I know this may not be the best place to get unbiased opinions on the subject, but there is a huge wealth of knowledge on this site.We may have just taken our last camping trip - without knowing it. The plan WAS to sell the trailer after this trip, save our money for the rest of the year and buy something new off the lot next spring. But between our work schedules and the effective loss of my wife's vacation time will pretty much eliminate any further vacations and chances to use a new trailer. Finding any time to get away during the year was already challenging, but with recent child care developments it may have just become impossible. Long story short: my wife will have to use her annual vacation time to stay with our kids in the summer when our child care takes her two week vacation. I can't take any time off in the summer - I work in air conditioning. It's a non-starter. So now with my wife's vacation time being spoken for (when I can't join her and the kids), what is she to do when I can use mine in the fall? So the new trailer would just sit unused. So is it best at this point to sell the trailer and the truck? Not to mention all of the associated gear (tents, sleeping bags, hunting rifles, coolers, etc, etc) and maybe revisit RVing in 10 years after the kids are gone? Any input is appreciated.

Hi,Get set up for winter camping. I had a ball doing that when I was part time.

If you live in Reno, there are many FS campgrounds to the west and northwest that you could enjoy all summer long just using the weekends.

How about grandparents? Do your parents or in-laws live close enough to watch the kids in the summer for two weeks?Bruce

But what about weekends?We really couldn't justify our unit if all we used it for was the "big" summer trip. Instead we try and go out around every other weeken or so. Up here in the PNW it can rain a lot in winter but we still have fun and it sure is easy to get a campsite, no reservations needed. Our camper is ready to go and it works well to leave Friday night or Saturday morning and return Sunday afternoon. Sometimes we have some work to do so we bring it along.

Though you don't have the time to take an extended trip - will you have any weekends free? We have always found some great relaxing times in campgrounds less than 20 miles from home. Also, will your current trailer serve you well for this purpose?

Is it time to throw in the towel? | Good Sam Community

denverhank
Explorer
Mar 13, 2014
JoshInReno wrote:
nomad297 wrote:
How about grandparents? Do your parents or in-laws live close enough to watch the kids in the summer for two weeks?

Bruce

The grandparents are the child care problem.

My parents are unavailable in the summer. Her parents are gone for months at a time, mostly in the summer.

Her ex-inlaws are responsible (divorce agreement) for the Monday - Friday childcare during the day. They have decided to take 2 weeks off in June, starting last summer. Last June, we got lucky that my wifes parents were in town and they watched the kids during the day. This year, we won't be so lucky. And they are not about to change their schedule to be able to watch them - seperate issue.

Surprised nobody commented on this. Does the divorce agreement allow for a 2 week vacation every year? If not, the way the OP worded this would mean that the ex-inlaws are responsible 52 weeks a year. It would strike me that they get their vacation when you decide to take your vacation and camp with the kids.
Lantley
Nomad
Mar 13, 2014
Not to be unsympathetic but it sounds like you don't want it bad enough.

Excuses like yard work or kids play one game a week are no reason to give up camping!
Yard work Really!?
If you don't enjoy it anymore I understand but babysitting issues and yard work are not adequate reasons to quit.
RoyB
Explorer II
Mar 13, 2014
We are in our mid 70s and retired without alot of monies. Ran thru the savings retty quick so sort of in hunker down mode at the present time. Will get back into running the camp trails soon when some more bills gets paid off...

Wouldn't dream of hanging it up...

We camp in our CAMP BACK YARD all the time now... Great get away from the house...

Roy ken
littlemo
Explorer
Mar 13, 2014
Can't you pay for daycare the weeks the grandparents are on vacation? This way your DW saves her vacation and can take it in the Fall with you? I don't see how that one year of mixed up vacation plans would make you want to get rid of all your "toys" that you enjoy. There are always "some years" when things just don't work out due to life situations. We all have them. We just work hard and try it again the next year. It sounds like you are just having some life decisions you personally are struggling with. Good luck to you and hope you work it out.
bigwheelsturnin
Explorer
Mar 13, 2014
is it all paid for..?
elsique
Explorer
Mar 13, 2014
What about putting the kids in summer camp for a couple weeks or finding a local daycare to cover the 2 weeks you need help? Maybe a stay at home Mom or College student in your area could help out. I see lots of people set up camp on a Friday night and leave on Sunday. Memorial and Labor Day weekends give you an extra day. Right now, we can only get in 3 or 4 trips a year and we use extended weekends to get the most out of our time away. In the future, we hope to get out more but we work around the current situation. A more expensive option is to park your RV at a local campground, so it’s set up and ready for you to slip in an out for quick impromptu get away. I have a cousin who does this and sometimes they just drive up after work to cook some hamburgers on the grill and then leave. If you truly enjoy camping, you will find a way to make it work but if it becomes more of an aggravation or bother than it is fun, then it's probably time to sell.
FunnyCamper
Explorer II
Mar 13, 2014
I don't know. Only you 'really live your life' and know what will fit in it, what you want to change and how you want to live.

We have time. I make sure of that :) I prioritize my life to be sure I can make camping trips work. It is hard sometimes but I get it accomplished.

So what do YOU REALLY want to do? sell it, find time use it?
once you decide take action. good luck!
loulou57
Explorer
Mar 13, 2014
Camp with your kids now!!!!! You may regret it very soon as they age.

It has been suggested before but I will say it again. Find somewhere close that you can set up everyone and you go to work from there. If that doesn't work then you stay home and have your wife and kids holiday.

As far as weekends go and chores, your kids are old enough to cut grass etc. If your sports are out of town take the trailer. Our son has 3 kids both parents and kids play ball. They camp every other weekend, even if it means driving back and forth to a campground.

It sounds like you have already made up your mind though. If you really wanted to, you can make it work.
doxiemom11
Explorer II
Mar 13, 2014
Do you belong to a church - are there responsible teenage girls that could sit with the kids when daycare is closed (pay them of course) or a neighbor who could use the extra money. Relatives, even if they took turns and did it only 1 or 2 days each? Maybe wife could use a couple of her days then, but still save some for a family vacation. The seasonal spot close to home is also a great idea. Then whomever can get away with the kids can go and the other join when possible.
2324delk
Explorer
Mar 13, 2014
Yes it is best to sell all the camping related equipment and move on with your busy life.

Sounds like with the sports you are spending plenty of time with the kids/family any way.

Worrying about when to find time to go camping will just add stress to your life.

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