A few questions

[jeff1966]

I have a few questions that Ihope someone can answer.First,can I run my refrig on propane when its down.Second,what can I do about rot in the floor.Last,what do others do about storage.My wife and I have two small children and our pup stays a mess.Thanks for your help.

[AustinBoston]

I have a few questions that Ihope someone can answer. First,can I run my refrig on propane when its down.

Yes.  If you tow with propane on, be sure to take appropriate action before entering a filling station.  None of us wants to see you as the lead story on the evening news.

Second,what can I do about rot in the floor.

That depends on where, and how extensive, the rot is.  Can you give us more information?

One thing always applies to rot.  Rot is caused by the wood becoming (and usually, staying) damp.  Find the source of the water/leak and correct that so that the rot does not get worse.

Last,what do others do about storage. My wife and I have two small children and our pup stays a mess.

We have a collapable "bin" for dirty laundry.  It has a wire frame and is made of some fabric (probably nylon).  All dirty laundry goes in it.  

Kid's clean clothing stays in suitcases on their bunk, PJay and I use a set of Rubbermaid drawers that sets on top of the fridge counter.  We close the bunk end curtains during the day so we don't see the stuff that accumulates there.

Generally, shoes come off at the door, and go back on before stepping outside.

Only food, dishes, and card or board games are allowed on the dinette table.  Maps & pamphlets are allowed when we are planning.  If PJay has brought her laptop (usually not) that is allowed on the table when in use.  Otherwise it's locked in the car.

If you are dilligent abotu doing dishes as soon as meals are done, that helps.  If not, consider using disposable plates/cups/etc. and get them in the trash as soon as the meal is done.  We use a combination of the two.

It might also help to assign specific age-appropriate cleaning duties to each child.  For example, you might have one child who's job is to make sure the shoes are lined up near the door.  An older child might be expected to sweep the floor.  Have a specific clean-up time each day, when everyone participates in cleaning up/picking up.

Make a list of things you don't use on a trip.  If you keep bringing things you don't use, leave them behind.

The most important thing for us vs. mess is to accept a level of mess that we would not accept at home.  We're camping, after all.

Austin

[tlhdoc]

Austin answered the first two questions so I will just go with the third, storage.

Everyone should have a tote or bin to keep their stuff in.  Each child can have one container for clothes and a second container for toys.  If it doesn't fit in the toy container it stays at home.  Stacking bins, blocks, drawers, etc allow you to use vertical space.  Hanging a caddie from a clothes rack mounted in the ceiling will give you more space.  Hanging an organizer from the bunkend pole give you some room in work.  You can also organize the space you have with shelves and hooks.

[jeff1966]

Thanks guys,I appreciate your help.We'll try your suggestions on our next trip.As far as my rot,it's at  the panel behind the refrig.I think it was caused by a leak in the sink drain.The rot isn't too bad as of now.Is it worth the trouble to fix now or wait.

[SherryandFamily]

Good luck on the storage thing.  My kids are grown (20 and 22) and ours stays a mess still!  That is, when they go with us.
If it is just DH and myself we keep things neat and have plenty of room. When one or both of the kids come it just doesn't work out that way!
Sherry