Fulltimer’s Equipment
Here’s a list of possible items you might want or need to take along with you. Let me know if you feel something has been left out. I’m just jotting down anything that comes to mind, not necessarily what I would pack. I know it’s not a complete list, so help me out here.
cell phone, chairs (foldable), clothesline and pins, camera with memory card, computer with internet, crock pot, generator, GPS, Kindle, ladder, stepstool, fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide detector, storage containers, memory foam mattress, laundry basket, buckets, mop and scrubbers, shovel, basic power tools, hatchet/axe, first aid kit, multimeter, emergency road cones/lights, flashlights, table (foldable), grill, screen room, fishing gear, bike and cyclist’s gear, hiking gear, field guides, water sports gear (I have an inflatable boat, paddles, PFDs, air pump), binoculars, firearm with ammo, (and/or other protection device), solar panel(s), adapters for outlets, outdoor rug, door mat, cast iron skillet, small canister vac, broom, well-stocked toolbox, battery tester, fix-a-flat, tire pressure gauge, tire jack, levelers, chock blocks, hitch lock, zipties, duct tape …
Canine Crew’s Equipment
Here’s my list for the dogs. I’m not much of a cat person. This list could be adapted for those of you of the feline persuasion.
Leads, collars, harness, dishes, bed, crate, first aid kit, whistle, PFD, pooper-scooper and bags, portable water dispenser, doggie booties for rough terrain, exercise pen (folding), tie-out or cord for run, toys, vaccination record, vet visits records, grooming supplies …
News Flash!!! Battery Charge Thief Apprehended!!!
We interrupt this message to make an important announcement. The Chevy Express van, also known as The Perfect Tow Vehicle, has been restored to perfection. The culprit reponsible for the draw on its battery has been identified and taken into custody. The perpetrator is one power inverter which still had ties to the battery although previously thought to have been disconnected. Cost: $32.50 for 1/2 hour labor. Let’s hope this puts an end to the vicious crime spree against an outstanding member of the tow vehicle community.
The victim of battery charge thievery
The auto electric guy said I could have the power inverter hooked up with no draw on the battery if I had a cut-off switch installed. Parts and labor would cost about $95. I told him to fergeddaboudit. He also said I probably could sell it for about $100-$150. Whatever. I’m just happy my van is okay!
rvsue
Something I keep on hand for the pups is a can of pumpkin…. not the pie filling stuff, just plain 100% pumpkin. If they’re constipated, it gets them going, if they’re “over-going” it solidifies them up…… sort of like a Thermos how it knows which to do…..
Debbie, I’ve had dogs all my life and I don’t think I’ve ever heard about the pumpkin remedy. I’m going to add that to my list! Thanks!
See? I told you electrical stuff is easy to fix when they find out what the problem is, it’s the finding out part that is frustrating.
Something to add to your list if you haven’t a GPS, mine has saved me many times from being lost, other times it has led me astray, but that is another story.
Kay
Kay, I haven’t bought my GPS yet. I hear the Garmin Nuvi is good.
As you can see from Bill’s astute comments, I’m probably not done with the electrical problem with my van.
Drats you had the GPS on your list well …. good then 🙂
I must have misunderstood the electrical problem. :((
I thought you said that it was completely dead and you jumped it with no results. Then had it towed and when the garage looked at it and it started right up.
1. I went back and reread what you said. :))
2. Nothing was said about charging the battery and besides the jump start should have at least made the engine turn over.
3. Now the battery is fine but the inverter was draining the battery down but nothing put any juice back in.
This doesn’t make any sense to me. ( I am not an expert anything ) just my thoughts.
Sorry to ramble on so long.
Bill Kelleher
Bill, It doesn’t make sense. I started to wonder about it, but I think I was in denial. I’m going to have to check into it. I haven’t picked up the van yet. It’s still at auto electric locked in their fenced yard. When you’re a person alone, it’s hard to drive two vehicles at the same time! I’m going to present the scenario you outlined and listen to what they say. I’ve got to run or I’ll be late for work. I’ll get back with you and and all the other posters with their great ideas for The List. Thanks, Bill. You are so helpful.
Not sure if this will work or not, I have trouble transferring pdf files.
Did not work, I have a couple of different list but can’t get them in this message.
I don’t see any way to contact you, but it is the middle of the night. LOL
I will try again when I get back up.
Bill Kelleher
Since the van is still at the auto electric place and is secure, I’m going to leave it there for a few days. Then when I figure out how I’m going to pick it up, I’ll ask the auto electric guy to test the battery to see if it has held its charge. The guy said yesterday that it was holding its charge after he disconnected the inverter, but that was only a few hours. If nothing further is uncovered in this mystery, I’m not going to drive it 40 miles to work until it has proven itself several times near home. I don’t need another tow bill!
I do appreciate you adding your well-reasoned comments.
It’s nice to know someone is thinking of me in the middle of the night!!!
I am so glad you found out what was wrong. I was so disappointed…as I know you were, when the Perfect Tow Vehicle wasn’t so perfect. Do you have a Kindle? I can share books with you!
I love you, My Sister
Pauline
Yeah, I have a Kindle. You can email me books to my Kindle? Duh. I didn’t know that. How you do that? Huh? Wuh? Love, Your Mouth-breathing Sister, Sue
I have an older Garmin Nivi , it works well and you can get add on files like camp grounds.
Bill Kelleher