Maiden Voyage Successful!

[Mama]

After fiddle farting around in the driveway for a weaker so, we decided that the best way to learn was go do it. So we stayed not far from here at Raccoon Lake State Park (Indiana). We pulled up next to a family with 10 kids. Yes. TEN!
First plus for the AFrame - QUIET INSIDE!!! lol The kids were well behaved but when they were riled up at night it was quite nice to not be in a tent!

The 2013 Ford Escape SEL 4WD with Class 2 factory installed hitch worked like a champ! Barely noticed we were towing anything!

DH tried to install the water filter when we go there. Lesson number 1. It fills with water when you load the water tank with water. Duly noted. No damage done but we did notice a small leak in the seal from the blue hose that leads to the filter. I assume plumbers tape will fix that up and will pick some up today.

Here's our set up:

[Mama]

Put a few little "glamping" touches in there to make it more homey. More modifications coming!

Brought some bright color in with the spread, 400 ct super soft sheets, mattress pad. Found a great little 9 drawer organizer at TJ Maxx that was awesome for storing little odds n ends to avoid clutter.

DH needs his coffee - so set up a little Keurig coffee station with the essentials each night before we went to bed so it was ready in the morning. The tray is the base of a collapsable chrome dish drainer I found at bed bath and beyond. I put the drainer on a cheap coffee mat from Walmart to soak up the water drips - it fit better in that area above the sink and the black plastic tray it came with was perfect for the coffee station!

Hung some micro lights - because micro lights. lol

Walmart had that great 3 compartment chicken wire thing. The cloth inside is plastic coated so it's easy clean up. Was a great sink sorter.

[Mama]

Picked up a $25 3 cube shelving unit, turned it on it's side and 3 11" bins for our "dresser".

Lugged that huge table out and put in a small outdoor bistro style folding table from Target.

Trash can fits nicely next to it hidden out of the way as well.

Big outdoor pillows on clearance for the bed which will allow for more support if we want to sit up and read before laying down.

Found the little wooden letters in the gift wrap section for $1 each. Thought I could paint them for a little color if I wanted to but they are fine for now in natural.

Also picked up a Threshold brand shoe organizer from Target and hooked it up to those useless hooks by the smoke detector. Now it acts as a light shield for my eyes in the morning and a kitchen organizer for everything kitchen. I moved the 3 bin organizer to the top of the "dresser" for other odds n ends. The table can still hold our coffee bar and can serve as a dinette if the weather is foul outside. It feels so much roomier in there now!!!

I think I'm done modifying for a while. Now that I feel like I have breathing room and a spot for everything, I will feel much more relaxed and organized.

[Jestercyco]

Congrats on the first outing!!!! It looks like you have it going on.
Jester

[Brimare57]

Originally Posted by Mama

I think I'm done modifying for a while. Now that I feel like I have breathing room and a spot for everything, I will feel much more relaxed and organized.

That is very nice. VERY VERY nice! My DW might steal some of your ideas.

[Mama]

Originally Posted by Brimare57

That is very nice. VERY VERY nice! My DW might steal some of your ideas.

That's why I shared it!!! Gotta make the most of every single inch of space in there! Not done - just done for now.

[SeaDog]

Congrats on the outing ifs fun to hear when things go good you have made some nice additions

[Mama]

Thank you! I'm so excited! I think hubby is coming around lol It feels more like home now! Do you think plumbers tape on the slow leak by the water filter will be enough?

[Scrub175]

Awesome and fun setup. Thank you for sharing.

[SeaDog]

If you are talking about teflon tape I use it on most fittings keep in mind that over tightening plastic fittings can cause them to leak. Wrap some around the threads and see what happens.

[Mama]

Originally Posted by Scrub175

Awesome and fun setup. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you! You're welcome!!!

Originally Posted by SeaDog

If you are talking about teflon tape I use it on most fittings keep in mind that over tightening plastic fittings can cause them to leak. Wrap some around the threads and see what happens.

Ok thanks! Would a little silicone be better? They used this soft brown smeary stuff??

[SeaDog]

do not use silicon on fittings. I use teflon tape

[Mama]

Originally Posted by SeaDog

do not use silicon on fittings. I use teflon tape

Ok! Thank you - passed that message on to the husband!

[mollypcb]

Those are really effective and fun ideas! Congratulations on a good first outing. We have only been out three times, but each time we learn and so appreciate your sharing!

[Mama]

Originally Posted by mollypcb

Those are really effective and fun ideas! Congratulations on a good first outing. We have only been out three times, but each time we learn and so appreciate your sharing!

Thank you Molly! Really happy with the drawer system - and it still gives room to sit on the bench if we do need to use the table to eat indoors.

[mikeandclay]

Great stuff! I love seeing how everyone adapts the small space to meet their needs.

[Mama]

Originally Posted by mikeandclay

Great stuff! I love seeing how everyone adapts the small space to meet their needs.

Thank you! Have to say this has been a very nice diversion from all the stress of "life". Ordered some strap on rearview mirror extensions today. The ones on the Escape weren't enough. I think I'm about done on the inside for now. Time to just pare down what we don't need, stock what we do need and ENJOY it!

[FLGrandCampers]

Mama; Thanks for sharing all your wonderful modifications. We are preparing for our first trip in our newly purchased 2016 T21DMHW. We have opted not to use the shower and cassette toilet. We removed the shower walls and place the large table over the shower opening. The new space will be used for storing our clothing.

We added a 2-inch memory foam pad as well as a quilted mattress pad to the bed.

Tomorrow morning will be the start our two week long maiden camping trip.

[dcheatwood]

Nice. Thanks for sharing.

[Mama]

Originally Posted by FLGrandCampers

Mama; Thanks for sharing all your wonderful modifications. We are preparing for our first trip in our newly purchased 2016 T21DMHW. We have opted not to use the shower and cassette toilet. We removed the shower walls and place the large table over the shower opening. The new space will be used for storing our clothing.

We added a 2-inch memory foam pad as well as a quilted mattress pad to the bed.

Tomorrow morning will be the start our two week long maiden camping trip.

Oh wow! That's a major modification! Great job!
Hubby is itching to go to Yellowstone now but we're still just doing little weekend trips til we are more confident with it. Can't wait to hear how it goes for you! Travel safe!

Originally Posted by dcheatwood

Nice. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you and you're welcome!