This is the last part of a three-part series about preparing a travel trailer for spring camping.

The problem of a wobbly dining room table was a thorn in my side for several camping trips with our new 26-foot Hideout travel trailer. Tightening the existing bolts and, or adding more bolts would not solve the problem, because the length of the pedestal dictated the stability of the table, not the number of bolts, according to friend, Bob Chudomelka, who has a design and mechanical mind.

The situation was stagnant as we suffered with the wobbly table during several camping trips. It was a learning experience to sit down at the table without touching it, thus preventing the spillage of items place on the table.

Then a chance event occurred at home; Garnet brought home a tension rod for a window curtain.

These rods are spring loaded, made at various lengths and each size is adjustable to make it fit various situations. The distance from base to bottom of the table was measured and three appropriate tension rods were purchased.

Placing a rod at each corner at the back of the table and one in the middle of the front edge of the table in the front allowed the two of us easy access to the table, which was now a stable platform. The rods need to be removed from their place when the slide is retracted, but will remain in place during an entire camping trip.

Garnet's special touch

Garnet has had great fun providing additional fixtures to the interior. The first was a long and narrow rug in front of the couch and two shorter ones in front of the dining area and the sink.

Fleece throws

She purchased several fleece throws. A few decorate the couch as a cover, plus there is one on each lounge chair. Plus there are at least two on the bed for decoration. A few throws are assigned outdoor duty, for use when visiting outside, at the picnic table or when seated around the campfire.

Hanging items

How can a camper place a picture on the wall of a travel trailer? Using a nail is not practical and neither are the other picture-hanging apparatus.

After much study, Garnet found a special hook, which is easy to install and leaves no mark when removed. The name is Command Brand and different size hooks hold up to 3-pound or 5-pound items. They make poster strips for hanging photos or other items intended to be flat to the wall.

On the walls of our Hangout are keys, hats, a calendar, a clock, towels, potholders and more.

Storage for hand towels

The bathroom is lacking storage space. There is a cabinet under the sink, but currently it is used to store the toilet chemicals, toilet paper and assorted other items. We now use small plastic containers, similar to milk cartons, which, when placed on edge, make a perfect place to store hand towels and wash clothes.

Larger cartons are used for storage in the bath tub and can be easily removed when time for a shower. Garnet uses dishpan-type plastic containers for storage during travel. Upon arrival, items are taken out of the containers and placed in the proper place.

These items include cooking utensils, spices for the kitchen counter, napkin holder for the dining table and some food items, such as potatoes and onions. The containers stack nicely when not in use.

Same old outdoor carpet

We purchased a piece of indoor-outdoor carpet five years ago for use with our first trailer. This carpet covers the dirt right outside the trailer and provides prevents tracking a bunch of dirt into the living space.

Every year since, we have considered purchasing a new one when this carpet is not usable. It has continued to shine as a piece of equipment refusing to quit.

This carpet now sports a small hole, but it is expected to continue its duty for at least one more year.

Continuing education

The Hideout travel trailer has provided a continuing-education for this mechanically-challenged camper. Stay tuned for additional learning experiences, but feel free to send in your camping tips.