Motor Laws of the Different States as Affecting Motor Tourists from
Other States—States Listed Alphabetically—Also Trailer License Laws
of the Several States, Each State in Alphabetical Order—Suggested
Regulations for Camping Parks—Tabulation of Information Concerning
the Fishing and Game Laws of the Various States—States Given in
Alphabetical Order.
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
St. Louis Canyon, Starved Rock Park, Ill. Frontispiece
FACING PAGE
Equipment for the Family of an Iowa Farmer 8
Falls at Stony Brook, N. J. 16
Pine Forests in Southern N. J. 16
Two Views of the Foldaway Bed 32
Beds for Use in Touring Cars 34
Basis for Home-made Tenting Outfit 40
Framework of Home-made Camping Outfit 41
Tent Pattern of Home-made Camping Outfit 44
End Pieces of Tent 45
Three Trailers 50
Moto-tents 56
Various Kinds of Cooking Apparatus 66
Automobiles at Grand Haven State Park, Mich. 84
Hotel Building at Orchard Beach State Park, Mich. 84
Specially Built Touring Bungalow 92
Hettrick Tourist Tent 92
Scene in Yellowstone National Park 114
Camping Ground in Grand Canyon National Park 114
Types of Bed Equipment 146
Children of Six States 196
Camp Sites at Alhambra, Cal. 200
MOTOR CAMPING
CHAPTER I
OVER THE HORIZON LINE
Introductory—Extent and Growth of Motor Camping—The Touring
Spirit—The Economy of Motor Camping—Week-enders.
Most of us are possessed of the desire to be somewhere else. Since the
dawn of history hordes of men have pressed into new countries.
Sometimes the expeditions have been in search of food and plunder, but
mixed in with these motives has been the human passion for something
better, the hope for sunnier scenes lying over the horizon.
Hemmed in by the restrictions of modern business life, people no
longer, even in this Western World, move by tribes or companies into
new homelands. But the restlessness remains.
In the United States a new and increasing way of satisfying this desire
for recreation and adventure has swept over the country. Motor camping
has become a leading national pastime. Thousands play golf every year,
tens of thousands play tennis, hundreds of thousands engage in
baseball, but in the past few years millions have gone in for motor
camping. There are over ten million cars in this country. Each year the
number is increasing, and each year the number of families that join
the national horde of motor campers mounts higher.
The New York Times estimates that at least five million cars were used
in camping trips during the past year.
The number of visitors to the National Forests alone now mounts up into
the millions. As far back as 1917 the U. S. Forest Service reported a
total of three million tourists during the summer. In 1922 this had
increased to 5,350,000, of which 3,692,000 were motorists. The motoring
visitors to the National Parks during the past season totaled nearly
700,000. More than three-fifths of those visiting the National
preserves to-day come by motor car and a large proportion of these are
touring campers.
In Colorado during 1922 there were 1,173,000 motorists visiting the
parks and forests in that state, as compared with 277,000 who traveled
by other means.
The immense popularity of motor camping is easy to understand when one
realizes that this pastime is romantic, healthful, educative, and at
the same time economical.
Father can take the whole family for a two weeks’ or a month’s trip in
his car at virtually the same cost as staying at home. The room rent he
will have to pay on his trip will range from nothing to fifty cents or
a dollar a day for the family.
There are many thousands of acres of free camping grounds in the
national and state public playgrounds. In addition, nearly every town
west of the Appalachians has its camp site, while on the Atlantic
Seaboard there is a large increase in the number of municipal camp
sites every season. The approximately 2,000 civic sites, which are
listed elsewhere in this book, make no charge for accommodations or
merely a nominal one. The towns in addition to the spirit of
hospitality are anxious to have tourists for business reasons. The
Executive Secretary of the Denver Civic Association has written: “An
auto camp, in my judgment, is just as essential to any city, town or
community that wants to thrive and prosper and keep ahead of the times,
as a railway station.”
With provisions costing no more than at home, with moderate investment
for camping equipment which will last for several years, the family can
get a vacation in the open, can see other parts of the country, can get
an appreciation of the national life which could hardly be realized in
any other way. To the boy living in Connecticut, Georgia can become an
actual reality rather than an inch or two of space on the map. The
eastern family which has a full summer vacation can readily visit
California.
But an extended period of time is not needed in order to enjoy the
satisfactions of motor camping. There are wildernesses within a hundred
mile range or less of any of our large cities, with the result that
many motorists are becoming week-end campers. The New Yorker can find
near-by camp sites in the Catskills, and in the State Forests of
northern New Jersey. The Philadelphian may enjoy the wildernesses in
southern New Jersey. Baltimore has a Forest Reserve actually adjoining
the city, while near many of the western cities, such as Denver and Los
Angeles, are some of the beauty spots of the world.
This chapter has aimed merely to sketch briefly the extent and some of
the possibilities of motor camping. The following chapters discuss in
detail the subjects with which the motor camper is concerned, such as
preparation for the journey in the way of equipment, conditions he will
find, where to camp for short or long trips, laws to be observed.
Motor camping is simple. With a little foresight in preparing for the
adventure, and the observance of a few common sense principles in
traveling any family may start on its camping trip with the assurance
of happy days ahead.
CHAPTER II
SAVING MONEY BY MOTOR CAMPING
How One Family Saved Money—How a Farmer Did It—A Boston Woman—Two
New York Couples—Four Ohioans and Their Outfit.
Some motor campers carry an elaborate equipment of supplies and live in
the height of comfort at comparatively moderate expense. Motor camping,
however, is also a possibility for the very limited purse. It is the
purpose of this chapter to give a few specimen budgets and experiences
of campers.
Almost any way you may arrange it a motor camping trip can be made to
save your vacation money.
Even if you tour as luxuriously as is possible for a camper, you will
save a great deal of money over what your tour would cost traveling by
rail and stopping at hotels.
Details of different camping factors, such as equipment, are covered in
subsequent chapters.
How One Family Saved Money by Motor Touring
This family with guests numbered five adults. They made a motor camping
tour from Bemidji, Minn., to Kansas City, Mo., and return. They had an
inexpensive car, equipped with a modest camping outfit. They made the
excursion described in thirty-one days, traveling at the average
leisurely speed of seventeen miles an hour. Their total outlay for food
was $66.76, and the entire cost of gasoline and oil for the journey was
$34.27. This brought the total traveling expenditures for a party of
five adults from Bemidji to Kansas City and return to the sum of
$101.03.
Had this party taken the same tour by rail the cost would have been as
follows:
Excursion fare Bemidji to Kansas City, 5 adults $233.75
Pullman berths, both ways for 5 adults 60.68
Meals at $1.00 per for 5 adults, 31 days 465.00
Hotels, 25 nights for 5 adults at $6.50 per night 162.50
-------
Total $921.93
Cost of tour, motor camping 101.03
-------
Money saved by motor camping $820.90
The railroad expenses, as will be observed, are put very low, as there
is no allowance for such items as tips. And, furthermore, the party of
five are assigned to only three Pullman berths. The hotel expenses,
too, are drawn down as low as possible. In fact, had the trip been
taken by rail the estimates given would have been exceeded.
How a Farmer Did It
An Iowa farmer with a small car of popular make started out with his
wife and three children to see the Colorado mountains. He expected to
take a trip of about seven hundred miles out and back. Before they were
home again they had covered a distance of more than seventeen hundred
miles. By the way, fully fifty per cent of all motor campers are
farmers.
This farmer tells us that from start to finish of their motor camping
vacation, they did not sleep in a bed, eat off a table, or sit on a
chair.
Their equipment consisted of a small tent, the most necessary clothes,
a tin cup, a tin plate, and a tin spoon for each person. They had a big
butcher knife, one fork, a skillet for cooking meat, a two-quart pail
for other cooking and to serve as a coffee-pot; also a gallon pail in
which to carry water. A knife and fork per person were also provided.
For covering at night they took along a good supply of blankets. Their
food was bread, meat and canned fruit—all bought in the small towns
through which the family toured. In addition milk, butter and an
occasional chicken were purchased from farmers in the country as they
passed through.
Firewood for the cook-fire and straw for bedding in the tent they got
for the asking. The cooking was done over an Indian fire on the ground.
Their car was in good condition at the start. They drove moderately and
carefully, and their only expense on the car was for gas and oil. Their
vacation trip of seventeen hundred miles was taken at but little more
cost than the expense of staying at home. Any other kind of an
excursion trip for these people would have been out of question as they
could not have stood the price.
A Boston Woman
Now for some details of a motor camping tour taken by a Boston woman
and her friends. This trip involved much more elaborate preparation and
considerable more expense than the case just given, but nevertheless
was much more economical than a similar tour by rail and hotels.
This Bostonian after minimizing baggage as much as she thought possible
took along the following items: one light-weight cloth-tailored suit,
half a dozen tailored shirt-waists, one foulard gown to wear of an
evening should occasion arise, the necessary underwear, a motor coat
and bonnet. She also took extra wraps, steamer rugs and rubber coats.
The clothing was packed in suit cases. The party consisted of eight
people and took sleeping tents, each tent large enough for two. They
took hammocks and folding beds so constructed that they could be
bundled and tied on the rear of the car. The tents cost fifteen dollars
each. They had two luncheon or tea baskets and three thermos bottles.
The baskets used were circular in shape, about the size of a cart
wheel, and contained small silver, cups, saucers, and plates for eight
people, besides an alcohol cooking apparatus and numerous metal covered
dishes and china platters. When these baskets were closed they were
carried after the manner of extra tires.
With this outfit and two cars these motorists toured through New
England and a portion of Canada. They tented in open field or grove
wherever night overtook them. Fresh eggs, milk, butter, and
occasionally a chicken or two were obtained at moderate prices from
farmhouses on the way.
Some long trips are made with a surprising economy not only in the
matter of shelter and subsistence, but also in expenditure for motor
supplies. A school principal in Montana made an excursion from his home
to San Diego, Cal., and back. He logged a total distance of 2,503
miles. In doing this distance he used only 116 gallons of gasoline and
three and a half gallons of oil. These cost the sum of $39.35, making
his transportation cost him at the rate of a little more than a cent
and a half a mile (1.6 cents). His mileage on gas figured out 21.58
miles to the gallon. Of course, in these figures no account is had of
the wear and tear on the car or of depreciation.
Two New York Couples
Two New York couples forming a one-car touring party went motor camping
through the Hudson River country. Their outfit was somewhat elaborate,
and for the ladies consisted of toilet articles, underwear, flannel
underskirts, linen shirt-waists without collars, gray flannel
shirt-waists, sweaters, high water-proof shoes with heavy soles, woolen
kimonos, sun bonnets, motoring bonnets, heavy raincoats, khaki skirts,
flannel night-dresses, stockings (including extra pairs of heavier
weight), and slippers.
The men confined themselves to heavy flannel and khaki shirts, and two
silk and wool negligee shirts each. In addition they took regular
summer underwear and a set of woolens apiece. Besides khaki suits for
use when motoring, they took along old suits which had been discarded
for street and business wear.
Having sent for the catalogues of a number of sporting-goods houses,
they selected from them and bought two patent automobile tents made of
sea-island cotton and oiled in such a manner as to water-proof them.
Each tent had a telescopic tent pole. The center of the rear tent wall
was made to be guyed from the steering wheel of the car and the two
corners of the rear wall were guyed to front and rear car wheels, thus
providing two one-family houses, one on each side of the car.
This party was provided with a combination cooking outfit which
included four cooking pots, coffee-pot, tea-pot, two frying pans, and
four each of plates, cups, soup bowls, knives, forks, dessert spoons,
and tea spoons. All these articles were of aluminum except the frying
pans, and all nested in the large pot which was ten inches across and
eleven inches high. The frying pans had folding handles. There was also
a porcelain, salt, pepper and mustard set that nested together, and two
oblong cake pans, one slightly larger than the other. They took eight
woolen blankets, four camp stools, a patent grate, a three-quarter size
ax in sheath, a thirty-caliber rifle, a shotgun, fishing tackle and
collapsible table.
The provisions taken consisted of tobacco, prepared coffee, pea-soup
powder, tabloid tea, evaporated milk, flour, sugar, salt pork, bacon,
cheese, baking powder, baking soda, beef-tea cubes, sweet chocolate and
soda crackers.
The clothing was carried packed in four suit cases fastened to the
trunk rack of the car. The tents were carried in large duffle bags on
the running board, and the remainder of the outfit in bags placed in
the tonneau.
The party at each stop made “a real Indian fire,” as they called it, by
clearing a space on the ground about four feet across. Then with some
yellow birch bark which they had previously gathered they kindled a
small fire, later adding small branches, so that in a few minutes they
had a low fire of pure coals. Next, two forked sticks sharpened at one
end were driven into the ground, a cross pole was laid in the forks,
and by means of a couple of wire links the coffee-pot was hung from the
pole about eight inches above the fire. Soon the pot was boiling, and,
adding evaporated cream, the coffee was ready.
The beds were fashioned in this wise. They selected several small
saplings about an inch and a half in diameter, and cutting them off
just above a convenient crotch at the top, pointed the lower end,
leaving the stick about twenty inches long. These were driven about a
foot into the ground, forming thus four bed-posts. In driving the posts
it was arranged so that the crotches were toward each other. Across
were laid poles on each side. Again, across these longitudinal rails
were laid a row of birch branches about three-quarters of an inch in
diameter. While this foundation for a bed was being prepared the women
would industriously gather a sufficient supply of balsam twigs to cover
these improvised beds to a depth of eight inches. Over these last were
spread the blankets, and they had beds fit for a king.
The cooking experience of this party was also successful. They mixed
dough and put it in a greased cake tin. After raking away the coals
they put the tin in the hole where the fire had been. The other cake
tin was then placed on top, and the ashes and coals were heaped on over
it. In fifteen minutes the hot bread was cooked to a turn. Potatoes in
soaked newspapers were put under the ashes and came out in about half
an hour cooked to perfection.
Thus these New Yorkers went motor camping for two weeks up and down the
Hudson and Connecticut valleys at very small expense and with
health-giving enjoyment.
Four Ohioans Travel at $1.00 per Day Each
A party of four Ohians from Cleveland took a twelve-hundred-mile motor
camping trip through their own and one or two adjacent states. They
report that it cost them from a dollar to a dollar and a half a day to
run their car. They state that their meals for four averaged two
dollars and fifty cents a day. Lodging cost nothing. They had
delicacies, too. Their refrigerator basket kept the butter cold and
enabled them to have deliciously cool cantaloup, lettuce and tomatoes.
Personal baggage was kept down to the lowest possible amount. Two
double suit cases rode on the baggage carrier, and two large duffle
bags were placed in front of the suit cases. They also carried a tool
outfit including a spade, hatchet, pick-ax and a coil of strong rope;
also the usual repair kit for car and tires. The outfit just described
weighed two hundred and fifty pounds. This list was found to meet every
requirement and was easily packed in the car.
In addition to the articles already named the following items were also
carried:
One canvas tent 8¾ feet square.
One A tent 8 by 10 feet.
Four folding stools and cots.
Blankets, ponchos and pneumatic pillows.
Two waterproof duffle bags.
Canvas water bottle.
Folding water bucket and basin.
Two hatchets and clothes line.
Aluminum cooking set.
Alcohol stove and fuel.
Two vacuum bottles and a refrigerator basket.
Two electric flash lights.
Camera and tripod.
Fishing tackle.
Canned provisions, coffee, sugar, etc.
Tarpaulins and assorted straps.
From the experiences given the reader may see how widely equipment and
expenses may vary according to the choice or economic ability of the
motor camper. The equipment in addition to the car may range from
almost nothing to what is quite elaborate. But whether simple or
elaborate, motor camping is seen to be an economical way of taking
one’s vacation.
CHAPTER III
THE WEEK-END CAMPER
Week-end Wild Men—Numerous Camping Sites Near the Large Cities—Camp
Sites Near New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago,
Boston, Denver, San Francisco, Los Angeles—The State
Forester—Clothing—Bed—Bedding—Expense—Food—Fire and
Fuel—Tools—Tents—Hammocks—Medical Kit—Children—Church.
Probably every dweller in civilization, whether of Main Street, Zenith
City, or the metropolis, dreams of breaking loose some time and getting
back to “fundamentals.” He wants to get off somewhere at the end of
things, near the “jumping-off place.” Or he pictures himself on some
long canoeing trip in Labrador. Perhaps his fancy turns to summer time
in Alaska, or to the mystic beauties of central Asia. At any rate he
wants a change. He wants primarily wild country and fresh air. He wants
to shake off confining routine.
But this dweller is an ordinary sort of chap leading an ordinary life.
He has perhaps but two weeks’ vacation during the year, which he finds
have, somehow or other, been scheduled for visits to his own folks and
to his wife’s relatives. So he puts away his dream of the wilderness
and lives with a sense of being thwarted.
To-day, however, thousands are finding that they can be week-end wild
men. All they need is to step into a motor car, make certain inquiries,
and they will soon be finding their way off the beaten path into the
longed-for wilderness. Within the week-end motoring distance, within a
distance of seventy-five miles, and usually much less, of the biggest
cities of the country may be found wide deserted areas where man can
commune with the stillness and the stars.
For New Yorkers
Take New York City, for example. Within sight of the upper part of
Manhattan Island and accessible by ferries is the Palisades Interstate
Park owned jointly by the states of New York and New Jersey. Of the
total area of more than thirty-six thousand acres New Jersey owns some
thousand acres of the section running for twelve miles along the
Palisades ridge. In this nearer section the motorist may find secluded
camping sites that seem almost out of the world of mankind, while in
the Bear Mountain portion of the park there are great stretches that
are a veritable wilderness.
Going further afield the week-ender from New York City can find camping
sites in the Catskills at such places as Chichester, westward of
Kingston. Up through the Westchester hills, too, are many beautiful and
secluded spots where the New Yorker may be “far from the madding crowd”
within a brief hour or two from the traffic of Fifth Avenue. If he is
willing to spend several hours going forth he can visit for his
week-end the State Forests of North New Jersey. In these reserves are
the ridge and western slope of a stretch of the Kittatinny Mountain
range which slopes down on the west to the Delaware River. At
Branchville as he approaches the State Forest he can call up the State
Forester, who will accord the camper the courtesies of his department
and assist the motorist in locating his camp site. Here camp sites,
spring water, trout fishing, and small game hunting in season are
offered without cost to the public. Three lakes where fishing, boating,
and hunting may be had are near by. Wild deer, which may be hunted in
season, exist in considerable numbers in the Kittatinny Mountains. The
camp sites here available are of several kinds; some of them near good
roads, some in clearings or old fields, and some deep in the woods. New
Jersey residents’ applications naturally receive first attention, but
there are thousands of acres, and visitors from other states are
welcomed.
For Bostonians
Every large city in this country has remote spots within easy motoring
distance where the week-end camper may be as far away from the crowd as
desired. The Bostonian will find camping accommodations at Wellesley,
or he can purchase a permanent site for his exclusive use not many
miles from the city. The State Highway Department is planning a number
of camp sites along Massachusetts roads.
For Philadelphians
The resident of Philadelphia can cross the Delaware and find solace in
the woods of South Jersey. The “Penn State Forest” of the South New
Jersey group is five miles east of Chatsworth on the Central Railroad
of New Jersey, and consists of 2,700 acres of pine and cedar forest in
one of the wildest sections of that state. In his own state the
Philadelphian will find not far away the ranges of the Blue Ridge
Mountains running northward toward the Pocono and the Delaware Water
Gap, and even these last are not altogether beyond reach of the
motorist faring forth for a week-end.
At Baltimore there is right at hand the Patapsco Forest Reserve on the
outskirts of the city where camp sites are given free to any who apply
for them. Permits are required, but no fee is charged. The State of
Maryland maintains a series of camp sites along the National Pike
between Baltimore and the Pennsylvania State Line. These camps are free
and are “established for convenience, comfort and use of the people of
Maryland and tourists who come into the state.” The nearest of these
camp sites to Baltimore is Conococheague, seventy-nine miles west of
the city.
Near Cleveland
Not far from Cleveland is the camping-ground of Marblehead, located on
a peninsula combining the advantages of water and woodland. There is
also another wooded camp site near by at Amherst, Ohio.
Near Detroit
There are thousands of square miles of woodland available at moderate
prices on the east coast of Michigan, but the motoring Detroiter who
does not own his own shack in the woods can find accommodations in the
many beautiful State Parks, those near by being Island Lake and Cedar
Hill.
Near Cincinnati
The Buckeye who abides in Cincinnati may find week-end camping sites
among the hills of southern Ohio or across the river in the State Parks
of Kentucky.
For the Chicagoans
The dweller in Chicago who desires to go forth in his car for a
week-end camping trip has a wide variety of choice as to location. He
may find camp sites of natural wildness within the park system of his
own city, especially along the Desplaines Valley. He may travel north
into the woods of Wisconsin as far as the Cushing State Park, near
Waukesha, or to the south he may reach the Indiana Turkey Run State
Park, near Marshall, Parke County, of that state. This last park,
almost due south of Chicago, is a tract of 470 acres, the largest tract
in the state that has never come under the woodman’s ax, and its trees
are the largest and finest in the Middle West. In addition it may be
said that there are dozens of towns in Illinois which have set apart
outlying woodlands where the Chicago man can find fresh air and outdoor
life.
Abundant Camps in West
As one works farther west, the possibilities for a quick journey into
the wilderness become increasingly easy. The Rocky Mountain National
Park is within ready motoring distance from Denver. California abounds
in free playgrounds. There is the Los Angeles National Forest near Los
Angeles, the Santa Barbara National Forest a little farther north, and
about seventy-five miles above San Francisco begin the Trinity National
Forests.
In the beginning of his experience the week-end camper would do well to
consult local motor clubs for maps and information regarding camp
sites. He may find it wise to initiate his experience in week-end
camping by going to those sites provided by various towns. There, save
in the eastern sections of the country, he will likely be able to find
stoves, shelter, sometimes even cut wood and electricity, already
provided. These municipal motor camping sites are now numbered by the
thousand, but they are not numerous yet east of Ohio. (Tabulation of
motor camp sites by states is given in another chapter of this book.)
One of the few of these motor camp sites in the east near New York City
is the one at Rahway, N. J., about twenty miles southwest of Jersey
City. This consists mostly of an open field in the City Water Works
Reservation along the banks of the Rahway River, which flows through a
wooded gorge about a hundred feet below the plateau of the camp site.
As yet almost nothing is provided in the way of camp conveniences
except camping space.
When the camper becomes less of a tenderfoot he may venture forth into
wilder areas. Then he can write to his State Forester and learn where
there are camp sites that he may occupy in the real wilderness within
reach of his week-end tether.
The State Forester is usually a man after whom other politicians might
pattern. There is not, as a rule, much money in his job. In the main he
is doing it primarily for the love of the work, and he will take pains
to help all those wishing to visit his domains. A State Forester of
California, for instance, has made a special study of the motor campers
requirements and makes these suggestions for his equipment.
Equipment Recommended by State Forester
“Clothing.—An old business suit of corduroy, khaki, or overall
material. Include a sweater or mackinaw, and figure on
medium-weight underwear. Underwear should be of wool, or two pairs
of medium-weight cotton. Shoes should be easy on the feet and
stout, with soles heavy enough for hobnails. A flannel shirt half
size larger than usual should be worn. Leggins of canvas or leather
are an advantage, and buckskin gloves without cuffs are best for
general use. The hat may be of felt with a moderately wide brim.
“Bed.—Air mattresses are the most comfortable beds for the
mountains since they can be placed even on bare rocks. There are,
however, a number of objections to them, one of which is their
cost.
“Bedding.—The most serviceable bedding is an eiderdown quilt, with
an extra covering of denim, and two light wool blankets. The quilt
can be pinned with blanket pins along the bottom and side to form a
sleeping bag. Wool quilts can be substituted for eiderdown,
although they are not quite as warm. A 7 by 7 foot 10 ounce canvas
will make an excellent bed cover to be placed next the ground, and
is also useful as a pack cover. In a pine forest, pine needles,
raked up before building the fire and with the cones removed, will
make a wonderful bed.”
In addition to their desire to help, the State Foresters realize that
besides its health values this camping movement is likely to have a
profound effect on our national economic policy. We have been
exhausting our timber supply. Every one knows about it, every one
believes that forestry is a good thing, but it has been a political
issue of such minor interest as to command little attention. As the
average man develops the camping habit, comes to know the Forest
Reserves, forestry will become a part of his life. He will meet the
officials or their deputies, learn some of the problems, and have the
same interest that he has in his home and his town. We may then see the
time when conservation will receive the same intent attention as the
income tax.
Keeping Expenses Low
The expense of a week-end spent in motor camping may be made very
slight. The equipment may be simple. Of course, the camper has a car to
start with, whether flivver or something more elaborate.
An outdoor week-end tent to pitch alongside his car may be bought as
cheap as $10.50. Or for about the same price he may get a bed to go
from end to end of the car that will supply comfortable sleeping
accommodations for two people. Special equipment of this sort is made
for Ford touring and sedan types (see Chapter IV). If the week-end
camper is ingenious he may rig up a bed of his own by disposing the
seat cushions and his suit cases so as to form a foundation on which to
lay his quilts and blankets. A bed inside the car is mighty convenient
in rainy weather, but in a small car the quarters are a little close
for complete comfort.
As for clothing, we have already had the advice of an experienced
forester. Mr. Average Citizen, however, can usually get along with an
old suit of clothes, an extra set of underwear and a second pair of
socks. After a little experience, the week-end camper will be surprised
to find how little he really requires in the way of extra equipment.
The Diet
When it comes to the matter of food, it is difficult to lay down rules,
as there is such a difference in the matter of taste and appetite. One
man will get along finely with some hard-tack or stale bread to which
he adds some canned beef and cheese. He will also take along some
seasonable fruit. Mainly for the sake of something hot he will take
along some ground coffee and a tin pail in which to cook it over an
open fire or on a Boy Scouts’ theroz stove. With several loaves of
bread, two pounds of the canned beef, a pound or two of cheese, and the
fruit and coffee he will fare finely over the week-end. Another man
must have his butter, hot meat, eggs, hot bread, etc., or he will
suffer.
The Stove
It is a convenience to have some sort of a regular camp stove of the
folding variety that will take wood fuel. An open fire may be made with
very little fuel, and is most camplike. In some places an open fire is
forbidden, and if permission to camp has to be secured from a private
owner of a site favorable action is much more likely if it is stated
that there will be no open camp fire. In rainy weather, too, the camp
fire is likely to be a problem. If it is intended to depend on the open
fire either under the shelter of a tent, if rainy, or in the open, it
will be well to take along a few pieces of dry wood that may easily be
split up for kindling.
The usual toilet articles will be taken along, and there will be some
provision for containers to hold clothing, food, etc. The week-ender
will not require anything extensive in the way of containers, but he
should have at least a suit case or two, or duffle bags. Of course,
clothing will be much less mussed if packed in a suit case. The suit
case or suit cases may be carried on the running board. Whatever is
carried outside the car must be fastened on with great care and
security, and well protected by water-proof covering against wet.
The week-ender will not need so much in the way of tools as one going
for a longer trip, but he should not fail to have his ax, shovel, and
huntsman’s knife in addition to his usual tools for the care of his
car. For eating he can make out with tin plate, tin cup, knife, fork
and spoon. Of course, he may take as elaborate a table outfit as he
pleases, but he will not get as fine a tang out of his outing as he
will if he roughs it a little. If he wishes to really rough it he may
sleep out in the open in a sleeping bag. In case of rain he can roll
under his car. Mr. Average Man, however, will not care to overdo in the
way of roughing it, yet as a rule he will get along with little,
particularly if he camps with a like-minded chum who with him mostly
wants change and fresh air for the week-end.
The week-end camper will follow his usual washing methods in summer,
but in winter, or when the temperature gets down to the frost level, he
will have to modify his washing methods a little if he does not wish to
suffer from cracked and chapped face and hands. When the mercury gets
down to frost or below, don’t wash, but rub on vaseline, and then to
remove the dirt wipe it off thoroughly with a towel. This will leave
the camper with a fairly clean appearance and with a smooth skin.
Family Camping
We have been all along considering this question of week-end motor
camping from the masculine angle. This is not necessarily the only way
to consider it. In many cases the motor campers are a man and wife, or
even a family including one or more children. Of course, when a woman
is along a little more preparation must be made; more clothing and
equipment, more complete and systematic provision in the matter of food
and cooking arrangements; more comfortable sleeping arrangements also
should be arranged. A group of four would need at least one extra
shelter tent. Such tents are very inexpensive and have the advantage,
since they have no poles, of folding up into a small space so that they
can readily be carried on the running boards.
Selecting the Site
The tents may be erected by stretching ropes from the top of the car to
near-by trees. Care should be taken to have the tent pins driven deep
and to attach the canvas close to the ground. If possible, the site
chosen should allow of drainage away from the tent in case of rain, and
should be, so far as circumstances will permit, on gravelly or porous
soil. In any event it is desirable to dig a shallow trench about the
tent to drain away the water that will run down the tent in case of
heavy rain. In selecting a site care should be taken to avoid a creek
bottom. We have seen motorists camping in a meadow by the side of a
stream below a road skirting the foot of a precipitous hill. We have
even seen such a camping site pictured as ideal. Ideal it would be in
fine dry weather, but a heavy summer shower, particularly at night,
would endanger the camp and its occupants. Such streams often rise with
great suddenness, and if nothing more the campers would be put to
extreme discomfort by having to move in haste, and in the wet, to
higher ground.
Making a Suitable Bed
A raincoat with blanket spread over it will form a convenient mattress.
Some campers, and the weight of tradition, recommend cedar boughs for a
bed, but the art of arranging and sleeping on them has to be acquired.
The only kind of boughs or browse that can be comfortably used as the
basis for a bed must be fine in quality, otherwise the corners of the
boughs will find the bones of the sleeper with infernal ingenuity and
make his rest very unsatisfying. Some campers prefer to sleep in
hammocks. In some cases where the body is of sufficient length these
may be slung from end to end in the car. Otherwise they may be slung
from the corners of the car top to near-by trees. A canvas fly may be
arranged overhead to keep off rain. It takes some experience to be able
to rest easily in a hammock, but once the habit is acquired there is no
more comfortable bed. The hammock is the bed of our sea jackies and
marines, and they thrive on that kind of a couch.
In summertime a raincoat and a pair of blankets for each person, with
hammocks, car beds, or tent, should care for the necessary sleeping
equipment so far as covering goes.
The Medical Kit
A medical kit should always be carried. This should include a Red Cross
first-aid outfit. In the absence of a physician it is well to have on
hand cascara or castor oil, sun cholera tablets in case of diarrhœa
which often develops from change of drinking water, Epsom salts to be
taken to clear out ptomaine poisoning, and mustard for external
application in case of cold. Iodex should be included to be used in the
event of sprains.
Mention has already been made of the inclusion of children on week-end
camping excursions. Yes, take them along—as many as the good Lord has
given you. It is the undying spirit of youth in you that makes you want
to pack your outfit and take to the open road. So why deprive the kids
of their rightful heritage, the right to fill their lungs with clean
country air and to stretch their strong little legs where there is
plenty of room for them to stretch?
They may get restless, but the week-ender will not be likely to travel
far enough for them to need anything more to occupy their attention
than the passing landscape until the destination is reached. Even take
the baby and swing a little hammock for it at one side or across the
car.
With children along a little more care should be taken as to what is
provided as food and drink. It will be safer to have all water boiled
and to have along a good supply of evaporated milk. Of course, where
infants are included in the camping party arrangements must be made to
supply the customary diet which they have been having.
Church
The last commandment of the Scout Law runs in part, “A Scout is
faithful in his religious duties.” Now, the week-end camper need not
neglect his religious duties, for in the East and South, as also in the
Middle States, the week-ender is not likely to camp in a place so
remote as to be more than a fifteen-minute, or thereabouts, motor ride
from a church of some denomination where he will be likely to get as
much good as he will be able to assimilate. If he is particular as to
his brand of religion he can pick his camping site accordingly. And,
furthermore, he is liable to be surprised at the excellence supplied at
the country church. He may miss the pomp and artistic quality of the
city church service with its excellent music and other features, but on
the other hand he may be led to realize that the old professor in the
theological school was right when advising his students who were
candidating for pulpits he said: “When you go to a city church wear
your best clothes, but when you go to a country church take your best
sermon.” And the country churches are by no means all deserted. There
is a country church in Orange County, N. Y., where any Sunday morning
fifty or sixty cars may be seen parked about it by the attending
worshipers—a church, too, that is by no means unique in its prosperity.
Week-end camping will tend to bring the town and the country into
closer acquaintance and sympathy to the mutual advantage of both. The
tendency more and more will be for the week-ender to take occasion on
his outing to stock up with fresh vegetables, eggs and fruit, thus
giving the farmer a more profitable market for his products and giving
the city and town dweller fresher and more wholesome food.
CHAPTER IV
CAMPING WITH A FORD
Number of Fords, Mobility of Fords, How to Camp with Them—The
Foldaway Bed—The McMillan Bed—The Carefree Folding Outfit—A.B.C.
Bed for Fords Only—Universal Car Bed.
About half the passenger motor cars in this country are of the variety
known as Ford. Hence we may assume that a large proportion of the
readers of this book will want to know what can be done with a Ford in
connection with motor camping.
The little Ford can go most anywhere, but one reason for this is its
rather diminutive size. The motor camper can get around conveniently in
a Ford, but he must limit the equipment taken along with him pretty
closely.
If but two are going along, the problem will be easy of solution. Two
men or a couple ought to be able to get along with the contents of two
suit cases, one on each running board. The few tools required may be
stowed under the seat. A small tent or two hammocks and a fly may be
added to the suit case on one running board and a roll of blankets put
on the other running board, leaving space enough to enter or leave the
car.
Some campers are careful to trim the car, as it is called, by balancing
the load with about equal weights of equipment on each side of the car.
Roughly this may be easily done, but usually the passengers are stowed
without regard to balance or trim, and the camping outfit will not be
more disparate in weights than the passengers are likely to be. Unless
the difference is very great between the loading of the two sides it
will not matter much.
Different Colors for Different Goods
Considerable space may be saved by having duffle bags of the round
type, and smaller bags that will fit within the larger bags. These
small bags will pack better if of cheese shape, and there will be less
difficulty in locating the contents if they are of different colored
goods—a color for each classification of stuff; say, white for
underwear, blue for canned goods such as evaporated milk, and red for
dry groceries like coffee and flour. These duffle bags and the
contained bags may just as well be home-made with the resulting saving.
The outer bag may be made of heavy canvas, or even stout drilling.
Burlap, although a little coarse and rough, would serve if canvas or
drilling may not be had conveniently.
Need for Waterproof Protection
Whatever is to be carried outside the car must, of course, be wrapped
up in flexible oilcloth or other waterproof material, as the rain is
very successful in driving in through an ordinary box or suit case with
results disastrous to the contents.
No matter what car the motor camper may use there are at least four
things for him to consider. Perhaps most essential to determine in
advance is where and how he will sleep. Food, clothing, and car he need
not bother so much about. He has his car, whatever make it may be. His
clothes, too, can be made to do, no matter what they may be. His food
at a scratch he may pick up by the way, but as to sleeping quarters he
must take thought in advance.
If the Ford is a touring car or a sedan the camper or campers to the
number of two may arrange to sleep very comfortably in the car itself.
In a sedan the seat backs fold forward, and by setting up the two suit
cases alongside between the seats a foundation may be laid upon which
the blankets may be spread to form a bed. The suit cases may not be
quite a fit, and it may be necessary to fill in with some of the other
stuff so as to get a fairly level bed, but getting this done to one’s
satisfaction is half the good and fun of camping.
How a couple traveled for 9,000 miles in a Ford roadster, using a
home-made equipment, is described in the following chapter.
There are on the market to-day various devices for the Ford owner which
will enable him at slight expense to convert his touring car or sedan
into very comfortable sleeping quarters. The products mentioned here
are not necessarily the only good devices on the market. The aim is to
give one or two examples of various types of equipment, so that the
reader may have an idea of the range of material available.
Sedan Bed
One of these devices is the “Foldaway Bed,” for the sedan. The Foldaway
rolls into a bundle 4½ inches by 4 feet, weighs only 14 pounds, and
takes up less space than a golf bag. It is made of tough oak and double
strength canvas and will support two 250-pound people. The Foldaway has
a clever stringer suspension. The rear seat cushion is pushed up to the
front of the car, the seat beside the driver is removed by pulling two
cotter pins, and the back seat sets low on top of the driver’s seat
with cushions removed. The Foldaway may be set up in four minutes. The
camper may undress in the car by rolling back half of the bed, and
there is room under the bed for clothes and equipment.
Touring Car Bed
Another bed for the Ford, for the touring car, is the McMillan Auto
Bed. This may be bought for ten dollars or less for the Ford size. The
McMillan Auto Bed is based on the idea that you should use what you
have rather than load yourself and the car with a lot of things you
haven’t and don’t need. With the McMillan Auto Bed the cushions you sit
on during the day are the cushions you sleep on at night. With this
difference: Between your body and the cushions is a roll of smooth
heavy canvas and as many blankets as you see fit to use. The cushions
give, but do not sag. Your bed conforms to every curve of your body,
and it is wide enough, long enough, and strong enough for two grown
people or three—yes, at a pinch, four—children.
The McMillan Auto Bed is set up by removing both front and rear
cushions. The adjustable steel rods, on which the cushions rest, are
next hooked over the tops of the car seats, both front and back. Then
the cushions are replaced so that they will lie evenly on the rods, and
the canvas is attached by straps to the side brackets at the back and
in front to both sides of the wind-shield.
Roadster and Coupé Beds
For the roadster and coupé there comes what is called the “Carefree
Folding Outfit for Touring, Camping, Dining, Sleeping.” This is an
attachment weighing 160 pounds which is easily attached to the rear of
a roadster or coupé in half an hour by fastening four bolts. This
outfit gives the camper a comfortable elevated bed, a storm-tight
shelter, a folding dining table, handy while preparing meals and during
meals, a writing or work table between meals, plenty of room for suit
cases and camp equipment, a special food compartment, a separate
bedding compartment, a sun or rain shelter under extensible canvas
during the day, and three minutes’ time converts the outfit into a
thoroughly practical sleeping room.
One concern, the Auto Bed Manufacturing Company, makes what they call
“The A.B.C. Sleeper” for Fords only. It provides means for making a
real spring cushion bed for two adults in a car of this type. It can be
used with the top up or down.
This same concern makes what they term the “Universal Car Bed” for
every car, and which is also a perfect fit for a Ford. It is built on a
patented principle of sagless tension, and has a bed mat of heavy
canvas, olive drab in color. It is guaranteed not to scratch or mar the
car. This bed is priced at $18.00. The A.B.C. Sleeper, for Ford cars
only, is listed at $7.50. Prices referred to in this and other chapters
are taken from catalogues, but are subject to change and are given that
the reader may have a general idea of the cost.
The American Camp Equipment Company makes a car bed which is
comparatively inexpensive ($11.45) and will fit a Ford as well as a
Packard. It may also be set up outside of the car as a double cot for
use in a tent or house. This appliance is called the Moto Bed.
A convenient and inexpensive piece of equipment for a Ford car of any
model is the Carefree Luggagett. It fits on either running board. There
is no drilling. It is fastened with a strap hook. It affords a closed
tight space for carrying loose articles. It has a smooth retainer wall
with no rivets or lugs to tear or wear holes in luggage. Since
container space is closed, no strapping or tying is necessary. It
allows the doors to open over it. It may be attached or detached in a
minute. It is substantial and weighs only 7½ pounds.
CHAPTER V
A HOME-MADE CAMPING OUTFIT
Standing the Test of an 8,000 Mile Trip—Good Water Supply
Everywhere—Army Cots and Canvas the Basis of Outfit—Complete
Directions—Mosquito Netting Sides Permit Adequate Ventilation.
One of the most interesting experiences in motor camping of which we
have known is that of Mr. Frederick W. Huntington of Brooklyn, N. Y.
His trip is of particular significance, not primarily in being
adventurous, but because it illustrates what any one can accomplish
through ingenuity at very moderate expense.
Mr. and Mrs. Huntington traveled from New York City to California, on
an 8,000-mile route, in nine weeks’ time, driving every day, and
camping every night without a mishap.
They encountered wind-storms and rain-storms, but their equipment stood
all the blasts and proved waterproof all the time. In some places the
mosquitoes sang in the vicinage by night, but were never admitted to
the society of the campers. The travelers report excellent roads all of
the way to the Mississippi, and passable highways all the way across
the continent. They were never more than forty miles from a good water
supply. They found camp sites in nearly all the towns beyond the
Appalachians, but seldom used them, preferring usually to camp in some
secluded spot near the roadside. In fact, they discovered that unless
one arrives fairly early in the afternoon, many of the camping parks
will be found to be crowded already, with little room for the
late-comer.
The striking feature of this trip is the tent equipment which Mr.
Huntington designed. It is simple and effective. With a little aid from
a local machine shop, or even a blacksmith shop, it can be made by any
prospective camper. Accordingly, a description is given herewith
showing just how Mr. Huntington constructed his outfit. The drawings
which accompany this chapter will serve to clarify the text.
Two Army Cots the Basis
The basis of the Huntington tent structure is two ordinary army cots
placed side by side, six inches apart. A hole is bored in each
crosspiece at the end near the adjoining cot, both at the head and at
the foot of the bed. The next step is to take two brass rods about
three-eighths inch in diameter and twelve inches in length. Have a
machinist bend each rod into the shape of a double-pointed
matting-tack, with the horizontal part eight inches in length. Thread
the ends of the two side pieces so that they become screw bolts. Then
insert these two devices into the holes aforementioned. Secure them
with nuts fitting the threaded ends of the rods, and you have the two
cots fastened securely together (Fig. 1).
The Improvised Floor
The next feature is the canvas trough which supplies a floor on which
one stands while getting into bed or dressing. This protects the feet
from the ground, and keeps insects from coming up from the ground. To
prepare for this trough, attach five tapes or strips of canvas about
nine inches in length in a row at even intervals along the cloth of
each cot about nine inches from the inner edge. Then take a piece of
tent canvas fifty-eight inches wide by six feet six inches long. Along
the outer edges of this attach tapes which are to be tied with the
tapes attached to the cot, giving a U-shaped trough six inches in width
and with a depth determined by the height of the cots from the ground,
with the edges overlapping six inches on the cots. The ends of the
trough are stopped by pieces of cloth eight inches wide by twenty-four
inches in length, the extra length permitting a six-inch flap at the
top of each end of the trough and the extra width allowing for seams
(Fig. 2).
Framework for the Tent
The framework of the tent is built up from the cots. To construct this,
first bore four three-eighths-inch holes, one at each of the outside
ends of the crosspieces of the cots. Then screw in four screw-eyes near
those holes through which the brass rods are inserted (Fig. 3). Next
take two strips of hardwood eighteen inches in length, using about
three-quarter-inch stuff; also two more similar strips three feet nine
inches in length. Bevel the ends of these pieces of wood so that when
joined they will appear as in Fig. 4, left. The joints for these tent
supports are the most difficult part of the construction. They will
probably have to be made at a machine shop. Each consists of a
one-quarter-inch brass rod (about the size of a fat pencil) with holes
drilled in the lower end for the attachment of wires. Passing through
and welded to each rod is a one-half-inch-wide metal strip extending
out about one-half inch at either side forming wings, with a hole
drilled through each wing. Slits or deep grooves about three-fourths
inch in depth should then be cut in the beveled end of each stick or
support into which the wings are fitted. Holes should be bored through
the sticks to correspond with the holes in the wings. Bolts are then
passed through the holes and hammered at each end so as to clinch them,
thus preventing their slipping out (Fig. 4, left).
In the lower end of each of the upright sticks of this device a
quarter-inch hole is bored and a piece of dowel stick glued into the
hole. A thin wire nail driven into the upright and a binding of copper
wire help to secure the dowel stick (Fig. 6).
You now have a framework secured by brass joints and fitted at the
lower end with wooden posts which rest in the outer holes at the ends
of the cots (Figs. 7 and 9). As the illustrations indicate, the
framework described must be made in duplicate, one for each end of the
tent.
From the holes in the two corner joints of this arrangement picture
wire is stretched to the screw-eyes at the inner ends of the
crosspieces and secured by snap-buckles (Fig. 8, left).
At each end of the tent a flat piece of brass, two and a half inches
long and three-quarter inches wide is the means employed for the guy
ropes and ridge wire. There are three holes in the brass piece, one for
the guy rope, the center one for the center post in the tent’s
framework, and the third for the ridge wire (Fig. 8, center and right).
The exterior of the tent is similar to that of an ordinary tent in
shape. It can be made from any quality of duck, but should be
waterproofed when completed. Waterproofing preparations can be bought
at most sporting goods or hardware stores.
Dimensions of the Tent
The slope of the roof of the tent on each side is three feet ten inches
by six feet six inches. The outside walls below the slope are
twenty-one inches by six feet six inches. These are the dimensions for
the outside of the tent and the pattern for its construction is shown
in Fig. 10. One feature that will be noted is that the outside flaps
are fitted with holes for tapes so that they may be tied back to the
ridge, permitting the freer flow of air.
Mosquito Netting Side Curtains
The inner side flaps are similar to the outer, except that a stretch of
sixteen inches of mosquito netting is inserted running from end to end
of the tent wall (Fig. 11). Top fits end of pole 10 again.
The bottom strip of the inner side-flaps referred to in the above
paragraph is of sufficient length so that six inches of it can be
turned in to lie along the outer side of the cot. The weight of
mattress, blankets or whatever is used to sleep on will keep this
turned-in flap from coming out.
Along the ridge on the inside of the tent is secured a seven-inch-wide
strip running the length of the tent (Fig. 11). By use of the clips or
pins this serves as a clothes rack at night.
Tent Ends
The only feature that remains to be considered is the ends of the tent.
These ends, illustrated in the upper part of Figure 12, are thirty-six
inches wide at the base, fifty inches high at the inner edge, twenty
inches high at the outer edge, and forty-five inches along the
shoulder. These dimensions permit an outside overhang of four inches at
the bottom. An eight-inch inside flap is sewed on four inches from the
bottom, and is turned under the mattress, or sleeping bag, when the
tent is closed.
It is advisable to make a waterproof bag in which to carry the tent.
This done, the equipment consists of the following main items:
2 army cots.
2 brass connecting rods with nuts.
1 trough.
1 tent.
1 bag.
2 rigging devices with ropes.
6 stakes.
The total outfit weighs under sixty pounds.
The Huntingtons carried this equipment in a two-compartment box on the
rear of a Ford roadster. The size of this box was 42¾ by 37⅛ by 20½
inches. One compartment was devoted to this equipment and the other
carried two suit cases, blocks and tackle, and water bottles. They also
carried a running board cupboard, the dimensions of which were 45 by 28
by 8¾ inches.
This outfit, with ponchos, blankets, and extra clothing, constituted
the entire equipment.
Cooking utensils were not a serious factor in this trip, as the desire
to cover a long distance in a limited amount of time caused the
travelers to purchase most of their meals en route rather than take the
time required for cooking.
The feature of the compartment described above is that the two
compartments are horizontal, the lower being covered by the false
bottom of the upper. Equipment not needed at every stop is kept in the
lower compartment and hence is not in the way when the campers are
packing or unpacking.
The Huntington compartment is covered with waterproof canvas affixed
with curtain cleats.
CHAPTER VI
EQUIPMENT FOR THE JOURNEY
(See Chapter V on a Home-made Camping Outfit)
Motor Bungalows—Trailers—Tents: Those Extending from the Car; Those
Resting upon the Ground, but Attached to the Car, and Tents
Separate from the Car—How to Estimate Canvas Duck—More Elaborate
Tents—Combination Tent-beds—Car Beds—Cooking Equipment—Wood, Oil,
Gasoline and Alcohol Stoves—Campfires and How to Manage
Them—Broilers and Grids—Cooking Utensils—Tools, Lights, etc.—Water
Bags and Filters—Canvas Bungalows—Refrigeration.
Before going into details concerning the various articles in the way of
equipment, such as tents, bedding, cooking utensils, stoves and the
like that contribute to the comfort of the auto camper, it will be well
to consider somewhat the methods by which the car itself can be best
adapted to the purpose of motor touring. Prices referred to in this
chapter, though based on catalogues, can only be approximate, since the
market, as in other products, is variable. It has not been possible to
include here all of the desirable equipment on the market. Typical
examples of the more popular kinds of products are given, so that the
reader may have an idea of the range of the field.
Motor Bungalows
In these days when the gypsy habit is being contracted by many
thousands who tour to the southlands in the winter season and across
the continent during the summertime there are many who find it most
convenient to have special caravan car bodies which in effect are land
yachts or traveling bungalows. Some of a mechanical turn or training
will take one of the standard chassis and build upon it a bungalow top
to suit the owner’s needs and tastes. In other instances a special
bungalow body will be built to order by one or other of the automobile
manufacturers; and local car dealers will give the inquirer a list of
body makers who will undertake this kind of construction.
We give an illustration of a traveling bungalow built for a man
prominently identified with the automobile industry who uses the outfit
in his business, which takes him afar over this country, and also for
gypsy tours with his family in vacation time.
This outfit is a real home. Measuring seventeen feet long and six feet
wide, the house itself contains everything necessary for comfort. The
furniture is skillfully designed so that the tables fold and other
pieces nest into each other for economy in space.
The beds are made up at night from the seats in somewhat the same
manner that a lower berth takes shape under the deft hands of George,
the porter. But these berths are longer, wider and infinitely more
restful. Then the windows are large and can be raised without the aid
of a crowbar. The ventilation is perfect.
As one-third of human life is spent in sleep and a considerable portion
in consuming food, the dining apparatus of this portable home is
designed with the same care as bestowed upon the sleeping quarters. The
table, sufficiently large, folds neatly into a minimum of space. The
refrigerator is commodious enough to meet the expectations of the
keenest appetite.
This gypsy caravan contains five lockers, including one devoted to the
commander’s dress clothes, a tent to provide extra sleeping space on
the roof of the car, a thirty-gallon tank containing water under air
pressure for the shower bath, a writing desk, electric lights
throughout, a two-burner stove, fireless cooker and phonograph.
With this equipment the family toured New England in summer. The trip
totaled 1,666 miles and the entire expense for gasoline, tips, cleaning
and storage was only $66.44, or less than four cents a mile for the
journey.
Opinions Differ on Trailers
The matter of trailers is one of considerable dispute. Some tell of
seeing abandoned trailers left broken down along the roadside. Others
declare that they never knew motor camping comfort until they came to
use a trailer. Undoubtedly a trailer reduces the speed somewhat.
However, the pull of a good trailer only amounts to about twenty-five
pounds, and so will not interfere with reasonable speed. On the main
highways with wide roadways and easy grades a trailer will be a great
convenience and source of comfort and give no trouble. On the other
hand, where the grades are steep and the roads narrow and crooked the
trailer is quite likely to prove a large-sized nuisance. One can back
around a street corner with his trailer in the rear without great
difficulty, but to back one down a stretch of crooked mountain road to
a turn-out so that a descending car may pass him would be beyond the
power of the ordinary driver.
Trailer owners may find trailer regulations of the various states
tabulated in Chapter XIV.
There are several good makes of trailers at moderate prices. One firm
is planning to offer a snug little trailer to follow a motorcycle,
which has a number of points in its favor. As designed it can be
attached to any make of motorcycle, using the rear end of the chassis
as a connecting bar. The end of the trailer is fitted with a double
swivel which fits into a clamp on the side car chassis and is secured
there by a spring locking pin.
Motorbungalow, Junior
Among trailers there is the Motorbungalow which comes in two forms.
There is the Motorbungalow, Junior. This is a real folding house, with
kitchenette, wardrobe space, screened windows, comfortable beds, large
enough when erected to afford two bedrooms or dining-room in inclement
weather. The Motorbungalow, Junior, is light and compact. It will
follow an automobile almost anywhere, carrying all spare equipment. The
erecting of the Motorbungalow, Junior, is very simple for the walls and
roof are permanently secured to the folding frame. No canvas has to be
spread or fastened on during the pitching of the camp. The bed frames,
which are fastened to the sides of the trailer body, are turned over,
the top raised and strapped into position, and the house is ready for
occupancy. It can be done in the dark. The Motorbungalow, Junior, is
listed at $225.00. The Motorbungalow is built on somewhat the same
plans as the Junior of the same name. Both leave the motor camper with
the unimpeded use of his car. Both have a forged steel axle, roller
bearing wheels, 30 by 3½ inch pneumatic tires, and reënforced steel
frame and hardwood floor.
The Motorbungalow, however, is much more elaborate in its appointments
than the Junior. In interior dimensions there is an open floor space, 4
by 7 feet. The room size is 9 by 12 feet. There is a kitchenette
containing work table, pockets for knives, forks, spoons, etc. Special
shelves provide for jars and for cooking utensils. There is a large ice
box and an emergency water tank, both finished in white enamel. A table
finished in mahogany with white top acts as an inside door to
kitchenette when touring or when not in use. Then there is a permanent
table formed by the top of the wardrobe and kitchenette which is four
feet wide and triangular in shape. There are side curtains which are of
brown “Fabrikoid,” also curtains to the rear of the same; a large
wardrobe where clothes may be hung at full length, two beds four feet
by six feet two; cotton mattresses two and a half inches thick,
screened windows; back door and step—door locked by key from inside or
out.
Auto-Kamp Trailer
Another trailer but somewhat simpler than that just described is the
“Auto-Kamp” Trailer. The Auto-Kamp can be set up in a few minutes and
provides a tent 7 by 12 feet upon a frame that extends out from the
trailer when it is opened up. There are two windows with storm-proof
covers opened or closed from the inside. The beds simply fold over on
strong hinges, tent frame sets up in sockets, bed legs are fitted with
adjustable ends to take care of uneven ground so that beds will be
level. The beds are high and dry, each large enough for two adults—size
48 by 76 inches, sagless bed springs and felt mattresses. Four feather
pillows are furnished. There is a curtain for dividing the tent into
two sections. A comfortable bed can be made up on the floor of the
trailer for children and cots may be placed under the beds for extra
members of the party. The body of the trailer is made of selected woods
securely ironed and braced. The end gate is made to form a convenient
step when dropped. The floor is of matched lumber, put together with
white lead so as to exclude all dust on the road. The axles are 1¼-inch
solid drop-forged steel, fitted with automobile type ball-bearing hubs.
Standard 56-inch tread. Regular equipment is 30 by 3 pneumatic tires on
artillery wheels. There is also standard equipment of electric light
outfit complete with wire and plug for attaching in any socket on car,
folding table, folding shelf, two burner gasoline stove and electric
tail light outfit, with dry battery.
Chenango Camp Trailer
Still another notable trailer, which is known as the “Chenango Camp
Trailer,” provides outdoor comfort with privacy. This is listed at
$375.00. In a very short time this trailer can be converted into a 10
by 14 foot bungalow with two comfortable bedrooms, a kitchen equipped
with a two-burner vapor stove and oven, encased in a fireproof metallic
cabinet with ventilator, refrigerator of fifty pounds ice capacity,
kitchen cabinet capable of carrying a week’s provisions for a party of
four, four large dust-proof clothes lockers, running water, electric
lights, dining-room seating six, which is a reading and recreation room
at night and all that one could desire in a 10 by 14 foot camp. The two
bedrooms, which are ventilated by screened glass windows adjustable to
any angle, contain each a double spring, sagless bed with down
mattresses and are separated by a four-foot aisle. The bungalow has
9⅓-foot head room. Everything can be reached at a moment’s notice and
the entire outfit made ready for the road without any tiresome packing
in a few seconds. The trailer body is of hard wood tongued and grooved
and covered by 24-gauge sheet metal. The roof is made of collapsible
framework of quarter-inch steel tubing which by a simple operation
drops down into retaining sockets, allowing the sides of the bungalow
to fold up and the roof to collapse over all without disturbing the
contents of the bungalow. The trailer is supported on 30 by 3½
pneumatic tires and springs with roller bearings and demountable rims.
The weight is 850 pounds with equal carrying capacity. The axle is of
nickel steel with Timken roller bearings.
Tent Equipment
Many persons, however, do not find it feasible or desirable to have
either a convertible body or to own a land yacht for motor touring.
Others do not care to sleep in the car body, but prefer rather to pitch
a tent either in connection with the car, alongside, or near by. Such
will require something in the way of tenting equipment. In many aspects
a tent entirely separate from the car has its advantages. The car is
then simply parked near by and is available for side trips, journeys to
market, near-by sights, etc.
As for tents, the variety available is well-nigh infinite, and at
almost any price from several dollars up. The humble pup-tent, or the
army A tent (so named from its shape) will serve very well for those
who don’t mind roughing it.
Tents Attached to the Car
Of tents attached to the car there are those that do not touch the
ground and others that have a ground attachment. Still others are
entirely separate from the car and form independent units. Some tents
use poles and others are supported entirely by ropes. Where tent poles
are used they are as a rule in sections for convenience in packing.
Auto Bed Camp
Of sleeping tents that are attached to the roof of the car and extend
from its side without reaching the ground, save by the guy ropes and
the supporting frame, the Auto Bed Camp is a good example. These tents
come in units for two people, and are sufficiently rugged to
accommodate two large adults. The supporting frame is so constructed as
to increase the tension of the bed canvas in proportion to the weight
superimposed, thus preventing any sagging of the bed. The bed is
protected on all sides and screened windows admit sufficient air. Such
a tent bed is practically damp proof, as a tent with a floor cloth
resting on the ground cannot be.
Tents Attaching to Car
There are many styles of tents that attach to the car, some of them
extremely ingenious in construction. Many of these tents use no poles,
but are supported by ropes that fasten to the top of the car. Some of
these tents are very simple and are little more than canopies, while
others are quite elaborate with sod cloths for the floor, side walls,
flies, and folding cots.
An inexpensive tent thus attaching to the side of the car by ropes that
go over the top, a tent having walls but using no poles, and having no
floor, may be bought as low as $7.50 for the 7 by 7 foot size, $6.50
for size 5 by 7 feet. This tent can be set up either with or without
the auto. One has simply to throw the front flap over the car and
fasten to the wheels or stakes on the opposite side with guy ropes
which are furnished. To use without the car, with front flap closed,
two 6½-foot poles are required. This particular tent is styled a Double
Service Moto-tent.
How to Judge Weight of Canvas
It may be remarked in passing that in pricing tents on specifications
supplied by the manufacturers it will be well to keep in mind this
information. The United States Government Standard yard of duck is 29
by 36 inches. A piece of canvas this size that weighs eight ounces is
the “U. S. Standard” eight-ounce duck. If it weighs ten ounces it is U.
S. Standard ten-ounce duck. Many manufacturers, jobbers and dealers use
36 by 36 inches as their standard yard. On this basis six-ounce “U. S.
Standard” duck is called eight ounce, and eight-ounce “U. S. Standard”
is sold for ten ounce. This means that they are using a lighter weight
than the U. S. Standard, though using the same terminology as to weight
in ounces. The only basis for comparative purchasing is to determine
whether the statement of weight is based on a 29 by 36 or a 36 by 36
yard.
Scout Featherweight Tent
In small, inexpensive tents that stand apart from the car, tents
without floors, a quite satisfactory article is the Scout Featherweight
Shelter Tent.
The “Scout Featherweight” has a door at each end, and each door is
equipped with an overlapping lapel and double row of tie strings. Draw
the lapels together, tie them securely and the whole world is shut out
completely.
Two folding poles, six stakes and a pack-bag are supplied with each
tent. It’s no trick at all for a man or a boy to put the tent up in two
minutes. No ridge poles, no guy lines.
This tent is made of water-proofed aëroplane cloth—khaki color. The
cost of the “Scout Featherweight” in the smallest size is only $5.00,
with $1.50 extra if a sod cloth is desired. The smallest size is 7 by 5
feet, 3 feet high, with two poles and six stakes.
There is a larger Scout tent than the Featherweight which is made of
the same lightweight aëroplane khaki cloth. It is fitted with automatic
loop fasteners for the ridge pole or for a rope stretched between two
trees. It is supplied with necessary guy lines. Doors at front and rear
have double lapels and automatic button fasteners. Four ventilators,
one in each gable end and one in each side wall diagonally opposite
supply fresh air. The size is 6 feet wide, 6 feet high and 6 feet long,
with a 3-foot side wall and 9-inch sod cloth. It rolls into a bundle 6
by 18 inches and weighs only eight pounds. This tent may be bought for
$12.00, canvas packing bag fifty cents extra.
Overland Trail Camp Tent
A more elaborate type of tent, but still one comparatively inexpensive
in cost, is called “The Overland Trail Camp.” The occupants are
completely shut in. This tent also has a bed for two people raised
fifteen inches from the floor. The ground space covered is 8 feet 6
inches by 5 feet. The peak in front is 6 feet, and the back wall 30
inches. The space in front of the bed is 5 feet by 2 feet 6 inches.
There are three pockets on the side wall, with a netting door sewed to
the front wall. The smallest model is the one described, and it is
suitable for two people traveling very light, on long trips, making
overnight stops. The weight of tent and fixtures, including stakes and
pins, is only seventeen pounds. This tent is priced at $38.50.
Khaki Watershed Tourist Tent
One of the most recent tent outfits upon the market is a tourist tent
called the Khaki Watershed. This is priced at $22.50. As the name would
suggest, it is designed to afford full protection from rain and
moisture and to be mildew-proof. Rolled up with its jointed poles and
packed in its waterproof bag its weight is only eighteen pounds. This
tent supplies sufficient space for three cots and can be erected either
separately or attached to the car. When erected separately the front
flap may be used as an awning in front of the tent. The quickest and
usual way is to throw the flap over the car and the tent will be ready
for occupancy in a jiffy.
Those who wish something more expensive have a wide variety of tents to
choose from. Some of the more elaborate, and yet light in weight, are
made of silk balloon cloth. These are somewhat costly, but for those
who don’t mind a little expense they are extremely satisfactory. Lack
of space will not allow a description of these here, but any one by
writing to the leading dealers in sportsman’s supplies will be supplied
with catalogues which will show these more elaborate and costly
designs.
An Elaborate Tent
One of these larger tents that illustrate the more elaborate provision
that is made for the motor camper who desires this sort of thing is
called the Tentobed which may be set up without any external support. A
light collapsible frame made from cold drawn steel when erected
supports the canvas. A tent which folds up 4 feet long and 8½ inches in
diameter and weighing only sixty-nine pounds has a dressing or extra
room alongside full length of bed, 6 feet 4 inches long and 4 feet
wide, and may be completely inclosed. This room may be used for an
extra bed, double or single, or for serving and cooking lunch in case
of rain. The drop curtain is 6 feet square and may be extended out as
an awning if desired. The tent has two large ventilating windows with
storm flaps, adjustable from inside with draw cords, and special
marquisette net curtain full length of tent alongside of bed, secured
by buttons in double flaps, making the bed absolutely insect-proof. The
list price of this outfit, including tent, tent supports, new model
steel tube bed, rain and dust-proof carrying case and steel tube frame
for setting up independent of car, is $80.00.
Standard Wall Tent
A type of the old-fashioned ordinary tent with which we are all
familiar is called the Cabco Wall Tent. These tents come in five sizes,
ranging from 5 by 7 feet and 5½ feet high to 12 by 14 feet and 8 feet
in height. The side walls are 3 feet, save in the largest size, where
they are 3½ feet. These tents come with fly and jointed ridge-poles, as
also jointed uprights. Sod cloths are likewise provided. The largest
size weighs close to a hundred pounds and will cost in the neighborhood
of fifty dollars.
Beds and Bedding
Closely related to tents as part of the equipment of the motor camper
is that of beds and bedding. Of course, if resourceful and of economic
trend the motor camper may equip himself fairly from his home supplies.
With car cushions and suit cases he may arrange the foundation for a
bed in his car upon which he will spread blankets and comfortables or
such other bedding as he may find room for in his car.
But many will prefer the purchased rather than the home-made article in
the way of beds and bedding. For such the variety offered is large.
If the camper prefers to bed out of his car rather than within its
shelter he may get the De Luxe Comfort Bed, which is a combination of
tent and bed. This in the smallest size will cost him about a hundred
dollars. This outfit consists of a double bed with a tent over and
around it. The bed is a full-size forty-eight-inch double spring bed
which easily accommodates two full-sized adults. It is equipped with a
special spring tension regulator. The cotton floss mattress rolls up
into a light compact bundle. The tent is of the highest grade
waterproofed and mildew-proofed Emeraldite, very light of weight, yet
tough. At the side of the tent are screened windows, with shutters
adjustable from the inside, that give ventilation and light and
regulate both. They also afford complete protection from bugs and
mosquitoes. The tent is 6½ feet wide by 6½ feet deep, giving ample
dressing room when the front is closed. As the tent is supported by
four telescopic steel tubes mounted on the four corners of the bed, no
poles are required. Ropes are provided for fastening the tent to the
ground, but they are never needed except in case of severe storms.
Combination Outfits
There are a number of combination bed, tent and carrying case outfits,
some of them very cleverly designed and exceedingly complete, yet
compact. One of these which comes in several sizes is a combination for
use with any auto. It is equipped with clamps for instantly attaching
to the running board. There are no holes to drill. The bed has sagless,
non-stretchable springs which enable a heavy person and a light person
to lie comfortably without rolling together. The tent of waterproof,
mildew-proof material is olive drab in color and is four feet wide by
seven feet long. The tent fits close around the edge of the bed and
reaches the ground on all sides, shutting out all draft under the bed.
The storm-proof bobbinet insect windows, which operate from the inside
of the tent, allow plenty of ventilation. The complete weight is
sixty-three pounds. The carrying case has an extra flap to hold three
or four double blankets. Three straps hold the tent securely to the
auto top, and a rod through the tent top makes correct attachment for
either roadster or touring car. The back wall is a continuation of the
tent top. No rain can enter. No ropes or stakes are needed. The
combination is priced at $47.50.
Inside Car Beds
Of beds that may be used inside the car there are many. One of these,
called the “Utility,” is designed to serve many purposes, as it may be
used in any wall tent, auto tent, sleeping porch, cabin, inside most
touring cars, and as a spare bed in the home. The legs are adjustable
for use inside touring cars, to pass over the seat backs. No ropes or
fastenings are necessary. The bed is self-supporting, and the legs rest
upon the seat standards after the cushions are removed. The frame is
all steel, with an easy, quick-folding arrangement allowing a set-up in
three minutes. When set up this bed is 45 inches wide by 73 inches
long, and when folded measures 5 inches in diameter by 45 inches long.
It may be carried folded in the tonneau of most cars. The weight is
forty-eight pounds and the listed cost $18.50.
Hammock-Type Beds
Then we have beds which are somewhat similar to hammocks suspended from
end to end of the car. One of these hammock beds is called the
“Tour-bed” and rolls into a bundle four feet four inches long and only
four inches in diameter with a weight of twelve pounds. The bed is
really an apron of heavy duck stretching from the back of the car to
the front, over the wheel. It is said to be strong enough to carry two
people weighing together over five hundred pounds. The Tour-bed is
anchored to the axles, main springs or car frame, front and rear, so
that there is no danger of pulling anything loose. The sleeper can
adjust the bed to suit his own individual fancy as to rigidity, as the
anchorage straps pull against the springs of the car itself. The front
braces or legs rest on the floor and the rear braces on the floor under
the rear cushion. The price of this appliance is $15.00.
Beds Using Cushions of the Car
There are also several kinds of auto-beds made that will fit any car
and which make use of the cushions of the car over which the auto-bed,
made of heavy canvas, is stretched. The canvas is fastened to the four
corners of the car, and upon the canvas the autoist lays down as many
blankets as he can spare to put under him. Such a bed can be adjusted
in a few minutes and to most people is quite satisfactory.
Cooking Apparatus
When we take up the question of food preparation and the cooking
utensils required we have a great variety of appliances and a wide
range of preference. Some will manage without any cooking utensils and
will get along with an open fire on the ground. Naturally in such a
case the motor camper is liable to have more or less difficulty with
his fire in rainy weather. But notwithstanding the inconvenience due to
inclement weather there are some hardy and resourceful souls that, like
the wild Indians and trappers of former days, manage to make out very
well with an open fire, whether it rains or shines.
Solidified Alcohol a Convenient Heat
The average motor camper, however, will find it much more convenient to
provide himself with some sort of equipment for cooking or at least
heating part of his food and drink. If nothing more, he will carry with
him solidified alcohol in some form or other. Those little kits for the
use of alcohol in cubes or simply in a can do not give out a great deal
of heat and are not good for much except for making tea, coffee or
cocoa, or for heating up canned goods, such as beans. Yet they are
convenient and absolutely clean. They are also entirely safe and may be
used in the car itself. For short trips, such as week-ends, one can
make out pretty well with this sort of thing, but on longer tours the
motor camper will probably want to have something in the way of a
regular stove, either for wood, oil or gasoline.
And here there is extensive variety of choice. Take first what we may
term regular stoves.
Simple Stoves
About the simplest and least expensive of these is the “Rush Stove.” It
is simply a rectangular box-like affair that folds up flat. It will
burn any kind of solid fuel, but works best with wood. It costs about
five dollars, and can be set up in ten seconds.
This stove weighs but seven pounds and folds into a package only one
and a half inches thick. It may be packed under the seat of an auto or
strapped on the back of a motorcycle. Nevertheless, this stove is
thoroughly substantial, is made of 20-gauge sheet steel with four
thicknesses at the corners, where strength is needed.
Another very satisfactory stove for solid fuel is the “Livingood.” This
is somewhat more extensive and complete than the one just mentioned and
costs about twice as much money. The “Livingood” folds flat to a
thickness of four inches. It comes with oven, three-quart water
container, eight-cup coffee-pot and will roast a sizable potato in
thirty minutes. When set up the stove proper is roughly two feet long,
a foot wide and a foot high. It works best with wood or charcoal. In
material the top is 22-gauge black iron, the body and oven of 26-gauge
black iron, and the hinges of copper built with the body. The stove
alone without the extras comes to $7.50.
Oil Stoves
Oil stoves are pretty effective, but they are usually not collapsible,
accordingly bulky, and likewise are hard to keep clean, particularly
such types of them as use wicks. The best are those kinds that operate
under air pressure, like plumber’s torches, and without a wick. These
high-pressure wickless stoves are very efficient. One, called the
“Juwell,” will raise two pints of cold water—sixty degrees—to boiling
in three or four minutes at the outside. This stove is claimed to be
faultless in operation, also to make no noise, deposit no soot, and be
absolutely free from danger of explosion.
However, there are exceptions to all rules, and there is at least one
oil stove for campers which can be knocked down and packed up. It is
the Optimus Traveling and Camp Stove. It can be taken apart and various
parts packed into a small fiber box, which also has places for a bottle
of spirits, cleaning pins and a funnel. The oil tank is fitted with a
hermetical brass stopper which permits the stove to be carried full of
petroleum. The capacity is one quart of oil.
Gasoline Stoves
There are many kinds of gasoline stoves, but there is some danger
attached to their use, as this fluid leaks out very readily and is, as
all know, very volatile and inflammable. Of course, the great advantage
lies in the fact that it is a material that the motorist is sure to
have at hand, and a gasoline stove when working right certainly does
the work in short order.
One of the best gasoline stoves is the Colorado Sure Meal Camp Stove.
It burns with such a hot flame that the stove can be opened up and
water boiled in five minutes. The burners can also be easily regulated
and the fire controlled to a nicety. There are two burners solidly
mounted in the grate, making this part of the stove practically one
piece. There is nothing to get out of order. The stove has an
adjustable wind-shield. The Sure Meal Stove has its burners enclosed in
a heavy steel case, with grids at the top like an ordinary gas or
gasoline stove. The top is covered except for these grids, preventing
the flames from being blown out by the wind. The extra cover folds back
to form a shelf or warming oven. The tank rests outside the stove and
holds three pints of fuel. The legs may be folded up when not in use,
thus taking up little or no room. For carrying, the tank is detached
and placed inside the stove, the shelf folding over the top of the
stove as a cover, with a sure catch to hold it in place. The stove then
resembles a small suit case in shape and measures only 18 by 11 by 3½
inches. This stove may also be had with a folding oven which when in
use is set over the stove. A feature of this oven is the metal and
asbestos plate on the shelf. This plate is open on all sides to permit
the heat to radiate evenly to all parts of the oven. The asbestos
prevents food from burning on the bottom. The oven is collapsible and
can be set up or taken down in less than a minute. The front and side
are hinged—the top comes off and the shelf out. The oven packs in a
galvanized iron box, only 1¾ inches deep, which comes with the oven.
This stove is listed at $9.00 and the oven at $5.00.
Broilers
In addition to stoves, campers use various wire broilers that are
supported by legs and that stand on the ground. These cost very little
and are a convenience where open fires are used. Similar to the
broilers but more substantial are various kinds of camp grids which can
be stood over the coals and on which pots, pans and kettles may be
placed for cooking purposes.
Cooking Utensils
As to other cooking utensils, aside from stoves or other appliances to
be used in connection with cooking fires, the camper has the same wide
choice that he has elsewhere. He may have everything going or almost
nothing. He may use a skillet for both his coffee and his frying,
making the coffee first, and keeping it hot in his pail while he fries
his bacon. Then, with tin cup, plate, knife, fork and spoon he may make
out to his satisfaction. Another motor camper, however, will be
satisfied with nothing less than a complete folding kit of the latest
and best cooking outfit offered by the market. Naturally Mr. Average
Man will come somewhere in between the extremes noted.
Cooking utensils may be taken along from home, but such will mostly be
rather bulky and will not pack together well. There are many
comparatively inexpensive outfits that nest together and so take but
little room that will meet all the needs of the average motor camper.
Almost anywhere the motor camper may buy aluminum ware that nests
together and that will meet all requirements.
In buying aluminum ware for camp use it is well to remember that
aluminum cups have a tendency to burn the lips because the metal is
such a good heat conductor. So agateware cups will prove more
satisfactory for the camper’s use. Likewise an aluminum skillet for the
same reason is liable to burn on the bottom, and a steel skillet with a
folding or removable handle will fill the bill better for the motor
camper than one of aluminum. Aside from these cautions the motor camper
may go as far as he pleases in buying aluminum ware, and he will be
pretty sure to meet with satisfaction. There are, indeed, some campers
who feel that lightness compensates for the disadvantages named above
even in the case of cups.
A standard aluminum cooking set for two persons, to nest together in a
canvas bag eight inches high and nine inches in diameter will cost
about twenty dollars and weigh about five pounds. Such a set will
consist of 1 seven-pint cooking pot, 1 ten-pint cooking pot, 1
four-pint coffee-pot, 1 frying pan, 2 plates, 2 dessert spoons, 2 cups,
2 soup bowls, 2 knives, 2 forks and 2 teaspoons. As has been seen
above, it will be well to substitute for aluminum ware agateware cups
and a steel frying pan. These sets come also for three, four and six
persons with a corresponding increase in the number of utensils.
Essential Tools
As for tools, the motor camper will include the usual number of spare
parts and repair and adjustment implements for his car. If his trip is
to be at all extensive, or even more than for the week-end, he should
not fail to include such items as a good towing line and other
equipment to extricate himself if need be from mud holes and other
difficulties. In addition the motor camper should have along with him
at least a camp ax, a shovel, and a hunting knife. A standard camp ax,
“Quarter Ax” size, may be bought for $1.25. This has a nineteen-inch
handle. If a larger one, half, three-quarter, or full size is desired,
the cost will be a little more. If the camper intends to cut browse for
his bed he had best supply himself with a machete. This will cost him
in the neighborhood of three dollars for one with a full-size blade of
about twenty-two inches.
Necessary Lights
The car will have its own lights and perhaps a spotlight that within
some range will be adjustable. Also the motor camper may be provided
with insulated wire, lamp sockets and lamps with which to light his
tent and the vicinity of his car. But in addition it will be convenient
for him to have a lantern or two. If he lives in the country he may
already be provided with lanterns that he may take along. Otherwise he
will have use for one of the many camp lanterns that are on the market
at small cost.
The temptation for the tenderfoot camper will be to load up with
equipment which will burden him and for which he will have small use.
These extras he will learn to discard. And yet there are some things
that he will find mighty useful and convenient which at first he hardly
thought of at all. Such articles as waterproof water bags, folding
basins, folding bucket and the like may be included in the above.
Water Bags
In the so-called “Egyptian Sanitary Self-cooling Water Bag” water is
kept cool by the principle of refrigeration by evaporation. A small
amount of water exuded by the bag evaporates slowly and keeps the
contents cool. Colder water can be obtained by exposing the bag to the
air on all sides, as when hung up.
Waterproof folding basins come in weight of seven ounces to fold in
one-half inch thickness. One such basin costing sixty-five cents is
made of brown waterproof duck; capacity, 1 gallon; diameter, 12 inches;
height, 3 inches.
It is bound with linen braid and has a wire rim. A canvas folding
bucket which costs ninety-five cents is made of the same material in
the same way and with a stout rope handle, with a capacity of three
gallons. The diameter of this is 9 inches; the height 12 inches, and
the weight 8 ounces.
Filters
An excellent thing to take along for safety’s sake as a protection from
contaminated water is the Army Filter Pump known the world over. This
weighs three pounds and has a capacity of a quart a minute. The filter
consists of a brass case nickel plated, containing and protecting a
cylinder made of infusorial earth. This must be put in water and, by a
pump attached at the side, water is forced through the filtering
cylinder out through a goose neck tube at the top. The filtering
cylinder should occasionally be removed and washed off with a cloth or
soft brush.
Water Supply Generally Available
Everywhere, save in the eastern states and unpopulated parts of the
west, the motor camper will find municipal camp sites in nearly all the
towns and cities or in their close vicinity. These for the most part
are supplied with public water of good quality. In most of them the
motorist will also find electricity for light, and in many places gas
for cooking. In others he will find fireplaces and fuel for his use. If
the motor camper plans to use these public facilities, so numerously
supplied, he will not have to depend upon his own resources for the
same and so may correspondingly limit his camping equipment.
A Canvas Bungalow Carried on Running Board
There is a camping outfit for motor campers that differs from all
others in being a substantial canvas bungalow which is set up by itself
like a house. It affords larger quarters than any trailer, but packs up
so compactly and is so light that it may be carried upon the running
board. This is the Rietschel Camping Outfit. The structure can be
erected in a few minutes and stands on its own feet like a house. The
cost is listed at $98.50 and the weight is only 150 pounds. It has one
full-sized bed and two benches that will accommodate six people. The
two benches can also be used for children to sleep on. In addition
there is a 36-inch table, 55 inches long. The floor space is 6 feet 8
inches by 9 feet. There is no stooping to get in and head room
everywhere. Windows on four sides give plenty of ventilation. It is
water tight and wind-proof. This entire outfit packs in a box that
forms the table and fits on the running board of any car.
Refrigeration
Nothing has been said hitherto on the matter of refrigeration. Where
the motor camper wishes to take fresh milk, or meat, or such articles
as butter or berries, along with him it will be essential to have some
means of keeping these in good condition, and about the only thing that
will meet such a situation is some kind of a refrigerator.
Some motor campers take along one of the small nursery ice-boxes that
most people have who possess babies. These little ice-boxes will not
hold much, but where small infants are members of the party they are
quite essential, especially where the infants are bottle-fed.
Others take along their fireless cookers, and put a piece of ice inside
in place of the hot iron. Fireless cookers make very good refrigerators
when so used.
Probably the most convenient arrangement for the motor camper is the
refrigerator basket.
A refrigerator basket, called the Hawkeye, is made in several designs
and sizes and ranges in price from $6.50 to $24.00. The most expensive
one is a strong, light-weight rattan basket with nickel-plated zinc
lining, a layer of asbestos and a layer of felt. There is a small
removable ice compartment. In size this basket is twenty-five by
fourteen inches and ten inches deep. It weighs nine pounds. The
cheapest style is twenty-one by ten inches in size and twelve inches in
depth. It is not only smaller but less expensively made.
A Home-made Ice Box
One motor camper had an ingenious arrangement for keeping the baby’s
milk cool. He made two wooden boxes, one six by six inches in size, and
the other six inches by nine in size. They were both eight inches deep.
These were inside measurements. The lids had an extra block of the same
thickness as the box (13 by 16 inches) which fitted down inside the
box. These boxes were provided with a galvanized-iron lining seven
inches deep and fitting snugly inside the boxes. He would ice the boxes
to pre-cool them. Then the bottles, filled with the prepared milk,
carefully stoppered and wrapped in paper to prevent breakage, were
packed in the boxes in chipped ice. These would keep the milk ice cold
in ordinary weather for two days with the initial icing. Sterilized
nipples were carried in an extra empty bottle.
To heat the baby’s milk water was drawn from the radiator of the car
into a pound-size baking-powder can, and the bottle containing the milk
was placed in this bottle until sufficiently heated, after which the
water was returned to the radiator.
Probably the most satisfactory method of carrying “grub” is to put your
dry foodstuffs, such as flour, corn meal, sugar, cereals, dried fruit,
etc., into paraffined muslin bags which measure about eight inches
across and which sit one on top of the other, in a waterproof canvas
bag with a double throat for double protection from dust and insects.
The little bags should be plainly labeled on their sides for such
articles as coffee, tea, cooking fat, and the like. Use friction-top
tins, which are made broad and flat to fit a cylindrical bag, for
greasy foods, such as ham and bacon.
Wooden salt and pepper shakers are the best, because salt will not
suffer hydration in a wooden shaker, but the grains will keep dry and
separate.
Cautionary Suggestions
It should hardly be necessary to remind the motor tourist that such
adages as “Safety First,” “It’s Better To Be Safe Than Sorry,” and a
“Stitch in Time ...” supply a wise basis of conduct for the motor
tourist.
We sometimes hear a tourist boasting the speed at which he “hits it
up,” “giving the other fellow the dust,” etc.; or telling how he made
his forty per right along, and with a trailer, too. All such talk is
supremely silly.
Watching for crossings, breaks in the road, and other wise precautions
involve going at a moderate pace. The “Speed Fiend” is a peril to
himself and a danger to every one who crosses his path.
One objection to speed is the effect on the tires. The thoughtful
tourist will seek to lessen tire heat as much as possible on long
tours. Run the wheels through water wherever convenient. Keep to the
shady side of the street wherever possible. If there is a dirt
side-road run on the dirt slowly and so cool the tires of your machine.
Keep the tires well inflated, the radiator full, and the fan belt
sufficiently taut. On hot days coast down the slopes with your engine
shut off. If the engine heats, wedge open the hood at the back so as to
get better ventilation.
In the hilly regions of the Northeast, and among the mountains of the
West, it is all-important to have both brakes in prime condition. On
some of the Western roads the much advocated use of the engine as a
break is almost positively essential. However, elsewhere most hills may
be negotiated with the brakes alone, thus avoiding strain on the
driving mechanism. Approach a descent slowly, so as to avoid heating up
the breaks by a sudden checking of speed. Alternate in the application
of the brakes and thus avoid heating. Do not lock the hand brake, but
hold it in your hand tensing and relaxing as required.
Watch your spark lever. The driver who leaves the spark lever fully
advanced, irrespective of grades, road conditions and speeds, imposes
unnecessary strain on the engine, and does not get the efficiency he
should in car performance. It pays to regulate the spark to suit the
load and speed of the engine so that ignition does not take place
either too early or too late for smooth running and a steady flow of
power.
In rainy or misty weather the wind-shield becomes obscured. There are a
number of more or less successful devices for cleaning off the
accumulated moisture. It is claimed by those who ought to know that a
sliced onion rubbed over the surface of the glass will prevent the
gathering of moisture upon it. Others are equally confident that a
moistened plug of ordinary chewing tobacco is an efficient wind-shield
cleaner if rubbed over the surface of the glass. There are soaps and
other substances that are sold for the purpose of cleaning the
wind-shield, and like the above-mentioned articles are more or less
effective. The squeegee mechanical cleaners that work back and forth
are probably the most efficient cleaners. A mechanical cleaner is the
only kind efficient with snow. At any rate, keep your wind-shield clear
and you will drive more safely.
Always stop for street cars or omnibuses, unloading or loading. In most
cities this is required by local ordinances, and in some states the
traffic laws impose the same requirement.
Motorists should spread the gospel of good roads to all men, and great
will be their reward in tire-saving.
Women drivers of vehicles should be given special consideration, and,
some say, watching.
A small amount of shellac will stop small leaks in radiators.
Any kind of grease (butter, lard, etc.) is good to soften road tar
adhering to fender, bumpers, etc., for easy removal.
To heat a tent on a cold night, fill a bucket with stones piping hot
from the camp fire. Invert and cover with bucket. Good as a stove.
CHAPTER VII
HOW TO CHOOSE A CAMP
Securing Permission—Church Grounds and School-yard Camp
Sites—Municipal Camp Sites—Autumn and Winter Camping—Water
Supply—Wells and Springs Doubtful—Selecting a Camping Site—Disposal
of Refuse—Latrines—National and State Forest Camps, General
Regulations—State of New York Regulations—New York State Parks and
Forest Preserves—Adirondack and Catskill State Parks.
Securing Permission
It will be obvious that the camper should not camp or even park his car
on or in front of private property without asking permission of the
owner or occupant of such property. Of course, where the motor camper
is in a wild and uninhabited region it may not be practicable to seek
permission, and in such a case he may take a chance on trespassing. But
as a rule this cannot be advised as either right or wise.
So many motor campers in the past have abused the hospitality of
farmers by carelessly and even wantonly breaking down shrubbery,
leaving rubbish, injuring trees and otherwise comporting themselves as
nuisances that in some sections the farmers are hostile to the motor
camper and so the decent, law-abiding man has to suffer for the sins of
the vandal.
Notwithstanding the abuse of hospitality on the part of some motor
campers, the good citizen and gentleman will not find it difficult to
deal with the average farmer, who will be as quick to appreciate fair
and courteous treatment as he is ready to resent the misconduct of
those who abuse his hospitality.
In some communities where there are no public facilities for motor
campers schoolhouse yards are available or church grounds and sheds.
Naturally the schoolhouse sites will be available only during vacation
time, or outside of school hours.
The motor camper who is content to follow the beaten ways and the main
highways need, as a rule, not go far to find a municipal camping park.
The tabular list of these parks, given elsewhere, will indicate in the
main the privileges and facilities offered by each of these parks. In
the great majority of cases, even where no fee may be charged, the
motor camper is required to register and secure permission to camp.
Most of the municipal motor-camping parks have facilities for cooking.
Where there are no fireplaces other provision is likely to be made. Gas
ranges with quarter meters are found provided at many camping parks.
Sometimes wood stoves are at the service of the motor camper, and free
fuel.
The question of water supply is very important. The municipal camping
parks usually provide city water which is almost sure to be safe. The
water from the wayside well with the old oaken bucket may seem safe,
and may be cool and sparkling. But farmers are entirely too careless
about the location of the house or barn well with reference to the
barnyard and the manure pile for such sources of water supply to be
used without careful examination. Furthermore, the farmhouse itself may
be a source of peril to health because the family well may receive the
drainage of a leaky or overflowing cesspool. Or there may be no toilet
within doors and the outdoor privy may stand on higher ground than the
well with dangerous results.
Boil the Water
The wayside spring is by no means a safe source of water supply, as it
often receives drainage from barnyards or from fields upon which manure
has been spread. The same may be said of the small streams which abound
in some sections of the country. The larger streams also are open to
the suspicion of impurity. What then is the camper to do in case he
wishes to camp elsewhere than in a public motor camping park? There is
only one safe thing to do when you must use water that has not been
tested and certified, and that is, boil all the water you drink. Of
course, boiled water is not very tasty. It is apt to be flat and dead
to the taste, but better drink flat and dead water than take poison
which you will surely imbibe if you drink much of the water referred to
above. One sure way to get good water is to drink only boiled drinks,
or drinks, such as tea and coffee, made with water that has been
boiled. In fall, spring and winter boiled water, when cooled, really is
not bad. Neither is it so in summer after it has been hung up to cool
in a canvas bag or filter. This last has considerable value in
purifying water, but it is not certain, as some bacterial impurities
are so small that they will pass with the water through the ordinary
filter.
Aside from the matter of contamination, water sometimes is unsuitable
for drinking because of its being mineralized. In the western section
of this country, particularly the Rocky Mountain and arid sections,
there may be so much alkali in the water as to make it useless for
drinking. Also, in some of the middle states the water from certain
wells will contain enough sulphur to make it taste unpleasant to the
stranger, and even when there is not enough sulphur to taste there may
be enough to act rather severely upon the bowels of many people. This
will often be so, even when the natives do not seem to mind the water
or to get from its use any undesirable results. The alkaline water may
be neutralized by the addition of a small amount of hydrochloric acid,
but don’t put in enough to make the water taste sour. The addition of
lime water to the water impregnated with sulphur would tend to
eliminate the difficulty. That, however, is inconvenient, and about the
only thing to do is either to find water that is free from sulphur or
else motor away from the region where the water is bad.
Where to Camp
If the desire is to camp elsewhere than in a municipal motor camping
park certain conditions must be considered in making the selection of a
camp site. Considering that the motor camper will tent and have a
regular camp fire, wood and water are prime essentials. Seek high,
well-drained land. Avoid stony or rocky ground or shallow soil. Do not
camp in a pine or hemlock grove, at least in summer, as fire is liable
to creep and spread in the fallen pine needles and hemlock leaves. If
possible camp near hemlocks, firs, spruce or other evergreens, as these
have great value for the camper. The air from evergreen trees has an
aromatic quality which is both grateful and healthful.
Should the camp be on a hillside dig a shallow trench above the tent
and on both sides to carry off the water when it rains. Camp if
possible where fallen or dead timber is near to serve as fuel, and
where there is no brush or weeds that will be hard to clear away. White
birches are very useful to the camper because the bark when peeled off
the dead trunks makes splendid kindling. For tent pins use steel pegs,
the longer the better. If steel pins are not used, cut maple or birch
pins an inch in diameter and at least eighteen inches long. Cut these
pins off across a log with two short blows of the ax, cutting at an
angle.
Disposing of Refuse
In disposing of refuse, dig a good-sized hole into which it may be
thrown. Before leaving fill up the hole completely with earth.
Meanwhile, each time refuse is thrown into this hole, throw upon it
several shovelfuls of earth so as to prevent flies, insects, and odors
from developing. Never cast refuse into ponds, lakes or streams. It is
unsightly and dangerous to health. Clean up at once after each meal. If
you have no hot water scrub your plates and kitchen utensils in a brook
or lake, using a handful of sand, moss or sod for a dish rag.
The location of the latrine is a matter of great importance both from
the standpoint of health and convenience. The motor camping parks
established by municipalities as a rule provide toilet facilities.
Where the camper does not have these facilities some provision must be
made. In many instances a small tent is carried along which provides
shelter for a chemical closet. This tent is pitched back of the car and
the living tent, if there be one, in as convenient and sheltered a
place as can be secured. Still further away, a deep trench or hole
should be dug into which the contents of the chemical closet may be
thrown from time to time. There should be a quantity of earth at hand
which may be shoveled into the hole as often as the contents of the
chemical closet are emptied into it.
If the campers have no toilet tent and no chemical closet, the best
that can be done will be to locate the latrine in as well-screened and
out-of-the-way spot as possible, digging a deep trench which may be
used as a toilet and into which, whenever the trench is used for toilet
purposes, earth may be shoveled. It would be a help in avoiding odors
and securing proper disinfection to have a can of chloride of lime,
some of which should be thrown into the trench each time before casting
in the earth.
Permission to Camp in Forests
In the vast national forests of this country “Camping is free,” to
quote from one of the bulletins of the U. S. Forest Service, “and
generally requires no permit. You may choose your own camp ground and
help yourself to dead wood.... You may fish or you may hunt with gun or
camera. On most of the forests there are no restrictions other than
those imposed by the game laws of the states in which the forests are
situated. You can find out what these are from forest officers or state
game wardens.” (In another chapter of this book the readers will find a
tabulated compilation of these game laws.)
To camp in a state forest a permit is usually required, which may be
secured as a rule from the local forester. The camper in a state forest
is subject to a number of regulations, none of which are unreasonable
or onerous. The State of New York, which has more than two million
acres in its numerous forest reservations, has perhaps the most
comprehensive set of regulations which are typical, and for this reason
they are given below:
“General Regulations
“The following rules and regulations are of general application to
the state land administered by the Conservation Commission, and are
to govern all those who make use of this land. Regulations of
special or local application may be adopted from time to time:
“1. No fires except for cooking, warmth or smudge purposes are
permitted. No fire shall be lighted until all inflammable material
is removed to prevent its spread.
“2. Lighted matches, cigars, cigarettes or burning tobacco must not
be deposited or left where they may cause fires.
“3. No official sign posted, or structure maintained under permit,
shall be defaced.
“4. Peeling bark or injuring trees is prohibited.
“5. Dead or down wood may be used for fuel by temporary campers.
“6. Camps and adjacent grounds must be maintained in a clean and
sanitary condition. Garbage and refuse must be either buried,
removed or burned. Waste materials must not be thrown into the
waters, or waters polluted.
“7. Each camper on Lake George islands, St. Lawrence Reservation or
other much frequented place, must provide a plentiful supply of
chloride of lime and dirt, for disinfecting and covering any
latrine used by him. All latrines must be cleaned and the contents
burned or buried at frequent intervals, in such manner as to
prevent offensive odors, and above all to avoid pollution of the
water supply.
“8. Canvas tents without platforms for use during short periods may
be placed without a permit, but not in a trail or within 150 feet
of any spring used for water supply.
“9. No tents (except those under rule 8) or wooden structures shall
be erected or maintained in the Forest Preserve, except under
written permission from the Conservation Commission (located at
Albany, N. Y.). Tar paper shall not be used, except for roofs of
open camps erected under permit. The structures for which permits
may be granted are as follows. Those erected under (a), (b) or (c)
become the property of the state.
“(a) Open camps for use of travelers, not to be occupied by the
same person or persons more than three nights in succession or more
than ten nights in any one year.
“(b) Open camps for use of campers, hunters or fishermen, may be
occupied for reasonable periods.
“(c) Permanent tent platforms for summer camping purposes. Permit
granted to use while occupied in good faith. Platform to be left
for future use. When not in use permits may be given others to use.
“(d) Temporary tent platforms for summer camping. The platform to
be erected and removed simultaneously with the tent.
“(e) Portable canvas houses for summer camping.
“10. No one may claim any particular site from year to year or the
exclusive use of the same.
“11. The use of the Forest Preserve or the improvements thereon for
private revenue or commercial purposes is prohibited.
“12. Any unoccupied tent or structure may be removed by the
Commission.
“13. At St. Lawrence Reservation, where fireplaces are provided,
fires must not be kindled elsewhere, nor shall tents on these parks
be pitched less than two hundred feet from any public fireplace or
boat landing.
“14. No boat is entitled to the exclusive use of any dock built by
the state. There must be free access for boats at all times.
“15. Dancing in any building erected by the state is prohibited.
“16. All campers will be held responsible for compliance with these
rules, and any person responsible for injury of state property will
be held liable for damages and penalties.”