campingliz
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Re: Do we need a generator?
We used to own a small TT that had no air, microwave or television. Never missed any of them. The class C has a generator, a/c and a microwave. Still no television. We generally camp in State and National parks where generator use is quite limited. The a/c is used when we are in a private campground with hooks ups. The microwave serves as another cabinet. The generator gets run once a month to keep it happy. That said, living in earthquake country, we are happy to have the generator as a part of our "emergency kit." Happy Camping!1.2KViews0likes0CommentsRe: First time camping in bear country in popup.
California bears not only recognize coolers, but also grocery bags. Guidelines here include hiding any grocery bags that have not food items in them (like sweaters!) If there is a bear box, use it!! We put our dirty outdoor stove in the bear box, too. Trunk of the car is OK alternative IF there are not bear boxes. When we used to camp in a hybrid TT (canvas ends) we double bagged everything in the fridge. Happy Camping!1KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Newbies searching for travel trailer?
Lovetoloveya, I think that what some folks may be trying to say is that the monthly payment on the RV, insurance, price of a place to park each night, and maintenance may wind up being more expensive than rent. However, since you already own the truck, if it can tow what you want, a travel trailer may be a more affordable option, particularly if you purchase slightly used. As others have stated, make sure the trailer is appropriate for the climate of wherever you may go. Most TTs (travel trailers) are not made to be completely operable below freezing - i.e. your water systems may freeze. Best of luck to you and yours following your dreams.441Views0likes0CommentsRe: Upsell and Add-ons for New Purchase
If you are already happy with a specific dealer, great. I will note that Costco has added RV purchases to their auto program. We bought our last car through Costco and were delighted with the dealer and the price. We didn't know that Costco did RVs when we purchased ours several years ago. Happy Camping!789Views0likes0CommentsRe: Food handling in National Parks
Food handling in places with bear activity -- it's not just National Parks, there are also California State Parks with bears. In a hard sided RV, we store food and toiletry items inside the rig. I don't cook anything aromatic inside while in a bear activity area. No food or scented items in sight or next to an open window. Some dirty, messy things, like the propane stove after use or dirty dishes we don't want to wash right this second, get stored in the bear box. Garbage goes straight to the dumpster. Something I didn't see mentioned: the bears in California also recognize certain things and associate them with food. So, don't have grocery bags (even filled with sweaters) in sight. Don't have plastic boxes that resemble coolers in sight, even if that's your tool box. That's why water containers are a no-no; they look like food. Seeing a bear in the wild doing natural bear stuff is glorious. Having one of those beautiful and majestic creatures destroyed because people are sloppy with their food storage is tragic. Enjoy your trip. Those are fantastic National Parks. Happy Camping!733Views0likes0CommentsRe: What kind of heater?
Well, this may seem really stupid, but we have never run heat all night while camping. If we expect it to be cold, sleeping in very warm pjs with lots of blankets works for us. We will use the furnace to warm the interior before getting into bed, but I just don't want to worry about any of it overnight. Happy Camping!620Views0likes0CommentsRe: How much is an RV parking space at home worth to you?
I assume we are in a minority, but we recently bought a home with an RV garage. Love having the RV so convenient. Too funny, now that it is "inside" the RV also serves as a popular guest room when the house is full of people. Hilarious, but we had to add a carport for one of our two cars, as we just have a double garage. Happy camping!312Views0likes0CommentsRe: Camping with PTSD
You've gotten some really great suggestions here. I will second the idea of finding a therapist who can work with you on EMDR. Once you learn and practice the technique, this is something that you can use to soothe yourself. I suffer from PTSD as the result of a shocking auto accident where I was rear ended by a motorcycle about six years ago. My adrenaline and heart beat still speed up when I am near a motorcycle. You have my (and many other folks') sympathy, support and best wishes. Happy camping!461Views0likes0Comments
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