RE: Tarp tents
The tent arrived today.
There's no point in posting pictures. The ones on the website are better than anything I could post.
The good:
It is wicked light. I couldn't believe it. Since this for backpacking, that is the primary benefit.
Roomy, much more elbow room than the 2 man tent it is replacing.
Easy setup. The Apex was easy to set up. This is easier.
What you give up.
Ventilation and protection. The Apex is a rain fly over mesh setup, so there is plenty of ventilation and rain protection. This is a single layer tent, so it is not as airy as the old tent. It will also probably feel a little more damp on the inside surface when it rains.
It's fragile. The tent material is like parachute cloth. The mesh, zippers, cords and poles are all very lightweight and therefore, fragile. Not a problem for me or my older son, but the 3 year isn't going near it anytime soon.
Not self-supporting. It uses 4 stakes. Whether that is an issue or not depends entirely on the ground you're setting up on.
Overall, I'm very pleased.
It's about 40% bigger and less than half the weight of the old tent. There are bound to be some compromises to achieve that.
Regards,
jb
RE: Learn from my mistake
The only thing that would hurt worse is if there were a way to get your big toe up in there.
Ouch!
It would have hurt more if your brother-in-law was watching.
Seriously, Sorry to hear about your misadventure and thanks for sharing.
Regards,
jb
RE: Power Cords
Not to mention that adding a connector increases the resistance of the setup and can make a difference when running the A/C or in the event you have to use an extension.
RE: Tarp tents
These tents have floors and netting, so it's not like throwing a tarp over a rope.
I ordered one, when it arrives, I'll set it up and take a few pics.
At a little over 3 lbs, 8ft long, 8ft wide and almost 4 ft high. It's not much heavier than a bivy, but will have much more room to move around, or just sit up and read before turning in.
Regards,
jb
RE: Hard Slide
I consider the rear queen slide campers close enough in spirit to a "real" hybrid to make this a valid question.
The advantages of the rear hard slide are climate and sound control.
The main disadvantage is that when in, the hard slide makes the TT nearly unusable for packing or a quick lunch break or nap. With a hybrid, in turtle mode, you can still access everything inside.
The best way to decide for yourself if to look at one in person, even with the hard slide out, you can see the area it will take up when retracted, then you can decide if that is a big factor for you.
Good luck,
jb
Tarp tents
Does anyone have any experience with tarp tents?
I've been using a Eureka apex for solo trips and hiking with my son.
Solo on the motorcycle, it's fine. For hiking and two person use, it's a bit heavy and cramped.
I'm looking at tarp tents. A little bigger and half the weight.
Just curious if anyone here has seen/used a tarp tent.
tarp tents
Eureka Apex 2
Thanks,
jb
RE: Tent Camping in the Finger Lakes Region
Watkins glenn is nice. You can hike the glenn right from the campsites.
Overall, I've been very pleased with NYS campgrounds.
RE: Camping alone (not to be confused with the other topic)
I do it a couple of times a year.
For the whole family, we take the Winne.
Sometimes my son and I go back packing and tent camp.
Twice a year, I pack my stuff on the motorcycle and go out for a long weekend by myself.
All three types of camping have their own appeal.
The moto-camping trips are a chance to really get away from it all, including people.
They also provide an opportunity to scope out places to take the family later.
Cheers,
jb
RE: Who has gone from a tow vehicle/trailer to a class A
We're going the other way.
From an older class A to a truck/trailer combo.
From the variety of responses to this thread, it's safe to say, it really depends on your own situation and how you use your RV.
If we're just going to a campground to hang out, the 'bago is just fine.
We want to do more touristy things, drive, park, then get out a do stuff.
For that, not having a vehicle is problem.
Maintenance and insurance costs are a secondary factor. With work and school, we can't get away as often as we'd like, so not having to maintain and insure the beast, just so it can sit in the driveway 90% of the time will be a bonus.
Regards,
jb
RE: Three in a row no problems
I have been pulling my 5th wheel with Chev. 5.3 now for 6 years, and never had the first problem of any kind with any one of the trucks. I read on here all the time about trans,oil coolers, diesel pumps, you name it. I'm I the only guy who has never had a problem with a gas 5.3 or are they just the great little engine out there?
3 trucks, 6 years?
That's a new truck every two years.
You better not have had any problems, especially with the diesel pump in that gas motor.
RE: Are Minivans Doomed?
This is how they REALLY do it Europe
Forget those pics. This is how really do it in Europe.
That trailer pulled that Renault like it wasn't even there.
This one's even better
Those European are so crafty, they don't need a TV at all.
Full disclosure: I'm an Irish Citizen living in the US. Some things in Europe are better than than in the US. Some things in the US are better. Last I checked the laws of Physics were the same everywhere (though I'm sure Brussels is working on a treaty).
Cheers,
jb
RE: Are Minivans Doomed?
Wow, I like it, too. Like the mileage numbers, and that you can get it with a stickshift. Not easy to get any vehicle with a stickshift anymore. That unit may well be on our short list, whenever we decide to part ways with the Caravan.
It *is* a little small, though, which is same reason why we didn't like the Mazda minivan a years ago when we got the Caravan. Seems it'd be awful cramped inside.
I'd be curious to see some real-world mileage numbers on it as well. Usually, 4 cylinder minivans are bad news for mileage, especially on the highway. Too much mass, being moved with too little engine. May not be the case, though, with how much smaller this one is, and a manual tranny in it..
Will
I'm a real stick shift snob, so that was a big factor for me. I've had the car for about 15 months and have about 13k on it.
Around town mileage is 25. The only times I've gone below 25 mpg were on winter gas and all short trips where I warm it up for 3 or 4 minutes and then go a mile to the elementary school.
Real highway milage 27-30, driving between 68-72. Speedo is pretty accurate, only reads about 1 mph high at those speeds.
Best milage was 33 (twice) extended highway runs at slightly slower speeds with cruise control on.
5th gear is just tiny bit too short. It starts to feel a bit busy as you get up to around 75.
A six speed or just slightly spread out ratios on the 5 speed would make it perfect.
Zero maintenance or quality issues. Routine maintenance cost are a joke compared to the VW Jetta it replaced. $27 bucks for the 3K and $35 for the 12 k service. I think the initial service on the VW was $170.
OEM roof rack is made by Thule. Bikes, Kayaks and Ski box all ride on top. That takes care of most space issues. Stuff on the roof has a negligable impact on MPG (the short 5th gear helps there).
Needless to say, I'm a happy customer.
Cheers,
jb
RE: Are Minivans Doomed?
Wow, I like it, too. Like the mileage numbers, and that you can get it with a stickshift. Not easy to get any vehicle with a stickshift anymore. That unit may well be on our short list, whenever we decide to part ways with the Caravan.
It *is* a little small, though, which is same reason why we didn't like the Mazda minivan a years ago when we got the Caravan. Seems it'd be awful cramped inside.
I'd be curious to see some real-world mileage numbers on it as well. Usually, 4 cylinder minivans are bad news for mileage, especially on the highway. Too much mass, being moved with too little engine. May not be the case, though, with how much smaller this one is, and a manual tranny in it..
Will
I'm a real stick shift snob, so that was a big factor for me. I've had the car for about 15 months and have about 13k on it.
Around town mileage is 25. The only times I've gone below 25 mpg were on winter gas and all short trips where I warm it up for 3 or 4 minutes and then go a mile to the elementary school.
Real highway milage 27-30, driving between 68-72. Speedo is pretty accurate, only reads about 1 mph high at those speeds.
Best milage was 33 (twice) extended highway runs at slightly slower speeds with cruise control on.
5th gear is just tiny bit too short. It starts to feel a bit busy as you get up to around 75.
A six speed or just slightly spread out ratios on the 5 speed would make it perfect.
Zero maintenance or quality issues. Routine maintenance cost are a joke compared to the VW Jetta it replaced. $27 bucks for the 3K and $35 for the 12 k service. I think the initial service on the VW was $170.
OEM roof rack is made by Thule. Bikes, Kayaks and Ski box all ride on top. That takes care of most space issues. Stuff on the roof has a negligable impact on MPG (the short 5th gear helps there).
Needless to say, I'm a happy customer.
Cheers,
jb
RE: Are Minivans Doomed?
Wife has a Honda Odyssey. I don't care for it at all.
Steering, gas, brakes all feel very vague.
Suspension is very soft.
I haul the kids as much as she does, so last year I got a Mazda 5
Mazda 5
I love it. It's a mini-mini van. Seats 6, has rear sliders, but is based on the Mazda 3 chassis. It feels very tight, handling is very precise if not extremely sporty. Gets good milage.
Got it in a 5 speed! (try that with any other kid hauler) and it cost $17K brand spanking new.
I think it is the future for families with 2-4 kids that don't want to spend a ton of money on the vehicle or gas.
The Kia ronda is similar (except it has regular rear doors and no stick is availble).
RE: Which is the more true value - NADA or Edmunds
NADA on this truck is $17,125 and this doesnât include the camper shell!!!
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 Cummins Diesel Auto Short Bed $4,550.00 was the top bid !!
But it didn't sell!
Something is only worth what you can get someone else to pay.
NADA/Edmunds are guides, but always seem on the high side.
E-bay is probably the best indicator, IF you only look at what stuff actually goes for.
Bids and buy-it-now don't mean squat unless the deal goes down.
Regards,
jb
RE: Inverter question
I have the same targus as posted above.
Works fine to drive small laptop or charge cell phone.
I have a 200 watt one in the 'Bago hard wired to the fuse block under the hood.
It will run the 13" Tv/DVD combo and the Gamecube.
It did not work so well plugged into the 12v system in the camper. Too much voltage drop caused by thin wires and connectors.
The home-run helped alot.
Regards,
jb
RE: Camping with 8 mths old twins?
Make sure you have plenty of water, paper towels and wipes for washing up.
Little babies make big messes.
A few extra jugs of water and a roll of paper towels can make a big difference.
Also more clothes than you think you'll ever need.
If you going to be a week without access to a washing machine, bring a month's worth of onesies, pajamas, etc.
Good luck.
jb
RE: From tent to pup to rv now back to tent
Not a goof.
We use the RV for family camping.
I moto-camp two weekends a year to get away from it all, and them!
We're thinking of selling the 'bago and getting a truck/hybrid trailer as a replacement, but may tent camp for a while between selling the old, and before buying the new.
I've said it before and i'll say it again. We see all types of people and all types of camping equipment. I've never noticed anyone having more or less fun based upon the stuff they were using. Unless it's raining!!!
Use what works for you and have fun.
Cheers,
jb
