5 Car Camping Tips for a Smoother Ride
Car camping enthusiasts include everyone from hardy outdoor adventurers to families with children to senior citizens. To be a car camper, all you have to do is pack up the carand head to a campsite. To be a wisecar camper, all you have to do is follow a list of car camping tips:
- Prepare your ride. Before you leave for your destination, have your car fully checked out and serviced. Check the engine oil, air filters, tires and suspension. Beyond that, since many car camping sites are in challenging terrain, there are specific items that need extra attention. For example, if you are heading for a beach area, protect against sun and salt damage by applying a good quality wax, and clean the interior with a UV protectant. Car camping in the desert requires extra attention to the cooling system and air conditioning. Mountain motoring requires a full brake inspection, including brake pads.
- Gear up. Even if there are other car campers nearby, the rule of the road is to be prepared to take care of you and your family, acting as if you were completely isolated. Obviously, you are taking a portable shelter, bedding and food. But beyond that, there are many items that people often neglect. Some examples are sufficient eating utensils and cleaning supplies, a collapsible fresh water jug, water purification tablets, salt, spices, extra camp stove fuel, corkscrews, manual can openers and a bag for dirty clothing.
- Save money. Though some people head for the high slopes or the far backwoods, most car campers’ final destination is a commercial campground with enough facilities to accommodate a wide variety of vacationers. Naturally, they charge a fee for the electricity, water and other amenities that some consider essential. The wise car camper plans far ahead, and joins associations that offer discounted rates. Good deals may be found at the Happy Camper Club (call 866-677-6453 for 50% discounts) and at recreationusa.com.
- Don’t forget the luxuries. Yes, we know that “camping” implies hearty and character-building experiences, but some people don’t want to go too far from the wonders of modern civilization. There are a few gadgets that might do the trick, including the Basic Designs Sun Shower (hot water in 3 hours,) the Travel Chair Tripler (portable seating for 3,) the Eureka Condo Tent (the name explains it all,) the Coleman Powercat Catalytic Heater (don’t be cold in the morning) and the Roll-A-Cot (10 pounds and adjustable suspension.) OK, outdoors, we’re ready for you!
- Observe car camping etiquette. No, this isn’t about sticking out your little finger when you drink tea; it’s about following some basic rules of camping courtesy. To begin, respect other people’s territory, up to a reasonable distance from their camp site. Pack-in what you pack-out, cleaning up and recycling when you leave. Follow the campground’s quiet hours (radios and voices carry very far at night.) If you bring a pet, don’t leave it unattended, and clean up after it. Don’t clean fish or dump waste water in lakes and streams. Finally, observe all of the campground’s rules, even if you don’t understand them. Basically, be a good neighbor, because everyone wants to have a happy vacation.
All that off road driving can open up the doors for auto damage. Make sure your car is covered, no matter what happens. Give NetQuote a try! We can connect you with qualified insurance agents who can offer you the auto policy that’s right for you.
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