The Truck Consol
between stopovers. For health reasons I restrict the amount of driving time or distance per day, so as not to wear me down. You can also search the Internet for a trip planner to suit your needs. T e GPS also gives me a very accurate digital readout of my speed, time and distance to destination and fuel consumption. I compared the GPS speed readout with numerous
radar speed readouts you see on the side of the highway and the GPS was bang on every time. T is told me that my truck’s speedometer was slow by 6 kph.
Satellite Radio (2) Outside populated areas and
in mountains, radio reception is slim to none. A satellite radio gives uninterrupted companionship on those long hauls. You can listen to your favourite music, talk radio and even audio books. I bought a second base station for the trailer and simply move the radio from the truck to the trailer when we are camped.
Backup Camera aka “THE MARRIAGE SAVER” (3) & (4)
Ok guys, this is the time to pay
attention. A back- up camera will make your partner very happy. If you can answer “NEVER” to the following question, read no further. You are a saint. “Have you ever fl own off the handle at your signifi cant other while they are directing you back to the trailer hitch ball?” Aſt er a little practice, you can back up to the ball and nail it by yourself every time. T is was my primary reason for installing a camera. I soon realized that I could back my large truck with canopy blind spots into and out of a parking spot safely. People walking don’t realize they are in your blind spot. T e next thing I did was purchase a second camera for the back of the trailer (5). T is one doesn’t work as well as it should because of the
distance from the truck. It is still a work in progress. Please note a backup camera is not a substitute for your eyes or for a spotter. Always shoulder check the entire area before moving.
I built a consol to go between the
two bucket seats in our cab (2). If your truck has a factory-installed consol, you’re ahead of the game. Don’t waste this valuable space. You will want to keep items of convenience close at hand. T is area is not an attic to get rid of the junk you don’t need. Here is what is in my console (7). Binoculars and camera for wildlife spotted. It’s a place to recharge electronics. Work gloves, change for parking, paper and pen, a small container of water for our dog, and my topographic maps when I’m in the bush. Granola bars, matches and candles are especially important during winter travel. If you ever get stuck for a long period of time, they could be a lifesaver. Your list will vary depending on
your needs but do give it some thought before setting out on a trip. T e top folds forward onto the gearshiſt making a writing desk, and a sheepskin cover (8) folds down over the top to make a cozy seat for our security manager/ Chihuahua cross, Miss Lily (9).
Electrical Power 12volt &110volt
You will need a good cigarette lighter
splitter, so you can add multiple 12- volt sockets as I had to. T is techno geek needs electrical power for all his gadgets. I have 2 large 12 volt batteries under the hood providing the power for 7-12 volt plugs and 1-110volt plug (10). T ese are required to run the following equipment when needed; 2 camera battery chargers, a rechargeable fl ashlight, a portable GPS, an mp3 player, a satellite radio receiver, 2 backup cameras, 1-110 volt inverter that is used to charge an iPad and a laptop. I do not run all of these devices at one time. I used to spend long periods of time in the bush perusing my wild life photography and the power was the lifeblood for my cameras.
CB Radio T e simple Citizen’s Band two-way
radio system has rediscovered some of its 1970s pre-cellphone glory. T e Kings of the Road Truckers are effi cient
RVT 148 • JULY/AUGUST 2012 25
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