Readers suggesting a set-up time of 15-20 minutes might be omitting a few steps. I should think that 30-45 minutes is more realistic.
1. Leveling the trailer side-to-side
2. Putting chocks into place at each tire
3. Detaching the trailer from the tow vehicle
4. Leveling the trailer end-to-end
5. Plug-in
6. Switching the refrigerator from 12 volt to 24 volt operation
7. Raising the roof
8. Pulling the beds and installing the support poles underneath
9. Raising the sink and stove into place
10. Installing shepherds poles
11. Doing the zippers and velcro at the 4 corners
12. Attaching the 12 bungee cords under the beds
13. Lowering the stabilizers at the 4 corners
14. Installing the one-piece door
15. Setting-up the dinette table and seats
16. Unloading equipment stored in the trailer - kettle, coffee maker, and lots of other items
TV: 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe
Pup: 2007 Coachmen Clipper 1070ST
Favourite Campgrounds: Lake Superior Provincial Park; Chutes PP; Sharbot Lake PP; Rainbow Falls PP; Neys PP
There was a previous post on this subject awhile ago. Time varied based on what you carry with you, number of people working, and number of children. For my wife and I it is 10-15 minutes set up at the campground for a quick overnight and 20 minutes for a longer stay. This includes leveling, unhitching, and related tasks for the pup. I figure 20-30 minutes to pack up and leave. This seems to take longer (but 1 night stays can be fast in the morning). I think it really amounts to the amount of stuff you carry and need to unload.
Kelly1960 wrote: Okay, in reference to Klohey's list:
1. What are shepards poles?
2. What does "12 bungee cords under the beds" mean.
Thanks for all of the ideas y'all. Keep them coming!
Kelly
I S Poles. Hold the bunk end canvas up. they snap in place
2 Cords under the bunkends to hold the canvas down. However our pup, Had the ends permanently attached, and there were only 2 cords to hook at each end.
2hr setup, 4hr breakdown. Totally honest, and it all depends on what type of pup it is, and how much exterior site setup is required. Ours has dual drains, power lift, slideout, ect... Setup is not raising the roof, and pulling the beds. ITS UNPACKING CLOTHES, GEAR, THE TRUCK, THE SCREEN ROOMS, THE CANOES, AND ALL THE OTHER NONSENSE.
2008 Starcraft Travelstar Sport 21RBH
2008 Chevy Trailblazer V8 3.42/ 2004 k2500 Suburban LT 6.0, 3.73, g80 locker, center buckets, and sunroof.
Me, DW, dd08, dd12, 88lb black lab!
Our first camping trip took 1 1/2 hours to set up and 2 hours to break down. We usually have the PUP set up and are sitting down to dinner in one hour now. DW and I work as a team on set up and breakdown. When we arrive she backs up while I run around with leveling things and chock blocks. I unhook the top while she gets the crank handles out. She cranks it up while I get the awning out. I always do the last two cranks while she gets the dogs out of the truck. I pull the front out, she enters to get the cassette toilet out, I pull the back out, she puts up the shepherd poles and makes the beds while I get the toilet working, water hooked up, electricity hooked up, and water heater lit. I get the door attached and begin bringing in the food and clothes. WE pack our clothes into drawer units (plastic from walmart) that set at the foot of the beds for easy access. It works for us.
PAThwacker wrote: 2hr setup, 4hr breakdown. Totally honest, and it all depends on what type of pup it is, and how much exterior site setup is required. Ours has dual drains, power lift, slideout, ect... Setup is not raising the roof, and pulling the beds. ITS UNPACKING CLOTHES, GEAR, THE TRUCK, THE SCREEN ROOMS, THE CANOES, AND ALL THE OTHER NONSENSE.
Add in, for us, the complete emptying of the front storage area before pulling out the front bed.
X2. Same here. Setup and breakdown are LONG processes for us - we take a LOT of stuff (always have, always will). Setup and breakdown is basically assembling and disassembling the interior of the camper in a Jenga-like fashion.
Hopefully a TT or FW solves that for us.
2013 Sabre 36QBOK
Truck: 2012 Ram 3500 Crew Cab DRW w/ 4.10 gears and 8' bed
FW Hitch: B&W Turnover Ball + Companion hitch
Nights Camped: (2013: 10, 2012: 52, 2011: 28) Blog about learning to RV, mishaps and adventures
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/ 2004 k2500 Suburban LT 6.0, 3.73, g80 locker, center buckets, and sunroof.
