What do you need to know about the tent-trailer-rental?

Tent-trailer-rental - What to do before you Head off

1. Perform a very detailed trailer pre-check Before you leave the rental company. This is a no brainer but you will need to get a trailer with the right trailer ball, so many get this wrong but a 2" ball and 1-7/8" hitch don’t work.

Also plugging in and testing the electric lights on trailer needs to be done before you drive off, and if the wiring doesn’t match your socket outlet this will be the time you know about it

Get the trailer the day before at least, drive home and set up the trailer completely in your drive way. This is so you know what to do and don’t look a complete amateur in the camping ground and also to see it actually works.

This means the jack stands, the screen room, the pegs and every other attachment. Operate the zippers and Velcro and verify there are no holes or anything else that is wrong

2. Perform an operational check of all the appliances, and make sure they all work.

3. Check the gas appliances and make sure they do not leak.

4. Check out the water system, look for any leaks, drips and other problems. Then fill and flush it and fill with clean fresh water. A quick way to sanitize is to put a cup of vinegar in with water and then empty and refill.

5. Check the condition of the tires and the spare tire as well. If you are doing a long trip jack the trailer up and rotate the wheels and listen for bearing noises

6. Check the brakes if installed and make sure they both work. If the trailer is equipped with an emergency breakaway switch, then actually pull the pin out and make sure that works properly.

7. Test operate all the brake, signal and marker lights. Check the condition of the electrical connection plug to the trailer.

8. Trial pack all the boxes, various supplies, sleeping bags, suitcases, kitchen ware, food and anything else that you are taking while you are still at home. Be prepared to add or delete any items depending on the space you have or don't have.

9. Make a list of all the special tools and items that you might need such as a roof crank, a hammer for the awning pegs, screwdrivers, wrenches and more.

10. If the unit has a toilet, make sure you check that it operates.

11. Test set up the dinette and ensure everything is in good condition

12. Check the operation of all interior lights.

13. Check the breakaway safety chain(s) condition and whether it works.

14. Check the refrigerated cooler if fitted and ensure that the drain tube is attached, not kinked or plugged.

15. Ensure the RV battery is charged, and with rentals you never know what condition it really is. Put on all the lights and appliances and see what happens, usually a poor battery will start showing up within a short period as the lights go dim

16. Check and fill the propane tank

17. Make sure you have the keys to the trailer door and coupler lock (Really Important!)

Tent-trailer-rental - Useful Miscellaneous Items to Take

1. A heavy duty extension cord (50-100 ft. 12 GA recommended)

2. Water hose

3. Wheel chocks (might come with tent-trailer-rental)

4. Leveling blocks (might come with the tent-trailer-rental)

5. Gray water hose

6. Gray water bucket

7. Coupler latch pin or lock

8. Broom

9. Dustpan

10. Tent-trailer-rental units should come with a 12V hook-up cable for the tow vehicle and also a 30A to 15A electrical adapter if the trailer uses one

11. Rope or heavy cord

12. Tarp(s)

13. Tools that you may need (put a basic kit from your garage together)

14. Butane lighter or matches

15. Fire extinguisher (tent-trailer-rental should have this)

16. Axe or hatchet

17. Firewood

18. BBQ

19. Charcoal

20. Potty Chemicals (should come with tent-trailer-rental)

21. Ant killer and insect repellent

22. Trash bags

23. Flashlight or lantern with spare batteries

24. Bottled drinking water

25. Portable heater if it’s going to be cold out there

26. Duct Tape

Tent-trailer-rental - Important Advice for Renters

1. Start the gas refrigerator the night before you head off, or if an electric one and if on a battery charger this will not take the batteries down

2. When you make reservations, quote the "open" length of your tent-trailer-rental or you might end up with a camp site that is way too small.

3. When you arrive and set up the trailer, make sure you use the leveling blocks to level the trailer when you park it. The stabilizers or stands are used to stabilize the unit and not to fully support it if the parking spot is not level.

Using the stabilizers to fully support the trailer can cause trailer distortion and twisting and then doors and other items may not work properly. Be aware that when you park on gravel or other soft surfaces it will be necessary to place a board under the stabilizer to maintain a secure footing.

4. About Bear Safety. Folding Trailers are not as safe as hard sided Travel Trailers when camping in bear country. A bear can easily rip into a folding trailer, and also food odors tend to get absorbed into the tenting materials.

Consider this when planning your camping destination. There is much good advice on cooking, storing and handling food when in bear country so take heed and use it. Be aware that some campgrounds actually prohibit folding trailers for safety reasons. Better check before you get there.

Tent-trailer-rental - What to do before you Head off