Storage Solution - a little bling for Breezin'

One of the biggest storage issues I've had with the airstream is where to put my clothes for longer trips.  Because of the curved walls, the overhead storage in the Sport model is very limited... even rolled I can't seem to make things stay on the shelves!

On the last trip, I used packing cubes that I had left over from my corporate days of travel. These worked well to hold my clothes but by the end of the week ended up spread out all over the bed and stuffed in the corners.

The closet is very deep, but narrow and really needs some shelves to make it usable.  And I'd rather have that as kitchen and pantry storage once I do get shelves put in.

On a trip to IKEA last week, I stopped at the Container Store on the way home and found these great totes for storage.

These are coated fabric over a metal frame that folds flat when not in use; with a handle on each side and even an area for labeling if you are so inclined.  This is the medium size.  I choose the red to match, but they also come in a brown paisley or in plain beige canvas that would be fun to decorate yourself.

Hopefully this will keep me a little more organized on the next trip.

They zip closed and also velcro to keep the contents clean and secured

This has 8 t-shirts, 2 pj's and all my socks and undies for a week and still has room to add more

Best of all, they fit perfect under the bed... I even had room for a basket for shoes stored on top.  I can turn them the other way if I need to clear room in front of the furnace.

A trip to the (RV) Doctor

I took Breezin' in for some minor warranty work this week - nothing serious, but I also wanted a couple of changes before the next trip.  My closest dealer is about 100 miles away - all on pretty county or state routes, a nice drive.

Someone (uh, me) made the appointment for 8AM!  The day started out early around 5am driving to the storage area and hooking up in the dark.

Two repairs required parts they didn't have -- I'll have to go back in a few weeks.  I've got a little bit of corrosion started on the grab handle by the door (the downside of living close to the beach) and the sensor on the gray water tank does not work (don't ask me how I know this!!)

I had them do a few minor mods - a new Oxygenics shower head and a clothesline in the wet bath.  And the more important one - an extra battery!  My next trip includes 4 days of dry camping in the Smokies so I'm happy about having the extra battery power.  I just have to save for some portable solar panels.!

I'm also looking for some of these LED bulbs, so if you know of a source less than the price of a new car, please let me know!

Had a great breakfast at The Flying Biscuit in Gainesville with a friend while I waited for all this to be done.  I highly recommend the Veggie Scramble!

Travel Day

Sunday, May 4

Because I have some work obligations I'm making this a one day drive.  My least favorite type of travel - interstates and straight through.  10 hours to do about 580 miles.  The truck did great on the narrow mountain roads and steep grades and I loved the engine braking in tow/haul mode.  My overall mileage on the way back was 14.3 MPG, better than I expected.  It's been a great couple of weeks!

On the road again...

Rest stop with Judy and her T@B

Now to clean up the Airstream (you can tell she's been traveling with bugs and camped under trees) and the truck and get ready to go again...

The Countdown Begins

Bathed and ready for our trip!

Almost on the road... 

This little guy was watching me drink coffee this morning

Picked up Breezin' and brought her home

And gave her a much needed bath

Now just waiting out the storm before we leave...

Inside Breezin'

I just have to post again this week... not that I have anything profound to share.  No, it's just that I can't stand looking at that dog picture every time I open my blog:-)  What was I thinking?  It seemed funny at the time and certainly more entertaining than real pictures of Grace not feeling well!

Someone asked to see pictures of the inside of Breezin' - so here they are.  I don't have a wide-angle lens so they are not the best but you get the idea.

Went to check on her and start reorganizing for our trip..

The dullness you see on her roof is pollen!  In need of a bath...

Looking into the sleeping area - door on the left is the wet bath

Dinette area

Dinette in 'couch' position, ready for travel

Bed area - small closet on right

My kitchen