Aluminum Camper Forum

Camping => Camping General Discussions => Topic started by: DavidM on March 20, 2020, 02:00:54 PM

Title: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: DavidM on March 20, 2020, 02:00:54 PM
Well, we are hunkered down here in SWFL, staying home for the most part, only going out in the early mornings for our exercise walk but staying 6' away from others. Planning to order take out from our nearby cafe tonight to do something different and support the local business, washing hands furiously, etc.

So with all of that I am thinking about camping this season, maybe more than normal. Who knows what circumstances will be like by May when we are back in our summer home in Connecticut (or if we can even get back). But as long as our favorite campgrounds are open, we will go. So here are some thoughts about doing it with minimal risk.

First the family socializing type of camping in a resort RV park should be out for all of us. Too much social mingling. We camp in fairly rustic USFS, NP and SP campgrounds so that is not an issue for us.

We can hook up our trailer, drive to a campsite, even get gas (with a wipe down for the pump handle and payment screen) and not get within 6' of a human or a human's residue. The check in kiosk is the only real source of contact and we will stand back and conduct our business from 6' away.

Once we back in to our campsite the closest human will be 100' or more away and we won't contact neighbors or invite them over for a drink as we sometimes do. We will not use the public bathrooms and use the facilities in the trailer exclusively. When we arrive we will fill the water tank but use a wipe to turn the faucet valve. Same thing with the dump station when we leave followed by soap and water hand washing.

By doing all of this we should be just as safe as staying at home. I know some of the above sounds pretty draconian to some, but seeing what just happened in California (total state quarantine) makes it seem normal now. Some of you will say it will all be over by the time we go for the first time in May. I fervently hope you are right.

Other thoughts?

David


Title: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: Paul on March 20, 2020, 04:16:34 PM
This is definitely in my mind too, will I be able to go pickup my trailer in the storage facility in the end of April? My whole company is working from home, I did a very big grocery that should last us 2-3 months so we don't have to go out much but it is challenging to work from home with the kids since the daycare are all closed down. My plan if I can get the trailer is to set it up at the seasonal site, the only travel plan I have with the trailer so far are in September and October.
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: Pinstriper on March 20, 2020, 04:50:02 PM
They just closed the OR state parks, and all established campgrounds and day use areas in the state forests.

We are not yet under curfew, but that may happen yet.

So if we were to go camping, it would be boondocking in a dispersed camping on state or national forest.

But then, who would stay home to guard our TP ?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: Merlin on March 20, 2020, 10:20:11 PM
Quote from: Pinstriper on March 20, 2020, 04:50:02 PM
They just closed the OR state parks, and all established campgrounds and day use areas in the state forests.

We are not yet under curfew, but that may happen yet.

So if we were to go camping, it would be boondocking in a dispersed camping on state or national forest.

But then, who would stay home to guard our TP ?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

You have TP? Hmmmmm..............
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: Merlin on March 20, 2020, 10:30:03 PM
Thanks for bringing this up David. I've been thinking a lot about it too. Michigan and Minnesota state parks are still opening this spring, but only pit toilets, water, and electricity will be available until further notice. That may change, of course. We know of some great state forest campgrounds and national forest campgrounds with widely dispersed sites and plenty of room to roam right here in Michigan. That will be it for use this season. We are canceling our big summer trip to Colorado, Utah, and points SW. We'll stick to our favorite sites in Michigan and take precautions like never before. We'll probably also limit each trip to 5 days/4 nights so that we can remain completely self-contained for water and tank capacity. With all reservations on-line we shouldn't have to touch anything away from home except the gas pump and we'll treat those like they are poisonous.

Maybe Paul and I should collect all the good ideas about camping during a pandemic and send out a newsletter. If anyone else has thoughts, post 'em up.
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: Paul on March 20, 2020, 11:30:10 PM
Quote from: Merlin on March 20, 2020, 10:30:03 PM

Maybe Paul and I should collect all the good ideas about camping during a pandemic and send out a newsletter. If anyone else has thoughts, post 'em up.

I like the idea!
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: DavidM on March 21, 2020, 12:02:36 PM
Merlin:

As I stated in my beginning post to this thread, we are doing exactly what you are doing: short 3-5 day trips mostly close to home. But I am wondering why you have cancelled your more ambitious plans for a western, sw states trip?

The longer trip does pose some issues, but I think most are surmountable. You will have to shop for groceries along the way. Even Paul I suspect can't last for three months without doing some shopping  ;). We placed our first order a few days ago for grocery home delivery from Publix our local store. Will have to see how that works. I confess we just made a liquor run this morning. FWIW liquor stores are considered an essential business  :o.  I tried but couldn't stay 6' apart at the checkout line but as soon as we got home I ditched the packaging and washed my hands. So even though you probably can't do home grocery delivery while camping far from home, you could minimize the risks by wiping down the cart and everything you touch and use hand sanitizer or wash your hands as soon as you get back to your camper.

Laundry is another issue while extended camping. You could go to a commercial RV park for a night as they usually have washer/dryers but social distancing will be tough in one of these. The other way would be to stop in a small town along the way, put your clothes in a washer, go for a walk and come back and do the same thing with the dryer. As long as you stay 6' away from people, watch what you touch and wipe down surfaces like the sorting table you should be ok.

Finally a word about the 6' rule. It is just a generality and farther away is always better. As strictly an illustration and the numbers were pulled out of you know where, if you stand shoulder to shoulder with an infected individual you have an x chance of catching it. 3' means 1/10 x and 6' means 1/100 x and 100' means almost no chance.

Stay safe everyone.

David
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: Paul on March 21, 2020, 12:08:01 PM
We will probably have to shop for things we forgot about what we do right now is that we are making a list of what's missing and will wait until we have enough and probably order online and go pickup
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: Merlin on March 22, 2020, 09:28:37 PM
Quote from: DavidM on March 21, 2020, 12:02:36 PM
Merlin:

As I stated in my beginning post to this thread, we are doing exactly what you are doing: short 3-5 day trips mostly close to home. But I am wondering why you have cancelled your more ambitious plans for a western, sw states trip?

The longer trip does pose some issues, but I think most are surmountable. You will have to shop for groceries along the way. Even Paul I suspect can't last for three months without doing some shopping  ;). We placed our first order a few days ago for grocery home delivery from Publix our local store. Will have to see how that works. I confess we just made a liquor run this morning. FWIW liquor stores are considered an essential business  :o.  I tried but couldn't stay 6' apart at the checkout line but as soon as we got home I ditched the packaging and washed my hands. So even though you probably can't do home grocery delivery while camping far from home, you could minimize the risks by wiping down the cart and everything you touch and use hand sanitizer or wash your hands as soon as you get back to your camper.

Laundry is another issue while extended camping. You could go to a commercial RV park for a night as they usually have washer/dryers but social distancing will be tough in one of these. The other way would be to stop in a small town along the way, put your clothes in a washer, go for a walk and come back and do the same thing with the dryer. As long as you stay 6' away from people, watch what you touch and wipe down surfaces like the sorting table you should be ok.

Finally a word about the 6' rule. It is just a generality and farther away is always better. As strictly an illustration and the numbers were pulled out of you know where, if you stand shoulder to shoulder with an infected individual you have an x chance of catching it. 3' means 1/10 x and 6' means 1/100 x and 100' means almost no chance.

Stay safe everyone.

David

Cancelling the big trip to the SW is a tough call, but with some reasoning and not just knee-jerk reaction (Not that you implied it was!) First, a major reason for the trip was to attend an annual meetup of Land Cruiser owners in Fort Collins. More than a 100 of us weirdos (or enthusiasts more diplomatically) had off road adventures, etc planned for late July in the Rockies. That was cancelled due to closure of public and private facilities in CO for an uncertain length of time. Second, it is difficult to get accurate local information on the situation with Covid-19 and traveling to many areas over a month or more increases risks from that deficit. We are very familiar with changing risks where we live and can take extra precautions; not as easy on the road. Third, in the event of serious illness, the situation is WAY worse away from home. Especially with an illness like Covid-19 that can take you down for long time and has no treatment. Fourth, both my wife and I are in the high risk group for complications making reason number three even more serious. I think at least some areas of the country will still be dealing with outbreaks 3-4 months from now as the virus moves around the country. For me, this is simply not going to be a spring/summer for extended camping trips outside the state. This week I'm spending some of my indoor time looking at state forest campgrounds along the Great Lakes. So far, the search is promising. I think we can have a great camping season without driving much. Too bad, with gas so cheap!
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: Chappy133 on March 26, 2020, 06:26:24 PM
Well I am on day 9 of self quarantine due to a work exposure.  Our Building at work had two cases and is now closed.  All of us are teleworking.  Had my COVID 19 test done last Friday.  Still awaiting test results and I have had no symptoms.  The exposure was on 6 March so I should be good to go but I am awaiting on test results because in all good conscience I do not want to expose anyone.  I volunteer on our local fire department so I don't want to affect any of those guys. 

So far the state parks in PA are closed.  I haven't been notified that my reservation at Assateague Island SP in May is canceled but they are closed through 11 May which was our check out date.  :-[

Agree that camping is a perfect activity for social distancing if you have your own bathroom.  Parks could limit it to campers with their own facilities no different then Yellowstone that only allows hard side campers to camp inside the park.

We have camping planned in Vermont and Maine after Labor Day this year. Hope that doesn't get cancelled either. 

Anyhow stay safe!
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: Merlin on March 28, 2020, 11:50:01 AM
Michigan state parks and state forests are open but only for limited day use. No water, no trash pickup, no toilets, no camping, no playgrounds, no beaches, etc. National parks and forests in Michigan have closed all facilities except for limited day use in some, with the same limitations as the state owned areas. My sister in Indiana reports a similar situation. This is for the indefinite future. We've canceled all camping reservations for 2020 and will make new ones only after we know more about the Covid-19 situation in Michigan and elsewhere. I'm going to use the time to do maintenance and more mods on the camper and to camp in our backyard with our new dog so he can get used to the routines.
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: Pinstriper on March 28, 2020, 12:07:50 PM
Oregon State parks are cancelling reservations as the closure date bumps into them, so our early April dates were closed, but May look intact so far.

The State Parks are all closed, as are recreation facilities (day use, campgrounds) in the state forests and national forests. I have not gotten out to check if they have closed gates.

BLM has also similarly closed facilities, but have explicitly said the land is open for recreation within the bounds of social distancing.

Boat ramps in parks have been closed, but those operated by ports are still open for commercial boats, closed to recreation.
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: DavidM on April 01, 2020, 11:44:36 AM
Many states have now issued "stay at home" orders. I have read a few. Some allow outdoor recreation of which camping may be considered. They also allow travel from one place of residence to another, which may be invoked to allow travel to a campsite.

I still feel that camping in the more rustic campgrounds like NPs, SPs, USFS, etc is about as safe as being at home and getting there can also be managed as safely as going to the grocery store.

Anyone run up against restrictions in their state yet, beyond campground closings?

David
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: djsamuel on April 01, 2020, 11:59:37 AM
In Central Florida near me, Orange and Osceola Counties now have stay at home orders in place and the governor is signing a state wide order effective midnight Thursday.  You can be stopped and ticketed unless you are traveling only to an essential location such as a doctor's office or grocery store.  Most of the campgrounds have closed.  In Seminole and Lake Counties, emergency orders are in place restricting people 65 and older as well as enforcing the social distancing rules.  I've been following a Corona Virus camping Facebook page and it seems as though campgrounds, state parks and even USFS sites are closing all over.  I would LOVE to get out of the house now.  At least I have a nice yard and am tempted to do some driveway camping.
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: happyhiker on April 10, 2020, 11:42:30 AM
My wife and I live in Florida and traditionally go to the Rockies for about 4-5 months every year.  This year we had been diligently making reservations as the booking window opened, starting in NM and working our way up through NM, SW Colorado, Utah, WY and Montana to Glacier and then back. It was quite a trip and we had all of our reservations confirmed.  We have hiked in these areas for many years.  Then Covid 19 brokeout. 

As we all know, this is a a disease which is highly transmissible, incurable (at this time) and  capable of widespread community spread.  Our public and private health care system is incapable of testing all of those displaying the symptoms and those who are  asymptomatic but are carriers.  Thus, there is not now and likely will not be any way of determining where it is and where it will be going until people start showing up in the ER.   According to the experts, (and certainly if it is like the 1917 pandemic), the first wave will not be the worst.  The second wave in the 1917 pandemic killed more people than the first.  Thus, unless and until we can test everyone (which we can't), we develop herd immunity (when we reach a 40-50% infection rate) or there is a cure, it is likely to be like fighting a fire.  It will flare up in one area, go down, and then resurface.

Traveling on the road is not just about social distancing and thus if you go on any trip for an extended period, you are going to need to travel through populated areas where the virual load is heavier, you will need to re-provision at stores and you will need to go to a public laundry mat.  All of these areas present risks.   When you go in a store, you will need to have a mask and gloves and clean all packaging.  When you go into a public laundromat, you can't assume that there is no COVID 19 on the surfaces or in the washers and dryers just because people aren't in the building.   It can stay on surfaces for hours and these surfaces need constant disinfection.  There may also be shortages of goods while on the road as the supply chains continues to experience significant disruptions. Also, because we are over 60 (even with no comorbidities), we are at a higher risk.   

For all the foregoing reasons and others, we have regrettably come to the conclusion that this year's trip is a no go.  We will likely stay at home the entire summer, except possibly for short trips.  An additional factor for us Floridians this year is that this year's hurricane season is projected to produce several major hurricanes.  For the last several years, we have had to rush home in late August to deal with weather events.  I am open to anyone telling me why I am wrong, but I just don't think it makes sense. This summer will be a time for home and rv projects and planning a trip for the following year.
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: DavidM on April 10, 2020, 01:35:46 PM
Happyhiker:

Thank you for expressing your well thought out views. Three weeks ago when I started this thread there weren't wide spread stay at home orders. Today is different and although I don't believe the cops will stop you in your RV and block your progress they may tell you to self quarantine when you get where you are going, like they are doing in Florida and other states now.

So we too are staying at home for the next few months. Hopefully by July most maybe all of the stay at home orders will be lifted. That doesn't mean get out and go camping willy nilly, particularly for long distances and over a month or more. Merlin expressed it well in a previous post: If he and/or his wife gets sick a thousand or more miles from home, it could be very difficult situation while living in a 16' trailer with perhaps one or more of them in the hospital.

We will limit our camping in July and for the rest of this year to places a few hundred miles or less from home and no grocery or laundry stops required as well as staying away from other people, particularly people we don't know.

It is a scary thought though!!! As you note, this is a once in a century event.

David
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: happyhiker on April 11, 2020, 08:37:20 AM
David,

Thanks for putting this thread together.  I hope others will share and more importantly I hope many will read and think about risk minimization in the coming months.  It is going to be extremely important for people (esp. high risk) to exercise great restraint and avoid thinking everything is back to normal.  "Flattening the curve" doesn't mean the virus is gone.  It simply means we will not  (hopefully) overwhelm our health care system until there is a cure. Now, perhaps, if you have already contracted the virus and your body has built up an immunity to the virus, you might be ok.  Unfortunately, testing is not widely available to know if you already have it and have developed an immunity.  Moreover, it is my understanding that there have been cases of people reacquiring it even after testing positive, being "cured", and then testing negative.  The information I have seen suggests that you can get the virus and it remains in your body.  If you get more exposure on the road, you allow your immune system to run down from the stress of travel or exercise (or perhaps over indulgence) ,  you could become more vulnerable to reacquisition. 

A few final points:

Public restrooms:   Someone (perhaps it was you) mentioned the whole issue of using public toilets.  I agree.  IMHO, it would be completely out of the question to use public restrooms.   If you are not completely self contained that would be a problem.   That means if you have a Quick Silver without a pot or if you are a tent camper, you are in trouble.

The evidence out of China and elsewhere suggests that transmission can occur through urine and feces.  We all know that public facilities are more often than not unsanitary on a good day.  Imagine what it will be like now.  I really feel sorry for all of the janitors out there.  Imagine being a camp host or a park service worker and being asked to clean a public toilet in this environment.  Many private concessionaires require their hosts to clean restrooms as a part of their lousy deal for a free site. You couldn't pay me enough to be a janitor now and I suspect many camp hosts (who often times get no pay-only a free site) may decide not to even show up this year, or if they do, they will likely do an even worse job of cleaning.  It is highly unlikely that they will have PPE (ie gloves and masks)  to clean and you can't find cleaners, sanitizers or toilet paper.  There will be no TP in the pit toliets this summer. 


Healthcare on the road.  This is a real hot button issue for me because of my disdain for our for profit health care system.  It is also a topic that you and others have mentioned and this could spark an extensive amount of discussion.  Suffice to say, as we all know (whether you want to admit it or not) our healthcare system in the US is THE most expensive in the world.  For many RVers and full timers (who are not on medicare), getting sick on the road (which in many cases is their home) could be a financial disaster even aside from the question of whether they can find healthcare.   This last year my brother had to be airlifted out of the Carribean to Miami in connection with a diving accident.  His bill for treatment in Kitts and St Nevis, air transport to Miami and hospitalization in Miami was over half a million dollars.  He is a doctor and had the foresight to have special insurance, but sadly most do not healthcare for unexpected illness and injury while traveling.   In the US, (and unless you are on medicare) if you are fortunate enough to have insurance, you can be treated out of network for emergencies and it is required to be covered under the ACA.  (Not so for some of the newer BS plans that the Trump admin is letting insurance companies sell).  However, deductibles can be and usually are, considerably higher while out of network.  There is also generally no coverage for transport back home. Additionally, you have the whole issue of having your RV stuck in some remote location.  How are you going to get it back and who is going to pay for it?  Most people, I dare say, don't purchase coverage for return transportation for themselves, their travelling companions and their rigs.

Inconsistent travel restrictions and self quarantine.    You could be delayed, detoured or prevented from getting to or from your destination because of locally imposed travel restrictions.   (I also think that in states where they have done a better job in social distancing), driving through a small town with a Florida trailer tag could be quite unwelcome given the poor job FL did in containing the spread of the virus.  I have already heard complaints from my midwestern friends about people from Florida spreading the virus.  (In Florida we just blame the New Yorkers).

With respect to self quarantine, it is not fun to get sick on the road, particularly in a Livin Lite 14DB.  Enough said.

I could go on, but I have rambled enough.


Bottom line.  Yes you can camp if you are self contained, don't go far, avoid stores and strangers and exercise great care.  Truthfully, I am seriously envious of the cheap gas prices out there.  Imagine filling the truck or RV up and paying less than $1.50 for a gallon.  Last year near Lassen NP, it was $4.29.

Be safe! 
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: DavidM on April 11, 2020, 10:47:44 AM
Happyhiker:

Thanks for your post, I totally agree.

One state's governor (can't remember who) in a moment of rationality closed his state's campground restrooms but left the campgrounds open, and maybe even free so no ranger interaction t ochck in. The rangers are only there to help with problems and keep the peace. But campers have to clean up for themselves when they leave the campsite.

Makes lots of sense.

David
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: Lap527 on April 15, 2020, 04:38:55 PM
Yup, got 2 camplites and can't use either one.  Have seasonal site in NC but don't wanna get caught short up there either. It's a lot more feasible staying in 3 bedroom house than a 21 RBS or truck camper.  Speaking of insurance, I will be eligible for medicare on May 1st and sure don't wanna use my insurance I have now due to high deductible.  So at home we will be.
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: Powder Hounds on April 16, 2020, 12:02:36 AM
Here in Alberta all campgrounds are closed, provincial and national, only a few private locations are open. Crown land (BLM) is also restricted. Yesterday the government implemented a province wide fire ban and an off road vehicle ban, this covers 60% of the province. Because it is the start of our wild fire season the government does not want to risk any resources. Plus, if evacuations are required due to fires do you really want to have people confined and then quarantined? Small towns just don't have the resources to cope.  Usually in the event of forest fires resources are shared between provinces and some states. I doubt that would happen now with Covid. We are staying home! Maybe June 1st some parks might open but who knows.

A 10 minute walk from our home there have been 20 deaths in a care facility due to Covid. The virus is in our community, reports of staff testing positive in our local grocery stores as well.

The economic fall out will be ever lasting, IMO the states will not see many Snowbirds next season, only 6 months away! Insurance will probably not cover people, I doubt any Canadian would want to take that risk health, pre existing conditions and Covid, good luck people. Returning from AZ in March our insurance provider informed us we had 10 days of coverage and that was it. The provider canceled almost 30 days worth of coverage. That definitely raises some concern. Snowbirds provide billions to the US economy each year.
Title: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: Paul on May 01, 2020, 10:52:46 AM
My trailer is out of storage, this year instead of getting all the trailer out on the same day they spread it out and only one client is on site and they just open the door and you have to get it out and close the garage door by yourself. It went smooth it was nice I didn't had to rush because of someone waiting. In New Brunswick we didn't had any new case in 12 days. Hopefully it stays like this. In the next phase they are supposed to open seasonal campground so hopefully I will be able to bring it to my site. For now it is in the driveway, I am trying to decide if I should grease the bearing myself or bring it in for service, I have to go for the province safety inspection anyway. I didn't do the bearing at all since I own the trailer.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200501/edb983129852a7624653c8742c5d1bfc.jpg)
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: DavidM on May 01, 2020, 12:26:40 PM
Paul:

It is very easy to grease the bearings yourself. Pop the rubber cover off of the bearing housing and you will see a zerk fitting (a nipple) inside. Use a grease gun that you can by for $10 or so at your local auto parts store, Walmart, etc and pump grease inside. You will see the spring compress and when it is fully compressed or you see grease squirting around the edges, stop. Replace the rubber cover and you are done.

David
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: Paul on May 01, 2020, 03:51:26 PM
I could probably do the bearing myself but finally decided to take an appointment to a dexter axle dealer to do the job for the reason that I need to do the MVI and I want them to replace the brake cable I put liquid tape on last year because it had a cut on it and was exposed. I ask them to do a full inspection on the brake, bearing and axles. My MVI is expired since 2018 I am better to get this done  :)
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: ADR on May 06, 2020, 08:56:50 PM
Quote from: DavidM on May 01, 2020, 12:26:40 PM
Paul:

It is very easy to grease the bearings yourself. Pop the rubber cover off of the bearing housing and you will see a zerk fitting (a nipple) inside. Use a grease gun that you can by for $10 or so at your local auto parts store, Walmart, etc and pump grease inside. You will see the spring compress and when it is fully compressed or you see grease squirting around the edges, stop. Replace the rubber cover and you are done.

David

What spring?   None in any of my many Dexter axles with the EZ-Lube.
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: Merlin on May 07, 2020, 09:22:01 PM
Quote from: ADR on May 06, 2020, 08:56:50 PM
Quote from: DavidM on May 01, 2020, 12:26:40 PM
Paul:

It is very easy to grease the bearings yourself. Pop the rubber cover off of the bearing housing and you will see a zerk fitting (a nipple) inside. Use a grease gun that you can by for $10 or so at your local auto parts store, Walmart, etc and pump grease inside. You will see the spring compress and when it is fully compressed or you see grease squirting around the edges, stop. Replace the rubber cover and you are done.

David

What spring?   None in any of my many Dexter axles with the EZ-Lube.

I think David must have the Bearing Buddies in the hubs. Those have a spring system that prevents water intrusion with slight positive pressure in the hub. You're right about the EZ-Lube; the grease just flows through the bearings and hubs.
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: Pinstriper on May 08, 2020, 12:03:24 PM
Put me down in the camp that says it is so easy to do bearings I do them myself for peace of mind that I've done a good inspection at the same time.

If I am pressed for time, I have had them done at a service center. But I end up wondering who did it, and were they like the jackass who did the first winterizing and neglected to blow out the outdoor "shower" and busted a fitting.

Bearing buddies IMO lead you to not inspect your bearings and can lead to bigger issues later, so I don't run them.
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: DavidM on May 08, 2020, 12:24:15 PM
Quote from: Pinstriper on May 08, 2020, 12:03:24 PM
Put me down in the camp that says it is so easy to do bearings I do them myself for peace of mind that I've done a good inspection at the same time.

If I am pressed for time, I have had them done at a service center. But I end up wondering who did it, and were they like the jackass who did the first winterizing and neglected to blow out the outdoor "shower" and busted a fitting.

Bearing buddies IMO lead you to not inspect your bearings and can lead to bigger issues later, so I don't run them.

I do the following with my boat trailer bearings whch operate in a much tougher environment (salt water) as well as my trailer bearings:

Jack up one side of the trailer. Rotate each tire and feel for bearing roughness. Don't confuse the brake shoes dragging with rough bearings. Then if ok wiggle the tire back and forth. It should have a tiny amount of play, maybe 1/32" of inch top to botom. This assures that the bearing isn't too loose or tight. If you have  too much or not enough play, then you have to remove the axle nut and tighten or loosen a bit. If you have roughness then you probably need to replace the bearing.

If both are ok then pump in grease through the zerk fitting and you are good for another 10,000 miles or 1 year.

David

Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: Pinstriper on May 08, 2020, 05:44:42 PM
Quote from: DavidM on May 08, 2020, 12:24:15 PM
Quote from: Pinstriper on May 08, 2020, 12:03:24 PM
Put me down in the camp that says it is so easy to do bearings I do them myself for peace of mind that I've done a good inspection at the same time.

If I am pressed for time, I have had them done at a service center. But I end up wondering who did it, and were they like the jackass who did the first winterizing and neglected to blow out the outdoor "shower" and busted a fitting.

Bearing buddies IMO lead you to not inspect your bearings and can lead to bigger issues later, so I don't run them.

I do the following with my boat trailer bearings whch operate in a much tougher environment (salt water) as well as my trailer bearings:

Jack up one side of the trailer. Rotate each tire and feel for bearing roughness. Don't confuse the brake shoes dragging with rough bearings. Then if ok wiggle the tire back and forth. It should have a tiny amount of play, maybe 1/32" of inch top to botom. This assures that the bearing isn't too loose or tight. If you have  too much or not enough play, then you have to remove the axle nut and tighten or loosen a bit. If you have roughness then you probably need to replace the bearing.

If both are ok then pump in grease through the zerk fitting and you are good for another 10,000 miles or 1 year.

David
That's a good check David. I also like to see them with my eyes. They can be smooth and well fitting but discolored from having overheated.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: ADR on May 08, 2020, 09:42:20 PM
The problem with Bearing Buddies is they do not replace the grease.  They exist solely to keep pressure on submerged hubs to keep water out.   I would not use them on anything but a boat trailer-
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: Merlin on May 09, 2020, 04:13:27 PM
Quote from: ADR on May 08, 2020, 09:42:20 PM
The problem with Bearing Buddies is they do not replace the grease.  They exist solely to keep pressure on submerged hubs to keep water out.   I would not use them on anything but a boat trailer-

But.......I use Bearing Buddies on my utility trailer for 2 reasons. The slight positive pressure also helps keep out dirt. And in one case for me, rainwater. I was headed east on I-80/90 a few years ago in Ohio and what seemed like a solid wall of water in the form of rain "submerged" everything. I swear it was like driving through a lake! Anyway, the second reason I like them is you fill the entire hub cavity with grease instead of just a wimpy little bit in the bearings. Last year I pulled on BB off and checked the grease after several years. It looked fine!  However, the hub grease seals were wearing out and had a little grease weeping out, so I did the full bearing service.
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: ADR on May 15, 2020, 04:07:34 AM
If rainwater and dirt were getting in then you have bad seals.   Oh wait......you said you did! ;D

As for keeping hubs full of grease- might want to read this>

https://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/28664/dangers-of-overgreasing-
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: Chappy133 on May 16, 2020, 01:07:30 PM
Here is the link to the Dexter You Tube video for the Dexter EZ lube axles and how to properly lube the bearings:  https://www.dexteraxle.com/resources/videos/e-z-lube-system
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: Merlin on May 17, 2020, 10:27:11 AM
Quote from: ADR on May 15, 2020, 04:07:34 AM
If rainwater and dirt were getting in then you have bad seals.   Oh wait......you said you did! ;D

As for keeping hubs full of grease- might want to read this>

https://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/28664/dangers-of-overgreasing-

Good point on the hubs, I should have noted the technique for filling hubs with grease is only for those with Bearing Buddies.

https://www.bearingbuddy.com/how-bb-works
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: Chappy133 on June 06, 2020, 09:28:06 AM
Add the state of New Hampshire to cancelled camping reservations.  Their public and private campgrounds are only open to NH residents.  So I cannot stay self contained in a NH campground socially distancing myself but I can stay in a NH Hotel.  Makes no sense to me.
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: Merlin on June 06, 2020, 12:35:07 PM
Interesting about NH.

My wife and I have found a new use for our Camplite. We are going to finally get to our cabin in Michigan's U.P. the end of this month. We are going to tow our camper and be complexly self contained for the 330 mile trip except for gas only stops. We'll get (and pay for) a campsite at a nearby state forest campground, park the camper, set up a few things like we are staying there, then head into the cabin for a few days. We can easily pop out to the camper each day to check on things; it will only be 8 miles away. The state forest (not state park) campgrounds here open up 6/10 and are first come first serve.

Does anyone have advice for how to make it look like we are resident at the state forest campground? 
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: Powder Hounds on June 06, 2020, 01:35:09 PM
Sounds like a pretty good road trip!
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: Powder Hounds on June 06, 2020, 02:01:02 PM
A few things we do when we will be away from our camping spot.

Leave a cheap chair out, indoor/ outdoor mat, stack of fire wood, old bowl with water. The bigger the bowl the bigger the dog. Our best trick is our Black Diamond camping lantern. It is a ReMoji rechargeable little hiking accessory, has multiple coloured settings and will operate for a while. USB charging cable is included as well. The best thing is when set to the scrolling option the colours will change over and over, with your blinds up at night/ evening someone walking buy and looking at your entry door glass will think your watching TV. The obscure patterned glass really helps with the allusion as well. The battery charge will eventually die and just recharge on the next visit. We use it a lot just adding some atmosphere, has some magnets on the bottom so we put it under our entry step when sitting out at night. Once you start using it the more you will enjoy this little lantern. You would just have to plan a check for early evening to get it set up.

Cheers!
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: DavidM on August 02, 2020, 03:31:49 PM
We finally got away to do some camping last week and to put some of the discussion points above to good use. We camped in two Adirondack parks- Paradox Lake right off of I87 west of Ticonderoga and Rollins Pond 20-30 miles south of Saranac Lake.

We registered by wearing a mask. Interestingly the 18 you check in ranger knew nothing about RVing. The dump station was within 150' of the check in station and she didn't know what a dump station was. I had to show her on the map and explain. Oh well, labor is tight now, right?

Our campsites in both places were well separated, about 150' to the next campsite. Rest rooms were open but showers were closed and you had to wear a mask while inside. I fail to see the risk in using a shower, but maybe clean up labor is limited (see above) and comes with some risk. We had our 12 week old puppy with us and that generated interest on both sides of us. Our neighbors came over to see her but stayed a respectful 15' away. I never felt I was threatened by potential contamination. There were groups of people who socialized closely, but we didn't.

Covid 19 has caused the NY park service to institute some strange rules though. No walk ups are allowed. You have to make a reservation. When we asked about extending our stay for another night, the answer was- If you made a reservation yesterday for your extra night, ok, but today it is too late to make one for tomorrow, so the answer is no. Can't figure that one out- bureaucracy no doubt.

We had made these reservations some time back in April. When we got back home I looked up several of our favorite sites to see where we could camp in August. They were all booked up, even mid week. So we won't be camping any more until September when it opens up again.

Finally we noticed a significant shift from RV camping in prior years to tent camping. New campers no doubt.

David

Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: Merlin on August 02, 2020, 05:48:25 PM
Quote from: DavidM on August 02, 2020, 03:31:49 PM
We finally got away to do some camping last week and to put some of the discussion points above to good use. We camped in two Adirondack parks- Paradox Lake right off of I87 west of Ticonderoga and Rollins Pond 20-30 miles south of Saranac Lake.

We registered by wearing a mask. Interestingly the 18 you check in ranger knew nothing about RVing. The dump station was within 150' of the check in station and she didn't know what a dump station was. I had to show her on the map and explain. Oh well, labor is tight now, right?

Our campsites in both places were well separated, about 150' to the next campsite. Rest rooms were open but showers were closed and you had to wear a mask while inside. I fail to see the risk in using a shower, but maybe clean up labor is limited (see above) and comes with some risk. We had our 12 week old puppy with us and that generated interest on both sides of us. Our neighbors came over to see her but stayed a respectful 15' away. I never felt I was threatened by potential contamination. There were groups of people who socialized closely, but we didn't.

Covid 19 has caused the NY park service to institute some strange rules though. No walk ups are allowed. You have to make a reservation. When we asked about extending our stay for another night, the answer was- If you made a reservation yesterday for your extra night, ok, but today it is too late to make one for tomorrow, so the answer is no. Can't figure that one out- bureaucracy no doubt.

We had made these reservations some time back in April. When we got back home I looked up several of our favorite sites to see where we could camp in August. They were all booked up, even mid week. So we won't be camping any more until September when it opens up again.

Finally we noticed a significant shift from RV camping in prior years to tent camping. New campers no doubt.

David

Good deal----nice to get out, eh? We saw a lot of tents at a state forest campground too, including some obvious newbies (food not secured from our forest friends).

What's with the new puppy? Breed? Things going ok with that?
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: DavidM on August 02, 2020, 06:22:01 PM
Our new puppy is a Sheltie- a Shetland Sheepdog, just like our last two dogs who led full and enjoyable lives. We have had her for about 7 weeks now andshe is 13 weeks old. Probably weighs 9 lbs now and will maybe hit 20 or so lbs when fully grown.

This is the third puppy Joan and I have trained or maybe I should say attempted to train because we aren't there yet. She is a handful. We probably have got her going outside 80% of the time up from zero when we first got her. Surprisingly camping was pretty easy- you are in the outdoors and she can pee wherever she wants although we tried to keep the walking routine going. Didn't work so well and now that we are home she has to relearn some stuff.

She has progressed from sleeping until 4:30 to almost 6:00 AM now when she wakes up, wants to go outside and pee and play and play and play for maybe two hours until she crashes. Playing with a new puppy at 5:00 AM isn't fun when you are 73. The other problem we discovered is at 5:00 when it is barely light enough to see outside, there is a bear that roams through our neighborhood about then. A bit scary when you just woke up and are bleary eyed.

David
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: mojospeople on August 09, 2020, 07:56:45 PM
We just got back from a trip east - the first time we've ever camped to the east of MI/IN/KY. We stayed in 3 different state parks in 3 different states - Ohio (Barkcamp), Pennsylvania (Caledonia) and Indiana (Versailles). Each campground was practicing safe distancing and cleaning practices. The PA shower house was the absolute cleanest I've ever experienced. I think they were cleaning it twice a day. We mostly used the camper shower but used the shower house there during off-peak times to save our water supply. We were there mid-week so the campground was not full.

Travel-wise was a mixed experience. In some places nearly 100% masking in public and in others almost none. We had perfect weather so was able to sit outside at a couple of breweries and have a beer but otherwise we had all our meals at the camper or carried out a couple of fast food meals while we were on the road. We found that many things we would do when we travel were not open. I saved a ton of money on this trip because we didn't have any dinners out, no impromptu strolling through shopping/tourist areas spending money and no admission/parking fees at tourist stops. We did the auto tour of Gettysburg but the visitor center was closed the days we were there. Unfortunate because I would have liked to check it out since it is new since the last time we were there.

To be on the safe side I plan to get a covid test in a couple of days and stay away from people/places until I get a negative result back. Pretty easy to do when one of us is working from home and the other is retired.
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: bcsnave on August 21, 2020, 11:30:20 PM
so how did the test come out? pregnant or not?
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: Pinstriper on August 21, 2020, 11:44:47 PM
Actually, what you want is "you already had Covid" as the result. When everyone hits that, the virus will die out for lack of hosts to infect.
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: mojospeople on August 22, 2020, 01:38:58 AM
Quote from: Pinstriper on August 21, 2020, 11:44:47 PM
Actually, what you want is "you already had Covid" as the result. When everyone hits that, the virus will die out for lack of hosts to infect.
Not. Yet.
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: planemaker on September 25, 2020, 06:20:35 PM
We have been out 4 times this summer, with our last trip next weekend.
Rock Point Provincial Park - Dunnville Ontario
Wheatley Provincial Park - Leamington Ontario
Brighton KOA - Brighton Ontario
Elora - In Laws
and finally back to Rock Point!

Not what we were planning to do this summer, but not bad considering the lockdown we have been under.

2020 can't end quick enough.
Title: Re: Camping in a COVID 19 Environment
Post by: DavidM on September 25, 2020, 08:51:59 PM
I have been surprised by how busy the nearby state parks have been. We can usually get a nice campsite nearby at the spur of the moment mid week. Not so much any more. We finally snagged one this Sunday night. May be our last camp for the season here in Connecticut.

So far we have done 6-7 nights of camping this year.

I agree, 2020 can't end soon enough for me.

David