How much is too much??

[tinksdad]

I know it's been said here before; but it doesn't hurt repeating it. If you have taken it camping with you before and never used it, leave it home next time.

I'm driving to Smyrna, TN tomorrow to pick up my "new" teardrop. In case you haven't figured it out, I'm the one buying Mark and Pat's '47 Modernistic. In the meantime, I have been pulling all the "stuff" out of Itty-Bitty to make the change over when I get it home.

It's amazing how much can be packed into such a little space. And I don't keep it all in there all the time. I have two camp boxes that I will put one of in the trailer before I head out. One I have stocked with things that I use when I know I have electricity available and one that is for non-electric use. But just the essentials still makes quite a pile. (Does one person really need 4 pillows to sleep?? Well, there are two of us now.)

One example of overkill..... the last time we went out together, I had three coffepots set up in the galley. My Mr.Coffee, a vintage avacado gold electric percolator, and her Keurig. Two I can see, she drinks decaf and I drink real coffee. But three??

I'm sure I'm not the only one who over-packs. Or am I??

[eddie6775]

I usually over pack the first time I go somewhere but if I frequent that place than I can lean it out.(I travel for a living) Certain places I can stay have running water and 110v on hand so I don't have to worry about being organized and ready but The more remote spots are tough to plan for. I'm lucky in the respect that I only ever stay out 4 days at a time. If I goof up it's not a long wait to go home!lol

[bc toys]

Ialways over pack with cooking stuff Dutck-ovens and utensils ,spices plates bowls but don't like to get there and need it and not have it but i usually need something that i forgot like cutting board or strainer or trash bags. Well good luck with your new trailer.

[mikeschn]

There's times when I feel like I have too much...





of course part of the problem is that I didn't have enough storage in the trailer...

Mike...

[Roly Nelson]

Good for you, Slow, now you can join the "2 TD Owners Club". See, ya just can't have just one. Is the 47 campable or are you gonna have to make some mondifications when you get it back to the ranch? Good luck on your trip.
Roly

[aggie79]

Tinksdad,

I'm right there with you. My teadrop has been 95% complete for over year. Yet we still haven't loaded anything into the teardrop. I haul all of the junk in containers that we did when we tent camped. After our last outing in March, I placed the containers in the garage. I'm going to first separate what we use. Then I'm going to put that into the teardrop (as much as I can) and then put the rest of the stuff we use in a container to be placed inside of the teardrop. The rest of the junk is going to the storage shed.

Take care,
Tom

[PKCSPT]

I tend to underpack. I am overly cautious with weight since my TV is a beetle that has to last a few years and between me and a 100 lb dog there isn't room inside the car for much else.

[mckenney56]

Too much is when you are so tired from loading it all up that you don't feel up to going at all.

If I took something on my last trip and didn't use it at all, then I leave it home next time. If I don't take it for 3 or 4 trips and if I don't miss it, then I get rid of it. There are a few things that this rule should not apply to like the first aid kit or the weather radio or your extra glasses or a rain coat/poncho.

I started weighing all that stuff I take before my last trip. Turned out that the cooler alone weighed 42 lbs. These 4 containers weighed in at 67 lbs and that was after cutting back on what was in them.



I take around 3 gallons of water and that weighs in at about 24 lbs. Then there's the chair, tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, wood saw, extra shoes, suitcase full of clothes, towels, etc. After adding it all up I realized I was loading over 250 lbs of "Too Much" and my back told me to stop it.

[pete42]

[quote="tinksdad"]I know it's been said here before; but it doesn't hurt repeating it. If you have taken it camping with you before and never used it, leave it home next time.

I guess it is like this double post one would have been enough but is two one two many or is two needed?

[doug hodder]

It's too much when you get there and start unloading, and by the time you get it unloaded... you start loading it all up to go home.... Doug

[Shadow Catcher]

I am struggling with this my self. Compass Rose is by design modular, things like the AC or diesel heater can be left home depending on what the weather is likely to be and the gas grill, satellite dish, or...
However tools and spare parts are another matter this based on my understanding of the immutable law of Murphy and the corollary that Murphy was an optimist. I am still working on what to include in the spares, ATC fuses, wheel bearings, electrical connectors... Part of this equation is that a lot of changes have been made and there were problems that were not addressed last year that hopefully I have solved.

[Mloves2camp]

If I may share a few things not to take out of your 'stuff': something my Mom always made us pack - at least one warm outfit, including a jacket. Always have an extra change of clothes, too. It's easy to not bring enough clothing when just out for a weekend. She taught us well & I'm glad she did. Her wisdom has saved me numerous times. I think I'm going to include an extra blanket in that advice, or at least one of those emergency ones.

Another thing to always have is a jar candle. Doesn't take up much space, but burning one in a small space will keep you warm & the dampness out. Of course, you have to have a safe place to put it while you sleep so it doesn't fall over. Just a little tidbit from the Nat'l Guard I learned from a friend. I always put it in the drink holder in my van. I've used this idea to keep our bathroom warm when the power goes out, too. Works like a charm! So, always bring a candle! Store it upright, when it gets hot, they tend to melt. (non-scented unless you want to gag!)

Tinksdad, here's the solution to your two coffee makers problem: http://www.amazon.com/Toastess-TFC-42T- ... 815&sr=1-1

It makes 2 different cups of coffee at the same time, as there are seperate baskets for each side. Permanent filters too, so you don't need those either. I picked one up for a song, knowing it would stay in my yet to be acquired/built teardrop. Doesn't weigh much either, always a plus. I've used it a few times & it's a nice little coffee maker!

[canned o minimum]

I always freeze my ice in gallon water bottles AND 14 oz water bottles.. then I can jus DRINK em when they melt. I use cubed ice over everstuff the first day and the bottles stay frozen fer quite a while ! Always bring 2 gallons of water in a water cooler( vintage, of course )

Always bring TOO much food and TOO much clothing ! My Dad taught me to always be BETTER prepared than the REST of em ! Consequently, I usually have plenty to share with them who fergit sumthin.

First aide kit is ALWAYS in the trailer.. never comes out ! Candles are EVER present ! But NEVER left burnin when I'm in bed ! The teardrop is well insulated and the candle is lit 1 hr before bed to take the chill off.

Always have TOO many tools( in the car, VW) But onr thing is FER SURE !.. Havin too much stuff is kinda like good looks and money... Ya can NEVER have TOO much !

[CliffinGA]

Jerry one thing to always remeber since you live in the South brother!! There is always ..........a Wal-Mart close by anywhere you go camping down here!!!

Cliff & Sheri

[canned o minimum]

Dependin on what kinda campin ya do.. solo or a gatherin...Sumbody at a gatherin has what you need. If yer wilderness campin.. ya jus IMPROVISE ! I fergot me trusty skillet once... used a pot fer eggs in the mornin ! Good ole Yankee enginuity ! ( This from a Northern Yank,Minuteman)

Slow.. you got experience with minimalist campin.. heck, with campin in general.. you know what to take and what to leave now.

Always rememberin the KISS theory.. Keep It SSimple...