Hunterjohnny Report post Posted October 31, 2012 Well being a lucky man I have a 3C Bull tag coming up Nov 30, but being a little past prime I have been worried about the cold weather. Cragslist supplied me with a fixer up travel trailer. A little 17' Nomad 1977 single axle. Shelter, a warm shower, and a soft bed! I have never owned a trailer before and was just looking for random thoughts from those of you that do. In my mind I have checked everything I should and have a list of things that I would need to cover anything that might come up. But I learned long ago that the vision in my mind isnt always the real one. So what little things have you learned to do, not do, pack, think of when getting a trailer ready for a cold trip up north? The first silly question of course is water. I'm using a half ton truck (Chevy luckily) and I think I will be close on weight with everything loaded. I dont know the weight of the trailer but understand these older ones tend to be solid (heavy). Do I try to find water up in Heber or is it not enough weight to think about? I get crazy and need details lined out before I can relax at all so this whole no experience thing isnt cool. And so you know here is what $500 will get you if you look long enough. Not fancy but better than a tent! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
firstcoueswas80 Report post Posted October 31, 2012 If there is a chance to get the water up there, I would do that. Gas is expensive! Two things, in my opinion that are the most important are water tight, and doesn't have drafts. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AverageJoe Report post Posted October 31, 2012 Bring an extra battery if you can. Also put a fleece blanket on your bed and sleep on top of that. Helps a lot to keep warm at night. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
twigsnapper Report post Posted October 31, 2012 I would do a little research and have an extra set of bearings for the hubs. Probly run you $20.00 but with an older trailer you don't know when they were changed last. Auto Safety House is a good source for this kind of thing. Make sure you repack the wheel bearings before you take it too far. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
More D Report post Posted October 31, 2012 it has been said already but it is that important: water extra water jugs extra deep cell batteries. a tarp to put over your TT. You can find one that will cover the whole thing if you get in a leak situation. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Redman Report post Posted October 31, 2012 Looks like a solid rig for $500 1. check pressure in tires/ lug nuts are tight. Check spare. 2. make sure bolts holding axle on are tight. 3. Lights work (blinkers, etc) 4. You can get water in Payson or Forrest Lakes... BUT some of the stores in FL may not be open 5. Propane full / leave tanks open with things turned off for a few days.... try to check for a leak. wouldn't want you to get up there an have a leak. 6. Carpet for the outside, it could be muddy, leave boots outside until night. 7. Take your tools with you... this week in New Mexico my pull trailer took a dump...without tools I would have been SOL. There is a True Value in Heber... so they will have misc items.... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snapshot Report post Posted October 31, 2012 My Dad had one like yours. Those old trailers are heavy. Make sure you check the condition of the tires. I blew both tires on his, because they were starting to crack between the tread. If you have inside plumbing, wrap the pipes with insulation if it has an internal water pump. ........and always have a spare tire or two for it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scoutm Report post Posted October 31, 2012 Put in a new fire extinguisher. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WinMag Report post Posted November 1, 2012 Don't trust the looks of the tires.... Check the DOT date on them and if they are 5 years or older then replace them anyways. Trailers tend to not get pulled enough causing the tires to seperate from sitting and creating flat spots. Tires need rolled often to move the oils around inside the tire compound, this keeps them softer and lasting longer. If you want to save your trailer battery then carry a small propane heater to run at night time......also a CO, fire, and propane detector for when you are sleeping. 12 hours glow sticks work good for night time lighting if needed without waking up everybody in the trailer by hitting the light switch. Also saves the battery. Spare water pump.......doubles as a pump to pump into the trailer from spare bottles of water. Holding bottles up and having to pour them into the trailer is hard on your back, the spare pump saves this. It also sucks having water in the tanks but your pump goes out and you can't use it because you don't have a spare. Check your trailer water tank to make sure it has a shut off valve at the tank so you can replace your pump if needed without loosing all your water. Always check where you set up the trailer for dead trees above you that may fall in the wind. Wood blocks for leveling the trailer when setting up camp. That's just a little bit of my .02 from things I have had happen in years past when pulling my 5'er. Good luck and have a great hunt. BTW nice find on the trailer for the price. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hunterjohnny Report post Posted November 1, 2012 Nice to know about tires. You guys got me reading up, who knew trailer tires were a whole new ball game (that only sounds strange if you have a trailer)! I will change those out since I do see the cracks in the tread. Lots of other little things too, thanks. I like the spare water pump idea also! Its odd the more I look at old Nomads I dont see any single axles, I guess it would be better but beggars.... Thanks again for all the ideas, I'm resting a little easier now. So who's got an elk pinned down up there! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hunterjohnny Report post Posted November 1, 2012 My Dad had one like yours. Those old trailers are heavy. Make sure you check the condition of the tires. I blew both tires on his, because they were starting to crack between the tread. If you have inside plumbing, wrap the pipes with insulation if it has an internal water pump. ........and always have a spare tire or two for it. The lines all run inside the trailer, would they need to be wrapped inside? It looks like it might be original galvanized pipes in there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snapshot Report post Posted November 1, 2012 My Dad had one like yours. Those old trailers are heavy. Make sure you check the condition of the tires. I blew both tires on his, because they were starting to crack between the tread. If you have inside plumbing, wrap the pipes with insulation if it has an internal water pump. ........and always have a spare tire or two for it. The lines all run inside the trailer, would they need to be wrapped inside? It looks like it might be original galvanized pipes in there. Only need to wrap them if the temps are below freezing. Sometimes the lines inside can freeze if its cold enough, Then the water pump won;;t push water unitl the ice thaws in the lines. I wrapped mine wherever I could access them Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snapshot Report post Posted November 1, 2012 But then I was in Montana when it was 20 below zero. Everything froze. Even the holding tanks. Turned into a big block of frozen..........stuff. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
123456 Report post Posted November 1, 2012 Solar battery charger is great. I use when everytime I camp. they will not charge your battery fully, but they maintain them perfectly. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pine Donkey Report post Posted November 1, 2012 +1 on new tires. I have blown out several "good" tires that were just a few years old. Now I have two spares. Also, keep a good floor jack in the truck, it makes things much easier on the side of the highway. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
