I only camped once when I was a kid. My parents weren't campers, but our neighbor once invited me to go along with them and their kids on a two-week outing. Their son and I slept on cots in an old umbrella tent. It was a great time. Didn't really have another opportunity again until after my wife and I got married. She had camped with her folks since she was an infant. This was a godsend to me because she already knew the ropes and could teach me! We converted my old Econoline van to a "camper" by building in cabinets, a table, Coleman stove, washbasin, icebox, and two small compartments to hang clothes.
We used the van until we started our family, which for various reasons necessitated a cessation of camping activities for a few years. By the time our third child came along we were ready to jump into it again, so we bought a Palomino tent trailer that would sleep six people (if they were all good friends) and towed it with a Volkswagen Rabbit. We kept the Palomino for 31 years, well past the time the Rabbit died and our sons were grown and out on their own, and also past the time when my wife was no longer able to sleep in it due to back discomfort. I was the only one using it, about twice a year for several years.
Starting around 15 years ago we began talking in generalities about how great it would be to get a motorhome and travel in style. Things just poked along until 2 years ago when we made the decision to really get an RV. After evaluating our needs, desires, and lifestyle, we decided to buy a 5er and pickup. Actually, my wife made the suggestion for the truck because "our family is always going to need a vehicle for hauling stuff, so a pickup would be perfect for that". What a gem! Gotta love her!:B:B:B After looking at very many trucks and 5ers we picked the used units as noted in my signature. We have had the 5er just one year now, had it out six times, towed it over 7000 miles, and love it. What a way to travel!. We can't wait for the weather to warm a bit so we can get on the road again.
