What to bring?

[punkgirl28]

Hey Carriebeth here. Newb question. I've purchased a 6x12 aluminum v-nose. I've insulated it, ran electric and H2O. I have a composting toilet and for now will be in an rv park. I'm just taking things from my home the first time to see what's important before I do a full build. How do I know where I'd like the kitchen til I've lived in it... That sort of thing. My question is: is there anything you wish you'd brought and forgot at first? I'll be twelve hrs from home the first six months, and don't want to have to run back. I've thought of all the obvious things, but I'm sure I'm forgetting something. It'll be me, my son (12), and my dog, so suggestions could be for any of us.  Thank you all so much.

 

[rvwandering]

I read a good tip a while ago that might work for you since you have a couple of weeks before you leave. As you use things in your house set them aside or at least start a list. This will give you a good idea of what you need for your day to day life in your trailer which most likely will not be that different as your life in your house.

 

[eDJ_]

Some time back I was intrigued by a VW Bug that was converted to an RV.  Mechanics Illustrated Magazine first promoted this idea and since them many of these have been built.   I'm posting it here to show one unique feature it had.   The kitchenette cooking stove/basin food prep was mounted on a drawer so it could be used inside in cool or bad weather ~ or ~ outside by pulling the drawer out through the wall and if you have an awning mounted over it  then you have an outdoor cooking area if it is warm or clear weather.

Door just over the rear wheel.

The Coach build onto the VW is about the size of a small cargo trailer and was laid out quite efficiently.  But by being able to use the kitchenette inside or outside this little RV expanded it's space.  Just pull up beside a picnic  table (weather permitting) and there a more spacious utility.

This is just a simple pull out but you may find it interesting.

The interior for sleeping.  Pure Minimalism

You may use this example to get some ideas for the design of your Cargo Trailer Build. 

My own Cargo trailer concept is shown below in my Van Conversion website.

 

[WriterMs]

I think the idea from Tony and Karen is very good. Keep a list as you use things and then see if there are items that can be dual purpose, etc.

Or, you can list the major categories of things you'll need to do each day and under each Action, write the items you need to accomplish the action. For instance, you need to Get Clean (body and teeth) every day, Cook (one burner or more???), Wash Dishes, have Entertainment (a deck of cards, your son's handheld video game?), Sleep (linens, blankets, etc.).

What I found is that I had too much not really too little with me. LOL

 

[Cammalu]

You u can do a trial run right there in your driveway. Spend a weekend in it and whatever you have to go back in the house for add to your list.


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[GHostRiDer]

You u can do a trial run right there in your driveway.  Spend a weekend in it and whatever you have to go back in the house for add to your list.


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That is a great idea.

 

[DLTooley]

Start simple and go with your preferences and the inspiration of others. Keep a storage unit, and shuffle stuff back and forth depending on need/season. If it becomes a pain to move around sell it on Ebay or Craigslist. Tubs of all sizes are great for storage.

 

[tx2sturgis]

You can fix anything with duct tape and bailing wire...oh yeah bring a first aid kit!

 

[DrJean]

PS Make sure it's REAL duct tape...the other stuff is purely plastic and falls off when hot, wet, or cold.

 

[tx2sturgis]

Yes, and none of that fake bailing wire either....buy the good stuff.

 

[lenny flank]

PS Make sure it's REAL duct tape...the other stuff is purely plastic and falls off when hot, wet, or cold.

The fake stuff is good for making wallets though:

https://lennyflank.wordpress.com/2017/01/26/hippie-life-skills-101-making-a-duct-tape-wallet/

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Another good idea:  Do a Google search on "Camping Check Lists".  You will find multiple sources for lists of things to take camping.  Some will be useless to you, like the section on tents and accessories.  Others will be very useful.  Some things won't be obvious till you think about it some.

For instance, in the personal hygiene section of the list under "optional" they mention "shower shoes or flip-flops"  Now I've never worn these in the shower in my life, in my sticks and bricks.  But we have threads here warning about the possibility of athletes foot or even worse infections by showering in public campgrounds or truck stops barefoot.

Here's one list:

http://campingwithgus.com/camping-checklists/

 

[Henry S. Cotter]

#optimistic

your camping checklist suggestion is very helpful. I was read a full camping checklist about camping that was so information and perfect list. I found another great post about 45+ tips for the first time camping with a checklist. did you read this one? I hope you will like this a lot because Mikey was written very deeply and informative tips that help for every person.

Here you can read this one:
<a href="https://campenjoys.com/tips-for-camping/">45+ camping tips with checklist </a>

 

[VanFan]

Jim ("Grandpa") Foreman once posted a poem called "Full Set of Stuff" on another forum.  I still have a copy, and love it!  One line I recall is "...a full set of stuff.  Not more than I need, nor less than enough" (or was it reversed?).

A decent flashlight (no, two) is high on my list.  And yes, duct tape.

 

[maki2]

Much depends on how far away from towns you camp.