Essential A-Frame items/mods

[p40whk]

Thanks Handbuilder,

I updated the list to include the things you mentioned and separated it into categories (if you think things should be moved around to different categories or the categories renamed let me know). I did not include Fix-A Flat because I had a tire repair kit and as a mechanic I can tell you that that stuff is horrible for tires and should only be used in an emergency. Any tire guy will tell you that it makes a mess of the tire and is extremely difficult to clean out (which they have to do to repair the tire).

This past weekend I installed a hard wired surge protection system, LED lights along the peak of the stove side wall and completed my dinette table replacement with storage and hope to have pics of that sometime soon (weather is crap again).

Anyway, here's the updated list:

It can be hard for a new owner to know what to supply their new camper with and what not to bring. One of the best suggestions (by dts3204) was to "Solution Mark" everything with blue painters tape at the beginning of the season and remove the tape as you use an item (Note never do this to first aid kit or tools). You will be surprised what you don't use. I asked forum members what they thought were essential and helpful items and decided to put together this list from the responses I got. This should be used as a guide to get you started but ultimately.

Essential Items:

First Aid Kit
BBQ/Stove Lighter
Note pad for writing down things you forgot
Gel foam topper for the bed
Storage shelves/containers
Food Prep/cleaning items (buy compact collapsible if possible)
Coffee Maker - Some use a water boiler and french press but the smaller the better
Grey water container and a short hose to connect it to your drain
Spare water containers for sites without full hook-ups
Water inlet/outlet adapters (90 and 45 degree)
Water Bandit (adapter for stripped or leaky water hookups)
Drinking water hose
Water pressure regulator
Bubble levels for the front and side
Leveling Blocks (many people swear by the Anderson leveler and chocks)
Wood blocks for leveling
Comfortable camp chairs
Camp mat/rug (shower mat for the exterior shower)
Electrical adapters - 50 Amp to 30 Amp adapter and 15 Amp to 30 Amp adapter
Extension Cord 50' 30Amp
Spare AA/AAA/9V batteries
Whisk broom and small broom w/dustpan
Trailer and hitch locks
Glad Pres-N-Seal (can be used for many things
Carpet to cover steps (cut to fit and glue magnets on the underside to hold in place and make them easily removable)

Niceties and other items:

Waterproof cover for power tongue jack
Solar charger for house battery
Battery or solar powered weather radio
Back-up Camera behind Trailer
Replacement Locks for outdoor storage and shower doors (it seems that all campers are keyed alike)
Collapsible wagon - good for hauling firewood or items to a friends campsite
Water Filter
Secure key hooks to hold a spare set of keys
Smaller folding table to replace the larger dinette table
LED strip light to add to the peak of the roof for ambient lighting
EZ-Up Canopy Awning
Couple of tarps
Container of Bungee Cord, various sizes
Privacy tent for the Porta Potti and outdoor shower
Electrical Management System (EMS) or Surge protector to plug into the campground/site power pedestal (or hard wired unit)
Steel braided security cable and lock to lock up items outside your camper incase you wish to leave
Battery powered self stick LED touch lamps/nite lights
Stadium cushions for sitting and kneeling on
Wireless indoor/outdoor thermometer to measure temperature inside of refrigerator from tow vehicle (costs is about $10 from Walmart)
Consider making a pattern and having a carpet shop bind a remnant to fit the inside of your camper
Corner protection to protect the storage cover (pool noodles, cutout tennis balls, etc.)

Tool kit with the following items:

Ratchet/sockets
Screw drivers (or multi-driver)
Screw driver bits (including square bits)
Pliers
Torpedo Level
Adjutsable wrench(s)
Tape measure
Multimeter
Electrical tape
Electrical Connectors
Spare fuses
Breaker bar or torque wrench with socket that fits lug nuts, spare lug nuts.
Epoxy
Super glue
Duct tape
Grommet kit
Extra coupler clips/pins
Various sizes of zip ties
Ratchet (tiedown) straps
50' 12V primary wire
Blue funnel for water
Red funnel for fuel/oil
Cordless drill
Socket driver for the drill to raise/lower leveling jacks
Air Compressor (Ryobi makes a cordless drill and compressor that use the same battery)
Tire pressure gauge
Tubeless tire repair kit

Fire Pit Tools:

Axe
hatchet
splitting maul
shovel
portable fire pit
fire starters/extingquishers
fire poker

Long Term Boondocking Supplies:

Dual 12V or quad 6V Deep Cycle Batteries
80-120 Watt Solar Panel
Generator
Generator Fuel
Extra water containers (filled)

[handbuilder]

Its a good list you have made! As you use your trailer, youll discover what your style of camping and what your actual camper needs are.

I've had my A-Frame since 2012, and its never packed quite the same each trip. There are items that always stay in (and get replenished) and there are things that are removed or added, all depending on trip type...such as tables, number of portable canopies, chairs, shelving/storage bins, televison w/dvd player & movies. Oh and the flag. If its not too windy, I like to fly the flag. Its not an essential but it sure makes me feel good seeing it. LOL

Lastly, I also carry along a Buddy Heater & propane bottles. Its useful on cold crisp mornings and evenings under the enclosed canopy.

[FrayAdjacent]

Instead of a french press, I'd recommend an Aeropress. So much easier to clean, unless you just dump the french press down the drain, but you're asking for clogs if you do that.

[dbrown]

I got a portable drill and a 3/4" socket to raise and lower the stabelizer jacks. Works real fast. I have all things Ryobi because my wife likes thier fans.

[p40whk]

Originally Posted by FrayAdjacent

Instead of a french press, I'd recommend an Aeropress. So much easier to clean, unless you just dump the french press down the drain, but you're asking for clogs if you do that.

So I went out and bought a french press, Moka Express and borrowed my buddy's Aeropress to see which I liked best. For me the flavor was best with the French press however I don't like the fact that I need the press and a separate pot to heat the water in. The Moka Express you do not need an additional pot but unless you like to dilute an espresso and want to hassle with cleaning it this option wasn't that great either.

Going to give the tried and true percolator a try next to see how the coffee tastes with that.

Originally Posted by dbrown

I got a portable drill and a 3/4" socket to raise and lower the stabelizer jacks. Works real fast. I have all things Ryobi because my wife likes thier fans.

Got that on the list, thanks!

I'm also thinking that a batter powered small vacuum might come in handy?

[p40whk]

Didn't think about this until I needed one but it's a good idea to carry some spare water hose O-Rings.

[Tiguan Tow r]

Some of these items have been already mentioned, but, after our experience of a tire blow out, I can only recommend you carry:
- A few small orange cones (like they use for kids soccer) to put out behind the trailer.
- Minimum 24'' breaker bar
- Sockets for both wheel nuts and spare tire nut
- Proper jack, and it probably is not the TV jack
- wheel chocks for the other side of the trailer
- a tarp or blanket to lay on while changing the tires
- torque wrench
- 12v tire pump and gauge in case you need to again check/fill pressure.
- hand cleaner for when you're done

[AZ Camper]

Originally Posted by p40whk

Thought I'd start a new thread since my last one went long and kind of got hijacked!

I've had my A122THESP in the driveway for a week now and have yet to go camping in it but I've spent hours sitting inside with pen and paper trying to figure out the things I need when I do head out (listed below).

Keep in mind that this is my first camper so I'm starting from scratch.

What are the essential items you guys bring with you or always keep in your camper and what Mods have you done?

So far I've done the following:

1. Added a Back-up Camera
2. Replaced the crank tongue jack with an electric jack
3. Added a 4" gel foam topper to the bed
4. Bought some secure key hooks to hold a spare set of keys
5. Started putting together a tool kit with fuses, wire connectors, and standard tools
6. Got a smaller folding table for the dinette (unsure of what to do with the old one and how to make use of the bed now)
7. Added bubble levels to the front and side
8. Bought the Anderson leveler and chocks
9. Have an LED strip light on order to add to the peak of the roof for ambient lighting
10. Have an EZ-Up Canopy but want to make a DIY Awning
11. Bought a pair of camp chairs
12. Bought a privacy tent for the Porta Potti and outdoor shower

So I know I need a few more things and there's an IKEA 5 minutes from work so I'll stop in there for organizational and kitchen items but here's some of the things I'm thinking I should get:

1. Probably need a camp mat/rug
2. Also thinking about making a pattern and having a carpet shop bind a remnant for the inside
3. Want to add some sort of corner protection for under the cover
4. Looking for a storage container that's waterproof for the outside front toy hauler platform
5. Need a coffee Maker
6. Maybe a 12V TV
7. And that's about all I can think of right now!

Help me complete this list with suggestions, ideas and anything you think are unnecessary.

Thanks!

If ur camping, get rid of the tv.
I got a generator for mine & thinking about solar. Thinking bout getting foam mats for the floor for insulation

[carloss]

Originally Posted by lcangler

We also added these type of shelves which really come in handy to put out your food and supplies.

I like the shelves idea. What did you put on your window?

[Midnight Rider]

Originally Posted by lcangler

We also added these type of shelves which really come in handy to put out your food and supplies.

I bought one of these shelves and and might very well add another. The extra space is very useful. Thanks for sharing!

[jimstark]

Weather Radio !!! Self explanatory.

[lcangler]

Originally Posted by carloss

I like the shelves idea. What did you put on your window?

We put reflectix on the windows to keep out the heat.

[jeffnboise]

I just bought an AeroPress on your recommendation. Wow! They're amazing. So much easier than a French press.

Originally Posted by FrayAdjacent

Instead of a french press, I'd recommend an Aeropress. So much easier to clean, unless you just dump the french press down the drain, but you're asking for clogs if you do that.

[andy56]

Originally Posted by p40whk

So I went out and bought a french press, Moka Express and borrowed my buddy's Aeropress to see which I liked best. For me the flavor was best with the French press however I don't like the fact that I need the press and a separate pot to heat the water in. The Moka Express you do not need an additional pot but unless you like to dilute an espresso and want to hassle with cleaning it this option wasn't that great either.



Going to give the tried and true percolator a try next to see how the coffee tastes with that.







Got that on the list, thanks!



I'm also thinking that a batter powered small vacuum might come in handy?

We bought one and the wife loves it. It’s easy to store.

[p40whk]

Updated List (Changes: added tools to tool list):

It can be hard for a new owner to know what to supply their new camper with and what not to bring. One of the best suggestions (by dts3204) was to "Solution Mark" everything with blue painters tape at the beginning of the season and remove the tape as you use an item (Note never do this to first aid kit or tools). You will be surprised what you don't use. I asked forum members what they thought were essential and helpful items and decided to put together this list from the responses I got. This should be used as a guide to get you started but ultimately.

Essential Items:

• First Aid Kit (in pack)
• BBQ/Stove Lighter
• Note pad for writing down things you forgot (and a pen!)
• Gel foam topper for the bed
• Storage shelves/containers
• Food Prep/cleaning items (buy compact collapsible if possible)
• Coffee Maker - Some use a water boiler and french press but the smaller the better (the Faberware percolator is my favorite)
• Grey water container and a short hose to connect it to your drain
• Spare water containers for sites without full hook-ups
• Water inlet/outlet adapters (90 and 45 degree)
• Water Bandit (adapter for stripped or leaky water hookups)
• Drinking water hose
• Water pressure regulator
• Spare water hose O-Rings
• Bubble levels for the front and side
• Leveling Blocks (many people swear by the Anderson leveler and chocks)
• Wood blocks for leveling
• Comfortable camp chairs
• Camp mat/rug (shower mat for the exterior shower)
• Electrical adapters - 50 Amp to 30 Amp adapter and 15 Amp to 30 Amp adapter
• Extension Cord 50' 30Amp
• Spare AA/AAA/9V batteries
• Whisk broom and small broom w/dustpan
• Trailer and hitch locks
• Glad Press-N-Seal (can be used for many things
• Carpet to cover steps (cut to fit and glue magnets on the underside to hold in place and make them easily removable)

Niceties and other items:

• Waterproof cover for power tongue jack
• Solar charger for house battery
• Battery or solar powered weather radio
• Back-up Camera behind Trailer
• Replacement Locks for outdoor storage and shower doors (it seems that all campers are keyed alike)
• Collapsible wagon - good for hauling firewood or items to a friends campsite
• Water Filter
• Secure key hooks to hold a spare set of keys
• Smaller folding table to replace the larger dinette table
• LED strip light to add to the peak of the roof for ambient lighting
• EZ-Up Canopy Awning
• Couple of tarps
• Container of Bungee Cord, various sizes
• Privacy tent for the Porta Potti and outdoor shower
• Electrical Management System (EMS) or Surge protector to plug into the campground/site power pedestal (or hard wired unit)
• Steel braided security cable and lock to lock up items outside your camper incase you wish to leave
• Battery powered self stick LED touch lamps/nite lights
• Stadium cushions for sitting and kneeling on
• Wireless indoor/outdoor thermometer to measure temperature inside of refrigerator from tow vehicle (costs is about $10 from Walmart)
• Consider making a pattern and having a carpet shop bind a remnant to fit the inside of your camper
• Corner protection to protect the storage cover (pool noodles, cutout tennis balls, etc.)

Tool kit with the following items:

• Ratchet/sockets
• Screw drivers (or multi-driver)
• Screw driver bits (including square bits)
• Pliers
• Torpedo Level
• Adjutsable wrench(s)
• Tape measure
• Multimeter
• Electrical tape
• Electrical Connectors
• Spare fuses
• Breaker bar or wrench with socket that fits lug nuts, spare lug nuts.
• Torque Wrench for Lug Nuts
• Suitable Jack (TV jack may not be suitable)
• Wheel Chocks
• 12V Air Pump
• Hand cleaner wipes (GoJo as well as others make these)
• Something to lay on while working under the camper/TV (a tarp or even camp carpet is good for this)
• Safety cones or reflectors for behind the camper
• Epoxy
• Super glue
• Duct tape
• Grommet kit
• Extra coupler clips/pins
• Various sizes of zip ties
• Ratchet (tiedown) straps
• 50' 12V primary wire
• Blue funnel for water
• Red funnel for fuel/oil
• Cordless drill
• Socket driver for the drill to raise/lower leveling jacks
• Air Compressor (Ryobi makes a cordless drill and compressor that use the same battery)
• Tire pressure gauge
• Tubeless tire repair kit

Fire Pit Tools:

• Axe
• hatchet
• splitting maul
• shovel
• portable fire pit
• fire starters/extingquishers (saw dust and parrafin in paper egg cartons work great)
• fire poker

Long Term Boondocking Supplies:

• Dual 12V or quad 6V Deep Cycle Batteries
• 80-120 Watt Solar Panel
• Generator
• Generator Fuel
• Extra water containers (filled)

[ascharler]

The only thing I can add from the previous posts is this awesome pop-up shower enclosure:

WolfWise Dressing Tent Shower Privacy Portable Camping Beach Toilet Pop Up Tents Changing Room Outdoor Backpack Shelter Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FXNRA42/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_MnEKBb7T1M29A

The little window on the side is the perfect height to reach the outdoor shower on your a frame!

[p40whk]

Originally Posted by ascharler

The only thing I can add from the previous posts is this awesome pop-up shower enclosure:

WolfWise Dressing Tent Shower Privacy Portable Camping Beach Toilet Pop Up Tents Changing Room Outdoor Backpack Shelter Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FXNRA42..._MnEKBb7T1M29A

The little window on the side is the perfect height to reach the outdoor shower on your a frame!

I have one made by Lightspeed however it does not have the window on the side. I'm trying to decide if I should cut one in or just turn the door towards the shower.