Watching YouTube videos on trailer handling, weight distribution, sway control, backing up, and sani-dump procedures can prepare you to the point of being conscious of your incompetence. Now it’s time to hook it up, take a leap of faith, and make a few test runs.
Our first test run was four nights with full hookups (power and water, also referred to as wet camping) at Brae Island in Fort Langley. This was the ideal time to test the on-board 30 Amp power system and water hookup. We kept the black and two gray tank drain valves closed to measure our rate of usage, and when the tank levels were full, we tested the dumping procedures right at the site without having to move the trailer.
With one black tank, two gray tanks, and one sewer hose, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out the best dumping sequence to avoid residual turds from lodging in the hose and stinking up the storage bay. My gag reflex would be comical to others at a safe up wind distance.
- Black tank with big solids, then
- Kitchen gray tank to flush the black solids, then
- Shower gray tank to flush the fine particles, then
- Hook up a water hose to flush the sewer hose with fresh water.
All went well without embarrassing mishap.
Our second test run was planned for camping without any hookups (referred to as dry camping) at Derby Reach on the Fraser River in Langley. The campsite is small and sites are taken on a first come first served basis. Like our first trip, we chose Derby Reach because it’s a short distance from home, so we scouted it out, saw a number of empty sites, noticed a couple of fresh water taps where we could fill our fresh water on-board tank. We decided to return a few days later with the trailer. Surprise…when we arrived, the site was full.
After a few frantic phone calls to other local campgrounds, that were also full, we decided to head out to Kearsley Creek Campground on Stave Lake in Mission after filling up our fresh water tank.
The campground is nine kilometres up a dirt logging road, and from previous experience with the Jeep and rooftop tent, there should be space available. We checked in with the friendly campground hosts (Richard and Lynne) and stayed for five nights.
This was the perfect duration to test our rate of on-board water consumption. Needless to say, we took short showers and used water sparingly.
The portable 120 Watt GoPower solar panel generated sufficient power to maintain the battery bank at an average 85% state of charge with limited direct sunshine between the campsite trees.
Our third test run was through the Fraser Valley to Hope, then over the Coquihalla Summit, to Monck Provincial Park on Nicola Lake by Merritt.
We travelled over the mountains with dry tanks to minimize towed weight, and filled up in Merritt. A quick google search showed a number of sani-dump stations and water points.
- Canadian Tire – south side of the parking lot (free)
- Merritt Municipality – opposite the Claybanks RV Park (free)
- Monck Provincial – there are a number of water taps in the park to fill the tanks, and they have a pay sani-dump station.
We filled our fresh water tanks at Canadian Tire, and headed to Monck Provincial Park.
This is cowboy country, with rolling hills of bunch grass, sagebrush and ponderosa pines. The fresh air and occasional aroma of sage or pine is amazing. We situated the trailer to take advantage of lake views and maximize the solar panel charging.
Our fourth and fifth test run was conducted back to back, first to to Brae Island for four nights, then to Kearsley Creek for two nights. We wanted to perfect our storage, backing up, and test the transition between sites. All went well.
We spent every available hour sorting, donating or packing our furniture into shipping containers to prepare the house for sale.
We were ready to begin our adventure as soon as the house sold, or on Canada Day, July 1st – which ever came first.