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mhud
03-16-2010, 10:43 AM
I’m in the process of planning my first trip pulling my new Bunkhouse. Heading from Asheville to Big Bend NP and points west the first week of April. I’ve camped in the garage with it a couple of nights; the 2nd night slept much better as I added a 1.5” memory foam pad. Also I’ve added six battery operated LED puck lights that I can velcro to different locations. I’ve gotten comfortable packing it up and setting up is a piece of cake. Now I need a couple of decent weather days at home so I can practice pulling it behind my bike before taking off for four weeks.

I’m looking for suggestions on the route if anyone knows of any scenic highways or must see stops in the general area I’m heading. I plan only the destinations and must see stops along the way; no time lines or specific routes. After numerous RV trips out west I’ve found this makes the most fun and relaxing trip for me. Leaving Asheville for Nashville, Tn. to pick up the Natchez Trace south to Natchez, MS. From Natchez I’m heading west towards Beaumont, Tx. Leaving Beaumont for San Antonio and the Alamo and then south to Big Bend. After BB heading thru southern Texas and N. Mexico with stops at Roswell and Carlsbad NP before heading west to Tucson, Az. In Arizona I want to visit Saguaro NP and Sedona. If the weather allows (no snow) I hope to return via Grand Canyon, Four Corners and southern Utah NPs and Colorado. I’m not sure what to expect in late April but I know snow is likely at the higher elevations in Colorado.

The most difficult item remaining is what to take. The storage fills up quick. Memory foam, sleeping bag and pillows take a lot of space. Here is what I’m thinking: container for towels, wash cloths, and shave kit, container for utility items such as, lantern, extension cord, 6’ water hose, hatchet, extra batteries, tool kit, fan, container for plates, cups and eating utensils, container for extra clothes, ceramic heater, coffee maker, two bag chairs and fold up aluminum table. I don’t do a lot of cooking other than hot dogs, steaks or burgers so I’m thinking of a George Foreman grill instead of the small propane grill I normally use camping, much smaller, lighter and no propane to carry of course this requires electric which I’m thinking most campground with showers will have. What do you guys use?

Sorry this is kind of long. I appreciate any suggestions you moto-camping pros may have. All my camping for the last 15 years has been in a fifth wheel so I’m used to having everything I need and much I don’t with me. Do state parks in Texas and New Mexico have electric?

G wizz
03-16-2010, 11:02 AM
MHUD,
A+ on packing along the Memory Foam matteress pad, we do the same.
To make it pack smaller, here's a tip for ya.
Start by folding it over a couple of times, then roll it up, compressing it as much as you can as you go. When you get it rolled up, slip a couple of straps around it and cinch 'em up. You'll be suprised as to how small you can actually get it. P^
To pack ours, we slip it into a pillow case.

Enjoy your trip.

G wizz

welmack
03-16-2010, 02:33 PM
Try this link for about all you need to know regarding Texas State Park facilities. Have fun on your trip. Our state parks in the panhandle are really interesting for the most part. You can tailor your stops according to your wishes.

www.tpwd.state.tx.us/

Yamifj1200
03-16-2010, 05:47 PM
Welcome to the group Welmack, Im sure you will find a good group of folks here and tons of information to share..

Eric M

PaPa John
04-01-2010, 10:17 AM
Welcome aboard. Now that you have committed yourself, two requirements must be met:

Post a report of your adventure.

Pictures :takepics2: are a must.

John

SidecarMike
04-01-2010, 04:45 PM
Mine came with the 1.5 inch memory foam, but it was folded in to the tent. It has elastic straps on the four corners, holding it to the existing mattress. The cover fits over it as well. If you do roll it for travel, be sure to store it unrolled at home. I have mine on the bed in the guest room. If it stays compressed too long, it loses a lot of it's loft. Same holds true for Thermarests. When we are not using them, we open the valves and slide them under that same bed.

Jeff in Ferndale WA
04-01-2010, 06:41 PM
I took a coffeemaker for one trip,then decided it took up too much room.I can get by with instant. These days instant coffee isn't bad.I carry a collapsible water jug instead of a hose.As you go along make a list of what you want for next time,and what you will leave at home.Trial and error works the best.

canyonman
04-01-2010, 11:42 PM
I took a coffeemaker for one trip,then decided it took up too much room.I can get by with instant. These days instant coffee isn't bad.I carry a collapsible water jug instead of a hose.As you go along make a list of what you want for next time,and what you will leave at home.Trial and error works the best.

I recently tried the starbucks instant coffee. It's pricey about $0.80 a cup, but pretty damn good. packs really really small.

DILLIGAF61
04-02-2010, 07:24 AM
the words instant coffee and taste good in the same sentence !!!!!! what is this world coming to today has been a sad day , "instant,taste good and Starbucks" my lord I'm going to jump off a cliff

canyonman
04-02-2010, 05:07 PM
the words instant coffee and taste good in the same sentence !!!!!! what is this world coming to today has been a sad day , "instant,taste good and Starbucks" my lord I'm going to jump off a cliff

let me clarify "pretty damn good" for instant.

damn, tough crowd.

Jeff in Ferndale WA
04-02-2010, 06:24 PM
the words instant coffee and taste good in the same sentence !!!!!! what is this world coming to today has been a sad day , "instant,taste good and Starbucks" my lord I'm going to jump off a cliff
Instant coffee isn't what it used to be,I was surprised myself. I've been getting by on store brand instant,now I gotta try the StarbucksP^

SidecarMike
04-02-2010, 08:01 PM
Isn't coffee isn't what it used to be,I was surprised myself. I've been getting by on store brand instant,now I gotta try the StarbucksP^

I always say I'm a coffee common sewer. I'll drink most any kind, but I like it fresh. So fresh that I'm thinking of getting one of those little hand grinders. Anyone use one of those?

celticstar
04-02-2010, 08:21 PM
I have been using the 4 inch memory foam mattresses in our timeout for two years, and leave it rolled up on the trailer during the off season and have never had a problem with it regaining its shape and comfort. Just my 2cents worth. :cool:

G wizz
04-02-2010, 09:13 PM
I have been using the 4 inch memory foam mattresses in our timeout for two years, and leave it rolled up on the trailer during the off season and have never had a problem with it regaining its shape and comfort. Just my 2cents worth. :cool:

Funny you should mention that .. We haven't had a problem with ours being left rolled up either ...

Timmer
04-03-2010, 01:03 AM
We carry an inflatable air mattress in our Kwik Kamp and our Coleman tent. It really helps having all of that thickness.

DILLIGAF61
04-03-2010, 08:23 AM
I always say I'm a coffee common sewer. I'll drink most any kind, but I like it fresh. So fresh that I'm thinking of getting one of those little hand grinders. Anyone use one of those?

I take my electric burr grinder from home but REI has a hand held burr grinder I'm going to get for this year

I also carry enough ground beans to get me through at least one day

hmmmm coffee I think I'll go make a tasty cup of Kona now (Starbucks,instant sheesh)

DILLIGAF61
04-03-2010, 08:29 AM
let me clarify "pretty damn good" for instant.

damn, tough crowd.

yeah well I guess a canteen filled with rancid swamp water from right next to the sewage plant outlet would taste "pretty damn good" if I had been stuck out in the desert for a couple days without water

say yes to the bean

thomasroy
04-03-2010, 11:56 AM
Mhud
While in San Antonio and if you have the time , I would go to to kerville , ride the twisted sister road and see the bluebonnets and vist Luenback, TX . It would be ashame to be this close and not vist them.
thomas

mhud
04-03-2010, 07:36 PM
Thanks for the info and good wishes guys. I'm going to spend a few days in the Texas Hill Country riding the sisters and other great roads I've read about out there. The plan is Big Bend, San Antonio, Austin and Hill Country. We'll see after that.