Need help from the camping experts

[Allisdad]

I need help and I know you guys are the experts. I have been lurking on this board for a year now and so I feel this is going to be the friendliest place to get answers. Ok, my family and I love to camp, we use my dads 30 ft Terry a lot. I always use his Tahoe to tow it. Well now I have decided it’s time to get my own. Mainly because we want to take it to the fort plus it would just be nice to have one with our stuff in it all the time. Now, I have an older Ford Explorer that we bought just for towing (got an amazing deal). My question is what size camper would be a reasonable one to pull with it. There is only my wife, 5 year old daughter and myself (with the exception of a few tag-a-longs from time to time). I don’t want anything big and I know realistically I’m kind of limited to what I can pull with it. We were thinking a nice pop up with a slide out. Or should I fork out the cash for a small pull behind (not sure if I’m using the right lingo). We don’t mind using the comfort stations so we don’t have to have a bathroom (although it would be easier with a little one). Just kind of looking for something to get us out without using my fathers, any advice would be a great help. Thanks in advance, and sorry this post is so long. Just wanted to make sure I covered everything.

 

[stacktester]

You didn't mention if the Explorer has a tow package and what size motor it has. I know some of them have a V-8. I wouldn't pull anything larger than a pop up personally. Explorers have a short wheel base and when there's a load on the back it tends to lift the front up and it can be squirrly.

I would begin on Craigslist as far as looking for a pop up. Be patient as there are some good deals out there. Make sure you inspect the unit for roof leaks and any sort of water damage. If you don't get in a hurry you'll find a good one. Good luck and welcome to the boards.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

I agree with Donny re. the pop up with this tow vehicle. While a bathroom would be nice, we never had one until we got the Kiwi in 2001 when my kids were 14 and 16. Prior to that, we had pop ups and used the campground facilities and everybody got along just fine. It's a great way for a family to vacation, and contributes to family cohesiveness.

 

[DaveInTN]

I agree with Donnie on the size trailer you want relative to your Explorer. You will have a very pleasant experience pulling something like a pop up as long as you are set up correctly to tow. Anything too large would be a white knuckles experience....no fun!

I see you are in Ohio. Our first camping unit (besides a tent) was a pop up we bought when we lived in Buffalo. It didn't have A/C, which was no big deal up there for us, but when we moved south we were miserable! Pop ups without A/C aren't uncommon up north, so you may be tempted by one with a good deal. If you plan on camping at the Fort though, you will want A/C! So make sure you hold out for one equipped with it.

As far as a bathroom, that's completely up to you. Our pup didn't have one, but I had one of those cassette toilets and a little pop up type play tent for it outside. It worked ok for us, but eventually my daughters didn't like it and the night trips to the bathhouse got old for my wife. (one of the benefits of having 4 daughters is that the father gets a pass in that regard ). With one child that shouldn't be as much of an issue, and not having your own bathroom might be fine. But if you decide you want one there are some nice pop up floorplans with small baths. Just be careful as the weights tend to go up with the more features you add.

Also as Donnie stated, take your time and find a good deal. Look around and compare prices versus condition of the units. While RV sales are up a little bit recently, the buyer is still in the drivers seat so to speak. Don't be afraid to walk away if price can't be agreed upon. They may come back to you in a day or so! If you know someone who owns a pop up already and is mechaniclaly inclined, see if they would be willing to help you inspect it. They may know more what to look for as far as places where water can get in or issues with the fabric may present itself.

At the end of the day, enjoy the process! I had so much fun shopping and researching when we bought our current RV 3 years ago. Have fun with it!

 

[big kahuna1]

You may want to consider the R-POD by Forest River. Pretty neat little trailer and is Ultra Light Weight and has all the amenities of a larger trailer...including a bath/shower.

http://www.forestriverinc.com/nd/default22.asp?page=floor&choice=rpod&nav=rec

 

[Allisdad]

I knew I would get the info I needed. Sorry I forgot to mention the details on the Ford. It does have a V-8 and towing package (Electric brakes and all). We were really leaning towards a pop up since it would be cheaper on gas, just wanted to make sure. I've been scanning Craigslist, but probably will have to go with a new one since I really want the slide out. Thanks again for everyones advice. You guys sell the fort better than Disney does. When we were at disney back in September I just had to cruise the campground after reading everyones post. That was the deal breaker for my wife, and I got the go ahead to start looking. So for that

 

[clkelley]

Welcome to the group!!! I agree with what everyone else says, a Pop-Up, T@DA, or R-Pod would be good options for you. Trailmanors and Hi-Los are something else you might want to look at.

Air Conditioning is a must, a shower is not, but an inside potty is really nice to have. The smaller campers, the hot water heater is so tiny that the shower is about useless. The comfort stations have lots and lots and lots of hot water!!

Also, for me personnaly, a furnace is not necessary either. If you camp mostly in campgrounds, then use their electric and use the heat pump and a small ceramic heater. No need to use up your gas.

 

[clkelley]

Also, on your SUV, make sure it has the charge line and isolator back to the 7-pin connection. That way you can keep the battery to the camper charged while on the road and can run your fridge while on the road.

 

[DaveInTN]

Also, on your SUV, make sure it has the charge line and isolator back to the 7-pin connection. That way you can keep the battery to the camper charged while on the road and can run your fridge while on the road.

Good advice.

Nothing worse than arriving at a campground with warm beer.

 

[campingdawgs]

We found our pop-up on Craigslist. We got an awesome deal- an older couple bought it and used it twice before deciding it was more work setting up than they wanted. It has a slide (dinette) and shower/potty combo. We looked for several months before we found it, so don't give up on used yet. You can really save a lot of money.

 

[I'mDownWithDisney]

It's a shame that Explorer doesn't have a separate lift glass and tailgate. Otherwise, you could go with a set up like this.

 

[Allisdad]

That looks really unsafe. I would have added some duct tape to insure it was secure.