We all have simple devices that we use in our daily lives that are extraordinarily helpful. All too often we become so use to them that we forget they exist, until we see someone struggling with a simple issue. Here is a list of simple low tech gadgets that our father uses daily. He has been overland traveling and desert back-country camping for much of his life. Since his retirement, he travels the desert landscapes of south western USA full-time to enjoy the good weather. He has learned a few things in his 81 years and would like to pass some of that on to you too.
Security
This is an inexpensive motion detector that turns on a bank of led lights when it gets tripped. The detector is the circular bit in the middle. It runs on batteries and lasts a long time, because of the LED lights.
For a similar product available online see the ADX 15LEDPIR-WH 140-Degree 12 Meter Security PIR Infrared Motion Sensor Detector Wall Light Outdoor (on amazon.com). |
My father hangs this motion detector light on the back corner of his camper, so that it lights up if something is lurking in the bushes. These lights have a motion detecting range of up to three meters. There is another light near the entrance to his camper for when he steps outside at night. Given where he camps, only animals have tripped his detectors. However, while outside of Yuma near the Mexican border, he has had border patrol police trip his motion detectors in the night.
|
Backup Air |
Solar |
|
|
|
I was told that many a time this foot pump got my Dad and his rig to a gas station after finding he had a flat tire. So far, they have all been slow leaks. I have CAA (called AAA in the US), but it is faster to pump and drive than wait for CAA to find me, which could be impossible in a back-country situation. Most of us now have electric air pumps on board, but this simple pump makes a great back up if that was to fail.
|
This is his light-weight solar panel that he moves around with the sun. Here you can see it hanging from the side of his camper. It uses a canvas-like surface, so it will not break if the wind catches it and it falls. There is a large scrape along its surface from sliding along a rock, but that has made no difference to its performance. This pic also includes Bernadette, the potted geranium. Every home should have a potted plant, this one is outside catching some rays.
|
Ball Bungees, Clamps and Hangers
I had to do some research to find out that these things are called Ball Bungees (on amazon.com). They are made of a loop of bungee cord affixed to a plastic bauble. My Dad loves them and has nearly a million uses for them. I was told to pass along the tip.
Metal S hooks are infinitely useful. This one is tied to an awning pipe stored on the top of my Dad’s camper. Attached to it is a clothes line that runs to the top of the truck. This also shows how the Ball Bungee can be used.
|
Below the bungee baubles is a rack of metal spring clamps (on amazon.com). Can you have enough clamps when you are back country camping? No. This rack would hold more, but they are currently in use holding tarps, table cloths or laundry.
|
Hanging and Reaching
This is a stainless steel marine dock cleat attached to the rear side of my Dad’s pickup truck. He screwed them to the outside of his truck to use a tie downs. They are also useful when camped to hang things from, like a garbage bag, rope, electrical cord, or something you want handy and off the ground.
|
What is this thing you ask? It is a Grip’n Grab Reach Tool (on amazon.com), which my Dad uses to pull things out from the back of his trunk, from underneath the truck, from strangely angled storage spaces in his trailer, and he can use it to pick up his shoes when he feels lazy.
|
These low-tech tips were brought to you from this experienced back-country and desert climate camper. We know these are not the high tech flashy gadgets magazines love to splash across their pages but that is why we thought we should share them. This picture shows my Dad’s rig and was taken in a casino parking lot where, like Walmart, you can stay the night for free (in Las Vegas casino’s charge a parking fee, but outside of Las Vegas it is still free to stay in casino parking lots).
Ursula Toelke
Ursula Toelke
About the author:
Ursula Toelke is a back-country landscape painter who lives in Huntsville, Ontario. She can be frequently found traveling and is well known for finding those little out-of-the-way places that really make a trip memorable. We anticipate more articles from her as she builds her own custom rig in the coming years.
Ursula Toelke is a back-country landscape painter who lives in Huntsville, Ontario. She can be frequently found traveling and is well known for finding those little out-of-the-way places that really make a trip memorable. We anticipate more articles from her as she builds her own custom rig in the coming years.
RSS Feed
