Trailer Maintenance: Repairs

Question: How does preparing for a show end up costing almost $200 BEFORE the show entry is even completed?

Answer: look closely at your trailer!  Yep.  I needed a trailer repair.

I am doing my first two-day show at the end of the end of the month, and I plan on using the RV camping option at the show grounds.  I used to camp in my trailer at least once a month.  Now, not so much.  I use it a lot to haul to one-day shows or other events, but the last time I actually slept in it was June of 2010.  I haven't turned on the water pump, heater, or stove top in quite a long time.  I am not sure I even remember how to get the refrigerator going.  So on Saturday, I decided that the trailer needed an overhaul.  I started out by checking on my water pump which hasn't been that dependable over the last couple of years.  And ... it was a good thing I did.  I got a lot whirring, clunking, humming sounds, but no water.  I put in a call to Camping World and lucked into a same-day service appointment.

After an hour and a half wait and a payment of $191.94, my water pump was finally working (it was replaced). I brought the trailer home to finish my overhaul.  The batteries were placed on the Battery Tender (a device that keeps them charged and ready) and the empty propane tank was removed and set aside.  It will get replaced at Home Depot in the next day or so.  I then removed the bedding and chucked it into the washer.  I oiled wood, vacuumed, mopped, and scrubbed every square inch of the interior.  Four hours and 200 bucks later, my trailer is nearly ready for an over-night stay.  That pesky propane tank is the last thing that needs to be addressed before I'll be ready to go.

I was planning on going to the Santa Barbara show, but I changed my mind when I realized that I would be there all alone.  I've done many endurance rides alone, but I almost always ran into familiar faces at ride camp so it wasn't truly a solitaire experience.  I found out that Bakersfield's other dressage riders will be doing the show at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center.  It's not that I need to pal around with anyone, but it would be nice to see a familiar face, especially when it's a two-day affair.  So I am going to LAEC instead of Santa Barbara.

I am really excited about the show, and not just for the riding part.  I love horse camping!  It is so much fun to load up all of the "toys" that make camping so much fun.  I am one of those everything-but-the-kitchen-sink kind of campers.  I love using my hay bale bags, muck buckets, folding chairs, Eazy-Up, and other gizmos.  I'll be sure to keep you up to date on my packing and planning.  For now, here are some photos of the overhaul:

Trailer in my front yard: Not sure what my neighbors think!

There was a lot of wood to oil ...

Comforter is in the dryer ...

Propane tank ready for exchange ...

The water pump is behind the plug. Not easy to replace!

Floor was vacuumed and mopped.

Even the toilet got a thorough scrubbing!