- As is my usual custom, I am making some mods to my trailer set-up, to make it more user friendly (that means for me). I think I've modified it every time I've camped, and sometimes it improves the experience at the next camp-out, sometimes not so much. Once or twice, my mods were absolute failures; the ultra-slick waterproof bag over my angled mattresses, that made it a slip-'n-slide at night, was a disaster. Other times the mods have aided me at camp, like my cross-beam lift bar inside, so I can easily exit the trailer without hurting my back.
- Mod # 1) I can no longer lift the trailer tongue to shift position in the garage bay, nor can I swing it around outside to be able to use my front hitch, to store it in the garage bay. So, I figured that a 500 lb limit, industrial swivel caster would work fine, when mounted to my current jack's sand foot. For $20, and an hour of my time (looking for some locknuts, mostly), I now can move it around OK. The eight inch diameter wheel rolls easily on my mixed surface driveway, and also raises the tongue high enough to easily hook-up to my tall hitch. Win-win.
- Mod # 2) After 6.5 years, my solid 3/4" plywood hatch is starting to show ever-so-slight signs of warpage, not really noticeable, but leaving gaps sealing it up. I started out with only a set of manual flexible hasps holding it shut, then added two right-angle draw-latches at the bottom sides a couple of years later. Now, four years further on, I added two more draw-latches (the same as the other ones) 16" from the top of the hatch. Now, there are no gaps when closed.
- Mod # 3) I added a front rack last year, to be able to carry my two canopies on it, instead of in my cabin, or in the truck bed (anticipating a SUV in the future, with no truck bed to use). Made from common zinc-coated steel perforated angle (doubled-up for strength), and a stainless/zinc industrial wire shelf, it has worked well for me...easy to load/unload, and it doesn't matter if the canopies are dripping wet (a problem when storing them on your mattress). I like the front rack so much, I decided to add another, smaller one, to carry my "pantry" box. I have been carrying it in the truck bed, but I have to climb in/out on a stepladder to get anything from the box, and that's been a hassle, over the years. Now, it will sit in easy reach on the new, lower, front rack. I made it hinged to the front slope, so that it can be raised out of the way, to access the spare tire (which supports the weight of the loaded rack). The tongue box can be opened with the rack in place, also. And another plus, in addition to more convenience, the forward rack placement adds more weight on the tongue, which really helps with my over-loaded rear compartment!
- Mod # 4) I'm always misplacing my meds and first-aid supplies at camp: some in my truck console, some in the trailer nightstand or on a shelf, and some in my "go-box" in the truck bed. Never where I can easily find my most needed items, usually. So, I decided to make a first-aid cabinet with a supply of all my meds and such, inside the cabin, just under the A/C, for easy access. I don't know why it took me so long to decide to do this ?!?
- Mod # 5) In progress: a simple lockbox (.30 cal ammo can), mounted in easy reach on the outside of my trailer, to hold my weapon of choice at camp>>>bungee cords! I have them spread all over, not ever where I thought I stored them, but now I will have them on hand immediately, when needed (I use at least a dozen at every campsite). I had an empty spot on the right rear corner of my trailer, and it begged me to use it: so, I bought another ammo can, mounted it, then decided to paint it gray to match...it's drying now. No pics, until tomorrow's update.
- Mod # 6) Upgrading my galley/storage area. I'm removing the Aquatainer from its' position on the rear shelf, because it always leaks, no matter which one I use (I carry two), or how many times I've replaced the fittings. I'm going to use that position for added storage, whether for more miscellaneous electrical spares (chargers, cords, etc), or to store my new IKEA Bbq grill (Korpon), and/or my 27+ year old electric skillet (West Bend, from '91, never opened...found when cleaning out our old house). Secondly, I'm removing the "cube" cooler just under that spot, and replacing it with a "dorm fridge", just to try it for keeping semi-frozen foods without ice. I'll use it in my office whenever not camping. It should fit perfectly, with little changes. Since all my trips are less than 4 hours drive, I'll not even have to worry about power until I arrive at camp (but, I plan to use a pure-sine-wave 400w inverter, on standby, just in case. I haven't bought the fridge yet, but I'm preparing the spot for it.