What did you do to your camper today?

[russhd1997]

I stored our patio furniture in the TT for the winter. I did the final cleaning and moved it to it's winter parking spot. It's sad that the camping season is over but I'm glad that I'm not camping on this cold and windy day.

[kennyairport]

Originally Posted by Witch Doctor

How was your trip? Did you get any fishing in the mountains? Beautiful area and close to you. Have any problem winging it?

No fishing forgot poles. (Little guy was not with us.) We got a walk up site next morning site 39 was very private and roomy. Great park lots of trails. We took a drive down the Heintooga Round Bottom Road which is one way and gravel, you get it off the Blue Ridge Pkwy. cool drive.

[Jayhawker]

Insulated pass thru overhead with foil faced Rmax rigid foam insulation board.
Cleaned roof.
Washed and waxed trailer.
Installed Reflectix on interior wall of slide out where cushions were getting damp from condensation during some cold weather camping last week.
Installed wall mount and TV in bedroom.
Winterized.

[pbandrb]

Thanks to everyone that provided comments regarding propane tank recertification.

[ependydad]

Yesterday I tried adding gorilla tape to hold up my lube plate onto my king pin. The HVAC duct tape (the shiny silver stuff) didn't work out, it just kept tearing. I should just replace it, but you know... it's literally 5 months old and that seems pointless.

I lubed the king pin with white lithium grease.

I trimmed out the beds that we converted in the garage to make the appearance a little more sightly.

And hung some extra child lock pieces that we use to keep a couple of IKEA cabinet doors closed for travel - the extras are behind it so that you can tuck the lock out of the way when setup for camp.

Today I need to top of the air in my camper tires since it got cold and I really need to grease the wet bolts for the shackles. I'll also probably throw some pads onto the dining table legs to make sliding it around easier on the floor.

[DouglasReid]

Originally Posted by ependydad

Yesterday I tried adding gorilla tape to hold up my lube plate onto my king pin. The HVAC duct tape (the shiny silver stuff) didn't work out, it just kept tearing. I should just replace it, but you know... it's literally 5 months old and that seems pointless.

Try getting the pin closer to the height of the Fifth Wheel receiver before backing the two together. When the height is too disproportionate the force required to push them together pushes the lube plate back damaging the little plastic fingers holding it in place and it gets loose.

I have a lube plate that lasted for about 4 years by doing this method. Some of that WL grease on top of the receiver helps as well.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by DouglasReid

Try getting the pin closer to the height of the Fifth Wheel receiver before backing the two together. When the height is too disproportionate the force required to push them together pushes the lube plate back damaging the little plastic fingers holding it in place and it gets loose.

I have a lube plate that lasted for about 4 years by doing this method. Some of that WL grease on top of the receiver helps as well.

Appreciate that. My first lube plate on the old camper and the B&W Companion lasted for 5 or 6 years. This new lube plate on the new camper and with the Trailer Saver TS3 hitch barely lasted 4 months.

It popped off when we had unhitching issues once and I think that buggered the teeth up. I'm just too cheap to buy another so I keep taping it into place.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by ependydad

Appreciate that. My first lube plate on the old camper and the B&W Companion lasted for 5 or 6 years. This new lube plate on the new camper and with the Trailer Saver TS3 hitch barely lasted 4 months.

It popped off when we had unhitching issues once and I think that buggered the teeth up. I'm just too cheap to buy another so I keep taping it into place.

An old Indian trick... (as my dad used to say)

Take a screwdriver or punch and gently 'stake' the plastic/teflon around the area of the plate where the pin comes through. It will 'swell' the plate and make the pin hole smaller to where it stays on the pin.

[sherylej]

Water pump won't turn. Has this happened to anyone else

[LegacyFB38]

Originally Posted by ependydad

Yesterday I tried adding gorilla tape to hold up my lube plate onto my king pin. The HVAC duct tape (the shiny silver stuff) didn't work out, it just kept tearing. I should just replace it, but you know... it's literally 5 months old and that seems pointless.

…

Use an o-ring to hold the lube plate.

This is not my idea. I found this on an Amazon feedback section a while back. Look for the update with 2 pictures in post by JEBar.

https://www.amazon.com/Reese-83004-F...ews/B00ET5UIEU

[A2pfunk]

Today I did my absolute least favorite thing with my camper. I performed the task which makes me want to sell the camper which I otherwise absolutely love. I did the job which seems to take me more time and physical energy than any other job I ever have to do. The job that makes me sweat and usually involves some type of muscle sprain or head injury.

I made the bunk beds.

It's the absolute worst.

Our Catalina 273 TBS has three tight bunks stacked in the back corner. It works out great for storing my two kids at night, leaving one bunk open to store clothes and stuff. Occasionally, they bring a guest who sleeps in the bottom bunk, but we feel bad putting any one in what we call the "coffin bunk" because it is literally on the floor, has no window, and is quite small.

But today, while winterizing and cleaning there camper for the end of the season, I had to make the two kids' bunks. I'm not sure how this is supposed to be done, but I certainly haven't found a way that is easy or graceful. First of all, the opening for each bunk is so tiny and the height is so low for each bunk that I have to crawl in head first. Then I'm stuck in there. There is no way an adult can get in there and turn around. If I actually had to sleep in there, I don't know how I'd actually get into the bed without having my head stuckin the closed end of the bunk. And I certainly don't know how I would ever get out of the bunk if I had to get up in the middle of the night. Every time I climb back out I end up kicking and flailing and falling all over the camper.

I've actually gotten pretty good at making a twin size bed while laying headfirst in a cave on top of a twin-size bed. However every time I finish I'm usually sweaty and have banged my head more times than I have swear words to use. I make the beds a couple times per season, and I make them so tight that the kids usually can't get under the covers! This saves me having to do it again for a while.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE our camper. It's the perfect fit for our family. We spent 31 nights in 2 different countries on 8 different trips this summer. But making the beds... Makes me want to trade this in for something with no bunks... The kids can sleep in a tent.

But alas, the job is done. Beds are made up to my OCD standards. The camper has been thoroughly cleaned and winterized. I'm super bummed to put it into storage Saturday.

[pbandrb]

Originally Posted by A2pfunk

Today I did my absolute least favorite thing with my camper. I performed the task which makes me want to sell the camper which I otherwise absolutely love. I did the job which seems to take me more time and physical energy than any other job I ever have to do. The job that makes me sweat and usually involves some type of muscle sprain or head injury.

I made the bunk beds.

It's the absolute worst.

Our Catalina 273 TBS has three tight bunks stacked in the back corner. It works out great for storing my two kids at night, leaving one bunk open to store clothes and stuff. Occasionally, they bring a guest who sleeps in the bottom bunk, but we feel bad putting any one in what we call the "coffin bunk" because it is literally on the floor, has no window, and is quite small.

But today, while winterizing and cleaning there camper for the end of the season, I had to make the two kids' bunks. I'm not sure how this is supposed to be done, but I certainly haven't found a way that is easy or graceful. First of all, the opening for each bunk is so tiny and the height is so low for each bunk that I have to crawl in head first. Then I'm stuck in there. There is no way an adult can get in there and turn around. If I actually had to sleep in there, I don't know how I'd actually get into the bed without having my head stuckin the closed end of the bunk. And I certainly don't know how I would ever get out of the bunk if I had to get up in the middle of the night. Every time I climb back out I end up kicking and flailing and falling all over the camper.

I've actually gotten pretty good at making a twin size bed while laying headfirst in a cave on top of a twin-size bed. However every time I finish I'm usually sweaty and have banged my head more times than I have swear words to use. I make the beds a couple times per season, and I make them so tight that the kids usually can't get under the covers! This saves me having to do it again for a while.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE our camper. It's the perfect fit for our family. We spent 31 nights in 2 different countries on 8 different trips this summer. But making the beds... Makes me want to trade this in for something with no bunks... The kids can sleep in a tent.

But alas, the job is done. Beds are made up to my OCD standards. The camper has been thoroughly cleaned and winterized. I'm super bummed to put it into storage Saturday. Attachment 189830Attachment 189831

Wow that would be tough and as you describe. Not sure if this would work for you but we do this for our top bunks, we take mattresses out and lay them on the floor then make them with tucked corners the slide them back in place, while pushing them back in place it keeps linens tucked in. For yours you might need to fold mattress like a slice of Pizza. Also one of those long reach grabbers used for top shelf kitchen Items might come in handy. I call it the lazy stick

[Chief T]

I cleaned/waxed the front of the TT. I couldn't reach the top/center portion with the ladder I had, so I need to go back this weekend to finish the job with the big ladder.

The oxidation on the top portion is absolutely horrible. Even after waxing, it still looks like crap. The rest came back to a nice shiny luster, but not the top.

Safe and happy travels.

[rockfordroo]

It

Originally Posted by A2pfunk

Today I did my absolute least favorite thing with my camper. I performed the task which makes me want to sell the camper which I otherwise absolutely love. I did the job which seems to take me more time and physical energy than any other job I ever have to do. The job that makes me sweat and usually involves some type of muscle sprain or head injury.

I made the bunk beds.

It's the absolute worst.

Our Catalina 273 TBS has three tight bunks stacked in the back corner. It works out great for storing my two kids at night, leaving one bunk open to store clothes and stuff. Occasionally, they bring a guest who sleeps in the bottom bunk, but we feel bad putting any one in what we call the "coffin bunk" because it is literally on the floor, has no window, and is quite small.

But today, while winterizing and cleaning there camper for the end of the season, I had to make the two kids' bunks. I'm not sure how this is supposed to be done, but I certainly haven't found a way that is easy or graceful. First of all, the opening for each bunk is so tiny and the height is so low for each bunk that I have to crawl in head first. Then I'm stuck in there. There is no way an adult can get in there and turn around. If I actually had to sleep in there, I don't know how I'd actually get into the bed without having my head stuckin the closed end of the bunk. And I certainly don't know how I would ever get out of the bunk if I had to get up in the middle of the night. Every time I climb back out I end up kicking and flailing and falling all over the camper.

I've actually gotten pretty good at making a twin size bed while laying headfirst in a cave on top of a twin-size bed. However every time I finish I'm usually sweaty and have banged my head more times than I have swear words to use. I make the beds a couple times per season, and I make them so tight that the kids usually can't get under the covers! This saves me having to do it again for a while.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE our camper. It's the perfect fit for our family. We spent 31 nights in 2 different countries on 8 different trips this summer. But making the beds... Makes me want to trade this in for something with no bunks... The kids can sleep in a tent.

But alas, the job is done. Beds are made up to my OCD standards. The camper has been thoroughly cleaned and winterized. I'm super bummed to put it into storage Saturday. Attachment 189830Attachment 189831

There IS an easier way to do it. You simply say, "Kids, make your beds, or no supper!".

[GalsofEscape]

Why even make the beds to only store the camper??? I would strip the beds, wash sheets and store them in the house. In fact I take all the linens and towels out for the winter. Then next spring, the kids can make their own beds. I am particular and the mess would drive me nuts, but have gotten very good at closing the curtain and ignoring what is behind it - just not worth it.

[Kaadk]

Originally Posted by A2pfunk

Today I did my absolute least favorite thing with my camper. I performed the task which makes me want to sell the camper which I otherwise absolutely love. I did the job which seems to take me more time and physical energy than any other job I ever have to do. The job that makes me sweat and usually involves some type of muscle sprain or head injury.

I made the bunk beds.

It's the absolute worst.

Our Catalina 273 TBS has three tight bunks stacked in the back corner. It works out great for storing my two kids at night, leaving one bunk open to store clothes and stuff. Occasionally, they bring a guest who sleeps in the bottom bunk, but we feel bad putting any one in what we call the "coffin bunk" because it is literally on the floor, has no window, and is quite small.

But today, while winterizing and cleaning there camper for the end of the season, I had to make the two kids' bunks. I'm not sure how this is supposed to be done, but I certainly haven't found a way that is easy or graceful. First of all, the opening for each bunk is so tiny and the height is so low for each bunk that I have to crawl in head first. Then I'm stuck in there. There is no way an adult can get in there and turn around. If I actually had to sleep in there, I don't know how I'd actually get into the bed without having my head stuckin the closed end of the bunk. And I certainly don't know how I would ever get out of the bunk if I had to get up in the middle of the night. Every time I climb back out I end up kicking and flailing and falling all over the camper.

I've actually gotten pretty good at making a twin size bed while laying headfirst in a cave on top of a twin-size bed. However every time I finish I'm usually sweaty and have banged my head more times than I have swear words to use. I make the beds a couple times per season, and I make them so tight that the kids usually can't get under the covers! This saves me having to do it again for a while.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE our camper. It's the perfect fit for our family. We spent 31 nights in 2 different countries on 8 different trips this summer. But making the beds... Makes me want to trade this in for something with no bunks... The kids can sleep in a tent.

But alas, the job is done. Beds are made up to my OCD standards. The camper has been thoroughly cleaned and winterized. I'm super bummed to put it into storage Saturday. Attachment 189830Attachment 189831

I just take the bunks mattresses out, make the beds, then put them back all in one shot. Then, if needed for tidying up the edges, I send the kids in to straighten them up.

[Rookiewood]

Originally Posted by pbandrb

Wow that would be tough and as you describe. Not sure if this would work for you but we do this for our top bunks, we take mattresses out and lay them on the floor then make them with tucked corners the slide them back in place, while pushing them back in place it keeps linens tucked in. For yours you might need to fold mattress like a slice of Pizza. Also one of those long reach grabbers used for top shelf kitchen Items might come in handy. I call it the lazy stick

We do the same thing or use the same method on our 8311WS.

[A2pfunk]

Originally Posted by GalsofEscape

Why even make the beds to only store the camper??? I would strip the beds, wash sheets and store them in the house. In fact I take all the linens and towels out for the winter. Then next spring, the kids can make their own beds. I am particular and the mess would drive me nuts, but have gotten very good at closing the curtain and ignoring what is behind it - just not worth it.

I take all the rest of the linens out, but I like to make the beds in Fall so I don't have to do it in spring. I like to have the beds clean and ready to go.

As for making the mattress outside of the bed, I've thought about that. The tiny opening makes it pretty hard to get even the stock cheesy 2 inch mattress out (I've done it a few times) and I don't think the sheets would still be on it when I was done putting it in. Plus, we've added a couple inches of memory foam now and that would make it very difficult.

And the kids do tidy up their beds on trips. Or they sleep on top of the covers[emoji3]

[Mch5jdm]

Originally Posted by A2pfunk

I take all the rest of the linens out, but I like to make the beds in Fall so I don't have to do it in spring. I like to have the beds clean and ready to go.

As for making the mattress outside of the bed, I've thought about that. The tiny opening makes it pretty hard to get even the stock cheesy 2 inch mattress out (I've done it a few times) and I don't think the sheets would still be on it when I was done putting it in. Plus, we've added a couple inches of memory foam now and that would make it very difficult.

And the kids do tidy up their beds on trips. Or they sleep on top of the covers[emoji3]

Our fix is sleeping bags. Kids love them. Easy to get sand out of. And they are cute.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by A2pfunk

I made the bunk beds.

It's the absolute worst.

But alas, the job is done. Beds are made up to my OCD standards.

Pretend you're a millionaire and consider Beddy's bedding. They're amazing.

On edit, I see this idea doesn't work for you: I'd likely make them outside of the bunk, would make it, and then would slide it back into the bunks.

They're expensive, but we absolutely love them.