looking at a camper tommorrow.

[Bearcat Brewmeister]

30lb propane and 35 gallon fresh water, some bedding, extra clothes and cooking items / food. Hopefully I could squeeze that in under 700lbs

Sorry for the hijack, but this post just scares me. For the sake of safety, you don't want to just squeeze in under the limit. Typically, you want to look at the loaded weight, then add on 15 to 20% margin so that you can get up even small hills or drive into the wind. That trailer has a capacity of 5000 pounds fully loaded so I wouldn't pull it with a TV that couldn't do 6000.

Now of course you don't have to load it fully (I don't load mine too much - no kids, so not a lot of gear). But, do not underestimate how much the stuff you haul weighs. You have to include everything, and that means all the stuff that has to go in your car AND your passengers (yes, they have to be accounted for in the calculation). I have a 4100 pound dry weight trailer and minimally load it. My engine on my TV can pull 6000 and I have done some mods to help out (Superchips, Magnaflow, AFE cold air intake - the axles, tranny, cooler, etc., can pull 9000, but I have the smalller engine option, so I needed help). When I am full with food and water, I can go fine up hills or into the wind, but still struggle if it is uphill and into the wind. Just some friendly advice to keep you from ruining your vehicle.

One other trailer topic for everyone. Not many people know that if the trailer has a kitchen, a bed, and a bathroom, it can be considered a second home. If you buy it on a loan (not a vehicle loan but an RV loan), in most cases the interest is tax deductible. Just one more consideration if you are thinking about financing.

 

[JesseRC]

Sorry for the hijack, but this post just scares me. For the sake of safety, you don't want to just squeeze in under the limit. Typically, you want to look at the loaded weight, then add on 15 to 20% margin so that you can get up even small hills or drive into the wind. That trailer has a capacity of 5000 pounds fully loaded so I wouldn't pull it with a TV that couldn't do 6000.

Now of course you don't have to load it fully (I don't load mine too much - no kids, so not a lot of gear). But, do not underestimate how much the stuff you haul weighs. You have to include everything, and that means all the stuff that has to go in your car AND your passengers (yes, they have to be accounted for in the calculation). I have a 4100 pound dry weight trailer and minimally load it. My engine on my TV can pull 6000 and I have done some mods to help out (Superchips, Magnaflow, AFE cold air intake - the axles, tranny, cooler, etc., can pull 9000, but I have the smalller engine option, so I needed help). When I am full with food and water, I can go fine up hills or into the wind, but still struggle if it is uphill and into the wind. Just some friendly advice to keep you from ruining your vehicle.

One other trailer topic for everyone. Not many people know that if the trailer has a kitchen, a bed, and a bathroom, it can be considered a second home. If you buy it on a loan (not a vehicle loan but an RV loan), in most cases the interest is tax deductible. Just one more consideration if you are thinking about financing.

Good advice. Plus one more thing to mention is that larger Trailers come with weight distributing hitches and sway control and electric brakes. Smaller pop-ups probably not. So you do want to stay within the limits of you vehicle. Some advice, if you will be staying at a place that has water, do not bother filling up your water tanks. A lot of weight will be lost by filling those puppies up.

 

[IrregularPulse]

Talked it over with the wife last night before dozing off. Consensus was, even though we'd LOVE to have one and start camping this year, we jumped into the idea off a whim and excitement and are going to take the 500-1000 we were planning on spending and take care of some other priorities to free up some monthly income. We are going to wait until next year to dive into the camping scene. We want to be able to afford the camper and amenities we want in one. Not just Get what we can currently throw out of our bank account. Plus next year our boy will be walking and camping overall will be more enjoyable I think. We're going to tent camp a little this year and try and get out with my parents at their camper and SWMBO's parent's camper as much as possible. Also we meshed our schedules so far for the summer and we have 1 more open weekend between now and the end of July. And I'll be using that for a double 10G brew day for the boys 1st birthday party and our own supply. 10G of Fat Tire and 10G of ???

 

[JesseRC]

Dammit... You got a good head on your shoulders! You just ended a good thread. JK. But seriously that is a great idea, borrow some other trailers and see what you like and don't like. I agree with you though, it sucks to have to make a monthly payment for a Travel trailer, so save up and get a deal on a used one. We bought a used '99 Travel trailer cash. Everytime we camp in it, swmbo points out the lush ones with slides, then I remind her ours is paid off and is comfortable enough for our 2 little ones. Now when they get older and want to bring friends, well then maybe we'll upgrade.

I do suggest you do the camping/rv stuff with the kids. They will love you for it and always remember it. It brings the family unit back to basics.

 

[Aleforge]

I also woke up and changed my mind, we are going to go ahead and look into an RV since we have a storage lot near our home. I thought about trading in my vehicle for something large, but I drive 70 miles round trip to work each day so it would kill us in the end.

 

[mmb]

One other trailer topic for everyone. Not many people know that if the trailer has a kitchen, a bed, and a bathroom, it can be considered a second home. If you buy it on a loan (not a vehicle loan but an RV loan), in most cases the interest is tax deductible. Just one more consideration if you are thinking about financing.

To qualify, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has ruled that:

The RV Must be used as security for the loan.
The RV must have basic sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities.

There has been some static on the number of nights you stay in the RV but a number is hard to find and even harder to prove.

The ruling also applies to boats with the same qualifying rules.

 

[Homercidal]

We tent camped a bit, but we decided to get a pop up. We got a $200 pop-up, which served for a while, before we upgraded to a last-years model for cheap. Our old one went to friends for a backyard sleeper and he is still using it AFAIK for his kids). We ended up selling our pop-up a year or so later to get a travel trailer. We actually made money on the pop up and the guy was pleased as all heck to buy it at the price we put on the sign.

Our travel trailer is a 25' model with 4 bunks in back end, king size fold-out on front, plus a futon bed and the table is a bed too. Lots of sleeping room for friends and nieces and nephews.

The pop up was nice because we could store some stuff in their and only pack clothes and food, etc. on day we leave. TT was an upgrade form that because we can pretty much keep everything in there and if we don't open the fold-out bed, we can pull in, plug in electric and be done, if it's raining. No more putting up or putting down in the electric storms! (damn near got hit once...)

But it's a big tow, and we actually bought a Durango just because of it. Sometimes I wish I was puling a pop up until we get there, then I'm glad I don't got to mess around with the thing.

My perfect camping though it backpacking trips to Manitou Islands. Everything on your back, including the shovel you need to dig your latrine.

 

[Aleforge]

The funny part about pop-ups is how freaked my wife is by them. She is convinced that during the nightly slumber someone will sneak up, slice the canvas and steal your children. Hence why I must now find something that's metal and has a locking door.

Why then you would want to barricade yourself in among all the woodland kidnappers is beyond me, I would think if its that dangerous we should just stay home! :cross:

 

[JesseRC]

The funny part about pop-ups is how freaked my wife is by them. She is convinced that during the nightly slumber someone will sneak up, slice the canvas and steal your children. Hence why I must now find something that's metal and has a locking door.

Why then you would want to barricade yourself in among all the woodland kidnappers is beyond me, I would think if its that dangerous we should just stay home! :cross:

That really does happen , you know.

For those of you looking for something similiar to a pop up, there are travel trailers by Hi-lo that are hard shells, but the top slides down over the bottom. THey are a bit more than a pop up, but great for pulling and visibility when towning. When being towed, they are about the height of a popup.

 

[Aleforge]

Those Hi-Los are really cool. Still pushing my small SUV way to close to the edge though.

 

[IrregularPulse]

Dammit... You got a good head on your shoulders! You just ended a good thread. JK. But seriously that is a great idea, borrow some other trailers and see what you like and don't like. I agree with you though, it sucks to have to make a monthly payment for a Travel trailer, so save up and get a deal on a used one. We bought a used '99 Travel trailer cash. Everytime we camp in it, swmbo points out the lush ones with slides, then I remind her ours is paid off and is comfortable enough for our 2 little ones. Now when they get older and want to bring friends, well then maybe we'll upgrade.

I do suggest you do the camping/rv stuff with the kids. They will love you for it and always remember it. It brings the family unit back to basics.

Yeah I'm over monthly payments. If we can't afford to pay cash, we can't afford to own it. Especially a complete luxury item like a camper.
I love camping and wish I would have gotten to do more more as a kid. not to mention with the way a kids world it today, you need to remind them about trees and dirt and fire. It's not all about buttons and wireless signals.
My dream would be to have a pop up and truck bed that holds 3 dirtbikes. Oh and SWMBO willing to get on one and ride with us

The funny part about pop-ups is how freaked my wife is by them. She is convinced that during the nightly slumber someone will sneak up, slice the canvas and steal your children. Hence why I must now find something that's metal and has a locking door.

Why then you would want to barricade yourself in among all the woodland kidnappers is beyond me, I would think if its that dangerous we should just stay home! :cross:

Unfortunately you can't just laugh that off, but at least where we camp it is highly unlikely and is usually in large groups with lots of dogs.

 

[mmb]

Just remember, at night in a pop up and a light source inside the camper you make shadow puppet figures on the canvas that everyone outside can see.

Especially when you do "THAT" inside the camper.

It's always great fun for the people still around the campfire outside or at a neighboring site.

*chuckle*

 

[JesseRC]

Just remember, at night in a pop up and a light source inside the camper you make shadow puppet figures on the canvas that everyone outside can see.

Especially when you do "THAT" inside the camper.

It's always great fun for the people still around the campfire outside or at a neighboring site.

*chuckle*

Even worse if you're alone in the camper.

 

[IrregularPulse]

Just remember, at night in a pop up and a light source inside the camper you make shadow puppet figures on the canvas that everyone outside can see.

Especially when you do "THAT" inside the camper.

It's always great fun for the people still around the campfire outside or at a neighboring site.

*chuckle*

GOOD TIP!! I wouldn't have thought of this. unfortunately it probably wouldn't have been a problem anyway!

 

[mmb]

If we go to a traditional campsite we usually try to hook up with friends and go camping together. Large groups camping attracted like minded campers, ie drunk...

We had maybe 15 folks around a campfire and one couple we met at the campground decided to head in for the night. With their dog.

If you remember the Austin Powers 2 canvas tent shadow puppet scene, add a German Shepard shadow to that and you can imagine what type of show we had.

I still laugh thinking about it.

 

[springer]

camping is sorta like Homebrewing you start out small and before ya know it you have a 30 ft trailer . We started with tents moved to a pop up then bought a little 19 ft Shasta TT. This is our currant rig but the plan is to buy a 5th wheel toy hauler . I have a friend that owns a camper dealership in N Carolina he goes to the repo auctions. When he finds a good deal I told him to pick on up for me

And ALWAYS get a Tow vehicle that exceeds your TT fully loaded . 3500 Dodge with Cummins Turbo diesel. My next mod to this truck is 19 inch wheels this way I can use all of the rear axles potential

 

[JesseRC]

That looks like my 1999 27ft Fleetwood Mallard.

 

[springer]

Gulf Stream 30 ft Conquest They all look the same though

 

[Aleforge]

The more I have been researching the more I want a large TTl. It sucks because it means I have to buy not only a trailer but also a new vehicle, one that no doubt will get horrible gas mileage. And SUV with 3rd seating that can pull a large TT any ideas? I like trucks as much as the next guy but I have 3 kids so if we want to take people I need more seating.

I guess I could wait for my dad to get a new Yukon, he has the towing pack and largest engine for his huge boat. I use to own a V8 Durango but it actually had a crappy engine in it.

 

[JesseRC]

Well I pull mine with a Suburban 1500, they also make them in 2500. Put LT tires on it and a transmission cooler, and stay withing towing limits with a weight dist hitch.

 

[springer]

the Yukon would be a good choice as would a GMC or Ford 3500 van with the large engine I towed the trailer I pictured with a 12 passenger Savana van. It was great as the 3 kids had their own bench seat and no more "he's touching me"

 

[Bernie Brewer]

camping is sorta like Homebrewing you start out small and before ya know it you have a 30 ft trailer .

Maybe for you, but not for me. My pop-up is more than enough. In fact, I've taken to going camping on my motorcycle a couple times a summer, too. Strap the pup tent, sleeping bags, etc. on the back and go!

BTW next weekend is the first camping trip of the year of the boys and I. I gotta get the pop-up ready this weekend!

 

[springer]

Maybe for you, but not for me. My pop-up is more than enough. In fact, I've taken to going camping on my motorcycle a couple times a summer, too. Strap the pup tent, sleeping bags, etc. on the back and go!

BTW next weekend is the first camping trip of the year of the boys and I. I gotta get the pop-up ready this weekend!

I do the same with the bikes . But everyone that I know that started with a pop up or small TT have upgraded to larger TT or motorhomes . Its really hard to do the Pop up when the kids start hitting their teens. We bought ours because it has a private master bedroom .

 

[IrregularPulse]

Well, We did it. WE brought home a pop up last night. Found a 93 Starcraft for on craigslist for $1500. Guy was leaving town soon so we got it for $1000. Everything is super clean and in great shape (it's still a '93, but great shape considering). No heat or air, but does have a top window vent. We're very excited to use it June 13th for a music festival for the first time. Needs a couple minor things such as needs new propane hose on outside, clips that hold the door up when folding it up (has regular phillips head screws in it now), Shelf paper inside cabinets, little minor stuff like that. Has a detachable 2 burner stove and Ice box which we probably won't use and will most likely replace with another cabinet. First "major" purchase will be and air conditioner unit of some kind for it. Getting the hitch on the TV tomorrow.

I'll post pics tonight probably. I think we're gonna open it up so Wifey can start cleaning while I redo a step on the house.

BTW next weekend is the first camping trip of the year of the boys and I. I gotta get the pop-up ready this weekend!

How'd the campin' trip go?

 

[springer]

Congrats on the camper. I would recommend that you repack the wheel bearings before you use it . Who knows how long its been since it was done last if it ever was. Check the tires while you are doing the bearings I had 2 on my trailer that were dry rot cracking on the inside couldn't see it until the tire was of outside sidewall looked fine I could see the sidewall ply's, scary crap if one blows out at 60 mph .Also if you don't have one get a spare nothing like sitting on the side of the road on a holiday weekend and no tire stores open till Tuesday

 

[IrregularPulse]

Thanks for the tip, Been reading up today some more and Repacking the wheel bearings on my my list of to do when I get home. Tires are good and I do have a full size spare (8") If I get left without one I could always replace it with a cracker. These things are ridiculous. I plan on pikcing up a grease gun and greasing the lift assembly as well. Then It's up to SWMBO to get it sparkling

I have a few boxes of snap together laminate hardwood downstairs left over from redoing the basement. Thinking of replacing the floors. Saw the same camper as ours on craigs list where the guy did this and really classed it up. This thing is gonna be a money with all the project I have in mind. They seem small and cheap since they're small scale... OH Noes!

 

[Ryan_PA]

Congrats dude. I have to start another thread this weekend with the fixes I have done to mine.No need to further hijack your huge score!

Get the pictures posted already!

 

[Bernie Brewer]

Congrats on the camper! You don't need to get rid of the ice box. Just use it for dry food storage. I've got friends that have an ice box and that's what they use theirs for. That'll clear up space in your other cabinets for other stuff.

 

[Aleforge]

Please give us pictures, especially if your going to redo some of it. Would be nice to see your work!

 

[IrregularPulse]

No pictures last night. Got it setup though. Took about an hour
Would have been about 25-35 minutes but I had some problems getting the door to align and come down completely. Finally got it.
I don't think i had the camper perfectly level/even and thats what caused my problems. It was in my gravel driveway.
It was awesome to get it opened up and all the screens unzipped. Not a solid wall in this thing. It seemed so big and open once we did that. Wifey will get some time today to clean it out more since it took so long to open it last night after I got home from work. We left it open over night and today to air out.
I have some yard work to do this weekend before a Memorial day cookout at our house. So the camper maintenance will be on hold until next week. We're not using it until the 13th. I'm really looking forward to using it the first time and find out what we want to do with it and making some small changes/refinishing some things, to bring it back to top shape. I'll try and get pictures today and posted tonight. I definitely want to have some before pictures on hand.

Congrats dude. I have to start another thread this weekend with the fixes I have done to mine.No need to further hijack your huge score!

Get the pictures posted already!

Feel free to Hijack and post pics here. It'll be easier to keep all camper stuff organized plus make it easier for me to reference your fixes

Congrats on the camper! You don't need to get rid of the ice box. Just use it for dry food storage. I've got friends that have an ice box and that's what they use theirs for. That'll clear up space in your other cabinets for other stuff.

Good tip. I think we've decided to just use Coolers and not worry anout a fridge anyway.