BoonDocking-3 Packing


I suppose the best way to continue this dissertation would be to pack up and take a fictitious trip, so let us assume I am getting ready for my annual salmon fishing trip and plan on staying 14-26 days at the USFS Big Flat CG. I realize I am going to get some flak from someone about the items I take and how I pack them, but remember there are three ways to doing things. The right way, the wrong way, and my (your) way. This just happens to be my way. I guess I have the normal items inside the MH. In addition, I put my Lil Chief electric smoker in the shower, and a 105 QT cooler (long enough to hold my salmon till I get a chance to clean/fillet them) on the floor between the two twin beds. I break my fishing poles down and store them in the back of the closet. The oven holds my dishpan, wash pan and a 10 cup percolator. I also have a Melita type pot under the sink. There is a small storage compartment under the steps and I use that to store a small toolbox with a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers a box end wrench set , a utility knife, and a few other misc tools. I also store my multimeters, 12v air compressor and a 15ft 12V extension cord under there
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Our MH (1987 27ft Southwind) is not a basement model, but it does have a few more outside storage compartments than usual. The dealer said that was because it was a "floor" model. Any way, on the drivers side just in front of the rear wheel I have a compartment 24 in wide, 20 in deep and 10 in high. This is my water compartment. I store 2 50ft hose sections, my 10 ft sewer hose, a couple Y valves, my water thief (CW Pg 107), a short 10 ft water hose, a Hydroflush (CW pg 124) a wand for flushing the HW heater, a pair of slip joint pliers, and a 50 ft extension cord.

Above the propane tank, and just behind the drivers door is a similar size compartment. I keep a small toolbox with electrical stuff there along with a Socket set, my Makita cordless drill, the cloth tire covers, and my 4 piece See Through Solar Guard Window Covers (DR, driver, front and passenger windows).

Just behind the passenger side door is a 42 in X26 in deep x 10 in Hi compartment in which I store about 6-8 2x8x3 ft  and 2 4x6x2ft leveling blocks, tire chocks, antifreeze, toilet chemicals, duct tape, brake fluid, power steering fluid and few other misc items. Behind that compartment is a 26x23x10 compartment that is used for my fishing gear. I keep my tackle boxes, spare reels, and a small pack sack in there. In the rear is a 26x24x9 compartment. In back of that I keep an air mattress and a small 2 man dome tent (in case I have visitors), several spike type tent stakes for staking down the awning and the patio rug, a couple hanks of nylon cord, awning de-flappers  a couple small windsocks (my wife collects them) with the various awning clips to hang them, a string of clear mini xmas lights (cheaper than regular patio lights and just as good), a collapsible rake,  plastic table cloth with holding clips, about 4 qts 10-30 oil and about 2 qts transmission fluid. a couple spare propane cylinders for the Coleman lamp or stove, plus a few misc items. On the rear bumper I have a 64 in hose carrier to carry a 20 ft HD sewer hose and a rack on the ladder for our 3 folding chairs.

Now the fun begins. My toad is a 1983 Toyota Tercel Hatchback, and does it hold a lot. I put my Sunbeam gas tabletop BBQ in a plastic bag and put that on the floor by the front passenger seat. Behind the passenger seat I put my spare 5 gal propane tank and behind the drivers seat I put my small 1 gal propane tank with the post on it. Also in the back seat goes my 10x12 screened gazebo, a 2.5 gal water can, coleman lantern, coleman stove and a small 3 ft folding step stool/ladder.

I then open the hatchback and the first thing in is a Portable Platform step . Sometime when I level the rig the Rt side is high and it makes for a long step up. This makes it a bit easier to get in. On top of that I put a TV table and a small folding table. Next I have a 4X6 aluminum topped folding table and last but not least a 6x24 ft piece of outdoor carpet I got at the local lumber yard. Makes a great patio rug and is a lot cheaper the anything CW sells.

We wont need it for this trip, but at times I will tie my 20 Gal ToteTank,(Blu-boy) on top in the luggage rack. Well, that's it. Now that we are all packed lets get a good nights sleep and get ready to take off tomorrow.
 
 
 
 

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