A bottom awning support on our Casita had loosened. I could pull the support bracket out a little way and see the rivets, and was worried that rain might enter through the rivet holes.
I had read that you could drill out the rivets using an electric drill, but that sounded a little scary to me. So I looked for another way to do it. I finally decided that using my Dremel wouldn’t be as nerve wracking as using a big drill.
The little cone shaped grinding stone worked perfectly! So now the support bracket is reattached and resealed, and will probably be trouble-free for a long time.
We had been using a cheap camp stove without a wind screen for a long time. In windy weather, we would have to haul the cooler out of the back of the truck and use it to block the wind. We also were hauling around our Weber Baby Q barbeque grill.
So we decided to buy a new Coleman stove that combines a stove and grill. We picked it up this evening. Generally I cook greasy or messy food outdoors, and only cook vegetables and non-greasy things inside the Casita. So the one burner will probably be okay. I suppose you could put a large pot over the grill burner, too, as they sell a griddle to use on it.
Anyway, it’s a fun new piece of camping gear and we will see how it works out.
We FINALLY got rain all day yesterday and last night, so I wrote another poem for the mushroom board about it. Hope you enjoy it. It sure was fun writing it!
I did not even dare to dream
that promised rain would fall.
All summer long, predictions seemed
like empty, mocking calls.
This week, it looked like much the same
Reports just made me frown.
But early morn, the drizzle came
And still is coming down!
The gentle rain the grasses drenched
And shallow puddles poured.
The pots on deck record an inch
of precious rain, or more!
So hope’s renewed! I’m sure around
the pastures and the woods,
Mycelia are breaking ground
and forming tiny buds.
So very soon I hope I’ll make
up baskets, bags and racks
of fungal fruit — and pictures take
to help with ID tasks.
Tinycamper's Blog 
Gene Masse
/ October 1, 2012I have been looking at that item also. I’d like to see updates on you use of it. One thing I have read is the grill can be kind of messy so I am very interested in how it goes and what clean up is like.
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tinycamper
/ October 1, 2012Gene, I read that it can be messy, too. I am going to try lining it with aluminum foil when I grill meats on it.
I’ll be sure to post updates on how it works out for us. 🙂
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Lynne
/ October 2, 2012I have been taking a beginner creative writing class and tonight we wrote poems! Now I have an appreciation for your verse. You are so creative!
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tinycamper
/ October 2, 2012Lynne, I am having so much fun with this. It’s kind of like dancing with words! 🙂
It is SO COOL that you are taking a creative writing course!
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Kim
/ October 2, 2012Looks like a great cooking unit. I like your poetry! It must be fun, maybe I’ll give it a try.
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tinycamper
/ October 2, 2012Do try it, Kim. Would be a great way to pass the time at night or in bad weather in your new Roadtrek!
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Emily
/ October 2, 2012I too had the rear awning bracket come loose and I braced it with a block of wood on the inside and used ss screws to secure the awning holder. I haven’t done the front one yet as I need to remove the closet floor (16 footer w/AC below closet). When it’s time to replace the AC, then will do the same.
I have a Coleman Fold ‘n Go Grill and if your drip pan is made of the same material my Fold ‘n Go’s drip pan is, then cleaning the drip pan will be a snap – the grill is another story, but I occasionally put the grill piece in a bag with some ammonia and let the fumes remove the charred stuff.
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tinycamper
/ October 2, 2012Emily, I didn’t want to put that I used screws because some people are adamant about using rivets only. But I bought screws that had a smooth 1/2″ shank before the threads started. I figured that would have the same effect as a rivet where it touched the fiberglass. And I also put a block of wood as a backing in the closet.
I’m so glad to hear that your Coleman is easy to clean. I figure I will just plan on soaking the grill itself after each use. I’ve used ammonia on stove drip pans before, so will plan on using it on the grill, too. Appreciate the suggestion!
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Emily
/ October 2, 2012Some previous owner of my trailer has, apparently, replaced a lot of rivets with ss screws. I have less cracking of the gelcoat where the screws are then where the rivets are.
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tinycamper
/ October 2, 2012Emily, that is so good to know! I’ve read that the Deluxe Scamps have all the cabinets screwed in instead of riveted, and the owners I have read about are very happy with them, even after several years.
Thanks!!! Now I won’t be leery of using stainless screws any time I need to replace a rivet!
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Jerryc
/ October 2, 2012Good looking grill and great little poem. Writing poetry would be the same as reading music, to me. It ain’t gonna happen. Not because I don’t want to, but because I’m just too dumb.
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tinycamper
/ October 2, 2012You are brilliant at building, photography, and who knows what else! So you ain’t dumb! 😀
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