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.