Picked up my Runaway camper trailer today

[SoulRaven]

I picked up the Runaway camper that I ordered 2 weeks ago. I am starting this new thread post and will be adding to it from time to time as I out fit it a little. I am wanting to keep it as simple and no cluttered as possible. It is pretty small and it wouldn't take much to start getting crowded. So things will have to serve different purposes if I can figure out ways to do that.
For now, here are a few pics of it from today after I picked it up, bringing it back.

 

[SoulRaven]

What would be the advantage of one of these over a more traditional teardrop trailer?

 

[Patrick46]

What would be the advantage of one of these over a more traditional teardrop trailer?

coming from the owner of a traditional teardrop...I'm betting this has ALOT more interior room with no additional outside square footage.

...plus, it still fits in their garage!!

 

[Spirituallifetime]

What would be the advantage of one of these over a more traditional teardrop trailer?

Cost a lot less than a tear drop trailer, that to me is a big advantage. The disadvantage for those on the west coast is the shipping cost, about half the price of the trailer or more.

 

[Wabbit]

That is a neat lil camper! Have you thought about how you would leave the camper when you leave the camp site for errands or what not? They sell cheap tire boots, although they wouldn't stop someone who was determined, it would prevent the opportunist thief. Another idea I read(prob here) was to get a hitchball and put it in with a lock on it when it's not hooked to vehicle. Definitely a pic or few when you get it set up inside!

 

[cdiggy]

That is a neat lil camper! Have you thought about how you would leave the camper when you leave the camp site for errands or what not? They sell cheap tire boots, although they wouldn't stop someone who was determined, it would prevent the opportunist thief. Another idea I read(prob here) was to get a hitchball and put it in with a lock on it when it's not hooked to vehicle. Definitely a pic or few when you get it set up inside!

The hitch ball trick does not work. The cunning thief will disconnect his ball from his hitch and attach yours. After getting to his destination it is a simple matter to address the lock.

 

[LeeRevell]

I have a key-lock ball in mine when not hooked up. I also run a cable lock through the trailer frame and one wheel. Not absolutely secure but a reasonable precaution.

 

[Canine]

Sweet looking little rig.Congrats and good luck.

 

[SoulRaven]

I am picking up a tongue lock like the one pictured. Wal-Mart has them for about $18. A lock only keeps a honest person honest. If someone wants to steal something bad enough they will figure out a way. I will do the basic theft deterrent measures and if they still rip it off there is not much I can do.

I am wondering, however, a good way to attach my generator to the front cargo rack, in a safe, and secure manner, and at the same time protecting it from the elements, rain etc. I was thinking of maybe getting some 1\4 inch plywood to line the bottom and somehow strap the unit down to that. And maybe some sort of tarp or cover to bungee down over it? I am open to ideas right now.

 

[Almost There]

I am wondering, however, a good way to attach my generator to the front cargo rack, in a safe, and secure manner, and at the same time protecting it from the elements, rain etc. I was thinking of maybe getting some 1\4 inch plywood to line the bottom and somehow strap the unit down to that. And maybe some sort of tarp or cover to bungee down over it? I am open to ideas right now.

Maybe you want to look at a cargo box for on it. Akrvbob has a nice one that he picked up at Home Depot for not an extravagant amount of money.

The cargo box means that the generator is out of sight and in a locked waterproof case.. a whole lot easier than putting in a plywood base (which needs to be marine plywood), and then trying to find a cover and tie downs for the generator and gas can.

 

[SoulRaven]

Maybe you want to look at a cargo box for on it. Akrvbob has a nice one that he picked up at Home Depot for not an extravagant amount of money.

The cargo box means that the generator is out of sight and in a locked waterproof case.. a whole lot easier than putting in a plywood base (which needs to be marine plywood), and then trying to find a cover and tie downs for the generator and gas can.

The only problem with the cargo box is, there is only 21 inches between the cargo rack and the bottom of the AC unit. It would have to be very short and then I probably couldn't get the lid open.

 

[masterplumber]

Nice! Glad you figured out a good solution for your travels. I totally agree with keeping it simple - a small space fills up fast, and do you really need all that extra stuff? I haven't even finished a few details on my trailer yet, and I already feel the need to purge some clutter.

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

Maybe you can cut the hinges on the box, and make it a lift off lid, just attach a padlock on the hinge side? Then you can just lift a little and slide it off. I dunno tho, 21 inches is small, im not sure they make a box that short anyway..

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

How wide is it? Maybe a low profile truck box? They are accessed from the side and given the angle probably ok...

 

[Magicwolf]

Hey Steve, I just saw this. Congrats on giving yourself options . It looks really nice hooked up to your car. If you run tight on space, I'd consider one of those aerodynamic rooftop carriers for either vehicle. Could you perhaps build a custom-sized, simple plywood box for your generator with a door hinged to open to the side?

 

[cdiggy]

Perhaps a small diamond plate tool box mounted in front behind the hitch. I have see these for sale at metal fan supply places. Would be vary easy to modify one to suit your needs. Aluminum would be fairly light as well and lockable.

 

[Patrick46]

my buddy just put an aluminum diamond plate box on the front of his teardrop.
It's just the right size, it locks, it looks nice, it's kind of an aerodynamically shaped wedge...and he found it on e-Bay for like $50.00...delivered!

 

[SoulRaven]

Thanks everyone for the great and unique ideas on the way to put a box on the front of the carrier. I am going to look into them and see which one fits the bill. I will post a pic when I decide what to do.

 

[SoulRaven]

my buddy just put an aluminum diamond plate box on the front of his teardrop.
It's just the right size, it locks, it looks nice, it's kind of an aerodynamically shaped wedge...and he found it on e-Bay for like $50.00...delivered!

I looked on ebay for that box your buddy has. But I can't seem to find it. If possible, could you get a link to that particular box? Thanks

 

[Seraphim]

Looks good! Since you're going the locking route, don't forget to lock the hitch in the receiver.