Ch. 6: Value Added Accessories for the SquareDrop Camper

We are almost finished with the camper project. In prior blogs we talked about trailer selection, the installation of the major components, adding the kitchen and cabin features, plus putting electricity to our cargo trailer turned back country traveler.   In this chapter I want to talk about the accessory items that really make a good finish to the overall package.  Similar to the earlier blogs, a link is provided if you wish to view the item description, specifications, compare price, and purchase.

Tongue Lock by Megahitch: We might as well start at the front of the camper and talk about theft deterrence.  I did some research on this and discovered that most hitch locks are easily defeated.  One of the more common hitch locks in our boat storage lot is the yellow ball that fits into the hitch with a chrome bracket over the top holding it in place.  Several YouTube videos show persons defeating this rugged looking device with a thin piece of aluminum from a soda can; quicker than you could get it off with the key.  The Megahitch is one tough looking piece of steel and has a high rating from the persons using the device.  Mine has not been tried, but after using it for several months, I am a firm believer in it's strength.  Two heavy halves come together over the tongue and are locked in place by a recessed-key lock.  Looks alone will keep the thief moving on down the line.  You do not want to drop this on your toe. 


Trailer Jack by Ultimate:  This is the coolest of tongue jacks ever invented.  I am jealous, because it is so simple and works so well.  The problem with tongue jacks is they cannot be retracted to a safe height that prevents them from coming in contact with the pavement on humps and dips.  Once run aground your jack is severely bent.  With Ultimate Jack, after you have taken the weight off (as in your trailer is attached to the towing unit and sitting on the receiver ball) a pin is pulled on an outside sleeve and the jack retreats higher off the ground to completely eliminate it from striking the ground.  This also saves in cranking.  It is one of those things that is hard to describe, but once you see it in action you will really appreciate the functionality of the device.  The link will take you to the store where we purchased ours; Tractor Supply.  I am sure it is sold in other stores across the country. 


Pipe Rack - Rola Universal 2 Bar Van Rack:  Yes, this is a van pipe rack and therefor the brackets that attached to the trailer needed to have a flange removed with a hack saw, but this is a very strong addition to the top of the camper.  I bet you can hoist the whole camper off the ground when hooking up to this pipe rack.  We pushed a very long carriage bolt through the center of the bracket in order to use on the inside cabin to hold a string of parachute cord for the curtains to ride on.  Remember that the pipe rack needs to be in place before the paneling in order to attach the nuts on the inside and you also need to put one of the bolts from each bracket through a stud (frame support) if you can.


Telescoping Aluminum Ladder 12.5 feet:  I know what you are asking, why a 12 foot ladder for a SquareDrop Camper.  My wife asked that question, also.  It is not good to have items rest on the roof of the camper or on the roof of a car, for that matter.  It ends up eating a hole in the paint and latter the roof.  The telescoping ladder is used to bridge from one pipe rack to the other and allow the quick up canopies and dry bag to ride safely off the roof.  This ladder is light weight and inexpensive.  Very handy, because you can telescope it to the required size.


Receiver Aluminum Cargo Carrier by Maxxhaul:  We did place a 2" receiver hitch on the back of the camper to allow for the cargo carrier.  This hitch is not terribly strong and can only support the cooler and/or a dry bag.  We sometimes carry bikes on the back of the camper, as I put two of those front fork holders on the top of the door, and let the back wheel ride on the carrier.  This carrier is ideal, because it is very light weight and strong.  The center piece is steel.

Rainproof Bag by Highland:  The inside of the cabin can haul a lot of stuff considering you have a queen sized bed in there, but most of what you need to haul is not suited for laying on your bed.  Here is where the dry bag comes in handy.  It holds the toilet, ground mats, chairs, and quick up covers.  And does so nicely.


Cleanwaste Go Anywhere Toilet and 12 Pack Toilet Kit:  Since I mentioned toilet, let's just go with it.  Most folks do not want to talk about this, but like astronauts at the space station, everyone is wondering where you go and what do you do with the do.  The Cleanwaste Go Anywhere is another fantastic purchase.  The toilet is very sturdy and folds to an easy storage-able size.  There are two links here, one for the toilet and the other for the kits.  You lift the seat and place the bag around the rim.  Lower the seat and close the lid.  A dry pack of chemical is already in the bag.  Once the bag is used, the seat is lifted and the "dirty" bag is placed in another "sealing" bag.  The sealing bag is placed into the trash.  The trash you say?  Yes.  Ask yourself how much diaper material is in our landfill.  Tons and tons.      So,.......what harm is my small bag?  It is more biodegradable than most of the things in our landfill.

Sportneer 6.25 Portable Pop Up:  If I get the toilet then where do I use it?  In the privacy tint by Sportneer.  This thing folds up like the sun shades to your car or truck.  Collapses to a very flat 2 foot circle and easily stores under the mattress.  This area also comes in handy for changing clothes and an outdoor bath.  Good product.


Anderson Camper Leveler (drive on):  It would be great if the Earth really was flat, but you never, ever get that lucky at the campsite.  Here is where the Anderson Camper Leveler comes in handy.  An easy to use drive-on leveler.


Telescoping Trailer Stabilizer Jacks:  Just installed these and have not had an opportunity to use.  My hope is they will take some of the camper sway out from me turning over and give us a more stable foundation.  I was also hoping to get a couple of inches for leveling, but not real confident they will provide that much leverage.

Travel Water Heater by Westcoastpapa (tea and coffee): Actually a mistake purchase, as I was wanting a cup heater.  This is a monster heater.  You need the 32 oz. Stainless Steel Yeti cup to use this beast.  With 1,350 watts it will boil water in the quart container in about 2 minutes.  Do not walk away from this while in use as you might burn the whole KOA to the ground.  I love this thing for heating up water to go with my tea and oatmeal.  It is 110 Volt, so only used with shore power.


HeroBeam:  This is a light weight LED lantern powered by three "AA" batteries with a powerful single beam option.  Very handy to have at the campsite, in the tow vehicle, or night stand.


That raps up most of the things that makes up the SquareDrop Camper.  Is the project ever over?  Probably not.  We are considering electric brakes since the Jeep has such a short wheelbase.  Jackknifing is a concern if there is a need to emergency brake, or we miss judge our speed in a slippery curve.  If we go with that addition, I will add anther chapter to the Build Blog.

Our use of the camper, both pluses and minuses, will be chronicled on the website at www.squaredropcamper.com.  Hope to see you there.

As always, if you have further questions contact me at squaredropcamper.com and we will see you on the trail.

Travel safe,
Bill