Some of my blog or Twitter readers have inquired about my travels and hardships/emergencies along the way. This year marks my third year to Whistler (and back again, a hobbit's tale) and over the 15000 miles to date, I have learned much to share.
First, I took a pic of some things and very artfully arranged them on my tailgate for your viewing pleasure. From left to right, a NOCO Boost battery jump starter; a redundant battery starter and more importantly-- an air compressor for filling low tires; a bag full of tools (this one made by Maxpedition); a good pair of boots; a rucksack/backpack to carry more layers, snacks and water.
A few things. Of all this stuff, boots are at the top of the list. It is hard to place a value on good boots-- ones that fit, ones that are comfortable and tough. The ones I have above are Asolo-- these have served me well overseas, and with a little glue to repair a seperating sole, they have been worn abusively for well over 12 years that I can recall. Get yourself a pair of boots-- they are worth the exorbitant cost when the rubber meets the road.
Above the boots in a grey plastic tub lies the crown jewel. For emergencies when the power goes out during a Whistler storm (twice so far), I was blessed to have a generator which I converted to porpane fuel. The generator is a Honda EU2200i 2200 Watt Portable Inverter Generator that can be placed in series with another genny to increase power output. I have only one, and learned to manage my power consumption within its capabilities.
What makes this genny very useful for RV use is this contraption: the Honda EU2200i- Trifuel Generator Conversion Kit (for Propane, Nat Gas and Regular gasoline). Mine is configured for propane, a commodity found in some quantity in RV parks. I have used the tanks you typically use for your household grill; the tanks on my RV require a different adapter. I do recommend setting everything up on a nice sunny day in your backyard, and familiarize yourself with the equipment and adjusting fuel flow as a system.
Also in the back of the truck you may not see: a fair sized snow shovel, a 2 gallon gas container (one you can hump a few miles to a gas station if you run out...ask me how I know). In the wintertime, always have a spare pair of gloves and a wool hat/balaclava. The baklava is more than an item for comfort and style.
The last item not shown is mapping software for planning a route as well as a RV specific GPS (that shows overpass heights, bridge weight tolerances and routes you accordingly). The GPS unit I have is made by Garmin. The mapping software is: https://tripwizard.rvlife.com/.
I lied-- one more thing that is essential for your sanity if you lack a spotter or just suck at backing up. To line up my truck with the towing hitch, I have found a wireless backup camera indispensable. Absolutely a MUST have!
Yes. I did say baklava.
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