Aliner Factory - Kecksburg, Pennsylvania

1999 Campout in Ontario

The rally was intended to be our first stop on our trip to Newfoundland. However, because of the fierce winter, the spring thaw was projected to run into June in the most northern areas motivating us to move our travel plans to the second half of the summer.   Instead, while returning from the rally, we spent time at Washington DC, Charlotte NC, Cumberland Gap in Kentucky, and other spots near Lexington, KY.

I am frequently asked what I chose for options when I purchased the Aliner and which of them I felt were most important.  I ordered the basic Aliner model with the Sofabed option.  That configures a sofabed at one end and a dinette at the other.  I like that configuration as it allows for the option of two sleeping or living areas, one at each end.   Suzanne and I both use laptop computers while we travel.  The dinette table is large enough for both of us to work at the same time but also allows one to work on the dinette while the other sleeps or reads on the sofabed.

I upgraded the sofabed to the flexsteel version, which I would highly recommend.   Easier to make up and much more comfortable.  I also upgraded the cloth covering on the other cushions to match.  I ordered the "Off Road" option which I also highly recommend.   It provided heavier 14 inch tires and a 6 inch lift, as well as the entry step.  This makes it easier to negotiate tougher gravel backroads, and uneven camping sites.  It also pulls more easily with the larger tires. I opted for Air Conditioning  primarily to bring in outside air when the curtains are pulled in the evening, but also necessary for mid summer camping on humid days.

I stayed with the basic icebox which we now use as a cupboard and pantry.  For refrigeration we purchased a lightweight portable refrigerator from Fleet Farm for $89. We carry it in the jeep, just behind the passenger seat when we are on the road, using the alt DC connection.  When in camp, we carry the refrigerator into the camper and place it on the chest of drawers opposite the sink/stove and power it with an AC adapter.  We like the higher access to the refrigerator this provides, food stays at the proper temperature, and there's no mess with melting ice.  We recently added a small cube shaped Sharp microwave purchased for $39 at Best Buy on sale.

Other Aliner options included lots of windows, extra baggage access doors, extra vent, spare tire and carrier.   We also have a water pump, but it seems hopelessly underpowered.  We carry two empty plastic gallon jugs and fill those from the outside faucets as needed (we have not felt the need to hook up to water very often).    For lack of a grey water tank, we have modified an expandable plastic 5 gallon jug, and attach it to the outside drain using a hose coupling when camping in areas that require it.   

When we travel we use a small electric (cube) heater.   It has a thermostat with a variable speed blower and is much quieter than the gas heater.   We only use the 16,000 BTU gas furnace when we dry camp in parks without electrical hookups.   With 15,000 miles and over 50 camping days, I have not had to fill the LP tank yet.   We carry a large electronic porta potti and have made a cover for it so it functions as a hassock during the daytime  when not in use.   Usually we have easy access to bathhouses or park facilities wherever we camp. .

I use a portable drill and a 3/4 inch socket on an extender to raise and lower the stabilizers,  a trick they told me about when I picked it up at the factory.   Sure is much faster than cranking.   Also, I modified my electrical cord, leaving a short pigtail inside the trailer connected to the power converter, and allowing me to roll and store the long cord in one of the baggage compartments.   I got tired of trying to cram the cord back in next to the converter and the water tank, especially when the cord was wet or dirty.

We use the back of the Jeep as a closet -  more convenient than the storage areas behind the dinette when daily or more frequent access is required.  A clothes rod, accessible from left side back door, holds jackets and our "dress-up" outfits in the space next to the refrigerator.  Other clothing is kept in suitcases that are laid flat in the back of the Jeep and accessed from the cargo door.  We keep "day" bags for staging clothes, towels and other grooming materials between the car, the trailer and the bathhouse (if there is one).   We use the Aliner storage for seasonal clothes, chairs, emergency items and of course food. 

At the rally, I was commissioned to create an Aliner Owners Club website and have spent my spare time this summer getting that operational.  I have also posted a number of photos from the June rally there.  You can read about the new club and see the rally pictures at www.alinerclub.org