Making a TD photographer friendly?

[Harpo]

Doing a search here, I notice a lot of people are into photography. As I look into getting our first TD, there is an option to do some custom work with the galley and cabinet areas inside. For those of you who do a lot of photography while camping in your teardrop, is there anything that you thought would be nice if… related to photo gear storage, outlets, cabinet designs, shelving, extra hooks, or while working on pics downloaded to your laptop... that would make it a bit more photographer friendly?

[GuitarPhotog]

More 12VDC outlets.

My laptop charger has a very short 12 VDC cord, so I end up sitting with the laptop on my lap in the galley

Maybe a concealed, lockable storage place for the camera / bag? I lock mine in the pickup when I'm away from camp, along with any other valuables but...

<Chas>

[ACK]

A few USB sockets scattered about wouldn't hurt, either

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Dual-Cha ... 7NKJ7SS0BX

[GuitarPhotog]

A few USB sockets scattered about wouldn't hurt, either

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Dual-Cha ... 7NKJ7SS0BX

Nice, I'm ordering a couple of those right now, thanks

<Chas>

[tony.latham]

I put a dual USB socket in my recent build, but beware, they draw a bit of battery. Perhaps not enough juice to be concerned with but I wired mine in with a toggle switch to cut it off. Either way, a fine addition these days.

I would think they'd be a fairly normal fixture in an RV? Perhaps not!

TL

[Harpo]

Umm, Im not sure why many are recommending more 12v DC outlets. All my plugs for my battery chargers, laptop, and related plug in accessories have a normal 110 v plug. Even the USB plugs have adapters for either a 12v or 110v. Those adapters are like $2- much easier than trying to put in a bunch of USB specific outlets. Are there things requiring a 12v plug that Im not aware of that you guys use that Im overlooking? The only things I have requiring a 12v plug is my motorcycle gear- GPS, heated jacket/gloves & phone charger (w/ a 12v/USB plug)

Maybe its because Im new to camping in trailers after years of sleeping in tents/hammocks, that Im not familiar with all the gear available for trailers? Guess I need to make a trip to Camping World and see what stuff they sell for trailers requiring 12v plugs that I don't know about!

I can see the benefit of narrow, even locking cabinets that fit/store an Laptop/tablet with access holes for cords going to a plug for recharging. Didn't know if anyone just found it darn easier to do their photo processing/downloading on their laptop on a table off the galley vs inside the cabin on your lap? Same with locking cabinets either under the bed or behind the galley for photo bags. Then again, I usually would lock them up in the vehicle. But like some have said, in colder weather, Id store the camera stuff in the camper where the temps are not as extreme related to condensation.

[Shadow Catcher]

When we are off grid most everything is 12V with the exception of the lap top and TV which require the inverter. I did switch to Anderson power pole connectors because in general I dislike the 'cigaret' type connectors and it makes anything with them harder for folks to use and maybe a bit less likely to grow legs. As to camera equipment it is normally with me so I don't worry too much about it. There are concealed areas in the tear and car where I will put some money and valuables but any lockable cabinets are an invitation to be broken into and the cost of repair would exceed the $200 deductible on our insurance policy. Quite frankly I am so pissed off at my digital Nikon and the poor quality lens that I would not grieve its theft. The lens self destructed twice with in a year and Nikon depending on who you talk to says there is a 6 month or one year guarantee on lens repair. They have had it for months and I am using a backup lens.

[Harpo]

Thanks Shadow Catcher. So what Im understanding (correct me if Im wrong) With shore power plugged in, the 110 V outlets work perfectly fine. Off grid, with power coming from a battery- only the 12v outlets work unless there is an inverter, then- only then, do the 110 outlets work as well?

[Harpo]

Never mind my last question. Googled trailer outlets and got an education about the differences between the 110/120 vs 12vDC. Now I get it how it all works and why one would want 12v plug outlets.

[Shadow Catcher]

There is an efficiency cost in using an inverter. On idle even the most efficient inverters use some power and when converting from 12VDC to 120 AC they use more. I am using a Morningstar SureSine 300W which uses 450mA while powering a load, This is exceptional! A full sine wave inverter will likely be more efficient than a modified sine wave inverter. http://www.marxrv.com/12volt/12volta.htm
Most trailer stuff is 12V from fans to lights

[kespada51]

I carry an arsenal of photo gear and storage is designed specifically for my photo gear. As for charging, we only camp where there is full power and I have lots of outlets built in. My cameras also have wi-fi built in so downloading images is no problem. Due to condensation, the gear is stored in the galley in waterproof photo designed containers. It seems extreme but my photo gear is the way I make a living.

[Harpo]

Kespada, would you mind sharing your storage set up? Im real curious. I have an option to make modifications to the cabinetry, so this would be the time to learn from those who have done it. I fully understand your concerns about condensation so its not extreme to me. Thanks

[cuyeda]

Ditto on all the other suggestions... How about a strong roof support? A teardrop with a stable, strong, flat roof that you can stand on with your tripod for added height. Perhaps a rack that you can attach a couple ball mount clamps for either camera, lights, etc.. You didn't mention if your photography is only for outdoors, or will you do people portraits when you are not camping? The teardrop can be a portable studio with the right attachments. Maybe I am over thinking your request for solutions, but photography can also be broad topic. Then again, you can always strap a small ladder on to the roof rack.

I took this photo while at the IRG 2012, standing on top of big rental truck. In retrospect, I wanted to be lower, but there was no ladder around in the woods. Quick bring that big truck over here! You can actually see the faces way in the back in the original resolution image file. Oh yes, I managed to get in this shot myself as well.

[Harpo]

I wouldn't mess around with the teardrop using it to support weight on the roof outside of the usual stuff like Kayaks, bikes. I'd just climb on the truck if I wanted to set up a tripod for photos. I will use the TD for camping, and being at the location so I can get a early/late hike for landscape photography.

What Im learning is basically...
- Enough outlets to be able to plug in chargers and devices (you can use extension cords if your laptop charger is too short) and still leave enough available outlets for your other camping needs. You could even have a external 120ac outlet on the outside of the camper to plug in an extension cord or power pack if you want to work on the laptop outside and not use outlets in the galley area. Probably reserve most of your laptop use for when you have available shore power at your campsite unless using the laptop battery.
- Pull/slide out surfaces that can be used as a laptop table inside the camper to comfortably work while sitting up in the cabin and working on photos taken during the day (or one of those breakfast in bed trays)
- Extra hooks to hang up photo bags while leaving other hooks available for jackets, extra layers
- Storage cabinets custom sized or large enough to fit photo gear while leaving enough storage for clothing and whatever else you keep with you inside the TD.
- If leaving the camp site area and not bringing photo gear with you, the ability to securely lock up your gear in your vehicle makes the most sense.

Am I missing anything else?

[Jdhiker]

A few USB sockets scattered about wouldn't hurt, either

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Dual-Cha ... 7NKJ7SS0BX

Nice, I'm ordering a couple of those right now, thanks

<Chas>

I bought this and installed it on the big white family camper of ours ... Love it and it's enough power to charge the iPad. Some don't.