Newbie with QS 6.0 in Upstate NY

[lethaltoenails]

Hello -
I just purchased a "new-to-me" QS 6.0 that is in great shape!  Hopefully through this site I will learn a lot about maintenance and modifications / improvements I can consider.  We're heading out for a road trip to PA soon, Hershey and then to Ohiopyle.  It's great to learn about these campers and I'm glad there's a forum for them.  Looking forward to many years of fun ahead!

[pjcd]

Great little trailer, I had one a few years ago, got a lot of attention at the campgrounds.  The only thing I would get is one of those tools for unsnapping the canvas, (instead of just pulling the material). I also spent a lot of time putting UV protection on the cover, it dryed out fairly quick. Enjoy!

[khughes222]

Great little trailer, I had one a few years ago, got a lot of attention at the campgrounds.  The only thing I would get is one of those tools for unsnapping the canvas, (instead of just pulling the material). I also spent a lot of time putting UV protection on the cover, it dryed out family quick. Enjoy!

I second that. I dont ever touch a snap without the tool now. I have ripped so many snap apart trying to do it any other way.

https://www.amazon.com/Top-Snapper-Snap-Tool-Boat-Snaps/dp/B00GHU5PXO/ref=sr_1_1?s=boating-water-sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1498515647&sr=1-1&keywords=snap+tool

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acQYN-zIeZU

[Merlin]

Hello -
I just purchased a "new-to-me" QS 6.0 that is in great shape!  Hopefully through this site I will learn a lot about maintenance and modifications / improvements I can consider.  We're heading out for a road trip to PA soon, Hershey and then to Ohiopyle.  It's great to learn about these campers and I'm glad there's a forum for them.  Looking forward to many years of fun ahead!

Welcome! You've come to a good place to learn about your QS. From your plans coming up, it sounds like you'll have lots to contribute here too!

[lethaltoenails]

I just ordered the snap remover tool and the zipper stick!  What a great idea.  Another question - what do you carry with you in your emergency tool kit when traveling?  I have all the camping gear, but when it comes to tools for the road, I'd appreciate any insight so I don't forget that one essential thing (like the snap tool!!).  Thanks!

[pjcd]

I've had one of those tool kits sears sold, (had it for about 15 years now). Comes in a blow molded plastic box, assorted sockets , wrenches, screw drivers, pliers,,,,,,, you get the idea. Costco has a set, Lowes, Home Depot. And because Im lazy, I have a small cordless drill to use for cranking down the stabilizer jacks, (don't remember, are they drop down or crank on the 6.0?). Unless they changed, remember all the screws use square tip screw drivers, make sure you have one of those.

Also have a small plastic ammo box that I put extra fuses in, electrical tape, zip ties and a small roll of duck tape, (don't go any where with out it) and what ever you might think of.

Also a small air compressor that runs off the battery, (had a flat at the campground one year) and a tire plug kit, (I've also used that on occasion).

Its a learning curve as to what you think you might need.

[lethaltoenails]

I just remembered that I have one of those Sears kits, come to think of it.... so I'll put together something similar!  Zip ties and duct tape, mallet/hammer, etc.  Do you suggest a jack of some kind?  The air compressor is an interesting idea.  I was thinking it would be a major bother if I got a flat.  The stabilizers on the 6.0 are pull down.  They're pretty stiff, too.  I don't have the rod that folks use to crank them open - I shall investigate and find something usable.  I understand they're not to be overextended because then you can't get them back up again if they're too tight to the ground! 

[pjcd]

I keep a small bottle jack in the trailer, all the stuff I mentioned fits in a milk crate, so when I go, I just crab it, I don't have to rummage around for the stuff. 

If I remember, there a way to release the tension on the stabilizer with the rod, I'm sure somebody on this forum knows about it.

Just a thought, I would consider some kind of repair kit for the canvas, something for a quick, temporary repair in the field, nothing sucks like a leaking tent when it rains. Or just keep one of those cheap blue tarps in your storage, use it to cover the whole top if theres a need.

[Merlin]

I remembered there are other threads on checklists for things to pack. I ran a search in the old forum archives and found this thread. A few posts down a member with a QS10 posted a list of food/parts/tools that might a good place to start for ideas.

http://archive.aluminiumcamperforum.com/index.php?topic=2568.msg25711#msg25711

[khughes222]

This is not just for emergencies, but this is everything I can think of that I keep in my trailer as far as tools and spare parts. I keep it all in a soft sided bag inside a 5 gallon Home Depot bucket with lid in case I need a bucket for anything.

• Tire Iron
• Screwdrivers #1,#2,#3, Phillips and Flathead
• Small Socket Set (Nothing Larger than 3/4 Needed)
• Star Bit Set (Test This First - All Screws on my QS10 are star)
• Speedy Stitcher (For Doing Canvas Repairs, See Youtube)
• Fuses (Check Converter For Amperage)
• Breaker (Severe Just-In-Case)
• Few Rolls Of Paracord (You'd be surprised how much you will use it)
• Carabiners
• Plastic Shower Curtain Rings (For use with carabiners and paracord) (Think Clotheslines, Kitchen Utensil Stringer, etc)
• Clothespins
• Flashlight
• Duct Tape
• Electrical Tape
• Multimeter (And education on how it works)
• Small Bottle Jack
• Survival Blankets (5x7 tarp on one side, mylar on the other. Can be slipped above the beds, mylar facing down, for extra heat retention if cold)
• 12v Cigarette Light Style Extension Cord
• Wire Stripper/Crimper Tool
• Small Roll of 12-16 Gauge Wire
• Misc Electrical Connectors (https://www.harborfreight.com/150-piece-terminal-and-connector-set-67683.html)

[Paul]

Welcome to the forum! I hope to hear about your camping stories!