OT Camping OT

My niece camps, and we go spend a afternoon with them.  It is very relaxing to visit.  But....for what they spent on the camper, truck to pull it various other options, I could stay at a nice resort a week for many years.   It's all about what you want out of your down time. 

We bought a small (17 foot) fiberglass travel trailer earlier this year.  It was more that I wanted but when the wife asks you gotta deliver We use it at least 6 nights a month and based on where we live we can go like 8-9 months out of the year.  It's a blast, it's all about no cellphones, family and relaxing when we are out with some creature comforts (bed and shitter).  We did buy new because trailers are like boats yes they depreciate but you need to know how it was cared for more than anything.  

Used can be an economical way to go.  Just be sure you are comfortable distinguishing between a lightly used beauty and a money pit. A 30' trailer can be heavy.  Make sure you understand weights and tow rig needs. Depending on what you now own, a trailer that big could cost you to an extra 60k for a tow vehicle.

Is it worth it? For many the answer is a definite yes.  If it is what your family wants to do and you have the cash, go for it.

30 foot camper, you guys are redefining camping for me   guy near me got a 2 year old never used new trailer for half price off the lot.  keep an eye out in the big new camper lots for leftovers

I have owned 12+ campers over the years.  I used to own a small RV Rental business in which I would deliver and set up RVs all over the state.  I have owned an older airstream, older travel trailers, newer travel trailers, and newer fifth wheels.  Here in Michigan, water damage is a big deal.  Most trailers are kept outside all the time.  In the winter, the multiple freeze and thaw cycles are brutal on campers.  When looking to buy, I could find some sort of water intrusion damage on 9 of the 10 units. 

The campers systems are pretty easy once you figure out what is going on with everything.  Being somewhat mechanically inclined does make camper ownership easier.  

Campers are built so cheaply nowadays, multiple things will fail.  I have so many stories.  The last few people that I know that bought new, find so many things that are warranty claims, that when they are not camping, the camper is just at the dealer for warranty work.  There are no "loaners" in the camping industry.  

To get to your questions:

Are they money pits?
They can be.  If you buy used, you may need tires, bearing service, brake service right away - but then should be good for several years.

If you need the roof re-done you are looking at 500-800 bucks to have it sealed or up to 5 grand for a new membrane.

If your fridge goes out, be prepared to spend more than a home fridge.  

If your AC goes out, you are looking at $1,000 or so for a replacement.

These things all could happen.  I have never had all of them happen on the same camper.  Of the 12 or so that I owned, I never spent more than $3500 during the time i owned it on maintenance and repairs.   That is somewhat cheap if you compare it to other recreational vehicles.  

On the outdoor kitchen:
I thought i used to want one.  After thinking about it more, i don't think i would.  

Reasons why:
1. it takes away from interior space.  Campers are a box, if you add a compartment from outside, you are losing something inside.  Many bunkhouse style campers loose a bed to that  kitchen.

2. It is another area that is plumbed with LP - potential gas leak

3. It is another area that is plumbed with Hot and cold water and a drain - more possible points of leaking/failure

4. There is no way you will have everything you need int that outoor kitchen.  Your utensils condiments, etc are now split between kitchens.  I feel this increases the in/out of the camper

5. Many places I camp would put that outdoor kitchen in an inconvenient location.  

6. it is another area to clean food splatter off of (you are there to camp not work)

7. I have a blackstone i bring camping as well as an additional Dorm size fridge (or2).  I also bring a grill of some type (sometimes the egg) With these items, i create my own outdoor kitchen that requires far less cleanup, is far more efficient, and is fun to use.  

We have purchased a few campers at repo lots and repo actions and have had good luck.  Hardly any camper will appreciate in value.  (some vintage units are the exception).  

I love camping. I don't mind the work.  Yes, for the money you put down, you can be at an all inclusive resort a few times for the cost of a used camper.  

I would also stress on the safety.  Tow Level.  Get a place to get you set up correctly.  

PM me if you have any questions.  I will stop rambling. 

@DoubleEgger

Cheaper, probably yes.

In this situation, I would buy instead of rent, unless a favorable arrangement could be made between @g8golfer and the owner/operator of the camper.

 Scheduling and availability can be challenging.  If these are impromptu trips (are we going/not going this weekend?) scheduled within the week, the stress and work of finding an available camper can be challenging.  (here in Michigan camping season is really Memorial day thru Labor day).  Our business has been shut down for 5 years and we still get calls from people desperate to find something.


Depending on the market and location, you could have a tight pickup/drop off window from rental company causing you to have to leave work early to pick something up and sign paperwork during business hours.  You may have to arrive to work late to facilitate dropping off Monday by noon.   (if renting from private party, this can be much more flexible).  

With a rental company you are paying security deposits, proving you have insurance enough to cover the camper, filling out all their paperwork, signing your life away in case you steal the camper, etc.

All your personal belongings need to be removed completely from rental unit. (added packing/unpacking time).  So you get home from a relaxing caomping weekend and have to work your butt off unloading the camper, and cleaning it to avoid losing your deposit.  

If you own a camper, your dishes, small appliances, camping chairs, umbrellas, extension cords, outdoor mats, leveling blocks, tools, card games, etc.  all stay inside.  If you get home and it is raining - you can wait until tomorrow to unload.

I feel if you are going for an extended time 1 or 2 times a year, renting is a great option.  If you go more than 2 times a year, or you want to be able to go at a moments notice, I would buy.  

5 years ago when we gave it up, we were charging $110 per night, plus $1.50 per loaded mile.  Some of our customers were paying $2,000 for 2 weeks of camping.  We provided a full service experience.  All bedding, pillows, bath towels, wash clothes, dish towels, dishes, toaster, coffee maker, etc.  some of our units could sleep 10.  On occasion, we had to turn them around an an hour.  Hard to do that many loads of laundry that quickly, so we had double of everything on hand.  Also, no renter ever cleaned the camper to my wife's standards, so a top to bottom cleaning was in order each time a unit came in.

A great option that I plan to do when I buy a camper again (I am currently without) is to rent it out yourself to cover your costs/payment (if you have one).  I would not do the full service thing again, but I would leave all my "stuff" in there.  Just don't get too attached to it.  Blinds will stop working, trim pieces will fall off, stuff will get scratched, the camper will get dents/dings.  

g8golfer said:

I have a 2015 1500 Chevy so towing shouldn't be to bad. I think it's suppose to tow between 10,000-11,000 pounds. I think the camper weighs 6500 dry weight. It's going to cost me around 20k on the road for the camper. Thanks for the feedback truly appreciated.

You don't want to be pulling over 75% of max load. 

How easy or pricey are they to refurb?  I see a lot on craigslist that look they would need some TLC, but I wouldn't want to go down that trail without any experience refurbing them.

Most people keep the camper until enough stuff stops working, or family size changes, or you use it WAY less than you thought you would.

You can always make some side money with an RV 

Know your weights, but don't get too worked up about what percentage of your towing capability you are using. Use the acat scales to weigh your truck, and truck and trailer (two separate weighs). 

If if something breaks, and it will, just get into it and tackle it - you'll learn that working on a trailer isn't all that difficult. Carry some spare parts - solenoid for gas side of water heater, fuses, bulbs (go LED), pex connectors, teflon tape, you'll get to know what you need. 

Think about out getting a generator - we had 2 Honda 2000i generators and could dry camp with just one if we weren't using an air conditioner. 

Join a forum specifically for your model or at least your manufacturer - usually great people with lots of advice. 

We traveled for 10 years, full time and loved every minute of it!

Look at a new 2017.

You will be pressured to buy an extended warranty because the profit margins for the dealer are high. Decline and then do your due diligence and buy what you choose before the 1 year factory warranty is up. 

As as for your PDI (Pre Delivery Inspection), don't let anyone rush you, take notes and video using your cellphone. 

If if you go to the beach, wash, wash, and wash the trailer again. Salt will wreak havoc if not removed by washing.  For your frame, I suggest Rustoleum rust neutralizer and then black spray paint. 

Do buy stabilizers to reduce tow sway. 

Enjoy the journey!