OT: I bought a camper

[ckDOG]

My family and I have been camping a bit over the last couple of years and we bit the bullet and bought a camper. My daughter is 4 and enjoys it so we figured we give it a shot at being good family fun while she grows up. Nothing extravagant, but nothing simple either. Single axle, a hair over 20 feet, and under 4K lbs if we maxed it out (we won't). Plenty of tow vehicle for the setup.

Tips and advice from anyone seasoned or newbies? I know I'm going to be in a constant state of fixing and buying ****. Probably even underestimating that aspect despite mentally preparing myself for this being somewhere between hobby and full time job.

That said,

What do you wish you knew before you started RV'ing?
What tool did you forget that you wish you hadn't?
Can't miss trips?
Favorite southeast destinations?
Hidden gems?
Gameday suggestions for Starkville?

 

[DesotoCountyDawg]

Always always always flush the toilet and use plenty of water especially if you’re hooked up at a campground. You don’t want a pyramid of you know what in your septic system.

A really neat campground is Reunion Lake in Ponchatoula, LA.

 

[PhredPhantom]

Download a free app named “RV Parky” that helps you find campgrounds. It has descriptions, pictures, addresses, phone numbers, and reviews from people (not paid ads) from people who have actually camped at each campground. Usually includes camping prices, too. There are several apps like this but it’s the one I use the most. I have no financial interest in RV Parky, I just like the app.

 

[Jeffreauxdawg]

Watch out for high winds. Those lightweight single axles will flip in a crosswind over 40 mph. I saw at least a dozen flipped in a 50 mile stretch out west a few months ago. It was wild. One had a massive dually attached to it and they both ended up on their sides.

So if you see high wind in the forecast or a thunderstorm forming, just pull over and wait it out. Here are just a few if the ones I saw.

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[jethreauxdawg]

Awesome

We started camping this summer in a tent. Have had a blast. I really want a camper, but considering we used the tent twice, it’s not something I consider a wise purchase for me at this time...doesn’t mean I won’t get one though. If I had space to store it, I would’ve already. What kind did you get?

 

[DesotoCountyDawg]

The RV geeks on YouTube have a lot of great tips and info.

 

[Dawgbite]

Don’t buy too many accessories to start. Buy the basics, sewer hose, water hose gloves, the lego looking leveling blocks. As you find you need something buy it then, that way you don’t find that you are hauling a lot of stuff you never use. An electric tongue Jack is a worthwhile investment. If it has stabilizer jacks, a good cordless impact driver is a must. A weight distribution hitch and sway control makes towing safer and easier. Everyone is buying RVs, campground vacancies are going to be rare. If you want to go somewhere for a weekend, book it now. Weekdays are easier if your schedule allows. Never leave your awning out unless you are sitting under it, it’s an expensive lesson to learn. Ms Horse Park is the best option for football.

 

[Dawgbite]

Pandion Ridge in OBA
Grayton Beach State Park in Fl
All the COE parks along the Tenn-Tom Waterway are nice
Cajun Rv in Biloxi
Corinth or Houston Recreational Area on Smith Lake in Alabama
A lot of state and federal parks keep a portion of the lots for first come first serve. In order to get a weekend spot, a lot of people go Wednesday or Thursday afternoon and set up their camper. They then go back home and the Rv is set up and ready when they get off on Friday for the weekend.

 

[MaroonOldCrow]

Don’t buy too many accessories to start. Buy the basics, sewer hose, water hose gloves, the lego looking leveling blocks. As you find you need something buy it then, that way you don’t find that you are hauling a lot of stuff you never use. An electric tongue Jack is a worthwhile investment. If it has stabilizer jacks, a good cordless impact driver is a must. A weight distribution hitch and sway control makes towing safer and easier. Everyone is buying RVs, campground vacancies are going to be rare. If you want to go somewhere for a weekend, book it now. Weekdays are easier if your schedule allows. Never leave your awning out unless you are sitting under it, it’s an expensive lesson to learn. Ms Horse Park is the best option for football.

All of this is good advice. I'll expand some (I used to be service manager at an RV/camper dealership):

- Stabilizer jacks are *NOT* leveling jacks. Just put them down snug enough to stop rocking.

- Awnings are the #1 insurance claim in RVs and campers. Check with your insurance, because some policies will not cover awning damage and others will only cover one claim.

- Regular maintenance is key, as is using the correct materials (especially sealants).

- Invest in the extended rain gutter spouts, they go a long way into keeping your camper looking good.

- Before spring rolls around, get the insect screens at least for the furnace, and I recommend them also for the water heater and fridge.

 

[Drebin]

I already see some good advice in this thread. You will love it. Don't drive it in high winds or strong storms. Make sure you keep your septic system flushed out.

Personally, we've always loved driving the camper up into the smokies.

I've done the camper a few times in Starkville. It can be fun if you have a group of people to hang out with. It's obviously easy loading/unloading of tailgate supplies and bathroom and A/C access.

 

[Dawgbite]

I lost my first awning in Starkville on a game day. Woke up early and headed to Hardee’s for breakfast. I was sitting in the drive through and the wife called and tells me that something exploded. Not a cloud in the sky but a gust of wind got under the awning and flipped it over the top. The support arms hit the back side of the camper. Luckily bent support arms and a ripped awning were the only damage.

 

[Dawgbite]

I already see some good advice in this thread. You will love it. Don't drive it in high winds or strong storms. Make sure you keep your septic system flushed out.

Personally, we've always loved driving the camper up into the smokies.

I've done the camper a few times in Starkville. It can be fun if you have a group of people to hang out with. It's obviously easy loading/unloading of tailgate supplies and bathroom and A/C access.

It’s amazing how many friends you will have when you have a bathroom at a tailgate.

 

[LawDawg97]

If you're just looking to take a small step up from tent camping and

not break the bank on a large trailer, look at the wolf pup series from forest river. My friend had a 16BHS that he would let us borrow. It was so lightweight you could tow it behind anything. Slept five, with mini kitchen, bunk beds, outside awning, outside tv mount, a/c, heater, ran on battery and/or generator. Was great if your plan is to spend most of your time outside and just needed the camper to cook, wash and sleep. I think he got it for under 12K and not a lot of upkeep. He eventually upgraded to a larger trailer.

 

[Mobile Bay]

There is a cool campground right where the Escatawpa River leaves Alabama and goes into Mississippi.

Most of the major Alabama State Parks are pretty sweet. Depending on what you want to do.

 

[Hugh's Burner Phone]

Always always always flush the toilet and use plenty of water especially if you’re hooked up at a campground. You don’t want a pyramid of you know what in your septic system.

A really neat campground is Reunion Lake in Ponchatoula, LA.

 

[johnson86-1]

Slight thread hijack:

Who has bought campers and recommends it and who has bought campers that think it was a mistake? Whichever camp you're in, how many times a year do you think you need to use it for it to be worth it?

My kids have been wanting a camper and I have been a hard no on the expectation that we wouldn't use it enough and the novelty would wear off but mainly because I don't want another monthly storage payment. There have been a few times I've gone down the path of renting one just to let them experience it but have always ended up getting a hotel/air B&B/VRBO instead because the camper rental ends up being more expensive.

Family had one growing up and I would enjoy it (although I was too young to have to deal with set up and maintenance so not entirely clear on the work involved), but just haven't thought it would be a good use of our money. Also one other hangup I have is we do a lot of weekend trips, but we tear out at lunch on Friday and come back late Sunday afternoon or possibly early Monday morning depending on where we are. A camper for those weekends would be great, but not sure the extra prep time plus having to drive slower wouldn't make a lot of those weekend trips untenable.

 

[Drebin]

Slight thread hijack:

Who has bought campers and recommends it and who has bought campers that think it was a mistake? Whichever camp you're in, how many times a year do you think you need to use it for it to be worth it?

My kids have been wanting a camper and I have been a hard no on the expectation that we wouldn't use it enough and the novelty would wear off but mainly because I don't want another monthly storage payment. There have been a few times I've gone down the path of renting one just to let them experience it but have always ended up getting a hotel/air B&B/VRBO instead because the camper rental ends up being more expensive.

Family had one growing up and I would enjoy it (although I was too young to have to deal with set up and maintenance so not entirely clear on the work involved), but just haven't thought it would be a good use of our money. Also one other hangup I have is we do a lot of weekend trips, but we tear out at lunch on Friday and come back late Sunday afternoon or possibly early Monday morning depending on where we are. A camper for those weekends would be great, but not sure the extra prep time plus having to drive slower wouldn't make a lot of those weekend trips untenable.

It's definitely one of those things where you have to use it to justify having it and you don't mind the work that goes into keeping it maintained and hooking it up. When I was younger I would recommend it more emphatically. Now that I've gotten a little bit older, I don't enjoy pulling it or maintaining it as much. But it's nice to have when I get to where I want to be. So it's hard to offer an opinion that fits everyone.

 

[Drebin]

It’s amazing how many friends you will have when you have a bathroom at a tailgate.

Or a little air conditioning.

 

[Dawgbite]

My next door neighbor has RVed for 25 plus years and I never understood it. He would camp 8 miles from home and be gone for a week or more. I made fun of him camping in a campground just a few miles from his house and would regularly come home to get something or just to check on stuff. I never had the desire but bought a camper for a work related endeavor. My neighbor would tell me that he never relaxed at home but the moment he set his camper up in a campground he immediately unwound. When I bought the camper, the Mrs and I decided to try it. We drove to a local campground for a weekend and fell in love with it. He was right, you absolutely unplug from the stress of life. That was 12 years ago and I’m on my fifth RV and we may full time for awhile once the Mrs retires. A friend of mine told me once that the purchase of a RV is an investment in your family and your mental well-being. I can’t argue with that assessment. I’ve pretty much given up all my previous hobbies because I’d rather be camping.

 

[TNT.sixpack]

Keep it covered when not in use. They're not made to be exposed to the elements 365 days a year. I can't tell you how many disputed warranty and insurance claims I get into that aren't covered because the seams begin to leak. The sun wreaks havoc on the sealants and the seams. You won't know you've got a slow leak until it's too late and then the interior walls are all rotted.

 

[Where'sWaldo]

My wife and I bought a popup camper for $3k about 6 months ago and we have really enjoyed it. It has AC/Heat, running water, a bathroom, and more space than a lot of the small TT due to the beds folding out. We viewed this as a budget friendly way to see if we really would use a camper and so far we have gone on 4-5 trips. We went on one longer trip into the North GA mountains that was a lot of fun. The Pop up requires a little more setup and take down time but it is much easier to store and easy to tow.

 

[jethreauxdawg]

It’s crazy how you can be close to home

But feel like you’re in a completely different place when camping.

 

[jethreauxdawg]

Thanks

 

[Shmuley]

Thread Hijack Hijack: How difficult or easy is it to rent an RV? Advisable?

 

[DesotoCountyDawg]

It’s pretty easy...well at least before the Rona. Not sure now.

 

[Russ Wheeler]

Thread Hijack Hijack: How difficult or easy is it to rent an RV? Advisable?

I rented one from Cruise America in Nashville a few years ago, wasn't that bad, but kind of a hassle. The trip was fun just to get into camping, but I'd advise buying or renting from a private owner. It's still expensive for what you're doing, but good for one time, to ultimately judge if you'll enjoy doing it or not.

I ultimately decided I wasn't going to do it until I had enough play money to be able to have one and not feel pressured to use it all the time. The one I rented had all kinds of crap go wrong and I looked like a jackass out there at first because I didn't know what to do.

I'm still waiting for what you said a few months ago....the great sell-off, that will likely happen in 2022.

 

[johnson86-1]

My next door neighbor has RVed for 25 plus years and I never understood it. He would camp 8 miles from home and be gone for a week or more. I made fun of him camping in a campground just a few miles from his house and would regularly come home to get something or just to check on stuff. I never had the desire but bought a camper for a work related endeavor. My neighbor would tell me that he never relaxed at home but the moment he set his camper up in a campground he immediately unwound. When I bought the camper, the Mrs and I decided to try it. We drove to a local campground for a weekend and fell in love with it. He was right, you absolutely unplug from the stress of life. That was 12 years ago and I’m on my fifth RV and we may full time for awhile once the Mrs retires. A friend of mine told me once that the purchase of a RV is an investment in your family and your mental well-being. I can’t argue with that assessment. I’ve pretty much given up all my previous hobbies because I’d rather be camping.

That's what we've always said about boats. Well, not the mental well-being. That's at best a wash, but if you want kids to spend time with you, especially when kids get to that jr. high age where hanging out with the parents starts being less desirable than other activities.

 

[Dawgbite]

Thread Hijack Hijack: How difficult or easy is it to rent an RV? Advisable?

If you have the financial means, I would suggest buying a used late model RV and trying it for 3-6 months. If you don’t like it you can sell it and likely recoup your money. As long as you look at it as rent you can take a loss and still come out ahead of a true rental. I did this with boats every summer for years.

 

[dorndawg]

If you have the financial means, I would suggest buying a used late model RV and trying it for 3-6 months. If you don’t like it you can sell it and likely recoup your money. As long as you look at it as rent you can take a loss and still come out ahead of a true rental. I did this with boats every summer for years.

 

[horshack.sixpack]

Of course he has the means. He's Jewish!***

 

[HotMop]

Get a stabilizer tow bar/sway bar. You might think your vehicle can handle it but if you get on an interstate without one and get passed by a semi you'll regret not having one.

Also, parks in Florida that are must do's.

Toil Sail State Park
St. Andrews State Park
Grayton Beach State Park

Almost all of the State Parks that I've been too are better than any of the KOA type parks. This of course varies by the location.

Also, if you purchased from a dealer expect some "Time-Share" calls incoming. Don't fall for it.

 

[Dawgbite]

Of course he has the means. He's Jewish!***

He's also a State Grad so it's a given. I put that caveat in there for any lurking OM grad burger flippers that might be reading.

 

[o_Hot Rock]

My wife will not do the camping thingy but we bought a cabin on a lake and we go almost every weekend. I can see a camper being fun but a pain as well.

It's not everyone's cup of tea but I am betting from the sound of it you will enjoy. Have fun.

 

[maroonmadman]

If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA check the rules as most of them will not allow you to leave a camper or any trailer parked in the driveway and some even prohibit them in the backyards too if too large. Factor storage fees into the equation if you do.

 

[MtPigsmore]

We've been camping for 4 yrs now and love it. Kids were 1 and 3 when we started and I'll never forget most of the memories made.

For those waffling buy a used pop up for very little and see if it's your thing. If so upgrade to one with a crapper and shower.

Lots of campground gems locally (clarko st park, lake choctaw, tishomingo st park). It all depends on your style. Reunion lake that was mentioned earlier is more of a parking lot campground with older folks golf carting around. Highly likely there is some swinging going on between campers.

Best trips so far is traveling to New Mexico to the caverns and Michigan's UP this summer. You see cities and states you'd otherwise likely never see.

 

[Dawgbite]

Pop ups just aren’t made for the south. You can’t put enough AC on it to keep it cool during the summer. All that canvas just doesn’t have enough insulation for this part of the country.

 

[MtPigsmore]

Pop ups just aren’t made for the south. You can’t put enough AC on it to keep it cool during the summer. All that canvas just doesn’t have enough insulation for this part of the country.

Solution: "A frame" hard sided pop up. I think we paid $8k for ours and sold it 2 yrs later for $7.5k. Another plus is you can easily hide it in your backyard if you have a double gate.

 

[ckDOG]

Lots of great advice in here. Thanks everyone

Nm

 

[ckDOG]

Already on it.

Keep it covered when not in use. They're not made to be exposed to the elements 365 days a year. I can't tell you how many disputed warranty and insurance claims I get into that aren't covered because the seams begin to leak. The sun wreaks havoc on the sealants and the seams. You won't know you've got a slow leak until it's too late and then the interior walls are all rotted.

On a waiting list right now, but there's an indoor storage facility in town that has LP fill, sewage, ice. I've already found one thing that really annoys me about storage outside - once you winterize it's a pain on the *** to get back up and running for a trip during cold months. Indoor is significantly more expensive but hoping it will be rationalized with the conveniences I mentioned, minimizing exposure, and having the ability to pull it out and get on the road quicker in the winter.

 

[ckDOG]

Mrs. ckDOG wants this

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