Camper Upgrade?

When I bought my pop-up camper several people suggested I would outgrow it. Still, I went for it. For a first camper I wanted something new since I knew nothing, and I wanted lightweight since I never towed anything. This was a good choice for me. However, I am thinking of an upgrade by next spring.

Limitations of the pop up:

  • port-a-potty that you carry to an outhouse or other toilet to empty
  • no shower
  • no gray water tank (drains to the outside)
  • extra mechanical system to raise and lower the pop up top (my only two serious problems on the road have been with this system)
  • super cold in winter

Advantages of a pop up

  • ultra light, under 2000 pounds
  • great storage (in my model)
  • fabulous windows and tent-like feel when sleeping in bunk ends

Another problem: pop ups are not well made in general. Materials are flimsy. Every time I go camping, something falls off or breaks, including:

  • refrigerator latch broke 1st time out
  • assorted bolts and screws appear here and there
  • original curtain fabric extremely thin
  • switch to activate motor that raises and lowers pop up top is funky
  • one window zipper pulled away from fabric
  • mattresses are awful
  • etc
  • etc
  • etc

The quality issue could be true for trailer-type campers in general. Regardless, I am now confident when towing a trailer and know more about what I want. The options I am considering over the winter are:

  • Hybrid (regular trailer with fold down tent bunk ends). I love love love sleeping with windows unzipped in warm weather. The bunk ends fold down; no funky mechanism to raise and lower.

  • Classic camping trailer, ultralight. This is one of my faves
  • Class B – I could only afford an older one, like a 2002 Road Trek. Beautiful, no towing, but small living space and big for everyday driving.

If I tow something it must be light. The van is rated to pull 5000 pounds. Of course, the van is getting old and has 100,000 miles but should last a while longer. When needed, I will replace with another cargo van (hoping to wait long enough for the Transit to come into my price range.

Why a cargo van? When I am retired and traveling more, the van offers great storage. Also, I can keep a bed set up on top of the storage bins for quick stops on long haul trips.

Any suggestions? I am equally attracted to each option at this point. The camper upgrade will likely be as intense as the last time!

2 thoughts on “Camper Upgrade?

  1. Thanks for your quick response, Jane, to my most recent comment…..yes, I believe we will meet “in this life” :)
    I am from Iowa and plan to RV that way soon to reconnect with dear cousins and visit Mom and Dad’s graves.

    Finding the right RV borders on self indulgence, I believe. I really spoiled myself with a chunk of me retirement and purchased a Class C 24′. Through the years I have owned the Casita, rpod, motorhome, but never one of those delightfully cute trailers at which you are looking. I was unsuccessful in hooking up the trailers so opted for my Class C and absolutely love it! The longest I have lived in it has been 5 months and, quite frankly, I could easily be a full timer except for my love of piano and my grand! I currently do not tow a vehicle but recently bought a towable manual Scion for that purpose when it arises. I have a folding electric bike which fits into my side storage and use it for transportation. Of course there are many times I just unhook and take my house with me…..don’t like leaving the dogs for that long anyway.
    These are just thoughts; I will enjoy your hunt with you!!
    joan

    • Love the electric bike idea. That is awesome. I am sure you love the Class C! Thanks for commenting. Let me know when/if you are coming to this area. You are welcome anytime!

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