| Packing - a learning experience [message #262458] |
Sun, 21 September 2014 08:37  |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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MattC commented about packing extra cords for CF:
"We left home about two weeks ago in a 23' coach already loaded at least to capacity for this excursion. We are already short a number items from our standard kit." Wow that scares me. Matt being a long time waterman certainly would not be in the habit of "packing fat".
This is gonna be a real learning experience for us. Most of our long duration travel before now has been in the Vette or on the Harley. Right now, before really starting to load up, we are looking at all this space and wondering how we are going to fill it all. The CFO said a long time ago "Don't bring enough tools to rebuild the coach or big spare parts." After loading the tools and spares she said "is that all?" So in goes the spare axle, starter, and a few other smaller things. That is after a spare distributor, goverenor, air bag, electric fuel pump, bearing tool,etc. were already on board
We haven't started on kitchen or clothes yet, or the bath. I guess we have a lot to learn. I also hope CF has all the stores we need to get what we didn't think we'ed need.
Ahh - the GMC learning experience continues down a new track.
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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| Re: Packing - a learning experience [message #262496 is a reply to message #262458] |
Sun, 21 September 2014 17:13  |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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midlf wrote on Sun, 21 September 2014 09:37MattC commented about packing extra cords for CF:
"We left home about two weeks ago in a 23' coach already loaded at least to capacity for this excursion. We are already short a number items from our standard kit." Wow that scares me. Matt being a long time waterman certainly would not be in the habit of "packing fat".
This is gonna be a real learning experience for us. Most of our long duration travel before now has been in the Vette or on the Harley. Right now, before really starting to load up, we are looking at all this space and wondering how we are going to fill it all. The CFO said a long time ago "Don't bring enough tools to rebuild the coach or big spare parts." After loading the tools and spares she said "is that all?" So in goes the spare axle, starter, and a few other smaller things. That is after a spare distributor, goverenor, air bag, electric fuel pump, bearing tool,etc. were already on board
We haven't started on kitchen or clothes yet, or the bath. I guess we have a lot to learn. I also hope CF has all the stores we need to get what we didn't think we'ed need.
Ahh - the GMC learning experience continues down a new track.
Yes, traveling in a GMC is always learning experience. We don't even have a roof pod to hide things. I don't like to hang the back porch on because things back there get very dirty and it is difficult to secure.
There were two real problems with this excursion and those were simply duration of near a month and possible extremes of weather. We were expecting near freezing weather in Yellowstone and were not disappointed in that regard.
I only carry spares of things that could shut us down but can be easily serviced if parts are available. So, the only big parts are a starter, one airbag and an airpump. I also carry a set of axle screws (recently discussed), a 5 foot piece of 1/4 nylon and two unions in case an air line is damaged as well as 2-ea schrader valves, and a spare governor gear. There is actually a lot that lives under the rear of the dinette seats as that is the spares and big tools collection. I have a tool box that is packed like a Japanese motorcycle tool kit and this trip I realized that I have neglected a sparkplug gapping tool. (Isn't there always something?)
Clothing was the big issue this time as stated above, next was food stuffs that are difficult to acquire advantageously or in quantities that we can carry. Dog food comes to mind. We buy big bags, but that has been off loaded into canisters that pack nicely.
What are we not carrying? The folding chairs, the screen house, a lot of the boondock gear and my autoharp. The autoharp is no great loss and the space was needed for fall weight clothing. Almost every stop, we do some cargo shifting for out own convenience.
We always carry two hoses. One is dedicated to potable water and will never be used for anything else and the other is a washing things hose. Both are only 25'. We also carry two small tarps (folded flat are easy), one is for the windshield and the other is to leave the bicycles that travel under the dinette outside while we are at the convention. I do carry a 50' 12 extension and adapter, but you have to realize that while that will support the reefer and the converter, the waterheater or the microwave can take that off line and the A/C-Heat is out.
So, We can tank water, and break off shorepower is we have to do so, but it makes the stay much less comfortable and it will require a lot of attention that we would otherwise have for recreational activities.
Matt - From Pompey's Pillar to the Range Rider's Museum (still in Montana).
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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