What Should I Bring Along

If you're new to gate guarding you will essentially become a fulltime RVer. An exception to the generally accepted description which usually entails getting rid of the stick and brick home and living in the RV. That's because a lot of gate guards retain their stick and brick home and do this gig part time. For those folks, deciding what to bring along is much simpler, and they have a home to store the rest of there stuff. Regardless, here's an incomplete list of things we cannot do with out and should be on board when you head out. (It's incomplete because I am sure everyone has some additional things they think are important).

Extension cords-both light and heavy duty

Zip ties and bungees

Rain gear

Several wide brimmed hats

A boot brush

Old towels of every size

A battery charger

A compressor (needs to be capable of inflating tire up to and sometimes over 100 psi)

Do you have the tools necessary to change the tire(s) on both the tow vehicle and trailer?

Speaking of tools; the DW may disagree, but I think you can never have enough

Gloves

A generator (the rare times we have needed a generator proved how invaluable it is)

Totes of various sizes to keep things organized

Warm clothes, especially if you are a winter Texan

Hoses, fittings and PVC tubing to facilitate dumping

Hoses specifically for potable and non-potable water

Water (you should always have potable water on board)-you'll need drinking water and distilled water (for battery health)

Unless you want to take a potentially long trip to the store on moving/set up day have the fridge stocked and bring along non perishable foods

Try to make space for lumber; especially for 5vers and trailers. I made up wooden pads for the jacks to set on and you'll need lumber to level out the RV. You're not going to find it at most gates.

We lug along a small pallet to keep the stuff outdoors off the ground. (We have a freezer and smoker which I have left off the list since they aren't essential)

Tarps and moving blankets

Buy an emergency road service plan specifically meant for RV's (it'll pay for itself)

Are your propane tanks(s) full??

A complete first aid kit. Brushing up on first aid is not a bad idea either, as you will most likely be a long way from help.

I generally avoid carrying a lot of water along in the internal tank, but I like to be near to full when I'm headed to a new site. We have had to wait for the support trailer for a couple of days several times. Along those same lines you should perform a thorough dump of both gray and black water before heading to the new site.

Remoteness dictates that you should have the basic fluids necessary to replenish your vehicle, should it be needed.

A reliable phone-AT and T is the way to go in the oil patch. I think you should also look into a booster.

Don't forget personal hygiene items along with sundries.

Tape, caulk and glue

Games and hobbies for the downtime

Have cash on hand and make arrangements to do your banking-you are not likely to be close to a branch.

Basic office supplies, including a clipboard.

You can argue the necessity; but we can't get along without internet. Air cards will work, but severely limit the amount of data you can use. We are on satellite internet and wouldn't live without it.

You can also argue the necessity of subscription television, but we wouldn't live without it either.