Packing Your Set-up Items

[SilverCabin]

Here's another question from a relative newcomer to self contained traveling.

We're getting ready for our 35 day retirement celebration trip, and I was wondering what the expert advice is on how and where to pack all the set-up items. The 23' has a rear trunk (under bed storage), a bumper storage compartment, and a sewer hose storage tube under the coach. After discovering that the bumper compartment gets wet when towing in the rain, I decided to only pack plumbing or hard items in there. Here's how I'm currently packing:

Sewer Hose Storage

• 10' sewer hose with coach fitting and elbow attached

Bumper Storage

• 10' sewer hose extension and connector in large zip lock storage bag
• Sewer fittings for park connection in zip lock storage bag
• 25' freshwater hose with end caps
• Culligan water filter with end caps
• Sanitizer in spray bottle
• Awning rod

Rear Trunk

• Shore power electrical cord
• 25' extension for 30a shore power cord
• 50a to 30a converter
• 25' of TV cable
• Links Blocs in storage bag for leveling
• Jack foot
• Small pine box containing:
  • Wheel chocks
  • Wheel lock
  • Equal-i-zer hitch lever
  • Spare set of Equal-i-zer pins
  • Tube of socket lube for hitch
  • Tube of electrical contact grease
  • 30a to 15/20 amp plug converter
  • 30a surge suppressor/park wiring tester
  • Container of rubber gloves
  • Container of hand cleaner de-greaser wipes
  • Mechanics gloves

The small pine box slips in and out through the hatch and keeps all these small items from drifting around in the compartment. I also try to keep everything from rubbing up against the trailer plumbing that runs through the back side of this compartment.

How does this sound to the experts out there?

Randy

[ScottW]

Randy,
Without looking and reading your description, it sounds a lot like what I do and how I pack. It may take a few trips to refine items/locations. I keep a lot of larger stuff in the bed of my truck (covered & locked). I built a shelf in the middle so I can access stuff without having to unload the things on top.

[clancy_boy]

Like you, I keep my sewer hose in the storage tube under the frame - the rear bumper compartment - although ment for sewage stuff - is not where I like to carry mine.

I keep all the fittings (90 degree elbow, garden hose cap, sewer universal connector, flush king, etc) in a 5 gallon bucket that I can put a mild bleech solution in after camping to "sanitize" them. With the lid it makes carrying them in the bed of the truck much easier - all in one container.

All the stuff and more that you carry in the pine box - I keep in one of those heavy duty totes Walmart sells that are black and gray with side clamp closures. I do keep a lock on it but it's only plastic. Little things and spare parts I keep in a plastic divided fishing tackle box that is clear so I can see them all. I keep that under the seat in the dining area.

[jcanavera]

Sounds pretty similar to mine. In the rear hatch under the queen bed we keep:

Shark vacuum
Broom
Small plumbing supplies like a Y, water filter, washers
Three canvas foldable chairs
Two sets of Lynx levelers
Folding step platform
Small two step ladder
Awning rod
30 amp extension cord
Kneeling pad

Jack

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by SilverCabin

• 25' freshwater hose with end caps
• Culligan water filter with end caps

We leave the water filter connected to the fresh water hose, and the inlet of the water filter connected to the outlet of the hose. They are then contained, no water leaking out, and there are 4 less small items to lose (the caps).
And if you think the assembly is too bulky, just connect the inlet of the water hose to the outlet of the water hose, same thing, no leaks, and 2 less things to keep track of (caps).

[SilverCabin]

Michael: The bucket with bleach is a good idea. I'll think about that.

Jack: Kneeling pad, good idea too. I'll add that to my list. My compartment isn't big enough for the ladder and folding chairs--those are in the truck bed.

Randy

[TomW]

Originally Posted by SilverCabin

... in large zip lock storage bag ...

Do you prefer storing these things in an air-tight bag, or does it just sound like a good idea?

I would think the bag would smell after a hot day on the road. If it did not, I would assume the parts had been adequately cleaned before going into the bag therefore obviating the need for the bag.

After rinsing the hose & associated fittings, I store these items in the unprotected bumper storage. The shore water hose ends are screwed together, and put in the back of the Suburban along with everything else.

Tom

[Fyrzowt]

I don't store my fresh water hose with my sewer hose. Maybe it's just me....it gives me the willies.

[SilverCabin]

Tom,

Haven't had any smell yet from the bag, but then I don't need the extension that much and when I have used it, I give it a rinse before putting it in the bag. The tube under the Airstream will only hold about 15' of hose--I wish it was longer.

Fyrzowt,

We keep all the "Black/Gray items" sanitized and sealed up away from the fresh water items. On set-up and take-down the last thing that is touched is the Black/Gray items and then a thorough clean-up afterwards. I might consider keeping the fresh water items in the truck though.

Thanks,

Randy

[clancy_boy]

I use a small spray bottle with 10% bleech to spray the freshwater connectors on the trailer and at the tap from the campground before connecting. I also spray the hose connections (that are connected together in transit) before opening and connecting. I use quick connects (brass) to make my camper connection (freah water) and at the campground connection (I put a Y-connector on for easy extra hose connection) to speed up things - Moostags let me in on this trick. The quick connects on the hose makes storage a snap and limits the possibilities of geting any dirt in there (less time open to the world. Lots said about water connections but I hate the stomach bugs that are possible.

[BillTex]

I'm with Fryz...don't put anything freshwater near anything NOT.
Dump hoses and white hose go in completely seperate areas and are not handled at the same time either. I do my electyric and fresh when I hook up and usualy wait till the tanks are full till I hook those up...no rush. If it is only overnight, I don't even do that (unless we are low on water, also skip the stabilizers if just overnight).

I carry a spray bottle of bleach/H2O to spray down the water spigot...you never who/what was there last.

I also tend to keep those thing I need immediately up front where I can get them; chocks, crank for stabilizers, awining hook, and always know where you can find a flash light too, as well as the 2 way radios...both indespensable at night.

Bill

[doorgunner]

Originally Posted by SilverCabin

How does this sound to the experts out there?

Randy

Sounds like you forgot to mention where the ICE COLD BEER is located. Immediately after spliting the rig I'm after a cold one. Usually stored in a "dedicated" refreshment ice chest, located within the trailer. We all know how the fridges in these units are unable to keep beer cold! Ant if beer is not your thing then Ice tea or whatever else wets your whistle.
Other than that your list looks pretty good, we all have our individual needs and peeves. I also have a few smaller containers that hold the smaller items together. And I use a sewer solution so I have no stinkey slinkey to deal with!
After, during every outing I keep a small list of things I needed or had no use for- fine tuning so to say.
Drive safe, DG

[ScottW]

Hmmm. I've picked up a few new pointers on this thread. Time to re-evaluate things. Thanks to all!

[klattu]

I like the bleach dip and spray bottle.

[moosetags]

It sounds like you are better prepared and organized than we are. We do a lot of the same stuff, but I'm afraid we're not as good in the sanitation department. One thing that we do differently that has been a big help is that we installed and additional belly tube to carry an extra 20' of sewer hose. We have needed all 30' of sewer hose on two separate occasions.

[clancy_boy]

Originally Posted by moosetags

It sounds like you are better prepared and organized than we are. We do a lot of the same stuff, but I'm afraid we're not as good in the sanitation department. One thing that we do differently that has been a big help is that we installed and additional belly tube to carry an extra 20' of sewer hose. We have needed all 30' of sewer hose on two separate occasions.

I'll be doing the same this weekend - Had the second tube in the garage for a month now. On the 22' - there is no room aft so mine will be mid-ships.

[henw]

Portable satellite dish,stand,and wiring.
Small TV to use outside when aiming the dish.
Honey wagon.
Grill.
Extra canopy room.
Sometimes the Honda generators and gas tanks for them.
Water tanks on occassion.
Portable water pump to move water from portable tanks to fresh water tank.
Yag antenna and 18' extending pole if expecting poor cell service.
Cell repeater.
Auxillary WiFi antenna.
6' fold-up ladder.

Tom