Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--How-I-do-it--#6

(See September 6th for beginning of this series.) Security is another concern. Yes, there are locks on my door!! No, I do not carry a gun!! At one of the "As Seen on TV" shops (near Dolly-wood, Pigeon Forge, TN), I bought the "Big Red Button." It is five-and-one-half inches square and (indeed) has a big red button. It is powered by four C-size batteries. When I hit that button a loud piercing sound blasts forth!! That should be enough to scare away any would-be intruder!! If they continue to attempt entry, I will say: "I've got a weapon." I have a 15-inch metal Mag flashlight that holds four D-size batteries. I would swing that flashlight.

I plan my parking space at a WalMart. I may park one place until the desired space comes available. I "pull through" next to a shopping cart corral. I like to be directly under a parking lot light. Why the shopping cart corral? Because I don't want the idiot driver of the "sweeper truck" to crash into me!! Have you ever watched those guys sweep the parking lot?? (Maybe not because they do it in the middle of the night!!) They are frustrated NASCAR wanta-be!! They weave between vehicles like they are trying to thread a needle.


I worked for WalMart. I have some "insider" information (ha). I park on the "grocery entrance" side because that is the door that is unlocked during the night. I make a few purchases--and scout out the restrooms. ~~ When I see "No Overnight Parking" signs, I ask to speak to the Manager. They have never turned me away and often say they will have Security keep an eye on my car and trailer. That's "howIdoit".










When your trailer is not hitched to the car, be sure to use a "boot" on the tire. No one can steal your trailer with that attached!! Order from Little Guy.


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On the Teardrops & Tiny Travel Trailers web site, Lady Teardroppers Forum, topic "Security," Becca writes:

Things that I do when solo camping:
* I never go to the bathhouse late at night - ever.
* Get your campsite ready for the night before nightfall hits (pick up food, clean dishes, etc.)
* Be aware of your surroundings!!! (scary looking shirtless guy camping in pickup truck)
* Don't act like a helpless lady.
* Keep your vehicle keys handy - not in your purse. You never know when you may have to hit that red panic button to set your car alarm off.
* Use Common Sense!
* Get to know the Park Ranger(s). Find out an emergency # for a Ranger.
* Tell the Ranger you are camping alone or if you are expecting visitors.

I know some of you have mixed feelings about carrying a concealed weapon but I always have (concealed weapons permit) and always will. But, it is for protection while traveling, especially alone and that's it.

So, I know a lot of the ladies have their own safety rules and I would love to hear them too.

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--How-I-do-it--#7

Boy Scout motto: Be Prepared. Lady Teardrop motto: Be Prepared!

On the few occasions when I have needed a "jump start" I provided jumper cables. Frequently--when I asked for a "jump"--the other driver would say "I don't have cables." My reply: "No self respecting solo female would travel without cables!!" Mine are big and heavy. ~~ Recently I saw--and purchased--a very compact unit that (reportedly) does the same thing. It plugs into the cigarette lighter. I haven't used it yet but carries the Field & Stream brand. Should be good.

I have a warning light, too, in case I break down at night. However, I rarely drive at night!! Be prepared!! HowIdoit.

When I traveled back and forth across the U.S. in my Dodge mini-motorhome, I carried two tool boxes. With Little Guy, I try to keep things small and light weight.

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--How-I-do-it--#8

Bungee cords, rope, hooks, etc., etc. I rarely need them but nice to have. I'm passionate (or pathetic?) about storage containers. I want "a place for everything and everything in its place." That's "howIdoit".

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--How-I-do-it--#10

When you are travel-ing, do you loose touch with day and date? I do!! The clock is wonderful because it is synchronized with a satellite. The time, day, and date is always accurate!! I love the thermometer because I'm able to keep track of temperature inside Little Guy. Take it outside for a few minutes and I have another number I can document in my travelogue. That's "howIdoit".

I have a 12-volt hair dryer (or windshield defroster) that plugs into the cigarette lighter. Also adapters so I can plug in my laptop (or curling iron?). ~~ The compact device to jump start the vehicle fascinates me. One end plugs into my KIA while the other end is plugged into another vehicle.

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I found a web site with information about other accessories for our Little Guy.

Calling all Lady Tearjerkers

In the next several messages, I have answered some of the questions I receive regarding solo teardropping. Please send me your suggestions, and your experience. ~~ Sincere thanks to the faithful followers of my blog--MEN and women!!

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--How-I-do-it--#1

Have you seen the TV program called "HowieDoIt" with Howie Mandel? The name is cute and I thought I'd borrow the idea for "how-I-do-it"--aka howIdoit.

In the process of stripping Little Guy naked--for the trip to Elkhart, Indiana--I recognized it was the ideal time to take pictures. My rational: pictures to accompany answers to the questions I frequently hear.

Number one question: "What do you do when 'Mother Nature' calls in the middle of the night?" Answer: I have a portable toilet "for emergencies." Otherwise I hike to the restrooms.











I paid $40. for this used (like new) from a Thrift Shop. Similar models are over $100. from the camping accessories department of the RV center. The two sections can be separated and the lower... carried to a dump station, or my bathroom when I return home. Fresh water can be kept in the top section--to flush--but "I don't." I have a quart-size plastic container of water and add a limited amount.











I use a deodorizer from an RV accessories store. I'm BIG on saving the environment so I use "Supreme Green." I paid a little over $10. for the small "12 Toss-Ins" package. However the "toss-in" is designed for 40-gallon waste holding tanks!! I carefully cut the corner of one toss-in and empty the contents into two small plastic containers. So I only use half a package!! No more than I use "Little John," this might be an unnecessary item and needless expense. However, this is "howIdoit." My toilet tissue is stored in a decorative tin. I never put soiled tissue in the toilet, I put it in a small sturdy plastic container with a screw tight lid.











I don't want any spills (highly unlikely!!) so I have "Little John" sitting on a heavy chamois in a heavy cardboard box. (See the orange chamois?) The towel discreetly hides Little John from the many visitors who want to see my cute little trailer.











There is a variety of "porta potties"--and some are less than $30. from WalMart. I've heard that a 5-gallon paint pail meets the needs of some teardroppers.

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9/13/09 Postscript: I saw five on display at Outdoor World. One did not photo-graph well, here are the others. $14. for Luggable Loo --the seat & cover-- for a five gallon pail. Then $20., $30., $70. & $120.

















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Another option is the TravelJohn. Approximately $30. for the folding stool and approximately $8. for package of three disposable bags.
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Postscript 12/09/09: I just learned of ThePETTToilet System. Pricey (over $100.00)!!
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Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--How-I-do-it--#2

The second most frequently-asked question: "What about privacy? Don't people peek in?" As you read "howIdoit" you will see that I have utilized items that I already had at home, or found in a local Thrift Shop. I've used "Magic Shades" at night. Something I already had "because they were 'blue'" for my beautiful blue Dodge mini-motorhome. Little Guy Worldwide sells a shade that raises and lowers. I haven't found that Magic Shade blocks ventilation. Air comes in around the edges. My Little Guy has a vent on the roof so usually plenty of air.