This is an open to anything question. It could be anything from cooking utensils to what kind of rock guard or hitch, anything you can think of, please help.

Oh, one other thing that I have been meaning to ask (cause I am a dummy)...

As far as sway bars and WDH, which is better for say a 16' or 17' Scamp or Casita? Can I use both? I have no idea even what they look like so any pics would be appreciated also...thanks from the soon to be full timer with a LOT of newbie questions!

Hi Monica! I'll preface this with the disclaimer "your mileage may vary" as we all know each has different 'needs'. That said, here goes. We are in our 3rd year of full-timing. We have no regrets and expect to continue for a looooong time. You will be astonished at the stuff you can live without! No television, no microwave, tunes on the laptop if desired - that's it.

For us the most important thing is communication - cell phone (even if only for emergencies) and laptop with Internet access. The laptop provides all the knowledge/imformation you might need (campgrounds, road conditions, local attractions, medical facilities, etc) as well as entertainment on rainy days inside the Egg. When boondocking we recharge the laptop(s) using a small inverter in the tug.

We also would not be without our small solar panel. We only use 12 volt for lighting and plan to replace those with LED's to conserve battery power. We were recently given 2 small panels which can recharge the laptop(s). We LOVE solar!

Since we are in a bare-bones 13-footer, we also gotta have our "shower tent" and Coleman battery-operated pump for boondocking. Wonderful luxury when out in the desert or otherwise away from 'ammenities".

You'll need a small tool kit for minor repairs. We have basic kitchen stuff and use an ice chest for cooling. We packed a microwave around the 1st year and never took it out of the van ... it is now blessing someone's dorm room in Boise! Ditto a toaster oven. However, at a yard sale I found a West Bend Ovenette to be used on the cooktop - we'll see how that works. Hope you find this info helpful and if you have other questions, just ask. Regards, L 'n D

I will echo.. a laptop. On it, you can have, without the bulk..

all your music
all your pictures
all your documents
(and I REALLY mean ALL)
communication
even Television, if you have the right accessories.
If it can be digitized, it will be.

I just cleared my house in prep for full timing. I have with me now, but will go into storage (Or tossed) later.. all my photographs and CDs. Each is getting scanned and digitized. The CDs are getting squashed into MP3 (I worked in Audio for decades.. I don't care to carry all the fodder required for that extra enth of subjective fidelity, and the artwork on the cases ceased to amuse me long ago) I bought a scanner/printer/copier for 99 bucks and it is about the size of a breadbox.. HP excellent quality too. My MP3s can be played on the comp or on a player I got that is about the size of a matchbook. I do have my nice set of comp audio w/sub woofer that I intend to install permanently in the rig.

The pictures can be displayed on the comp, or a digital picture frame. I get to have my cake and eat it too.. the frame is going on the wall and the pics will scroll by and be LOOKED at instead of sitting in a dusty old book somewhere and forgotten about.

I brought enough clothes so that if I can't get to a w/d reasonably, I won't go dirty. 2 sets of bedding as well. I took all my "good" kitchenware from the house and will toss the second hand "camping" stuff in the Burro. (No reason not to! That's gonna be it for me, might as well keep the best)

I already outfitted the Burro with flat screen and micro. My solar is there (Tho it will morph constantly) and after much thought, yes, I DID bring my generator.

Cell phone.. yep, and an air card as well in case I am without a wifi spot.

My rig is fully dressed (Bath, fridge, AC etc) so it just tags along with me..

You will see the list does NOT include knick knacks, bling, books, musical instruments, 50 boxes of duplicate cables... or a wine cooler. Anything that can do double duty will (Why have 4 types of glasses.. they all do the same thing.. hold something yummy to drink.. ) and there is no need for a salad bowl, a soup bowl and a peanut bowl.

I also echo a small good quality tool kit. What you need in it is up to you, but don't skimp and get 99 cent store junk.

The list could go on, but the idea is for it NOT to. Decide what you need first, then decide what makes you happy second.. and select 1 or two of those things as tops.. chuck the rest.

Most of the FTimers we've met tell us the same thing. What they initially started with- by the end of the first year, they found they used very little of it and had gotten rid of it. Even the folks that thought they had a pretty good idea of what they would need said they didn't end up needing most of what they brought.

I think L&D and Gina have hit on some of the vitals and the rest is tuning to your personal habits over the years. It is definitely a learning experience. We thought we were doing great with a First Up Awning until we lived for 30 days last summer in the Scamp. Only used the dang thing 2 days, but I had to load and unload it the whole time. Came home and started looking at permanent awnings. Now have a bag awning that stays in place and we love it. Who knew??

Well, so far I "think" I am doing okay. Beside digitizing everything, I have gotten rid of all my furniture, and I mean ALL of it (I am sleeping on a mattress pad on the floor), I am down to only two of all dishes, all plastic. One small fan, one small Bose stereo and clothes. I, of course, am not including toiletries and food/cookware, but all my glass cookware is gone except one small cassarole dish. I have one decent sized skillet and pot/lid. My laptop (with air card) and printer. Cell phone. Five pairs of shoes (hiking boots, tennis shoes and some boots for work camping when I need to.) I will have a small SUV for storage and supplies as I plan on "stocking up" by buying Wal-Mart TP, paper towels and such in larger quantities for thrift. That is about all I have kept from 20 yrs of accumulating STUFF, to tell you the truth, so glad to see it all go, was getting sick of looking at it and cleaning it anyway.

I will also bring a table for outdoors for a small BBQ, one of those niffty ones that fold up real nice and are very light weight. Bedding, two of each. A small four cup coffe pot...I think that is about it...

The digital picture frame sounds like a really good idea, I will look into it.

I am sure I am forgetting about some stuff I am bringing, but so far (and I am about done cleaning out my cupboards) it all fits in a corner of one room.

I have tent camped a lot, but my plan, which is finally coming to fruition here in about a week, is to ditch the real world and go full timing for a long time (ten years?) right off the bat. Tow vehicle to be purchased Monday and trailer just asap, looking for the perfect one. I am looking for a 16-17' scamp or casita, full bath of course.

Something that I thought of that I will need to change is deoderant believe it or not. I use an aresol and have to run from the over spray as not to cough, so I figure it is time to switch to a solid...lol, just the little things. Same with my leave in conditioner for my hair, it is a spray, but leaves residue on the floor/every where, will buy one for the shower instead.

I do plan on purchasing a solar kit and you all may see me at Bandera for some help with that???

I know I have a lot to learn, I have never owned a trailer of towed a big one, but I am willing to learn and take notes along the way. I don't know what an inverter is for my laptop though??? If you could post pics L 'n D, I would appreciate it. It is going to be quite the adventure!

I am getting good advice here, and thanks, will be checking the thread regularly so keep them coming.

Goodness, why ever have plastic plates when you can have paper? Use the straw or plastic backers to make them stronger -- Better still, eat out of pot! You will pump less water (Save battery), use less water (Refill less often) and generate less gray water (Dump less often) with paper.

Re: Stocking up on TP, I went the other way and buy in small quantities at a time -- Costs a little more but takes up less space.

BTW, get a small wastebasket, sized to use grocery store plastic bags -- When full, tie bags and put in CG dumpster or in grocery store trash barrel at front door.

I plan on using paper plates, the really cheap ones , but the plastic is for steaks (lost one off a paper plate more than once) and when I have a guest (will be seeing family, friends along the way). I am hoping to do any dishes outside if there is a water source or if not, I will have a small "bucket" with water in it in the sink...I can do most of this outside though as I have when tent camping many a time with no water source. I am a pro and when I figure it out exactly in my egg I will post it. Eating out of the pot sounds good too, always wanted to be a hobo like that!

I do plan on entertaining out of my egg on occassion and need the barest of essentials for that. (Booze, forks...a cocktail stirrer...J/K on the stirrer )

Oh, and yes to the small waste basket, I have also been known to tie one of those store bags to the table outside and use it.

As far as stocking up, I am pretty sure I will have plenty of room in the TV for those supplies, some canned goods and dog food. Spending less means being able to stay on the road longer, I am sure I will make adjustments along the way, but so far, if I have the room in the TV, I will go cheaper...I think...

Good thinking there, Monica!

I use Arid XX Dry on my feet before hiking to prevent blisters. I used to sit in the door with my feet outside but it still occasionally blew into the Casita and is very cough inducing.

Pat

TWO THINGS I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT

Kathy and MacGregor.

They're my whole famn damily when we're on our across the US and back trip each year.

Vic

One truly comfortable chair (think Lafuma recliner!) for outdoor living. ahhhhhh comfy now

Be careful what kind of TP you use.

Regular TP will NOT fall apart in the tank and cause problems.

Get RV or Marine kind of TP.

Bill K

Thanks Bill, I was wondering about that...

Speaking of that, actually, my parents preferred to put the TP in a little waste basket, I don't think they ever "flushed" it.

Gosh, when you mentioned it on another thread, I looked them up, they are kind of expensive, but I don't think there is any better advertisement than those from actual users. My pension check was more than I expected, hmmm....

Monica, I've yet to hear from one Lafuma chair owner that would ever give it back. There are knock-offs, but I can't attest to the quality or comfort. I saved for a long time to buy my recliner... it was prior to being made fairly widely available in the U.S.A. I've never regretted the purchase. These are the same chairs and recliners sold in "Rest Your Back" stores, for people with back problems/ conditions. Your mileage may vary.

Is one model better than others? There are quite a few.

Pam

I found that the Scott brand of toilet paper (the "model" that comes in individual, paper-wrapped rolls) dissolved in water quite well, as did the Seventh Generation single rolls. I tested them (against others) by placing one sheet in a jar of water, giving a shake, and waiting.

Preparing for a long sail, the marine TP was not desirable because they do not pack that much onto a roll, and I needed to get maximum amount of paper stowed (three cases each of paper towels and toilet paper, as it turns out - got back and had one roll of TP left ).

Just another data point; not saying there's anything wrong with marine TP.

Oh, and although I tested the "dissolption" in water, we, too, put the paper in a special wastebasket, instead of flushing it, most of the time. Really saves space in the holding tank.

Raya

PS: Meant to add that although you'll get lots of help here, you can also Google things like "weight distributing hitch" and "inverter" and you'll get background information. You can use the "image" part of Google to get photos. That's what I often do just to get an idea what's being talked about.

A lot will depend on your tow vehicle. My Honda Odyssey's owner's manual stated that due to front wheel drive, a Weight Distribution Hitch is required to tow a trailer near the maximum weight rating.
Click to view attachment My rig parked beside Gina D's rig.

Click to view attachment My Trunnion style WDH,with 2 mini-light 350 lb spring-arms.

Weight Distribution Hitches need to be sized to match your expected tongue weight. Many standard sized assemblies START
at 600 lb rating and go up. There are only a few that are rated for 400 lbs or less.
Look in an RV parts catalog for those advertised for pop-up trailers.

Click to view attachment Gina D's Round Bar WDH, single spring-arm with "across mounted" lift handle.

I also have a "Friction" Anti-sway Bar, but do not have it on the rig in this photograph. I find that I don't need it.

Mine is exactly like this one, only I paid nearly twice this much: Lafuma Futura Clipper, It's blue mesh. I didn't want one with padding (I have plenty of my own). I thought the mesh was a better choice for me since it was going to be used for camping... thought it might be good to just hose it off if necessary. Sure wish they made chairs like this only without the recliner leg portion. Maybe in the future.

Hi,
I second the Lafuma...
Also, a good cutting board. A wooden one doubles as a cheese board for your entertaining.

Marjie

Monica,

A lot of this is so dependent on how you travel. How much you boondock, etc. And you as a person. The good thing is that you are not heading to sea, so there will be stores along the way, and you can buy things (and sell/pitch them, too).

1) A camper with no leaks and with good ventilation

2) A comfortable bed

3) Someplace comfy to read, with good light (not necessarily 110v). And reading material, of course.

4) A good sink

5) A good pan with a lid

6) Foot pump for water (haven't got this in camper yet, but extrapolating from boats. I like non-electric pumps for water conservation, but hand pumps drive me nuts for hand-washing)

7) A garden sprayer (for shower, rinsing things, washing, etc.

8) Assorted buckets, best if they "nest."

9) A place for everything and everything in its place (depends on how you define "thing" )

A few little things in addition to the digital stuff that has been mentioned. Not must haves, exactly, but nice and not much size/weight:

*Decks of cards

*Small indoor outdoor/min max thermometer/hygrometer (I have a really tiny one meant for a car). The sensor runs outside along with the electrical cord.

*Real glasses for drinking out of (at least sometimes; and only one or two, not full service for 12)

*Paper towels (I try to conserve on paper stuff, but paper towels rule)

*Hella Jetstream fan (or similar). Nice spot breeze and only draws .3 amp (for comparison, Endless Breeze draws about 1.5, although it obviously puts out a lot more air. The Jetstream is nice for sleeping, when you need a breeze, but it might be on for 8 hours, drawing amps. It's a 12 volt fan, meant for boats and nicely aimable. Not that an EB wouldn't be nice too

*Foamy can "coolers" --- and glass or plastic drinkwear sized so that it will fit into them too (don't always drink canned beverages, but they are great around glasses)

*kit of spices

*Collapsible 5-gallon water jugs (fold flattish when empty; useful for hauling water if necessary, or storing extra --- at least on a boat; haven't tried them in camper yet.

*Synthetic towel (like Packtowel). Thick and thirsty towels are great for home life, but take TONS of water to wash and stay damp forever.

*In warm climates, especially if humid: Nylon shorts and fleece sheets. Easy, quick washing and drying with minimal water. Don't get permanently damp like cotton. Fleece sheets, contrary to what you'd think, feel dry and cool when it's hot and muggy.

Okay, I'll stop now before I fill up your li'l egg

Raya

Hi again - an couple added notes to the great TP debate ... there was once a thread here giving the results of a 'breakdown' test and IIRC, the winner was single-ply ScotTissue. We also go for fewer/smaller rather than bulk/cheaper - just our preference.

Friends who had a very 'cranky' septic system on their hobby farm always use a wastebasket for TP instead of flushing it - just used a ziplock if needed. Sounds to us like a very good way to prevent 'buildup' of additional solid waste in the black tank.

Oh, yeah - La Fuma! If we upgrade to a slightly larger tug, that's #1 on the list of additions.

Monica - have you checked the "for sale" links and referrals here lately - there is a side-bath 16ft Scamp in Phoenix are. Happy hunting! L 'n D

Thanks for all the info and good advice, I am investigating each and every thing people are suggesting.

Regarding my "happy hunting", please check my newest thread....

Oh-ho ... just saw the 'announcement'! Way to go, Monica - now, hit the road! Look forward to meeting you and getting the Grand Tour in Bandera. Now ... every new baby needs a name, and ... BABY PICTURES! Congrats - L 'n D

Baby pictures will be forthcoming (if I can learn how to post them here, you might have to settle for a photobucket link) by the end of next week.

I am VERY fortunate to have found her so close to home. I will be traveling to my hometown (about 100 miles from me) where I have friends that know all about trailers as I am clueless on how propane, battery and all works. I plan to stay there in the desert for a couple of weeks, taking notes, practicing backing it up, driving roads I know and setting up a solar unit with the help of my knowledgable friends. When I am ready, it is TX to Escapees, set all that up and register my vehicles there in TX, then to AL to see family that I haven't seen in more than 10 years, then OH to see a friend, then across the country, depending on weather, to see my older brother in Northern CA. So far that is all I got for plans, and some of that may change, but at least now I have the opportunity. Bandera, I believe, would be a GREAT benefit to me. I get to meet so many of you and if I have any questions I know where to find you. I need to look again at the dates and make sure it is doable before I make my reservations, but I am really going to try, it is high on the priority list.

Hey, my new girl needs a bath, and as I will not have a home just as soon as I pick her up...how do you all suggest I find a place? One of those "bay" style car washes with the pressure washers that I control with coins? That is the only thing I can think of right now...

Okay, what do you all think about this..

I own two of these

http://www.table-mate.com/html/index.php?vSec=about

My plans are to take them, I think they could be very handy camping and multi-use. For my laptop outdoors for instance, and a table when I have visitors (often). They are light weight, assemble and disassemble easily, take up almost no room. I really can see myself using them...of course, if I don't, then I will rid myself of them, but right off the bat, what do you all think? I value your opinion.

I've got Gander Mountain's version of the chair--and I love it. I got it on sale, so it wasn't that expensive. Since it's winter, the chair is in my office, which is lovely.

And I second the cutting board--mine spends most of its time over my sink, which gives me extra counter space in addition to its culinary applications.

-k

I found that if I pull the flatware drawer out all the way, the front drops a small bit. I got one of the thin plastic cutting boards from Target and it fits right over the drawer, sliding into the gap and making a level cutting surface and extra counter space. When not in use, I store it vertically in the lower bunk, next to the kitchen unit.

Click to view attachment

Would this chair be what you have in mind? http://sitincomfort.com/lafumabeach1.html

Like Pete mentioned, a small waste container that can be lined with plastic grocery bags. A two-gallon plastic paint bucket from someplace like Home Depot works well under the sink. I put a couple of small boxes (with the lids cut off) on the floor, under the galley sink, to organize supplies and just place the 2-gal bucket on top. Has been working real well in a casita, don't know how it would fit in a scamp.

Something to consider if there is a cabinet mounted high on the wall, off to the side when facing the galley sink, is to use it for your medicine cabinet and use the galley sink instead of the bathroom sink. Mount a mirror somewhere in the area. I clipped a car-visor mirror onto a cabinet door. One then does not need to mount those wire-cages on the bathroom walls or have one hanging from the shower. Then again, I'm not familiar with the scamp setup.

If you are going to do a lot of dry camping, look into an eton radio (hand crank, solar panel, LED flashlight).

A USB flash drive if you will be using a library computer at times. I still come across libraries without wi-fi.

A Coleman stove if you like cooking outdoors.

Cabela's also makes a LaFuma style lounger which is very high quality and often goes on sale for half price. We have two and LOVE them. We are both large people and they are very sturdy and comfortable.

Sebastian's suggestion about a USB drive for librarys without wifi is a good one. There are so many books online for free these days. We particularly like re reading our old favorite classics. It just takes seconds to download whole books to a USB drive for later consumption.
A larger USB drive will let you down load movies for free from the internet at a public library's computer. Movies take a bit longer depending on their line speeds.

The "tablemate" looks like a snazzy, lightweight solution for your Egg. We use 2 aluminum folding tables that store away when not in use; the ones in the ad look even smaller & lighter. As you stated, try 'em out - if you don't like how they work for you, then you can make changes.

Others might disagree, but IMHO one should be careful when washing our FGTT's with a pressure washer. Sometimes you get unpeasant surprises like a leaking rivet or window molding. Of course, finding such leaks early on might be considered a plus so you can fix them right away. Just a thought, tho.

Looking forward to those pics - Photobucket or otherwise! L 'n D

Fantastic fan, solar panel, and a Wave catalytic heater

Microfiber towels are very useful since they have very little bulk and can be easily cleaned. I use them for dish towels, cleaning, and if used for dusting, they pick up a lot more dirt than a cotton towel. Great for cleaning blinds.

"Absorber" towels are just as useful. I use one as a bath towel. Regular bath towels are just too bulky for my living situation. Generally used for drying the tow vehicle and trailer

How should I wash it then? I really have no clue...

monica....you mentionned your table plus...here is what dennis and i have used ours for for the past 2 years with zero troubles....
we simply put it under our cushions, on an angle and leave it there. it does not get in the way for my feet at all....fabulous for watching movies on the computer!!!!

Soap and water and a bucket?

I don't have hose water at home, so I go to a "self service" car wash, but I don't use the wand on high pressure. I try to go at some "off" time of day when no-one is there, then I use a round to wet down and soap the trailer, and fill the bucket. Then I bucket wash (which is not cool if there are people waiting) or sometimes use their brush (swipe it on the wall first to make sure it's not greasy), and then put more money in and rinse, again without activating super high pressure.

Most things aren't that different than being at home, cleaning your kitchen or whatever. I mean, most people wouldn't blast their home windows with high-pressure either.

Raya

have fun whatever you do. when i had my casita i used a dampened mr clean magic eraser on the outside where it was really dirty and had muddy splashes. used very little water. finished it with a dampened old towel to polish off. (you are getting rid of all the old towels anyway) no big puddles, no wasted water.

I use Quick & Easy Wash by Protect All since water is generally an issue for me (the lack of). Quick & Easy does not require rinsing. After the wash, just wipe off with an Absorber towel.

Before you get out on the road, spray the front of your trailer with Protect All or something similar so it will be easy to clean whenever you get around to it.

Sebastian beat me to it but I'll tell you anyway. Instead of a wastebasket I use a small bucket which has a bale handle. I purchased it years ago for about $2.00 in the paint department of my local hardware store. Plastic grocery bags fit perfectly in it. I also have a small cheap plastic step stool that I purchased at WalMart for some 5 bucks or so. I bonded a piece of a throw rug on the top as my Poochie uses it to get on the bed. The bucket fits nicely under it.

This the only bucket I carry with me and it's come in very handy for washing the trailer, carrying rocks when rockhounding and lots of other things.

Click to view attachment

The step stool sure looks cleaner in person than in this picture I just took. Also it comes in handy for me to reach into the back of the overhead cabinets front and rear, washing the Scamp etc.

I have needed the full length of my 100' water hose many times.
Other essentials for me are the solar panel (bolted on the roof), and plenty of tools - more for the truck than for the trailer.
P

What I find essential is my coffee press and good coffee. Nothing, I mean Nothing happens until I have my coffee--even speaking!!! I can heat the water either on the stove inside, or the propane stove outside, or even the microwave if in a blind hurry. Once I have a couple cups sitting in my chair outside--life is good and I might be able to speak a few words.
2. We have a teeny mobile bar--those 50s kind in leather--too cool!--and I consider a good drinky at the end of the day pretty essential.
3. Add to that our new tiny port-a-potty that fits under the couch. If you have ever awakened in the night with the ickys, believe me, it is essential!!! We now have a little shower tent that we can erect behind the Scamp when we have room.
4-5. I agree with the cell for sure, and the repair kit. We have all our essentials like that in a little rollable rubbermaid 3-drawer thingy. We put it behind the trailer and it seems rainproof so far.
6. Also we bring a folding propane camp stove from our tenting days, also nice collapsible chairs and table.
7. personals like Shower-after-Shower powder, a gallon of water (in case), and a washcloth!
That's it for me. Although we do not full-time and have never camped these days without electricity--I do not leave the driveway without these items above. I do bring along too many clothes and shoes, and I love having our little rug to place on the ground outside our camper just to keep dirt from following us inside--plus it looks cool and matches the Scamp logo color! When weather is bad, I really enjoy my laptop and the TV and I usually bring my little radio/tape player (I'm a little old school still).
I envy you full timers and might want to try for an extended travel date with my Scamp, but I don't know if I can leave my pakrat ways that far behind! I know hubby will not pay storage costs for all my 'stuff'. ha!

They are on sale right now.