Mazdax605 wrote: I am trying to talk myself out of a camper. I really don't enjoy all the work that goes into camping for a vacation. I want to relax,and it never seems to be relaxing for me.
I feel your pain. Seriously. I am the Trip Leader in our family.
If you decide to continue camping, ask the family to review the items they feel are Necessary. Then ask them to leave 2 items at home next time.
Part of our problem was that a few family members brought Too Much Stuff. After about 7 trips in our first season, we have figured out how to simplify the packing and unpacking.
Yes, it is hard work. In my opinion, the quality time with family is worth it. Especially if your children really dig it Good memories! I hope you can find the magic solution so you can enjoy it, too.
Livin Lite Quicksilver 8.0 (Folding Tent Camper) only 900 lbs!
I have a Fleetwood Niagara pop up with the potty/shower and it's great. Having the two king sized bunks is nice and the glide out dinette adds to the floor space. My requirements when PUP shopping were potty and AC - got both with this PUP and love all the amenities.
When PUP shopping, take the time to lay on the beds, sit on the potty, fake a shower, fake preparing a meal to see if the floor plan/amenities will work for you and your family.
Quite often I solo, and it takes me maybe an hour to set up once on site - that includes the add-a-room.
If you're interesting in the Rockwood highwalls, also check out the Fleetwood Highlander range. Our Saratoga has most of the features of the Niagara in a more compact trailer. The great benefit is that we get all the features and can still store in the garage. We find the solid walled bathroom with ceramic toilet very convenient.
Fleetwood has a new model this year, the Tacoma, which is a highwall pop-up with solid walls.
Easy to tow, but more like a TT when up. I guess this competes more with a Trail Manor style RV. Not sure how they compare in price, however.
Red3 standing by...
2007 Fleetwood Saratoga
Reese 350 WD/Sway Control Hitch
Manual Brake Control
Grand Caravan 3.8L V6
I'm one DH with one HF (Happy Family)!
Doesn't sound like you're really into the camping thing... I happen to have gone from a PUP to a HTT and can't imagine going any other way. I still feel like I'm in a tent... very relaxing to me!!
From the time I back into my site to sitting in my camping chair ~ 15-20 mins max!! I have a 03 B-19 by R-Vision and tow with a 03 Mazda MPV.
My DH feels the same way you do about towing a large camper. We went from a PUP with very little storage, to HTT, and then to a full size TT. We kept the TT for about three years and decide on our way home from a week at the beach that he just didn't enjoy towing it. We decide to purchase a PUP with lots of storage. Most of our camping trips are on weekends, and we didn't need a house on wheels for that. And with the PUP we can go anywhere. The main reasons we like to camp is to spend time with our family and friends and to relax. It's hard to relax when you worrying about the ride to and from.
And as from as forgetting things, I have a checklist that I used for the TT. I have modified it for the PUP. That why I don't forget anything. Good Luck.
Here's my chance! MAZDAX605 I just traded my PUP for a Trailmanor. I can set it up in less than 5 minutes! My spouse can too. Check their website at www.trailmanor.com. I had a Forest River PUP - which had sort of a bath - but there were problems. PUPs are great for their intended use, but I suspect that many of us soft Americans aren't ready for all the shortcomings. Trailmanor is expensive, but worth it. It tows as easily as my PUP and once set up you are home!
We have had a whole range of different types of RVs - we started with a HTT, then a TT, a popup and now currently own a Hi-Lo. We have even tented for one camping season. Each has their pros/cons. Sounds like you're looking for something that is easy to tow, stands up well through use, and requires minimum setup/takedown. Popups fill two of those, definitely easy, low profile towing and by sticking with a well name brand (Jayco, Starcraft, etc) it should hold up well. You also don't need a 3/4 ton vehicle to tow them.
The other option would be a TrailManor or Hi-Lo which would fill all three requirements. Personally, I own a Hi-Lo and am very happy with it. It's sets up with a push of a button and there is no further setup inside compared to a TrailManor.
Other hard-sided folding trailers are the Aliner or Chalet which would be on the small side for a family of 4. Or a smaller TT that tows well, is all fiberglass, is the Scamp/Casita. Again, they are small. Good luck, just take your time, research, write down models you're interested in.
Good memories! I hope you can find the magic solution so you can enjoy it, too.
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