When to call an RV technician

Throughout the articles in this blog we have often advised calling a qualified RV technician. Realizing that can be an inconvenient and sometimes expensive proposition, here are some guidelines about what you can do BEFORE resorting to seeking professional assistance.  While these recommendations are aimed primarily at RV owners, tent campers may find some tips applicable to dealing with their equipment too.  I strongly encourage everyone to do whatever they can to diagnose and correct their own problems before calling a repairman.  If you know what the problem is you will be in a better position to determine if it is something you can fix or if you need to call a professional. Is is pretty sad and embarrassing -- expensive -- when you pay for a service call only to discover you forgot to turn on the main propane valve or plug in your generator!  Many times you can solve your own problems and save the cost and embarrassment of a service call.   However, ignoring problems that do require an RV tech or trying to solve them yourself can be even more costly and embarrassing in the long run.  Any time you encounter a situation you AREN'T SURE you are qualified to handle, call for professional help or seek advice from more experienced fellow campers.  Having it done right is often much less expensive than dealing with collateral damage from foiled repairs.

Choosing an RV technician.   Try to find a technician or company that is licensed and bonded.  That may not always be possible in remote locations or when resorting to mobile technicians who can come to your site.   Avoid having any major repairs done by an unlicensed technician. For mechanical repairs on a motorhome, seek a repair shop that is qualified to work on the chassis for your unit. GM/Chevrolet dealers and repair shops are appropriate for Workhorse and P-30 chassis.  Ford dealers and mechanics are your best bet for Ford chassis.  Dodge chassis were popular foundations for motorhomes for many years.  Some big diesel motorhomes have custom-built chassis so you may need to focus on the major components that need service.  Cummins and Caterpillar diesel engines are fairly common as are Allison transmissions and there are repair shops that specialize in these brands.   However, while chassis dealers can usually deal effecetively with mechanical problems, you will probably need a qualified RV technician to handle issues with other RV systems.

General guidelines.   First of all, always check for the obvious and simple problems before resorting to calling for help.   If you don't have any water at your faucets or to flush the toilet, make sure there is water in the tank and the pump is working or you are connected to city water, the faucet is turned on, and the hose isn't kinked.  Also make sure you haven't parked on your water hose.  I've seen folks do that and then complain to the campground manager about not getting any water.  Check the water pump switch, fuse, and connections.  Also make sure your batteries aren't dead.  If your power goes out, check to make sure you are still plugged in and then check the circuit breakers . You'd be surprised how many times the shore power cord wiggles loose or gets tripped over and disconnected.  For electrical problems in general, always check connections and make sure switches are turned on, then check fuses and circuit breakers.   Lighting problems are most often just a burned out bulb or a loose connection, both things you can easily resolve yourself.

Fresh water problems are often quite simple to diagnose and fix.  If you're connected to city water, make sure the faucet is turned on and that water is available at the faucet.  Then look for and correct any kinks or other blockage in your fresh water hose.  If water is available at some fixtures but not others, the screen in the faucet itself may be clogged.  The screen/diffusers on most faucets have tiny holes that can be fairly easily clogged by debris in water or hard water deposits.   Just cleaning the screen/diffuser may solve water delivery problems.  Simply unscrew the retainer where the water comes out of the faucet and clean the screen inside.  You can usually remove debris by brushing or back-flushing the screen/diffuser.  Hard water deposits may require soaking the component in something like Lime-away, CLR or vinegar, then cleaning the holes with a pin.  If you're dry camping and depending on your water pump and fresh water tank, the first thing to check is whether the pump is turned on.  Also check the pump fuse and both hot and ground connections to the pump.  If the pump runs but you don't get any water, your fresh water tank is probably depleted.  If you're out of water your only solution is to get more.  Avoid running out of water by monitoring and limiting usage when dry camping -- and by bringing along reserves in portable containers.  If your pump continues to run after you have shut off all fixtures or cycles when you're not using any water you probably have a leak somewhere.  Listen for a hissing sound and watch for wet spots.   If you discover a loose connection you may be able to tighten it to solve your problem.  If the leak is due to a damaged line or a connection that can't be tightened, you will need to replace the affected section of the plumbing that might be a job for a qualified RV technician.  Sometimes you might experience leaks when connected to city water but not when using your on-board fresh water tank and pump.  This is usually due to high water pressure at the city water source.  It is always a good idea to use a pressure regulator.   These are inexpensive and portable.   They fit in line with your fresh water hose and simply screw onto the faucet. I suggest installing it at the faucet so your fresh water hose is also protected and so the regulator isn't sticking out from the side of your RV. If you find you have a high pressure problem and don't have a pressure regulator, you might get by temporarily by partially closing the faucet to restrict the flow and reduce the pressure.  Getting only a trickle of water in the shower may be inconvenient but it beats the frustration and damage that can result from an uncontrolled leak.

Sewer system problems can range from bad odors to horrific spills and backups.  Bad odors can usually be avoided by proper dumping and maintenance of the holding tanks.  Make sure you have a water seal in the toilet -- keep the deep well of the toilet about half full -- and have water in the P-traps on sink and shower drains.  Dump about a cup of water down each drain if odors are emanating from the drain.   Drain odors are most common on the road or shortly after arriving in camp.  Movement can cause the water normally trapped in the drain to be lost, allowing odors back into the coach from the holding tank.   Back ups are another common problem.  They are usually due to owners not monitoring holding tank status and failing to dump the tanks before they get full.   Another common cause of sewer odors is a plugged vent.  Damage to sewer lines, holding tanks, and dump valves can seldom be repaired in the field.   Because of the difficulty of evacuating holding tanks if the valves or lines are damaged you will probably need the assistance of a qualified RV technician to deal with these situations.  If you have to handle it yourself, you'll need some kind of pan or container under the affected plumbing to catch the sewage for subsequent disposal.   Some cracked tanks and sewage lines can be repaired but often replacement is the best solution.  Leaking dump valves can sometimes be rebuilt by replacing the seals but broken valves will have to be replaced.  Since you have to completely remove the valve to replace the seals, it is often better to replace the valves.

Propane system problems can be difficult to diagnose without special tools but there are some common problems you should check before you call the repairman.   First, make sure your main supply valve is turned on and you have propane in your tank.   Check the burners on hot water heaters, refrigerators, furnaces, etc, to be sure they are clear of debris.  If you have plenty of propane, the main valve is turned on, and the burners are clear of debris and nothing works, you are probably going to need to replace the regulator or call a technician.  If all appliances are affected, it is probably a problem with the regulator.   If you are a moderately good handyman, you can probably replace the regulator if you can find one.   Another common problem, especially on older appliances, is a failed thermocouple.  I have done field replacements of thermocouples on older propane appliances.   It is a fairly easy task requiring only simple tools.  I usually carry one or two spares in my RV tool kit.  The thermocouple is a tube that extends into the flame of the burner and has a wire coming out the other end.  Heat on the thermocouple generates a small electric current that keeps the gas valve open.   If the flame goes out, the current stops and the gas is shut off.  A bad thermocouple will prevent the main gas valve from opening.  If you smell propane in or around your rig, avoid open flames and sparks and try to locate the source.  Sometimes in hot weather, expanding gas in the tanks or cylinder will be vented through a pressure relief valve.   This does not require any repairs but does demand caution until the gas dissipates to avoid an explosive situation.  This is usually the result of over-filling and shouldn't happen if the tanks are properly filled.  Unexplained odors may be coming from a leak in a gas line or appliance and can be very dangerous.  You can test visible lines and connections using a soapy water solution.  You might be able to tighten loose connections but a damaged line or fitting will have to be replaced.   The regulators on your permanently mounted tanks or the ones you connect to your portable tanks are also subject to failure.   If you can determine the regulator has failed you can probably replace it yourself, but a sure diagnosis may take specialized test equipment and techniques by a qualified technician.  Propane appliances need the correct pressure to operate correctly.  The only way to verify the gas pressure is using a manometer, which is a device something like a barometer that measures the gas pressure.  Too high or too low a pressure and your appliances won't work.  The pressure is controlled by the regulator, which reduces the high pressure of the propane tank to the lower pressure required by your appliances. A faulty regulator may fail to deliver any gas or may deliver too high a pressure.  Either condition must be corrected for appliances to function properly.  Regulators are not adjustable.  If the pressure isn't right, they have to be replaced.

Generator problems could be in the engine that powers the generator or in the generator itself. However, a very common problem that does NOT require a technician, is failure to connect the RV 120-volt system to the generator.  Some RVs have auto transfer switches that switch between shore and generator power automatically.  In those that do not, the shore power cord must be plugged in to the generator receptacle.  It is surprising how often folks fail to perform this simple step.  If the generator engine stops unexpectedly, it may be out of fuel or low on oil.  Most have low-oil shut-off switch that shuts down the engine if the oil gets low.  Always check the oil and fuel levels before calling a repairman . Also check the fuel filters. A dirty fuel filter can block fuel to the engine.  The fuel pickup on motorhomes is placed so the generator will run out of fuel when the tank is still about 1/4 full, so you don't get stranded by running the generator.  So the generator may run out long before the gauge says "Empty".   If the motor runs but you get no power first make sure the power cord is properly connect to the generator either via an auto transfer switch or by plugging the shore power into the generator receptacle.  Then check the circuit breakers on the generator itself and the circuit breakers in the panel in your RV.   A temporary overload may have caused a breaker to trip.  To reset most breakers you merely turn them to the OFF position, then back to ON.  If breakers keep popping you'll need to isolate the load that is overloading the circuit.  This is usually due to using too many appliances on the same circuit at the same time but could be due to a wiring problem, like a chafed wire or one that has been inadvertently penetrated by a screw or nail.  Loose connections can sometimes cause overloads too.

Entertainment systems in RVs are often very similar to the ones at home.   Check for loose connections on power cords and between components.  Balance problems on stereo equipment is sometimes due to bad speakers.  You can test this by swapping the connections.  If the problem moves to the other side, it is internal to the system.  If the problem stays on the same side, it is likely a problem with the speakers or wiring on that side.   Faulty power can wreck havoc with electronic equipment.  Low voltage is an all too common problem in some older campgrounds and a poorly adjusted or malfunction generator may not deliver proper power.   Frequency meters are more expensive than simple volt meters but they let you know if your AC power is correct.  Standard AC power should be at a frequency of 60 cycles per second.   That means it switches directions 60 times a second.   If you don't have a frequency meter you can get an idea of whether your power is operating at the right frequency using an electric clock.  Compare the time on the electric clock with your watch or cell phone.  If the clock runs faster, the frequency is too high.  If it runs slower, the frequency is too low.  There isn't much you can do about poor power (bad frequency or low or high voltage) at a campground except report it to the manager and disconnect your vehicle.  If your generator isn't working properly, you'll need to have it adjusted by a competent technician who has the proper equipment and can adjust the motor to create the proper frequency.

Can't get your vehicle started?  If your starting battery is low but you can run your generator you may be able to connect a battery charger to charge your starting battery.  Some motorhomes have special switches to jumper the coach and starting batteries for a built in jump-start.  If yours does not have one, you might be able to have one added by a knowledgeable mechanic or RV technician.   In an emergency in a remote location you might be able to swap batteries from your coach or trailer into your vehicle.   I assisted a fellow camper in swapping batteries in his truck/camper combination when he inadvertently ran his starting battery down.  Surprisingly, he had no idea the camper battery could be used to start his truck.  Of course, in order to swap batteries, they must be of compatible voltage. You can temporarily use a 12-volt deep cycle battery as a starting battery, but if you have a pair of 6-volt golf cart batteries for your coach, you'd need to use both in series to create 12 volts so you may need to use your jumper cables to tie your coach batteries to your starting battery to get you going Unless your alternator is bad, once you get your vehicle engine started, it should charge your starting battery -- unless the battery is beyond help.  Always check your fuel level.  If you are out of fuel you might have to call your Emergency Road Service for a fuel delivery to get you going.  If you have extra fuel with you for motorized toys, you might be able to use that to get you to a gas station.  In a pinch I've burned 2-stroke pre-mix fuel in my truck.  It smoked a little from the oil mixed in the gas, but it got us to town to buy fuel.  NEVER mix gasoline and diesel!   Although both are derived from petroleum, they are NOT compatible.  If you aren't certain about your options, consult your fellow campers.  Chances are someone will have the necessary experience and skills or may have had a similar problem and be able to assist you.

Mechanical problems will often require the services of a competent mechanic.   Knowing when to call one can be tricky.   Major problems like engine knocking or grinding noises in the drive train will probably send you to the nearest mechanic without hesitation.  Some simple repairs may be within the skills of any good do-it-yourself home mechanic, but there is also the possibility of creating additional damage if you attempt repairs you are not qualified to handle.   If possible, develop a relationship with a mechanic you can trust who can give you good advice about things you might be able to solve yourself.  If he tells you to call a professional, do it.  Attempting repairs you don't have the right tools or experience to handle can cost you a lot more in the long run than having it done right in the first place.   I once opted to rebuild the engine in one of our small dirt bikes rather than pay the motorcycle shop about $400 to do it.   The parts I needed were less than $200. Having rebuilt several dirt bikes engines previously, I felt comfortable attempting it myself.  Turns out for this engine there was a special jig needed to separate and reassemble the cases and I ended up having to take the machine to the dealer to get the job finished.  By the time I was done I spent over $500 on repairs that could have been done in half the time for $400 if I'd taken it to the shop in the first place. Some simple problems most do-it-yourselfers CAN handle are repairing or replacing leaky radiator or heater hoses -- assuming your have replacement hoses, proper tools (usually just a screwdriver or two), and some knowledge and skill.  You may also be able to replace dirty fuel filters.   I once had a motorhome that had been in storage for several years and the fuel tank was badly corroded.   I had to replace the fuel filter multiple times in a 2-day trip from Eugene, Oregon to Los Angeles, California.

Help yourself!

Emergency Road Service

If you do any traveling, especially with an RV, you will appreciate the benefits of Emergency Road Service.   Sometimes it is an option on your vehicle insurance policy or you can buy it from an auto club or RV club.  We've used both AAA and Good Sam Emergency Road service programs over the years and found both to be excellent.

Benefits of Emergency Road Service include changing a flat tire, dealing with a dead battery, out of fuel, and towing for disabled vehicles.  The service you purchase for your car will probably not cover your RV (motorhome or trailer) unless you get an upgrade for RV coverage.   Good Sam Emergency Road Service covers your RVs and all your other vehicles.  Be sure to read the covered services so you don't get surprised by exclusions or additional charges.  Most emergency road service plans cover tire changing, jump starts, and delivery of up to 5 gallons of fuel but other repair services or extra fuel are usually not covered.  Towing of disabled vehicles may be have specific limits.  Sometimes there may be a mileage limit, sometimes they must be towed to the nearest repair facility.  For the best protection, look for a plan with unlimited towing to the facility of your choice.   Emergency Road Service is particularly helpful for large RVs. I  can change a tire on my car or my truck/camper myself if I have to, but I don't have the equipment or the strength to handle the tires on my 40' Class A motorhome.  I've even seen the time when a tow truck operator with special tools couldn't loosen the lug nuts on my motorhome without getting it back the shop where he had a 3/4" drive air impact wrench.  Big motorhomes require something like a 10 ton jack to lift a wheel high enough to be changed.  And big RV tires weigh about 100 lbs or so each so they're not easy to move.  You should be able to call your service using an 800 number and they'll send out a contracted service provider to take care of you.  If they don't have any contractors in your area, they may locate a non-contracted provider.   If that happens, you will probably have to pay for service at the time rendered and submit a claim for for reimbursement.

Costs of Emergency Road Service vary from provider to provider so it may pay to shop around. Introductory rates of around $79.95 are often available but normal annual fees are typically around $120.   That is pretty reasonable. I've seen the cost of having a tire changed in a remote recreational area run $350 because of travel time and distance so ERS is very cost effective.

Service limits may apply.  Many tow services will not service off-road locations or may charge extra if they leave the pavement.   If you're going to be camping in remote areas, make sure your Emergency Road Service policy covers the locations you'll be going to.  Some limit towing distance and will only cover towing to the nearest authorized repair facility.  Some have flat mileage limits and will charge extra if you exceed the limits.   But there are policies that offer unlimited towing, which is nice if you break down 200 miles from home and want your vehicle towed to your favorite, trusted mechanic.   On-the-road repairs can be expensive and you might not trust unknown technicians.  I have to say that I did have a VERY pleasant experience in Midland, Texas a few years ago.  The transmission went out in my 23' Class C motorhome and we were about 1200 miles from home.  We were put in touch with an older gentleman who said he could get us back on the road the next day.  I was somewhat skeptical when the tow truck brought us down a dusty dirt road to an ordinary garage next to a residence but my fears were definitely unfounded.  This gentlemen his two friends pulled out our damaged transmission, rebuilt it, and had it ready to roll again in about 3 hours! He stuck to his original cost estimate even when he discovered there were "hard parts" inside the transmission that had to be replaced -- and even apologized for using used parts instead of new ones (which would have been very expensive).  He had some old transmissions around from which he was able to scavenge the necessary parts.  We never had any problems with that transmission after that. On the other hand, there is enough evidence of unscrupulous repair facilities that you do need to be leery.  Readers Digest once sent a mature couple on a drive from New York to Florida in a brand new car with the goal of testing how well travelers were treated by local service facilities.   They were told to accept any reasonable seeming repair "suggestions" along the way.  As a result, they had the tires, shock absorbers, and radiator hoses replaced multiple times -- all on a brand new car!  They found mechanics who sprayed oil on shocks to make them seem like they were leaking and one guy who had a ring with a spike on it that he used to puncture good radiator hoses when he "tested" them.  So there are scams and shysters out there.  If you have to get repairs on the road seek recommendations from locals you can trust.   And look for recognized certifications to be sure their technicians are qualified to work on your vehicle.  If you don't know anyone in the area, try checking with gas station attendants or local law enforcement for suggestions.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is more than just an old saw.   Even with Emergency Road Service your trip timing will be altered because it will take time to contact them, for them to send out a technician, and for the technician to get you back on the road.  To avoid the inconvenience and delays, keep your vehicle in good condition.   Perform required maintenance religiously and check your tires, belts, and hoses before every trip.  Keep an eye on your fuel consumption to avoid running out of gas and watch your 12-volt power usage to avoid running your batteries down.   With nominal attention to these details you can avoid many of the situations that might otherwise result in an ERS call.   Your ERS provider may limit the number of calls in a policy period.  Poor maintenance can result in frequent outages and you may find your service suspended if it appears that you are abusing it.  Or, more likely, they may refuse to offer renewals if you make too many calls in one policy year.  After all, you purchase a full year of service with your initial premium so they're obligated to take care of you but there is no promise of renewal.  You may want to use your ERS only as a last resort, for things you can't take care of yourself, so you'll always have them when you really need them.

Renewals are usually more or less automatic, but be sure to watch for and pay the renewal notice on time.   You may even need to follow up to make sure the payment was received.   If you don't receive a new card within a few weeks, look into it.   I had AAA coverage for decades, then one year, my online banking screwed up my payment and AAA never received it.   I didn't realize my coverage had lapsed until my wife needed road service and was denied.   By then I found the reinstatement costs were excessive and I switched to Good Sam Emergency Road Service, taking advantage of an "introductory price".

Keep on truckin'!

Getting Started Camping or RVing

Knowing where to start is the first step toward becoming a camper or an RVer.  Of course, the very first choice is whether you want to try camping in some form at all.  Then you'll need to decide whether to begin tent camping or look for an RV right away.   No one can tell you which way to go. That decision depends on your personal preferences and your current circumstances.  Budget is often a significant factor for newcomers.  With that in mind, tent camping is usually the least expensive way to start.   And much of the equipment you acquire for tent camping can be used later on if/when you graduate to some kind of RV.  However, any physical or medical constraints might limit your tent camping options.  Some ailments do not respond well to setting up tents and sleeping on the ground.   With careful shopping for a used RV can get you a real bargain.  Truck campers, camping trailers, and tent trailers can often be obtained for a few hundred dollars to get you started.  RVs of all kinds are available as rentals so you should be able to easily find one to try out for a weekend or two before spending money on your own unit.  Car camping is a good way to get started.   If you have a pickup or SUV you can probably get a tent that fits your vehicle -- or just sleep in the back of your truck or SUV.  If you think you might like RVing, consider renting or borrowing an RV of the type you are interesting in and trying it out before you dump a pile of money into an RV of your own. You can rent just about any type of RV, from tent trailers to luxury motorhomes.   Try out a few options to help you decide which is right for you.  Observe other campers each time you go out and see what they're using and what works for them.   If you find yourself envying what someone else is using, rent a similar rig for your next outing and see if its as much fun as it seems to be.   Sometimes you'll discover hidden support or maintenance tasks that out weigh the apparent benefits of expensive equipment.  Setting up and taking down that really roomy tent someone is using may be more trouble than its worth.

Camping basics.  Keep in mind pioneers, mountain men, and cowboys got by with far less than we often consider the bare minimum for today's camping adventures.   A cowboy carried everything he needed in his bedroll and saddlebags. You might consider that as a starting point, but for convenience and for health and food safety, there are some other things you might put on your initial equipment list.   Here is what I would suggest as fundamental equipment for today's campers:

    Tent or other shelter (RV?)
    Sleeping bags, bedroll,or RV bedding
    Ice chest or RV refrigerator
   Camp stove or portable BBQ
    Lantern/flashlight
    First aid kit
    Knife
    Axe or hatchet
    Matches/lighter

To this you will probably want to add some cleaning supplies for washing you and your dishes and some toilet paper.  Paper towels are another fundamental asset.   Later on you may want to add camp chairs and other conveniences, like an umbrella or dining fly for shade.  Much of what you will find desirable will become obvious as you get some outings under your belt -- and see what makes things nicer for other campers.

The size and style of tent will depend on how many people you need to shelter and what kind of activities you will be engaged in.  A one-man backpacking tent is good for hiking and backpacking but you'll need a much larger family tent if there will be more than just one of you.  Truck and SUV tents that attach to your vehicle are often very stable and very convenient for family outings.

Sleeping bags or bedrolls are essential items for tent camping.  Proper linens and bedding or sleeping bags are needed for your RV beds.  After all, we spend at least 1/3 of our lives sleeping and a comfortable bed is essential to getting adequate rest to sustain us in our daytime activities.   Sleeping bags are more convenient and usually warmer than carrying a bunch of blankets, but a cowboy style bedroll will do the job.  You'll need a tarp at least 3' longer than you are tall and about 9' wide. Lay out your blankets so they cover the middle 1/3 of the tarp. Fold each side over to provide a waterproof top 2 layers thick.  A little of the extra length should be tucked under the foot of the bedroll.   The rest can be set up as a little canopy over your head.  With a cowboy bedroll, you don't need a tent for sleeping, but it is nice to have one for dressing and other activities.  If you have an adequate tent, just wrapping yourself up in quilts and blankets may be sufficient but eventually you'll want to get sleeping bags for added comfort and convenience.

Ice chests are needed if you carry any perishable foods.   The refrigerator in an RV is even better.   If you're backpacking and relying on dehydrated foods, you can skip the ice chest.  But for car camping, a good ice chest is needed for things like eggs, milk, meat, cheese, etc.  They can also be used to keep drinks cold to enhance their appeal on hot summer days.   An ice chest or refrigerator may be crucial if anyone in your group takes medication that has to be refrigerated.  You might need an ice chest even if you have an RV with a refrigerator.  It is a good place to store cold drinks and avoid having to open the refrigerator too often.  12-volt powered coolers give tent campers even more options.

Camp stove or portable BBQ gives you more convenience in cooking your meals but unless you run into fire restrictions you can get by cooking on a campfire.  Of course, if you have an RV, it will probably have a propane range, but you may still want a camp stove and/or BBQ for cooking outside. Cooking directly on your campfire is always an option, but you have more control over temperatures and cooking time with a stove.  Camp stoves basically come in two forms: gasoline and propane.   The gasoline models usually use white gas or Coleman camping fuel.   Using ordinary gas in a regular camp stove will destroy the generator that vaporizes the fuel.  There are dual-fuel models that will run on ordinary gasoline.  They are usually more expensive than the white gas models but the convenience and lower cost of using ordinary gasoline may make them worth the extra bucks. Gasoline powered stoves have to be pumped up to create pressure to deliver the fuel to the burners. Propane models are functionally the same but use bottled propane instead of gasoline so there isn't the spill hazard you have with liquid fuel.  Because the propane cylinders are already pressurized, propane models don't have to be pumped.  There are also some small camp stoves powered by butane cylinders.

Lanterns or flashlights are necessary to see what you're doing after dark.  The long-time camping standard is the Coleman gas lantern.   Like camp stoves, they come in both gasoline and propane versions with the same advantages and disadvantages as their matching stove counterparts.  There are also many battery powered lanterns to choose from.  For longest bulb and battery life, choose one with LED bulbs.   Ordinary incandescent bulbs use a lot of battery power and burn hot.   You can probably get by with an ordinary flashlight but lanterns are more convenient for wide-area illumination for games, after dark maintenance tasks, and preparing, serving, and eating meals. Flashlights can be purchased cheaply.  Ordinary incandescent flashlights can be found at "dollar" stores.  They aren't very heavy duty but I like to have several on hand for convenience and to lend to the grandkids or other folks who might not give proper respect and care to my good Maglites.  My teenage son once "borrowed" a brand new Maglite to explore some caves and it came back looking like it had been in a rock tumbler for about an hour.  Sure is cheaper to replace dollar store flashlights than $30 aircraft aluminum models.

First aid kits are fundamental for most camping trips.  By its very nature, camping puts you in unfamiliar circumstances where you or your companions may be injured.  Tailor your first aid kit to the type of activities you will be involved in.  Always carry basic items like Bandaids and antiseptics. I also recommend stocking common OTC pain relievers and other medications that will aid your comfort away from home such as antacids, and anti-diahreal medications.   Also make sure your first aid training is up to date.  The most complete first aid kit will be of little value if you don't know what to do with it.  After bite remedies will greatly reduce the discomfort of insect bites and reduce the chance of infection.  The main ingredient in these is ammonia.  Ordinary household ammonia can be applied to insect bites to stop the sting and itch.  You can pick up pocket sized first aid kits for a dollar or two.   A good family-sized kit will probably run you about $25 or so. I often stock up on pocket sized kits when I find them at my local dollars store.  Then I have them for the kids and grandkids or for guests to put in their fanny packs or pockets at each outing -- and to replace the ones that get used up or inevitably and inexplicably disappear.  Often is is cheaper to replace a pocket fist aid kit than it is to restock it after its been used.

You can get started camping using things you already have or can acquire cheaply.   If you don't have a tent, pick up a cheap tarp and some rope or heavy twine and create your own minimal shelter. Some warm blankets, a few kitchen items, and a flashlight will be enough for a trial run to see if you like camping at all.  You can observe fellow campers to help you decide what other items you might like to have to enhance or make your experience more comfortable and convenient. Y ou might try things our in your own backyard before adventuring into the wild.

Our first "RV" was an old Chevy Suburban.   It had no commercial conversion.   This was way before Suburbans were even classified as SUVs.  Mine was maintenance truck for a local school district in its first life.  When I bought it, it was completely empty in the back -- all it had was the front seat.  A little creative sewing and some simple curtain rods provided curtains for the all-around windows, giving some privacy and temperature control.   Bed was just a couple of air mattresses and sleeping bags.  The galley was a Coleman gasoline stove and a plastic dish pan and a 3-gallon water jug.   Food was stored in plastic ice chest.   It certainly wasn't fancy, but it beat the heck out of having to wrestle setting up a tent after dark or in the wind!  And it didn't leak when it rained or flap in the wind.  Today's vans offer an even greater potential for home-made campers.  Even without a raised roof you can at least stand up enough to get dressed inside.  A van or an SUV makes a good vehicle for "car camping" -- tent camping out of your car.  Vans and SUVs have enough room to transport large tents and other camping equipment to ensure a comfortable outing.  They also provide a safe place to store your food and equipment and a haven from severe weather.  A pickup truck with just a shell on it works well too.  For a while I had one with a "carpet kit" for my pickup shell that included a wall-to-wall 4" foam pad that made it a very comfortable place to sleep.  When folded up it made a sofa all the way across the bed against the cab.   And the fiberglass shell and waterproof seals between it and the truck ensured a weather safe environment inside.

You don't have to spend a lot of money to start camping.  Even if you decide you want some kind of RV, careful shopping can find some real bargains.  I bought an 11 1/2' self contained camper for $100!  It was 40 some years old but in good condition and everything worked.   Sometimes you can even find units offered for free.  They'll probably need more than a little TLC, but a little work might turn a freebie into a real find.   Older tent trailers and small camping trailers can also be found for a few hundred bucks or so if you shop around.   Don't settle for some smelly, rotted out piece of junk with non-working or missing appliances.   There are enough choices out there for you to land a clean, ready-to-go unit, especially in today's economy when people are getting rid of their "toys".  Of course, if you have the skills, patience, resources, and desire you may be able to snag a really good deal on a damaged or abused unit.   Just be sure you are aware of all the damage and are comfortable with what it will take (time, resources, skills, and/or money) to make the necessary repairs.   Cosmetic damage may be ugly, but as long as it doesn't affect safety or structural integrity, you can live with it for a while.  Major structural damage could be time consuming and expensive to repair, so make sure you know what you're getting in to.   Really bad odors in an RV usually indicate poor maintenance, bad plumbing, and possibly dry rot from water damage.   Besides that, they're not pleasant to be in.  I stay away from bad smelling units.  Another sign of water damage is discolored or soft spots in the floor, walls, or ceiling.  The walls of tent trailers can be expensive to replace if they are badly damaged or worn out.  If you have upholstery or sewing skills you might be able to purchase replacement material and rebuild them yourself, but it is usually not a feasible task for most of us. Sewing the canvas usually requires a heavier duty sewing machine than most people have.  You may be able to buy ready made replacement canvas for some tent trailers so that might be something to look into if you find one you like that needs canvas.  Installation of pre-sewn replacement fabric should be within the capabilities of the average do-it-yourselfer.

If you aren't sure you want to be a camper, try renting or borrowing equipment so you can check it out and get an experienced friend or neighbor to guide you on your maiden voyage.  No sense investing a bunch of money in things you won't use.  Most of us have family members, friends, or neighbors who are campers.  You may be able to tag along with them on a weekend or two, or at least get some good tips in addition to borrowing some equipment to get you started.

One last important suggestion:   find someone with experience in the type of camping  you want to do to show you the ropes and  help you out until you get comfortable with doing it on your own.  Not only will you learn a lot of significant lessons, it will be fun!

Go for it!

Benefits of Different Types of RVs

A common benefit of having almost any RV is having a sturdy and convenient shelter when camping.   A tent can provide a surprising level of comfort and protection from the elements, but an RV is sturdier and most require little setup time.  Some tent trailers take a little while, but most travel trailers, campers, and motorhomes, only need to be leveled and stabilized once you arrive in camp. With most RVs you have more than basic shelter.  You also have cooking, sleeping, and sanitation facilities.  Fully decked out you'll have a furnace, hot water heater, air conditioning, shower, toilet, and a cozy and comfortable bed.  An awning will give you your own private patio area next to your RV.   The addition of optional TVs, VCRs, DVD players and satellite systems give residential quality entertainment systems.

Ready to go is one of the benefits of just about any RV.  You can usually keep your RV stocked and ready to hit the road.  You can store clothing, basic supplies and provisions, tools, and cooking utensils so you're ready to go anytime.  You might arrange your tent camping equipment so it is easy to load and go, but usually you can get away faster with a well-equipped and properly maintained RV. And you're less likely to leave something you need at home.  About all you need to add at the last minute will be perishable foods and maybe fresh snacks.  You might also need fresh fuel for your motorized toys.

Tent trailers are often a person's first RV.  They are light weight, easy to tow, and relatively inexpensive, yet get you up off the ground and provide many of the conveniences of home.  They are easy to store and can often be stored in your garage.   Entry level models may have only an ice box instead of a refrigerator and very limited fresh water capacity.   Upscale models often have all the features of a self contained RV, including hot water, shower, toilet, and holding tanks.   Most tent trailers include a furnace or heater of some kind.  They usually do not include air conditioning so they might not be as comfortable if you plan to do a lot of desert or other hot weather camping.  Some of the primary benefits of a tent trailer are low initial cost and light weight for easy, economical towing with a regular car.  You can often store them in a normal garage so you don't have to purchase RV storage.  So, what are the disadvantages of tent trailers?  Like a tent, they can be noisy in the wind and will loose heat quickly in cold weather.  Setup time is usually longer than solid sided RVs.  The tent fabric is subject to wear and fading and may have to be replaced from time to time.

Travel trailers offer more protection against wind and rain than tent trailers.   Small, entry level models may have limited facilities, but many are fully self contained and provide all the comforts of home.   Always check the loaded weight of your trailer to be sure you don't exceed the Combined Vehicle Weight Rating for your tow vehicle.  Travel trailers may require a larger car, an SUV, or pick up truck for towing because of the added weight.  Trailers are usually less expensive than motorhomes but can provide virtually the same level of comfort and convenience in camp.   If you already have a suitable tow vehicle, a trailer may be a good choice for you.  If, on the other hand, you'll be buying an additional vehicle to tow your trailer you'll want to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the extra vehicle and trailer versus having a motorhome.  Having a trailer also means you can disconnect the trailer and take the tow vehicle out solo for shopping, sight-seeing, and other trips.  Travel trailers are pretty stable so long as you have an adequately sized vehicle to tow them.  If the vehicle is too small, the "tail will wag the dog" and the trailer may make the vehicle difficult or impossible to control.

Specialty trailers, like teardrops and toy haulers, cater to niche markets.  The teardrop trailer appeals to nostalgic campers or those who need a light weight, easy-to-tow trailer.  Toy haulers are ideal for OHV enthusiasts as they provide both comfortable living space and room to haul motorized toys and associated parts and equipment.

We have found motorhomes a good option for our family.  We like having all the facilities available on the road.   All but the driver can use the on board bathroom without the need to find a rest stop or service station -- a real boon when you're traveling with children.   Entertainment systems can stem the incessant chorus of "are we there yet?" that seems to be a significant part of the job description for young people when traveling.  Your co-pilot can grab you a cold or hot drink or a snack when you need it.  When you arrive in camp all you need to do is find a level parking spot, close the curtains, and hit the sack.  Because motorhomes combine both living space and a motor vehicle, they tend to be more expensive than trailers.   Because of their size and weight you won't get as good fuel economy as you might with a trailer, although towing a trailer significantly affects fuel economy no matter how efficient the tow vehicle is solo.  For added convenience and fuel economy on local trips, some motorhome owners tow a "dingy" vehicle.  Towing an additional vehicle will affect highway fuel economy but will make local trips easier and less costly.  Ironically,  Class C motorhomes often have more sleeping space than many larger Class A units.  Class C units are often good for families.  Large luxury Class A coaches have a tendency to cater to affluent retired couples. Like most generalities, these should not be taken as absolute rules.  Class B van conversions are good for single campers, couples, and small families and often have the advantage of doubling as a second car.  Just make sure whatever you choose fits you and your families' needs.  Motorhomes are about the most stable of any RVs in wind.  The heavy automotive style truck/bus chassis and low-mounted holding tanks give them a relatively low and stable center of gravity.  Truck campers, on the other hand, have a fairly high center of gravity because everything sits in or above the pickup bed.

Truck campers are a good option for anyone who already owns a pickup truck with enough capacity to handle the camper.   Campers can be unloaded between trips so the truck can be used for other purposes.  Of course that means you need extra time to load and unload the camper for each trip, but it might be worth it.   Make sure your truck has sufficient load carrying capacity and power to handle the extra weight of the camper.  Truck campers tend to be somewhat top heavy and easily affected by wind.

When cost is a significant factor ( and isn't always?), look for good used units.   RVs don't get used as often as most of us would like, so you can often get really good bargains on pre-owned units.  I have found other benefits to pre-owned RVs:  1) they have passed the stage of "infant mortality" where early problems with new units have already been fixed by the original owners under warranty and , 2) previous owners have often added accessories that make them more convenient or add functionality.   Such additions rarely add much to the book value (or price) but a lot to useability.

RV today!

Where to Get Camping Equipment

The simple answer is: wherever you can find it!  But you have to look.   Don't wait until you need something specific for an upcoming outing.  If you feel pressured to get something right away you're likely to settle for something less than you want or pay too much for it.   Always be on the lookout for good deals on equipment and supplies.  There are many places in addition to camping, outdoor, and sporting goods stores, some you might not ordinarily think of:  department stores, thrift stores, home centers, garage sales, flea markets, ebay, craigslist, local classified ads, and magazines. TV, radio, and email may bring you ads for sales.  You may find things you need or want at camp stores or may be able to purchase them from fellow campers who have duplicates or no longer need them. You may also find things you need in your own kitchen, garage, or attic!  I recently found a lot of brand new camping equipment on a year-end sale at 50% off at my local farm and ranch store.  Such closeouts are fairly common as retailers clear out seasonal merchandise to make way for a different season.

New or used is a question you want to answer before you go very far in your search for camping equipment.  If you have an unlimited budget, you can fill your shopping cart at L.L. Bean, REI, or Cabella's with wonderful new equipment and you're set to go.  However, most of us don't have that luxury and have to seek more cost-effective alternatives and almost everyone likes to get a bargain. Some highly desirable and venerable items are no longer available in stores so you may have to search the used market to find them.  Funny how once popular staples of camping can be discontinued, but I've see it happen more than once.  And just about everyone enjoys getting a good bargain.  Watching for and taking advantage of seasonal sporting goods sales can net good savings on new equipment, but used equipment at good prices is more readily available year round.  Keep in mind that new equipment is only new once -- before you use it the first time.  After that it is used anyway.   Some people have reservations about using personal items that others have used.   Sleeping bags are at the top of this list, with tents and kitchen items following close behind.  If you have any concerns about the cleanliness of any item, it can be taken care of.  Sleeping bags can be dry cleaned. Tents can be washed and sanitized.  Kitchen items can be cleaned and sterilized in your dishwasher.  Even Port-a-Pottys can usually be easily cleaned and sanitized.   The question of "new or used" will most likely be answered by how much you are able to spend and whether the item is still in production.  Very often the "used" camping items you will find in garage sales or classified ads will have been gently used if at all.   Perhaps the used car dealer euphemistic designation of "pre-owned" might be a better way of thinking of it.   Many of these pieces of equipment find their way into garage sales because of dis-use or even non-use.  People sometimes accumulate duplicates over time or receive them as gifts and never get around to using them.  Used camping gear can be an excellent investment.  It is not unusual to find brand new camping equipment for sale by private parties.  People sometimes buy stuff thinking they will use it or receive items as gifts and just leave them on the shelf.   Over time, many of us accumulate duplicates as we find good deals on things we like, creating additional candidates for garage sales.  Unless there is a significant factor of durability, wear, damage, or warranties, new usually has little real advantage over used.  After all, as I said before, something in only really new once -- the first time you use it.   Some vintage items aren't even still available in stores so the only way to get them is to buy used.  Sometimes stuff finds its way into garage sales, thrift stores, and classified ads because it is worn out, but most often things fall into dis-use long before their useful life is over.  Even so, you want to carefully inspect each purchase to be sure you know what you are getting.  Sometimes you can find used items that are no longer available new in retail stores.   I much prefer the old style metal containers for Coleman lanterns over their modern plastic "clamshell" counterparts and the only way to get them these days is to buy them used.  The metal containers are more square and fit better in cabinets and trunks.

Many department stores offer camping supplies.  Places like Walmart, K-Mart, Target, and Sears have large, well-stocked camping departments and are good choices.  Camping specialty stores and sporting goods stores like REI, Cabellas, and Big 5 of course have super selections.   However, you may find some camping supplies in your local grocery store and places like Rite Aid or even at truck stops.   I have had very good luck at farm and ranch stores.  I like to browse through the camping displays at any store whenever I have a chance.   You never know when you'll come across a new gadget or a "Manager's Special".   I once picked up a $125 Camp Chef stove for $25 on a year end close out by checking out the Clearance Table at Big 5.  I found a rather unique T-handle socket set at a truck stop when we stopped for gas on a routine family car trip.  Granted, a socket set is not directly a camping tool, but with several RVs and OHVs to maintain, it is closely related.   It has been very useful and I've never found one like it anyplace else.   A good rule to follow is, if you find something you like, get it while you can.   On a few occasions I have found items later at a better price, but not nearly as many times as I've passed up an item, then wished I had gotten it, usually because I can't find it anyplace else.

Ebay and craigslist are also good places to look for camping stuff.   Be sure to do your homework on checking prices before you bid on ebay or run out to buy that "bargain" tent on craigslist.  I've seen people over-bid for common items on ebay, things they could have purchased at their local Walmart for 2/3 their bid or less.  You may run across unique items for which you can't get any price comparisons.  In that case, set your maximum price based on your budget and how much the item is worth to you.  I got into bidding war over an Autolite 12-volt air compressor I wanted for my motorcycle trailer.  It was a very unique item, not one of the flimsy little toys that plug into a cigarette lighter, but one with a motor the size of an automobile starter.   I suspect the other bidders also recognized the uniqueness of the item and together we probably pushed the price higher than it should have gone, but I have never regretted having purchased it.  It serves the function for which I bought it and there is no doubt I would have kicked myself if I had let it get away since I've never seen another one.  On the other hand, I saw bidding for a Marine grade (water resistant) 12-volt socket soar past $17 when the very same item could be purchased at the local Walmart for under $8. Of course, if you don't have a local Walmart, snagging something on ebay may be your best course of action and it may be worth paying a little extra for the convenience of having it delivered to your door.  But it could have been purchased on line for less from walmart.com.  While you can get true bargains on ebay, keep in mind that in order to win an auction, you have to be willing to pay more for the item than anyone else in the world!  Getting a good price is often a matter of timing.  Bidding early or waiting until near the end of the auction are both strategies that have merit.  Bidding early makes you the first winner and if the minimum bid is near the actual or perceived value or you don't have a lot of competition, you might not get outbid.  Bidding at the end of an auction limits the possibility of being outbid.  There are even computer programs that can monitor your bids and bid for you just seconds before the auction ends so no one has time to outbid you.  I like the "Buy It Now" option that completely eliminates the possibility of being out bid.  Always check the shipping and handling.  A few unscrupulous sellers offer unbelievable (and unrealistic) low prices on items only to hit you hard on "shipping and handling" charges.

Local classified ads and garage sales can often be the source of excellent bargains.   Here again, perform due diligence to know the quality and price of the products you are interested in buying.  You will often find gently used or even brand new products at a fraction of their original prices.  People sometimes buy or receive as gifts items they seldom if ever use.  Unfortunate as the circumstances may be for the seller, estate, moving, and divorce sales can produce good opportunities for the savvy shopper.  Loss of employment in today's lousy economy has forced a lot of people to liquidate recreational items.  Don't be afraid to negotiate for a lower price or seek a discount for purchasing multiple items.   Getting to a garage sale early in the day ensures the best selection, but shopping late in the afternoon can get you the best price on anything that is left.   Since garage sales are random events and the availability of any particular item even more random, your best bet is just to browse every garage sale you see.   You may find that tent or camp stove you're looking for stuck under one of the tables or behind boxes or furniture.  Or you may come across interesting and helpful items you hadn't even considered.  I lucked out one day when I stumbled on a set of 4 manual RV leveling jacks for a fraction of their retail price. They were mechanical jacks designed to work on a travel trailer but with a little creative engineering I was able to make them work on my 28' Class A Motorhome.  They were not nearly as convenient as automatic levelers, but a lot easier to use and more stable than leveling blocks.

You cannot predict what you will find at garage sales but you can often find great bargains on camping equipment there.  I've found good deals on both tent camping items and RV accessories at garage sales.  Be sure to check out the condition and functionality.   Even items that need repairs can be a great find, as long as you know what it will take to restore them -- and have the ability or funds to do so.  Gas stoves and lanterns often need the pumps rebuilt or the generators replaced and both are easy and inexpensive tasks.  Leaking fuel tanks, on the other hand, tell me to keep looking.  Sometimes you might pick up an item you can use for parts but make sure it is compatible with what you are fixing.

Thrift stores can be an excellent source of bargain camping equipment, especially kitchen items. Tents, sleeping gas, camp stoves, lanterns, and ice chests may be harder to find but when you find them you will likely save a lot of money over new prices.   Thrift stores usually have a large supply of kitchen items at all times so you can fill out your cooking and serving needs or replace lost or damaged items very quickly and economically.  You may have to keep checking back for other camping equipment.   I suggest getting cast iron cookware unless you need it for hiking or back packing.  Cast iron is durable and can be used directly in your campfire.  If you plan to cook on a campfire, avoid light weight aluminum cookware.  I've seen aluminum pans melted into shimmering puddles in a campfire.  A little breeze acts like a blacksmith's bellows and can create pretty high temperatures, high enough to melt pans and completely consume aluminum cans.   An advantage of building your camp kitchen using thrift store items is you won't be out a lot of money if something does happen and they get damaged or lost and you can easily and cheaply replace them as needed.

"Dollar" stores are an inexpensive way to augment your galley and other provisions.  Pots, pans, glasses, cups, plates, dishes, kitchen utensils, spices, and cleaning and hygiene supplies can be found at most dollar stores.  I've found a lot of good first aid supplies and OTC medication there too.  I like to check out their hardware section and have found some useful hand tools from time to time. I can usually count on finding bungee cords, a package of 2 each of 3 different handy sizes.   They aren't big enough for securing loads in my pickup truck but they are perfect for packs, keeping lids on camping totes, controlling sleeping pads and sleeping bags, etc.   I stocked my camp kitchen with large, sturdy, stainless steel spoons, forks, spatulas, and ladles from Dollar Tree.  You can often find inexpensive flashlights and batteries at dollar stores.  Flashlights may not be as convenient as Coleman lanterns for general campsite lighting, but getting them at the dollar store will be a lot cheaper.   Even efficient LED lights are starting to show up there now.   LED lights last hundreds of thousands of hours and batteries last a LOT longer (about 10-12 times longer) than when using ordinary flashlight bulbs.  Dollar store flashlights are perfect for kids, who have a tendency to break or misplace them fairly regularly. I tried to avoid letting my kids use my $30 Maglites and when they did get their hands on them the results were disappointing and expensive. My son once "borrowed" my brand new, blue anodized Maglite to explore a local cave. It came back in one piece but it looked like it had been through a war!  Dollar stores have "D" and "C" cell plastic flashlights and "AAA" powered aluminum LED models that are perfect for pocket, purse, fanny pack, or little hands.  Cheap flashlights make good loaners too, since you don't have to worry too much about getting them back.  Recently they've had solar walkway lights,that are good for marking your tent pegs so you don't trip over them in the dark or to mark your RV steps and sometimes you can remove the stakes and add some kind of hanger or stick the stake into a can filled with sand, beans, glass beads, or rice to use them as small, general purpose hanging or table lights.

Military surplus stores can be an excellent source of camping gear.   Tents, sleeping bags, tarps, first aid kits, mess kits, canteens, and troop cook kits are just the start of what you may find there. You can always find creative ways to use surplus parachutes and paracord.  Boots, coats, and other combat uniform items make great hiking and camping wear.  One word of caution: the popularity of surplus military items has created a market that invites imitations.  Be skeptical if the Army coat or skillet has a label that says "Made in China" -- unless it is a Chinese army coat.  Hand tools designed for military use can be handy for camping.   Folding shovels and axes are among the favorites. Bayonets are popular as hunting or survival knives, but most survival experts recommend a smaller fixed blade knife, with a 3-5" blade.  It is more convenient to carry and works better for more survival tasks, which tend to be more carving than hacking.  Unfortunately, the popularity of military surplus items for camping has inflated the price over what it once was when I was younger and there was a lot of "war surplus" items to be had, but you will still often find sturdy merchandise that is well suited to camping at reasonable prices.  Military first aid kits are compact and usually pretty complete.  Sometimes you find things there you won't find anyplace else.  You probably won't have much use for troop sized cooking and first aid kits unless you have an  unusually large family or intend to regularly support some other large group.  Some of the military field medical kits contain far more supplies than most people would know how or be qualified to use, so make sure you buy what is appropriate for your needs and your skills and training. Most of us would have little use for a field surgical kit but it might make a good addition to your emergency supplies if you have, know someone who has, or are able to get some appropriate training. 

Home centers and hardware stores can also be a source of camping supplies.  Tools are among the more obvious options at these locations.  I like to carry a "roofers hammer", which is a combination hatchet and hammer.  Some home centers and hardware stores have extensive camping sections.  I even got a great close-out price on a tent at a home center.  I've also found it more economical and more convenient to purchase my awning mats from home centers.  They sell indoor-outdoor carpet in bulk in a variety of colors, including an artificial grass style, that works well for awning mats.  You can buy just the length you need to correspond to the length of your awning and I've usually found it to be less expensive than pre-made awning mats from RV supply stores.  However, some of the awning mats are made of materials that lend themselves better to their intended use.   For example, some will let rain pass through whereas indoor-outdoor carpet might retain water and other spills.   By buying just the length you need to match your awning you avoid paying extra for two mats when one isn't long enough for your awning.  I add grommets to each corner and about every 3' along the long sides, plus one on each side of where the RV step will be.  I use 12" nails with flat fender washers on them to secure the mat to the ground.   If you have a welder, tack-weld the washers to the nails so they don't get lost.  If you don't have a welder cut some discs from heavy plastic like motor oil bottles and push the nails through them so they retain the washers against the heads of the nails so they don't get lost in storage between uses.  When parking on asphalt, I use a 22 caliber nail gun to literally shoot my mat to the pavement where tent stakes won't work.  One of our favorite camp sites was on a once paved cul de sac in an abandoned housing development in the Mojave Desert near California City.  There was enough pavement remaining beneath the sand that had blown in to completely cover the old roads that it was impossible to drive ordinary tent pegs.

Most department stores have camping sections and often the prices are lower than you'd pay at specialty camping, sporting goods, or RV stores. Walmart, K-mart, Sears, and Target always seem to have pretty complete camping selections during camping season.  Pre- and post- season sales can deliver excellent bargains, but selection may be limited.  If a Coleman lantern isn't in your current budget, kerosene lanterns are a lot less costly.   The light isn't as white and bright as a gas lantern and it gives off a distinctive kerosene odor similar to a jet engine, but they were the staple of lighting not only in camping but in homes and businesses for many, many years before electric lighting came along.  If you find the kerosene odor objectionable you can burn scented lamp oil or unscented liquid paraffin.  Using citronella oil will also help repel insects.

Camp stores.  Whenever you stay at a commercial campground, check out the camp store.  They often stock unique camper related items you won't find anywhere else.  Prices may be higher for regular RV and camping supplies, but it is usually worth the convenience if you happen to need something right now.  If nothing else, you might get some ideas of things you'd like to add to your gear and can shop around for better prices when you get home.  Be sure to hang on to a business card or receipt from the camp store so you can contact them if you can't find an alternate source.  They might be willing to ship it to you.   Just to be sure, grab anything that is manufactured or produced locally when you see it.  You probably won't find it anywhere else.  It just might be worth paying more for something when you see it rather than miss out on it entirely.  I have NEVER bought something on the spur of the moment and then regretted buying it but many times I've regretted NOT buying something when I had the chance.

Gas stations and travel centers often stock a few camping and RV supplies especially in areas where camping is prevalent.  This can be convenient if you need something while on the road.  You probably won't find the lowest prices here but you sometimes find unique items you won't find any place else or be able to pick up a necessary item without having to make special trip to town for it.

Garage sales, thrift stores, and flea markets can be an excellent way to get real bargains on pre-owned camping equipment.  Sometimes you may even find brand new items.  Flea market vendors often purchase liquidated merchandise and offer it at a fraction of its original suggested retail price.  Individual owners may have brand new equipment they received as gifts or simply never got around to using. Even used items will often be in excellent condition.   Often the reason they are being sold is they have gotten little use.   Check used items to be sure they are complete and look for damage that you might not be able to repair.  You will want to set your own guidelines for what you'll pay for used gear.   My usual target is 50% of retail. I might pay more for a particularly rare item or one in exceptionally good condition -- like new-in-the-box.  It mostly depends on now badly I want it and how much disposable cash I have available at the time.

Your own garage/basement/attic.   You may find useful items you already have in your own garage, basement, or attic.  Tools and kitchen implements and small appliances you set aside when you upgraded or replaced them may find new life in your camp gear.  Or you may have duplicates that have accumulated from gifts over the years.  Old clothing, towels, and linens might serve well in camp.   Some tools, like axes and hammers, may have multiple uses around the house and in camp. Why spend money if you already have items you can use?  Allocating duplicate or "retired" items specifically for camping makes spontaneous trips easier.  The old 2-slice toaster you replaced when your family outgrew it may be just the right size for your camper.  Converting items for camping might give you a good excuse for upgrading your kitchen stock at home.   If you have duplicates, or your budget will allow you to acquire extra tools specifically for camping, it will make hitting the road easier and reduce the chances of leaving something important at home. You can save money by using some of your home tools for camping, but you'll have to remember to pack them when you go and to unpack them when you get back.  I may go overboard in this area -- I have separate tools in my motorhome, my garage, and my motorcycle trailer, plus a "race kit" I can toss in the truck when we're going somewhere with the dirt bikes without taking the enclosed motorcycle trailer.  I've never been sorry I brought along any tool.

Rummage sales and church auctions.   Like garage sales, these events can often produce amazing bargains.   It may take some searching through tables of uninteresting junk or piles of musty smelling clothing to find something you want or need, but it is often worth the time and effort.   Since items for these events are usually donated, the seller has no cost-of-goods to recover.   Like garage sales, you'll find the best selection early in the day and can negotiate the best prices near the end of the event.  An old Army field jacket makes a great camping/hiking coat, and it is even more versatile if you can find the fleece liner that adapts them for colder weather.  I've seen them in rummage sales and thrift stores for a few dollars each, often in remarkably good condition.

Make your own.  You can make some of your own camping equipment.  Not only can this be fun, it can save you money.  Don't have a camp stove?  Make a rocket stove from an old 1-gallon tin can and a couple of soup cans.  Hot coals from charcoal briquettes or wood fires will burn through the thin tin over time, but it will be sufficient for preparing several meals, which may be adequate for a short camping trip or to get you through a few days during an emergency, especially if you only burn small twigs.   Check on the Internet for how to make your own "alcohol stoves" too. These usually consist of a roll of toilet paper placed in a 1 qt paint can and saturated with denatured alcohol.  You can make a very efficient "rocket stove" from a #10 can an 4 soup cans.  Rocket stoves can prepare a meal for 4 using just a handful of twigs as fuel.  Simple tents can be formed using inexpensive tarps. They probably won't provide the 360 degree protection you get from a commercially made tent with screened windows, a zippered door, and a sewn-in floor but they'll keep most of the rain off.  You can make up your own "cowboy bedroll" instead of buying expensive sleeping bags.  The ideal and authentic cowboy bedroll is made from sturdy waterproof canvas, but again, an inexpensive tarp will be OK to get you started or in an emergency.  You need enough of this outer material so it is a little longer than as you are tall and wide enough to fold over and under your body.  You lay it out, then lay out blankets, quilts, or comforters, and fold it over in thirds.  When it is done you should have at least 2 layers of the outer material on the bottom and two or three on the top to protect you from cold, wind, and rain.  Having the finished product a little longer than your height by 2 or 3 feet allows you to fold it over to protect your head once you're snuggled inside.   For detailed instructions search "how to make a cowboy bedroll" on the Internet.   If you expect to use it frequently or for a long time, investing in good quality canvas duck for the shell is a good idea.  If you just want to try it out once or twice and inexpensive poly tarp will do.  Simple hotdog and marshmallow cookers can be made from wire coat hangers. I like to bend a handle into one end. Then I slide them into a piece of 3/4" or 1" PVC pipe before I put them in my outside RV cabinets.   It keeps the mess off everything else, keeps them from getting tangled, and even helps keep them cleaner than they would be loose in the bottom of the cabinet.  Burn the paint off the end before you cook your first hot dog or marshmallow so you don't cook the paint into your treat.  After that you'll probably want to burn the rust off the end before mounting your treat.

Get it when you can.  When you see something you'd like to add to your camping gear, get it if you can.  Many times I've thought I'd wait and pick it up later only to find that it was no longer available. I snagged some half price bargains a few weeks ago and when I came back the following week they were already sold out so I was glad I bought them when I could.  There have been many times I've thought "Gee I wish I'd bought xxxxx" but I don't think I have ever looked at any of my camping gear or tools and said "Gee I wish I hadn't bought that!"   Even though I have sometimes accumulated duplicates that later had to be sorted out and passed along to other family members or garage saled, I have never regretted getting any of it, but have often regretted passing up an opportunity.  My wife keeps telling me we need to thin out our camping gear but the last time we did that the kids came asking to borrow stuff shortly thereafter -- even though they had been strong proponents of putting in a garage sale in the first place.  Likewise, it wasn't very long before we found ourselves lamenting having disposed of some of the items.  Being a pack-rat usually isn't productive, but it often pays to be judicious in choosing what to get rid of.  Sometimes, when you're traveling, you'll come across things you don't usually find near home.   Try to give yourself a little room in your budget and your vehicle, to take advantage of such discoveries.   I discovered a locally owned discount auto parts store in the distant city where my parents lived and often augmented my home and RV tool boxes with great bargains I never saw at home almost every time we visited.   But don't assume you can get the same deals on stuff at big box stores when you get home.  I bought some battery powered LED above ground pool lights with remote controls on sale at a Walmart in Colorado to use as tent lights.  I like them so much I wanted more, but I had trouble finding them at any local Walmart and on the Internet when I got home and when I did find a few they were 4 times as costly!  Remember, "Manager Specials" may or may not be the same across different locations of the same retailer.

Shop smart!

Be Prepared

"Be Prepared" is the Boy Scout motto.   It is also excellent advice for campers -- and would be campers.  Preparation takes many forms.  In the beginning, preparation may mean mostly learning about your options.  You need to know the advantages and disadvantages of various types of RVs and tents and other equipment in order to make informed decisions about choosing a camping method and purchasing items to meet your needs.   Once you have more or less committed to a camping lifestyle, you need to continue to learn about your options -- and learn how to make the most of what you have. Learn how to use and how to care for your equipment.  And you need to learn how to prepare for an outing (see my post on Pre-trip procedures for more details.

If you decide tent camping is the way to go for now, educate yourself about types of tents.   Know which types will be suitable for the type of activities you plan to engage in and the climate where you'll be using them.   Know the range of prices for new and used equipment so you can make your budget go as far as possible.   Once you have acquired your basic equipment, learn all you can about using and maintaining it.  Know how to set it up and take it down correctly and quickly.   Know how to store it safely.  Know how to make appropriate repairs when something is damaged.   Learn what tools you need.   Acquire them and learn how to use them and take care of them.  Learn how to use your equipment to best advantage and know and respect its limits.  Always make sure your equipment is clean and dry before your store it.   Dirty equipment attracts insects and vermin and the natural decay of organic contaminants may damage fabrics or other components and leave foul odors. Some forms of mold may even be toxic!  Damp tents and sleeping bags foster growth of mold and mildew that can rot fabrics and produce stains and unpleasant odors.   Don't store your sleeping bags tightly rolled. It will compress the filling and destroy much of the insulating quality.

Choosing the RV lifestyle has many advantages but it also brings additional expense and responsibilities.  An RV can provide more comfortable living space for camping and during emergencies that a tent, but it takes more effort and expense to maintain it and there are additional things you need to learn.  If you have an RV you need to learn about each of the on-board systems (electrical, water, sanitation, propane, cooking, heating, cooling, entertainment), how to use them, how to maintain them, and how to make basic repairs.   Being able to take your RV to the shop whenever something goes wrong may be convenient, but is can also be expensive.  More importantly, when something goes wrong in a remote area or during an emergency, you may not have the luxury of access to mechanics and technicians so it is incumbent on RV owners to be able to perform basic repairs themselves.  Being able to affect basic repairs in camp can mean the difference between a slight inconvenience and a ruined outing.

Whether you are an RVer or a tent camper, you will want to keep your camping equipment in good repair and ready to use at a moment's notice.   Disasters strike without warning: an earthquake, a tornado, a flood, a fire, a chemical spill can all put you into disaster-survival mode in a matter of seconds.  How well you handle the situation will depend largely on how prepared you are.   Do you have your survival equipment prepared and accessible?   Do you have sufficient food, water, and medical supplies to meet your immediate needs?  How much do you know about potential disasters in your area?   Do you have a disaster plan for you and your family?   If your camping gear is somewhere in a collapsed basement or garage or your RV is crushed by a falling tree or failed wall, it isn't going to do you much good.  I like to have multiple options.   My RV is my first choice if I have to abandon my home, but tent camping is a secondary backup . I try to keep my RV as ready as possible and my tent camping gear readily accessible and easy to gather and go if I have to.
 
In many disasters, access to emergency services is going to be severely restricted for several days or even weeks.  When involved in activities in remote locations, you may be miles and/or hours from a hospital or emergency medical services. In a local emergency like an earthquake or tornado, local emergency services are likely to be overwhelmed if not completely disabled for some time after the event.  Regardless of your situation, you should be prepared to deal with medical emergencies until normal service is restored.   That means you need at least first aid and CPR training and you need to stock basic first aid and medical supplies.  Your disaster first aid training should include triage -- knowing how to quickly assess injuries and classify victims/patients to ensure effective and appropriate treatment to do the most good for the most people.   As human beings we tend to respond first to the bloodiest, most gruesome injuries or the loudest victims or the first victims we encounter. However, in doing so you may waste your efforts trying in vain to treat a fatal injury while other victims that could have been saved may die.   Proper triage will let you prioritize your treatment resources to save as many people as possible.  Triage on your own family will be difficult, but is still necessary.  While trying in vain to save one fatally injured family member another who could have been saved if reached in time may die.  Take care of those you can save before trying to revive someone who is already dead or dying.   Contact your local Red Cross, community emergency services agency, or fire department to find out where you can get appropriate first aid and disaster preparedness training. C.E.R.T. (community Emergency Response Team) training is an excellent way to prepare yourself to deal with disasters, protect your family, and assist your neighbors.

If possible, carry appropriate spare parts for you vehicles and equipment and know how to make repairs in the field.  Belts and hoses are common points of failure for most motor vehicles.  They are fairly inexpensive and usually pretty easy to change . OHVs often break clutch, brake, and shift levers, and drive chains.  Being able to replace or repair such failures quickly can prevent the loss of an entire weekend's activity or keep you from getting stranded in a remote camping area.   Failure of a camp stove or lantern may not be a major catastrophe, but being able to diagnose and repair common problems on site will add to your comfort and convenience.  Repair kits for stoves and lanterns are usually available at retail stores where ever the stoves and lanterns are sold.   They are not terribly expensive and are a good investment in convenience and peace of mind.  Always carry a basic tool kit and learn how to perform basic repairs.   If you don't already know how to do fundamental mechanical and carpentry repairs or are out of practice, take an adult ed class to renew or acquire basic skills.

Maintain emergency provisions in your RV or tent camping supplies.  Provisions should include food and water to supply your family for at least 3 days.  You should also have medical supplies, including prescription medications.  Review you provisions regularly to be sure they are up to date. Expired medications and ingredients have many potential problems, ranging from loss of effectiveness to serious illness or even death.   Out dated adhesive bandages and tapes will be useless.    They become slick or dried out and won't stick.   Check canned goods for signs of spoilage. Bulging, rusted, or leaking cans should be discarded and replaced immediately.

Get proper training.  The most expensive and complete first aid kit in the world will do you little good if you don't have basic first aid skills.  A fully equipped ER treatment room would be useless without at last some idea what needs to be done and how to do it.  Likewise, the best tool set will be useless without some mechanical skills.  If you plan activities in remote areas, consider survival training.  You may find yourself in survival mode if you get lost or your vehicle breaks down.  Learn how to use your RV range and camp stove correctly and how to maintain them.  Learn basic cooking skills. In addition to basic first aid and CPR skills and certifications, my wife and I have both expanded our emergency medical training to become certified Red Cross Professional Rescuers. Because many of our outings are in remote areas I have also obtained a certificate in Advanced Wilderness Life Support. First aid and CPR training and certification are available through the Red Cross almost anywhere.  The only place I've seen the Advanced Wilderness Life Support class is the University of Utah.  For more information see "WWW.ALS.ORG".   Be aware the course is intended primarily for medical professionals and costs several hundred dollars.  There may be some parts of it that are beyond what you as a "civilian" can do ethically and legally, but most of it is good training for anyone who may be involved in remote activities.

Aquatic adventures bring their own special needs.   Fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing, water skiing, and jet skiing all put you in or near the water where you may need to know specialized rescue skills to ensure the safety of your family and your companions.   First of all, always observe proper safety procedures for the equipment you are using.   Wear approved flotation devices when using any kind of watercraft.  Don't go in the water during electrical storms or soon after eating.  It is always a good idea to appoint a member of your group as "safety officer" during an activity.   The safety officer should not be a participant in the activity, but remain as an observer to keep an eye on everyone else and call a halt or launch rescue efforts if needed.

Mental/emotional preparation is often underestimated.  You may think you know how you will react in an emergency, but until you are faced with one, you won't really know for sure.  One of the modules in the C.E.R.T. course is Disaster Psychology.   It helps you understand what to expect of disaster victims, including yourself and how to deal with it.  Participation in planned community exercises is a good way to hone your skills.   Lacking opportunities for formal exercises or between exercises you can do your own "what if" exercises in your mind.  What if there is an earthquake, flood, blizzard, fire, or tornado while I'm camping or at home?  What if I am without power for several days?  What if I can't contact emergency services or they aren't available?  What if I don't have normal fuel to heat my home or cook with?  What if I am faced with multiple victims from a large scale disaster?  What if my vehicle is disabled and I'm stranded in a remote campground?  What if I have to forage for food to survive?  What if my OHV breaks down out on the trail?  What if I can't find my way back to camp?  What if my fellow campers panic?  What if I or another OHV rider are injured on the trail?   A dirt biker friend of mine foolishly went riding alone.  He hit a rock in a dirt road, crashed, and ended up with a broken collar bone, several broken ribs and a broken ankle. Suffice it to say his self-rescue was very slow and painful.  Remember, YOU may be the only first responder you can really count on.

Never ride alone is a good motto for all OHV riders.  The principle can also be applied to any kind of camping activities.  You should always use the buddy system so if one of you becomes ill or is injured, the other can render aid and go for help.  When you go camping or hiking or riding, make sure someone at home or in camp knows when you are leaving, where you are going, and when you expect to be back.  That way, if anything happens to you, they'll know where and when to start looking.  Once you have begun to execute your shared plans, stick to them.  Spontaneously changing your route may be fun, but it could prove disastrous if someone gets hurt and searchers don't know where to look.

Most states have "Good Samaritan" laws that protect people who offer help in emergency situations.  Helping others in an emergency is a good and natural thing to do, but you don't want to put yourself or your family in jeopardy.  Improper medical procedures can expose you and those you love to unnecessary health risks and perhaps make you liable for expenses or penalties if you exceed your authorization and protection under the law.  For your own protection, know your limits, not only in your home state, but anywhere you may be traveling.  Keep disposable rubber gloves where you can easily get to them in an emergency.  Blood born pathogens are a significant cause of infections being transferred from victims to would-be care givers.  There are some really scary diseases (like AIDS)  passed along in "bodily fluids".  A guideline I learned is, "if it's wet and it isn't yours, don't touch it".   A mouth guard to protect you while giving CPR could save your life!

Be prepared!

Camp Showers

In this post we're not talking about unexpected drizzle that dampens your picnic.  We're talking about comfortable methods of personal hygiene while camping.

For many years, camp showers were a luxury available only to owners of self-contained RVs or people staying in developed campgrounds with full service restrooms.   Some forest service campgrounds provided rudimentary facilities, but they were often shunned by potential users due to cleanliness, privacy concerns, cold water, and fear of disease.  These days there are many alternatives for tent campers and owners of RVs with limited facilities so they're not dependent on campground facilities.

Campground showers for many years had very bad reputation.  They were often fairly primitive, poorly maintained, and sometimes lacked privacy.  This was especially true in remote facilities.  Most modern RV parks offer clean, comfortable, private, and secure showers.  You won't always find showers at forest service and other primitive campgrounds.  Some RVers like to bring along portable shower grate for added safety and sanitation.  These are usually made of wood or bamboo.  They are light weight and easy to clean.  They prevent slipping and keep your feet off the floor someone else might have recently contaminated in community showers.  IF you're worried about picking up a disease from the shower floor, wash your feet again when you get back to your camp and apply some anti-fungal foot spray or rub them with hand sanitizer.

Showering in your RV is very much like showering at home -- except you want to limit your use of water -- and you might have to duck your head and keep your elbows pulled in tight to avoid bumping your funny bone.  Remember, unless you're connected to campground water and sewers, your water supply and holding tank capacity is limited.  To begin with, don't waste the cold water that comes out waiting for the hot water to get there -- collect it in a jug or dishpan for future use rinsing dishes etc.  The hot water heater in most RVs is much smaller than the one at home so you'll quickly run out of hot water -- and waste propane -- if you let the water run needlessly or take extra long showers.  You want to take what is called "Navy showers" (ships at sea have some of the same limitations as RVs).  Turn on the shower to rinse and wet your body.   Then turn it off while you soap and scrub.  Then turn it on again to rinse away the soap.  Don't let the water run any longer than is necessary.   This is also true for washing your hands or brushing your teeth.   Many RV showers have a shutoff built in to the shower head.  This allows you to turn the water on and off without having to readjust the temperature each time.  If your shower doesn't have a shutoff, one can usually be added fairly easily and inexpensively.  You can conserve water and avoid needless filling holding tanks by running the water into a plastic dishpan or a jug while waiting for the hot water.  This water can then be used for pre-rinsing dishes, cleaning tasks, or dousing the fire.  One of my dirt biking buddies solved the problem of his teen age kids using up all the water showering and shampooing their hair every day in the desert.  He allocated each of them 2 or 3 gallon jugs of water for each trip and let them use it however they wanted: all at once or rationed for the trip.  If they tried to use the water in the shower instead of using their jugs, he shut off the pump.  If your RV happens to have an on demand tankless water heater you won't have to worry about running out of hot water prematurely but you still want to conserve water to avoid filling your holding tanks and minimize propane usage.

Sun showers are an easy, inexpensive way to have a comfortable shower anywhere.  The system consists of a large, heavy duty black plastic bag and a hose and shower head.  You simply fill the bag with water and let it lie out in the sun until the water reaches the desired temperature.   Hang the bag on a convenient tree branch or any other sturdy overhead structure.  A portable shower enclosure can be used for privacy.  Sun showers are a good option for tent campers or if your RV is doesn't have a bath or shower.  Many RVers with fully self-contained units use sun showers to conserve propane, limit water use, and avoid filling their holding tanks.  In a pinch you could use your hydration pack as a mini sun shower but I wouldn't want to contaminate my drinking water pack with non-potable water or use up my drinking water just to take a shower.

Portable hot water systems are available too.  They are usually powered by the same small propane cylinders you use for your lantern and camp stove but could run off larger propane tanks if you have the means to transport them and have the right hoses and adapters.   They are quite a bit more expensive than sun showers, but you can use them anytime, day or night, rain or shine, without the need for sunlight to warm the water.   They can also provide hot water for doing dishes and other tasks. You won't want to take these with you hiking or backpacking, but they are a nice addition for car camping, base camps. and small RVs that don't have a shower.

Shower enclosures are available to go with portable hot water systems and sun showers to provide privacy when showering outdoors.  These are usually free standing stalls like little roofless tents about 3' square.  You might also use them with the outdoor showers on some RVs.  Some are designed to hang from a tree or other overhead structure; some are free standing.  Be sure you know which style you want before you buy.

Cat baths are an alternative to showering and will conserve water.   You can usually do a pretty good job of cleaning your body with a small basin of water and a wash cloth.  It isn't as refreshing or as thorough as a shower, but it will help keep you healthy and smelling better.  Cat baths can be done just about anywhere, even hiking or backpacking and are simple solutions for people in tents or campers with limited facilities.  You can have a pretty comfortable cat bath with just a pan full of water heated on your campfire.   Cat baths may even be an options in survival mode.

Air showers.  Your showering options when hiking or backpacking or in survival mode will be limited.  If you're lucky you may be able to occasionally bathe in a lake, spring, or stream along the way.  Lacking a water source for bathing, plan on taking an "air shower" or smoke shower at least very day or so.  Remove as much clothing as privacy permits.  Hang your clothing out so it can air out and dry any accumulated perspiration while you let the air and sun purge your skin of unwanted moisture and bacteria.   It won't be as cleansing or comforting as a real shower, but it will help to keep you healthier and more comfortable than staying in the same soiled clothing for days on end.  A variation of an air shower suggested by some survival experts is a "smoke shower".  Allow smoke from you campfire in under your clothing to help dry up sweat and kill bacteria that cause odor and may cause disease.  Sagebrush, common in many parts of the western United States, is particularly useful for smoke showers since sagebrush smoke contains anti-bacterial agents and has a pleasant fragrance.

Tent campers may be able to avail themselves of hot showers at local RV parks.  Some sell showers to non-guests.  Don't expect to use them for free or to piggy-back on a friend's RV reservation.  When that happens, parks often withdraw their services.  After all, the park has to pay for the water and the fuel to heat it and for sewer services as well as recouping the cost of building, maintaining, and servicing the facility and paying taxes on it.  A clean hot shower can be very welcome after a few days roughing it and something your companions will also appreciate.

Keep clean!

Camp Cookware

To keep the cost down when you're first getting started, you can usually just bring along some of your home cookware.  The biggest downside is that it may get blackened, lost, damage the handles, or even melted using it on a campfire.  As long as you take care to avoid melting down your aluminum pots in the campfire and are prepared for the extra cleaning, using your home cookware is an acceptable and economical solution, at least to begin with.

A more convenient option is to put together a set of cookware specifically for camping.  If you camp in an RV, it can be stored in the cabinets, ready for immediate use.  If you're a tent camper, store it in one or more plastic totes, chuck box, or portable camp kitchen you can bring along.   Either way will make your outings more convenient and avoid damaging your home cookware.  Having a set of cookware set aside especially for camping means you don't have to worry about getting your kitchenware blackened and you'll already have it ready to go for each outing.   To keep the cost down, pick up some used pots, pans, and utensils at a garage sale, online auction or classified site, or thrift store -- or just recycle some old stuff you have at home.  Thrift stores usually have an abundance of cookware.   For the most durable albeit heavier to transport option, look for cast iron cookware.  It is practically indestructible and will easily withstand use directly in the campfire.  It also distributes heat evenly for better cooking.  For greater convenience and less weight to pack around look for cook sets designed specifically for camping.   The major components will stack to fit inside each other to they take up less space in your RV or camp box.   New camp sets can be found starting at $12.00 - $30.00 a set so they're not terribly expensive.  These are often made of light weight aluminum so you're better off using them in an RV or on a camp stove instead of in the campfire.  Some, more expensive sets (think $100-$150), are stainless steel and will stand up to more intensive use and last longer.  These camp cook sets are light weight and designed to take up as little room as possible, a real advantage when space is limited.  Having sufficient space in our RV, we like to carry some cast iron cookware along with our camp cook set so we can sometimes take advantage of cooking directly on the campfire.   Some camp cook sets even include several (usually 4) place settings so you have cook ware and dinner ware all in one package.  And it is designed to all fit together in one pot for easy transport and storage.

Dutch ovens and other cast iron cook ware are good choices for functionality and durability.   You won't want to haul them around when you're hiking or backpacking unless you want to turn your hike into a high stress upper body workout, but they are excellent options for RVs and base camps.   I like to think of dutch ovens as pioneer crock pots.  You can simmer a meal for hours and have a full meal in one pan.  Line them with aluminum foil to make clean up faster and easier.   Cast iron skillets and griddles are ideal for cooking directly on the campfire.  Remember you need to season cast iron before using it or after any aggressive cleaning or washing with detergents.   Avoid cleaning cast iron with soap and detergents.  Just rinse them out with hot water and wipe them clean.  One of the best cleaners for cast iron is a wad of old newspaper.   A final wipe with paper towels will ensure you can be confident it is clean.  Cast iron griddles and grills are great for pancakes, bacon and eggs, chicken, hamburgers and steaks.

Cooking utensils.  You'll need many of the same cooking utensils at camp that you use at home.   For camp you may want larger or sturdier versions, especially if you plan to cook over an open campfire. Wooden spoons and stainless steel utensils are durable.   Extra long handles are usually helpful. Plastic and other synthetic options are acceptable, but are less durable than steel.   I also like speckleware or graniteware spoons and ladles. T hey have a kind of nostalgic appearance I find matches the camping ambiance well.  They're also pretty easy to clean and they aren't likely to get mixed up with any home items you might have brought along.  You may even find they make interesting conversation pieces, especially if they have any family history.  Even if the ones you have weren't passed down, they may be LIKE ones your grandparents used to use and that can provide both pleasant memories for you and interesting anecdotes for your companions.  Restaurant size and quality utensils are a good choice, but an be kind of pricey if you get them at a restaurant supply store.   They are usually extra large (which comes in really handy when cooking over a campfire) and durable.   They don't have to be expensive. I've seen some pretty nice looking stainless steel pieces a my local dollar store.   I keep a set in my RV and a second set in my tent camping totes.  My wife liked some of my camping utensils so well that she snagged them for the kitchen and I had to look for replacements.

What do you really need?   Ultimately what you need is determined by what you plan to cook, what you'll be cooking on, and what you like to cook with. If all you ever intend to cook are hot dogs, you can get by with a couple of wire coat hangers.   I like to keep a variety of pots and pans in my motorhome or camper and in my tent camping totes.  Your basic cook set should include at least one frying pan and one pot.  For greater convenience you'll probably want a couple of different sized frying pans and at least a couple of different sized pots.   Those with metal or other heat resistance handles will withstand fire, but the handles will get hot so plan on using heavy gloves, pot holders or a wooden or metal pot lifter to move them about.  A coffee pot is handy, even if you don't drink coffee.   It is a good way to heat water for other hot beverages and for cleaning and medical use. You'll need some mixing and serving utensils.   I like to bring along a couple of big spoons, at least one large meat fork, a couple of spatulas, and at least one ladle.  You'll also need basic cutlery -- a paring knife and a medium sized butcher knife are probably sufficient for most needs but if you have room for a more complete set it may make some chores easier (like a bread knife for slicing bread).   If you go for a complete set of cutlery, plan to store it in a wooden block to keep things organized and protect the sharp edges -- and protect your fingers from the sharp edges!  You want them to stay sharp yet not be where you're going to get cut on them.  Having them loose in a drawer or tub contributes to both dulling the edges and accidental injuries.  In your RV you may want to secure the storage block to a counter top or inside a cabinet for additional safety.  I use small bungee cords or velcro to anchor the block in my RV.  You can glue the block inside your tent camping tub.   Clever idea I recently saw in the "Quick Tips" section of motorhome magazine (submitted by a subscriber) was to make a vertical storage block about 1" thick that attached to the inside wall of the pantry.  It kept all the knives safe and handy and when the door was closed, they were secured safely for travel and used hardly any space.

If you like to cook and plan any special meals you will probably want to include other favorite kitchen tools.   You will want to be somewhat choosy so you don't weigh down your camp kit or your RV or camp totes with unnecessary items, but feel free to include whatever makes your food preparation easier or more fun.  What is an unnecessary toy to one person may be essential to you. You can get by peeling vegetables with a paring knife but you may find it is faster and easier with a peeler.  You can chop nuts and veggies with a knife, but a chopper is faster and easier -- and more fun to use.  Whether you bring along the specialty tools depends on how much room you have, how often you use them, and how much you enjoy using them.  You might need an angel food cake pan for special occasions, but it probably isn't necessary for your basic cook kit.  A small square cake pan takes up little room and can be used for a variety of purposes.

Military surplus stores are often a good place to purchase camp cookware.  Your choices may range from individual mess kits to super-sized army mess hall pots and pans.  For individual and family camping you probably won't have a need for a huge stock pot, but if you're planning a family reunion or any other large get-together one or more might come in handy.  You will usually find an assortment of cast iron cookware at military surplus stores.   Military cookware is designed to be rugged and portable, both desirable characteristics for camp use.  Of course you can buy camp cookware at camping and outdoor stores and department stores like Walmart, K-mart, and Target. And, as mentioned above, thrift stores are often a good place to find cookware you can adapt to camping without spending a lot of money.

Emergency/survival cookware.   If you get stranded in camp you'll have your camp cookware in an emergency situation, but if you have problems out on the trail, you'll have to improvise.  Obviously, primitive people survived without modern cookware, so how did they do it?  Many types of food can be cooked on a stick over a campfire.   But what if you need some hot water and don't have a pot to heat it in?  If you have an OHV, you might be able to scavenge a headlight can to use for a cooking pot.  Lacking any kind of suitable metal object, form a rough bowl out of clay or mud.   Fill it with water, and drop hot rocks into it until the water reaches the desired temperature.  Some foods can be cooked on hot rocks.  Place smooth, flat, non-porous rocks into the coals of your campfire.  Why non-porous?  Porous rocks absorb water and could explode when heated!   When they're hot enough that water sizzles when dropped on them, brush off the coals and place your food on the rocks to cook.  This works pretty well for things like eggs and breads or even meat and fish.  Some foods can be wrapped in large leaves for direct campfire cooking. Y ou can carve your own eating utensils from wooden sticks to make knives, forks, and spoons.  This may take some practice, so don't expect your first attempt to yield restaurant quality items.  Even crude utensils will beat using your fingers.   But in a survival situation, etiquette is not your priority -- "fingers were made before forks" is more than just a clever excuse for eating with your fingers.  In an emergency situation, it becomes a rule of survival.  A sharpened stick may suffice for many foods.  So, why would you even want to carve eating utensils?  For one thing, it gives you something productive to do, helping to take your mind off your troubles and improve your attitude.  Adding some level of productivity and normalcy can also make life easier and more comfortable, helping to avoid panic.  In many survival situations, water is scarce so you may not have many options for cleaning your hands before or after eating.   Having functional utensils avoids contaminating your food and helps keep your hands cleaner.  Hey, even a sharp stick or a pair of sticks used like chopsticks is better than nothing.  If you do find yourself in a survival situation, take stock of your resources and use them to best advantage.  Survey your surroundings and look for natural resources or discarded materials that you may be able to use. Things that you would normally consider trash might become treasures.   An old tin can might be used for a cook pot . Plastic trash bags could become water bags or rain ponchos or part of the roof of your shelter.   Be creative!

Happy cooking!