Crafty RV Makeup Caddy

On By JohnIn tiny house, travelLeave a comment

Before we took our last long vacation, Daisy wanted a way to keep all of her makeup in one place in the trailer without having to fish around in makeup bags or take up counter space:

On the back of each container, a magnet, hot-glued in place. One floating magnet for the tweezers, then two magnet hooks to hold the pencils and applicators in the green basket.

The whole thing held to the wall with four small 3M picture-hanging Command Strips (here).

With all the road vibration in our little trailer, the only problem we had during our two week trip is that the cap for one of the eyeshadow products popped off.

More Glamping?

On By JohnIn outdoorsLeave a comment

Because we’re so inundated with house projects — as in, trying to get some things presentable so it can go on the market — we’re not able to take many weekend trips. But, that certainly doesn’t stop me from appreciating other peoples’ camping trips or methods.

For example, these awesome tents just came up in my news feed from the Tiny House Blog:

Excellent!

Ways to Camp – Glamping

On By JohnIn travelLeave a comment

Safari_2dbl_daylight

Moab Under Canvas: certainly very nice tents — and I do like a good canvas tent — but their suites are far more than I’d be comfortable paying per night. Story & video here.

I think one of those tents up at elk camp would be incredible.

Shasta_Airflyte_2015_1961_16SC_Re-Release_Mount_Comfort_RV_Front

Then there’s the 2015 re-issue of the 1961 Shasta Airflyte trailer, going for $18K or so. Wonderful little trailers and I’d like to see a final production model.

Way too small for us, obviously, and even smaller than the little hybrid we pull today, but still wonderful little trailers.

Photos here.

Video walkthrough with the Shasta President below:

No word on how much a suitably-equipped 1960 Caddy convertible would cost to pull it with.

A bit more info here.

Recommendations for New RVers

On By JohnIn finance, psychology, travelLeave a comment

Not sure if I’ve posted this before, but I was just over on The Book of Face and shared some of these with some new RVers:

  1. Trailer tire pressures are absolute minimums.
  2. Never let anyone without a financial obligation to your rig “help” you maneuver.
  3. Unless it says “Minimum”, it’s okay to do 10mph (or more) under the speed limit.
  4. Some of the most enjoyable and memorable roads don’t have “I-” in front of a number.
  5. It’s perfectly okay to be a tourist.

And, now, because Facebook isn’t really the place for me to post my diatribes and extended thoughts, the explanations for each of the above:

  1. With the exception of some limited lateral stability during turns and some braking, trailer tires provide no traction. Because of this, their pressures can run high. When inflating trailer tires, never run them any lower than the pressure stamped on them. Mine are 65PSI. Then, after running for a few miles down the highway (10 or more), check them and see if they’re hot. If they’re very warm or hot to the touch, add 3 or 4 more pounds. Those little battery-powered laser infra-red thermometers are awesome for precise measurements.
  2. Envision this: “Come on back… come on back… come on ba–,” CRUNCH. They have no obligation to repair any damage they inflict.
  3. Contrary to common belief, one does not need to drive at or above the speed limit. When pulling a trailer or driving a motorhome, patience wins the race. Lower speed means it’s easier to address emergencies, lower fuel consumption, less load and wear on the engine and drive train. While UPGRAYEDD is perfectly capable of running a 16,000 lb. fiver at 85MPH, I don’t. Regardless of trailer size, I always follow the posted Truck and cautionary speeds and warnings.
  4. In a car, Interstates can get you there quickly. But with an RV (and with a motorcycle), if there’s a US or State highway and no time constraints, I’ll take the nearest offramp from the Interstate to enjoy some lower speeds and better scenery.
  5. Yup, I’ve been a tourist in my own town. I’m good with it. I’ve also happily done the tourist thing in other towns. But my definition of ‘tourist’ may not be the same as everyone else’s.

There are more, oh, yes. But that’s all I’ve time for presently. What are your recommendations to new RVers?