Essential gear for pick up trip

[SarahNell_and_Robert]

Hi Sarah Nell, Do you now have a Ten List that you can post for us of what you came up with?

If I didn't I'd be worried! Y'all have been awesome. While more than ten items; here's the basics I've put together. There's plenty more already accounted for but at least I know we'll be set as long as these items are packed:

• Basic dishware

• Basic cookware (we have some older pots and pans from before we upgraded our kitchen set + some cast iron favs we already use)

• Power cord

• Chairs

• Galley shelter (we bought an REI Alcove + windwall)

• Coffee Pot (we went with this REI french press,http://bit.ly/16BXUMz. Tried it this weekend and other than steeping longer than their recommended 4 min so it's stronger, it works great, cleans great and really keeps coffee warm a while!)

• Wheel chock/lock combo

• Sleep gear

• Latex gloves

• Attachable trailer levels

• Thermacell (travels with us often)

• Bathroom caddy bags (we bought LL Bean caddies,http://bit.ly/115M4kH)

• And for fun we'd been wanting a new wireless, Bluetooth speaker to use with our iPhones/iPad. We opted to not install a tv or any type of speaker system just for ease of maintenance and adaptability with devices as they constantly change. Finally chose this sweet little speaker yesterday that was at Best Buy made by JBL,http://bit.ly/TAJtm1. It has really great sound and a built in mic so you can accept and take phone calls through it. The speaker works so well we could even take it in the boat today while storing & playing it through a waterproof bag so it was safe. It's gonna be fun for us with the TD and a lot more.

 

[pat walsh]

Sara Nell And Robert I see you have an iPad so here is a thought for you. I use an app called Photogene and the pictures of the various places I have things packed like rear of van, galley storage areas, etc. the in Photogene label the pieces I the photos. It is especially helpful for remembering what is packed under the mattress, etc.

 

[SarahNell_and_Robert]

That looks awesome. I just saw the pic you posted.

 

[rwkrause@gmail.com]

SarahNell,

I see you have an REI Alcove. We have one and it works well but if you haven't seen the discussions about them in some other threads you need to know that in a heavy rain they tend to collect water and eventually collapse from all the water.

An easy solution is a 12 pack of 36" bungee cords that you use like rafters to support the roof. If you search you can find the thread and there are pictures that show the Alcove with bungees in place

 

[SarahNell_and_Robert]

SarahNell,

I see you have an REI Alcove. We have one and it works well but if you haven't seen the discussions about them in some other threads you need to know that in a heavy rain they tend to collect water and eventually collapse from all the water.

An easy solution is a 12 pack of 36" bungee cords that you use like rafters to support the roof. If you search you can find the thread and there are pictures that show the Alcove with bungees in place

Thanks Rob and Terri. Yes we definitely planned on it being more for lighter weather conditions and may upgrade with a second heavier duty tent or make alterations through the use of bungees like you mentioned. Something to grow into, right?

 

[rwkrause@gmail.com]

The Alcove has held up for us quite well in bad weather with the bungees and you'll be glad you got the windwall; it adds protection from rain and sun and adds a little privacy if you want.

 

[Bechtle]

Consider adding a Dutch Oven and a Griddle/Grill to your list. 1) Between the two, one can cook just about anything and 2) The Dutch Oven is useful for boiling large aounts of water.

should one decides to purchase a Dutch Oven, I suggest considering a Dutch Oven that is clearly marked on the box that the Dutch Oven is intended for propane. Many of the Dutch Ovens are intended for charcoal usage. For one differance, the handle configuration for the propane stove is different than the charcoal designs.