Dollar Tree Camping Hacks Save Lots of Money

Have you ever wondered how you can save a bundle of money when you want to go camping on things you don't want to buy but have to?  If you purchase these items at your retail grocery store you could spend a lot of money.  So why not go to your local dollar store and purchase some everyday items that will save you money.
Here are some ideas I have for you..... 









Condiments 
You can find all the condiments that you will need at the dollar store in smaller or normal size. 


Dessert Canned Cherries 
I use this with a dry cake mix to make dump cake for dessert!




Laundry Soap Travel Size
You never know when you may need to wash some cloths while on the go.  Many camping areas will have laundry facilities so why not have some detergent?  You can even use this in a bucket of water to wash cloths.  

Medicine
The dollar store carries many different types of medicine that are travel sized easy to pack for your camping trips. 



Coffee
You can find instant coffee or bagged coffee along with creamer in small sizes perfect for on the go!




Bag Clips
These are perfect for sealing your bags of chips or bread.  


First Aid
You can find all kinds of first aid items that you can build your own kit.  You may possibly need these items when you are out camping. 



Plastic Dish Pan 
If you do not have a sink here is one for you!

Hook Clip Lights 
You can never have enough lights when you are camping!





Canned Fuel
If you need to heat things up here is some canned fuel for on the go. But don't forget the lighters! 

Plates and Silverware
You can use paper or plastic plates and silverware.  Remember you can re-use plastic so you are helping the environment. 

Save some money on your next camping adventure!

Camping in the Fall Season

 

When the hot days of summer are behind us, camping will  take on a new life. Chilly mornings with perfect hiking weather and warm comfort food will all come together and make fall camping a must-do!  Here are some reasons that fall camping might be right up your alley. 


Trees:
In Colorado the trees start to change color and turn fall colors all around you.  You will find that you are surrounded by beautiful scenery.  

Less Bug Bites: 
In the fall the bugs move away to warmer spots therefor you will not be sitting with the bugs all around you.  I hate those pesky mosquitoes and biting horse flies.  

Cost: 
A lot of campgrounds drop there nightly rate to bring in more guests.
Check with campgrounds to insure that they are year round. 

Crowds:
When the kids have gone back to school and campers have been winterized and put away there are fewer people.  If you do not like crowds this is the time for you to get your camping in!

Fishing:
Fishing in the fall is a must since the water temperature has dropped the fish are getting ready for the winter cold.  Let's go FISHING!

Clothing:
It can still be hot during the afternoon hours but do not forget to pack a jacket and a warmer blanket because you will probably need it.    


Let's get to Fall Camping....

Tips for Winterizing your RV or Travel Trailer with Anti Freeze

That time of year that we all dread because fall is here and that means time to put our camping behind for the winter season.  That also means that we need to have our camper maintained and winterized to protect it from the damage of the cold. 

Parking your RV for the winter requires some preventive measures so it will be ready to use next spring. You will be glad that you have winterized so you wont have costly repair bills due to the damaging results of winter. Now how do you prepare it for winter? If you’re like me and you enjoy performing the routine maintenance on your camper yourself.  I like to winterize my camper myself so that I know it is done correctly and why not save a couple bucks. 

Here are a few items you will need to have before starting this process:  

You will want to add Anti-Freeze to your system to insure that your water lines do not freeze in the elements. 

• RV Anti-Freeze  (you can get this from your camper store or Walmart)
• 
• A water pump converter kit, or tubing to connect to the inlet side of the water pump.
• Screw Driver and Wrench 

• Remove any in line/or/ water filters remove and turn off your bypass to the water heater. 
• Completely Drain your fresh water system. 
• Drain and flush the gray and black holding tanks. I use what I call a twirly bird to clean out the black water tank. 
• Drain the water heater and take out the drain plug then open the pressure relief valve. 
• Open all hot and cold faucets inside and don’t forget the toilet valve and outside shower.
• Locate and open the low point drain lines. There will be one for the hot and cold water lines. Using the water pump will help force water out, but turn it off as soon as the system is drained.
• Recap all drains and close all faucets.
• By-pass the water heater. If you do not have a by-pass kit installed the water heater will fill up with antifreeze before it goes through the water lines potentially ruining your water heater. 
• Install a water pump converter kit, or disconnect the inlet side of the water pump (the line coming from the fresh water holding tank). Connect a piece of clear tubing to the inlet side of the pump and put the other end into a one gallon container of antifreeze.
• Turn the water pump on and pressurize the system. Starting with the closest faucet, slowly open the hot and then cold valves until antifreeze appears. Replace the antifreeze container as required.
• Repeat this process on all faucets from the closest to the farthest away. Don’t forget the outside shower, if equipped.
• Flush the toilet until antifreeze appears.
• Turn the water pump off and open a faucet to release the pressure. 
• With gloves on pour a cupful of antifreeze down each drain. Pour a couple of cups in the toilet and flush into the holding tank.
• If your water heater has an electric heating element make sure it is turned off. This will protect the element if the unit is plugged in while being stored.
• Make sure all the faucets are closed.

Waa Laaa all done!!