Hi Patricia,

I have a coleman outlet not far from my office. They have a lot of
handy items. Here's my recommendation:

#1. Propane distribution tree. This allows you to abandon the throw-
away propane bottles and use a refillable 25lb (or other size) tank
instead. MUCH cheaper in the long run. This gives you three outlets
from one tank.

#2. Propane connection hoses. VERY necessary to use the above item.

#3. Coleman Oven. Getting up in the morning to the smell of fresh
(pillsbury) pastry and coffee on vacation makes you glad to be alive.
The oven folds down into a very small package and has  variety of
uses: pizza, tuna melts, cakes and pies, etc.

#4 Propane lantern. Throws out nice bright light for 20 yards in
every direction. Fits perfectly on top of item #1, or it can be
portable if you put it on a disposable propane cylinder.

#5 A nice big cooler. The westy fridge is cute, but if there are two
hungry (or thirsty) people in the westy then you're going to need a
cooler to inventory your foodstuffs. Choose whatever model strikes
your fancy, there are lots to choose from and they're all good. I
drool at the stainless model regularly but I can't justify the
purchase because my existing coolers are still in good shape.

WARNING:
The Coleman product I have come to DESPISE this summer is the
compressor they sell to inflate air mattresses. For some reason the
people who purchase this item NEVER think to use it until after 10PM
at night, even though they have had their tents up since noon. Every
campground I have been to this year has heard the noxious wail of
this offensive gadget as soon as it gets dark out.

Happy Trails,

Greg Potts
1973/74/75/77/79 Westfakia "Bob the Tomato"
www.pottsfamily.ca/westfakia
www.busesofthecorn.com

On 4-Oct-06, at 3:48 PM, PDL wrote:

> A Coleman camping supply outlet store just opened near us.  Verrrry
> interesting.
>
>   What (besides sleeping/cooking basics, tools, & extreme AAA
> coverage) do you bring along on camping trips that you find extra
> helpful for life in a Westy?  I have checked the archives but would
> appreciate an updated take on this.
>   Thanks,
>   Patricia