To Go or Not to Go, That is The Question.

[Gunny]

After my failed attempt to buy a couple of solar panels I took that as one more roadblock in my timeline to get out of Dodge. 

Hip and/or pelvis fluctuates between 'Holy **** that hurts' and mildly bothersome. I've been trying to decide whether to get rid of the trailer and have someone get some use out of it or keep it and continue to forge forward. 

Driving does not bother me, it's the setting up camp that would be a hassle. And slow. Hell, by the time I got it all set up it would be time to leave. Manhandling the generator has been a concern, I need at least 3000 watts to run the AC if needed. I think I have figured out one way to do it with the help of the winch on my ATV. 

Last night I ordered an electric jack from etrailer, $106 with a $20 off coupon and free shipping. almost free. 

I missed my last appointment for my lab work so Wednesday I get that done and am going to stop by a friends shop and have the carrier removed so I can tow the trailer to the repairman Mizmozy recommended and get the dent fixed and maybe the batteries installed. 

I think I should get all the things on the trailer working before spending the money on solar. And a break from trying to understand all the odds and ends of solar is just what my addled brain needs.

I have some questions about charging the new batteries after installation and I will ask them in the proper forum. 

Fly United.

Rob

 

[DuneElliot]

After all the leaks I've had in the last two weeks (three in two days) I can feel your pain but don't give up. You can do it and so can I!

 

[Almost There]

Rob, if it were me, I'd get the trailer ready for the road with the electric jack, etc. and then take it for a week test run. A weekend is just too short for you to get set up and tear down. You may always be wanting to pick places to stay where you're not moving every few days.

I'm betting you'll figure out methods of doing what needs to be done without hurting yourself. Most of us are quite adept at figuring out adaptive means to achieve an end.

Make notes of what you find difficult and ask here for possible solutions if you don't think you've hit on the best one.

A simple example of adaptive methods is what I did to be able to have enough generator power to handle my battery charger. I now have 2 - 1000W Honda gennies because there's no way in hell I can lift a 2000W in and out of the van. Do they take up a little more space...ummm yeah. BUT it affords me my independence which has no price tag!!

Hold off on that solar if it's still making stress in your life. You don't need stress and the worse that can happen is that you have to run the generator longer to recharge the batteries each day. It's not the end all and be all to have that solar in place. It's simply nice to have so you don't have to listen to the sounds of your generator.

Is there any chance that the gennie can either be mounted on the tongue of the trailer or that you could put a platform hitch on the back of the trailer that the gennie could be mounted on.

 

[jimindenver]

It gets frustrating at times but no one said life was for creampuffs. As far as the hip goes, I bet I have a idea of what you go through and pray you don't go through what I do everyday. I will tell you that I won't unhitch unless I know I'll be somewhere at least a week. I look for spots that will allow me to stay hitched and be level enough or at least level enough that I can use leveling pads to get it there. Sometimes it's under a side of the trailer, last place I had to put them under the back wheels of the truck. In any event it saves enough time and effort that I can move every few days instead of needing a week to recover. I almost wish I had bought a motor home even though they will not go all of the places my lifted trailer will. I envy those that can pack a few things and hit the road. I have to take things apart and pack them. Pack and secure the inside, pack outside stuff and hitch up. Half the time I am so wasted even splitting it into two days that I barely feel like driving and wont reset up for a day after I get there.

With the pain, I'm out here while I still can be. I keep my cane close most of the time just in case.

 

[hepcat]

Rob, get the jack installed and the dent fixed and hit the road for a week. You may find that with the genset you don't even need solar for the way you travel/camp. I've had solar, twice. I don't have solar now. Solar won't run an a/c unit anyway... It does keep your batteries topped up, but then so would both the genset and the truck's alternator when towing.

The best battery saver I bought was $17 work of LED 12v bulbs on eBay. I replaced all of my 12v bulbs and have a dozen left over... and I never worry about taxing my coach battery... for days. Although I'm never on it alone for days on end.

 

[IanC]

Rob, I'm not that far from Dallas - just a few hours. I'm planning on leaving here tomorrow. If there's something you need help with, let me know. I have no timetable and can make a detour.

I like the suggestions others gave. Don't give up - just make your plan simpler. Maybe make do on the solar with a couple from Harbor Freight for now, and if you get the generator issue figured out, use that.

 

[Gunny]

Thanks IanC, I'm fine , just get discouraged at times but your kind offer makes my day.

I'm going to pack the trailer for a few days, I may leave it in Oklahoma at the repair shop so he can do a few things I can't afford to do this month.

I've talked to a couple of forum members about giving the trailer to someone who needs it and won't just sell it. Either way I want to have it road-ready.

Someone from etrailer called and told me the electric jack I ordered is back-ordered until May but they could substitute one for 2 dollars more. No big thing I said sure. Only thing is they have already blocked off $100 on one and want to do another new order and block another $100. Seems funny they can take or block money instantly but take 7 days for the block to fall off. I'll wait.

Rob

 

[rvpopeye]

I vote GO !!!!!!!

 

[jonsun]

Set the generator up so that you don't have to move it at all

 

[Mizmozy]

Let me help you with your timeline Rob.  I  have a 100 watt solar suitcase I'd be happy to loan you.  No, I won't be using it anytime soon so you might as well get some use out of it.  I'm hitching up and heading out again next week so let me know if you're interested.  I'll run it over to Bobby Howard's before I leave.  I'm sure he'll keep it until you get there with your camper. By the way, go is the answer.

 

[Gunny]

Let me help you with your timeline Rob.  I  have a 100 watt solar suitcase I'd be happy to loan you.  No, I won't be using it anytime soon so you might as well get some use out of it.  I'm hitching up and heading out again next week so let me know if you're interested.  I'll run it over to Bobby Howard's before I leave.  I'm sure he'll keep it until you get there with your camper. By the way, go is the answer.

Thank you very much. You are a hard woman to catch, you were heading out last time I spoke to you. I'll probably leave the trailer with him and let him do all the little things it needs. I wouldn't want your suitcase solar unattended at his place or anywhere else but your offer is very kind. I would be interested in knowing how you like it, something like that may be what I use for awhile.

Thanks,

Rob

 

[Gary68]

an apartment with crazy neighbors or anywhere else

lets try anywhere else,whats you got to lose?

colorado has some nice summers

 

[Txjaybird]

Sometimes I just think life is a roller coaster ride.  As I see it some of your personal up's recently were finding out your battery has longer to go than you thought and going all the way to CA to get Your TT............a few down hill bumps were the TT trying to swap ends on the big road....that loooong step you took when you jumped off your truck.........you seem to do real well at taking a deep breath and moving on to the next adventure.

I wish I were as close as you are to being able to travel some.  I think I'd be scared of myself if I was as close as you.  There have been so many times lately when I have said " Screw it!  We're outta here"  to Queenie.  I'm sick of "getting ready to travel'.  So even if we just go 50 to 100 miles I will get the Aliner and Safari road worthy so when I yell " Road Trip " we actually go more than 10 miles and have the TT with us.

Only you can decide what's best for you........Thankfully here there is a group of people who are encouraging and not a bunch of nagging nay sayers.   If I hear 1 more negative thing about what I'm trying to do...... my rubber bands are wound so tight they're liable to pop and I'll come all apart.........on someone..........sometimes being nice just ain't all it's cracked up to be 

Well wishes to you no matter what.

Jewellann

 

[Gunny]

Jewellann, 99.9 percent of my problems are self-inflicted. Part of my disability (PTSD) is I hate change. I never like to admit fear, it makes me feel weak, but here, in my little hovel of an apartment, I am comfortable. A couple of members have seen it, you can plug in the vacuum and never have to change plug-ins to vacuum the whole place. My guest chair is the seat on my mobility scooter..

Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining, I have it easier than many. I have one neighbor who has already laid claim to anything I don't take with me. I can see her taking inventory when she comes for coffee.

Life is good, when I read GetSmart got his kitten back I was ecstatic. If I decide that I can't do the day in and day out of living on the road I will gift the trailer to someone who needs a home. Buy a topper for my truck and a trailer for my atv and do weekends and motels.

Rob

 

[cyndi]

You know what I think, Rob. I'm counting ​on seeing you out there!

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

Hi Gunny, I like the suggestion of trying a week long trip maybe even a two week one......maybe a forum member close by could stay with you the first week and then try it solo the second. I know exactly what you mean when you say you feel comfortable where you are at, it's easy to get into a routine that works, I know i've been guilty of it since I became disabled. I have a hard time using that word, because I actually don't consider myself disabled for all intensive purposes, but I know others would say that I absolutely am. Anyways, I try to not let it get in my way. Even though I get comfortable with a particular situation, i've found when I take the effort to make the change I want, I then just as easily get comfortable with my new routine. Pain is a bitch though, chronic pain can and does suck the energy and will right out of you sometimes.

Wish you luck with whatever you decide. Long as you are happy, that's all that matters.

 

[Gunny]

My son, who was a good college football player, tells me there is an injection (legal)into the area that can help with the pain. I'm not crazy about getting a needle in the nether regions but it's a thought. I may call a sports medicine specialist and find out.

I'm not going to make a rash decision, but I won't drag it out either.

Thanks to all for the kind words.

Rob

 

[OutdoorFT]

Hi Rob. Id say go. I want to go..like yesterday. So do it for some random guy online.

 

[GotSmart]

Jewellann, 99.9 percent of my problems are self-inflicted. Part of my disability (PTSD) is I hate change. I never like to admit fear, it makes me feel weak, but here, in my little hovel of an apartment, I am comfortable. A couple of members have seen it, you can plug in the vacuum and never have to change plug-ins to vacuum the whole place. My guest chair is the seat on my mobility scooter..

Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining, I have it easier than many. I have one neighbor who has already laid claim to anything I don't take with me. I can see her taking inventory when she comes for coffee.

Life is good, when I read GetSmart got his kitten back I was ecstatic. If I decide that I can't do the day in and day out of living on the road I will gift the trailer to someone who needs a home. Buy a topper for my truck and a trailer for my atv and do weekends and motels.

Rob

IMHO, you are much braver than you give yourself credit for.  Listen to this song, and think how much easier your decision is. (No drama mama) 

Should I Stay Or Should I Go? 

 

My thoughts on the topper ~~~ Perhaps a light camper? 

My thoughts on the apartment.  There are places that are much nicer that cost less.  All over the country.  How about mosing around and checking out different places?

 This is all up to you Instead of taking off in two weeks, give yourself another month to process the options.  (My opinion)  It is seems that you are not comfortable jumping, and you still have to deal with some details that will take a little more time than you are giving yourself.

I would not trade my time on the road for anything.  I was a lot more relaxed, and it was worth it for me.

John

 

[AbuelaLoca]

Probably doesn't help you, Gunny, but I'm pretty well on my way to freaking the heck out!!! My daughter started taking some stuff out of my house today... I was so glad that the process was starting... then a few minutes later I cried my eyes out! From fear... Oh my God... what if I get out there and I have no money and I can't buy gas to go anywhere or groceries to eat... what if the van breaks down... what if... what if... ugh!!