Forum Discussion

bkirkpatrick's avatar
bkirkpatrick
Explorer
Mar 10, 2016

An Open Letter to the Toy Hauler Community

I just finished selling my Toy Hauler and Tow Vehicle and am officially out of camping. The kids have grown and have their licenses and have kind of lost interest in the whole desert / riding thing. Additionally, we just bought a place in Big Bear and plan to begin a new chapter in our family life with Off-Road vehicles.

The members on this forum have been great with their knowledge and sense of humor. Although I have only met a few, it is proud and family oriented group which I have been proud to share info with and even give a jab or two. Just wanted to say thanks as I won't be on here much more and wish everyone safe journeys while out camping and riding.

Brendan
Toy Haulers
  • CabinetmakerII's avatar
    CabinetmakerII
    Explorer
    Mar 14, 2016
    I grew up in Big Bear. Both of my brothers still live there. They are active in the Off-road community there and know the area very well. I have fond memories of Van Duson Canyon, Holcomb Valley, Sky Line Drive.... Enjoy you new adventures and If you run into Larry or Ron tell them their little brother says Hi!
  • WhitehouseLV's avatar
    WhitehouseLV
    Explorer III
    Mar 13, 2016
    This thread is almost depressing...reading about everyone's kids growing up & one of the old timers leaving. Hey Brendan, I sure enjoyed your posts over the years. I copied many of your modifications, so thanks for the pics and write ups on those! Big Bear was the first place we went with our 3612. Beautiful up there, enjoy your new adventure!

    cheers,
    Jason
  • 2btowed's avatar
    2btowed
    Explorer
    Mar 11, 2016
    Have enjoyed all your upgrades on the ol'Raptor,still have mine,but I am now taking the grandkids camping and riding...another generation of ATV riders I guess.My daughter has moved to Huntington Beach so we camp there for a week in the summer.I have looked for riding spots that are kinda in the Big Bear area,esp for the summer.Let us know how it goes,and how the riding is.Will miss your 'classy'posts.
  • Camorhino's avatar
    Camorhino
    Explorer
    Mar 11, 2016
    Raising the kids camping and RV'ing must not be all that bad. Our 3 have all raised their kids doing the same thing, and it has been enjoyable camping with them. We actually downsized the house because of the empty nest, and went bigger and more full time with the RV. Kids all have full time jobs, but still manage to get together at the campfire several times a year, with the RV's and off road toys a big factor. Sounds as though you will enjoy the place at Big Bear, congrats!
  • dedmiston's avatar
    dedmiston
    Moderator
    Mar 11, 2016
    Thanks for keeping it classy for all these years Brendan. It's been a pleasure to be part of this forum with you. It's a shame to see you sell all your stuff, but I understand your decision.

    Our kids have grown and moved out too (two out of three, with one more going off in the fall).

    My wife and I decided to go the other direction. We're prepping our original truck and hauler for sale because we ordered a bigger better hauler and bought a bigger better truck to pull it. I'm looking forward to this new chapter with my wife.

    Good luck to you and your family.
  • eDUBz's avatar
    eDUBz
    Explorer
    Mar 11, 2016
    Best of luck with the new chapter. Your leaving the camping scene on a positive note and thats what counts, you created memories that will always be with your kids.
  • Y-Guy's avatar
    Y-Guy
    Moderator
    Mar 10, 2016
    Brendan I hate to see you go, I've always enjoyed your posts and modifications. Like you the kids grew up and out and our days of ATV riding came to a close, though we still camp. The door is always open if things change and you get back into camping, you're always welcome here.

    Steve

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