Camping: Any campers here?

[cisco]

Can't beat the "outdoors" feeling of hiking into a remote spot, pitching a small, light tent (waterproof), getting a fire started with gathered wood to cook the fish (collapsible rod, small reel) or small game (22) available in the area. Been there, done that many times - some of the best. However, if the weather/environment doesn't cooperate, e.g., torrential rain, deer flies, the experience can morph from delight at self sufficiency and enjoyment of quiet to swearing and gloom. If I had to live in the woods in a tent all the time that'd be an issue cause I'd be stuck there regardless of weather and such, but given most of us can "pick our weekend" for a camping trip it's not relevant.
The above said, it gets kind of old having to pitch then take down a tent every day on a multi-week trip plus the weather is never perfect for that long a period of time. When I head cross country (East Coast to Alaska and back) for a few months next year I'll be pulling a 22 foot lightweight and self sufficient (gas/electric, 60 gals of propane, small generator, AC) travel trailer behind a Tundra, expecting gas mileage in the 14-15 mpg range given limited experience pulling that thing to/from my hunt club each year (stays at club during deer season). I prefer the travel trailer/truck routine cause I can drop the trailer and explore the area plus don't have to find a specialty shop to repair the truck - dealers are everywhere. And, as to the "parking lot" type of camping at most commercial trailer facilities - only in a pinch - I'd rather stay home. Now, I may change my opinion when I get too old/fat to take full care of myself/tent/etc.

 

[3930dave]

We went from a tent, to an older HiLo.

HiLo's tow like a pop-up (low wind resistance), but settting it up is (literally) pushbutton convenient, and you don't have the medium/long term concerns you do with the fabric material in a pop-up. HiLo's were built in all sorts of size ranges, with most of the bells/whistles you'd need.

Though similar, this is not mine in this link..... just a quick way to show the dropped tow profile..... HiLo's aren't in production at the moment, but were started in production somewhere around the '50s, so there are lots of used ones around.

http://www.hilotrailerforum.com/f2/1988-21-quebec-canada-3001/index3.html

Esp. if you end up towing a large conventional trailer, budget for a good quality trailer hitch - a good weight distributing hitch (bumper pull) will give you much more relaxed drive.

Rgds, D.

 

[tow653]

If you're not sleeping in a tent, you're not camping. This comes from one who has gone from tent,to popup,to 5th wheel,but that is not camping,thats staying in modern conveniences.

 

[reb]

If you're not sleeping in a tent, you're not camping. This comes from one who has gone from tent,to popup,to 5th wheel,but that is not camping,thats staying in modern conveniences.

I agree, but to each his own. I would suggest that maybe renting a pop-up equipped like you want it for a weekend trip would be worthwhile, before you buy one.

 

[JimRB]

My parents had a pop up. Then they bought a HiLo in 1967. Used that HiLo for years. They got some monstrosity somewhere around 1990. Not as easy to tow as the HiLo but it did have a bathroom. The low towing profile appeals to me.

 

[Stimw]

For a lot more first hand info go to- RV and check out the forums.
There is a forum for every kind of camper and info from people all over N America.
I've been camping since the late 60's, even in Europe! (1958 VW Bus) Also camped at the 1969 German Grand Prix.
I even stayed at the Riviera Hotel in the 70's. (1973 Buick Riviera with large back seat!)

 

[Marveltone]

We've enjoyed both glamping (glamour camping, rv's, et al) and camping (tents) and both have their place. Either way, we get to get out of our daily routine, catch some new scenery, meet new people and just enjoy life.

Joe

 

[jerrybob]

Been camping for years. We've had many different trailers over the years. Currently have a small fiberglass Casita. Best trailer we've ever owned. Great for two people. and a couple dogs. For hunting.....my buddies and I take a really old and beat up tent trailer.....keeps the rain and snow out but....most of our wife's wouldn't be caught dead in it. Before you buy anything......consider renting a unit. Good way to give it a try and to make sure you like it. Good luck whatever you decide.

 

[RobertN]

You beat me to it

Have camped all of my 50 years. Grew camping in tents. Have continued with tents as a Boy Scout leader, and occasional backpacker and back country hunting.

Camping in tents can be great. While growing up, we had a 12x12 canvas tent. It was a tad heavy, but it was 7' at the peak; you could stand up in it, which is nice to change, get dressed etc. It was sturdy... My Dad had also built a nice portable pantry, so all the cook gear, plates, utensils, dry goods were all together and organized. Those two things really made it nice.

I think it is miserable camping in a small tent where you can't stand up, and trying to cook from three different boxes of mixed up gear...

For Scouts, all our kids gear is by Patrol for 8 people. They have Patrol boxes with all their cooking gear, utensils, plates etc. They used large tents, 4 kids to a tent. Very comfortable camping, easy to stow and maintain.

That said, we do have a 5th wheel with all the conveniences. Have had it remote hunting, dry camping, and also in various RV parks along California coast(and trip from Sacramento area to Corpus Christ Tx). We love it. But it is RV'ing, not camping

If you're not sleeping in a tent, you're not camping. This comes from one who has gone from tent,to popup,to 5th wheel,but that is not camping,thats staying in modern conveniences.

 

[Travelover]

Been camping for years. We've had many different trailers over the years. Currently have a small fiberglass Casita. .............

Me, too. Small fiberglass campers work for me. Don't leak and fall apart in 10 years and you don't need a big truck to tow them. Plus unlike a popup, you can stop at any time and access the camper. And they hold their value amazingly well. Each to their own.

 

[Bird]

Currently have a small fiberglass Casita. Best trailer we've ever owned.

I've stopped by their factory a couple of times and would like to have one of those, but they're pretty expensive.

 

[Travelover]

I've stopped by their factory a couple of times and would like to have one of those, but they're pretty expensive.

You can pick up a pretty nice used one for $10K, use it for years and resell it for about what you paid.

Casita Fiberglass Trailers - US | Fiberglass RV's For Sale

 

[jerrybob]

Yea...they are great trailers. Up here in our neck of the woods......I like the fact they don't leak. New ones are in the $18K range.....you can find used but they go real fast if they are in good condition. They do hold their value very well. We travel quite a bit.......only problem we have.....lots of people want to see the inside and ask lots of questions. Oh well.....we've met some great folks!

 

[dave1949]

Those Casitas do look nice. The 13' model hitched to Jeep Wrangler with a canoe on top would go a lot of places.

I haven't been camping in years, aside from the tent camping I did on our lot for a couple summers before we built. Used to be, hopefully still, the National Forest camp grounds are good for getting close to nature. Some of them are not accessible with larger RVs and don't have electric & water at the camp sites either. Those have shared bathrooms and showers usually.

Directory of Campgrounds in U.S. National Forests and Grasslands - Buy Books, National Forest Forum, News

When my Mom and Dad were full-timing, they "worked" as campground hosts in NF campgrounds for a couple of summers. Hosts keep a eye on things, keep things picked up, answer questions, and have a radio to call the Ranger if needed. IIRC the pay is free camping.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

I have tents of all sizes, and sometime I don't even use a tent. But I finally broke down and got a travel trailer with AC. Tents are nice in the winter, spring and fall, but in the summer it can be pretty miserable if there is no air moving. Course, scout summer camps I take a battery operated fan.

 

[General Lee]

Me, too. Small fiberglass campers work for me. Don't leak and fall apart in 10 years and you don't need a big truck to tow them. Plus unlike a popup, you can stop at any time and access the camper. And they hold their value amazingly well. Each to their own.

Just started looking at these. They seem very nice but probably out of my budget. Can't seem to find new pricing but looks easy to assume it.

 

[firemailwv]

been camping / Rv'ing ~whatever you would like to call it nearly all of my like. I won't bore you with all of the details, but started as a kid in a 15 foot Lark camper with a metal awning, burlap upholstery and a sink that drained out a hole in the side of the camper. I have so many fond memories of that, I purchased a travel trailer when my wife and I got married. Currently spending as many weekends as we can in a 39 foot fifth wheel.

From my experience, most people that buy pop-ups do one of two things. Either trade up to a travel trailer or sell it and get out of the camper lifestyle. My suggestions would be - Rent a pop-up and spend a weekend camping in it ~or~
- Go with friends that currently own a camper and be involved in the setup and takedown
- If you decide to go the pop-up route, buy a good used one. Remember what I said above, most are either traded in or sold.... There a lot of used ones on the market. Check your local "ad bulletin" or Craigslist.

Have fun! We sure do...

 

[kc5dlo]

The AC works great in our Pop Up. We always try to find a shady spot but that does not always happen. I bought a roll of reflective insulation and cut 2 pieces to cover the top of the tents on the beds. Hold them in place with a few clips. They fold over and are stored under the mattresses when not used. Very comfortable even over 100 degrees. Another thing we did was add 2" foam topper to our bed. The stock mattress alone is a little too thin.

 

[vabiker23518]

In my 60 years I've camped in about everything. My favorite, however, is to "bike camp" for 3-4 days on rail trails,etc being self contained with a small tent. That said, the wife much prefers to stay in B&Bs!

 

[General Lee]

The AC works great in our Pop Up. We always try to find a shady spot but that does not always happen. I bought a roll of reflective insulation and cut 2 pieces to cover the top of the tents on the beds. Hold them in place with a few clips. They fold over and are stored under the mattresses when not used. Very comfortable even over 100 degrees. Another thing we did was add 2" foam topper to our bed. The stock mattress alone is a little too thin.

If you don't mind me asking, what make and model pop up do you have?