[TREXHUNTERS]

Hi,
My family is planning on taking a 6 month trip through the western states and up to Alaska using a TM. We have only tent camped in the past. We have two kids (5 and 8).
What things should we know or plan for especially concerning using the TM as our base camp? Our TV is a 05 Toyota Tundra w/tonneau.
We will be traveling around 20k miles and will put up and break down the TM 35-60 times during the trip. We will stay mostly in National Parks but not exclusively. Our kids are very outdoor oriented and I suspect we will be doing some camping without electricity and maybe water.

Based on the information on this site we plan on doing the following thus far:
- Buy two batteries (Haven't decided yet between 6v and 12v.)
- Consider a generator (which size?) or a solar system.
- Carry a couple of potable water containers in truck. (How many depends on the TM water tank size, 20 vs. 40 gallon.)
- Not sure about a good refrigeration solution; probably use TM refrig. + one ice chest. Can the whole TM refrig. be used as a freezer? We have friends who do this with their pop-up.
- What extra hoses/cables should we have.
- We will be carrying 4 bikes. Is it ok to carry them on the back via a receiver hitch and rack? (We have kayaks too but they will probably stay at home.)
- We will have a little Buddy heater for add on heat.
- Are there specific things I should be prepared for concerning the TM systems?
- Are there specific mods. I should consider for such a long trip?

thanks for your help