We Visit 'City of Rocks National Reserve, Idaho'

Discover the "Silent City" of Rocks!

 

Looking for more photos of our adventure?

Digital Inverter Generator: 'Little Guy' T@G Max Accessory

Ryobi 2,200-Watt Inverter Generator

If you plan to every run your 'Little Guy' off the grid you are going to need a generator.  With more than enough watts to start and run your AC effortlessly the Ryobi has been getting the job done.

At about half the price of the Honda alternative I've been using the money I saved to buy more add-ons for the teardrop!

The pull out suitcase handle is a nice feature that makes it easy to roll your generator to where you want it.  Remember that a generator is a nice prize to thieves!  A cable lock to a tree is always recommended.

Park your generator behind a tree or a pre-cut piece of plywood to dampen the sound even more.

Turn the 'Auto Idle" OFF before you fire up your air conditioner.  Once your AC is up and running switch the 'Auto Idle' on and enjoy the quiet.

Change the oil as recommended AND always add gas stabilizer.

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Key Hooks: 'Little Guy' T@G Max Modification

3M Command Hooks - Small Plastic Hook

There are always keys.  You have unhooked your trailer and the setup is complete.  Now you have those keys to your rig that you will need at least 20 more times before the camping trip is complete.  If you don't have a set spot to store them be prepared to spend some time finding them!

Key hooks to the rescue!  I mounted two hooks.  One right inside the 'Little Guy' door and the other in the galley.  When it is time for keys I can just lean in and grab them.
 

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Cell Phone Mount and Charging Station: 'Little Guy' T@G Max Modification

It's time to hit the sack and your cell phone needs charging.  The USB plugs are way down there at the foot of the bed. Where did I put that cable?

The answer: You need a permanent powered cell phone mount right inside the door of your 'Little Guy' always ready to use!

I have a 3D printer and decided to print out a custom mount for my phone.  After looking online it looks like almost any car mount could be modified to do the same thing.

Here is the 3D printed version I used.

Here is a link to the file for those of you with a 3D printer. Phone Holder Customizable

Making sure the phone fits.

Made a hole large enough for the USB plug to come through.

I used a 10 foot USB micro plug. - Anker PowerLine Micro USB (10ft) - Charging Cable

I decided the best place for the mount was right inside the door.  After cleaning and drying the wall thoroughly I used double sided sticky tape to affix the mount to the wall.

I put the mount low so the USB cord can travel straight down and not be in the way. The cord is going to be tucked between the mattress and the wall all the way back to the USB plugs at the foot of the bed.

Watch that window frame!  Remember to place your mount so you have plenty of room to drop the phone down into the cradle from above.

The 10 foot cord leaves some slack that can be pulled up if you want to lay in bed and use the phone while it charges.

Your source of USB power is now conveniently brought to the door where you can use it!

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Ceramic Heater: 'Little Guy' T@G Max Accessory

Lasko 106 My Heat Personal Ceramic Heater

When you get hot in your 'Little Guy' T@G you smile, fire up the generator and crank the air conditioner.  What about when you wake up on a cold morning and can see your breath in the cabin.  That's when you will wish you had a ceramic heater.

This tiny personal ceramic heater is just the ticket to heat the inside of the trailer without taking up too much space or running the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.  It draws only 200 watts but WILL REQUIRE a generator to run.  It has over-heat protection and a cool-touch housing so place it on a shelf and bask in the warmth.

On a side note: If purple is not your color there are several other color options to choose from.

It is small but perfectly sized for a Teardrop trailer.

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Keeping A Travel Journal or Log: Tip

Where did you go?  What did you eat?  What was the best part of the day?  Who did you meet?

All of these questions are right at the tip of your tongue the day after a great camping trip.  But trust me, after even a month these great adventure memories start to fade into the past.  This is where a travel journal or log comes in handy.

You don't have to be an amazing writer to jot down a few key events and experiences.  Even a few quick entries will help you remember the best part about travel.  The memories.

Utility Trailer Bubble Levels: 'Little Guy' T@G Max Modification

Camco 25503 Utility Trailer Level - 2 pack

One of the first things you need to do when you arrive at your destination is level your trailer.  Leveling bubbles make the job easy... as long as they are installed properly.

It will sound obvious when you read this but it is easy in the heat of the moment to forget that your trailer must be level BEFORE you affix your bubbles.

It looks pretty easy to just drop your level on the window frame but don't trust them.  Both of mine were not level with the 'Little Guy' floor.

Here is where you want to get your measurement from.  The floor right inside the doors.

The galley counter was the other location to get your Teardrop sitting level.

Make sure your outer walls are clean so the double sided sticky tape gets a good grip.

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15 AMP to 30 AMP Adapter: 'Little Guy' T@G Max Accessory

Camco 55223 15M/30F AMP PowerGrip Adapter

My dealer was kind enough to include a 15 AMP to 30 AMP adapter with my 'Little Guy' purchase but if you don't have one of these you will need one.  This accessory allows to you plug your 30 AMP power cord into a standard 110 outlet just like you have at home.

Now you can charge your battery and run your AC right there in the garage.