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Hello all...this is a great forum!
I've been reading it for days and taking notes on all the great tips & info you all have provided. I will break in my new pu in 3 weeks when we head for the Keys...Marathon 7 mile race.
My new pu is the smallest folding trailer Fleetwood makes and I understand the Tucson model has been discontinued. It's only an 8' box, but when opened up it seems much larger. I think it will be very comfortable for the 2 of us. It has a killer AC w/heat strip, refrigerator, 2 burner gas stove and a hand pump sink. Does anyone out there have a Tucson? And if you do, do you like it?
"Toys" I bought for camping:  New Coleman Road Trip grill - great reviews on this grill everywhere on the www - I can't wait to cook some yummy things on it. Bought the carrying case for it, too...it has wheels! Collapsible, plastic storage bins - great price...$3.99 @ Tuesday Morning store. They are much more on the internet and I didn't have to pay for shipping! Got an iPod portable speaker system so the tunes will sound great!
"Toys" I need...
1) Interlocking mats or washable carpet sections for the area under the canopy? (Gotta keep my new pu clean & looking nice!)
2) Memory foam mattress for the bunks? Size, type, brand, thickness? I don't think the supplied, dinky mattress will be very comfortable by itself.
3) Coffee maker for the propane stove? Any suggestions?
Anyway, thanks for reading and any recommendations will be greatly appreciated.
Soon to be a Happy Camper..... madkatz1

Welcome to PUT.

Try overstock.com for the mattresses.  I recently bought two king size 2" memory foam mattresses (each one came with two free contoured mf pillows) for $69 each.  Haven't popped up yet this spring but plan to try them out soon.  The kids love them in the living room floor.  :)

Congratulations on the new PU and Welcome to PUT!  Have a great time on your trip and race.:)

Thanks keeperdog...
I went to Overstock.com and ordered a 2" memory foam mattress and the contour pillows were included - all for $69.99. (Costco wanted $100).
The prices were so good that I also purchased some 440 thread count sateen sheets. Excellent price @ $39.99!!!
Signing up for Overstocks credit card I saved another $5-7...great recommendation!!!!         Thanks so much....  madkatz1

Coleman makes a dip coffee maker that you use on a stove.  Some people use a french press to make their coffee when camping, or a percolator.  I don't like coffee so I am not much help on which one works the best.:)

Hey tlhdoc...thanks for the info. I'll check out the Coleman coffee maker. I really like their products -
Coffee tastes so much better when you make it outdoors...and the Tia Maria added makes it so much better!
madkatz1

Check these outdoor mats out, we ordered 2 medium sized last year and they are great

 http://www.cherrybrook.com/store/ProductDetails.aspx?ItemClassId=0&parent=yes&productID=68753

sweep or hose off and they fold small.

we take our Bunn cofee pot on every trip because camper does not have hot water and it heats it fast but you do need electric, also have a campfire one but don't like to wait for fire to have coffee.  Bunn makes instant hot water for dishes too.

Happy Camping!

Quote from: madkatz1Thanks keeperdog...
I went to Overstock.com and ordered a 2" memory foam mattress and the contour pillows were included - all for $69.99. (Costco wanted $100).
The prices were so good that I also purchased some 440 thread count sateen sheets. Excellent price @ $39.99!!!
Signing up for Overstocks credit card I saved another $5-7...great recommendation!!!!         Thanks so much....  madkatz1

You're welcome.  :W

I have come to really like Overstock.com, they have a good selection and great prices.  

On the coffee pot, we have a Coleman percolator that works on the stovetop, camp stove or fire pit.  It is stainless steel and works great.  I can't imagine camping without it.  

Here it is on Amazon although it says it is out of stock.  We bought ours at WalMart a few years ago when we were tent camping.

Quote from: 2goldensCheck these outdoor mats out, we ordered 2 medium sized last year and they are great

 http://www.cherrybrook.com/store/ProductDetails.aspx?ItemClassId=0&parent=yes&productID=68753

sweep or hose off and they fold small.

we take our Bunn cofee pot on every trip because camper does not have hot water and it heats it fast but you do need electric, also have a campfire one but don't like to wait for fire to have coffee.  Bunn makes instant hot water for dishes too.

Happy Camping!

Hi there 2goldens,
I checked out the outdoor mats. Are your medium ones 9'x9'?...a little big, but the price is right. Do you think they can be cut to a smaller size without the edges unraveling? And, approxomately, how thick are they? It's hard to tell on the web page. I'll check out the Bunn as well. I think I'll probably get a small Mr. Coffee @ Wally World for $15. I'll have electric so it'll be no problem. I can set it for the time and wake up smelling coffee brewing....ahhhhhhh!
Thanks for responding!

I also have the mat from Cherrybrook, but mine is a 6' x 8'.  It works well under the awning and I'm very pleased with it.  I doubt that it could be trimmed and remain intact.  It even came in a plastic carry bag (which I threw out) that said rv mat on it.  My only complaint at the time I ordered it (two years ago) was that there was only one color choice.  It didn't "match" my camper. We got a newer pu last year and now it matches.  :p

We got an awning mat from an eBay seller.

http://stores.ebay.com/Jackson-Traders

They charged only $39.95, when all the other sellers of the same mat are getting $49.95-$65.95.  Here is the best part, they only charge $3.95 for shipping!  Finally an eBay seller that isn't gouging shipping costs.  One more note, I ordered the wrong color, and the exchange process was seemless.  They are a pleasure to deal with.

Quote from: keeperdogHere it is on Amazon although it says it is out of stock.  We bought ours at WalMart a few years ago when we were tent camping.

We just bought it a couple months ago from Walmart, makes a mean cup of Joe.  Just don't feel like you need to get the tin cup mugs for you coffee, the coffee goes cold and the handle is HOT! :D

I'd recommend the BAL leveler, it keeps you nice and steady, and I also own a Fleetwood which the doors latch has issues if you aren't level.

Also, the Gizmo's bunk end covers, to keep the AC in and the heat in the winter.

You can also find those  mats being sold one EBAY under Awning mats for a pretty good price!

Quote from: madkatz1Do you think they can be cut to a smaller size without the edges unraveling?

If you cut the ends they will come apart.  I have a 9 X 12 and if I am using my AAR I leave one third of the mat unfolded so I have a 6 X 12 mat.:)

madkatz1....this may be a better link for the mats
//www.cherrybrook.com  and under search put in rugs, you will get all sizes.

I bought a 6x8 (they also come in 4x7 and 9x9) for a trip to the beach last summer.  We liked it so much I came  home and ordered a 2nd 6x8 and we take both of them camping.  Some times we lay them side by side for a larger area and other times I use just one under the canopy and put the other on the ground with the dog pen on it for the dogs to have a spot to lay when there are stones.  They are thin but stiff, do not cause tripping when walking, nor do they bunch up and get in the way.  Water runs right through, don't think I would try to cut them.  They also have grommets in the corners if you wanted to stake them but I haven't found that necessary.

You can see ours at //www.fchris.smugmug.com

Hi, we purchased our 2005 Tucson last November, used it twice so far, didn't get A/C, everything else the same as yours. We upgraded from a 1978 Viking Little Gaser that we had for 16 yrs. Basically the same size as the new one, except the bed sizes(enjoying the larger bunk). We pretty much use it for sleeping only, everything else we do outside (old tent camping habits) so far we like it alot.

Great information everyone! Thanks so much...

Your welcome.:)

Quote from: hatletHi, we purchased our 2005 Tucson last November, used it twice so far, didn't get A/C, everything else the same as yours. We upgraded from a 1978 Viking Little Gaser that we had for 16 yrs. Basically the same size as the new one, except the bed sizes(enjoying the larger bunk). We pretty much use it for sleeping only, everything else we do outside (old tent camping habits) so far we like it alot.

Hello hatlet!
Did you add any additional mattress support for your Tucson? I am wondering if the roof will go down with a 2" memory foam left on the bunk.
Are you happy without the AC? In Florida, with the heat/humidity, I thought AC was a must-have! Besides, when hurricane season returns, I will have a cool place to sleep when the power goes out. Last year with all the %*@# hurricanes we were without power for almost 2 weeks! We were miserable! So, the pu will be great, not only for camping, but my retreat for comfort after the next, inevitable hurricane that is looming in the distance.... :(

Quote from: 2goldensmadkatz1....this may be a better link for the mats
//www.cherrybrook.com  and under search put in rugs, you will get all sizes.

I bought a 6x8 (they also come in 4x7 and 9x9) for a trip to the beach last summer.  We liked it so much I came  home and ordered a 2nd 6x8 and we take both of them camping.  Some times we lay them side by side for a larger area and other times I use just one under the canopy and put the other on the ground with the dog pen on it for the dogs to have a spot to lay when there are stones.  They are thin but stiff, do not cause tripping when walking, nor do they bunch up and get in the way.  Water runs right through, don't think I would try to cut them.  They also have grommets in the corners if you wanted to stake them but I haven't found that necessary.

You can see ours at //www.fchris.smugmug.com

You sold me on your web pics...very nice. (I like your doggie and your fire pit, too!) I ordered a 9x9 - figured I can roll up an end if too big or leave it as it is. I haven't put up the awning yet or the AAR so I don't know what to expect.
Some say "don't plan so much" and "don't worry about the small details, just camp and have fun" - I guess "those people" might be men, no offense. (I still want a clean and attractive camp site... thanks ladies!)

Quote from: madkatz1when hurricane season returns, I will have a cool place to sleep when the power goes out.

How are you planning on running your air conditioner?  Do you have a generator?:)

Hi, we didn't add any mattress pads, so far it's comfortable without them. we've camped in a popup for 17 yrs without a/c. I think we can survive in California without it. We did camp last Feb. at the beach, it poured all night and I was really surprised the trailer did not leak one drop. One thing I want to add is a battery, my TV is only equiped with a 4 prong plug, so the battery won't cahrge when we drive, probably will wait till I get a new TV that is wired correctly for the battery.

Quote from: tlhdocHow are you planning on running your air conditioner?  Do you have a generator?:)

Yep, got a Coleman Powermate generator.

Quote from: madkatz1Yep, got a Coleman Powermate generator.

I hope that you (and your neighbors) are happy with that thing. How many watts is it?

The guy in the spot next to us, last weekend, had a Coleman Powermate 1850. I could not believe how loud that thing was. It sure won't run an A/C unit. At least not one that I am aware of.

Quote from: waveryI hope that you (and your neighbors) are happy with that thing. How many watts is it?

The guy in the spot next to us, last weekend, had a Coleman Powermate 1850. I could not believe how loud that thing was. It sure won't run an A/C unit. At least not one that I am aware of.

Wavery,
My Coleman Powermate is a 3750 max watt generator. My neighbors won't care because they all have generators, too.
It's intended purpose is for residential use after the next hurricane messes up Florida.
In a previous thread (post#18) I stated we lost power last year for 2 weeks, we were miserable and hot - I can now use my generator and pu for a cool place to sleep...in my driveway. We can only use it for 1, maybe 2 appliances at a time...then we rotate it for the next appliance we need.
It's not a high powered gen, but it gets the job done.

I respect my camping neighbors and the peace & quietness of the outdoors. The generator does not get to come along on camping ventures...unless we plan on camping in the boonies with no one around. Hope that clarifies it a bit. Cheers.....;)

Quote from: madkatz1Wavery,
My Coleman Powermate is a 3750 max watt generator.

I was afraid that you though you could run your AC off of the battery in the PU.  Glad to hear that you have a generator.  Couldn't you use the generator to run the AC in your house, it would be quieter than the camper?:)

Quote from: madkatz1Wavery,
My Coleman Powermate is a 3750 max watt generator. My neighbors won't care because they all have generators, too.
It's intended purpose is for residential use after the next hurricane messes up Florida.
In a previous thread (post#18) I stated we lost power last year for 2 weeks, we were miserable and hot - I can now use my generator and pu for a cool place to sleep...in my driveway. We can only use it for 1, maybe 2 appliances at a time...then we rotate it for the next appliance we need.
It's not a high powered gen, but it gets the job done.

I respect my camping neighbors and the peace & quietness of the outdoors. The generator does not get to come along on camping ventures...unless we plan on camping in the boonies with no one around. Hope that clarifies it a bit. Cheers.....;)

That should certainly get the job done. That gen-set will run continuously at 2800W. That's certainly enough to keep your fridge lights & TV going :D .

I have seen people make noise containment boxes for industrial type portable gen-sets. Basically, it's a heavily insulated box. It usually has a ventilated grill mounted low on one side and an electric fan mounted high on the other side for cooling. People just place the box over the top of the gen-set. It makes them a lot more tolerable.

Quote from: tlhdocI was afraid that you though you could run your AC off of the battery in the PU.  Glad to hear that you have a generator.  Couldn't you use the generator to run the AC in your house, it would be quieter than the camper?:)

I could if I had a small, window AC for 1 room, like the bedroom.  However, that's not the case. My generator is much too small to run the central AC. Central AC's draw a LOT of watts!
They do have big ones to run the whole house, but they cost about $5,000 or more and I'm too poor for that.

Quote from: waveryI have seen people make noise containment boxes for industrial type portable gen-sets. Basically, it's a heavily insulated box. It usually has a ventilated grill mounted low on one side and an electric fan mounted high on the other side for cooling. People just place the box over the top of the gen-set. It makes them a lot more tolerable.

Wave..

If you see one in the near future would you post a pic?  It sounds interesting.
Granted I am putting the cart before the horse since I don't yet have a generator.  :)

Quote from: waveryThat should certainly get the job done. That gen-set will run continuously at 2800W. That's certainly enough to keep your fridge lights & TV going :D .

I have seen people make noise containment boxes for industrial type portable gen-sets. Basically, it's a heavily insulated box. It usually has a ventilated grill mounted low on one side and an electric fan mounted high on the other side for cooling. People just place the box over the top of the gen-set. It makes them a lot more tolerable.

Post Hurricane....
When the power is out, the fridge gets plugged in every other hour or so, for about 40-50 min, enough to keep food from spoiling and to keep the beer cold! Then we plug in the coffee pot and microwave - cooking a meal is a creative process. Then, we start all over again. We are literally, camping in our house!
The big screen TV gets ignored until the power comes back on... too much power. I have a small, battery operated TV that works just fine for local channels. No Discovery or Science Channel for me...and not for weeks cuz the satellite is out of whack. The pool turns green, the mosquitoes are horrible, and it goes on and on.

The generator keeps me from going completely insane!!!

Now, tell me why there are 1000+ people moving to Florida every day???

Quote from: TroutBumWave..

If you see one in the near future would you post a pic?  It sounds interesting.
Granted I am putting the cart before the horse since I don't yet have a generator.  :)

Ditto...

>>My new pu is the smallest folding trailer Fleetwood makes <<

Hmmm, they also make the Taos (upon occasion) which is actually lighter if not smaller.  

I wonder what Fleetwood is going to do for an 8 box if they dump the Tuscon?  It is a nice trailer by the way.

Quote from: Kavoom>>My new pu is the smallest folding trailer Fleetwood makes <<

Hmmm, they also make the Taos (upon occasion) which is actually lighter if not smaller.  

I wonder what Fleetwood is going to do for an 8 box if they dump the Tuscon?  It is a nice trailer by the way.

Hmmmmm, interesting. I don't have the Taos model in my products brochure. How many does it sleep? Does it have a sink/stove/fridge?

According to my dealer, the Tucson is the smallest trailer with all the features I wanted. (Maybe it was the smallest one he had on the lot at the time).  He also said Fleetwood would still be making an 8' box with lower sides to accomodate a different and smaller fridge. The 2005 model I have has the higher sides, thus the bigger fridge.  

You said "it's a nice trailer"...did you have one? I'm very happy with my purchase so far... I'll know more when I take it out next weekend for my first camping trip.

Quote from: 2goldensmadkatz1....this may be a better link for the mats
www.cherrybrook.com and under search put in rugs, you will get all sizes.
 
I bought a 6x8 (they also come in 4x7 and 9x9) for a trip to the beach last summer. We liked it so much I came home and ordered a 2nd 6x8 and we take both of them camping. Some times we lay them side by side for a larger area and other times I use just one under the canopy and put the other on the ground with the dog pen on it for the dogs to have a spot to lay when there are stones. They are thin but stiff, do not cause tripping when walking, nor do they bunch up and get in the way. Water runs right through, don't think I would try to cut them. They also have grommets in the corners if you wanted to stake them but I haven't found that necessary.
 
You can see ours at www.fchris.smugmug.com

I love my 9x9 mat from Cherrybrook. At first I thought the 9x9 would be too big, but I ordered it anyway after viewing your pics. My camping buddies mentioned how nice it looked. It kept the pu cleaner and added an outdoor room area along with the awning. I had my table set up, the grill and it was like my own little outdoor kitchen. The tacky lights finished the look quite well...lol - looked great esp at night! It also cleaned up real nice although it doesn't dry very quickly. I had to lay it in the sun when we returned home. No big deal...it was also somewhat windy at the cg and it laid flat. I may get a smaller mat to hang when the sun is melting my skin off. Would make a nice privacy wall, too. Great product - thanks for sharing!