by "Manwich - now Keto-Friendly" (manwich)
Published 11/28/2017 at 14:19
by "Manwich - now Keto-Friendly" (manwich)
Published 11/28/2017 at 14:19
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STARS: 1
So in reading this article:
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It’s obvious there is a lot of disdain for massive motorhomes and the “lifestyle” that goes with them.
But RVs come in all different shapes and sizes. After all, even boats, snowmobiles and off-road utility vehicles qualify as “RVs”.
In the past when my kids were smaller, I seriously considered buying a light pop camper like one of these:
Basically something with a reasonably comfortable bed, a stove, small fridge and a comfortable seating area... and relatively cheap to buy and cheap to use.
And it’s something small enough to fit in a smaller garage and light enough that it can be towed by many smaller cars.
Never ended up buying one because I decided it made more sense (and was much cheaper) to just buy a big-assed tent and equip it with inflatable beds. And if I wanted to stay somewhere more comfortable, I could rent a cottage or stay in a motel.
This past summer, I rented a cottage that was on an island. The cottage came with a boat... an old boat with a 60HP two stroke outboard that could maybe hit 35mph if it was me in the boat... and about 5mph when loaded down with 6 people in it.
I could quickly see how once you have a waterfront cottage, the desire for a boat comes right after. Or if you have a boat, then you’ll probably desire a BETTER boat.
But for me, if I was gonna buy an RV, it would be a small popup camping trailer.
What RV would you buy (or have bought) for yourself?
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
11/28/2017 at 14:23, STARS: 2
This one. But maybe with a rooftop tent.
"MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s" (mastermario)
11/28/2017 at 14:28, STARS: 4
Something like this
"CalzoneGolem" (calzonegolem)
11/28/2017 at 14:32, STARS: 1
I’d buy something built on the Ford van drive line for the easy servicing.
Not bigger than this.
"user314" (user314)
11/28/2017 at 14:34, STARS: 7
"jimz" (jimz)
11/28/2017 at 14:37, STARS: 2
I shit you not; yesterday I saw a motorhome like the one in the Jalopnik story on I-94. It was pulling a Ram 2500 pickup, and in the bed of the pickup was a Harley Tri-Glide.
"vicali" (vicali)
11/28/2017 at 14:38, STARS: 2
Would buy the same again;
It’s hard to beat having a full bathroom with little kids..
One day I might get a RTT for the truck, but that would be for fishing trips or if I convince my kids come expo with me..
If it was just the two of us we would have never sold the van;
"Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura)
11/28/2017 at 14:38, STARS: 1
We have a Coleman Sedona which is a proper cross between the two pop-ups you’ve posted. It’s the only vehicle of any type that I’ve purchased brand new from a dealer. It was about $7000 as I recall... We’ve pulled ours from the Pacific to the Atlantic and back twice. It tows really well and sleeps a family of five in reasonable comfort. I made some key mods to mine. I pulled out their water tank and the stupid little sink is now a storage bin. There are cabinets in the galley that are only accessible by raising the top and lifting up the cushions. I installed cupboard doors so I can crawl in and access those spaces without fully deploying the trailer. As well, the cabinets along the side are just open spaces, so I installed some shelves that allow for canned goods storage and so on. When Coleman builds one of these, they spare every expense, but the Coleman is the only pop-up to buy.
Comfortable sleeping, but I build a custom truss that goes under the Big Bed and supports it in the middle. Two adults, physical intimacy... The truss straddles the towing part of the frame and the load is carried right down through the landing leg and it’s much sturdier.
We’ve enjoyed our, but it’s gone unused for three years now. We’re about to set it up in the driveway to serve as a guest room during the Christmas holiday.
"Brian, The Life of" (familycar)
11/28/2017 at 14:39, STARS: 4
A used one. I mean, the way vast majority of used RVs have very low miles, regardless of their age.
"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
11/28/2017 at 14:39, STARS: 2
This is what I have. We had intended to buy something smaller and more off road worthy, but this was a twice (TWICE!) used trailer with all the original papers stored inside on jackstands for about the same price as smaller more beatup units.
Its kinda a weird little trailer. Overweight for a single axle but loaded. shower, toilet, dual kings plus a slide out dinette. Has a heater and water heater but only a single group 24 battery and 20 lb propane. Its clearly an RV park pop up, which is a bummer since we spend most of our trips dry camping. Mine is the niagara
Truthfully, If I was gutsy enough to do my own thing, building campers would be what I would want to do. I think there is a dearth of affordable campers that can handle any kind of rough terrain. There are a few hard core wheeling campers, and a few “rugged” affordable campers (i.e. crap dressed up with a lift) but nothing that can handle 20 miles of washboard roads to get to a campsite.
"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
11/28/2017 at 14:44, STARS: 1
Looks like yours is about the era of ours.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
11/28/2017 at 14:44, STARS: 0
If I had the money, I’d buy a new 2500HD GMC Sierra and a 27' Airstream trailer.
But I don’t, so what I want to do is convert an aluminum 16x7 cargo trailer into a lightweight camper for my family and I. My brief foray into owning camper trailers, has proven to me what utter garage they all are.
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
11/28/2017 at 14:45, STARS: 0
Sounds like you need a Kimberly Kamper.
"Takuro Spirit" (takurospirit)
11/28/2017 at 14:45, STARS: 2
The cheapskate/redneck in me would probably buy a cheap old bus:
And go HAM on the interior:
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
11/28/2017 at 14:48, STARS: 4
True, but you have to be careful to get one that was really well taken care of, because they are built like hot garbage.
"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
11/28/2017 at 14:50, STARS: 0
exactly, STARTING at 32 grand US? Pass. I want to build a hybrid that sleeps 4 and can handle a rough road for about $25,000. I don’t need it to handle cape york, but a few days travel in the swell (without it rattling to pieces) would be nice.
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
11/28/2017 at 14:52, STARS: 1
There was a used one on CL here for $16k. You can use the other $16k to v8 swap the land cruiser so it can actually tow one.
"TheRealBicycleBuck" (therealbicyclebuck)
11/28/2017 at 14:53, STARS: 2
I’ve thought about one of these:
If I ever move somewhere with a little more topographical variability (and hit the lotto), I would think about getting one of these:
"Manwich - now Keto-Friendly" (manwich)
11/28/2017 at 14:54, STARS: 0
Oooh... very fancy (as far as popups go).
"SpeedSix" (speedsix)
11/28/2017 at 14:55, STARS: 0
After reading Paul Niedermeyer’s (of Curbside Classic) plans for his future DIY camper (a very interesting read), I’ve gotten a lot more interested in DIY-type ones instead - commercial ones are oriented towards hooking up to utilities and are often quite unwieldy. That, and most commercial units are quite poorly built (unless they’re aluminum or fibreglass) and easily rot from the inside out.
I’ve had a ’98 Sienna for a few years (the family car I grew up with, handed down to me), and while a 20-year-old has little use for a minivan’s ordinary capability, I’ve been researching the feasibility of designing and building a semi-permanent camper interior - I’m looking to make it possible to disassemble, and putting it into the Sienna in the spring, and removing it in the fall. I’d mostly need have it for roadtrips of a several hours, and as a simple base for racetrack weekends.
Basically, I’d want to convert it into a hardtop tent, with a bed, some deep-cycle batteries, a stove, and a potable water container.
"OPPOsaurus WRX" (opposaurus)
11/28/2017 at 14:58, STARS: 7
if money wasn;t a thing:
but it is so
"Thomas Donohue" (tomonomics)
11/28/2017 at 15:00, STARS: 1
The pop-up campers w/slide-outs are tempting, especially since used ones can go for well under $5,000.
https://wausau.craigslist.org/rvs/d/2004-rockwood-12-ft-pop-up/6375201091.html
But I’d probably opt for a ~20' with slide-outs, since I prefer a somewhat proper bathroom.
"Manwich - now Keto-Friendly" (manwich)
11/28/2017 at 15:02, STARS: 0
Sadly, Coleman doesn’t make its own trailers anymore.
http://www.trailerlife.com/uncategorized/coleman-campers-shuts-its-doors/
You can still technically get a new Coleman branded trailer, but it’s just one of a few brands made by a company called Dutchmen. But no more Coleman popup trailers.
http://www.dutchmen.com/coleman/model-types/
"RutRut" (RDR)
11/28/2017 at 15:02, STARS: 0
Currently tow around a 24' travel trailer, Heartland Trailrunner 24SLE that we bought used. Incredibly happy with it overall, longest trip this year was 9 days to go to the Crossfit games in Madison, WI. Typically keep it on a seasonal site, this year has been weird but last year we got 18ish weekends in out there.
"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
11/28/2017 at 15:06, STARS: 0
Already got a v8 cruiser for the towing.
"Nothing" (nothingatalluseful)
11/28/2017 at 15:08, STARS: 0
I guess I’ll get an Earthroamer.
If I actually have to pay for it, some small travel trailer, no pop up. We shopped a few years ago, and my wife absolutely kaboshed pop ups for some reason. If the shopping was up to her, it’d be an Airstream Bambi.
"Manwich - now Keto-Friendly" (manwich)
11/28/2017 at 15:09, STARS: 0
You can’t afford more than a tarp and some string?
You know the Coleman Instant Tent is on special right now at Canadian Tire...
http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/coleman-instant-tent-6-person-0765162p.html#srp
"Manwich - now Keto-Friendly" (manwich)
11/28/2017 at 15:11, STARS: 0
Oh jeez... I can only imagine how annoying that Harley will be to others staying in the same RV park.
"MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s" (mastermario)
11/28/2017 at 15:15, STARS: 0
I always assumed Canadian Tire was just the Canadian version of Discount Tire...what the hell is this shit?
"Brian, The Life of" (familycar)
11/28/2017 at 15:15, STARS: 0
Haha, true. Luckily it is super obvious whether a used RV was taken care of properly.
"Hammerdown" (hammerdown32)
11/28/2017 at 15:16, STARS: 0
Minnesota Law says if you want to triple tow (pickup-camper-boat or pickup-camper-motorcycle) it must be a fifth wheel. No bumper pulls allowed.
So, for me, the best option would be a 30 ft or so fifth wheel camper. Queen bed up front, bunks in the back. I’d use it for a few things:
1. Fishing trips with my dad. He’s in South Dakota. I could pull this to his place, hook his boat on the back, and go wherever the fish are biting and hang out for a couple of days.
2. Motorcycle trips. I could take this, put some bikes behind it, head to some badass place, set up shop for a couple days, and ride around.
3. Northern Minnesota adventures with friends. Take the camper up north with a group of friends and hang out for the weekend.
But, that requires a 3/4 pickup (preferably diesel) to pull it. Those are expensive. $10,000 could also buy lots and lots of nights in a hotel. There’s also a chance I’d only use it 2-3 times per year, which would be a waste. So, it stays in dreamland.
"OPPOsaurus WRX" (opposaurus)
11/28/2017 at 15:19, STARS: 0
i actually have a tent that my parents gave to me. i think its 8 person.
"RutRut" (RDR)
11/28/2017 at 15:21, STARS: 0
One of the major perks to travel trailer over pop-up, roadside usability. Driving through the Upper Penninsula of Michigan it is super nice to just pull into a scenic overlook and be able to use the bathroom and grab stuff out of the fridge.
"Pickup_man" (zekeh)
11/28/2017 at 15:21, STARS: 0
I’ve been wanting something in the 15-20' range lately, one I can tow behind a 1/2 ton truck easily. Slideouts would be ok, but not needed. Basically a nice enough place to spend time in if needed, but not so fancy to the point that I don’t want to go out. Would be nice if it was a toy hauler, but those are expensive so I’ll just stick with a bumper pull and put the motorcycle/atv in the bed if needed.
That’s my realistic budget camper, ideally, it would be one of these.
An Ice Castle toy hauler. Camper, enclosed trailer, ice house, all in one. If you haven’t seen these, they’re awesome. Most come furnished to look like a rustic lake cabin on the inside, they’re comfortable, space efficient, available with slide outs and ramp doors, they tow easy and lower to the ground.
IMO they’re the ideal camper.
"user314" (user314)
11/28/2017 at 15:25, STARS: 0
I can hear the HIM narration in my head...
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"StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8" (stndibnz1)
11/28/2017 at 15:28, STARS: 1
Grew up in one just like this.
"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
11/28/2017 at 15:32, STARS: 1
One of these. I could tow either with my Outback, and I’d probably try with the Miata too
"TheRealBicycleBuck" (therealbicyclebuck)
11/28/2017 at 15:32, STARS: 0
Sounds like a DIY DoubleBack.
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
11/28/2017 at 15:34, STARS: 0
How’s the new taco?!
"Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura)
11/28/2017 at 15:36, STARS: 1
Coleman were built in Somerset, Pennsylvania, where I’ve visited many times and where my father’s family live and grew up. Just about a dead town, economically. A few coal mines and some retail and that’s about it. And lots of weeds.
"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
11/28/2017 at 15:39, STARS: 1
Truthfully coleman never made its own trailers, they were built by somerset it says “built by” on my metal plate.
"vicali" (vicali)
11/28/2017 at 15:59, STARS: 1
So good, just turned over 1200km (745miles).. Seat heaters are splendid..
Fuelly says it’s getting 17 mpg vs the 14 mpg average in the 05, but it hasn’t really gotten enough fill-ups to get solid numbers. It is nicer to drive.
We ordered a canopy for it, went with another local company here in BC. Happy now to have a cover on the back - I can get started putting my gear in it.
Ordered up a 3d printed switch plate from shapeways and some CH4x4 switches for lights, Squadrons Sports are going on for ditch lights and I might pick up some Pros to replace the stock fogs..
Prinsu will go back on once spring gets here.
"Urambo Tauro" (urambotauro)
11/28/2017 at 16:11, STARS: 2
RVs are money pits, so part of me leans towards pop-ups. Which is weird, because that canvas is certainly something that you need to be careful with. But the thing is- when the RV is stored, those one-piece roofs are pretty sweet for not developing leaks. So, as long as you can keep the rest of the trailer sealed against critters, you’re in pretty good shape.
Besides, the work of setting up a pop-up is much more like real tent-camping than other trailers and motorhomes.
"weasel the great (not actually all that great)" (mrshotglass)
11/28/2017 at 16:13, STARS: 1
I picked up a little 20' on a manufacturer’s blowout type deal for $11,500 new. Never thought I would buy any type of RV new, but it ended up not being much more than a smaller sightly older one. It’s perfect for my wife and I and the dog, and weighs in at 3,500# so you can’t even tell you’re towing anything.
Tents can SUCK IT.
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
11/28/2017 at 16:46, STARS: 1
I used to work for shapeways!
"SpeedSix" (speedsix)
11/28/2017 at 17:13, STARS: 1
But cheaper, and with a lot less engineering.
"SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media" (silentbutnotreallydeadly)
11/28/2017 at 17:46, STARS: 1
My mother wanders about with one of these:
Complete Campsite Exodus 9. Basically a bedroom with storage plus an outside kitchen. Tows very well and is quite practical. When she’s had enough of it then we might take it on.
Otherwise, a slide on camper on a cab over truck. That way I could still use the truck for normal practical purposes and when we wanted to head out...load up and go.
"nermal" (nermal)
11/28/2017 at 17:54, STARS: 1
I’m about half the age of the average RV-er, and currently own a smaller toy hauler - Looks like this one but different:
From March - Oct this year, it got used usually twice per month, some for track days with the motorcycle, some for camping in various state / national parks. Overall, it’s been great and worth the cost and hassle.
The best part is that I can wake up at the track at the last minute, use the bathroom facilities in an extremely aggressive fashion, then take a shower and get ready for the day nice and refreshed. No need to wait in line and share public facilities.
"Manwich - now Keto-Friendly" (manwich)
11/28/2017 at 18:30, STARS: 1
They’re one part auto service, one part hardware, one part seasonal items, one part sports equipment and one part houseware/small appliances.
It’s Canadian.
"ranwhenparked" (ranwhenparked)
11/28/2017 at 18:32, STARS: 1
I have been giving very serious thought to buying one of these at some point:
They weigh about 1200lbs, all-in, with a 100lb tongue weight. My Challenger should be able to pull it without too much trouble, and I know my Town Car would handle it without breaking a sweat.
"dsigned001 - O.R.C. hunter" (dsigned001)
11/28/2017 at 20:33, STARS: 1
As someone who spent a summer repairing them professionally: I wouldn’t. I just can’t bring myself to spend good money on something made so poorly.
But if I had to it might be a toss up between:
When I spend $200k on an RV I expect it to not have shitty plastic veneer for the dash. My expectations are not met in the RV industry. Ever.
"gmporschenut also a fan of hondas" (gmporschenut)
11/28/2017 at 20:52, STARS: 1
class b transit. easy to get around in and able to go from cab to lav in a pinch.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
11/28/2017 at 22:03, STARS: 0
That’s true. I was able to find a really well taken care of camper a few years ago. However after a couple seasons, it became apparent that despite the good care it had received, it was rapidly approaching its end of life. I decided to sell it for a small loss while it was still worth it. I think it had five years left in it, tops. I didn’t feel like keeping it around long enough to have to cut the body up and throw it in a dumpster.