"Loft" for Storage

On our first camping trip, we found ourselves opening out the loft "bed" to use for storage of shoes, the memory foam mattress we sleep on, laptop backpacks, etc...

Since we'll never use it as a bed, we decided to make the best of it as a storage shelf.  We'll continue to use it for all the items mentioned above, and it will also be a perfect place for the portable a/c when the time comes to use it.  There is plenty of clearance space, and the small window will be ideal for the exhaust.

To pretty it up a little, we put down some indoor/outdoor carpet (same as what we used to cover the wheel wells).

Our Maiden Voyage

Our first trip in the Aloha took us a mere 100 miles away to Topaz Lake just outside of Gardnerville, Nevada, and near the California border.  We didn't want to go too far away just in case any issues popped up.

I'm happy to report that all went well.  Mostly.

Our intended departure time was around 10:30 a.m., and about four and a half hours later we were on the road. For some reason, the exterior trailer lights didn't work.  Long story short...  We ended up putting some temporary lights on the bumper so we could get on the road.  When we hooked up to leave camp, the trailer lights worked just fine!  Could have been some moisture in there from winter snow...  Whatever.  They're working now!

Pulling the trailer was smooth, and we arrived to the campground safely.  Setting up camp was quite an ordeal, but I'm sure we'll get better at it.  The greatest challenge was setting up the truck tent for Amy's son.  In addition to really crappy instructions, it was pretty darn cold out there!!  But at the end of that struggle, Shaun had a VERY nice and very spacious setup complete with an air mattress, overhead lights, his laptop, and a space heater that kept the tent cozy.

After a Saturday that started at around 6:30 a.m., we passed out from sheer exhaustion somewhere around 10:00 p.m.  The first morning at camp was gorgeous, and we spent a little time getting things situated before heading out on a long walk.

As for the trailer...  We ran into one sink drain issue, but it was a result of "user error" so that got worked out quickly.  The toilet worked perfectly, and we only tripped the breaker once (space heater/convection oven combo).  The ease of accessing clothing and other items wasn't as we would like, but this trip allowed us to figure out how we want things and which modifications need to be made for future trips.

I don't like how the water drips at the outside connection site to the trailer, but I don't know what to do about that.  The washer inside is brand new, and the connection was smooth and tight.  I don't know that I've ever had a water hose that DIDN'T leak???  I assume this is common and will continue to keep a bucket out there (even though I consider it an eyesore).  There were no leaks inside, and that is the most important part!

Enough blah, blah, blah...  Here are some pictures.

Finishing the setup on the first morning

View from the door (to the right)

View from the door (to the left)

Truck and truck tent

Cutest camp lights ever!

Looking under the canopy toward the truck tent

View from the rear of the Aloha; sunrise the first morning

Topaz Lake and surrounding mountains

View from the front of the Aloha

Cutest Compact Fridge EVER!

The fridge that was in the trailer when we bought it worked just fine.  We didn't really like that it was brown though.  And we *did* try to paint it.  That didn't go so well.

I'm not completely sure what the original space looked like....maybe just a tall, narrow closet.  But someone had cut out a space for the compact refrigerator and did a pretty decent job with the modification.

And here's the new fridge.  We just love this little thing!  Two doors.  Huge freezer.  And it fits in the space perfectly!