What did you do for your Escape today??

[cpaharley2008]

Even though we had snow last weekend, Spring has sprung here and I'm getting ready for the season. I had made a couple of improvement/purchases over the winter and wanted to share them. I purchased a small metal safe to keep an extra trailer key outside attached in case of emergencies. I carry an extra set of vehicle keys inside the unit and the main trailer keys are on a lanyard around my neck. I also purchased a spiffy Lodge campfire skillet with extra long handle for cooking my scrapple. I also rigged together a fuse protected plug that will allow me to keep my trailer lights on during the night at those truck stop rest areas, for better visibility. An extendable lug nut wrench with 4 sockets was found and finally a set of seat belt hooks for my 2 dogs to keep them safe while in the cab of the truck.

[cpaharley2008]

Here is the skillet

[cpaharley2008]

and the last items

[Mike Lewis]

Jim-

Please tell us about this key safe gizmo. How do you attach it to the trailer?

[gbaglo]

Where do you keep the key for the key safe?

[cpaharley2008]

It is a combo safe for extra keys and it has a metal loop that can be used to attach it anywhere you want, in/under the trailer,your tow vehicle, use your imagination.

[gbaglo]

I generally carry a second key for the RAV in my pocket.
When camping, I give my wife an extra set of trailer keys, and she leaves them in the trailer.

[cpaharley2008]

exactly....and if you lock the trailer and then lose your set, what now??

[Donna D.]

I never carry my tug keys on my body when I camp. They're always left in the trailer unless I'm driving somewhere! If I'm camping with a buddy, that person has a set of trailer keys.

If none of that works out right, I'd rather take the door off the trailer than need to call a locksmith. YMMV

So far, in all the years I've camped in an egg, no problems (knock on wood!)

[padlin]

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

Jim-

Please tell us about this key safe gizmo. How do you attach it to the trailer?

Key Safes and Key Cases For Home & Personal Use | Master Lock

I like it.

[cpaharley2008]

If I told you where it would no longer be my secret spot now, would it? Model No. 5408D | Master Lock
http://www.masterlock.com/personal-use/product/5408D

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I also rigged together a fuse protected plug that will allow me to keep my trailer lights on during the night at those truck stop rest areas, for better visibility.

I did the same project this winter, or what passed for winter on the West coast.

Same reason, but different way of doing it. I bought a 7 pin plug and ran the wire inside to a switch so I can turn them on from inside. Also, at the time I didn't have 360* lighting and I wanted a way to throw a bit of light around the trailer if I heard noises etc. close by.

Of course now that I've a much better understanding of the electrical system I realize I could have just wired a switch directly to the junction box under the dinette seat.

Ron

[dfandrews]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

....

Of course now that I've a much better understanding of the electrical system I realize I could have just wired a switch directly to the junction box under the dinette seat. Ron

Camping, and more specifically, 'Escaping', is not just kickin' back, it is constant exercise for your mind, and therefore,
is the most productive thing you can ever be doing.

That's the story, and I'm sticking with it.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

I did the same project this winter, or what passed for winter on the West coast.

Same reason, but different way of doing it. I bought a 7 pin plug and ran the wire inside to a switch so I can turn them on from inside. Also, at the time I didn't have 360* lighting and I wanted a way to throw a bit of light around the trailer if I heard noises etc. close by.

Of course now that I've a much better understanding of the electrical system I realize I could have just wired a switch directly to the junction box under the dinette seat.

Ron

Well when you do that please post as I have no idea which wires to use in the junction box. Did you mount the 7 pin connector outside as my cord will not reach the trailer and the storage box was the only option. I may end up drilling a hole there but I like the ida of a switch inside.

[Vermilye]

Well, as usual, I have started my Spring modifications. It has been above 50°F for the first time since November for the last couple of days (not today; snowing & 33°F) so I got some projects done. A bunch of little things, and changed the cell & FM antennas, both locations & types, added a rear carrier, and modified my lighted level so I don't have to replace the batteries every time I forget to turn it off. Details are on the 2015 section of my Trailer Modifications Page.

[cpaharley2008]

Cool Jon, I'll see these in person in a couple of weeks.

[dfandrews]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Well when you do that please post as I have no idea which wires to use in the junction box. Did you mount the 7 pin connector outside as my cord will not reach the trailer and the storage box was the only option. I may end up drilling a hole there but I like the ida of a switch inside.

Assuming standard colors,
Black should be 12V+
Tail/running lts. should be either:
Std. for trailers = Brown
Std. for RV's = Green

[cpaharley2008]

So just run a switched fused wire between black and green should do it? Now I got to find my auction box, maybe under my bed?

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Vermilye

....and modified my lighted level so I don't have to replace the batteries every time I forget to turn it off. Details are on the 2015 section of my Trailer Modifications Page.

ooooh details please about the lighted level. I'm still flopping if I want to buy. After last weekend, it's a distinct possibility. But I like the idea of the rechargeable batteries.

[alanmalk]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Even though we had snow last weekend, ...

We (Denver) had snow Thursday morning and a tidbit is still on the ground in the shady spots. But today was too nice to waste doing taxes or similar unrewarding endeavors, so I dug out the tool kit and swapped Tacoma factory mirrors for aftermarket ProEFX trailer mirrors and installed the brake controller. All in preparation for the big event - May 4th. pickup in Chilliwack. However, I added a few more things to the To-Do list for a break-even day.

--
Alan