Need outfitting advise for new Hawk

Congrats on the new Hawk.

Sounds like they are going to feed him and asume there will be showers also. Just think of it as a motel room on wheels and backpack tent with lots of storage that you don't have to carry. I tend to over pack and bring lots of stuff I don't use...OR...could use if the weather gets bad or extended stay. (or need to take the front bumper off:rolleyes:).

Make sure the propane tank gets purged "FIRST" before filling.

A month in one place will run the battery down, so bring a AC power cord if you can plug into AC power and let the converter charge the battery. When running the engine the battery separter will first charge the truck battery...then the camper battery. Or bring a generator.

And most important is the camera...to share pictures here.:thumb:
 
Ahhhh, a new Hawk. Would be so nice....

Some things are mentioned already, but just remember whatever you like to use when you car camp the old way will probably help out the new way. A lot of use the camper, but spend a lot of the time outside. Chairs, hammocks, nice awning or cover for rain and shade. I carry extra rope to put the hammock out among the trees. many a nice nap in that hammock.

Extension cord for power is nice. Don't forget the adapters for 30 and 50 amp services....

An inside outside thermometer is always a nice touch.

Extra towels should inside condensation become a problem.

I carry 2 x 6 wood scraps to 1)help level the truck 2) use for jacks if in sand or loose soil.

Got some nice mosquito net stuff over the pass through window to keep the critters out when I have this window open.

For some long trips, carry a few plain bed sheets to cover the mattresses. Keeps them clean.

Thats a few things I can think of now. After a few days in the camper, a run through the local RV store, or a Walmart and you will pick up all kinds of odds and ends (hooks, velcro straps, paper towel holders) It is easy to buy too much crap, so keep it simple and if you don't use it, probably get it out of the camper.


Good luck and enjoy.

Dave in seattle
 
Something to put on the list...if not for this trip for the future...

I bought a digital thermometer that reads the temp of the refrigerator and the inside temp of the camper for about $20 that I've found very useful. I stuck it right on the door of the fridge...and all I need do is open the back door for a quick glance to see that everything working AOK/see what temp the fridge is.

Congrats on the new toy!

mtn
 
and finally HERR42, my husband's speed is more tequila and cheap Mexican beer, but I will be designing a foam insulated wine rack for myself!

Now that is a modification we could use! I'm looking forward to seeing that.
 

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My check list

TRUCK CAMPER CHECK LIST

ADMINISTRATIVE VEHICLE
Valid Tag
Registration
Proof of insurance

ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONAL
Valid driver license for all drivers
Government/employee ID
Passport
Cash and credit cards

HOUSE CHECK LIST BEFORE DEPARTURE
Secure doors, front, back, interior
Check all windows, secure as needed
Security system
Stop mail
Secure outbuildings, gates, and vehicles
Turn off water/utilities

FRONT SEAT TRAY
Business documents telephone numbers, etc.
Reading glasses, Spare Glasses, Sun glasses
Duct Tape
Maps and interstate exit guide
Flashlight both big and small
Pre moistened paper napkins in plastic container
Pencils
Spare truck keys
CB radio

GPS
Manual electronic maps, etc

RADIO
Radio face
CDs

CELL PHONE
Cell phone and accessories
Switch to call forwarding
Laptop and accessories

BACK SEAT
Pillows and blankets
Cooler
Paper towels
Tire changing tools

TRUCK BODY
Check security of camper tie downs
Check windshield wipers
Second battery charged

ENGINE
4 quarts spare oil, 1 transmission fluid, brake fluid
Change oil
Gas cans 2 gallons spare
Spare air filter

COOLING SYSTEM
Check surge tank and coolant level
Gallon of water
Spare hose clamps in tool box
Spare lower radiator hose

BRAKES ROTORS AND HUBS
Check security of front end parts
Check all shocks

TIRES
Check pressure 5 tires – 50psi
Tire chains
Extra spare as needed?
Tire repair kit as needed

SLIDE IN TRUCK CAMPER
Bedrolls
Port-a-Potty setup
Propane tank and check stove
Two folding chairs
Water tank 15 gallons
Minimal cooking gear
Food and drink
Knives
Water bottles 2 ea with fanny pak
Reading lamp
Bucket
Umbrella large
CB radio/antenna
12ga automatic shotgun with smooth bore barrel, ammo
Cable lock for shotgun
Plastic bag for dirty cloths

TOOLS
Tool boxes and misc tools
Medium axe
Shovel

PERSONAL CLOTHING PER PERSON
Long pants 2 extra
Short pants 2
Long sleeve shirt 1 ea.
Short sleeve shirts 1 ea.
Under shorts 6 ea.
Knit pajamas top and bottom
Hats 2 ea.
Work gloves 1 pr.
Shoes for driving
Work/hiking shoes and anti blister kit
Socks 3 pr.
Medium jacket

KIT
Glasses/sunglasses
Teeth cleaning, razor, comb
Soap, towel
Lip balm, medications

BEFORE DRIVING AWAY FROM RV PARKING SITE
Secure top hold down clamps
Close windows
Secure roof vents
Unplug 110 VAC and stow electrical cable
Shift refrigerator to 12 VDC
Shut off propane
Stow step
Close and secure door

LIST LAST MINUTE THINGS TO FIND AND DO
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
 
TRUCK CAMPER CHECK LIST

ADMINISTRATIVE VEHICLE
Valid Tag
Registration
Proof of insurance

ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONAL
Valid driver license for all drivers
Government/employee ID
Passport
Cash and credit cards

HOUSE CHECK LIST BEFORE DEPARTURE
Secure doors, front, back, interior
Check all windows, secure as needed
Security system
Stop mail
Secure outbuildings, gates, and vehicles
Turn off water/utilities

FRONT SEAT TRAY
Business documents telephone numbers, etc.
Reading glasses, Spare Glasses, Sun glasses
Duct Tape
Maps and interstate exit guide
Flashlight both big and small
Pre moistened paper napkins in plastic container
Pencils
Spare truck keys
CB radio

GPS
Manual electronic maps, etc

RADIO
Radio face
CDs

CELL PHONE
Cell phone and accessories
Switch to call forwarding
Laptop and accessories

BACK SEAT
Pillows and blankets
Cooler
Paper towels
Tire changing tools

TRUCK BODY
Check security of camper tie downs
Check windshield wipers
Second battery charged

ENGINE
4 quarts spare oil, 1 transmission fluid, brake fluid
Change oil
Gas cans 2 gallons spare
Spare air filter

COOLING SYSTEM
Check surge tank and coolant level
Gallon of water
Spare hose clamps in tool box
Spare lower radiator hose

BRAKES ROTORS AND HUBS
Check security of front end parts
Check all shocks

TIRES
Check pressure 5 tires – 50psi
Tire chains
Extra spare as needed?
Tire repair kit as needed

SLIDE IN TRUCK CAMPER
Bedrolls
Port-a-Potty setup
Propane tank and check stove
Two folding chairs
Water tank 15 gallons
Minimal cooking gear
Food and drink
Knives
Water bottles 2 ea with fanny pak
Reading lamp
Bucket
Umbrella large
CB radio/antenna
12ga automatic shotgun with smooth bore barrel, ammo
Cable lock for shotgun
Plastic bag for dirty cloths

TOOLS
Tool boxes and misc tools
Medium axe
Shovel

PERSONAL CLOTHING PER PERSON
Long pants 2 extra
Short pants 2
Long sleeve shirt 1 ea.
Short sleeve shirts 1 ea.
Under shorts 6 ea.
Knit pajamas top and bottom
Hats 2 ea.
Work gloves 1 pr.
Shoes for driving
Work/hiking shoes and anti blister kit
Socks 3 pr.
Medium jacket

KIT
Glasses/sunglasses
Teeth cleaning, razor, comb
Soap, towel
Lip balm, medications

BEFORE DRIVING AWAY FROM RV PARKING SITE
Secure top hold down clamps
Close windows
Secure roof vents
Unplug 110 VAC and stow electrical cable
Shift refrigerator to 12 VDC
Shut off propane
Stow step
Close and secure door

LIST LAST MINUTE THINGS TO FIND AND DO
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

And the award for the most anal checklist goes to....John D. Congratulations John. Come on down and get your prize...wait, what's that? The judges are telling me you forgot the iPod and spare batteries. Whoa, I'm afraid we're going to have to put this award on hold for now. Better luck next year!

:D:p
 
Great list!

John D,

What a great list for us old geezers that don't have a memory any more (never really did have much of one)!

Did a copy/paste and made it our own.

Thanks!
'birds

P.S. Susan wants to know if you're an engineer?
 
Check list

This check list has evolved over about 40 years of use. Many items are not mentioned but you will find that by using this check list, it will bring your attention to details you might overlook without it.

One of the things that is not on the check list is I ask my camping partner to specifically have eyes on me as I lock the door to the house. That way, I don't have to suddenly wonder if I locked the door when I am about 10 miles away from home.

One of the things not on this present check list is a camera. Neither of my present digital cameras are much good. I am hoping I will forget to bring them so I can buy a new one on my next trip.

I make a new check list on every trip and use one of my more recent ones as the base list. Thus, I have a check list with notes from almost every trip, going back years.

Some people make fun of me for my lists, even when they are broken down on the side of the trail and I am pulling something out of my stock to help them.

I also completely repack my camper and truck for each outing. Getting ready for a trip is part of my fun. John D
 
Hmmm

Tools:

Good pocket knife - use it for almost everything.

I don't have a Porta-pottie any more (I was really creeped out about using it:eek:). So I always have a small shovel to bury the business - also works well for fire pits and fending off drunk co-workers.

A saw or hand axe (if you intend on burning a fire).

Comfort:
I love my roll up table from REI; admit is bigger than I need, but I can put the BBQ on it and eat without moving anything around so that's nice.
http://www.rei.com/product/765282

I like music so I never leave home without my MP3.

Good pillows - I tried sleeping on a small crushable POS, but never slept right.

I always have a Thermarest on hand (I don't have a mattress in my camper) -because you never know when you want to just lay outside for a nap or just to look at the sky.

Fishing poles and tackle. Montana has some good fishing I hear...

Enjoy the new rig!!
 
One of the things that is not on the check list is I ask my camping partner to specifically have eyes on me as I lock the door to the house. That way, I don't have to suddenly wonder if I locked the door when I am about 10 miles away from home.
Been there, done that. Left the garage open too.

Some people make fun of me for my lists, even when they are broken down on the side of the trail and I am pulling something out of my stock to help them.
Just trying to be funny, not making fun of you. I have lists too!

I also completely repack my camper and truck for each outing. Getting ready for a trip is part of my fun. John D
Yup. As Les would say, its part "of the journey".
 
I've always meant to make a list but I never got around to it.
This last trip that meant I had tacos with no salsa :(
I even forgot to bring a jacket once /brrrrr

Thats a large part of the reason I leave so much stuff inside all the time. Makes it hard to forget it that way. I do plan on starting to use a list though.
 
The old reliable white plastic bucket will work and you should probably have one of those on your check list anyway. They can always be used as a seat, gray water drain, dish pan and ... well you get the idea
 
We also "passed" (pun intended) on the Porti-Potty.

After getting the wife fully trained in such activities after years of tent camping....why screw up a good thing?

We doo (LOL) have a white bucket tho...just in case. However, I told the wife it had to be a supreme EMERGENCY situation before it sees any use 'cus..well...if there's one thing I sure don't wanna be packing around...

um...you get the idea.
 
Bedding

Crookedtail, we have a 2007 hawk and put a memory foam topper on top of the factory mattress, we also keep our flannel sheets and comforter on and it fits fine with the top down, all we do is take the pillows off. Older models cannot do this but newer ones have more clearance.
 
so much stuff!

I've had a bit of time to compile and digest all this good info and I like the idea of cooking outside when the weather and bugs allow. What have folks had the best luck with in terms of storage and use?

- Coleman style propane stove (recommended type?)

- small BBQ grill

- fire pit with grate

If a BBQ, what's a good type to get?

Thanks again for all the good information!
 
When I plan on doing some real cooking, I bring my three burner coleman (converted to run on propane) and my propane barbecue.

What I've been experimenting with lately is using just the barbecue and putting a frying pan right on the grill. Works fairly well. Lose some heat control and not the way to go if you want to boil water, but it saves me effort of bringing too much gear if I'm just cooking solo. Of course coffee is still made on the camper stove.
 
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