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techntrek View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Big Sur in July!
    Posted: 06 Jan 2014 at 2:15pm
Originally posted by fwunder

 
But seriously, what do you think was the most important items in terms of tools and spares you pack for an extended trip. What do you wish you would have packed?
 
I always carry jumper cables, oil, a tire plug kit, pliers, and 12 volt air pump in every vehicle.  I've only had one tire over the years that I couldn't fix while it was still in-place.  The generator I carry on big trips has a 12 volt charger built-in if I had to recharge either 12 volt battery.
 
The generator - mounted in a home-made box, on a cargo tray, to a 2" receiver on the front of my truck - was useful for the nights we just wanted to pull into a truck stop or Wal-mart for the night.  Nice for the multi-day long-hauls where paying for a campground would have been a waste. 
 
In the pod I carry a Phillips, flathead, adjustable wrench, duct tape, and a torque wrench for the pod's lugs (which I could use to replace a tire if necessary).  I use the torque wrench before most trips, although they've stayed seated lately so I haven't bothered as much.   The last trip I could have used wire snips and some wire, which I have bushels of at home.  My voltmeter is now on my list to take on trips.
 
If I take the generator on a trip I also take a gallon of lacquer thinner.  If I get gas on my hands a shot of that alters the gas so then regular soap and water completely removes it.  I hate the lingering smell of gas on my hands and this solves the problem.
 
We removed a lot of extra stuff we normally take on trips - EZ-ups, tables, dome, grill, propane stove, most fans.  We did keep our chairs, one fan, and one cube heater.  I remember snow in Yellowstone on July 4 in '86.
 
I was glad I took a backup cooler.  We had problems with the fridge not staying cold after the first day and ended up keeping milk on ice the rest of the time.
 
We always keep a dish pan in the pod and we used that to catch the large amounts of condensation that kept dripping back into the pod from the A/C.  I think I've solved this problem but I won't know for sure until it gets 100 degrees warmer than it will be tonight (2 F currently forecast).
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Jan 2014 at 1:23pm
I was last there in the early 50's.  My Mother's cousin owned a resort in the area where the movie "One-Eyed Jacks" was filmed.  I imagine the area has been updated considerably and is probably even more magnificent than it was back then.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Jan 2014 at 12:01pm
Congratulations. Big Sur is a fabulous area. Having lived in L.A. for almost 40 years, we and our sons have camped in Big Sur many times. The giant redwoods are something you can only see in that part of the country. You will see travel groups from all over the world, who come to see that area. Don't forget Monterey and Carmel. Carmel has a 20 mile drive that is amazing, however, the last time we were there, the city now charges to drive thru public roads. Another must see is a restaurant, bar called Nepenthe. Has been there for many years but you must have a drink on the outside patio, while the sun is setting. Truly awesome. You should consider yourselves quite fortunate in getting reservations, as Calif. opens up a year in advance and Big Sur is one of the most popular campgrounds. Also the Monterey Aquarium is a "must see." Probably one of the finest if not the finest aquariums in the world. As it gets very busy in the summer, I would recommend getting tickets now. Check on line. Your in for a fantastic treat. Last but certainly not least, a trip down Highway 1 to Hearsts Castle. Also get tickets in advance. Lots to see and do in that area. Have a fabulous trip, and post some pictures, if you can. Safe Travels.
Camper Bob and Camper Sue
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Jan 2014 at 10:49am
You should add a jack and spare bulbs and fuses.  I have not yet checked to see what types of fasteners are used on our 178's, but if torque-headed ones are used anywhere, you might want to add torque wrenches to your arsenal. 

We took a 6000 mile trip out west in May-June.  I carried way too many tools and spares, using only wire cutters (strippers) and duct tape.  But, you never know what situation might develop.

Back in the 60's, other than a small tool kit, all I carried was a roll of baling wire and tape.  I have not had to use wire for years, but still carry a short length of clothes line wire.  I also carry a small roll of 12 gauge wire electrical wire, but this is also something I have never had to use.

How about adding a jack and a multimeter to your list?

Bob
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Jan 2014 at 10:23am
Originally posted by techntrek

We did 3 1/2 weeks across the southern states this past summer, from MD as far west as Albuquerque, NM.  This coming summer will be another 3 1/2 weeks in the mid-west, in the CO, UT, AZ area.

Doug, I'd call that some experience!

Being a tool and parts guy, I always tend to pack way more than I really need. Besides the obvious roll of duct tape, sae and metric sockets and open ends, various needle nose, vice-grips, channel locks, pipe wrench, hammers, hatchet, allen sets, punches, wire stripper/crimper, Leatherman, DMM, 18v and 9v drills and screw chasers, bits, various screw drivers, and wheel hub assembly, what do you carry? Wink

But seriously, what do you think was the most important items in terms of tools and spares you pack for an extended trip. What do you wish you would have packed?

-fred
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Jan 2014 at 8:50am
We did 3 1/2 weeks across the southern states this past summer, from MD as far west as Albuquerque, NM.  This coming summer will be another 3 1/2 weeks in the mid-west, in the CO, UT, AZ area.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jan 2014 at 3:17pm
We just confirmed reservations in July at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park with friends and family.

We're super excited. Looking for any reviews and advice about the park. We will be traveling with another couple in a Roadtrek and it looks like this site is unique in allowing us to share a single site w/3 vehicles.

The trip should be interesting. We'll be leaving from New Jersey and hope to get out there in four or five days. We are on a schedule for a CA wedding. Then, a couple or three or four weeks coming back. No particular schedule. Mt. Rainier looks interesting. This will be a great adventure for us and Henry (the cat)! Our seasoned Roadtrek friends recommend reservations in advance for "destination" stops. Otherwise, don't worry while traveling highways in between.

We're rookies now. I suspect we won't be by the end of the summer! Are you a cross-county Podder?

-fred
2014 RPod 178 => MyMods and Buying Habits
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Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks!
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