Camping With A Camper

Camping With A Camper Melanie D. Calvert-Benton
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Just recently my husband and I purchased an older model pop up camper. The camper was in great condition, needing only small things to get it road ready. The weather is starting to be colder, but I’m actually looking forward to getting away from civilization, for at least a little while. Deer season is drawing close for most of us and we’ll take our camper to the woods with us. As I looked over the camper, I noticed several things about its care and wanted to share it with you.

First of all the tires, are they road ready? Do they have the right pressure and do they have plenty of tread still left on them? When was the last time the undercarriage was checked and grease applied to all the wheel ball joints? If you haven’t opened the camper up this year, wait until you have 2-3 days of warm pretty weather. Open up the camper, check for damages and any mold. If you have the canvas on each side that slides out to make the sleeping compartments, spray them with a good quality silicone sealant.

The interior compartment, is it clean and mold free? Use an environmentally friendly cleaner to wipe down the cabinets, table top and counters. Spray the mattresses with an antibacterial spray of choice, depending on the camper’s manufacturer’s suggestion. After you have looked for and repaired any damaged areas, close up the camper with a small bag of charcoal briquettes inside. Put 3-4 briquettes into a plastic bag and poke several small holes on the top of the plastic bag. These charcoal briquettes will keep the camper odor free. It absorbs any smells and can be used for an entire camping season.

If you are a tent camper, set up the tent for 2-3 days and check for damages, spray with silicone sealant, check zippers. Make repairs as needed and check your camping equipment. Sleeping bags, lanterns, flash lights and all. The biggest thing on any camper’s list is a good first aid kit, supplied with additional: Tylenol, anti-diarrhea medication, Pepto Bismol or any other prescription medications for the family members. As a rule of thumb, keep an “Epi Pen” or Benadryl for those allergic to insects and poison ivy.

Go over a plan with your family members about what to do in an emergency or if someone becomes lost.

With all these things in mind, I hope you and your family have a safe Spring and Summer camping season!

author website: http://www.melaniedcalvert.com/