Camp Site Tips and Tricks.

[Oranger]

The item I use the most are these little magnetic flashlights. I have probably a 6-8, though the kids usually have a few. They’re “2-in-1” so you can change the beam pattern, they’re magnetic, and they have a hook that’s super handy. I hang them in the tent (not overly bright, just enough), under the tent, on the awning, etc. I’m usually in/out of the RTT a few times a night with young kids and these are perfect to pop on/off. I couldn’t find the exact ones I have but I think they came from tractor supply ($2-3 ea), they look like below.

I did just purchase these rechargeable lights - going to give those whirl, try and use less batteries.

I also second the door mat. I also purchased a 6x8 plastic straw mat to put under our 270 awning (haven’t been able to use it yet). Anxious to try that but hope it reduces debris in the annex and trailer, and maybe some extra comfort for bare feet (weather dependent).

Lots of great ideas here!

Harbor freight freebie lights (like the left photo) are great to stash away all over. Useful for up close work. I have a different rechargeable light similar to the right photo and I love it. The articulation and magnetic base make it incredibly useful.

 

[theMightyGoose]

Milk/water gallon jugs can be great to use as tie down weights. Cut a big hole in the top but leave the handle to tie off to. It is useful for sandy or rocky soils where traditional spikes won't work.
Edit: they can be dumped and collapsed for lightweight travel

I hear they will also keep stray cats out of your camp.

 

[jeepers29]

I carry an old plastic jar{peanut butter} with 8"lag screws and washers to use as tent stakes along with a battery operated drill. These work great in not only rocky soil but in sandy conditions as well. I have not had one pull out even in high winds. Easy to put in and out without having to swing a hammer.

 

[TexasGMG]

I carry an old plastic jar{peanut butter} with 8"lag screws and washers to use as tent stakes along with a battery operated drill. These work great in not only rocky soil but in sandy conditions as well. I have not had one pull out even in high winds. Easy to put in and out without having to swing a hammer.

This is great! We have a lot of caliche around here (and further west) and it's sometimes pretty difficult to drive in tent pegs. I'm thinking some lags with fender washers would be the answer to bending/breaking stakes.
Thanks

 

[jeepers29]

This is great! We have a lot of caliche around here (and further west) and it's sometimes pretty difficult to drive in tent pegs. I'm thinking some lags with fender washers would be the answer to bending/breaking stakes.
Thanks

I came up with idea after many bad words, driving stakes in Colorado. It really works well. Hope you find it helpful. And Yes, lags, but I just use size appropriate washers. I think the big fender washers have a chance of cutting the rope, but I have not tried them.

 

[Mike G]

A tree works great for the plastic water containers.

 

[Mike G]

An old military duffel bag works great for storing firewood. Best part is, it’s compact when empty.

 

[Mike G]

Picked up 3 pot/pan protectors from the Dollar Store. Now my frying pans won’t get scratched up.

 

[Mike G]

Used an old Velcro strap I had lying around to help keep my Camp Oven box closed when not in use.

 

[Mike G]

I normally hang my trash bag from the table leg. But this table trash bag holder looks pretty cool. They also make them for poles.

 

[Mike G]

Been using a
Plano Tackle Stowaways with Adjustable Dividers for my kitchen utensils/accessories. Works pretty good for what I have.

 

[Overland Vic]

Picked up 3 pot/pan protectors from the Dollar Store. Now my frying pans won’t get scratched up.

Great purchase Mike! I agree, these are awesome and saves pans

 

[El-Dracho]

For washing clothes while overlanding we use a medium sized wide-necked barrel as many people know from paddling since years. Simply put the laundry, water and detergent in and let it rock through on the trails during the day. Once at the camp or even earlier the laundry is ready to dry. The drum can also be used to collect dirty laundry and I store the laundry detergent in it while the barrel is not in use.

 

[tjZ06]

For those warm nights that you need to keep your moonroof and windows open for ventilation, I use The Skeeter Beater. They are custom cut magnetic screens made for your vehicle. they work really good. a good investment if your gal or kids wont go because of the bugs. Heres the link:;
The Skeeter Beater - Car, SUV, RV Window Bug Screen

I contacted them to see if they'll do WJ-specific ones. I already have some generic ones for the back doors that slide down over the whole upper door/window. If Skeeter Beater won't do a specific one for the WJ I'll just get one that should cover the whole sunroof for that.

Great idea, thanks!

-TJ

 

[PCO6]

Sometimes when hanging a food bag from a tree the hardest part seems to be getting the rope up over the branch. I put a lacrosse ball in a sock and tie the rope to the sock. I can usually throw the ball over a branch on the first or second try. A baseball is a bit lighter but would probably work too. Dogs also like to play fetch with it.

 

[genocache]

I make my own fire starters out of cotton rounds, used for make up. Melt some wax and dip the rounds leaving an undipped edge for lighting. Great and easy for small to medium kindleing.

 

[velo47]

I make my own fire starters out of cotton rounds, used for make up. Melt some wax and dip the rounds leaving an undipped edge for lighting. Great and easy for small to medium kindleing.

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I use cotton balls, but rub them with vaseline and keep them in a pill bottle. Fluff them up and they burn great!

 

[T-88]

I make my own fire starters out of cotton rounds, used for make up. Melt some wax and dip the rounds leaving an undipped edge for lighting. Great and easy for small to medium kindleing.

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I use cotton balls, but rub them with vaseline and keep them in a pill bottle. Fluff them up and they burn great!

I SAVE THE LINT FROM THE DRYER-MAKE LINT BALLS. WORKS WELL!

 

[Winterpeg]

I make my own fire starters out of cotton rounds, used for make up. Melt some wax and dip the rounds leaving an undipped edge for lighting. Great and easy for small to medium kindleing.

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Or, wax the entire thing to keep it completely waterproof.... then when ready to light it you crack it to expose the fibers at the crack and light them.

 

[FishinCrzy]

I carry a telescoping boat hook to assist with pulling stuff out of the bed of the truck and open and close the RTT. Thought I had lost it for a minute yesterday and was already planning to get a new one! I have another in my boat also. They do have sales for about 25% off occasionally.

Floating Telescoping Boat Hook - Versatile Boating Tools | West Marine

Easily reach and retrieve with West Marine Floating Telescoping Boat Hooks. Durable, adjustable length, and designed to float. Essential for any boater.

www.westmarine.com