Given the dual facts of an e-z to take thus far East Coast Winter and Ground Hog Day being right around the corner, can the Spring/Summer TD Trailer season be that far away?
It was just about a year ago when we started not planning, to take our brand new Little Guy for a XC trip. Now, with only one years limited hindsight, I/we offer the following, kinda common sense, "advice" to some of you "brand new to this" people.
Helpful hints?
Use the trailer local and often before heading out on a "trip".
Keep a log of expenses, of what not to bring any more, of stuff we do not have but need. Keep a TD "journal" of CG's and/or hi-way restaurants or servicing facilities, interesting places.
I drive she writes.
Tow vehicle:
Absolutely make sure the tires are good and inflated properly. Brakes,both linings and fluid,checked, adjusted, up to the task.
Have your cooling system drained and flushed and refilled.
Keep your transmission (auto) fluid full and serviced.
Electrical system: Check, service (clean terminals) and or replace battery(4+ yrs old).
At the back end, inspect and clean the trailer plugs, bumper and trailer ends. Check all retaining bolts and or tow bar locks.
Check the tows spare tire for proper inflation. If its a P/U or SUV will the tire come down?
Mirrors:
If the stock ones do the job for ya, then its off to the parts store for those little 360 degree jobbies. They can save ya when "Grandma" comes creeping up the sides of your tow.
Glass:
Keep your windows clean inside and out. Good spray cleaner and dedacated roll of paper towels for the vehicle.(newspaper and vinegar mix works too) Its amazing what a little dirt and condensation can do to your ability to see?
Interior:
Keep everything heavy enough to hurt you down low on the floor, and everything else secured. Sooner or later someone else is going to do something stupid? And your going to stop short, and stuffs going wanna come at you. Fluff inside the vehicle, hard goods in trunk or p/u bed.
Most vehicle owne'rs manuals call "towing" severe service.
Your TD though not exactly daunting, may weigh over one thousand pounds, or more? Though not life threatening it does place a burden on the tow vehicle and its many systems.
No one wants to go on vacation to break down or to have to replace major parts. PM is now "job one" for your tow vehicle.
Please be advised that some Mfg's have elected to seal thier auto transmissions for life? IMHO that puts more of the burden on your cooling system concerning tranny longiviety, it pays to do an annual service.
Fuel System:
We bring injector cleaner. Every third/fourth tank, in it goes.
"We dunt need no stinkin condensation" and it only helps.
Meantime back @/ or near, the fun end:
Connections & Coupler:
We found an inexpensive camping mirror be great to check conditions/connections between the tow ball and it's coupler.
Bungee/It's also nice to bungee the chain up off the roadway as well as the light cord. This is just a loose wrap and then hook the bungee ends to the safety chains. Nice, neat, out of the way but ready to go in an emergency.
Find a decent sized rag and insert the same into a two gallon freezer bag. This is kept near the ball/coupler area ready for instant use to remove the grease from your hands, legs, whatever, tow ball(when no longer needed). It's amazing how often you can hit the tow ball with a bare leg or new pair of shorts?
Bucket:
You pick the size. Placed near the tow ball area (tow's trunk or p/u bed) to hold the bagged rag, grease gun, bungee cord, starting fluid, whatever. It's also a great place to toss the tow ball locks while hooking and un hooking, as well as the keys. NOT THE CAR KEYS!
Note a second baggee works to hold the greased stuff. We use a ball lock when unhooked (big time paranoia) its always got grease on it.
Starting fluid:
This may ruin fine fabrics, but it's also an instant grease remover, when your leg or shorts clip the greased tow ball.
NEVER ever do this when near any iginition source!
Instant ingition!
Spray outside and away from everyone, it works, but it can be nasty.
Trailer tires:
We carry spares(2), it saves time, and e-z-er to change then driving fifty miles to fix a flat. Or not find a new tire.
Keep all tires inflated to trailer mfg's spec's. Replace per common sense and/or trailer Mfg's reccomendations.
Follow same Mfg's hub greasing schedule. They know what and when to squirt grease.
Lights:
If you still have bulbs, keep spares. If you have led's, your blessed.
We looked and then covered any exposed trailer light wires with inexpensive split wire protector and wire ties.
Trailer plate:
Check the bolts every month. If possible safety wire the plate to the trailer.
Pillows:
All the comforts of home, we took two extra pillows. They were stored in the galley while underway to keep the galley stuff from flying around, it works great (queen/king sized/your choice). Guy's she will Love this one!
Before departure:
Give someone in your 'party' a spare set of vehicle keys as well as TD keys. It will save your life and you will not call a locksmith.
Make sure you have all legal documents needed for the tow as well as the TD. handy and readily available. Keep's the Highway Patrol guys happy and smiling.
We also wear a shirt/and or/shorts with a pocket that zips shut or buttons closed, on travel days. Great place to put the credit card after zipping the card in the pump whilst fueling. Never ever leave a credit card in the pump! NEVER!
Planning the trip:
Expect the following?
Gas pricing/ will be different on the road then home, read that, more expensive. We figured the worse mpg we ever got and the most miles we could ever cover during the trip? I think it's called forecasting/or a trip budget? No kidding when done, we were also right on target. Stuff happens!
Weather:
Bring rainware, it's going to happen and it doesn't have to be yellow.
It also makes an emergency windbreaker if it gets very cold.
Bring an umbrella, kept near tow vehicle door, also works in desert heat.
Variables:
Be flexable if possible? We left (metro NYC) during the summer forrest fires, the flash floods, brutal heatwaves, and the Interstate bridge collapse. We simply changed direction inroute and went North. We had a ball.
National Parks:
If its summer when you travel, it's prime time. Yes, they do fill up.
Yes, you can make reservations on line. I think that's called a "plan"?
We don't do that.
Campgrounds:
IF its been a while since you camped?
Pricing has gone up.
Local county CG or State Parks are still the least expensive.
National Parks do not all charge exactly the same pricing.
KOA's are getting out of sight (especially in prime areas) for full service(elec&water)pull thru's. If you do not need elec then beg for a tent space.
Twice we paid $40.00 per night in premo locations.
KOA's & other Private CG's have the facilities and you pay for the "extra's".
If everything else is full, be prepared to open your wallet.
Mindset:
This is, and it can be, FUN!
Travel safe and travel wiser!
P
this is all good....but but just go camping.....by the time all that is done,the week end is almost gone
Whew, 
