Buying first camper. Few simple questions...
Found the forum last night and read till 0300. Great info and community here. Wife and I got 9 month old son and 18 month old German Shepherd. All of a sudden, tent camping is losing its luster. Think...
Forum Discussion
Q1. Would a 4,500 lb camper be about right for my tow vehicle?
A1. Yes but do not rely on listed dry weights of campers. Most campers add 1k# of stuff. You will quickly learn that SUV people haulers do not make the best tow vehicles for various reasons
Q2. Do you use generators or is all power supplied by just plugging into 120 volt at most campgrounds?
A2. I only camp at CG's that offer W&E at a minimum. FHU is preferred but many people camp without any of these. Camping without utilities is a whole different and IMO, difficult proposition for families.
Q3. What are the 'hidden cost' of running around with a travel trailer?
A3. Fuel mileage, maintenance and accessories along with increased camping fees. An RV is not cheap camping in most cases
Q4. Is storing under carport good enough or is indoor storage worthwhile?
A4. Covered storage is good, inside storage better but not required. Many store completely in the elements. Using it frequently and not storing is ideal and the only cost effective use of an RV. Mine is kept outside.
Q5. Is there a certain size you might suggest. Guess weight limitations on my towing capacity will dictate much. Would like to sleep 4 adults and 2-3 kids at times?
A5. This will be a challenge. Those type of sleeping arrangements in the size TT you will be limited to by your tow vehicle will be difficult to pull off without a lot of searching IMO. Consider ultralight type TT's to get more length and sleeping berths. Do not buy a TT that is to big for your vehicle, YOU WILL REGRET IT. This is why you see so many crew cab HD pickups towing trailers.
Q6. What kind of insurance do you guys/gals suggest. Curious what the annual cost is?
A6. I would suggest an RV specific policy with your auto carrier to avoid issues if something does happen. I use State Farm for both. The RV policy is cheap, just $200+ a year.
Q7. Last but not least, where do you take these things? I have intentionally avoided the very campgrounds I now seek in the past.
A7. I am a state park camper for the most part as Florida has one of the best park systems in the country. I also like Corp of Engineer parks and National Forest sites, they are a great value and seem to fit the type of camping you do as well. If your ever down this way send me a message and I can put you on some great water based parks.
A1. Yes but do not rely on listed dry weights of campers. Most campers add 1k# of stuff. You will quickly learn that SUV people haulers do not make the best tow vehicles for various reasons
Q2. Do you use generators or is all power supplied by just plugging into 120 volt at most campgrounds?
A2. I only camp at CG's that offer W&E at a minimum. FHU is preferred but many people camp without any of these. Camping without utilities is a whole different and IMO, difficult proposition for families.
Q3. What are the 'hidden cost' of running around with a travel trailer?
A3. Fuel mileage, maintenance and accessories along with increased camping fees. An RV is not cheap camping in most cases
Q4. Is storing under carport good enough or is indoor storage worthwhile?
A4. Covered storage is good, inside storage better but not required. Many store completely in the elements. Using it frequently and not storing is ideal and the only cost effective use of an RV. Mine is kept outside.
Q5. Is there a certain size you might suggest. Guess weight limitations on my towing capacity will dictate much. Would like to sleep 4 adults and 2-3 kids at times?
A5. This will be a challenge. Those type of sleeping arrangements in the size TT you will be limited to by your tow vehicle will be difficult to pull off without a lot of searching IMO. Consider ultralight type TT's to get more length and sleeping berths. Do not buy a TT that is to big for your vehicle, YOU WILL REGRET IT. This is why you see so many crew cab HD pickups towing trailers.
Q6. What kind of insurance do you guys/gals suggest. Curious what the annual cost is?
A6. I would suggest an RV specific policy with your auto carrier to avoid issues if something does happen. I use State Farm for both. The RV policy is cheap, just $200+ a year.
Q7. Last but not least, where do you take these things? I have intentionally avoided the very campgrounds I now seek in the past.
A7. I am a state park camper for the most part as Florida has one of the best park systems in the country. I also like Corp of Engineer parks and National Forest sites, they are a great value and seem to fit the type of camping you do as well. If your ever down this way send me a message and I can put you on some great water based parks.
