Short-Timer's Panic

[Payroll]

My wife took a look at the boards yesterday and told me we only have 36 days left (35 now) until we're at FW. Until she said that I wasn't aware of how close our vaction had gotten.

I've now started to get into a slight panic mode, trying to figure out how we're going to get all of the stuff we'll want/need down there. Now is the time I wish we had a larger vehicle!

BTW, who else will be down there the week following Thanksgiving? I'd like to know if I'll meet anyone down there from the boards.

Regards,

- Mark

 

[welovemickey]

Just remember that anything you forget, you can either get while you're there (there's a Wal-Mart nearby) or you can live without.

Sorry we'll miss you - we'll be there from the 7th until the 15th. I can't wait. I keep trying to figure out ways to extend our trip, but DH won't have any part of it.

Have a great time and enjoy FW - it's the best campground anywhere!

Lisa

 

[house_of_princesses]

I've now started to get into a slight panic mode, trying to figure out how we're going to get all of the stuff we'll want/need down there.

Sorry to LOL at your plight, but I thought it was us women who paniced over packing! Gives me hope, knowing a man might understand our grief over this issue!

Have you thought about a roof top carrier? That may help ease the crunch in the vehicle.

And I learned long ago, I rarely go anywhere where they don't sell what I may need. So, relax and enjoy your final prep days! OR find the Ultimate Disney Packing List. I think you'll find one at www.mousesavers.com/UltimatePackingList.doc .

Have fun!! We'll be checking in 11/29.

 

[Payroll]

My wife is enjoying laughing at me too.

I've been looking into the carriers, but I need to have a rack installed on the roof first. Our Escort wagon didn't come equipped with a luggage rack (bought it used, so I had no choice). I thought about getting a Mondial removable rack since they're somewhat affordable, but the reviews on them are mixed.

The investment we've agreed upon so far has been a trailer hitch and extension rack for the hitch. I just have to find one that'll fit the smaller receiver size that is built for my car now. Got some time, but I don't want to wait too long to get this item.

We've also looked into renting a van or renting a small trailer, but the prices charged for these are outrageous! I could buy a trailer for what it would cost us to rent one, but then I'd have to deal with getting a tag for it, storage, etc.

Thankfully all of these problems can be overcome - I'm just trying to make sure that all of the essentials are brought down with us, such as the tent, clothing and food storage items, etc. We've found that the most space-consuming part of our camping trips in the past has been the food since we tend to camp far away from convenient places to buy it. That won't be a problem this time, so that space can be used for the necessities.

I'm sure we'll get down there and have everything we need. I'm just a PLANNER and want to be sure about it!

- Mark

 

[clkelley]

I used to have an Escort Wagon, and we camped all the time with it. Of course, we also had somebody pulling a big trailer with the troop gear, (kitchen stuff, etc.) but I always managed to get what the three of us needed in the Escort. Mine had a luggage rack, but I never used it cause the roof felt too flimsy.

We had three tents, one rainfly, three sleeping bags, clothing, rain gear, mess kits, a cooler, sleeping mats, lanterns, 20 lb propane tank, etc.

Be careful with that little engine in the Escort wagon. Mine blew a head gasket at 60,000 miles and 120,000 miles.

Carol

 

[Payroll]

clkelley:

Believe me, I want this little car to last a loooong time.

That'e the reason we were only looking at the 4' trailers when we were considering them. Tis car was made to get good gas mileage, not to be a workhorse hauling a ton of stuff all over the place.

I may still try the removable braces on the top and use a dry bag with it, but I'm just not sure of the investment yet. Gotta talk to some people that own them first.

Of course, I've just realized that I've lost my signature counter when i deleted the picture, so I have to go off and fix that as well...

The work never ends. :0

Regards,

- Mark

 

[clkelley]

I agree about the gas mileage!

I went from the Escort to an Explorer Sport Trac. Although I love my new truck, I miss the 30+ MPG.

I'll be in loop 1500 from the 3rd - 10th of December. Hope to see you there!

Carol

 

[Payroll]

Well, just over three weeks before we arrive at FW.

Things are starting to come together for the trip. Just got a class 1 hitch mounted on my wagon and we're going off to Harbor Freight to pick up one of their 3.3' x 4' utility trailers to help haul all of our stuff down there. This will really help with the packing!

Now I just have to figure out where my tailpipe is vibrating against the new hitch and find some way of insulating or isolating them from each other. Has anyone else had this problem? (Cheap install at UHaul - can you tell? Now I know why they're less expensive than the other shops in the area.)

I'm planning on building a box for the trailer if I have the time, so we'll have more "securable" storage for the trip. An open trailer is mighty flexible, but I like the ability to lock things up if we have to leave the car at a rest stop or something.

Has anyone bought and used one of the HF trailers before, and if so, do you have any hints for me before I get started? I'd hate to reinvent the wheel if I don't have to. I understand they're manufactured to accept staked siding, but until I get the thing home and put it together I'm unsure how to begin on the box.

Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks,

- Mark

 

[always quiet]

We had the hitch and electric brake control installed at UHaul for both our old van and the new one when the 81 Chevy G20 died. When they installed it this last time, it was also making an "odd" noise. DH took it back to THEM and stayed with it til they fixed it right!! Don't hesitate returning with it to be fixed. No matter what it costs, it should be done right!!

You sound like as much of a planner as I do!!

 

[Strapped-4-Cache]

Let me preface this comment by stating that I've changed my profile to match the profile I have on other message boards. It just makes my life easier to keep track of one "handle". Payroll is gone and Strapped-4-Cache is here.

Well, the trailer is built and I have the materials to construct the box on top of it. I must say that for such a low price ($170) you can get a surprisingly nice and sturdy little trailer. It'll be plenty big enough for storing our larger items in and will allow us to bring our bikes and bike trailer as well as the camping gear.

The tailpipe problem has been solved, so no more annoying rattle back there. Now I just have to install the trailer wiring kit in my car.

Once all of the necessary stuff is done I'd like to create a mouse-ears template to allow me to spray the logo on the back of the trailer box. That way everyone will know where we're headed.

I know my wife will give me a hard time for saying this, but is it OK for me to be as excited about this trip as my daughter will be about actually being there? Now that most of the problems are being overcome I'm actually having a good time thinking about the trip.

Less than three weeks!

Regards,

- Mark

 

[house_of_princesses]

is it OK for me to be as excited about this trip as my daughter will be about actually being there? Now that most of the problems are being overcome I'm actually having a good time thinking about the trip.

This is 1/2 the fun!! Glad to hear everything is falling into place. Perhaps you can post a pic of this trailer once it's all together? I for one am too curious! (And I Love the MouseEars idea!)

 

[KathleenFL]

Mark,

I just noticed that your countdown is almost the same as my 2nd (Part 2 of the Thanksgiving trip) ... I'm sending you a PM........

 

[Strapped-4-Cache]

House_Of_Princesses:

I finally completed the box for the trailer late last night. I'm going to try to take some pics today if the weather works with me, and will post them when I can.

I haven't added the mouse ears or any other cosmetic details yet. My main focus has been on just getting a functional, somewhat secure and weatherproof container built. It's not exactly pretty and not my best work, but it will definitely get the job done.

Now that it's done I can see a few things that I'd do differently. I guess that'll have to wait for trailer box version 1.1.

- Mark

 

[house_of_princesses]

Good for you, Mark! You're ahead of schedule if you got it done before the night you were leaving!!

Looking forward to the pics... and I'll have to look for a trailer bedecked in ears while we're there!

 

[Strapped-4-Cache]

For House_Of_Princesses and others, here's a couple of pictures of my completed trailer.

Side Shot

Rear Shot

As noted earlier, the ears aren't on the sides and rear yet, but I'm thinking of making them removable so we can use them as signs around the campsite as well as trailer decoration. It'll all depend on how the bike stroller gets strapped to the top of the trailer.

With the box now mounted on the trailer we have added about 22 cubic feet of storage for the trip (44 inches long x 36 inches wide x 24 inches high). Plenty for the necessities of camping and it will allow us to only put soft, squishable stuff in the car to maximixe our space.

Now we can start working on our packing list!

Regards,

- Mark

 

[house_of_princesses]

Hey, Mark! Looks great!! Removable ears is a great idea. Some people really deck their campsite out in a big way.

Your wife should thank you for the extra room you now have in the vehicle!

BTW, you know there is a Disney Ultimate Packing List around here somewhere, don't you? It has absolutely everything you might possibly need listed on it.

I'm doing the packing dance, too! We leave this weekend!!

Happy Packing!

Vicki

 

[Strapped-4-Cache]

I've seen the list somewhere. As a matter of fact, I believe I printed it out. I'm just not sure where I put it...

Thankfully, most of our camping stuff is on a set of shelves in the garage dedicated to only camping supplies. We just have to go through the tubs to re-wash the dishes, pack fresh spices, etc. The big stuff is pretty straightforward. It's usually the small stuff we forget. That's why I'm a big believer in lists.

Hopefully we'll meet each other while there. Not sure if we're going to be able to do the HDD, but we definitely plan on doing the campfire & movie.

Now I just hopethe weather will stay nice. I'll take all of the crummy weather that we're getting here right now in order to get good weather while we're on vacation!

Regards,

- Mark

 

[house_of_princesses]

Now I just hopethe weather will stay nice. I'll take all of the crummy weather that we're getting here right now in order to get good weather while we're on vacation!

Amen to that! Our farmer's fields and horse pastures are under water! I told some friends that if the not so little creek that runs through here gets any higher or quicker, I'm going kayaking!

Where are you, Mark, that the weather is so bad? (Forgive me if you've said before.) I'm south of Chicago and we haven't seen the sun for probably a week!

My girls are at the church...so I'd better get back to packin while I have the peace and quiet.... here's hoping for

 

[Strapped-4-Cache]

House_Of_Princesses:

We're in the East Atlanta area. All of the weather that just recently hit Texas is headed our way. We've been notifed that the heaviest rains due today will be coming in right around quitting time. Can't wait to deal with that traffic! Atlantans have a hard enough time driving well during nice weather.

Travel safe on your upcoming trip!

- Mark

 

[KathleenFL]

I met Mark (aka Strapped-4-Cache) at FW last Friday, & took a picture of him with the "Mickey Trailer":

Strapped-4-Cache & Trailer @ FW