Camping with a trailer

[4x4mike]

When I can afford it, (probably at retirement), I want a Class A with my 4Runner behind it. Now I've got my separate 4x4 for offroad use, a sink AND a shower and a large place to hang out on extended trips with foul weather.

Don't forget about the microwave for pizza rolls and a flushable pooper.

[paddlenbike]

My opinion of tent camping is subject to change. Take a look at what pops just picked up. [2008 3-slide diesel pusher.]

[Good Times]

holy mother of...........

so you think we can borrow one of those for the june lake trip next time?

[Bob98SR5]

good gawd, ken. please tell me what profession your pops is in NOW!

[Good Times]

Mike, good find on those links to Pirate. I totally forgot to check there to see what others have tackled there. I completely understand the "pain" of towing a trailer.

Ken, you are correct in that having a great pad makes a world of a difference! I've been using the egg shell stuff and they've been pretty durable but just not as good as the self inflating stuff. That's actually something on the list of "to buy" at REI as soon as I can score some great deals through their rei-outlet store. The sleeping bag as a bed with the comforter on top is a great idea! Sadly every time we did that I lost the comforter and froze my rear off so the mummified bags works for me

Reggie, I think that this is too much for me! Though I would be camping in style but there is no way in my lifetime would I be able to afford one of those. They do look pretty sweet and I've actually been in a few of them.

The thought of purchasing a trailer/camper is really not a clear cut decision. I wish it was but outside of the "cool factor" the thought of storage, maintenance as well as insurance (I think it's required right?) are things I need to deal with so it will definitely affect my final decision. Though I have ample space for storage it does take up space so it is something I will need to consider.

Like what RobG said, taking a trailer does open up a whole new "element" to camping. I guess it really just comes down to what kind of compromises you want by including the whole "trailer" element.

My vision of the trailer camping would be more geared towards setting up a base camp and then use the 4runner to explore outside of the camping region. The base camp should have ample space for a family of 4 and a dog or two. The ability to have showers, private facilities and storage for additional gear and supplies at base camp. I'm not certain if I really need the trailer to include the shower/poopie. As long as it can store plenty of water I can always just pick up one of those shower/poopie tents for under $50 and either install a hot shower setup on the 4runner or pick up one of those portable camping showers.

At any rate I don't plan to have the +2 (kids) anytime soon so the urgency on the trailer is definitely not an issue for me. It is something that I do want to research a lot more as over time these new trailers I'm eyeballing now would be the used stuff I find in a handful of years to come on craigslist.

[RobG]

Yeah that diesel pusher is the sweet. Did you get your own set of keys?

Lance, Back to your original idea of the cobalt on a beefy suspension. I think that Idea really does has some merit. When I was looking at it I was surprised by how small it was, but if there are only 2 of you or 2 adults and some small kids you could definitely get some good use out of it. Being very small and light you add some beef to the frame, a good suspension, some MTRs and you would have a good Hybrid trailer that could tackle moderate trails. Been thinking about that and it and I was bothered by what I said and didn't want to discourage you from perusing that. Keep an eye out, they are rare but do pop up used every now and then.

Tent camping is great, you can't beat it for one nighters along the trail. The trailer/base camp thing works well for me because my wife isn't a camper and won't tolerate anything more than a moderate trail. This way we get to go more places together. Works well for us.

Bringing the camper isn't that big a deal, in doesn't take long to pack or hook up, you can cruise at 65-70mph (where you are not 3.0 limited), and camp setup and breakdown is faster than a tent. Having 5 of us in a 2nd gen 4runner space is at a premium, the trailer lets you bring a lot more stuff. Definitely seems to work well for is, right now at least.

[paddlenbike]

holy mother of...........
so you think we can borrow one of those for the june lake trip next time?

good gawd, ken. please tell me what profession your pops is in NOW!

Yeah that diesel pusher is the sweet. Did you get your own set of keys?

LOL. I don't think I could afford the diesel fuel!

Monday was his first day of retirement and he will be using it for the next three months. You can avoid California sales tax on an RV if you provide fuel and/or campground reciepts that show you used the vehicle outside of the state for the first 3 months. 7.75% sales tax adds up fast.

For anyone interested in buying an RV, right now is the time! He paid far less than MSRP (and well below dealer cost) because the RV manufacturers are bankrupt. We're talking about more than $50k under MSRP.

It has a Cummins intercooled turbo diesel, a push-button Allison 6-speed transmission and is built on a Freightliner chassis. If you buy a gas motorhome, you get a noisy gas engine up front, hydraulic brakes and leaf spring/beam axle suspension. Buy a diesel pusher and you get a diesel engine in the rear that you nearly can't hear underway, an IFS airbag suspension that rides really nice and those ultra-cool air brakes. PSSSHHHHH.



Rolling up in the thing is pretty impressive. Set the brakes, dump the air out of the suspension to kneel it, push a button to auto-level the coach, push another button to electrically extend the living room, dining room and bedroom, open the door and the steps fold out and illuminate, and hit another button and the awnings electrically unfurl and provide shade. It's really fun to watch. If the wind comes up the awnings automatically roll up. If it detects rain drops, the roof vents/sunroof automatically close. Nothing electrical to go wrong here!

If you don't particularly care about the shower issue, those teardrop trailers look pretty sweet and there are plans galore to build one yourself. Google "little guy teardrop."

[jrallan26]

I am also toying with the idea with getting a camper. I am not into camping that much but my son is a boy scout and a avid camper.

[gilby4runner]

I have thought about getting 5x10 enclosed caro trailer and doing a few mods to it for camping. Camper Skylight, folding bunks, and a few other small things would make it a good camping rig. You could haul an ATV and your cargo and still have a decent camper.

[Good Times]

Want the best of both worlds of having a tear drop and a pop up offroad camper?



Source: Jurgens Safari Website

Drool baby! There is no way I would be able to afford one but shoot this definitely opens up some doors on possibly building one!

Ahh I'm such a dreamer!