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
.
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.