While the family was engrossed in a video game on split screens in the den I practically tiptoed past them with my laundry basket full of yet one more load. Not knowing what not to bring I seemed to want to bring it all.
The Wild Cat fifth wheel was a dream. It had the smell of a new adventure. Our bed was on hydraulic arms so as to access storage space beneath, which came to hold our empty suitcases and winter clothes. The little closet held my office things. Our clothes could fit quite well in the 2 door upper closet with 8 drawers beneath.
Each child packed their clothes, toys, and school books. The rest was up to me: pots, pans, dishes, kitchen gadgets, towels, coffee pot… How do I say no to what I’m used to using at home?
Problem: the camper was heavy enough as a 5th wheel, but now you add on at least 500 lbs of stuff. Even though it was built for my kind of packing, not sure if the truck was capable.
Remember we have a F150. Enough said. NO there is more to be said, the truck had a short bed. So, the dealership sold us on the idea of a slider hitch, which weighs 300 lbs. That made it possible to turn without breaking our back window. Although, our ox now has a curve in its back, lol.
Get it and GO!
Our first job, with the camper in tow, would be Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Google Maps indicated 16 hours travel time.
No trial run.
No manual to read on how to do this new life in a camper. Just a notebook full of individual manuals covering the basics of the camper. We didn’t even know how to hook up the camper tanks.
Travel time did not include the head wind against the tall front part of the camper, nor extra fuel stops, due to 5 mph. OH! Hmmm. Also, the trip would need to be broken up for a night stay at a random campground.
Loaded up, 5 mph in headwind, F150, slider hitch. Can you guess what our eventual issues might be?
This is beautiful and so many memories flood from it. I am forever greatful for the life you both gave Brandon and I!
I hope this gives others a flood of relatable momories.
Thank you. We as a family shared tight quarters, laughed a lot watching shows, y’all dancing to that video game simultaneously rocking the camper, watched fireworks from our dining room table as they landed close by, y’all riding bikes all around with no hands. So fun. The stories are endless. Love you.