RTTC's Koala Bear: Filling an Important Niche in the Tiny Trailer Industry

RTTC Koala Bear on the road (Seneca Miller photo)

Sometimes a new trailer hits the camping market, and it takes a while to wrap your head around what makes the new unit unique. At least that's been my experience recently with Rustic Trail Teardrop Campers' new Koala Bear tiny trailer.

Still room for a critter! (Seneca Miller photo)

The Koala is the lightest and shortest trailer of the RTTC line, yet because of its configuration, it also has a foot more interior head room than the second smallest RTTC trailer, the Papa Bear. The Koala is also the lowest priced unit in the RTTC line-up, starting at $6,450 for the 2021 model. I had to mull over these differences before finally realizing what makes the Koala special is that this tiny trailer does a great job in filling the gap between a "bed on wheels" tiny trailer and a tiny trailer that includes some cabinetry or a galley. Having said that, I suppose I have some 'splaining to do, although later in the article Koala owners will do most of the explaining.

I was the proud owner of RTTC's largest trailer, the Polar Bear standy, which is still a tiny trailer but allowed my wife and me to stand in the small two-foot wide space in the trailer between the bed/dinette and the front cabinetry. What is unique about the RTTC trailer line-up is that they all have the capacity if not to stand when inside the trailer to at least sit at a dinette bench, feet on the floor, and head free and clear (although the Papa Bear may require a bit of slumping). This extra inside living space is gained by sacrificing the rear galley/storage area available with many tiny trailers. Since the RTTC line's beds are raised, though, there is a good amount of storage beneath the bed, available both from inside and from an outside side hatch. 

My trailer provided my wife and me with an introduction into the tiny trailer world for three wonderful years of camping. We learned the ropes, collected some gear, and had many great adventures while camping. In addition to that, I found an audience for my travelogues and how-to articles with this blog, interacting with both the RTTC company and with many RTTC trailer owners, along with other tiny trailer enthusiasts. What I like about the inside configuration the RTTC tiny trailer is that it creates a living space more like a house or apartment--not in size but in the fact that you can sit on a chair (or, rather, a bench) instead of just cross-legged on a bed. There is a tiny bit of space to move about, whether comfortably standing in the Polar Bear model or hunched yet upright in the Grizzly and Kodiak models. The ability to sit and move a bit more like home is especially great for folks who might find their knee and hip joints aren't as flexible or pain-free as they used to be. 

Steve Russell, one of the owners of the Rustic Trail Teardrop Campers company, describes the Koala in the following manner:

"The main difference between the Papa Bear and the Koala is that the Papa is ten feet long, and the Koala is eight feet long. Both are five feet wide, but the Papa is only four feet tall while the Koala is five feet. The Koala out-sells the Papa Bear because it is a bit lighter, more affordable, and is five feet tall. The Koala Bear is our simplest camper, yet it is built with the same quality materials that the rest of our campers are. Our customers love that the Koala Bear offers five feet of headroom while still being lightweight and affordable. Even though the Koala has fewer options compared to our other models, it has some unique ones exclusive to the Koala, such as a queen size bed that slides into a couch. Our customers love the plentiful standard features, such as the interior front shelf, Maxxair Fan, 15 amp shore power connection, electric brakes, full size spare tire, and heavy duty 3,500 lb rated axle. In addition to the standard insulation used in the ceiling of the camper, we have also added a radiant barrier for 2021 for increased R-value."

 With my experience with the largest Polar Bear model, what immediately strikes me is that the Koala floor plan eliminates the cabinetry in the front that the other models have, eliminates the dinette feature, yet still keeps the ability to sit upright on a couch  rather than the dinette benches. What is gained is that the trailer is a low-priced, lightweight, unit than still provides a minimal yet very real experience of sitting upright in a chair at home with some open space around you. The Koala is really a clever adaptation and evolution of RTTC's original concept of providing a tiny "pocket" of homelife inside a tiny trailer, and even though you can't have a fireplace in such a tiny space, you could download a fire app on your tablet and sit on the sofa and gaze into the virtual fire on the screen, the woodsy crackling and popping of the fire soothing away your urban stresses while you sip a cup of coffee, tea, or favorite brew.

What happens when it’s very cold out and you have the only camper big enough
for three people to sit . . . and it’s a Koala! (Jessy Stevenson photo)

Soliciting comments from Koala owners, I wondered what kind of responses I would get about this new RTTC build. One unexpected response was that a "bare bones" purchase was the go-to for a couple of buyers, that what they really liked was the basic shape and configuration of the build and its potential for owner customization. New owner Shawn Webster, having picked his unit up less than a month ago and not even having camped in it yet, has still been busy working on his new bare bones purchase. "Why I picked the Koala over the others?  Its straight walls front and back made it simpler installing my own ideas, without the wasted space of the front and rear curves, without doing significant construction.  I preferred to do a 'no-build build,' allowing me to remove bed and cabinet quickly to use as a gear/cargo hauler option." He plans to use a USGI army cot for sleeping, with lots of room underneath for cassette toilet and milk crate storage. He feels the interior will even have room for a drop down table and a chair for inclement weather.

Although tiny inside, beautiful innovation is possible (Jessy Stevenson photo)

Jessy Stevenson has owned her Koala for about six months, so she's had some camping experience with it. Also buying her camper as a minimal bare bones build with only an air conditioner as an option, Jessy has finished the build herself to be "the perfect one person camper." Below, she explains how it all rolled out. 

"On the street side from the back to two feet from the front is my bed, thirty inches wide. On the curbside from the door to the back is a shelving unit that contains a sink, a built-in one-burner stove, and a very important . . . coffee center. The bottom two shelves and the floor are all storage, held in place by teak poles. At the front curbside are two AGM batteries hooked to a 200 W solar panel. This runs my Alpicool, anything I need charged--lights, USB ports and 12 V outlets. The Kodiak comes with a power strip in front, two USB ports, and lights and fan that need shore power to run. I have always been a huge fan of the Benroy-shaped teardrop. The fact that I can comfortably stand with just a tilt of my head to dress and move about was a huge selling point. I do most of my cooking outside, but I do like having the little coffee area and stove for an early morning cup of coffee inside. I’m not someone who comfortably sits outside in a nightgown. I also put on a roof rack and my 6-foot ARB awning. This makes a wonderful spot to just relax out of the weather. I feel the Koala is very well-built, very solid, and very easily towed and hitched. I love my Koala."

A battery/refrigerator configuration (Jessy Stevenson photo)

Jessy also owns a 13-foot Scamp and says that if she had to choose between the two trailers--that would be a very difficult decision! Her enthusiasm for the Koala couldn't be restrained, though, and bubbled over into one final comment. "Please let me add one more thought. The ease of the Koala is a huge selling point. The wheelbase is far enough back that half of the time I do not even drop the back jacks. I’m a little old gray-haired lady! I can back into a site, plug-in, and if that’s all I want to do, it’s enough for me to enjoy camping. Very easy to hitch. I’ve taken it camping in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Arkansas. It’s just so easy!"

Well-used front space in the Koala Bear (Seneca Miller photo)

Hot weather camping? You bet! (Seneca Miller photo)

Another Koala owner, Seneca Miller, was also enthusiastic about how the size of the Koala makes it easy to store and to travel with. "We mainly chose this model because we have an HOA and did not want to purchase a storage unit for the camper, and the price was also a big factor. We are able to store the Koala in our single car garage." And as for travel, she mentions that when traveling with a tiny teardrop, "cozy is an understatement." Still, though, she is able to pack all she needs for the road. "It’s not for the faint of heart, but then again if you’re camping in a tiny teardrop, it will have everything you need." Seneca was able in a few words to encapsulate the tiny trailer camping experience--that humorous, love/hate experience of loving the minimalism . . . and sometimes wondering why we love it.

"Camping in the Koala has been amazing! We are able to get tons of road behind us—we were even able to cut off traffic crossing a bridge in NYC. We got ours in July 2020 and have done two big trips (from North Carolina to Maine, and North Carolina to Arizona) plus tons of small long-weekend excursions. It’s been a godsend, especially during COVID. The set up is fine—not the best, but we’ve put in some baskets and definitely have to play Tetris with the below storage space. It gets the job done. We bought an electric cooler that we plug into the camper and our truck (when we aren’t camping). We also purchased a tiny space heater for colder places. Our set up is the slatted queen bed version. We’ve used our Koala in a lot of temperature situations from snow storm in Santa Fe to the humid heat near the Crystal Coast and even the high winds of Page, Arizona. And each situation we’ve been in, it’s been cozy. We have everything we need. We even bought a pop up tent and a Luggable Loo in case we found ourselves boondocking. Overall, it’s been a very reliable tiny home for us when we can’t enjoy the outdoors due to weather."

Two owners mentioned their preference to owning a lightweight camper so that they wouldn't have to buy a new tow vehicle. Both owners also deal with some mobility issues yet found that the Koala configuration lended itself to solutions.  

A little Koala Bear "eye candy" (Bonnie Cunningham Wallace photo)

Bonnie Cunningham Wallace reports satisfaction with her Koala purchase. "The price was so right for us, and we were very pleased with the quality of the materials and the construction. We then had to consider if our Subaru Forester could safely tow it. I’m pleased to report that with route planning we were able to mountain camp without any problems." She and her husband have also creatively used the Koala's space for maximum benefit: "I have a condition that limits my mobility, and I manage quite well in the Koala. Everything is in arm's reach, and having the window above the outside table makes it very handy for my husband to use as our breakfast and coffee bar in the morning. We pass things back and forth through the window, and he sets his chair up and has breakfast with me while I’m still in bed. I know. I’m spoiled!!"

Set up for a comfortable stay (Gina Everett photo)

Interior--tight but put to use (Gina Everett photo)

Having only been out twice so far with their Koala, Gina Everett and her spouse have found a variety of reasons why they like RTTC's lightweight, versatile build. "The main reason I chose the Koala was so we didn’t have to get a bigger car. We tow with our 2014 CRV. We also like the five-foot height. It works well for us. My wife is handicapped and can get in and out relatively well. Having the extra height is a plus. We love our platform bed. There is plenty of storage under the bed. We shortened our bed so we could have a camp toilet in the RV, which is working out well, too. I do feel that the Koala is better suited for a single user with a single bed, but we are making it work. I would love to upgrade someday, but for now, this little Koala is perfect for our current needs. Also, the price tag was perfect, too!"

A Koala Bear is also a snow bear! (Seneca Miller photo)

There you have it from Bear owners' mouths! Owners have found that tiny trailers are . . .  well . . . tiny trailers--but the Koala's tiny build does lend itself to innovation. Having a layout that makes it more than a bed-on-wheels, it transforms its space to a tiny, tiny home on wheels. Although giving up a rear galley, the extra space is utilized for a more comfortable interior that is tiny yet still provides comfort, even for those with some mobility issues. Lightweight, inexpensive, easily towable--the RTTC Koala Bear has found its place in the tiny trailer market, providing a secure and enjoyable means of travel without a high price tag. New owners are acting like proud parents--as well they should! Bonnie Cunningham Wallace displayed her unabashed pride best: "We named our Koala 'Kismet,' and it’s number 452. I believe it was the first one built. We love it!!"

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What's an Airstream Basecamp Delivery Day Like?

December 22 pick up--what a wonderful Christmas present!

After a six-month wait, the day had arrived for my wife and me to take the two-hour drive to RV One in Des Moines, Iowa, and get our brand new 2021 Airstream Basecamp 16-footer. Now the Basecamp sits in our driveway, plugged into our 15 amp garage power, the batteries staying charged and the heater on low electric, ready for us to move in.

The process began with a text from the RV One salesperson saying, "Guess what's here?" We quickly wired our payment and set up a pick up and orientation meeting for a week later. The dealership emailed a confirmation notice, and at 7:30 in the morning on a beautiful, clear winter's day we were on the road, lunch packed and masks and sterilizing hand spray at the ready.

It would be naive of me to think and say that all Airstream "demo days" are the same, but Airstream does supply a checklist for the technical support demonstrations--what to talk about. First, though my wife and I met with the business manager and signed papers, finalizing the sale, receiving our paper license plate and providing information so that Iowa could mail our permanent plates and registration. We also paid for our extended warranty for non-Airstream components in the trailer, such as the air conditioner, Truma heating system, and refrigerator. 

Our teacher for the day was Austin Peterson, who led us back in the shop to our Basecamp. He wore a mask and was careful in his distancing, staying out of the unit while I was inside and my wife listened from the open back door. Covering the trailer's layout and systems, Austin provided how-to information, why-to admonitions, and anecdotes which provided an interesting and informative presentation. After three years of owning a tiny trailer and administering this blog, I was happy to find out that although I learned a lot and took useful notes, I didn't feel like I was ever in over my head. Researching and writing articles about other travel trailer owners has provided me with good background information, as has following Airstream Basecamp groups online and also looking over online AS videos and owner manuals. I won't be surprised, of course, if things don't show up that I don't know or expect. Part of the learning curve!

I found information about the battery system especially useful, since my tiny "standy" trailer I owned before didn't have a battery. I was especially happy to learn that battery maintenance with the AGM batteries is minimal since they are sealed--no need to check liquid levels. Just plug in the trailer at home, Austin said, and the batteries will stay safe. He said they should last 7-10 years if I take care of them. I have to mention also that in our final check-out, salesperson Philip Pickering talked us through possible purchases in the dealership's RV store. One item we picked up that we hadn't considered was a 30 amp surge protector. He also went over all the black tank sewer necessities we need to purchase, but we decided that since it will be three months before we de-winterize and activate the water systems, we'll buy all those items later. Our financial guy RJ Vacco at the dealership was also supportive and made all the paperwork quick and easy. Thanks to our team!

The purpose of the demonstration is to showcase the Airstream's systems and to provide information on what to do and what to avoid when camping with the unit. I suppose the "usefulness" of all the info will differ from person to person, depending on what knowledge and experience is brought to the orientation. The information about the battery was best for me, but if someone had a battery in a previous trailer, then probably that information wouldn't be #1 on their learning curve. Anyway, I took notes and was encouraged to call RV One if I had any more questions (which I did early today, by the way, and received a good, useful answer from Philip).

I have to really compliment salesman Michael Farley at RV One and his team. My wife and I bought our Basecamp in July 2020 and picked it up this December--five months later. When we arrived on our demo day, the first comment of the welcoming team was that we didn't need a weight distribution hitch for our Nissan Pathfinder/BC towing combo. We had been given the WD kit by our first RV One salesperson in July, so Michael suggested we get instead an electric hitch jack at no cost. We okayed that, and it works great, even if it is really slow. We also had a problem with the Basecamp's visor (awning). When we asked during our check-out about where the visor was, Michael said they weren't included with the 2021 package. However, we had bought our BC in July of 2020, and the brochure said that the visor was included. Michael checked with his corporate AS contact and was told, "It's not included; check the 2021 brochure." I pointed out to Michael that in July there was no 2021 brochure and that I felt the ethical choice of action would be for AS to honor what was agreed upon in July. Michael came back later in our orientation and told us that RV One had decided to give us the visor, and they just hoped that AS would reimburse them. Even if they didn't, we would still get the visor for free. That made us feel happy and cared for!

There are a couple of Airstream weaknesses we're going to have fixed in the Basecamp next spring. 1) both back and front open door fasteners are just screwed into the aluminum and will pull out easily. We're going to have a steel plate installed to strengthen the base. 2) We plan to buy a Zamp solar suitcase, either the 180 or the 230 watt package. Evidently, the wiring for the exterior Zamp plug-in are only good for around 100 watts, so the wires have to be replaced with bigger wires for the larger suitcase solar kits. It seems to me that just installing the bigger wires from the get-go would make more sense, but we'll have to come in the have the smaller replaced. 

My wife and I imagine that things will come up that we have to take care of, but the drive home was a dream. I had mounted mirror extensions prior to our trip and found that I could have skipped them; however, I also noticed that I could see better behind me. A car behind would be blocked by the trailer when looking into the stock rearview mirror but would be visible with the extended mirror. I noticed when I was almost home that if I leaned to the left then I could see a blocked car behind me, but that's a lot of bobbing and neck craning. At any rate, the trailer pulled well, and backing was about the same as with my tiny trailer. 

My suggestions for "demo day" when picking up a new trailer would be to research prior to the orientation. Watch Airstream's videos and peruse the manuals that are available online at the AS website. Then don't just listen to the spiel. Imagine the basic scenarios of hitching up and pulling out, or of parking the the driveway and hooking the trailer up to a 110v household system. What are the steps; what are the crucial points? Asking such questions got me home and hooked up to survive single digit temperatures--with the batteries safe and me knowledgeably using the Truma heater. 

Now I'm loading up and getting ready to camp locally for a couple of days--between the current two days of deep freeze and an upcoming snow storm. Two days in the 15-35 degree temperature range . . . and then a week or two of colder weather (hopefully no more!) to mull over what I've learned and to make new plans. But that's another article!

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Pick-up Day for Our Airstream Basecamp Is a Week Away!

Our Basecamp "Moondance," sitting in the RV One shop in Des Moines, waiting for pick-up.

"Guess what's here?" was the text that arrived on my phone yesterday morning from RV One salesperson Michael Farland. My reply was "Yikes and yay!" not especially coherent, but heartfelt. Michael connected us with the finance/business department, and we were off and running.

Fifteen months ago, my wife and I put money down on a new trailer to replace our RTTC Polar Bear tiny "standy" trailer. Now we will be driving two and a half hours to Des Moines to pick up our sixteen-foot Airstream Basecamp. Our first choice for a new travel trailer had been a Canadian Safari Condo Alto, but that fell through, mainly because of communication issues and the closing of the international border between Canada and the U.S. (That journey is chronicled in the article "From Also to Airstream: Our Crazy Adventure for a New Travel Trailer."

Once we chose the Airstream Basecamp 16-foot camper, we researched exactly what components we wanted, selecting the more basic Basecamp over the "X" off-road model because almost all our Midwest camping will be in established campgrounds. Our decisions and selections are described in the article "My Second Trailer Will Be an Airstream Basecamp." We had a six-month wait till arrival, which fortunately was only five months of waiting. During that time we researched extras for the trailer: better security locks, tow vehicle electric brake controller, and a few inexpensive accessories. Our main plan, though, was to use equipment from our first trailer and to live in the Basecamp for a while before making decisions on what alterations or new equipment we would need. We still think that's a good plan.

RV One's finance manager sent us information to wire the money from our bank to the dealership's bank. Although we will have a few papers to sign upon arrival in Des Moines, the main activity will be our orientation with the unit. I've looked at all the Airstream Basecamp how-to videos online at the AS website, which has helped some. I've also downloaded the Basecamp owner's manual and am reading that. Now I feel I'm prepared to listen to the orientation and then to ask specific questions about function and procedures. We did learn from the photos our salesperson sent that the 2021 model is slightly different than the 2020 model, as seen in the 2020 brochure. The Glacier Lake upholstery now includes a pattern, and the cargo bars on the upper storage racks are now an orange color rather than unpolished aluminum for the Glacier Lake choice. The bar colors for the other interior configurations are yellow and red. We already knew that the 2021 models would have an all-electric 12v refrigerator. 

An interior view of our unit

When we originally bought the trailer, we turned down all the extra extended warranties thrown our way. My wife and I usually just pay for what needs to be fixed--and usually not too much breaks. We did wonder, though, what other BC owners have done, so we asked on an online Facebook group.

"What do you folks feel about the extra insurance packages the AS dealership offers? The RV Protection Plan covers parts and labor like refrig, Truma, and ac for 5 years ($1,957). Coach-Net Motor Club 3 years ($600). Tire and wheel coverage RV + TV ($649). Appearance protection inside and out 5 years ($1,498). There is also a Gap Protection plan but no cost was listed (probably because it would be even more expensive than the above). My wife and I usually skip these insurance plans and just say we'll pay when needed. Any advice?"

Most advice was that the price of the packages offered was excessive and usually not necessary. My wife and I decided after some consideration to take one part of the package, the plan covering all components under warranty by manufacturers other than AS. My final comments and thanks to the group was as follows: 

"My wife and I decided to purchase the 'RV Protection Plan' for parts and labor for the non-AS manufactured components such as the refrigerator, ac, heater, etc. The plan protects for 5 years and includes components and labor. The price will be about $33 a month; we pay up front. Possibly too expensive, but we wanted the peace of mind.

"The AS warranty is for 24 months.There is a section on what is not covered by the warranty, which includes "tires, battery, stereo, television, range/stove, furnace, refrigerator, water heater, microwave, generator, slide-out mechanisms, and other materials, parts and components warranted by persons or entities other than Airstream." The warranty also doesn't include wear and tear, normal maintenance, after-market items, condensation problems, accidents, etc.

"I have read about dealerships or the factory replacing some non-AS components for free. They probably then connect with the manufacturer for reimbursement themselves in those cases. My wife and I felt that we have read enough about failure of appliances that we were willing to pay for this extra coverage, acknowledging that there is debate on the coverage's ultimate value. This is our first trailer (and probably the last we own) that has a complete set-up. Our last trailer was a tiny "standy" trailer that was little more than a 'bed on wheels.'"

Michael Farland and RJ Vacco, our RV One sales and finance contacts, have been attentive and supportive during our months of "Is it here yet?" questions. RJ emailed yesterday, confirming that he'd check to make sure the wire transfer has gone through without a hitch. He also reassured me when I asked about the Basecamp being ready. "Our techs will go through all of the systems, including the plumbing. If there were to be any issues that would delay the pick up, we would let you know right away. It is a new unit, so it should be a fairly simple process." When asked, RJ also emailed us the trailer's VIN so we can set up our insurance through our agent.

One choice will be whether to store my bicycle
in the back or to use a different option

I had requested that the team especially make sure the plumbing was functional (prior to re-winterizing the unit) because we wouldn't be using the water systems until next spring. My first explorations into camping this winter will really be using the Basecamp as a larger version of our RTTC tiny trailer. The additions will be the Truma heating system and the propane inside stove. The toilet/shower and sink won't be in use until spring. However, we're really excited and even happy to learn about our new camper one system at a time. 

My main questions for the orientation meeting will be practical and immediate:

• setting up the trailer at home in the driveway and plugging in a 15 amp power to keep the batteries charged
• preparing the trailer for travel (switches off, door locked, etc.)
• running the Truma heater with propane and with 15 or 30 amp electricity

With this basic information, with the AS how-to videos and other online videos from owners, with the owner's manuals, and with online owner groups, I'll be able to get out this winter (hopefully) on a few days when temperatures are in the 20s-30s and camp in a couple of state parks that are within twenty-five miles of home. My wife and I are excited and eager to begin our learning curve with our new trailer. We're sure it will bring us a lot of happy experiences.

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Can't Go Camping? Plan Your Next Trip!

Rathbun Lake, Iowa

I'm in a bit of a pickle right now. I've sold my tiny standy camper  because the Airstream Basecamp my wife and I have on order is due to arrive . . . but it's not arriving as soon as we expected. First scheduled to arrive in January, the delivery date was then bumped up to November, and here we are in December. As I gaze out of my living room window at the empty spot in my driveway where there should be a camping trailer, and as I gaze at the beautiful prairie field across the road, rich in late-fall russet and blond-bleached grasses, I dream of camping in this mild almost-winter weather. 

Unfortunately, sometimes in my despair, I reach for my phone and begin to doomscroll, just reading headlines on the news apps . . . and too much time in my day just slips away. I've written about doomscrolling before ("Down with Doomscrolling!"), and I know the pitfalls and the strategies to avoid the mindless, zombie-like behavior of spending purposeless time staring at a computer screen, slowly burying my happiness beneath layer after layer of negative reports from the hinterlands. Et tu, Apple?

This is when I realized that unconsciously I was fighting back, and I wasn't even aware of it. It was the Google Maps app on my phone that saved me. I was thinking, "Well, if the Basecamp arrives soon, how far south would I have to drive to find tolerable camping weather--and you have to realize that the current Iowa weather has temperatures ranging from lows in the twenties to highs in the forties. Some folks would say that's too cool for camping, but hey, bundle up and enjoy the lack of chiggers and mosquitoes. I have no problem with venturing out into cold weather as long as I have a warm, snug little camper to return to. 

Campgrounds on Google Maps

How far south would I have to venture in January/February when my local Iowa temperatures can hit below zero numbers? Not too far, it appears. Southern Missouri and Arkansas state parks are cold but not (as my dad would say) damn cold. I could hang out in the wet, cool forests, brave a bit of snow and probably freezing rain, yet be out hiking in nature and not just stranded in my house in Iowa, huddled up to my woodstove. 

And what a wonderful time I had with my smartphone and computer, discovering camping sites, engaging in "virtual exploration," and planning trips! Spending time online engaged in purposeful, positive activity is a key antidote to doomscrolling, and I have found one fun activity that fits this criterion. Here are my usual steps I follow when I want to spend some enjoyable, positive time online planning camping trips. 

1. My first "dream trip" step utilizes Google Maps, either on my phone or on the computer. Lately I've been typing in "state parks in [name of state]." This provides me with a map of identified state parks that I can research via the reviews and photo options. I can get a pretty good sense of a locale and the camping options from these two sources--verbal and visual information about the locale and the campgrounds. An additional option is to switch from the traditional map view to the satellite view. This can provide more information on the terrain. If I like what I read and see, I'll save the location with a star.
2. A second step is that most Google posts of parks also include a link to the state park website. These sites usually include a description of the park, its amenities, and of the campground. It's useful to flip back and forth on the computer from the satellite view of the camping area to the campground map on the state's map, which is usually a static graphic image. The state website or the reservation link will also provide availability and price information.
3. Another purposeful research step is to find a local town (making sure the town is not in a valley and the campground on the top of a mountain) and to search for average temperatures for the time I plan to camp there. This is how I found out how much more mild the temperatures in southern Missouri and Arkansas are in January than in Iowa. Finding a local town can also be a research point for food and gas locations. 
4. Having determined that a state park might be a good destination, then I utilize the Google directions option to determine route, mileage, and travel time. On a multi-day trip, I prefer to drive no more than 200-300 miles per day, so checking out the route provides me with important information, most especially how many days I want to take for the trip. If a trip will, for instance, take three days, then I need to determine my overnight camping spots.
5. Zooming in on Google Maps, I try to find towns near the overnight points; for a three-day trip I would need two overnight campgrounds. Maybe there's a state park nearby, but what I've found is the private campsites are usually closer to the highways. Searching on Google Maps "camping near [name of town]" always seems to generate more private campgrounds, and the map will help determine how close a campground is to the travel route. 
6. If I'm planning on a long, two-week stay, Google Maps provides a great opportunity to search for close-by sources of provisions. Walmarts are usually easy to find and a known business establishment for food, especially if one shops early in the day to avoid a busier store. However, there are also natural food stores available in many towns if one prefers a smaller shopping experience for one's needs. 
7. Another step that I haven't used much but has been mentioned by others is to use other trip planner resources about campgrounds. Three websites that have been mentioned to me are The Dyrt, Campsite Photos, and Campground Reviews. All three of these websites provided information and reviews of White Oak Lake State Park, for instance. I'm sure there are other campground review websites that I hope folks share.
8. A last step in trip planning is to create a map and save that map. I don't usually do this because Google Maps are not the basis of my Nissan Pathfinder's navigation system. However, creating a map that provides the best route can be a reference to the tow vehicle's map, ensuring that the route determined when quietly at home is the route followed once on the road. Otherwise, you might experience a GPS adventure!

Montauk State Park, September 2019 (photo, Michael Clynes)

Part of my fun research on possible campgrounds for this winter led me to a campground in Missouri, Montauk State Park. At the headwaters of the Current River, the state park provides great hiking trails along the river. A little over three hundred miles south of my home, the winter weathers are a bit warmer, although in January I would expect temperatures even in the teens. 

White Oak State Park, Arkansas

A campground further south might be better for January, though, such as White Oak Lake State Park in Arkansas. A bit over 350 miles further south than Montauk SP, White Oak would definitely be warmer in the winter than SE Iowa. High and low temperatures range from about fifty to thirty degrees, much warmer! The reviews for this campground frequently include the word "quiet." 

Truth be told, though, this January I'll probably be camping in my driveway or locally with my soon-to-arrive Airstream Basecamp. The pandemic is expected to be at its worst this winter, so I can learn about the Basecamp's heating systems and sleeping options from my driveway and still be available to my family. If a couple of days with manageable temperatures pop up in January, I can camp locally and familiarize myself with towing the new rig. The covid reality in no way dampens the joy of researching new campsites, though. In some ways, the need to stay close to home even whets my appetite for research.

Camping should be one of the most positive experiences in our lives. We aren't forced to camp; it's not like a job that, although we aren't really happy about it, we still show up for money to pay the bills. Camping provides an opportunity to enjoy the natural world, to engage in more outdoor activities, and to align ourselves more with the rhythms of nature. Although we have now to attend to dealing with the dangers of the pandemic, we can limit the amount of doom we allow into our lives. We can make a choice, once we have attended to our business, to maximize the positive in our lives. Camping and spending time with our cherished ones around a campfire or hiking or kayaking--these activities are worth the planning time. Isn't it great that we have the means to do this with our smartphones . . . and that by planning our next trip or actively planning a dream trip, we can avoid doting on the doom and gloom of the world. All things in balance, but if we must err in our balancing point, let us error on the side of quietly and safely camping.

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My Silly, Camping-friendly Dream

What with the up and coming "Second Gentleman" designation for Doug Emhoff, Vice-President Elect Kamala Harris's husband, it seems my subconscious was busy last night in supplying me with an enjoyable dream. In it, my wife was president of the United States and I was the First Gentleman.

These First Spouses all have some themed causes or initiatives that are part of their official duties when at the White House. Currently, Melania Trump advocates for her "Be Best" initiative to fight against cyber-bullying. First Ladies Barbara and Laura Bush advocated for childhood literacy. Eleanor Roosevelt more broadly advocated for women's rights, civil rights, and humanitarian efforts. 

In my dream, while my wife was busy running the nation, I decided that I still wanted to go camping. I suppose my First Gentleman initiative in my dream was similar to Lady Bird Johnson's--environmental protection and beautification. I'm not making this up, though, but want to relate accurately my dream's reality, and my dream was that I wanted to continue camping and advocating for our country's natural beauty and for having the ability to enjoy it through camping. 

There were some security issues, though. I had to make sure that one of my Secret Service detail could pull a trailer. I had to check that Camp David had an RV dump station. In my dream, I named my First Hubby initiative "America, the Beautiful," and dedicated my time to YouTube campfire video chats about camping cleanliness, nature preservation, and the freedoms and responsibilities of life on the road. 

Airstream Basecamp at Joshua Tree National Park, Vivian Firlein photo

In my dream, my Secret Service detail rolled with their own security RV, complete with kitchen and arsenal. I had fun with the detail at the shooting range, had a minimal personal staff that included a videographer in order to maintain my YouTube channel. I was able to enjoy my Airstream Basecamp, even though most of my camping was at Camp David.

During the dream, I must have been connected to some extent to my conscious mind because some of my opinions surfaced in the dream.

• National parks have to provide access to all sorts of campers--RVs to backpacking. However, we have to stop "loving our national parks to death." Develop campgrounds--modern and primitive, yet leave much of the parks wild and untouched. Rather than arguing the wild vs. developed topic, admit both are a part of the national park experience and develop a small pocket of camping access in order to allow the greater portion of the parks to be wild. For instance, Yellowstone National Park includes 3,500 square miles of wilderness. It seems like a bit of that territory could be developed and most remain wilderness.
• The Army Corps of Engineers has the making of campgrounds down to a science. Sometimes the campgrounds are a bit too contrived for my tastes--tract home projects of the camping world--but they certainly provide easy, clean access to the natural world for the many people who want to enjoy natural beauty and still mostly hang out beneath their camper's awning. 
• A campaign for campers that is the equivalent of backpacking's "leave no trace" needs to find a high media profile. My dad, fifty years ago, used to say that we should always leave the campground cleaner than it was when we arrived. From what I've been reading recently, that is a PR campaign whose time has come. I'm sickened by the stories and photos I've been reading about the mess and waste campers have been leaving behind.
• Additional money needs to be provided for our state and national lands. We need to preserve our wilderness for future generations. I also wonder if some volunteer programs could be initiated. First Lady Pat Nixon advocated volunteerism. 

Well, so much for my dream. One of the favorite parts of my dream was me sitting around the campfire with some other campers, talking about our love for nature and responsible interaction with the environment. I doubt whether in reality I'll ever become a First Gentleman or a Second Gentleman . . . and thank goodness for that! However, it was a nice dream that included communication activities, environmental awareness, and lots of skies full of stars. 

We can all do our part, though, spreading the word that we have a beautiful world and that we need to do our part to ensure that it remains beautiful. Perhaps my silly, camping-friendly dream is a reminder that we are stewards of the land, that as the saying goes, we do not own the land but rather just live on it for a time. And as my dad said, if after our time here is done the land is better for our having lived on it, then that is good. Let my dream be my legacy--spending time in nature, stepping lightly upon the land.

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Preparing for My Airstream Basecamp Delivery

photo credit: Airstream/Prime Motor Cars, Scarborough, Maine

Excitement was the key word when my wife and I were told that our Airstream Basecamp 16' could possibly arrive in November rather than the scheduled January. And since it is now the first week on December, "possibly" was also an important word at play in my email interchange with our Airstream sales rep. When I wrote to the rep on December 1, saying that obviously a November delivery date was no longer possible, he replied: "Airstream is a little behind as they were having distributor issues getting certain parts to complete their builds.  The rep didn't know an ETA at this time but will let me know as soon as he can.  Hopefully it doesn't take too long!" 

Luckily, my wife and I are continuing our research on the AS Basecamp, searching for those items we'll need (such as a jack for possible flats) and little add-ons to sweeten the camping experience (such as rechargeable LED lights for deep cupboards and face mirrors). Below is a list of what we've come up with and have ordered. We're running out of necessaries, though, so we hope the trailer arrives soon!

It's funny how buying a travel trailer that costs six times more than my tiny trailer can change things. With the arrival of the Basecamp imminent (I hope), I've had to make some decisions on what equipment I want to keep and what equipment I need to replace. My wife and I are holding off as much as possible before buying so that we can live in the camper for a while prior to purchases. However, there have been a few early choices we've made--indeed, a few we had to make.

Towing

Part of the purchase package for the Basecamp was for the RV One dealership in Des Moines, Iowa, to furnish and install at no cost an Equalizer E2 Weight Distribution hitch, which will be installed when we travel to Des Moines pick up the trailer and have our training session with the technicians. The "Equal-i-zer" website says the hitch has a four-point sway control configuration and a weight distribution design that transfers weight to all four axles. It looks like our orientation session will begin with hitching up!

Our former tiny trailer was so light that it was not equipped with electric trailer brakes; however, the Basecamp is heavier and comes with trailer brakes. That has required me to recently have a trailer brake controller installed on our Nissan Pathfinder, our tow vehicle which came equipped with a tow package. The controller we chose is a Hayes Endeavor brand, which is a proportional braking system that provides braking in proportion to the level of braking I use when driving. I've been talking to my son, who has towed trailers (commercial) with electronic braking systems before. I've been reading the operation manual but will also probably end up calling the company and asking a few questions. My main concern is to start off with the right settings, since the installation center service manager was wiggling an adjustment gauge and now I'm not sure of the default setting. If all my basic or novice questions and concerns seem to indicate that I know nothing of these advanced towing concepts--well, guilty as charged!

A final adjustment to my towing set-up is that I've bought two clip-on towing mirrors, K Source #3791. Although reviews state that there is some vibration with this product, and although Basecamp owners state that the trailer is narrow enough that mirror extensions are not needed, I've bought the pair anyway. My tiny trailer was just five feet wide, and the extra eighteen inches in width for this trailer have prompted me to pick up the extra mirrors. Perhaps I won't use them for my local, rural trips, but for the first drive home and perhaps for trips that include heavier traffic, it's reassuring to have them. (Incidentally, the online price for these at the etrailer website was $130; the Amazon price for the same two mirrors was $40. Etrailer, through their Price Pledge program, just credited my card $98 when I informed them of the price discrepancy.)

Although not essentially related to towing, buying a jack is related to towing, since you can't head down the road with a flat. Even though the Basecamp is pricey, for some reason Airstream does not provide a jack. The jack I owned for my tiny trailer was not hefty enough for the larger Basecamp, so I've bought a hydraulic bottle jack that will lift 4,000 pounds. Along with the jack, I also bought a breaker bar to loosen the lug nuts. I already own a torque wrench, lug nut wrench, and appropriate sockets for my Pathfinder and the trailer. (Since I haven't tested these purchases, and they are commonly available, I won't provide links.)

Security

The hitch security system I used for my tiny trailer was an inexpensive set of locks for the ball and receiver hitches, costing about $35 and purchased by my son-in-law at a local store. I've decided to upgrade, though, for the Airstream

• Proven Industries coupler lock made for Airstream trailers. At $295, this is a pricey item, but when it arrived, the lock's strength is evident. First, it is heavy! The lock I received is different than the photos on the page site, but I called the company, and the rep said that if there it is "36" on the "ball," then the lock is correct. Yes, there's a "36." This new model also holds the chain hooks, increasing security. Below is a video tutorial.

Along with the increased security of a stronger lock for the trailer, I also wanted stronger locks for the car end of the hitch. The inexpensive package system that I used for my tiny trailer was a little flimsy, really, but adequate for an inexpensive trailer. The more expensive trailer might attract more determined or professional thieves, so I wanted a heavier duty security.

• Master Lock receiver and coupler lock system. The online product description states: "These high-strength locks feature hardened receiver pins for increased sheer strength. Pick-resistant precision locking mechanisms ensure optimal security."

Luckily, the Trimax wheel lock that I bought and used with my tiny trailer will also fit the Basecamp, according to the wheel lock's manufacturer. 

• The Trimax TCL65 is easy to use and has provided me with extra security. I had considered buying a new wheel lock that is designed to cover the lug nuts also but decided to go with what I have now. 

These above purchases will get me home and the trailer secured. Mostly, my wife and I intend to use the trailer for a while before deciding what additional purchases to make. We will use our current cooking kit and won't make any specific storage purchases until we have possession of the trailer and make measurements. There are a few exceptions to that overall strategy, though, that will be fun and perhaps useful for me to add. 

Tails of Wanderlust is a blog writer and full-time adventurer whose house on wheels is an Airstream Basecamp. Cass Beach works her full-time job online, and travels with her dog and cat. Her website includes some articles on items she's found that have made her inside living space more efficient and homey. My wife and I have a few of her suggestions on order, and once we have the trailer in the driveway, we'll check over her list again.

• 25 Essential Kitchen Accessories for Full-Time RV Living in an Airstream Basecamp
• 10 Best Airstream Basecamp RV Accessories for under $25

If you use the links from the Tails of Wanderlust articles, Cass will receive some advertising revenue for you purchases. My wife and I chose early purchases of some LED lights for cabinets and mirrors, some standard stick-on hooks, and a shower head shut-off value. We know we'll be using these items. I've also purchased a 15 amp to 30 amp adapter plug so I can keep the Basecamp's batteries charged while it sits in the driveway.

One last purchase my wife and I made were three new cooking chef's knives and storage safety covers for the knives. With the Basecamp's inside kitchen, we know we'll have a little more space to use and store the better knives.

• Henckles chef's knives: "Fabricated from high quality German stainless steel, the set includes a 4-inch paring/utility knife, a 6-inch utility/sandwich knife, and an 8-inch chef's knife."
• Universal knife edge guards: "Safer, non-BPA materials that are felt-lined so that they protect your knives’ integrity without marring their finish or dulling their blades as they slide in and out of the sheath."

And now we continue to wait for that phone call or email telling us the Basecamp has arrived in Des Moines. We have our funds ready for a wire transfer so we can skip one more meeting during this pandemic. Then we'll mask up and head to the RV One dealership for our orientation. After that, the open road will call . . . and we will answer!

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