Outfitting New Trailer: What Can't You Live Without?

[MuleLady]

I’ve ordered a new trailer and it’ll be here in about six weeks, so I have some time to think about things to outfit it with to make horse (well, in my case MULE) camping more enjoyable…typically long weekends where I sleep in my gooseneck and the mule is either picketed or in a stall or corral.

The trailer is a Hawk 2H gooseneck with dressing room, so space is sorta limited. Here’s my list so far:

25 gallon corner water tank
Bench box with hinged lid, used for storage, as a seat, and as a step up to the sleeping area
Air mattress
Plenty of bridle hooks and two fold down saddle racks
Small portable propane heater
Camp table and camp stove or grill
Grooming supplies organizer on dressing room door
Mounting block (mule is extra tall, this is a must)

What else can’t YOU live without when horse camping? What mods have you made to your non-LQ trailer that makes it more comfy for camping?

[Rayman421]

Doesn’t make the LQ more cozy, but I have racks that slide into the sides of the trailer and hold two buckets - one for each horse tied there, and extra tie rings up high (for hay nets) as well as lower for the horses. If a horse gets a foot hung up in the racks they come right up and off, but otherwise are very stable for holding water buckets.

[lawndart]

Porta Potti!

That is one thing I can’t live without. You can buy a small one for under $100 at a camping store. I’ve been to too many disgusting public bathrooms.

I have a trailer very similar in size/set up to yours. My DR is 5 feet, which is enough for my daughter and I. The best thing we did is go to the Kmart Automotive/hardware section, buy a couple of those hardened plastic cabinets they have for shops and garages. Virtually indestructible. Hubby installed them in a short amount of time (studs between ribs of trailer wall, screwed cabinets into studs) The doors have holes where you can put a clip or lock to keep the door from swinging open in case of a violent stop, the doors do latch pretty well on their own. I put all the permanent stuff in these cabinets so I only have to load things in the spring, take out in the fall.

I also purchased some magnetic curtain rods. My trailer is steel, so I put two of the rods on the ceiling in a corner in the horse section, hung a light shower curtain. I put my porti potti there, and can also wash/shower with a cowboy shower.

I use a mounting block as steps into my trailer, just move them over for the horse.

Also, a fan is something you will need. If you don’t have access to electric, they do make battery powered ones.

I was in Lowe’s this weekend, saw a small electric water heater (I think it was 2.5 gallons) that was portable. It was $168. I couldn’t make up my mind if I’d need it or not, so I didn’t get it, but its a thought if you are camping for more than 48 hours.

We did buy a seperate 5 gallon water container for human use only. Those large water tanks are harder to clean out, just personal preference for me to use a portable 5 gallon one I can bring into the house to clean.

I wish my trailer had an awning, but really can’t justify the $800 it would cost to put one on for the few times I’ve needed one. Most of the time I can park by a tree, and I do have a small canopy thing I can put up alone.

[511]

A tiny closet for the clean clothes, hamper for the dirty, net between bridle hooks to hang the sweaters/jackets (easy to grab when it gets chilly/clean place to put them when it’s not
Electricty

[dawglover]

You absolutely must make room for a well supplied veterinary emergency kit…my vet was very helpful in suggesting and supplying items I would need, knowing that I am often camping WAY out in the boonies without quick access to a veterinarian’s services.

You want a human first aid kit too.

[gothedistance]

some thoughts on outfitting a trailer for horse camping

Some things you might want to consider:

Forget the water tank. It takes up critical space for a singular purpose and isn’t multi-functional. It also requires careful maintenance for cleaning and use. When it isn’t being used, it is in the way. You can pack the same amount of water just using buckets that stack, can be used for “fetching” water, are portable (they can go anywhere), easily cleanable, and are expendable. You can put them all outside once you are at your destination, and free up the space inside your trailer. Water tank - $$$. Buckets - free in many cases after you use up the product intside. My local aquarium fish store sells their 25 lb (10 gallon) sea salt buckets with the nifty screw lids that lock into place for $4 each. Best bargain I’ve found anywhere!!

Air mattresses demand time and effort to inflate/deflate and (for my purposes) just aren’t all that comfortable. A simple foam mattress is actually better for your back and for sleeping. They are always ready whenever and whereever. Just throw a nice set of sheets and quilt over them, and you’re good to go… or crash… at all hours of the day or night.

The bench box is a good idea, and the dual -usage is appealing. However, the lightweight plastic 2-step kitchen step-stool you can get from Costco or Wal-Mart is more multi-dimentional, plus highly portable. It weighs nothing, serves as a mounting block (very, very nicely, I might add), an extra “seat”, a perfect step-up into the gooseneck, handles all types of weather, and when in transit can be flipped over and used to store all kinds of stuff inside the cavity. You can also by two (as I have) – they stack neatly into each other – and use one outside for mounting, one inside for trailer use. Cost: $5

I also carry plenty of bridle hooks and 1 folding saddle rack (I own 3) that I use to carry my saddle when I’m traveling to a ride. All very handy. But what I also did was install two additional tack room style flip-down saddle racks directly onto my trailer – one on the side that I use for my horse’s corral, the other under the overhang. In good weather I can simply flip down the saddle rack (which is held up in transit via a bungie cord) and use it for my saddle or miscellaneous stuff). In bad weather I can use the flip-down under the gooseneck – which can hold all the dirty stuff without it being exposed to the weather. Very convenient, and more efficient that the carry saddle racks. Plus they are always available, and right there when you need them.

The single propane-cannester stoves are fabulous. I love mine and it does everything I want with little in the way of needing space or storage. I did pack a grill several times, but… I never found the time it requires to actually use it. Being a frivilous item, it finally got relegated to the “stay home” pile. Were my family to come with me, and need something to do (being guys) I would probably bring the grill again… but, otherwise it was just in the way and not useful at all., especially when a campfire is so much more fun, and less work.

You want to get an inverter and a marine battery to supply power. I have this setup and I LOVE it. It is absolutely dead quiet, powers my television, DVD player, radio, lights, and re-charger for my GPS unit. Running all this stuff over a 3 day weekend still leaves me with power left in the battery … but not much more. I now am in the process of putting solar panels on the roof of my trailer to trickle-charge the battery, although I’m also going to get a second battery for the very long (4 day) stays at the camp where no electrical power is available. Where it is, I carry a very small, lightweight plug-in trickle-charge recharger to keep the batteries up and fully charged.

Oh, and you’ll want to add to your list a long, heavy duty extention cord for when electrical service is offered. You can save on your batteries that way.

Also nice to have is a pop-up tent for nasty weather. Nothing worse than saddling up in the pouring rain. Ugh!! I used those put-together 8x10 canopies from Wal-Mart – about $29. Pain in the butt to put up and take down, but… they are lightweight and very portable. Now I have a instant 10x10 snap-up canopy – on the downside it is heavier, requires two people (or you can attach one leg to your trailer as a “dead man”), and more expensive $69… but the perks are it is faster to get up and down, higher, and covers more area. Plus it won’t blow apart in a heavy wind (been there).

Folding cloth-covered lawns chairs are wonderful. I also carry (for the long weekends) a chaise lounge. I love it. I can lay out in the sun and read, fall asleep, lay listening to music, and be uber comfortable. It takes up the same room as two folding chairs, but you can’t beat it’s appeal for resting and relaxing outside the trailer.

I also carry an armload of quilts with me – to throw across chairs, to snuggle in when around a campfire at night, to hang in order to separate off my sleeping quarters from the rest of the room for more privacy, to pile on for extra warmth on the cold nights, as table cloths, picnic blankets, extra “blankets” or a quick throw for my horse at needed (my stock of quilts came in VERY handy once for this purpose on a very cold night for a sick horse that belonged to a fellow camper). Lots and lots of different uses.

A few things that won’t take up space or weight, but come in very handy:

• Door mat for wiping feet
• indoor/outdoor carpeting for floor (very nice)
• railing installed along the upper walls to hang bridle hooks, coat hangers, wire baskets for gloves/small items, and etc.
• eye hooks in ceiling to hand lanterns for light, tack cleaning hook, etc.
• fold-down rings installed in the walls for securing bungie cords to hold stuff in place while traveling.
• lightweight plastic cabinets with drawers (Wal-Mart, K-Mart) for storing food stuff and utensils, and the flat top surface can serve as small tables. Can be easily removed from trailer when not in use and stored in barn tack room.
• plastic storage containers marked for specific purposes – electrical stuff, first aid, horse feed, electrolytes, tools & hardware, propane cannisters, fencing charger & equipment. I have these, which help me to put my hands on what I need immediately, plus they are portable and can be removed and stacked in the barn (or elsewhere) until I need them.

If you can have a rack installed on the outside of your trailer to carry your fencing equipment (electrical poles, corrals, etc) it is so much easier than having to haul them out of the back of your truck, or from the extra stall in your trailer.

I’m sure I’ll think of some more items later. After doing this for 5+ years, one learns how to economize, and what perks are needed to keep one sane.

[BEARCAT]

Bought one of those clear shoe pocket thingy made to hang over the door - around $5 at Wally world - very useful to keep sunscreen, keys, brushes, Kleenexes, camera, etc, etc, etc… You can see what’s in there and won’t waste time looking around for your flashlight, lip balm, horse treats…

[gothedistance]

shoe caddies

@BEARCAT

Bought one of those clear shoe pocket thingy made to hang over the door - around $5 at Wally world

I have five of them!! (shoe caddies) hanging in my trailer. They are the BEST for all sorts of stuff: one for first aid/toiletries; one for sewing and repair items; one for horse related hardware; one for kitchen utensils; and one for miscellaneous clothing items including gloves, ear bands, etc. I use shower rings and hang them on the portable bridle hooks over the windows to function as temporary curtains when needed (my horse trailer is a modified completely open interior stock with a wall of drop-down screened windows on both sides so I have LOTS of view and LOTS of circulating air).

[MuleLady]

Gosh everyone…thanks for all the GREAT ideas! Wow, lots to think about. The opinions of what NOT to take along is real useful, as I always tend to over-pack. Seems I need to spend some quality time in the storage and closet organizer aisles at WalMart and Lowes.

gothedistance…The marine battery and inverter for power sounds intriguing…for powering my laptop in particular. Are these commonly available at auto parts stores or places like Lowes?

Looking forward to more responses here…my list of “must haves” is already way shorter, LOL!

[gothedistance]

I got my inverter at Costco, but you can pick them up most anywhere that has electronic equipment, including the bigger auto parts stores. Mine is pretty powerful, with two outlets, so it can power my lights, TV, DVD player all at the same time. A deep cycle marine battery is a must – don’t get a regular car battery. The marine battery is designed for slow continuous power drain – exactly what an inverter requires.

I’m going to have to bring my computer to the next ride since I have some articles I need to write, but I’m hoping the computer battery will survive the weekend without me having to power it back up. I might just use my truck battery with the engine running.

[rideapaso]

I have a 40-gallon water tank mounted up under the gooseneck. Its out of the way and is usually enough horse water for a long weekend. I had an electric pump mounted on it, so I can hose off my horse after trail riding on hot days.

Futon mattress on gooseneck with memory foam topper on it (from Costco). VERY comfortable!!

Porto-potty in horse stall

Fantastic Fan in place of a roof vent

Insulation and paneling in dressing room makes it much warmer and cuts down on condensation

Love my Hi-Tie

[MissBri]

What a wealth of info!

You guys are great - all kinds of wonderful ideas. One thing not mentioned that I always have tucked away is extra rope of varying thickness and of course duct tape. Definitely instead of an air mattress get one of those compact foam pads - you can usually find them at outdoor outfitters/Walmart. Instead of bedding I bring a sleeping bag.
At Lowes and Home Depot you can find a step stoll tool box for about $10-15. These are great items, hold quite a bit of stuff, and are a nice height for a mounting block, step, seat, etc.
Another thing you should consider taking along is a rasp and hoof knife. If your horse wears shoes, also a shoe puller.

Of utmost importance is a really good cooler filled with your favorite beverage!

Have fun above all!

[JoJo]

Gothedistance, you have a lot of good advice, Thank You!!!

I’ve just been going through the same questions as the OP of this thread. Bear in mind, I will be camping out of the 2nd stall of a 2H bumper-pull with a 38-inch walkway (escape door on each side), and that is IT. (Plus tent, canopy, etc. to whatever extent I decide to set up.)

Here’s what I’ve come up with. I did LOTS of research on items.

PROPANE SPACE HEATER: Recommended strongly was Coleman ProCat (NOT "GolfCat or any other “cat,” the ProCat. It has a built in fan, is very lightweight. Odd shape, granted, but reviews on this were great. In addition to the person who recommended it. I was initially very attracted to the Mr. Heater (their Buddy or the Big Buddy). However, many reviews said ignition is totally unreliable and they blow out with the slightest breeze. (Buddy has no fan, Big Buddy does.) I went with the Coleman ProCat.
Where to buy: Prices ranged all over the place, but I got mine on eBay, brand new, $64 included shipping. (It took this seller over 2 weeks to even ship it, but that was the only drawback.) While meant to use in a tent, etc., DO leave some ventilation, this is true with any propane-operated appliance.
Link to best price I found (seller has many auctions for them):
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6043452762&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_ReBay_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT

HOT WATER HEATER:
Again, I researched the heck out of these. The Zodi units are cheaper, but they don’t have (a) a built in faucet; and (b) ability to set your temperature, anywhere from cold all the way to “tea making” temperature. I settled in on the Coleman “Hot Water on Demand.” This is a slightly heavy unit for its size, but built like a tank. In the heat of summer, I like to rinse off totally, I hate being hot and sticky. Also a real time saver in dish washing, etc. Comes with a built in pump and rechargeable battery. One propane canister is supposed to last 40 minutes of run-time. I hear that it does. I believe battery lasts that long also without recharging. You buy shower (4-ft. hose) attachment and carry bag separately. I didn’t get the garden hose adapter, but kind of wish I had for horse bathing even at home. I think out of the two (Zodi or Coleman HWOD) the Coleman is far superior here also, based on all I’ve read. (Also more expensive though.)
Where to buy: On this one, best price by far was at Country Supply (countrysupply.com). Free shipping on it EXCEPT there is an FOB added because of its weight. Weight is okay for me in exchange for the convenience and reliability of this unit.

STORAGE UNITS:
OMG, I ran across a unit at Walmart on sale ($10 each), brought it home, looked at it and realized I wanted more of these. Ugly, but they grow on you. Two good sized drawers (maroon) set into a hunter green frame (awk???) But the drawers slide out and become carry baskets. (Drawer handle is also a carry handle, one on each end). There’s a stopper on the back side so the drawers don’t slide beyond where they should (you can override if you want). Tops are flat and make great counterspace. They weigh nothing. (They can also stack in your garage.) What I particularly love about these for trailering? The drawers themselves are a little smaller at the bottom than the top. The frame is the same width. You can therefore thread bailing twine in between drawer and the open frame and secure to wall for travel, either side or back side. Look soon, they were on clearance, but a couple of days ago, still there. Made by Starlite, these are great units.

MAGNETIC LIGHTS:
Great for steel trailers! In camping section, Walmart, about $7 each. Extreeeeeemely strong magnets, on/off switch, I have one by each human door and a 3rd. All three could be ganged up around a mirror if your lighting is bad.

PORTA POTTY:
Thetford is “the” name in Porta Potties. However, my space is so limited, I wanted the smallest flush unit I could get. Walmart again, but get it soon. I talked to the company and they have discontinued that unit. I have tested this thing out every which way (including using it without chemical just to see how its seal was.) Century “Passport” porta-potty. $64 I believe. 12w x 13d x 12h. Has fresh water tank and little hand pump that swirls water around. (Pump needs initial priming but works well and with a great swirl pattern). HINT: Don’t take up holding tank space with TP, it’s a hassle to dump out anyway. Just keep a gallon size ziplock bag nearby and put your paper in that. (#2 paper, your call, I think I’d use the holding tank, lol.)

AWNINGS:
Under $15. I ran across an eBay seller who has designed a hardware setup where he says if you install a C channel on horse trailer, his hardware will let you have a tarp all along the length of your trailer just like an RV. I have not bought one yet. He uses any tarp… cheapos from Walmart. He notes that all tarps have grommets in different places, this hardware will accommodate that. I have a feeling it’s a “find” but don’t understand how it works. I also don’t know anything about the required C Channel. But just looked like it was definitely worth bookmarking.
Link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8772367022&sspagename=ADME:L:RTQ:US:1

CANOPIES FOR HUMANS:
I looked at everything out there. See Noah’s Tarp made by Kelty. I’d go right to Kelty’s website, click on canopies, click on 2001 or any other year, scroll down on pop-out menu, choose Noah’s Tarp. Setup instructions are on website also. You should pay $50 for 9-footer, $60 for 12-footer and I think $70 for 16-footer. Does NOT come with poles. I wrote Kelty Cust. Svc. and pinned him down, he says these are waterPROOF, not water RESISTANT. These are an incredible design, extremely versatile. He said I could likely set up the 9-foot by myself, wasn’t sure about the 12-foot. Reviews on backpacking sites: “Withstands winds beautifully because you can configure them a zillion ways. Kept rain OUT.” Google Noah’s Tarp for price comparisons, they range all over the ballpark again, but you can get them for the above prices. Shipping shouldn’t be more than $5. These weigh NOTHING and take up very little packing space. Mine is on the way.
Best price I found:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Kelty-Noahs-Tarp-12-NEW-2006-model-1-pound-15-oz_W0QQitemZ8777197770QQcategoryZ36118QQtcZphotoQQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

FANS:
Walmart. $12 each. 10-inch battery operated fans made by Ozark Trails. (Buy now, they are OUT of them in camping season.) I bought two. Hot sticky nights are miserable.

TABLE: Walmart again, Ozark Trails. I paid $30 and this is going to be very worth it. Lightweight, 5-ft. long, fast, no-brainer setup. Regular table height or close, I think 30+ inches wide. A little wobbly but sure could be worse. I chopped veggies (asian style w/big cleaver) on it in the kitchen just to get a real feel for it. I’m keeping it. Great table! Folds in half, has carry handle that sticks out of the box. Heat “resistant” top. (Note: I’ve seen these offered for up to $60. Cabelas wants a LOT for the same table.)

SLEEPING:
TENT-COT: OMG, I am in LOVE with Kamp-Rite tent-cot. (www.tentcot.com). Cabelas makes one also, this looks better. You just have to see it. Go to their website and click on the single with the domed top. Or the original (not domed top). Domed top is wider bed. Only reason I was able to resist this uit was because I see no way to use fans with it in heat of summer. Love it, love it, love it!! (www.tentcot.com)

Here’s another one I ran across just for a look-see.
http://www.venturacampsystems.com/

ALTERNATE: I bought on ebay a totally mesh-sided sleeping tent. Cheap. It has a 53-inch footprint, enough for fans enclosed (bugs outside). Looks like very easy setup. Looks like quick setup. It’s on its way. Have a look if the sound of it appeals to you. I just thought it would be GREAT in summertime, and the Noah’s Tarp can be lowered for privacy and/or rain or wind.
http://store.yahoo.com/americanesuperstore/349.html

GADGETS:
Tie Thingies:
Ran across these by accident at Walmart. (I think automotive or hardware, it wasn’t with camping). Ask for “KwikTwist.” This is a package of two bendable tie thingies you can twist closed. Two things about them made me buy it. (1) Can’t think of a better thing for wither tracings which I have to take. These bend however you want and keep their shape long enough to trace without any loss; and (2) these things screw together! You can make one long one. Just looked extraordinarily handy for securing things to trailer or truck bed, inside and out. (Rubber-wrapped steel cable --> very strong and rubber is thick enough and has give, so things wouldn’t get marred.) I also looked it up on google, and got taken to their website.

“Serious” tying of gear into truck:
The “Rope Ratchet”:
I read a huge praise review on this.
http://www.roperatchet.com/video.shtml
Click on “Product Video.” Looks really handy! I haven’t bought one, but may. I called the stores they list (Lowe’s, HD, etc.) and have yet to find it. Could be ordered from website and I think they have a return policy.

HighLining or PicketLining:
Best website I’ve found for everything needed (complete with great photos of setups)…

COOKING:
If you are not familiar with 3-legged dutch ovens (cast iron is best but heavier than aluminum counterpart) these are phenomenal at campfire OR with briquettes. You can bake bread in one. You can do stews in one. You can fry on their inverted lids. Food is fun in these, and tastes GREAT!!! Best brand (and it matters) - Lodge. I think it’s www.lodge.com. Best price I’ve found: Cabelas has the Lodge 10-inch DO (dutch oven) for $30. Does not come cheaper than that. That’s a good size. Expect it to weigh some, and must be padded in transport, cast iron IS breakable. Nothing like it tho.

Pressure Cookers:
So easy to use, and really conserves on fuel. I turn out a stew in 11 minutes of cooking time, using meat off a 7-bone roast which is pretty tough cut (but delicious and super tender if cooked right). Normally that takes minimum an hour of simmering, sometimes more in regular methods. The perfect pot for camping!!!

Battery operated electric fence energizer: Can’t beat Zareba, and best price anywhere is:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Zareba-Battery-Powered-Electric-Fence-Energizer_W0QQitemZ7600025465QQcategoryZ66898QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

His shipping was fast, he answers questions honestly, instructions weren’t in my package and he FED EX’d them OVERNIGHT. (Very conscientious seller.) NOTE: He willingly told me his reserve. $55. Some of his auctions get bid up way higher. Just wait for one with no bids and plug yours in at the last minute.

MISC:
Okay, I’m just not comfortable dropping my drawers in the woods. Two products to look at: www.travelmate.com and www.freshette.com. I bought the Travelmate. Jury is out so far, but I’m impressed. Note: There IS a learning curve. When it’s positioned right, it works fantastically just as described on their website (fully clothed included)! When it’s not? It doesn’t. I think it’s worth the practice to get positioning memorized. Very small, compact unit.

Hope this adds some food for thought! It’s the best I’ve come up with, and I have checked reviews and prices bigtime. If it benefits others, all the better!!!

[gothedistance]

JoJo - Love your list! How are you going to fit all this into your little space… and still have 2 inches to sleep? <very big grin>

Knowing you are prepared to use these items to facilitate camping, here is my personal experiences on actually using some of these items during an endurance ride:

Propane heater - love it. I got a small propane canister heater, and went to a 2-day 100 ride that took place during a freezing, drenching nor’easter. That heater worked it’s butt off drying out a whole laundry load of clothing, including shoes and jackets. I use mine to take the edge off of the cold evenings, and cold mornings. For space requirements I chose the Coleman unit that is merely a screw-on heater head to the propane canister and employs a “click-on start” . Very economical in space and weight considerations, easy storage, and highly portable. I do NOT use it, however, for nighttime sleeping. It is far safer to pile on quilts to stay warm than risk even the slightest danger of carbon moxoxide poisoning.

Hot Water Heater – the biggest waste of money I ever spent. I bought the Zodi, and almost immediately realized (after spending all the time putting the unit and supplies together only to get merely tempid water) that a pot of water placed on the stove to boil is more economical and far more efficient in terms of speed, supervision, and heat control. All the specialized hot water thing did was aggravate, take up valuable space, and produce less than a simple spaghetti pot on the stove. That stupid, worthless Zodi is still sitting on the shelves in the top of my barn. Anyone want it? I certainly don’t.

Magnetic lights – they work great… for one season. Then they don’t. Been there, bought a ton with great expectations, and learned my lesson. You need to make sure they are taken out of the trailer, the batteries are removed, and they are packaged back in an air-tight container. Maybe you will be lucky and they will work again the following year. But once the package is opened the contacts start to rust and halfway through the season most are already useless. On the upside – the magnetics on the back of the expensive Coleman tent lights are awesome! I’ve had 5 Coleman tent lights – they all failed within the year, so I removed the magnetics and duct taped (gawd, I love that stuff!!) them to the back of the uber cheapo push-on lights (from Wal-Mart and Home Depot) that I now purchase by the handfull – very cost effective, and disposable after a year.

Porta-potties – No. Takes up unnecessary space, isn’t portable, and just adds extra weight. A large gallon-sized zip-lock plastic bag is better – it fits over the croch easily, is self-contained, and easy to dispose. Plus a whole box of baggies weighs NOTHING, stores in the tinest of spaces, and is portable. I also use the baby wipes - they come in a neat little package, are pre-moistened, and gets disposed in the bag along with the waste.

Awnings - not unless it is specifically made for a horse trailer and you aren’t expecting ANY wind OR rain. Awnings sag unless they have all kinds of rod supports and hold-down lines to keep them taunt, and the last thing you want to do is throw a horse into that mix unless you have LOTS of space around your trailer to keep the two separated. At an endurance ride, I suspect you won’t. If the sun and heat are going to bother you, get a beach umbrella, or sit under your gooseneck overhang (which is quite fun and very cosy).

Canopies - I absolutely love them, but the time it takes to put them up and take them down is bothersome. Unless you are going camping for a few days, or expect rain or nasty weather, don’t bother. It is more trouble than it’s worth. Trust me.

Fans - love rideapaso’s fan, which is my next item to install in my trailer. I have the battery fan – never used it. I won’t go to rides that take place in heat that is nasty enough to demand the use of a fan at nighttime. Did that once – never ever again.

Tents - I’ll only bring one if I have guests. They can sleep in the tent – I don’t share my horse trailer.

Cooking - don’t go overboard packing stuff you may lack the time to use. Think “less is more” here. The ride management will see to feeding you dinner, and even providing a continental breakfast of coffee, tea, hot chocolate and all sorts of sweet munchies to get your motor started in the morning. Your contribution to the meals will be what you make and consume DURING the ride – which will be fast, easy to prepare, and portable. For any leisurely off-peak-moment meals you want to create yourself – two sauce pans, one large spaghetti pot (which can serve as your dishwasher), a skillet – that’s about all that’s needed These implements are pretty much stackable, and very economical for the space they take up.

On kitchenwear: Hard plastic dishes, mugs, stainless steel flatwear, dish towels, plastic place mat, dry foods repackaged in zip-lock bags. Limit the amount you bring that requires cold storage, and limit the volume down to only what you need. 2 cups of milk poured into two quart zip-lock baggies takes up FAR less room that a 1/2 gallon container.

Most of your rides are only going to be overnight in duration. Don’t pack the whole household; otherwise you’re going to find youself sorting through a whole bunch of miscellaneous junk just to find something you truly need.

[MuleLady]

Gosh the responses get better and better! You all are a wealth of great info!

About Fans: My new trailer has the vent hole in the roof of the dressing room that is wired and ready for installation of a heating/ac unit or a fan that runs off the battery. Most seem to think the fan is the best idea. Who sells such things to fit that small-ish hole AND are they made such that they can move air in OR out at the flip of a switch? Any suggestions here?

Boy…I was all gungho for a number of things (corner water tank, porta pottie, water heater) that I am seriously reconsidering thanks to all this valuable feedback.

I want to be comfortable but the truth is that most if not all of my mule camping will be done at sites set up for that…they already have bathhouse and restroom facilities, water hydrants, shaded camp sites, and corrals or stalls for the mules. So…this discussion is really good for figuring out what I really NEED vs what I think I WANT. My list has morphed with each new post!

[JoJo]

Well, this will be my first year for horse camping, but one thing I realized when reading Go’s post… I’m going to be doing “wimpy” camping compared to you, lol. It sounds like you are going out overnight with horse and camping “out there.” I will be staying at an equine campground (trailer and all right there with me).

I do already think I have overbought some stuff. My recommendations were based on the stated (I think) desire to get those things. So they were more on which product I’d pretty much determined were getting better success than their competition (e.g., Coleman Hot Wter on Demand vs. Zodi).

Things I definitely am glad I bought… Porta potty is at the top of the list, I’m keeping it in the trailer so it’s there just for pulling over on the side of the road. I’m addicted to Dunkin Donuts Iced Coffee. That stuff turns a human into a peep machine. But I have to make rest stops more than I used to, and I really like having that thing in there. To me it’s worth its space.

Heater: Not 100% sure I will use it, but about 99% sure. I THINK I will love having it in the trailer in Spring and Fall camping. It’s also a good backup at home when we lose power. The little one you mentioned sounds pretty neat too. Probably not as powerful, but sounds like it reeeeally makes up for it in space.

Hot water heater: Wellllll, that may have been overkill. I thought about it long and hard, too. Just sort of had to have one. My biggest rationale? Summer. Yes, some of the places I’ll be camping will have bath houses, but not sure I want to leave my beastie unattended while I trek off. Yeah, the quickie convenience of just turning it on and not messing with boiling water appealed to me too. But truth be known? Coulda lived without it I’m sure.

Magnetic LIghts: Thanks for the heads up! If they last a season, I’ll live with it. But dang, those magnets are gems!! If they do die, I will ressurect the magnets, that’s for sure. Could probably hold up the horse with those things, lol.

I know the lights you’re talking about – “tap lights.” They don’t put out anywhere near as much light, so I bought 3 of the magnetic ones. Will see how they hold up.

Fans: I will definitely use the two I bought. Especially at night. I like sleeping fairly cold, and wrapped up in down.

Canopies (human): Again, different strokes, except you may be right about the time it takes to set up. My impression is that the Noah’s Tarp is a no brainer in time. I really want shade! So to me it would be important to have something, and I liked the versatility of that one. I also want to be able to sleep outside in rain but not get wet. I’ll stay with that. May find the experience test says different tho. But hey, you have a gooseneck for shade and I can see the picture you described (under it, cozy little place). Mine isn’t a gooseneck so I won’t have that. Wish it were!!

Where will I keep all this? God knows!!! ROFL! I will transport it in the 2nd stall, packed well, and the truck bed, but once there, it’ll come out of the trailer, because the 2nd stall will be used for more than storage. After several trips I figure I’ll have made some of the same mistakes you write of, and start discovering some of it will be better left at home. It’s a weeding through process, to some extent, I’m sure.

You make some very good points. They don’t all fit my thoughts (e.g., porta potty which, to me, is definitely worth the space it takes). But some others that you bring up definitely do ring like they may hold true once I see where I’ve overkilled.

As for cooking stuff, again, if I were going “out there” overnight as opposed to likely being in a base camp situation (day trail riding mixed with camping) then I’d be heading exactly in the same thoughts you expressed. My kind of camping will, in some cases, be just mid-week or weekend getaways for a couple of nights at a time. Leisurely morning, couple hours trail riding, come back, let horse rest, read for a while, take a snooze, then go hit the trails again in the afternoon. Then come back and likely break out a Dutch Oven and play with it at night by campfire.

Sure won’t know until I try it a few times. (I may look in the mirror after a couple of trips and see egg all over my face, lol. And become a hot eBay seller, lol.) But hey, we’ll see.

You mentioned Nor’easters. Are you in New England also??? Other parts of country don’t necessarily refer to Nor-easters.
JJ

[JoJo]

PS: Not all the things I mentioned have I bought. The list includes things I ran across in my cyber travels that just looked useful or had been recommended one place or another (e.g., rope ratchet, awning hardware kit, tent cot). I thought they were worthy of mention in either event for people who had those needs. I don’t yet know WHAT I will be “needing” vs. “wanting.”

Now just watch. First camping trip I’ll take it all and use it all, just to see how it works. Second camping trip I’ll prolly show up with a sleeping bag and a pillow, three jugs of water and two MRIs. ROFL!!

[Coyoteco]

This is an interesting thread with some great ideas. I suggest a quiet generator and microwave. I like a screen tent/canopy for covering the cooking/lounging area. One that is set up like a dome tent is nice and easy. It should also have a top that is water repellant.
If you aren’t pulling a gooseneck, I think this would be nice, though I don’t have one: http://www.truckcandy.com/TC/TruckTents/truck_tent.htm?source=gaw

[gothedistance]

JoJo -

OK. Now I see what kind of camping you’re going to be doing. Different in many respects from an endurance ride. Don’t misunderstand – our trailers are there with us, but basecamp is usually in some field (think: no amenities except sun and air and porta-johns) for the day before, and day of, the ride. Lots of other riders around happy to share/borrow stuff you forgot/broke/misplaced, and vendors there when you really need to replace/buy something for permanent use. Everyone helps everyone else. I learned early on that endurance riders are really super nice, incredibly awesome people!

At an endurance ride one doesn’t necessarily have a lot of leisure time unless one arrives two days before the event. Then it can be pretty darn relaxing… almost a vacation. The nights are the best – not hard to entice your trailer neighbors over – or for you to get an invite – for some nibbles/dinner/late nite snack, wine or beer, and some great gossip. Endurance folk are SO social!! The day of the ride, however, things tend to be more intense and focused, so most social interaction is limited to “How are you doing? How is your horse doing? Is he EDPP?? (eating/drinking/peeing/pooping)” and “Good luck and have fun!!”

I can see in your case a lot more time to relax to smell the roses. Time to cook a nice, slow dinner and indulge in all that great camping stuff. It sounds dreamy!

[JoJo]

GoTheDistance–

First, a couple of tips I learned about that I forgot to mention…

Handwarmers: If you crack them open and only need them for about 20 minutes, then the rest of their heating power is wasted. If, however, you put them into a ziplock bag and press all the air out, they will cool down and then you can re-use them! Air is what activates them (and re-activates them). I tried it several times. It works.

Ice: I’m sure people know this, but only takes a few lines to write it… on any trip where I need an ice chest, I freeze 16-oz. bottled water. These are a solid block that won’t melt as fast as ice, and as it starts melting you have ice water. (Put them on TOP of cooler since heat rises, cold sinks.)

GTD, several things you wrote where I have questions…

2-step kitchen step stool (from WMart or Costco) that you mentioned. I haven’t seen these. Do they have storage inside? The way you wrote it, it sounded like they do. The only 2-step kitchen stools I recall have an extention you can use as a handle, pretty hard to sit on top step. Sounds like I’m missing something, these sound handy! Can you describe more?

You mentioned “carry plenty of bridle hooks and fold-down saddle racks…” Also referred to “portable” bridle hooks in another place. The only bridle hooks and saddle racks I’ve seen have to be screwed into something. Do you have another kind?

You also refer to screwing things into ceiling. My steel 2H BP is pretty much just a shell except for where the ribs are. Do you have a way to screw things into ceiling OTHER than on ribs?

Same question for the saddle racks you screwed into outside of trailer (you said one under gooseneck, but other on the side). I’m so far a little afraid to be bolting stuff into side of trailer. Even nervous about the ribs. (I don’t know where they ran electrical wires.) Any advice on that? I’d sure like to feel a little more good about bolding into trailer! This is pretty new to me so maybe I’m being overly cautious.

Quoting whole paragraph…
"Also nice to have is a pop-up tent for nasty weather. Nothing worse than saddling up in the pouring rain. Ugh!! I used those put-together 8x10 canopies from Wal-Mart – about $29. Pain in the butt to put up and take down, but… they are lightweight and very portable. Now I have a instant 10x10 snap-up canopy – on the downside it is heavier, requires two people (or you can attach one leg to your trailer as a “dead man”), and more expensive $69… but the perks are it is faster to get up and down, higher, and covers more area. Plus it won’t blow apart in a heavy wind (been there). "

When you say “pop up tent” for saddling up… Are you referring to a regular camping type shade canopy you set up? I haven’t seen any pop-up tent that a horse could be under except a whole canopy setup (poles, guy lines, etc.) And second, what is the "instant 10x10 snap-up canopy? Is this something that’s meant for shade for normal camping use? I have ZERO experience with canopies or tents, I’ve been looking at them with a lot of assumpions in mind, then question my assumptions.

Thanks,
JJ