Odyssey 4000 Tongue Jack

April 9, 2015Camper UpgradesOdyssey 4000 Tongue Jack, Ultra-Fab ProductsNick Gatel

Are Americans getting too soft?

Are we too lazy to use a hand crank to level our trailers?

No. We are timesavers. The time it takes to level and stabilize a trailer, and reverse the procedure is better spent hiking when camping.

Like most trailers, ours came with a hand crank tongue jack. Based on past experience, I didn’t bother using it even once. Before we even purchased our Milan, I had bought an electric tongue jack – The Ultra-Fab Products, Odyssey 4000.

We had the same jack on our Niagara tent trailer, so I knew it was a great product. Once we got our newly purchased trailer home, I switched the jacks before I even unhitched the trailer.

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Palm Springs Leaves Citizens ‘Holding the Bag’

April 9, 2015The Environment, What's Up With That?plastic bagsNick Gatel

sicle and sythe — The People’s Republic of California

What’s Up With That?

An ordinance went into effect on Jan 1, 2015 in Palm Springs that makes it illegal for stores to provide “single use” plastic bags to customers. Instead they must sell customers a plastic or paper bag at a minimum cost of 10 cents, or the customer must supply their own bag, which can be purchased at much higher price point. I can purchase large paper grocery bags with handles in bulk for a little over 3 cents each. A large grocery chain can get an even cheaper price. So where is all the extra money going?

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TorkLift Propane Lock

April 5, 2015Camper Upgradespropane tank lock, TorkLift propane lockNick Gatel

If you own something, somewhere out there, a person is willing and able to steal it from you. They just need the opportunity. And they want your propane tanks. Most of these thieves do not have a specific need for your propane tanks or the gas they contain. It is something they can sell. And how do I know they want your tanks?

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Why Base Weight Is Important For the Backpacker

April 2, 2015Backpackingbackpacking base weight, BMINick Gatel

A little over a year ago I wrote that we should shit-can backpacking base weight categories. I also presented the argument that total pack weight is the most important thing and base weight was unimportant.

Actually base weight is important, in fact it is very important.

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Camper Cargo Carrier Solutions

April 1, 2015Camper UpgradesAdjustable hidden hitch, BAL Hide-a-Spare, camper cargo carrier, Thule T2 Bike CarrierNick Gatel

Sometimes we need to transport bulky equipment or gear with our camper. Before I show you what we did with our 2014 Milan 26RLS, it might be helpful to review how we solved this problem with our tent trailers, which presented their own unique challenges.

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