The weather finally cooled enough to take QBOW (Queen Bed on Wheels) on its maiden voyage. Yes, we had to name it so I "borrowed" an idea from another member here. With the new Dexter axle, the trailer towed like it wasn't even there and I could see over it while towing (one of my initial criteria). Set up time with the portable hard walls takes a little longer than the weekender but well worth it to me. Everything worked exactly as planned with only some very minor lessons learned. The biggest issue was the movement of my stacked walls while driving. I thought they were heavy enough to stay in place without bracing but they moved slightly forward during the trip to the campground (nothing damaged). A simple fix on the return trip was to store some of the larger containers between the stacked wall panels and the dinette seats to fully wedge the stacked panels in place. The rest of the lessons learned simply involved how to better store our gear in the available spaces within the camper for towing and setting up camp. I loved my little weekender but being able to stand up and having a port-a-potty indoors plus the indoor galley is lots more convenient.
TV hooked up. Ready for maiden voyage.
Ready to roll.
All set up and ready for that first beer.
Judy likes the convenience of being able to stand up and having a port-a-potty inside.
Rear angle view. The white line in the center of the rear walls is actually gym floor tape that covers the crack between the two panels. I found it much easier to use the tape than to devise a seal in this area. The tape peeled off with no problem when we broke down camp. One roll ($8.00) will last for about ten trips.
Queen bed totally inside the hard wall shell was really nice. The full width 22" fold-out shelves on each end provided lots of convenient storage.
Morning coffee indoors was also nice.
Of course you have to make breakfast outdoors if it's not raining.
Now I have to decide on my next project (maybe an A-frame?).
PS: Actually, I did learn one very important lesson on how to make toast on a camp stove. I have always used one of those wire basket gadgets that you have to carefully hold over the flame and you usually end up burning the toast. I've also used the little round Coleman toaster that also burns the toast and your fingers. While toasting some ham and cheese sandwiches for one of our evening meals, it dawned on me that I could simply make our breakfast toast in the square Teflon coated frying pan. Throw four slices on and keep flipping them til you get the toast where you want it. Simple, easy, and eliminates one more gadget to pack.
by les45 » Mon May 29, 2017 6:48 pm 
