it has nothing to do with Camper Prep: How to tell if a mirror is two-way or not. To quote the blog (http://www.rvtravel.com/rvforum/viewtopic.php?t=6381):

Do you know how to determine if a mirror is 2-way or not? This is not to scare you, but to make you aware. A policewoman who travels all over the US, and gives seminars and techniques for businesswomen passed this on. When we visit toilets, bathrooms, hotel rooms, changing rooms, etc., how many of you know for sure that the seemingly ordinary mirror hanging on the wall is a real mirror or actually a 2-way mirror (i.e., they can see you, but you can't see them)?

There have been many cases of people installing 2-way mirrors in female changing rooms. It is very difficult to positively identify the surface by just looking at it.

So how do we determine with any amount of certainty what type of mirror we are looking at? Just conduct this simple test: Place the tip of your fingernail against the reflective surface and if there is a GAP between your fingernail and the image of the nail, then it is a GENUINE mirror.

However, if your fingernail DIRECTLY TOUCHES the image of your nail, then BEWARE FOR IT IS A 2-WAY MIRROR! "No Space, Leave the Place." So remember, every time you see a mirror, do the "fingernail test." It doesn't cost you anything. Remember: "No Space, Leave the Place."

Ladies: Share this with your girlfriends, sisters, daughters, etc.

Men: Share this with your wives, daughters, daughters-in-law, mothers, girlfriends and friends.

Weather Hinders Progress

I can't believe it's been nine days since I worked on my travel trailer (TT). Though I have lots of time to get it ready, I want to make more progress than that.

Since my mother requires 24-7 care, it's very difficult to allot time for trailer prep. She does have a caregiver 3 times each week for 4 hours (Monday 1-5 P.M., Wednesday 9:15 A.M - 1:15 P.M, and Friday 9:15 A.M - 1:15 P.M. During that time, I have to run errands, including getting groceries, etc. and then set aside time for preparing my TT. The weather here in Thonotosassa has been so hot (in the 90's), it's been impossible to spend a lot of time working on it.

This weekend, we're supposed to see a break in the hot weather. Today, it's been raining off and on and I met some friends for breakfast. On Monday, I have to take my car in to complete the service I started Tuesday -- Mom pitched such a fit, they really moved us out of there fast, but I don't recommend that method for speeding up the service on your car. She used to be okay in such situations, but now is loud, swears, cries, demands to go home, etc.

In any case, the plan for next Wednesday morning is to:

• Remove the battery
• Remove the two propane tanks
• Paint the A-frame section of the TT after making sure the rust is mostly gone (I worked on that before)
• Wait for the paint to dry
• Re-install the two propane tanks
• Re-install the battery

I think my next project in the TT will be to modify the double bed into a single bed that can be turned back into a double. There is hardly enough floor space in the TT for a comfy chair and since I will mostly be traveling by myself, I won't need the double bed unless some of my family or friends visit.

I've been reading a lot of books and articles about camping in general and boondocking in particular. I am seriously considering boondocking for 1/2 to 3/4 of my time. For those who are unfamiliar with boondocking, it is camping without hookups -- no water, electric or sewer - you rely on the amenities in your TT itself. I will probably upgrade my TT with solar panels to handle the electricity - the one I've already installed does a great job. An extra water tank and a "Blue Boy" (portable tank for shifting the contents of the holding tanks without having to break down your campsite) will extend the time I can stay set up without hookups.

Of course, decisions like this don't have to be made right now, but it's fun to consider it.

Well, time to get going. Til next time.

K

Progress on Camper Prep

Today, I did some more rust removal -- this time on part of the A-frame in the front. I also put a second coat of paint on the back bumper -- probably won't need any more of that. The next time I work on it, I'll start right out with the A-Frame ... I'll have to take off the two propane tanks and the battery to really do the job the way it needs to be done, since there's rust underneath those also.

I put some dryer sheets around in various cmpartments -- it's supposed to keep the critters out.

The solar panel charger I installed is doing a great job: a few weeks ago the battery registered 11.2 volts; last week it was 11.8; this week it was 12.4 volts. On a sunny day, it charges at about 19 volts. What a great way to create electricity... If a person were to boondock, it would be of tremendous help.