When I hit the road, whether I am towing my trailer or road tripping in my truck and staying in hotels, there are certain things that I must take with me. Some are for safety purposes, some in the event of an emergency and some for comfort. Here's my "Must Have Road Trip Essentials" list.

Safety 

 	* Tire pressure tester and tire inflator.  Always check tires when they are cold. 
 	* Car Emergency Kit  
 	* Car Tool Kit 

When buying a tire pressure tester and inflator, make sure that you buy one that runs on a battery. When you need to inflate the tires, you many be someplace where eclectic is not available.

Make sure your car emergency kit has:

 	* Reflective Warning Triangle ,
 	* Reflective Safety Vest, 
 	* Tow rope, 
 	* Gloves with Gripping Palm ( 1 pair) ,
 	* Safety Hammer and Seatbelt Cutter,   (good for breaking windows if necessary)
 	* Hand Driven LED Flash Light ,
 	* Adhesive Tape, 
 	* Jumper Cables,
 	* Whistle

Make sure that you buy a car tool kit and not a home repair tool kit. A home repair tool kit has items to help you hang pictures on the wall and change an outlet cover but won't have adjustable wrenches and socket sets that you will likely need in the event that you have to make a repair or adjustment under the hood.

 

Emergency Items 

 	* WD40 – loosen things, keep things from squeaking,
 	* Electrical tape – to cover LED lights and to actually use on electrical fixes
 	* Duct tape – to keep anything together!!
 	* Wire cutting splicing tool – in case you need to fix your 7 way plug
 	* <a href="https://www.amazon.com/20000mAh-Charger-Waterproof-Portable-Cellphones/dp/B0...

Episode 193: Road Trip Must Haves for the Car

Whether you’re just getting started or are a seasoned camping expert, Girl Camper’s practical tips, inspirational interviews and their own experiences from the road will inspire you to ‘go places and do things’!

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Education

Training

Language Courses

Higher Education

K-12

Educational Technology

Sports

Wilderness

Self-Improvement


Looking for a different way to cook good food at the campground?  From steamed vegetables, to lasagna to fresh baked bread, in this episode of the podcast you can learn how as Lesa McDermott introduces Gustaf Lunden from Omnia Stovetop Ovens. Gustaf shares his background and the inception of Omnia, tracing its roots back to a marketing agency collaboration nearly two decades ago. He explains the concept of the Omnia stovetop oven, a versatile three-part design ideal for outdoor cooking and baking.



Gustaf discusses his camping experiences, emphasizing the allure of fresh, outdoor-baked food like lasagna and bread. He highlights the Omnia oven's adaptability to various heat sources and its popularity among overlanders and RV enthusiasts. We also touch on accessories like silicone liners and baking racks, enhancing convenience and cooking options.



Gustaf underscores the supportive community around Omnia products, with users sharing recipes and tips online. Lesa encourages listeners to explore Omnia's website, offering a special discount code for a free oven for a limited time.



To get your own Omnia Stovetop Oven, please visit Omnia's website. 



To watch the video of this podcast, check it out on the Girl Camper YouTube Channel.




https://youtu.be/K7OsKohwJVA






Episode 221: Camping Culinary Delights: Cooking with Omnia Stovetop Ovens


If creating memories, giving siblings, cousins and in-laws opportunities to bond, spending time outdoors with those you love the most all seem like worthy goals, this week’s show is for you. I am taking a look at three things you are going to want to get right in order to make multi generational camping a success. 



The right rv 



The right campground 



The right attitude. 



Stay tuned for episode 220 of the girl camper podcast 



Welcome I’m Janine Pettit, Girl Camper ambassador, Editor in Chief of the Girl Camper magazine, adventurist and podcaster and this is episode 220 of Girl Camper THE PODCAST



The right RV for multi-generational outings – Ask yourself a few questions before you begin your search - Are you just wanting space to sleep. Will you be camping no matter the weather. How important is privacy to you.



Travel trailer – 



1.   pros - more affordable, open floor plan, can tow it easily



2.   cons - bunk space without doors, one bathroom, primary bedroom is not private



Fifth wheel – 



1.   pros - private primary bedroom, bath and a half or two full depending on model, bunkroom with door, loads of outdoor storage, more space 



2.  cons – cost is higher, need larger tow vehicle to get where you are going  



Toy hauler – 



1.   pros - flexible floor plans, use garage multiple ways, drop down bed hides away when not in use, second bathroom, side decks, kids off the ground when muddy



2.  cost, tow vehicle needed, depending on size, can’t be accommodated by all campgrounds 



Park models – 



1.   pros - home feel, can make improvements, 



2.  cons - can’t change locations, must sell on site when you’re done, locked in at one location 



The Right campground – 



Going to depend on what your family likes to do but should be something everyone decides on together 



·      Seasonal – ready to go, make friends at the campground, familiarity, know you have a spot, don’t have to haul big toys around like kayaks 



·      Change it up – fun trying out new campgrounds, access to new tourist destinations, must plan far ahead 



·      Membership clubs – save money overall, harvest host, thousand trails, 



The right attitude - 



·      Don’t be precious about the RV – kids make a mess, there’s a lot of stuff with multi generation, not a magazine or Instagram feed 



·      Give everyone freedom to do as they please – if you want your kids and grand-kids to feel welcome, let them do as they please



·      Be food flexible – set up a drink station outside so the fridge inside can stay cold. Get the Camco fridge for under the awning. Take turns planning family meals, involve everyone in food choices, clean together




https://youtu.be/wuyYPqt51uU


Episode 220:  Multi Generational Camper


In Episode 219 of the Girl Camper podcast, co-host Janine Pettit delves into her personal journey and decision to embrace seasonal camping. Despite her initial reservations, Janine reflects on her extensive solo travels and the joy of discovering newfound independence in the great outdoors. However, life transitions, including becoming a grandmother and downsizing her living space, prompted her to reassess her camping routine. With a desire to spend more time with her grandchildren and simplify her weekend getaways, Janine found herself drawn to the idea of seasonal camping.



Through heartfelt anecdotes and candid reflections, Janine shares the various reasons why seasonal camping resonated with her. From the convenience of having a vacation home without the hefty price tag to the opportunity for quality time with loved ones, Janine explores the multifaceted benefits of this lifestyle shift. She emphasizes the ease of use and flexibility that seasonal camping offers, particularly for individuals with busy schedules or teenagers with conflicting commitments.



Moreover, Janine discusses the practical aspects of seasonal camping, such as camper storage and the potential for creating a versatile bonus space for guests or remote work. As she navigates the process of selecting a new RV for her seasonal adventures, Janine invites listeners to join her on this exciting journey of exploration and transition.




https://youtu.be/2WTh3QspBxg


Episode 219:  Seasonal Camping: Embracing a New Chapter with Janine Pettit


We're BACK! It's the Girl Camper Podcast! With a new look, format, topics and so much more. Tune in to Camper in Chief Janine Pettit and Lesa McDermott to hear what Girl Camper has been up to these last few years and how you can be a Girl Camper too.



Also available on YouTube!  Please like our video and subscribe to the Girl Camper channel so you won't miss any episode.




https://youtu.be/U3qiXRkxwXM?si=QQK17f7NTYz1NN6f




Be sure to tune in each Tuesday for the next episode.

What has Girl Camper been up to since 2020?

When I see a vintage camper I am transported back to the camp outs of my youth! They hold so much in the way of charm and nostalgia for me. We did some tent camping and had a home made pop up that we rented from a neighbor each year. When we would walk around the campground I would always want to look inside the little trailers. When I returned to camping in 2006 I bought a 1959 Field and Stream with the birchwood interior. I also joined the group Tin Can Tourists to learn as much as I could about vintage trailer ownership.



Membership in that Facebook group was the first place I ever saw any questions raised about the damage that exists in many (most) vintage trailers. Of course that damage varies depending on how well they were cared for, what part of the country they were in and what manufacturing methods were used. Canned hams that were stick and tin built did not fare as well over time as the riveted aluminum trailers. One thing seemed certain though, any unit that was at least forty years old would have at least some issues that needed addressing.



Enter Tim Heintz, founder of Heintz Designs Vintage Trailer Restorations. Tim has a love for and extensive knowledge of vintage trailers with a specialty in trailers manufactured from the 1930's through 1960's. He is one of the country's leading restorers and does custom rebuilds for customers at his Panama City, Florida location. I invited Tim on the show to share his wisdom on vintage trailer restorations and help those enamored with these nostalgic beauties know when to buy and when to walk away and when to leave the revitalization to a pro.

Tim has done many, many trailer restorations over the years and has a big personal collection of vintage trailers. One of my favorite restorations was this 1951 Vagabond.





Follow Tim!

Tim's website, click here! 

Tim's Facebook page here!

Listen to Tim's interview on the podcast.

Episode 193: Road Trip Must Haves for the Car

Download our free app to listen on your phone