Contrary to how or what I have said before (ie... spend your money at small businesses). In traveling situations it is a good idea to use things you can buy EVERYWHERE (or just about) Radio Shack for example is in even the smallest towns. Truck Stops are YOUR FRIEND. Want to have inexpensive lights? Take a stroll in a Truck Stop's big rig accessory section. Most everything is 12VDC or 24VDC. Trust me, would I lie to you?
Wheels Wheels Wheels!!! Didn't see anything in your video to give me a clue to what you are hitting the road in. Assuming it is a van (even a mini or SUV) there should be a way to pack this or similar Handtruck. <http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=37520> I added two additional wheels in the center of the axle. Two reasons (maybe three) stability, redundancy, and it looks cool. To separate these two inside wheels I cut a piece of copper pipe (It don't rust). It works great to haul stuff (saves your back) and as a impromptu dolly. You need to decide if you want to use a foam fill or carry a patch kit, or spare tire, and a air pump. When using it as a dolly (One person stands another push/pulls) you will want to let a little air out to make a smoother move. There are folding Hand Trucks. If you go with a cheap one, buy from a company you will be sure to pass often (lowe's etc) and return it the moment it even starts to look shaky. Or splurge and go with something like this <http://traveloasis.com/karhds.html> Charging and electricity. A inverter is a major help. You can pick up cheap ones that plug into a cigarette lighter or get a heavy duty (8amp or better) that will require some electrical work or a pair of jumper cables. <http://tinyurl.com/yufg4s> Harbour Frieght is this example. Grainger or even Lowe's might be worth a look. Pawn Shops occasionally have inverters. Radio Shack is of course on the list. A spaceblanket... not just for survival ... it makes a great reflector. A CB radio. Seriously. If you have the time to hunt there are some handheld two ways or buy new. Grabbed this from PriceGrabber <http://tinyurl.com/3y3zfm> A etching tool. Mark every piece of gear. Waterproof dufflebags. More a luxury item, but it sure takes the worry out of life. Better solution is cases. Pelican <http://www.pelican.com/> makes nice stuff. Think stacking on that dolly. Think stacking everything!!! Really small cooler (never transport beer or liquor, especially across state lines, not joking, if you are stopped it could get you in deeper doo doo). Fill it the night before or the morning of with just enough to make the day. On the passenger side floor is good easy access/footrest. Strapping it all down. My one eye friend Tom recommends Ratchet Straps. He don't like bungie cords ... Eye wander why. AAA or some other trip/safety service, but you should have a road emergency kit. Up to you, but if you plan to visit the entire 48 contiguous states you will either plan to have it all or modify it as you make your way across zones. Snow, water, heat yada yada yada. Which brings me to clothing.... Tough to do what I am about to suggest, maybe. No more then 10 days of change in clothing. Packing smart is not easy, you will get better as the days get behind you. Pack clothes in days and split them in to at least two bags for each of you (four total). Roll your stuff, it packs better/tighter. Use some kind of color codeing if everything is the same (black waterproof bags/cases). Or tags. And put your name/phone # on as much or as little as you want. Buy Polar Fleece (new or second hand) <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polar_fleece> and similar (NEW) synthetic undergarments. EASY TO CLEAN AND DRIES FAST! (WARNING--- This stuff does melt when exposed to flame or intense heat). Your days are layers. Bundle up in Fall and winter, strip layer Spring Summer. One rain suit/wind breaker (NOT BLACK unless you have reflective strips) I am a NorthFace guy... <http://www.thenorthface.com/> (get direct from them or shop at REI <http://www.rei.com/> Duffle bags, clothing, everything. You are essentially camping out for a year, even if you are guests or stay in the occasional hotel) Last word on packing. Almost everything will have a way to tuck things in with it. Spare shoes hold spare socks. Sleeping Bag rolls up around foam mat. It is a puzzle. You'll start to see ways to pack that distributes not only the contents but weight/size. Shoes that are comfortable and a second pair. Socks that wick moisture and wool socks. All this can be stowed in places you seldom look anyway, under seats. Behind that plastc cover in the back. Out of easy reach in the truck for some things. Two gallons of water minimum! (rotate or replenish evry couple of weeks if you are storing the water in a plastic container). Shovel (old Army Folding shovel is good) MRE's <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MRE> at least enough to survive for 10 days. Serious here again. I spent years as a roadie, plenty of couches, but sometimes .... you are stuck in a remote place. Water purification kit, first aid kit, a leatherman multi tool, a spring loaded hole punch on your key chain(s) a ID on your key chains (first name and phone number (reward if found) SPARE KEYS HIDDEN EVERYWHERE! Wooden Matches in a waterproof container (or a flint). The ideal for all the stuff that is back up and emergency is on the roof in a water proof enclosure. Not bragging ... you can pack a lot in a little. It may take some trial and error. Personally I would try to stay in a hotel at least once a month. Pick a hotel that provides the kind of soaps, shampoo and other junk that you need. Some chains have a laundry. If you can plan a week ahead, and in contact with locals, there is free food in every big town every night. I live near a resort city. I lived on free buffets for two summers and a winter. Wow I just rambled on and did not get to equipment. Gotta go but will add more if I see something that might help and no one else recommends. --- In videoblogging@yahoogroups.com, "amy_bugbee" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Hi all, > We are putting together our stuff for the A YEAR AT THE WHEEL trip, any suggestions on > gear? We have 2 cameras, a laptop, and a Marantz digital recorder. > > I feel like we are gonna need a lot more stuff, and could use some ideas on transporting it. > > Also, check out our Pre-Season test videos at our website and let me know what you think. > http://www.ayearatthewheel.com > > Thanks, > Amy >
