It’s been too long since I’ve blogged, I’m sorry. I have been posting on Instagram/Facebook since it’s easier to do with my smartphone, traveling, trying to sort out my Scamp’s travel operations.
I closed out my leased 4 bedroom home after donating or disposing of 30 years of stuff, giving the landlord a barest notice since my daughter’s rental suddenly came up and we rocketed through the move. I had a helper patch holes and spot paint, landscape grass and irrigation put back in, and then handed the keys over. I still think he’s going to keep my security deposit.
From there, I spent four days at my sister’s home in Oildale, California, meeting some neat people who are also fans of the band Outlaw Country, my brother-in-law’s group where he’s the base player singer. These people know karaoke!
Then, on Monday morning September 15, I drove from Bakersfield to Lincoln City, Oregon in 15 straight hours. On the way, I experienced trailer sway going down a steep grade (used that trailer brake) and have decided that low and slow is the way to go. I saw the sunset in Sacramento, and the sunrise as I made my way to my father’s retirement home in Lincoln City.
Checked into a RV resort, Premier RV Park for three nights, luxuriated in hot showers and RV hook ups. Road my new lightweight e-bike around, and had breakfasts with my father and his wife. The beach town is quaint, and crabbing with the order of the day. This stop I discovered that the toilet was leaking, and that forced me to not use my water pump (kept filling the black water tank needlessly). So, I looked for an RV repair shop; turns out Tillamook was the only one nearby, so I called and made an appointment for Friday.
Took off Friday morning the 19th, arrived in Tillamook and the RV repairman installed a new faucet I’d had to replace the leaking one, and ordered a low profile toilet since the one they had for me would have raised the throne to crazy high level, like a high chair because of the configuration of the black water tank. That meant I wait until Monday 9/22.
While I wait for the repairs, I checked into the Tillamook Airport RV park; a basic pad, picnic table, and fire pit. That’s all…but safe, and level. I put up the temporary toilet tent, and 5 gallon bucket with trash bags for the toilet. Not the best, but better than trying to do all that in the trailer.
Tooled around town a bit, did some video of my experiences, Munson Creek Falls, Cape Meares, and met a fellow named Mark, aka DirtyForDora, who is legally blind and walks for his contentment. I was amazed that he does 22 miles a day sometimes, and survives with skills his departed mother had taught him. I wanted so much to hear more of his story. I hope I see him again.
Tomorrow, I have to pack things up for travel, and maybe do some drone shots that I’ve been intending to do but worried about the old folks in their fancy RV’s thinking I’m spying. This park is practically empty; it’s perfect so I’ll shoot some in the morning.
Also got to test my generator; hooked to propane and it charges the house battery in minutes; truly incredible.
Scamp Trailer Power Setup: What Keeps me Rolling
Living full-time in a 16-foot 1984 Scamp means every watt counts. After testing and tweaking, here’s the power system that’s keeping me charged, connected, and road-ready.
🔋 Battery
Amazon Battery Listing https://amzn.to/48sS5Fg
This deep-cycle battery powers all our 12V essentials—lights, water pump, and more. It’s the heart of the system, and with the right support, it stays healthy and reliable even off-grid.
⚡ Converter/Charger
Amazon Converter/Charger Listing https://amzn.to/47ZzS25
This unit converts shore power (or generator output) into 12V DC and charges the battery. It’s efficient, quiet, and essential for campground hookups or generator use.
📊 Charge Monitor
Amazon Charge Monitor Listing https://amzn.to/3Kwi6tg
Real-time voltage and current readings help us track battery health and usage. It’s a small screen with big peace of mind—especially when boondocking.
🔌 Dual Fuel Generator
Amazon Generator Listing https://amzn.to/4o2k97d
This beast runs on propane or gasoline and connects directly to the trailer’s shore power inlet. The real surprise? It charges the house battery ultra fast. On a recent test, we jumped from 87% to 100% in just five minutes. That’s not a typo—five minutes. For cloudy days or emergency top-offs, this generator is excellent.
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