Tuesday, August 30, 2016

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


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.


Sunday, August 28, 2016

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


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


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.

A Little Bit More Thickness For Your Mattress: 'Little Guy' T@G Max Modification

Therm-a-Rest BaseCamp Mattress (Large 25"x77"x2")

If you are a side sleeper like myself you may find that your hip is bottoming out with the standard 'Little Guy' T@G Max mattress. Having just switched from tent camping to a Teardrop I had two Therm-a-rest sleeping pads close at hand.  I put them both under the default mattress and they work like a charm!





Be sure to place the valve for the Therm-a-rest at the upper outer corner for each side so you can adjust your firmness.

The length is perfect but it could be an inch wider.  Even with the small distance between pads I can't feel any gaps at all through the 'Little Guy' mattress.

It is important to remember to unscrew the valve on each Therm-a-rest when they are not in use.  Altitude changes and heat could cause the pad to over-inflate and burst!
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Saturday, August 27, 2016

Battery and Charging System Monitor: 'Little Guy' T@G Max Accessory

INNOVA 3721 Battery and Charging System Monitor

Wondering how your battery is holding up? This monitor will take the guess work out of your 12-volt system charge level.


The LCD display displays your voltage with a bar graph to indicate your battery charge level.

Plug into either of your cigarette lighters to monitor your battery level or charging system voltages.
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Gloves For Trailer Manipulation: 'Little Guy' T@G Max Accessory


Tired of getting your hands dirty every time you attach or detach your 'Little Guy?'  Having a pair of gloves close at hand will make things a lot easier and cleaner.


Gloves make it easier.
Use the battery case strap to hold down your gloves until you need them.
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