Candle/Flower Pot Heater

Someone emailed me a description of a candle/flower pot heater.  The article claimed it could heat a small room (like an RV or a tent) for 15 cents a day.  Right!  If it did, wouldn't everyone be doing it?  This seems to be a pretty popular myth on the Internet so you will probably see it quite often.

The idea is that nested clay flower pots placed over the candle (or candles) act as a radiator to capture and distribute the heat of the candle(s).  That may, in fact, work to some extent -- that is, it will capture and hold the heat and you may feel it more if you are close to it than you would just being the same distance from an open candle flame.  However, the idea of heating a small room with a candle is ludicrous.  It is simply impossible.  A candle only puts out from 30 to 77 watts of heat.  It would take a lot of candles to match the output of a typical 1500 Watt electric heater, which, if used 10 hours a day would cost less than $1.50 per day with electricity going for less than $.10/kwhr.   Hey, the human body puts out about the same heat as a 100 watt light bulb so just sitting in your RV or tent will probably warm it up more than a candle/flower pot setup!  Stacking a bunch of flower pots on top of some candles will not multiple the heat.  In fact the pots may capture and store heat you could otherwise be enjoying.  Remember your basic physics:  energy cannot be created or destroyed (First Law of Thermodynamics) although it can be lost, as in losing heat through cracks or un-insulated windows.

So why is this in a blog on RVs and OHVs?   Well, one of the videos I found online showed a guy testing a flower pot heater in a motorhome.  He had closed off the main salon so he was only trying to heat an area of about 8' x 15'.  He tried using one large candle, using 4 tealights, and even using the burner on the stove to  heat the flower pot.  In one documented test, the measured temperature inside the motorhome started out at 68° when he lit the heater.  A little more than two hours later it was 64°.  What happened was the sun went behind the clouds so he lost any solar heating that might have been warming the interior to 68° and clearly the candle wasn't contributing much, if anything, to keeping it warm.  The flower pot did get warm to the touch, which could be useful if your hands were cold, but I'd rather wrap them around a cup of my favorite hot beverage.   Also, using any kind of combustion for heat in an enclosed space is a recipe for disaster.  In addition to the risk of starting a fire, even catalytic heaters that claim not to produce toxic fumes will still consume oxygen.  You must ALWAYS provide adequate ventilation to avoid suffocation when using anything with a flame!

Too bad it doesn't work.  It would sure be nice to have a simple, inexpensive, auxiliary heat source for our RVs.  If you really need to supplement your RV furnace, try using an electric heater or a propane powered catalytic heater.  Hey, even your trusty Coleman lantern will do a better job of warming up your RV than a candle/flower pot set up!  That's all one of my friends ever used to heat his Class B van conversion.   If you have shore power or are willing and able to run your generator, the electric heater option is clean and easy to use.  Portable catalytic heaters are also simple, but you must keep a couple of windows slightly open to provide sufficient ventilation so you won't suffocate.  Even heaters that are designed for indoor use and purport to not give off any toxic fumes WILL consume oxygen and without adequate ventilation you will die!  Be sure to keep a window or two open an inch or so whenever using propane heaters or gas lanterns in your RV.

We can put candle heaters in the same category as Mountain Dew light sticks -- a cute idea that doesn't work!  You'll find articles on the Internet that promote both of these ideas and even Youtube videos to show how to do it, but you will also find plenty of articles that debunk them.

Remember:  If it sounds to good to be true, it is usually false!

Don't get taken in!

Wet Wipes for Camping, OHVing, RVing, and Boating

We're always looking for more convenient ways to improve our camping  and outdoor recreational experiences.  We all like tools and appliances that are lighter weight , take up less space, sturdier, and/or easier to use.  We like tents that are easy to set up.  Of course, camping in an RV is all about convenience.  Boats with comfortable cabins too.  Tent campers enjoy bigger, better equipment too.  But there are little things that can boost convenience too.  They don't have to be grandiose or expensive.  Wet wipes are one of those things.  They are small, light, inexpensive, and can conveniently handle a myriad of tasks around camp and on the trail.

Wet wipes have long provided added convenience for the messy task of changing baby diapers.  They can also be very useful when camping and other outdoor recreational activities.  There are many different types of specialty wipes on the market today, ranging from hand sanitizers to tire shine.  There are general purpose cleaning wipes that find many uses at home and around camp.  But to get the most out of wet wipes, check out the ones designed for specific needs you may have in your RV or while camping.  Wet wipes often take up less space and are more convenient to use than liquid or aerosol cleaners -- and they don't spill.  Sometimes you can even tuck them in your pocket or pack for use out on the trail.  If they come in individual sealed packages like the ones at restaurants, keep them sealed until you need to use them.  If not in individual packages you might be able to seal them in a Ziploc type plastic bag so they stay moist --at least for a while.  Wet wipes in Ziploc style bags WILL dry out eventually so be sure to check them before each outing to make sure they are still viable.

Here are some of the types of wet wipes I've seen that may be helpful:

    * General purpose wipes
    * Heavy duty wipes
    * Antiseptic wipes
    * Disinfectant wipes
    * Baby wipes
    * Glass wipes
    * Furniture wipes
    * Leather wipes
    * Tire wipes
    * Stainless steel wipes
    * Counter top wipes
    * Hand sanitizer wipes
    * Mechanic's degreaser wipes
    * Car wash wipes

While general purpose wipes can handle a myriad of tasks around camp, there are some places special purpose versions will definitely shine.  Baby wipes are especially gentle for cleaning sensitive body parts on baby's of all ages.  Glass cleaners won't leave residue and streaks on mirrors and windows.  I don't find the little towelettes very good for cleaning big vehicle windshields but they're perfect for touching up rear view and shaving mirrors.  You will want to use leather wipes on your leather upholstery and to clean your shoes, belts, and saddles.  They are formulated so they don't dry out the leather but do have additives to help keep leather supple and add to the shine.  Tires wipes are quick and easy way to add shine and protection to clean tires and rubber trim.  Stainless steel wipes are perfect for the comparatively small sinks and stoves in RVs and take up a lot less room than a big can of aerosol stainless steel cleaner.  Hand sanitizing wipes are a convenient way to protect yourself from dirt and germs at picnics and when you stop for meals on the trail.  You might even tuck a couple of mechanic's degreaser wipes into your tool kit or fanny pack on OHV trips.  The whole packet will probably be too big but for each trip you could put a couple in a Zip-loc type plastic snack bag.  They might not be as a effective as Goop cleaner and warm soap and water but they will get off a lot of the gunk that would otherwise remain on your fingers and end up inside your expensive riding gloves.  Don't count on them staying wet for more than about one ride, even in a plastic bag.  If  you tuck them in your tool kit and forget about them for several weeks they'll most likely be all dried and nearly useless when you need them.  Restock for each outing.  Antiseptic wipes are perfect for cleaning around small wounds before applying a Bandaid and cleaning your hands before eating out on the trail.  Bandaids stick better to clean skin and clean wounds heal faster and better.  Disinfectant wipes have become more readily available because of the COVID-19 crisis.  We even use them to disinfect equipment after a fire department call.

As an added benefit of wipes over aerosol cans, wet wipes won't explode in a fire.   Aerosol cans can explode if they get tossed into the campfire or if, God forbid!, your RV or tent catches fire!  And, of course, they don't dump chemicals or cleaning agents all over the place like liquids do if they get tipped over, a definite advantage when negotiating rough roads.

One word of caution:  don't put wet wipes, even so-called flushable wipes, in you RV toilet or Porta-potty.  For that matter, don't put them in pit toilets either.  They won't break down fast enough or well enough for complete flushing of the tanks when dumping and can grab and hold onto other unpleasant solids you'd rather have flushed out.  They are likely to stick to the sensors in holding tanks and screw up the readings.  Over time they could even clog the plumbing.   Avoid putting them in pit toilets.  They don't disintegrate very well and cause problems with pumping.  Put them in your regular trash or incinerate them in your campfire.  Hang on to some of those nasty plastic grocery bags to wrap your used wet wipes in before putting them in the trash to avoid contamination and unpleasant odors.

Most wet wipes come in some kind of resealable container.  Be sure to close all plastic lids completely.  The pop-up feature is handy, but it often leaves enough of the next towelette sticking out to get in the way of proper sealing or to allow the moisture to wick out.  When that happens, they will dry out and become about as useful as a dry napkin.  Flat packets often have a resealable flap.  I've found that if I store them with the flap down so the packet is resting on the flap it helps prevent the contents from drying out as quickly.  The weight of the remaining product helps keep the flap closed tightly and gravity brings moisture to the bottom so the next wipe is plenty moist.  If you store them with the flap up you'll probably find them pretty dried out in just a day or two, even with the flap closed.  For those with Ziploc type seals on the end of the package about all you can do is make sure it is completely sealed.    Some have supposedly reusable self-sealing flaps.  Yeah, right!  They may keep the flap closed but they are not air tight and things dry out pretty quickly once they have been opened.  Storing all wipes after they a been opened in a sealed plastic container or an additional Ziploc style bag my help extend their usable lifetime.

Antiseptic wipes usually come in individual packets for single use applications.  The nurse in your doctor's office probably uses one to clean your skin before giving you a shot or taking a blood sample.  It would be a good idea to have a supply of these in your camp first aid kit and carry a few in your personal pocket first aid kit whenever you are out and about.  You should be able to purchase them at any pharmacy.  They are usually alcohol wipes so be prepared for it to sting a little if you use them on or near an open wound.

You may also encounter single use wet wipes at restaurants who serve "finger food".  They are helpful both for pre-cleaning your hands before eating and getting rid of the sticky residue afterwards. If you have some left over don't toss them, tuck them in your pack or pocket for use on the trail.

Degreaser wipes can be really helpful when you have to do maintenance on an OHV out on the trail.   However, even general purpose or heavy duty wipes will help a lot if you don't have any degreaser wipes to take along.  Wet wipes take up very little room in your tool kit, pack, or pocket and can be a real blessing when you get your hands dirty out on the trail or just want clean hands for that mid-ride snack.  Tuck them in a ziplock bag to keep them from drying out before you need to use them.

Unless they have been contaminated by biological or infection waste, wet wipes can usually be disposed of as any other common trash:  put it your trash receptacle or burn in your camp fire.  DO NOT put them in RV or marine toilets or porta-pottis!  If they have been contaminated they should be isolated from other trash and properly disposed of.  Soiled baby wipes are probably OK to put in the trash although you might want to seal them in separate plastic bags to prevent odor problems, especially in camp or on your boat.  Wet wipes contaminated with infections waste should be isolated and properly disposed of as medical waste.

Don't wipe out; wipe up!

Winter Dirt Biking

 Most winter dirt biking is done from an arm chair in front of a cozy fire!  But a few brave souls have been known to venture out onto snowy trails on their dirt bikes -- some by accident, and some on purpose!

Dirt bike riding isn't nearly as popular in the winter as it is in the summer.   When we lived in sunny southern California, winter outings weren't usually too bad.  We did encounter snow on a couple of occasions, but mostly we didn't have to deal with temperatures much below about 40° F.  However, even 40° is cold enough to make one begin to question the sanity of being out on dirt bike.  The wind chill can be brutal.   And I've never found riding anything with only two wheels much fun in snow! Those two narrow tires are pretty skittish.  I've even seen guys try riding with sand paddle tires to improve traction in snow.  Steel studded tires are probably a better bet for traction unless you're doing a lot of riding in deep powder.

As with any other cold weather activity, the key to staying comfortable is dressing right.  Dressing in layers is definitely the right (or only) way to go.  Start out with some good thermal underwear and warm socks.  I always wear two pair of socks in my motorcycle boots winter and summer.  A pair of light weight dress socks avoids blisters and the thicker cushioned motocross socks absorb impacts and help keep my feet warm in winter and wick away perspiration in summer.  Make sure your boots aren't too tight.  Tight boots will restrict blood flow and your feet will freeze!  For most of our California riding, ordinary riding pants over thermals were pretty adequate but regular jerseys were too cool even under our Enduro jackets.  If you expect really cold temperatures you might double up the thermals or wear some sweat pants under your riding pants.  You could wear a sweater or sweatshirt as an extra layer under your jersey but we found that "Windchill" jerseys did the job without the extra bulk and restriction of movement of added garments.  Together with either glove liners or Windchill gloves, an Enduro jacket, and a nylon face mask were pretty much all that was needed.  It if got really cold, a warmer motorcycle coat did the job.

Snowsuits, like the ones you wore as a kid or like the ones worn by snowmobilers will keep you warm in pretty cold weather, but I've found it more comfortable and convenient so simply dress in layers.  I like the extra flexibility that dirt bike gear gives.  Dirt bike gear (pants and Enduro jackets) are usually made of much tougher fabric than snowsuits yet aren't quite as bulky and hard to move around in.

Glove liners often cost almost as much as the gloves themselves.  We found we could use fairly inexpensive (knit gloves) under our normal riding gloves and they kept our hands pretty warm.  Sometimes even got them two pair for $1.00 at our local dollar store.  Often they were kiddie colors (like pink or baby blue!) so they weren't the most macho of solutions.  But no one can see  them inside your gloves anyway!  Windchill gloves were usually quite comfortable without any additional liners at a little more than the price of regular riding gloves.  Bulky winter work ("polar") gloves were very warm but are too clumsy for handling the controls and ski gloves,which are warm and flexible, don't  provide enough protection against brush or falls.  If your hands are still cold you might try glove liners under windchill gloves.  Or get some "Hot Hands" chemical hand warmers.   You can use similar chemical warmers inside your boots to keep your feet warmer too. They even make pads large enough to warm you back or your tummy.  They are usually designed to last 8-10 hours.  When using hand warmers in dirt bike gloves you might put them on the back of your hand rather than the palm to avoid restricting your ability to grip the controls.

Road bikes and snowmobiles may have electrically heated hand guards and gauntlets that might be adapted to dirt bikes, but the extra wiring might be prone to get caught on bushes and the magneto on dirt bikes may not be able to supply enough power for the heating elements.  I've tried electrically (battery powered) heated socks but didn't find the performance worth the extra bulk of the batteries.  Good wool socks over a pair of dress socks as described above seemed to work just as well to keep my feet warm.

You should feel just a little cool when you're ready to ride, not cold but just a little cool.  If you're already warm the way you're dressed, you're going to get TOO warm once you start riding.  Although bipping along at a stiff pace will add a bit of wind chill, your physical exertion is going to warm you up to the point where you'll need to stop and start unzipping and stripping off layers before you get soaked in sweat if you are dressed TOO warm to start with.  If you start out warm and cozy you will get too warm and start to sweat once you get going, even with the wind chill.  

Dirt bikes aren't very stable in the snow.   I've seen some guys use studded tires to improve traction.  That works pretty well on ice or packed now but isn't much help in deep powder snow.  Sometimes running a lower than usual tire pressure will improve traction a little bit.  But, basically dirt bikes are made to ride in the dirt, not the snow.  ATVs and side-by-sides, with their softer, fatter tires and 4WD are a lot better adapted for getting around in the snow.  And, of course, snowmobiles are a blast!  Their configuration, with skis for steering and a track for traction, is ideal for the snow.  I've seen track kits that can be added to side-by-sides, ATVs, and even dirt bikes to improve winter traction, but they 're very pricey.  

I have even seen snow-bike kits for dirt bikes.  They replace the front wheel with a ski and the rear wheel with a track, making them a lot like snowmobiles.  I expect they would be a lot of fun in the snow and certainly have more traction than even the best tires.

When you get back to camp, get out of your cold and possibly damp clothing as soon as you can and swap it for something warm and dry.  I keep an old pair of puffy snow boots I call my desert slippers to change into to quickly warm cold feet and keep the chill off.  A steaming cup of your favorite hot beverage next to a blazing fire will also be a pleasant way to chase off any remaining chill.  Or get inside  a warm tent or RV.  If you're short on dry clothes, strip off the wet ones and wrap up in a blanket or sleeping bag until you clothing dries.  Sitting around in wet clothes is a sure recipe for hypothermia!  You lose heat 25 times as fast through wet clothes.

If your choose not to venture out into the snow with your dirt bike you might do your dirt biking on Youtube for a while.  There are a lot of good of good videos of dirt biking, Enduros, motocross, and hill climbs that can feed your dirt biking hunger.  I have to admit that watching them sometimes gives me ideas but at least as often I find myself thinking "I have no desire to try THAT!"

Stay warm!

Camping Supplies from Dollar Tree

Dollar Tree  (and other dollar stores) probably doesn't pop right up when you think of camping stores.   True, you won't find tents or sleeping bags or stoves or lanterns at Dollar Tree, but you will find lots of supplies that can support your camping activities.  I take that back.  I did find some little solar powered lanterns at Dollar Tree one time but they aren't always available.  They often have solar pathway lights that can be easily adapted for many camping uses.

I am a strong proponent of looking for camping and RV/OHV supplies everywhere I go.  I have found bargains at drug stores, farm and ranch stores, travel centers, and grocery stores as well as at RV, OHV, camping, and outdoor outlets.  You can often find things you can use for camping in your own basement, attic, or garage.  One kind of surprising place I've found is my local dollar store.  The solvent resistance foam tiles on the work bench in my enclosed motorcycle trailer are kids animal puzzle tiles from the 99 Cents Store in California.  I was teased a lot when my riding buddies first saw them (pastel colors with cute animal cutouts), but they sure changed their tune when they saw how well they worked!  Not only do they provide a cushioned, non-slip working surface, they are surprisingly easy to clean.  I was delighted to discover that brake cleaner would remove oil and grease stains easily and completely without harming the tiles.  The first time I tried it I fully expected it to melt the tiles and I would have to replace them but they cleaned up like new, with no degradation at all!  So far they have served me well for decades!

Some people are skeptical about the quality of products at dollar stores.   But many times they sell name brand products.  Sometimes they may purchase overstock or discontinued items but sometimes they simply have enough buying power to offer brand names at significantly reduced prices.   Sometimes they might be reduced sizes.   If  you have any concerns about quality, you can always give it a try and make up your own mind without investing a lot of your hard  earned cash!  Even smaller sizes might give you a good chance to try out some products without breaking the budget.  Cleaning supplies, sundries, and even OTC medicines are usually a good value and acceptable quality.  Some folks are a little skeptical of cheap tools, but I have found them adequate and quite useful for light duty use around camp, and not too costly to replace if they are lost, stolen, or damaged.  At only a dollar each, they pay for themselves with just a single use!

We get most of our cleaning supplies, toiletries, sundries and OTC medications from Dollar Tree along with flashlights, batteries, and many kitchen utensils.  Paper goods, plastic utensils, etc are also readily available.  The cheap single ply toilet paper is a pretty good substitute for the more expensive RV tissue and a lot more compatible with holding tanks than the fancy quilted brands favored for residential use.  To be sure it will break down satisfactorily in holding tanks drop a few sheets in a jar of water for a while and shake it.  See how it is done on this RV toilet paper test.   It should quickly dissolve.  If it doesn't, don't use it in your RV toilet or porta-potty.

I've mentioned Dollar Tree and other dollar stores in several places in this blog.  Not long ago I found a camping article on Pinterest that also entreated readers to shop Dollar Tree for camping supplies and things to keep kids occupied in camp and on the road.  There were a few negative comments in response to her presentation that I thought were unwarranted or at least unjustified or uninformed.  As with anything you buy, you should make your own decisions and buy what works for you.  Like me, the original writer touted the advantages of dollar store flashlights and batteries.  At least one reader flat out rejected her advice.  He argued that sturdier flashlights lasted longer.  I stand by my original recommendation of using dollar store flashlights and batteries, especially for kids and loaners.  Like the critical reader, I like to have a couple of high quality Maglites for my own use.  They are indeed sturdy and will last  long time but I have found it particularly advantageous to use inexpensive and easily replaceable flashlights for kids and as loaners.   Those light weight plastic flashlights may not be as durable as nicer ones but, hey, I'm not out serious $$ if they are damaged or don't come back.  I was really ticked when one of my kids "borrowed" my brand new blue anodized Maglite for cave exploring and brought it back looking like it had been through a rock avalanche.  The good news?  It still worked just fine.  It just wasn't very pretty any more.  No doubt a cheap plastic flashlight would have been left in pieces in the cave. But at least I wouldn't have been out much!  Ever loan out a tool or piece of gear and have the borrower forget to return it?  If  you're like me it has happened more times than you would like, but I still like to be a good neighbor and help out my fellow campers when I can.  Having a few inexpensive flashlights and tools to loan out or for kids and grand kids allows me to do that without concerns or regrets.

Many of the cleaning products at dollar stores are brand names so often there is no question about quality.  However, don't reject their own house brands or off brands.  My wife and I have found than many of the "Awesome" branded products at Dollar Tree are excellent quality and match or even sometimes exceed the performance of similar brand names.  In addition to liquid and aerosol cleaners you can often find a variety of wet wipes.  I've found leather wipes, tire wipes, stainless steel wipes, furniture wipes, glass wipes, and mechanic's degreaser wipes in addition to traditional baby wipes and general purpose wipes.  They seem to come and go so I advise stocking up on what you want/need when you see them. They will last a fairly long time as long as the original package isn't opened.  Once the  package has been opened, always store it with opening down and put it in a Zip-loc bag between trips so it doesn't try out.  Standard detergents and cleaning products are usually kept well stocked so you can usually get those just about anytime.  By the way, aerosols are less likely to spill than liquid cleaners but if you're deeply concerned about their affect on the atmosphere, use manual spray products, or where feasible, wet wipes.  When I think about the overall effect of spills, I tend to favor aerosols rather than have to deal with the damage and potential air pollution from spilled liquids. 

OTC medications are another category I find Dollar Tree to be a good source for.  It enables me to easily and inexpensively stock my medicine cabinet with a variety of choices so all member of my family or group can chose their favorite pain relievers, etc.  Aspirin doesn't work for every one so I carry acetaminophen and Ibuprofen too. Nice not to have to shell out big bucks for each bottle.  Another good thing to have when camping is a supply of allergy medicine as we often encounter pollen and other substances that we normally aren't exposed to and which can cause unexpected allergic reactions.  Cough drops are useful if anyone gets a cold during an outing.  I like to stock up on multiple flavors to appeal to differing preferences in my family.  Antacids, like Tums, are good for the upset stomachs that often accompany too much picnicing.   Diet and meal patterns are often different than at home, so an anti-diarrheal medicine is a good thing to have around.  Since stuff in our RVs and camp kits often sit around a long time before being used it is also nice not have a large investment in disposable items that may have to be thrown away before you use them up.  Because RVs don't always get used regularly medicines often have to be replaced periodically without being used up.  Fortunately, most medicines are good long after their official expiration dates, but if you have any concerns, it is inexpensive to replace them at Dollar Tree and maintain peace of mind.  I have found surprising number of different types and sizes of bandages and medical tape.  And I keep a tube or two of Superglue in every one of my first aid kits.  Superglue is almost the same thing as pharmaceutical grade "Dermabond", but a lot cheaper, especially when you get it at Dollar Tree.  In use it may sting a bit more than real Dermabond, but it will essentially work just as well at holding small wounds together.  And it bonds instantly to skin.  I've heard it will sting a bit more than Dermabond, but since I've never used Dermabond I can only attest to the very satisfactory performance of Superglue.  I find the little "single use" tubes particularly good for first aid.  I once got a bone-deep cut on one of m little fingers when it got caught between a trailer hitch and a bumper.  We washed it out with alcohol and stuck it together with Superglue.  In a few days it had healed and barely left any scar.   That was several years ago and today there is no trace of the injury left at all.  You will often find pocket sized first aid kits at your dollar store.  I like to stock up on these so that everyone in my family always has a basic first aid kit in their pack or pocket and I can share them with guests.  You aren't going to handle major injuries with a little pocket first aid kit but they are perfect for the many smaller tasks that often pop up during outdoor activities.  Things like slivers, little cuts, blisters, insect bites and small burns are all too common when camping.  Since we seldom get to do as much camping as we would like to do, it is nice to have an inexpensive source for restocking expired provisions.

You can  usually find an assortment of bandaids and other bandages at Dollar Tree.   This is a very inexpensive way to restock or supplement your first aid kit.   They often  have individual pocket-sized first aid kits that are really handy for outdoor activities.  If you have small children or grandchildren some of the cutesy cartoon characters, camofluage,  or Star Wars bandaids are always a hit.  I once even found some antibacterical bandaids which were treated with silver nitrate at Dollar Tree.  I stock up on individual first aid kits quite regularly and make sure everyone in my family has an up-to-date one in their fanny pack tool kit on their dirt bikes.

I often find bandanas at Dollar Tree.  There are easily dozens of uses for a bandana when camping, ranging from fashion to first aid.  You can review some of them on my bandana post.

Kitchen utensils are another group of things that I have found frequently suffer from abuse or loss during camping trips.  Items from a dollar store may not be restaurant quality but I find they usually at least match things I buy at grocery and department stores and, once again, the low cost makes them cheap and easy to replace when they get ruined or go missing while camping.  The low cost also means it is economical to bring along duplicates if you have room.  We've found it is often very nice to have extra spatula or serving spoon.   The plastic or wooden handles on cheap utensils are easily damaged in a campfire but  I've even found sturdy all stainless steel items that are perfect for camping.  My wife liked my camping ladle so well she commandeered it for the kitchen at home and I had to look for another one.  Light weight pots and pans sometimes show up at Dollar Tree and they would be OK for your RV or camp stove but I wouldn't want to use them on a campfire.  The kitchen section is also a good source for dish towels and hot pads.  BTW, I've found the concentrated version of dish soap to be perfect for camping.  The smaller size takes up less room in camping tubs or RV cabinets and the concentrated form seems to work better.

There are usually a good selection of toiletries and sundries, which allows me to stock up for camping and have enough for my whole group and to share with fellow campers should the opportunity arise.  The only downside is that with the cost so low it is easy to OVER buy for my family, but at least everyone has the products they like to use.  I encourage using things like combination shampoo/conditioner to minimize RV bathroom clutter.  Or go even one better, and get the 3-in-1 shampoo/conditioner/body wash.  Not only do these combo products save space in your RV or camp kit, they help you conserve water since you don't have to separately rinse out shampoo and conditioner.

Dollar stores usually have a fairly large selection of beauty products -- combs, brushes, nail clippers, nail files, chapstick, etc. making it very inexpensive to stock up on what you and your family might need in your RV or camp kit.  Sure, you can just bring your shaving kit or toiletries bag from  home, but having everything stocked for your outings make it more convenient and you are less likely to forget something you need before the outing is over.  Sometimes these items might not be quite the quality of department store or brand name items, but they usually more than adequate for camping outings, giving you many options without risking the more expensive ones you use at home.

The "Soft Lines" section often includes socks, knit gloves, knit caps, t-shirts, and other expendable items you might use on camping trips.   Once again, these are especially handy to have for kids and as loaners.  I  found the little, stretchy knit gloves worked well for glove liners for my dirt bike gloves on cold days, and they are a whole lot cheaper than commercial glove liners.  Who cares if they're Playboy pink or baby blue!  Cheap T-shirts are always handy for work shirts.  I even found some with pockets which makes them especially useful!  Ball caps are handy to keep the sun out of your eyes on outings and for just a buck each you aren't out much if you lose one.

The hardware selection usually includes a few small hand tools and car care products.  The tools may not be professional quality, but are often quite adequate for the light use they will get when camping and the low price makes them very affordable.  And, should they break or get lost, you're not out a lot of money.  Low price also lets you get as may as you need to have them at all the places you will need them.  Convenience is valuable when camping.  And, when I lend out tools from Dollar Tree I don't have to worry if they don't come back.

Inexpensive toys for camping can be a real boon to young families.  It is also gives grandparents a way to stock up on things to entertain their grand kids during an outing or a visit.  Things like sidewalk chalk and squirt guns appeal to kids of all ages.  Same with glow sticks, necklaces, and bracelets, which are fun for after dark activities.  Even adults enjoy cooling down on a summer afternoon with a "Supersoaker" squirt gun fight.  And the dollar store lets you arm your whole army without a big price tag and the low cost pretty much eliminates worry over them getting lost or damaged, which are both frequent occurrences with any group of active youngsters.  The variety of crayons, colored pencils, and colored markers along with coloring books and pads of various sizes can provide hours of entertainment for the budding artists in your group.  You can usually find a variety of simple games as well as other basic toys to keep the little ones busy.   A bunch of  art supplies and indoor games are especially nice to have  for kids of all ages on rainy days in camp.

Flashlights and batteries are always good to have in camp.  While I do enjoy using my sturdy aircraft aluminum Maglite, inexpensive plastic flashlights and LED lights from the Dollar Tree are really nice to have on hand for children and as loaners.  The low cost batteries may not last as long as higher priced brand names but since they spend so much time in storage in RVs and camping kits it is good not to tie up a lot of money and have them go bad and the low price lets me have an adequate supply of replacements for every application for each and every trip.  I've used small Dollar Tree LED flashlights in my tool kit on my dirt bike we great success.  They are sturdy aluminum construction, are light weight, and have endured 100s of miles of bumpy trails in my dirt bike tool kit.  The low cost allows me to stash little flashlights wherever they might be needed for added convenience in my RV, camper, tool box, motorcycle trailer, back pack, and fanny pack.  The batteries from dollar stores might not be the highest quality or longest lasting, but I've found the low price makes it possible to maintain a good back stock of batteries in my RV, boat, and camping kits without investing a lot of money.  I was really happy when I discovered some small solar lanterns at Dollar Tree.  Just wish they had them all the time.  Next time I find them I will definitely stock up!

Some people (including you and me) might be kind of choosy about tools and hardware, but low cost might allow you to supplement your tool box and spare parts with little investment and you don't have to worry about losing your good stuff.  I frequently find little items, like razor knives (3 for $1.00), that are handy to have in my camp kit and my tool box at home.  I would not be likely to pay normal retail for them for such occasional use, but being able to have them at a reasonable price often makes many tasks around camp easier and more fun.  It also allows me to duplicate some hand tools so I can them where I frequently use them instead of having to always go back to my tool box when I need something.    An extra screwdriver and/or pair of pliers tucked into a pocket or pack can be very handy.  And they don't have to be heavy duty, professional quality, precision items for occasional light use around camp or on the trail.  I've even picked up rolls of wire that is perfect for wiring hand grips on OHVs, sometimes getting 3 rolls of different colored wire for $1.00!   Nice to have options if you're sensitive to color coordinating things on your ride.   BTW, you'll find that a pair of specialized wire-tie or "safety wire" pliers will make that task pretty easy and kind of fun, but you probably won't find them at your dollar store.  Try your favorite OHV or auto supply store.  They can be a bit pricey.  I've seen them from $30 to $385!  One of the best deals I found was two pair (6" and 9") plus some wire on ebay for $31.99.  Wire tie pliers have a locking mechanism to hold the wire secure while twisting it with a special built in spinner as you pull on the pliers.   It will pull the wires nice and tight and lock them securely in place with a very tight, neat twist.  But go easy.  It is way to easy too twist the wires off and then you have to start over.  You might want to practice a few times before relying on the technique to secure the new handgrips on your OHV.

Solar walkway lights from Dollar Tree can often be adapted for use as tent and campground lights.  Remove the ground stake and add a hanger to use it as a tent light or stick the ground stake into a can or jar partially filled with rice, beans, or pebbles or into an inverted flower pot to use it on your picnic table. Solar lights are also useful for illuminating tent pegs and poles so you can avoid tripping over them at night.  A solar walkway light on either side of your RV step makes it easy to find in the dark.  LED "tap" lights are an easy way to add lights to cabinets and closets or under the hood for checking your oil.  I've also seen them installed inside the lids of mason jars to turn them into little table-top lanterns.  Sometimes you can get some that were designed for kids that are very colorful and shaped like various animals.  They make good individual tent lights or bunk lights in an RV.  They provide sufficient illumination for individual needs without impinging too much on fellow campers and being battery powered they won't run down your RV or vehicle batteries,  especially useful around kids who often "forget" to turn off lights.  I have even found small LED tent lanterns at Dollar Tree a few times.

Having access to inexpensive products provides an opportunity to experiment with different things to find out what works best for you and what you like best.  Sometimes you will even find things in the toy aisle, like the foam tiles I used on my motorcycle trailer workbench.   If you get something you don't like, you've only wasted a dollar, which you might get back at your next garage sale!  I've found that particularly useful for kitchen utensils.  You can try out a variety of sizes and shapes.  Keep what you like working with and put the others in your next garage sale or donate them to your favorite charity.  If all else fails, you can throw them away without feeling guilty about having wasted a lot money on them.

There are a few things that might be kind of deceiving at dollar stores.  It is often tempting to buy plates and other tableware or glassware at only $1.00 each.   But doing that you could spend $32 for complete place settings for 8 when you may be able to buy a complete set at a department store for around $24.  Same with silverware.  $1.00 each is a good price to replace a couple of lost or damaged pieces, but if you need a full set you will probably get a better deal somewhere else.  A full service or 8 would run at least $24-32 and you can usually get a full set at a department store around $20 or so.  Being able to buy replacements for $1.00 when you need them can still be helpful.  I read somewhere that plastic bags, like sandwich bags and freezer bags at dollar stores come in such small quantities that the per item price is higher than it would be at your local grocery store.  However, sometimes being able to purchase the smaller quantities as needed helps the cash flow and might be just what you need for camping and the smaller sizes might actually fit better in RVs and camp kits.

The only warning I feel I must share is to avoid over spending!   It is really easy to justify just about any individual item since it is "only a dollar".  I find that even when I drop in to pick up just a couple of very specific items, I typically end up with about $27 worth of stuff in my basket or cart by the time I get to the register.  With that in mind I figure I'm being frugal any time my total is less than $27 at checkout.  As long as you really want or will actually use your purchases, what you spend shouldn't be a problem.  But do be aware that you might rationalize rather emotional, spontaneous purchases of items you might be more reluctant to purchase at higher prices.  After all "its only a dollar!".  It is really easy to accumulate a whole lot of those $1.00 items!  That being said, I very seldom if ever regret having spent "only a dollar"

My local Dollar Tree recently changed most of their prices to $1.25!  A sudden increase of 25% on everything seems a bit much to me, although I understand that their costs have been going up and they have held their $1.00 price for nearly 3 decades!  However, even at $1.25, most Dollar Tree items are still a pretty goo bargain.  I haven't stopped shopping at Dollar Tree, but I am a little more conservative in my purchases these days.

Happy Shopping!

The Rule of Threes -- Survival

The Rule of Threes is a basic concept for survival.  It applies mostly in disaster situations and in wilderness survival situations.  It is a good way to help prioritize your activities when in survival mode.

Simply put, you can live 3 minutes without air, 3 hours without shelter (in an inhospitable climate), 3 days without water, and 3 weeks without food.   Use the "Rule of Threes" to help you prioritize  your activities in an emergency situation.   In a disaster situation where you have victims injured by falling debris or from falling down (e.g.,  earthquake, tornado, mudslide, avalanche, building collapse) they may run out of air or their injuries may have stopped their breathing.  You will need to clear their airway within 3 minutes and, if they don't start breathing on their own, begin CPR.  If you find yourself stranded in an inhospitable environment (cold and wet or very hot), you will need to seek shelter or you will be likely to die with 3 hours.  If it is cold and wet you will need to find someplace warm and dry.  If it is hot you will need to seek shade and ways to remain cool.  If you are in a mild climate, shelter may not be such an urgent need, but you still need to protect yourself against exposure to the elements.  Water will be your next priority.  You can live only about 3 days without water. You will being to feel the affects of dehydration much sooner than that and will want to find water as soon as possible.  In hot weather you may not even last 3 days without water.  Most people will be able to survive about 3 weeks without food.  If you are particularly thin or have medical conditions that are sensitive to what you eat (like diabetes or hypoglycemia) you may experience difficulties much sooner.  If you have any such conditions you should take steps to ensure you always have timely access to necessary nutrition.    Your body fat reserves may affect how quickly you experience dehydration problems too.  Especially thin people may feel the effects of lack of water fasting before the end of the 3 days.  People with extra fat reserves may be able to last longer than the predicted 3 days.  While you can survive for about 3 weeks without food, you will begin to suffer the affects much sooner so it is a good idea to seek nutrition early in a survival situation.  Without food your body will begin to tap into your fat reserves and you will find  yourself low on energy and discover it is hard to think straight long before the 3 weeks is up.  Ever get a "hunger headache"?  Sometimes you only need to miss a meal or two before one strikes.  And that's nothing compared to the brain fog that can impair your thinking in a survival situation when you go too long without any nutrition.  Your nutrition options in  survival mode may not be up to your normal standards, but you may have to swallow your pride, along with some normally unpleasant food, in order to sustain yourself.  Most of us would find eating bugs revolting, but, if you've every watched Surviorman, you will know that some bugs can be a gourmet meal when you are starving.

Knowing you can go three days without water doesn't mean you should.   You will begin to suffer the effects of dehydration long before that.  Not only are they unpleasant and painful, they will inhibit both your physical and mental ability to take care of yourself.  The same is true of food.  In a survival situation you will want to start finding something to eat as soon as you can.  Although you can live weeks without food, you will quickly loose strength, energy, and clear thought you need to survive.   The whole point of the Rule of Threes is to help you prioritize your activities so maximize your chances of survival.

In a survival situation where you are deprived of proper food and water, people often mistake thirst for hunger and waste time seeking food when what they really need to survive and thrive, is water.  Remembering the Rule of Threes may help you focus your energies on what is most needed.

Knowing the Rule of Threes will help you prioritize your actions in an emergency situation.  Otherwise, you might react to being thirsty or hungry and spend time looking for food and water and ignore the need for shelter until it is too late.

Threes a charm!

 

Winter Camping At Home -- Say What?

In most of the colder parts of the country, winter means storing our RVs and camping gear and holing up in front of  a cozy fireplace until the warm weather returns.  Those in the sunbelt can continue to enjoy outdoor pursuits.  When we lived in southern California even New Years Day was an opportunity for RVing and dirt biking in the Mojave Desert.  Not likely that is going to happen here in Utah!  So why the heck would anyone what to do any winter camping at home?

One big advantage to winter camping at home is you don't have far to go to recover if anything goes wrong.  Just as we've often suggested driveway or backyard "outings" as a way to develop your skills and get used to your equipment, you can use them for winter preparations as well.  If you should run into trouble, like say running out of propane, you can just go back inside to keep warm whereas, if you had a problem in a remote location you might not have any convenient way of handling the issue(s) and may experience a considerable amount of discomfort  -- or even get sick or die -- before you could recover.  Winter camping at home is a good way to make sure you are prepared before you try any remote winter camping.

If you have an RV you store at home during the winter you might consider spending a night or two in it just for fun, to maintain your familiarity with systems and supplies, and to keep your equipment in peak operating condition.  We did that in our truck camper when the onset of winter sneaked up on us before we could take it out for a shakedown cruise.  If you're in freezing weather you won't want to use any of the water or sewer systems, but you can still test out the furnace and determine if the bedding is adequate for cold nights.  And you could cook and eat in the RV.  Just be sure to take all the dishes back into the house to wash them.  Using your RV systems periodically while in storage is actually good for them.  Run the generator for an hour so two.  Disuse is one of the hardest things on equipment.

Our motorhome and camper have both served as extra guest rooms when we've had family visiting at Christmas on a number of occasions.  We had to educate our guests that there was no water and to not use the toilet, but otherwise they were quite warm and comfortable and enjoyed more privacy than they might have had crammed inside the house with other guests.  The grandkids especially liked staying in an RV.  If you live in the sunbelt where winterization isn't necessary, using the RV is even more convenient since they can use the water based systems.  You may be able to use the water based systems if your RVs are properly prepared for it and you exercise proper procedures.  You may need holding tank heaters to keep fresh and waste water tanks and lines from freezing.

Winter opportunities for tent campers are more limited but still possible.  You may have to set up your tent in the snow, but even that can be surprisingly comfortable if you are prepared for it.  If that doesn't appeal to you and your family you might resort to setting up your tent in the garage or an outbuilding.  I've noticed that the temperature inside my garage is typically in the mid 40s even when the outside temperature is in the teens.  I've read that even just having a roof over your head can raise the temperature 20°F, which is often enough to prevent freezing of RV water lines etc.  A barn, shed, or greenhouse could also provide a temperate location for setting up a winter tent.  One of our kids and her family set up a tent in our barn during a Christmas visit in Utah a few years ago.

I've even seen folks set up dome tents in their family rooms and living rooms for the kids for a fun night or two and there is no reason that couldn't be done by kids of ALL ages.  You'll need a self standing tent, not one that needs stakes and guy ropes.  If don't have a self-standing tent you might get by setting up a 2x4 frame around your tent to fasten loops and guy lines to since you can't drive stakes into your floor.

Practicing your winter camping skills could turn out be more than just a fun diversion.  If you should experience a long term power outage during the winter, being able to  move into your RV or set up your tent in your living room might be your best way to survive.  The threat of long term power outages grows stronger every day.  Not only are we now facing possible outages from a strong EMP from solar activity, the terrorist organization ISIS is reportedly actively planning ways to disable the US power grid.  Many people aren't aware of just how vulnerable the power grid is nor how long it would take to replace damaged transformers and restore power.  It would likely be years!  Recent estimates I've read say that disabling as few as 9 key substations would disable the entire US power grid for a year and a half.

Practicing your campfire skills can also be fun in winter.   Gathering around a blazing fire is a good way to ward off the chill of winter activities.  Just having a campfire in your snowy backyard can be fun.  Campfires may also become critical for cooking and hygiene during an extended emergency so it is good practice to try it out before you need it in an emergency.

Be cool and keep warm!

Blowouts!

While a "blowout" sale is usually a good thing, having a tire blow out on your RV, OHV, or tow vehicle certainly is not.  Blowouts can cause serious damage as pieces of the fragmented tire slam into parts of the vehicle or friction heats things up and causes a fire.  I've had motorhome and trailer tires blow out a few times, and it is never a pleasant or inexpensive proposition.  After a tire blew out on my enclosed motorcycle trailer I discovered it was likely caused by a failed magnet in the electric brakes that had locked up the brakes and made the tire drag.  In addition to the tire itself, it destroyed the wheel and the fender skirt and the collapse of the tire allowed the entry step to hit the ground and get bent way beyond repair.  Same with the pricey electric tongue jack.  The leaf spring on that side was also damaged.  I had to replace both springs and both brakes (springs and brakes should always be replaced in pairs).  I was unable to find a matching fender skirt so I had to replace the skirts on both sides to maintain a consistent appearance.  By the time all was said and done the total bill came to about $1200 from a single blowout.  A tire failure on an OHV can create handling problems sever enough to cause you to loose control.

I had a nearly new right front tire blow out on a class A motorhome on one trip.   I discovered the cause of the failure was a new valve extension installed by the tire shop.  The technician there had claimed the braided stainless steel extensions I had been using were prone to failure and talked me into installing solid semi-truck style extensions.  Unfortunately, the new extension he installed rubbed against the wheel cover until it wore a hole in it and allowed all the air to leak out of the tire.  The flapping of the exploded tire ripped out all the wiring for the lights (headlight, park light, and turn signal) and destroyed the outside cabinet behind the wheel well.  We gathered up the scattered contents of the shattered cabinet and avoided driving after dark until I could re-wire the lights.  Then I had to rebuild the cabinet when I got home.

The loss of a left rear inside dual on a 40' diesel pusher managed to damage the primary plumbing near the water pump adjacent to the wheel well.  All my fresh water leaked out and I couldn't even use park hook ups until I was able to repair the broken pipe.  I never did figure out what caused that particular tire failure.  The tire had been in good condition at the start of the trip and I religiously check tire pressure every morning before hitting the road.  I suspect it may have been damaged by some kind of debris on the road.  You never know when you'll pick up a stray nail somewhere.    BTW, straight nails seldom cause problems but bent ones frequently penetrate tires.

Way too many blowouts are simply a result of under inflation.  A soft tire will quickly overheat and together with the stress of excessive flexing of the sidewalls will soon fail under highway conditions.  Under inflation can usually be avoided by simply checking tire pressure regularly.  Under inflated tires will usually look "squishy" and will be hotter than properly inflated tires after driving.  They will also wear excessively on the outside edges.  Under inflated tires may show excessive wear on both edges of the tire.  Whenever you discover an under inflated tire, bring it up to the correct pressure as soon as possible.  However, driving on an under inflated tire will sometimes have already caused enough internal damage that the tire has been weakened and will fail prematurely.  The best way to ensure proper inflation is to check tire pressure with an accurate gauge.  Truckers and some RVers will use a "tire thumper" as a way to quickly see if tire pressure is approximately where it should be.  Soft tires will give off a dull thump instead of a sharp thud and an experienced driver can usually feel as well as hear the difference when the thumper strikes the tire. 

Over inflation isn't good either, but it usually doesn't cause the rapid and catastrophic failures associated with under inflation.   Over inflated tires will cause handling and ride problems, making the vehicle feel skittish and the ride harsh.  Over inflated tires will show excessive wear in the center of the tread.  Driving on overinflated tires too long could cause the tread in the center to wear enough to cause a blowout.

Proper inflation also contributes to better gas mileage and good handling.  Under-inflated tires have more rolling resistance and will make handling soft and mushy.  Over-inflation will reduce traction and make a vehicle feel "squirrely".

Overloading is another common cause of tire failures.  Some large motorhomes are very close to the maximum chassis and/or tire rating as they come from the factory so it is all too easy to over load them with passengers and equipment.  If you suspect your vehicle is overloaded, take it to a truck scale and weight each individual wheel. Knowing the weight on each wheel will allow you to set the right tire pressure for the load.

Dragging trailers brakes can also cause tire failures.  If trailer tires get unusually hot when towing the brakes may be dragging and should be inspected and adjusted.  Sometimes the problem is that the brake controller in the tow vehicle is maladjusted and that isn't really an equipment failure, it is an operator error.

Failed suspension components can put inappropriate stress on tires.  Weak or broken springs and/or shocks can stress tires and sometimes either rub directly on the tire or allow it to rub on other parts of the fame or body.  If a vehicle sags more on one corner than the others or if a wheel seems to be leaning or the body appears to be lower than it should be you should have the suspension checked.  Worn, bent, or broken suspension can not only cause tire failures but could cause a loss of control that may result in a serious accident.

A blowout on a motorhome is usually very apparent the instant it happens but drivers of tow vehicles are not always immediately aware of tire failures on trailers.   A few years ago an older couple pulling a travel trailer through Idaho and Washington failed to notice a flat tire on the trailer.  Flaming debris from the dragging tire ignited several wildfires along their route.  How can a driver not notice a flat tire?  A flat on the vehicle you are driving is usually pretty obvious, but one on a trailer can be well disguised, especially if the trailer is relatively small compared to the weight and power of the tow vehicle.  The driver of a 40' motorhome pulling a little 15' utility trailer probably won't feel anything if a trailer tire blows out.  However, he should be able to see the trailer leaning when he checks his rear view mirrors or back up camera and you may see smoke, dust, or sparks from dragging components.  You should frequently monitor the attitude of your trailer when towing. 

If you do experience a blowout, DON'T jam on the brakes!   Keep a strong grip on the steering wheel and slowing gradually,  pull over out of traffic, allowing the vehicle to slow, using the brakes as little as possible.  Jamming on the brakes can cause a sudden grabbing of the damaged tire and wheel, resulting in an unexpected change of direction and/or loss of control. If you lose a front tire you may be able to slow down using the hand or emergency brake which usually activates the rear brakes or a special brake on the drive shaft on some vehicles.

Blowouts on OHVs are perhaps a little less frequent than on highway vehicles, but they can still happen.  Most of the OHV blowouts I've seen have been due to a sudden impact with a hard obstacle.  Normal OHV operation usually doesn't generate the kind of heat that highway driving does and heat is often a significant factor in highway blowouts.  But, if you like to jump your dirt bike or ATV, figure one of these days you will come down hard enough to pop a tire.  An a dirt bike that usually means limping back to camp on a flat tire.  For ATVs and UTVs often means either removing the damaged wheel(s) and taking them back to camp or bringing replacements out before you can reasonably move the vehicle.  So, if you're doing any serious jumping, prepare yourself for the time when you blow out a tire upon landing.  There isn't much you can do except try to control the little beast and get it safely stopped as soon as possible.  Driving on a blown tire may damage fenders and suspension as the tire comes apart from the pounding.

Smooth motoring!