Virgin - water, security and RVs ????

[fandingo]

2007 will be my first burn. I’ve scoured the web for all things Burning Man. I have my packing list completed and many things bought. However, I have a few questions that I don’t see answered anywhere. Any help, opinions and/or advice will be appreciated. OK here goes…

- What’s the best way to cart water around with you? Camelbaks? (If so, which ones are best? The big ones that double as backpacks as well or the smaller ones?) Canteens? Insulated bottles carried in your backpack?
- What is the best kind of backpack for the playa?
- How do you secure your bicycle when using the porta potties?
- How do you secure your coat, backpack, etc at night while you are dancing (or whatever)?

The only way I could get a friend to come with me was to rent an RV.
- Can anyone tell me what type of generator usage, (to run refrigerator, air conditioner, hot water heater, etc) I can expect from the 18 gal propane tank? Should it last all week or should I bring another LP tank to be safe? I doubt I’ll be in the RV much, but I’d like to know.

Thanks in advance from Dallas!

[phil]

> cart water
> double as backpacks
> best backpacks

For most of your question, the answer will be up to you. I used to carry a 2-quart canteen around, fearing a camelbak would be too hot. Then my wife switched to a back-pack/camelbak combo and found it wasn't any hotter, but that it was too heavy with both water and stuff in the pack - a real pain to hoist up, carry, and put down. We now both use camelbaks for water only. I carry stuff in a photographer's vest, and she puts stuff in her bike basket.

Try what you think will work for you; have an idea for something for a backup if it doesn't work. You'll do better next year, even better the year after. Don't worry.

> secure your bike
> secure your coat, backpack, etc

We watch each other's bike when we use the portapotties or lock our bikes together. Many portapotties are near a street sign you can lock your bike to. You'll see dozens of bikes just laying in the dirt unlocked. Same with your stuff. We watch out for each other when possible. Stuff gets taken in confusion, in theft, but it's also left there waiting for you. There's just no way to know what'll be taken. Plan for it, then be happy when it doesn't happen. We've been lucky enough to have had nothing taken, but we know many who have not been so lucky.

On RVs, I have no knowledge. Drive safe from Texas, y'hear?

[ibdave]

2007 will be my first burn.
The only way I could get a friend to come with me was to rent an RV.
- Can anyone tell me what type of generator usage, (to run refrigerator, air conditioner, hot water heater, etc) I can expect from the 18 gal propane tank? Should it last all week or should I bring another LP tank to be safe? I doubt I’ll be in the RV much, but I’d like to know.
Thanks in advance from Dallas!

I have taken my RV for 9 years now for 10 days at a time. Here's what works for ME....
The propane will run your refrigerator just fine, don't try to keep it super cool I find that I turn mine to a warmer setting after the sun goes down and then back to cooler for the day. Be smart when you restock it for the day and do it when the beer/soda/water are at it's coolest(morning). The water heater will use some, but be smart about it also. Plan ahead and buy a solar water heater for you showers. Your RV has very limited holding tanks and can fill up very fast depending on how long your at the Playa. So be smart and try to use the PortOjohns as much as you can. Your grey water tank will fill up if you take to many showers. Bring baby wipes and keep some in the reefer for a quick freshen up. Don't throw the wipes in the portOjohns....
Bring a good ice chest and keep it in the shade and use it for your drinks ect.. Try to keep it a few inchs off the ground and it will stay cold. You can buy ice in 3 locations this year. That will be super nice.

If for some reason you fill your tanks up, you can have them pumped out for a charge of $50-75 depending on how nice you are you the men with the pump truck and the size of your RV..BUT YOU MIGHT NOT FIND THEM WHEN YOU NEED THEM... BE SMART....
Don't use your awning. some do I don't cuz the wind can and dose pop up so fast that awing get torn right off the RV..

I always hide a key outside and leave the main set in a drawer inside. Check to see if you have a main battery shut down so your starter battery will stay fresh.. Take a video of the RV before you sign the contract and be very detail with it. Take any photos you think you need to protect yourself when you return the rig. The guys renting the rig may be nice when you leave, but may be a ASSHOLE when you return. It might be cheaper and less hassle for you to pay them to clean the rig for you.. Some people do some don't..MAKE SURE EVERYTHING WORKS.. Don't take their word for it. Check the tires and make them show you the right tire pressure. confirm a week or so before you plan to show up and don't be in a rush..

Be smart while driving the narrow roads and make sure to tell the greeters that it's your 1st time to Burning Man and that you wants the Special greeting..

This is what has worked for me, have fun....

[gyre]

I just carry a water bottle.
Make sure you have dust goggles that work.
That sounds like a very small tank of propane to me.
Sixty or larger is more common.
Does the generator use propane?
Trailer Life has some good books on rv use and maintenance.

I use a python cable lock for coats and can run it through both wheels on the bike.
Unless you have a high end bike, locking both wheels should be enough.
Most thefts are for use, but some happen for resale.

If you are going to use the generator, find out how loud it is and park accordingly.

[RINGMASTER]

i used a camelbak last year and it worked great. it was bought at costco for $20 and it was a limited combo back pack (which is ideal - its nice to be able to carry minimal things like sunscreen, chapstick, goggles, etc

if youve got a stash of ice back at camp.. load up the camelbak and fill it with water. it may not last all day, but if youre drinking enough water, itll last as long as you need it to.

also, whenever you take a drink from it, when you are done, blow it back into the main pouch. otherwise you get the water that remains in the hose to heat up very quickly and that first drink isn't very pleasant!

occasionally you get tired of it being on your back, but its much better than carrying around a bottle in your hand.

[nogganoodle]

also, whenever you take a drink from it, when you are done, blow it back into the main pouch. otherwise you get the water that remains in the hose to heat up very quickly and that first drink isn't very pleasant!

I never thought of doing that. No wonder my first drink always used to taste so crappy.

[robotland]

I really have no love for Camelbaks...wrestling with hoses and straps just to get a drink of water, plus the unappealing Raver Factor of seeing people wandering around with the spigot stuck in their E-hole is enough to make me hug my good 'ol canteen.
Usually if I'm on an extended mission (which can happen unexpectedly, granted.) I'll pack a couple of canteens or Lexan bottles with water and ice into the sack on the bike rack...A cargo rack is CRUCIAL, since it can also be used for hauling ice from Center Camp. (Remember to bring a couple of longish bungee cords for securing the bags.)
As earlier mentioned, bike theft is often more about "borrowing" than "stealing"- If you don't want to mess with a lock every time you hop off for thirty seconds, and your bike has a quick-release lever on the seat, simply pop it off and take it with you. (A loop of rope enables you to sling it while in the JOTS or coffee line.)
Unless you're the first ones camping in your specific location, be sure to check with your neighbors about imposing your RV...Some will be VERY intolerant of generators and you blocking their view, while others may welcome your rig as a windbreak. Regardless, getting to know the neighbors is good for you securitywise AND karmawise.

[fandingo]

Wow!

Thank y'all from the bottom of my heart for the quick informative replies. I'm sort of the anal type who has to plan very carefully. My philosophy is - plan, plan, plan then let go and enjoy with no worries!

Can't wait for the event. But, this preparation process is also delicious, like waiting for Christmas when I was a kid.

[ibdave]

Wow!
But, this preparation process is also delicious, like waiting for Christmas when I was a kid.

You know what? After 9 years, it still feels the same......

[gyre]

A good headlamp is handy.
Brinkmann has a 3 watt at target for $30.
Nitehawk has a true digital one with a dimmer.
Foxfury has an interesting one that wraps around.
Sten makes a 6 watt.

[Lassen Forge]

And don't take yer expensive bike to BRC. Take a $50 Wal-Rot or K-Fart or Crap-R-Us cheapy that if it gets stolen it's not the end of the world. Remember it WILL get fucked up out there anyway, so why ruin your $1000 Gary Fisher when you can ruin your $10 Goodwill Hunting.

Don't forget lights. I spend more on lights than on the bike. No shit. THEN I add el-wire. DON'T be a DARKWAD!!!

Lock it up as it won't vanish immediately (unless it's a $1000 Gary Fisher you were dumb enough to bring - see above). IF you use a key lock out it on a string around your neck. IF it's a combo lock WRITE THE COMBO on the top of your LEFT foot with a magic marker. That way you can't be too fuckedup to remember your combo. (Yeah, it happens)

And remember that your Bike, even a $12.50 St. Vincent's Econocruiser, goes home with you. Drop it off at the St Vincents you bought it from, consider the $12.50 like rent. DO NOT leave them on the playa, they will not magically disappear and decompose, and leaves really fucked up moop to deal with.

Water? I carry a couple 1 quart Nalgene bottles in belt holsters at ALL times EVERYWHERE (even in camp), and keep the topped up whenever I can.

RV's? NO comment - I use domes and tents.

bb

[phil]

On the headlight thing, lighting yourself and your bike is _very_ handy. You'll need a headlamp on your bike to see the drug-addled knuckleheads staggering around in the dark in black clothes with no lights, but you won't need a headlamp when your on foot.

Pleasepleaseplease, light yourself whenever you're out at night.

Pleasepleaseplease don't wear a jerkoff headlamp on your forehead and look in my face with it when you're talking to me.

[gyre]

Sometimes in the dark areas you do need a headlamp on foot.
It's the only way I can read the damned artsy road signs at night.
A good one can easily replace a bike headight, but you do need marker lights.
The dimming ones are nice to have in close quarters even when you aren't looking at someone else.
Get at least a 1 watt luxeon and you can see fine.
If you don't use a strong light when you are biking, you are going to run down someone or even a bike parked in the middle of the road with no lights.

I strongly recommend diamondstripe reflective tape.
Works without a battery and does wonders for finding your bike at night among others.
Some trucker supply places have it dirt cheap.

[AntiM]

I wind my headlamp around my wrist, the light above my eyes makes it harder for me to focus.

[gyre]

It might be the light pattern.
Some lights have a narrow spot and that is only useful at a distance.
The brinkmann has a wide angle of light with a spot from the reflector.
It's a good compromise.

The sten can have a wide pattern on one side and a spot on the other, or any choice.
The foxfury is very wide angle.
The petzl 1 and 3 watt have wide angle lenses, but they seem expensive for a non-digital light.

You could make a very wide angle with luxeon leds but remember to heat sink them.
They are naturally wide angle.

[phil]

I wind my headlamp around my wrist, the light above my eyes makes it harder for me to focus.

Louise wears hers around her neck. It shines on the ground just fine, both lighting her path and showing people where she is, and if she wants to light up a street sign or whatever, she just points it there. Plus, it doesn't shine in people's faces.

[dragonpilot]

Always lock yer bike at night or in a big crowd of bikes. Last year I used a combination lock which was a mistake. I had to wear my reading glasses and could barely see the numbers at night even with my headlamp. This year I'm using one of those big U-locks with a key (on a cord around my neck). Attach a carry basket or panniers for ice runs and your shit when you're cruising the playa.

This is my third trip in a row. Always used an RV as my base, but sleep outside in my tent...just for privacy. Roommates are always coming and going, noisy, lights on and off. This way I have my own private sanctuary. Got a queen size air mattress, sheets, blankets, pillows, and EARPLUGS!!

Use a separate ice cooler to keep your drinks cold. Store it outside in shade. This leaves room in the refrig for more important perishables. I crave salads in the desert. Rarely cook anything...lots of sandwiches and munchies, beer, sodas. Load my Camelback with ice before heading out.

Don't use the RV toilet...holding tanks will fill up soon. Don't use the shower...take quick sponge baths using water sparingly. Combined with No-Rinse moist towels, you'll get a nice, refreshing cleanup. Leave the dust in your hair...it looks cool...really a Burner fashion statement!

Don't be washing a lot of dishes. Use paper plates/bowls, plastic spoons/cups. I have a mug with lid I got at Goodwill I use for everything.

Avoid brewing coffee in a French press...the grounds are a bitch to clean out of it. Use a filter drip maker...just wad up the used filter and toss in the garbage bag.

You don't need to run your generator all day. Just when you need 110V (outlets/microwave/video player/AC). We only turn on the AC if the heat is unbearable, or during a dust storm when we button up the rig and wait it out.

Garbage bags: use Glad Large Kitchen Bags, not giant lawn and leaf bags. They are easier to stash when filled.

Never had a problem with the RV's sun shade, but fer sure, high winds could damage it.

I stopped using rebar...maybe you need it for a big structure, but for my Coleman tent I now use these 10" metal pegs...Wally World/Target/Big 5/REI. They hold just fine, and pull out easy when you're ready to break camp. Thoroughly cleanup campsite before decamping!!

[Teo del Fuego]

maybe what I do will work for you....

I put some metal baskets on the back of my back (you could do wicker basket on the handlebars, or whatever) and carried my water supply in one or more Nalgene bottles in the basket. Also in the basket was a heavy-duty cable lock with a combination lock. Also, was solar powered yard lamp.

At night, on my head was an LED headlamp, on my bike's front was a regular headlamp. (Otherwise the bike was lit up like a christmas tree head to toe. )

Although my bike doesn't look expensive (and probably isn't) its an original cruiser from the late 1930's and I would hate to lose it, so I ALWAYS lock it. Combo lock means no keys to misplace.

Baskets mean I can carry more water than I need on my daily jaunts. Naglenes have a loop on them, so if I want to park, I just carry the Nalgene on my belt till I get back to the bike

LED headlamp works great up to 15 feet and helps me see to find my bike and helps people see me. Bike headlamp lets me see further down the road.

Solar light in basket: the distinct orange-copper glow helps me pick my bike out in a crowd...usually all the damn el-wire is sufficient, but SOMETIMES everybody's el-wire can get confusing when one is tired or groggy.

[wedeliver]

.....The only way I could get a friend to come with me was to rent an RV.
- Can anyone tell me what type of generator usage, (to run refrigerator, air conditioner, hot water heater, etc) I can expect from the 18 gal propane tank? Should it last all week or should I bring another LP tank to be safe? I doubt I’ll be in the RV much, but I’d like to know.

Thanks in advance from Dallas!

The RV genny runs on gasoline. If you wish to run the air conditioner, tv's etc for the week, fill both tanks, drive with the tank that does not feed the genny. The genny will stop taking gas when it gets to 1/4 tank. I hope that answers that part of your question.

The refer, water heater even the stove does not use much propane.

[fromMA]

Quick question regarding the Class C RV Ill be renting. As a virgin I hear the horror stories of the 4 hour exodus leaving BM. Approximately how much gas is used in a situation like that? Id be concerned about running out of gas. Im anal I guess :shock:

Also If we leave at daybreak the last day, how's the exodus traffic then?

Thanks!!!!!

[gyre]

Mileage at idle- Zero
People have run out of fuel.
The bigger the engine, the more fuel used at idle.
They should have a plan that holds all cars at one point so they can shut engines off until there is some room to move.
It doesn't matter where you wait.
There is only one exit.

Which day do you mean by the last day?

[fromMA]

Thanks Gyre...........I meant Monday after the Man burns. BTW your idea makes a lot of sense.

[gyre]

I can't say for sure, but the earlier, probably the less traffic.
There is pretty good traffic that is tolerable later in the day.
If you have a reasonable amount of gas you should be okay in any line on monday.
It's cheaper to buy gas in reno.