This was a very big issue for us this year. We drove to Florida and I have younger kids that are growing FAST. I have also been ill this year and lost quite a bit of weight on none of my clothed fit. I was able to get way with baggy yoga pants up here for the Winter but before we left it was a real issue. I scrambled trying to borrow a couple of things from friends and in the end found that ordering clothes online was the best way to go.
I orderred heavuly from lands End and a great find, Heavenly Couture . I liked there whole T-shirt line- the basic green tee, basic black tee and my favourite , a cute pink pajama/short set.
All for under 25.00. They have an extensive junior clothing and every piece is 17.95- worth a look.
Posted by admin as General Camping at 10:17 PM EDT
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Amazon has a sale on on the Mr. Buddy portable heater, 59.95 ( reg, 129.00)
Click Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Big Buddy Heater“>here for more info.
We have a furnace/heater in our pop up but on MANY occasion there has been a problem with it- plus sucks up all the battery power when dry camping. I keep one of these in case of emergency- which has happened a few times. Think we got a lemon heater in our Fleetwood.
Posted by admin as Heating and Cooling at 12:59 PM EDT
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When to Book Your Campsite? Its NEVER Too Early!
Many camp sites fill up fast. Any of the popular Provincial parks in Ontario are impossible to book when you get into May/June. Forget about any weekend at The Pinery, KillBear and Algonquin- you wont; get in.
It is a drag but you have to any reservation fee AND total park fees at time of booking- but to avoid disappointment book your site now.
From about mid-June last year we were shocked that we could not take any kind of a an impromptu camping trip for a couple of days ANYWHERE every single park was full and we really don’t like private “RV” type campgrounds.
Posted by admin as Campground Reviews at 11:20 AM EDT
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We are embarking on yet another long car ride in a coupe of weeks. I am not sure what costs us more money- the trip or all the stuff we amuse ourselves while driving in the car. I always end up buying the kids at least one new video game for their Nintendo DS’s.. tons of word searches, sudokos, magazines and books. I get audio books for me ( I get car sick) and our cigarette light is bulging with power adapters and cords for satellite radios, portable dvd players and gameboy chargers. it is ridiculous.
I am going to try something new and have each of us come up with 10 silly jokes. I am compiling my list now.
“I was getting into my car, and this lady says to me “Can you give me a lift?”
I said “Sure, you look great, the world’s your oyster, go for it!”
I have a friend who collects jokes- she can tell you the punch line for almost any joke or riddle ( she has photographic memory) .
She told me this is pretty much the only riddle that has the world oyster in it. I was reading up about Gulf oysters last month for project with kids and wanted to put up a blurb on poster board.. cold not find one funny thing to write- except this joke and not really a “kids” joke…
Anyway- Please post your silliest riddles!
Posted by admin as General Camping at 12:12 PM EDT
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Here are some recommendations for bike racks for Pop-up trailers.
This is an excellent system: http://www.prorac.com/tenttrailerpro.php
* No drilling into tent trailer roof avoids warranty issues and leaking
* Installs easily with simple hand tools
* Universal fit accommodates most tent trailer designs
* Fork mounting bikes is the most secure method to carry your valuable bikes
* Convenient front loading design is easy and accessible
* Available in a 2 bike or 4 bike model (expandable to 6 bike total capacity)
Another good one: http://www.bikerackking.com/infotowrac.htm
Make your own Bike rack for pop-up :
http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/bikerack/makerack.htm
http://userpages.prexar.com/chasd/bikerack.html
http://www.dogpile.com/dogpile/ws/results/Web/pvc!2Bbike!2Bracks/1/0/0/Relevance/iq=true/zoom=off/_iceUrlFlag=7?_IceUrl=true
Posted by admin as General Camping at 11:20 AM EDT
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Phone Numbers for Fort Wilderness
To call Fort Wilderness resort directly: (407) 824-2900 Fax Number: (407) 824-3508
Manager: Doug
Address:
4510 N. Fort Wilderness Trail, Lake Buena Vista, 32830
Resort Room-only Bookings
(407) 939-7429
Tickets
(407) 939-1289
Dining Reservations
(407) WDW-DINE (939-3463)
Posted by admin as Walt Disney World and Fort Wilderness at 8:49 AM EDT
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This is one for the BIGGEST challenges of camping in a pop-up trailer for extended periods of time. We have a large bin that we keep on counter next to sin/stove area. I keep all our canned and dry goods there and the beside it a small microwave. A fruit bowl sits on top of the microwave. Cupboard under sink keep dishes/cleaners/pots/pans, etc. We goo camping up to a month at a time and that seems to work fine for us. What I do find hard it CLOTHING and dirt laundry and where to put it.
Keep in mind we tend to over pack and pack for all kinds of weather- towels are always a hard thing- need somewhere for them to to stay clean and dry. If you have some storage ideas for your pop-up please feel free to share her- by posting in comments or emailing - pics are most welcome- or send a link to your pics/tip.
Pop-Up Trailer Solutions
Starcraft makes a “Soft Storage Compartment ” that is made of canvas and hangs over sink area. This looks like a GREAT idea and cost about 50.00. You can order from any Starcraft dealer. We have Fleetwood- am I am bit nervous about all those holes/hooks in the roof to be honest but I do like the look of it.
Overhead soft storage cupboard – roof mount.
http://www.starcraftrv.com/accessories/index_3.html
Fleetwood Vanity Pack- Garment Bag and Mirror/shelves
Posted by admin as General Camping at 10:26 PM EST
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we have an Atwood heater in out Fleetwood pop-up.. We have had problems right from the get go with it. I have had constant troubles getting the furnace to “catch” finally I took it into our dealer ( and yes- just AFTER our warranty ran out).
The problem was a faulty propane gas pressure gage. Cost 180.00 to fix. OUCH. why oh why didn’t I take it in before warranty ran out. Argh. The symptoms were the pilot was on and I could here it click- several time trying to light,. Blower was on. Sometimes it would catch. Toward the end- could not get it to catch at all.
I also have troubles with it tripping- seems to get too hot and will shut off in middle of the night.
we had a near fire with ceramic heater with kids/sleeping bag and no way will I use or recommend an electric heater for a pop up or tent. One way to go is with a heated mattress pad or electric blanket ( put blanket under you - heat rises.)
Posted by admin as Camping Advice and Camping Tips, Heating and Cooling at 6:17 PM EST
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This is one BIG negative about owning a pop-up. It has really only happened to us twice now. My biggest fear was going South in the winter and then having to come back to snow and cold in Canada with a wet pop up trailer. Well this did happen to us this year.
Normally on a long trip to Fort Wilderness or Myrtle beach we will overbook our trip. That way we can leave early or stay late fi there is rain. Sometimes the weather is unpredictable and nothing you can do.
If you HAVE to pack up in the rain - here are some tips.
Tips For Packing Up Your Pop-Up Trailer in the Rain
- Flip the mattresses over- there is a vinyl on the other side of most mattresses- this will help keep mattress dry. You do NOT want any kind of moisture in your pop up for long periods- getting mold will be a disaster.
- Try and shake off or get rid as much water of tenting as you can.
- Close the trailer properly- don’t do “fast” job and then plan on winterizing or emptying drain “later” you may forget.
Open the trailer up to dry as soon as possible. We packed up in torrential rain and I was pretty freaked out. We drove out of Florida and then into Georgia- weather wea gorgeous. We stopped for lucnh and opened up the trailer. In the hot sun and wind the trailer was BONE dry in a hour. So think about driving to nice weather and stopping for a while. It may be worth doing this if you are going home to blizzard and snow.
What If I do Get Home and Trailer Still Wet?
- You trailer will dry if above zero. Open it up in your drive way or street if you are able. You need to do this as soon as possible.
Last Resort-
If your trailer needs minor repairs you need done- take it to dealer. They will open it up and will dry while they are working on it.
Call your dealer and tell them what happened. I did call our dealer and they offered to let us open up and keep over night to dry.
Your dealer may charge a fee to do this.
Go to underground heated parking lot- a friends apartment or shopping mall. Open up there. I would nervous about leaving unattended so bring a book.
I do not recommend doing things like using a hair dryer on tenting. It will wreck finish on the fabric ( which has UV coating and water proofing) . Okay to do on mattresses.
Posted by admin as Pop-Up Trailer Maintenance, Winter Camping at 11:26 AM EST
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