Tiggerdad heading to Gulf State Park October 2016

[tiggerdad]

Well, since we aren't getting any live updates from the Fort this weekend due to Hurricane Matthew forcing an evacuation I figure it might be a good time for a non-Fort trip report. We head out tomorrow to settle in for a few days at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, AL. Don't intend to be a heavy TR like my Fort trips usually are but it will keep me in practice.

Took the cover off the camper a few days ago to let it air out.


Found out it was still clean from last trip so no need to wash it.


Plan on this being a sitting on my rear on the beach and eating seafood kinda trip and not a lot of running around.

More to come.

 

[Teamubr]

How hard is that cover to put on? I bought one last month for my 5er, but haven't taken it out of the box yet. Was camping every other weekend and now the trailer is at the factory getting fixed. I figured I'd have to winterize and cover it up for the winter when I pick it up in a couple of weeks.

I found a video online that showed how to fold/roll it up so it is easier to undo it from the roof, but I just have an image of this being a bear.

j

 

[tiggerdad]

The first few times it is. Hardest part is centering it up. What I did when I finally got it right was climbed back up and marked the point of the cover directly over the AC unit, using it for a center point. Then marked a skylight at the rear and the antenna at the front. As long as they were lined up I knew I could let the sides down and it would be good.

Now the real hard part is the wind causing tears in it. I figure you have one of those 3" gutter extensions on each corner and the plastic door stops on the outside, or was your door spring loaded? Anyway, go buy some tennis balls and cut a slit in each one then slide one over each gutter extension before you put the cover on. Also, pool noodle any sharp edges like the metal lip above the doors and the rail on the ladder at the rear.

Your 5er will probably be a bit more difficult than my BP trailer. I am intending to buy a portable metal building as a more permanent fix to the problem this coming year as these particular covers only last 2 years. Oh yeah, give you a heads up, the warranty garbage about free replacement is useless. They will tell you that the warranty does not cover wind related damage (the rips) so be mindful of the sharp edges.

 

[SouthAlabama5er]

I've got my popcorn popped. Have a safe drive down today, hopefully the traiffic isn't to bad going through the tunnel!

 

[tiggerdad]

Thanks Randy. Probably hit Mobile around 2 so hopefully all will be well.

 

[Teamubr]

What I did when I finally got it right was climbed back up and marked the point of the cover directly over the AC unit, using it for a center point.

go buy some tennis balls and cut a slit in each one then slide one over each gutter extension before you put the cover on.

Great idea on lining it up. Hadn't thought of that. And the tennis balls. I have read about pool noodles and cover anything that sticks out. I figured it is worth a try. My old trailer always sat out and was never covered. After 13 years, the decals were pretty cracked and faded and the plastic was colored from the sun. $500 every 3 years or so (I'm optimistic) is worth keeping the trailer looking good. A friend has a 15 year old Class A that has always been covered (sitting outside) and it still looks great.

j

 

[tiggerdad]

Oh I agree on the covered up part. It makes a huge difference. The covers for mine usually run around $350. We camp a lot just a few miles down the road and putting over on and off each time on a weekend amping trip is getting old, but better than nothing.

Well, fixing to pull out. Wife went to check the girls out of school.

 

[FtW Mike]

Enjoy your trip While you Review training of new recruits and basic operation of the training camp

 

[JETS70]

Safe travels tiggerdad. The DW and I are looking forward to meeting everyone at Gulf State Park next Spring. Again safe travels for you and your family and look forward to the (trip report practice) trip reports.

Steve

 

[tiggerdad]

Arrived safe and sound on site 61.


Just did a basic setup and headed to Gulf Island Grill for dinner. Looks like lots of new bike paths paved since we were all here in May.

Site right next to bath house.


Oh, yeah, sporting my new rug.


Update some more later

 

[bama_ed]

I like it. Good spot. Great weather!

I'm gonna eat some 'kern, settle in, and follow along.



Bama Ed

 

[FtW Mike]

Spot looks great
Welcome mat says
A You are there alone
B Suffering a serious Psychotic break with suicidal tendencies
C Performing a major loyalty test of the NSS recruits

 

[Teamubr]

Nice. Much nicer than here. A cold front went through this morning. 60s, windy. Not nice.

Where are the new paved bike trails? I rode a lot of them in May/June and there was quite a bit of new asphalt then.

Have a great time and thanks for posting.

j

 

[tiggerdad]

Jim, they got a new bike trail looks like down the main strip keeping the bikes off the strip. She said they had finished the new trail behind Possum Road as well. I'll get out and about tomorrow morning while the girls sleep in.

At Gulf Island Grill iIhad the Ya-Ya which is some Creole seasoning, rice, chicken, sausage, and shrimp.


My oldest has developed a taste for crab legs which iIgot her started on after May's trip down here.


Afterwards we went to the pier which folks staying at GSP can now visit for free, or at least it's included in your camping fees.






The weather is great. Sitting outside and no sweating. Gentle breeze and just right. Tomorrow Jim's cold front is supposed to roll through so giving it to be windy tomorrow. We'll see...

 

[Teamubr]

Look how calm that water is. Gorgeous!

j

 

[JETS70]

Glad you are in safe tiggerdad. We are booked for site 62 in the spring. Looking forward to watching a sunset over the Gulf. Liking the food pics. Also..........how did you convince the wife and girls to let you put that welcome mat out????

 

[SouthAlabama5er]

Yeah Tiggerdad, glad yall made it safely and that's a nice spot your set up in. The little cold front made it through down here, (Galveston) early this morning, a nice cool breeze and it feels good.

Just like Bama Ed, I'll here with my popcorn, keep the post coming! Looking forward to our next meet next year.

 

[tiggerdad]

Spent this morning setting up site. Strong breezes this morning was playing havoc with the hammock but iIwas able to put some weight on it to hold it down.


Dixie is on rabbit patrol.


Went biking this morning as well and they have paved a path off the main drag keeping the bikes off of the main strip.


Hers some more pics of the newer paths and brides for walking and riding.

 

[FtW Mike]

This GSP must be one heck of a place Providing Brides Not sure I ever heard of a CG providing them

 

[tiggerdad]

Glad you are in safe tiggerdad. We are booked for site 62 in the spring. Looking forward to watching a sunset over the Gulf. Liking the food pics. Also..........how did you convince the wife and girls to let you put that welcome mat out????

Hey, here's a pic of your site but somebody is currently on it. If they pull out I'll get another picture for you.


Well, the Golden Girls have moved into the site right behind me on the waterfront sites. It only took em 15 tries and about 30 minutes to get in the site. They are obviously deaf as evidenced by all of them yelling. I heard one bellow that it was level and they should get something to eat so they loaded up and pulled out. All the stabilizers are down and utilitiesh hooked up. That thing is about 20 degrees down at the stern and 15 degrees to port.

I found myself speechless...

Gonna put on some dinner here shortly or some friends ho are coming by to visit from Orange Beach. They requested a fried turkey.