I remember when----???? (camping version).

cbshoestring wrote:
I have a buddy that says we go "trailer" NOT "camping". I have no desire to start an arguement over what "camping" IS.

However, after reading the post about needing bigger tow vehicles, bigger trailers, more gadgets, etc... I do think it would be interesting (it's -2 outside) to hear some comparisions between family travelling (rv style) today as compared to when many of us were kids. It does not need to get condesending, the comment can come to a conclusion, or be left open ended. Kinda like this----

I remember when-- families had 6 kids, and they all fit in a two door pickup, and pulled/slept in a 20' trailer.

I remmber when-- batteries maintenence meant making sure all flashlights/radios, etc... all fit the same size battery so you only had to pack one size.

I remember when-- awnings had poles and ropes to trip over.

Well ... here's our current but somewhat old-fashioned camping style:

- I still keep the tents and backpacking gear in storage for occasional use.

- The DW and myself use a small motorhome ... a slideless 24 footer.

- The two of us don't full time ... but have managed to take 8 week and 10 week trips in it (and still stay married afterwards) and will be taking another long trip in it this fall.

- We still try to buy flashlights and other hand-held electronics that take the same battery size ... but nowadays it's mostly the AA size.

- Our motorhome's awning still can be set up with poles if I want to use them and should still be secured with ropes if I want to keep it up in moderate winds.

We sometimes are able to camp in tent sites with our little motorhome. Bigger is not always necessary ... or better, or desired.

IMHO, in the future the U.S. economy and the social thinking that goes with it will out of necessity slowly change the majority of folks into embracing a more practical, reasonable, and less squandering style of doing everything in their lives - including camping in great big boxes. :)