How to Live in a Pull Behind Camper Full Time With No Power
Modern electric conveniences make life easier in a home or residence, but there are those who live without such convenience, either as a lifestyle choice or out of necessity. In pull-behind trailers, hooking up to a power source or generator is common once the trailer makes it to a campground, but for those who have taken up living in the trailer full-time or for an extended period, life can certainly be an "adventure."
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Things You'll Need
- Stones
- Cooking utensils
- Caulk
- Throw rugs
- Broom
- Lanterns
- Blankets or quilts
- Ice chests
- Glass or plastic containers
Instructions
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Clear an area with a five-foot radius at least 10 to 15 feet away from the trailer. This will be the fire pit, an absolute necessity when it comes to cooking and providing an outdoor source of heat. Fire smoke can also keep many insects at bay. Dig the area about six inches deep and line the perimeter with large or medium-sized stones. Fill the pit with kindling. Set a metal grate over the stones, centered over the pit. Cook your meals over the fire and boil water to wash clothes. Start your fire every morning and allow the embers to burn down before going to bed every night.
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Inspect the camper shell periodically for repair purposes. Fill any cracks or holes with caulk or silicone to block pests from entering the living space, as well as to keep warmth in. Duct tape around window frames to provide some degree of insulation from drafts. Add several throw rugs to the floor for extra insulation.
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Clean often. Shake any throw rugs and beat them with a stick to remove dust every couple of days. Sweep the floor. Wipe down as much of the interior as you can with a clean cloth to remove standing dust. In warmer temperatures, open windows and doors on the camper to allow the shell to air out.
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Light closed lanterns for a light source inside the camper. Oil lanterns provide a slight source of heat, but take great care to not break the lantern, or you'll run the risk of a fire. Add several blankets and quilts made from wool, which is waterproof, or from polyester, which traps your body heat.
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Purchase ice chests to store perishables. Fill plastic or glass containers with previously boiled water that has cooled for drinking water. Keep each of these stowed away in the camper, out of the sun and away from rummaging wildlife. Dispose of trash quickly; you can burn paper in the fire, but scraps and plastic need to be taken away from campsite to avoid attracting animals.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't use a kerosene heater as a heat source inside the camper. The small space will fill quickly with fumes from the heater, which may result in asphyxiation.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
