New Arrival

[John4str]

Hi from the beautiful redwoods along the northern coast of California! Like pregnant parents we are anticipating the arrival of our new 16' Bambi in a week or so. We look forward to traveling around the country experiencing new events and happenings in our lives. This is our first venture into the travel trailer world so we have lots of questions! Is there a list of the items we should have on board our Bambi to be truly self sufficient along our path?
John4str

[dr-quest]

Wow sounds like a great adventure. I will let the experts answer your question but just wanted to wish you all the best in your new quest.
Dr-Quest

[Silver Otter]

John,
We just got our first-trailer-ever, too. Other than the obvious (toilet paper, rubber gloves, dishware, pots, etc,) we really make use of our portable hot spot and computer to find the next campsite. The iPhone and iPad apps really help. We're more comfortable with our slippers along, and we make good use of a folding stool for both high access and a side table under the awning for adult beverages. Folding chairs and a small rug are a must. Take along a whisk broom to keep her clean in camp. We also bought a small rechargeable vacuum cleaner because we have carpeting.

[dkottum]

Be careful, it is better to have too little stuff than too much. There is food, water, and beer along the way. Take only essential clothing and not much of it. Airstreams are self contained campers, very well-equipped little houses. Basic tools only, you have a warranty.

doug k

[KeithC]

Must bring list:
Wallet, credit cards, fire wood, a few bottles of wine, three or four fine cheeses, ripe olives, green olives, french bread, tablet to make a Wal-mart list of things we need when we get there.

[Aage]

Half the clothes, twice the money.

[Phoenix]

Don't forget a good road atlas or software program (e.g., MS Streets & Trips), for when you don't have an Internet connection. The atlas is inexpensive at WalMart, and it includes locations of all WallyWorld stores for restocking while on the road. I think Camping World has similar information, which is also helpful, though these stores are not as widespread.

Also, purchase a National Park Service Annual Pass ($80), if you don't already have one; even better, get the Senior Pass ($10, lifetime) if you quality (age 62, I believe). These will pay for themselves quickly, if you visit many National Park Service (NPS) and/or National Forest Service (NFS) areas, etc. In addition, the Senior Pass gives you a 50% discount in many NPS/NFS campgrounds.

U.S. National Park Service America the Beautiful

Oh, and a tip from the dark side, read some of the tire failure threads on this site; and plan ahead by buying a good jack. We carry a floor jack with us all the time after our Airstream, "rite of passage", Goodyear Marathon blowout.

[uluwene]

Lots of good advice here. Search the forum for packing lists, there are several good ones.

Please - Skip the firewood. Buy it when you get there. Please do not carry pests with you. Emerald Ash Borers are destroying the Ash trees in the mid west and it is illegal to transport firewood from anywhere to anywhere in several states where the problem is severe. There are many areas of Michigan where the once green forests are now just skeletons of dead trees .

[Phoenix]

Regarding not transporting firewood, when surfing the Internet, I just ran across a site, which has details on this subject:

Don't Move Firewood | Trees and forests are threatened by invasive foreign insects and diseases

Never thought of this before, but it makes sense.

[John4str]

Gotcha! As a California Registered Professional Forester and Pest Control Adviser, I appreciate the advice. We are dealing with Sudden Oak Death in this area. It is prudent not to become a vector of any disease or pest. Thanks for the advice. Good travels!
John

[John4str]

Great advice! Thanks!