Keep it Simple

Cracker · 04-04-2021, 01:42 PM

I find it disappointing that so many first time campers want to immediately go for all the bells and whistles - overlooking simple pop-up type rigs that could provide so much for so little. At 82 years old, I've owned one or two versions of almost every rig out there sans a 5th wheel. Today, we have a small Class B+ that gets us around to visit the grandchildren - doing most of our camping in our kid's driveways. I can say, without exception, that the happiest camping days of our lives, and those of our three children, were spent in a Starcraft pop-up camper! We even took off one summer and toured over 6,500 miles around the U.S. Check out the concept before you spend $65,000 for a Toad and $50,000 for a travel trailer, or $250,000 for a motorhome. A good SUV, or almost any standard pickup, will do the job, while providing economical day-to-day transportation. I trust that Keystone will not be offended by my suggestions.

BigBobIa · 04-04-2021, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cracker

At 82 years old, I've owned one or two versions of almost every rig out there sans a 5th wheel.

...

I trust that Keystone will not be offended by my suggestions.

Does it matter if Keystone cares? Other than the missing 5th wheel, how many more new ones do expect to buy??

**sourdough** · 04-04-2021, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cracker

I find it disappointing that so many first time campers want to immediately go for all the bells and whistles - overlooking simple pop-up type rigs that could provide so much for so little. At 82 years old, I've owned one or two versions of almost every rig out there sans a 5th wheel. Today, we have a small Class B+ that gets us around to visit the grandchildren - doing most of our camping in our kid's driveways. I can say, without exception, that the happiest camping days of our lives, and those of our three children, were spent in a Starcraft pop-up camper! We even took off one summer and toured over 6,500 miles around the U.S. Check out the concept before you spend $65,000 for a Toad and $50,000 for a travel trailer, or $250,000 for a motorhome. A good SUV, or almost any standard pickup, will do the job, while providing economical day-to-day transportation. I trust that Keystone will not be offended by my suggestions.

This website is not connected to Keystone in any way as noted at the bottom of each page and I'm not aware of any Keystone representative that is a member so post away and not a soul will be offended.

You didn't say anything offensive anyway.

You make some good points and I agree. I've had some really memorable experiences in all the RVs we've owned but I think the most "fun" were with the smaller, cheaper units. Of course I think part of that is because the kids were with us and we were thrilled to be able to have anything!

The world is different now and far too many expect "the best" without doing anything to get there. In reality they don't have a clue what they've missed by not working through all those hard but fun times. And "happiness", "having it made" is all the bling and foo fahs vs cutting a stack of wood and sitting beside the fire at night cooking a hot dog or roasting marshmallows. It is actually pretty sad IMO. I think those of us that got to do what you allude to are the ones that had it made.

**flybouy** · 04-04-2021, 05:05 PM

Personally I think "happiness" is what the individuale makes of his/her situation. Going to bed hungry, not having shoes, not having a roofing over your head to me precludes happiness. Some people are happy with life and some are never happy no matter their status or fortunes. As for the "spoiled generation" look no further than the mirror if you want to place blame for "we" as a generation raised them.

I'll never forget a conversation between 2 of my aunts one summer in WV. It was sometime back in the mid 1960's. Aunt "A" was begining to cook dinner and what a fantastic cook she was! Aunt "B", looking out the window at the mountians stated that she really missed the "good old days". Aunt "A" Said "What's wrong with you? THESE are the good days! She emphatically stated that she didn't want to go back to washing clothes by hand in a wash tub, splitting wood to fuel the stove or spend they day kneeding bread by hand.

My aunt "A" was a homemaker who worked hard tending a garden, cleaning her home, making her cloths, cooking, raising kids. To here vacation was typically spent visiting either or her or her husband's kin. Aunt "B" was very comfortable financially. Always had the best cloths, jewelry, new car, a maid service to clean her house and traveled the world. I guess It's all a matter of perspective.

**sourdough** · 04-04-2021, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flybouy

Personally I think "happiness" is what the individuale makes of his/her situation. Going to bed hungry, not having shoes, not having a roofing over your head to me precludes happiness. Some people are happy with life and some are never happy no matter their status or fortunes. As for the "spoiled generation" look no further than the mirror if you want to place blame for "we" as a generation raised them.

I'll never forget a conversation between 2 of my aunts one summer in WV. It was sometime back in the mid 1960's. Aunt "A" was begining to cook dinner and what a fantastic cook she was! Aunt "B", looking out the window at the mountians stated that she really missed the "good old days". Aunt "A" Said "What's wrong with you? THESE are the good days! She emphatically stated that she didn't want to go back to washing clothes by hand in a wash tub, splitting wood to fuel the stove or spend they day kneeding bread by hand.

My aunt "A" was a homemaker who worked hard tending a garden, cleaning her home, making her cloths, cooking, raising kids. To here vacation was typically spent visiting either or her or her husband's kin. Aunt "B" was very comfortable financially. Always had the best cloths, jewelry, new car, a maid service to clean her house and traveled the world. I guess It's all a matter of perspective.

The above in red would be wrong IMO. My DS and DD were raised by pretty much a firebrand....me. I didn't listen to or accept excuses and had very high expectations....and they both met them and more. But....

Well, I was going to expound but found it is impossible to do so without getting political so....I would just say that if you let your kid go on to a school of "higher learning" these days much of that is not "learning" but "indoctrination" so beware...and aware, I was not.

Weldon · 04-05-2021, 01:06 PM

The wife and I paid $500 cash for a 1993 Skamper PUP a little over 3 years ago. We previously used a $100 walmart tent, and wanted to see if our kids would actually enjoy camping in the PUP. We let our kids help us "remodel" the PUP and used it a dozen times over the next year. I can't say cranking the PUP up and down each trip was fun, but I really appreciate the buttons on my TT!

Early last year we sold the PUP and went with our current TT. Enough can't be said for a shower, toilet, and bunkbeds for the kids. We have used our TT a dozen times over the past year and have 3 trips planned so far for this year. We will upgrade at some point, but it's not on the immediate horizon.

I may not be a "kid" anymore, but at age 43, I definitely appreciate the dollar, and the work needed to earn it. I started working when i was 14, and haven't stopped. I am by no means bragging, but I was extremely pleased to pay cash for my TV and TT. Yes, I could have financed both that were way nicer, but my TT and TV are what we need now. We are by no means wealthy, but we do pay off our CC's each month, have no car payments, and live within our means. I only say that for this reason: I hope by doing this i am teaching my kids responsible habits so they won't be "those kids" in 4 years when my daughter turns 13 and my son turns 12. God knows we have tried, but raising a kid with all the stuff going on politically, economically, etc. is no pancake.

jimborokz · 04-26-2021, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weldon

The wife and I paid $500 cash for a 1993 Skamper PUP a little over 3 years ago. We previously used a $100 walmart tent, and wanted to see if our kids would actually enjoy camping in the PUP. We let our kids help us "remodel" the PUP and used it a dozen times over the next year. I can't say cranking the PUP up and down each trip was fun, but I really appreciate the buttons on my TT!

Early last year we sold the PUP and went with our current TT. Enough can't be said for a shower, toilet, and bunkbeds for the kids. We have used our TT a dozen times over the past year and have 3 trips planned so far for this year. We will upgrade at some point, but it's not on the immediate horizon.

I may not be a "kid" anymore, but at age 43, I definitely appreciate the dollar, and the work needed to earn it. I started working when i was 14, and haven't stopped. I am by no means bragging, but I was extremely pleased to pay cash for my TV and TT. Yes, I could have financed both that were way nicer, but my TT and TV are what we need now. We are by no means wealthy, but we do pay off our CC's each month, have no car payments, and live within our means. I only say that for this reason: I hope by doing this i am teaching my kids responsible habits so they won't be "those kids" in 4 years when my daughter turns 13 and my son turns 12. God knows we have tried, but raising a kid with all the stuff going on politically, economically, etc. is no pancake.

I think your kids will do fine. You're giving them a good foundation to build on.
Our story was much like yours only 3 decades earlier. Our kids are where you are now, youngest turns 40 next year and of the three only one camps. Our 5th wheel is parked in her back yard right now. But when we are all around the fire pit on the 4th of July the conversation often gets around to those days when they were little and we were in our paid for $200 Sears pop-up at the state park with no hook ups. Their lives are all different now but they all remember the old days with fondness. It isn't the stuff they remember it's the togetherness of the family. I just sit there and listen and thank God for blessings.

dutchmensport · 04-05-2021, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sourdough

...

Well, I was going to expound but found it is impossible to do so without getting political so........

What you said so eloquently is exactly what I wanted to say with a lot more abrasiveness! You are so correct here.

dutchmensport · 04-04-2021, 05:10 PM

I'm glad folks posted the above comments, because my original thoughts were much more corrosive than these. You guys are too gentle.

To keep this G- rated, suffice it to say, We live in a "Me" generation that want is RIGHT now, and with the ease of instant, seemingly unlimited credit, "they" can get anything they want." OK, I tried to say this nice.

I agree with the original poster. Sometimes the simple is the best. You don't get much more simple than sleeping on bare ground in a sleeping bag beside a motorcycle, renting your first Pop-Up camper, and purchasing your first "family" tent. It was a really BIG event getting our own Pop-Up! And it was a fantastic feeling when it was filly paid for!

Funny though, when we got our first travel trailer, the kids quit camping with us, because they were in high school and had part-time jobs. When we got our first travel trailer, my daughter said, "Dad, you are not camping any more. Why didn't you get this when we were little." To daughter: Because you wanted to eat!

BigBobIa · 04-05-2021, 05:05 PM

Love it. 67 and owe on the new to us 39’ 5th wheel and the RAM that pulls it. The half ton of motorcycles it will haul are paid in full.

We definitely live within our means.

fchampneys · 04-18-2021, 08:10 AM

Started 45 years ago with a pop-up tent trailer and 5 small children. Kids are grown and kids of their own. My wife and I decided last year as we approached retirement, it is OUR time to have what we want and the way we want it. So a year ago we splurged. A new 1-ton, a new 43' Fuzion 430, and a new Honda Talon SxS, and we haven't looked back. Yep, we went big with all the bells and whistles, and it's all paid for. We will enjoy our retirement in style and comfort. Some people ask, "Why?" I ask, "Why not?" Hope to see many of you down the road.

bbells · 04-18-2021, 09:27 AM

I live in the country and to me popups suck. I can hear everything that goes on in the campground. Impossible to sleep past 6am when the loud families get up. Maybe people in the city can handle the racket because they always have it at home. I will never get another soft sided camper no matter what the rice. Plus, I am finding many campgrounds are now requiring a working bathroom, which very few popups have.

lloyd · 04-18-2021, 11:51 AM

yup ,started with a tent then a popup and now the tt wouldn't miss the memories. in a storm coming up off the lake and my daughter yelling mommy mommy as the wind started to lift the tarp ,such good times

pdaniel · 04-18-2021, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cracker

I find it disappointing that so many first time campers want to immediately go for all the bells and whistles - overlooking simple pop-up type rigs that could provide so much for so little. At 82 years old, I've owned one or two versions of almost every rig out there sans a 5th wheel. Today, we have a small Class B+ that gets us around to visit the grandchildren - doing most of our camping in our kid's driveways. I can say, without exception, that the happiest camping days of our lives, and those of our three children, were spent in a Starcraft pop-up camper! We even took off one summer and toured over 6,500 miles around the U.S. Check out the concept before you spend $65,000 for a Toad and $50,000 for a travel trailer, or $250,000 for a motorhome. A good SUV, or almost any standard pickup, will do the job, while providing economical day-to-day transportation. I trust that Keystone will not be offended by my suggestions.

Close to 50 years ago DW and I did our first camping trip-in a 2 person tent.
Next RV was a 1978 18 1/2 foot TT. Hell, we were in heaven.
So over the years we went from that TT to a truck camper back to a tent then back to three travel trailers over the course of ten years.
All had their issues from bad drafts to inadequate heated air flow.
We upgraded to possibly our last RV purchase two years ago. It took us 47 or so years to get here.

My advice to those looking for the first time is rent an RV before dumping 70-100K in a comfortable RV.

LHaven · 04-18-2021, 05:44 PM

As I say from time to time, some of us are "campers," and others of us are "travelers." Some of us RV to do the outdoor thing, and others RV to do the faraway-places thing.

DW and I are the latter. We don't yearn to become one with the mosquitos, we yearn to see place X and visit person Y. This year, our outdoor grille turns three, and it's still cherry.

Secondly, a lot of this depends on at what age one gets into RVing. By the time the two of us had reached retirement, one of us was in no shape to curl up on an air mattress or hunker down over a cassette toilet, making the choice for both.

Though people are paying significant bux on RVs this year, in a lot of cases they're not significantly more luxurious than the RVs they bought 30 years ago for a quarter of that -- only the prices have changed, due to supply and demand.

KarenK · 04-19-2021, 09:15 PM

When I was a kid we used to tent camp on an island in Canada. Dad would pack a 14 ft. fishing boat with all the gear for 2 wks. before we could get in the boat. As an adult (sort of) did a couple different tents, then a older coleman pop up, when my youngest was 3. Husband came home with an older pickup for a work truck so he wouldn't keep trashing his nice suburban...talked him into getting rid of my honda, letting me drive the old truck so I could get that pop-up. Didn't even care it had no furnace at the time. 5 years later we bought a new small Jayco 5th wheel that I used for 19 years. Few yrs ago got into a used 2006 31 ft Springdale, one that was roomy enough for both of us.
Husband won't do payments on vehicles, toys, or the cabin we built up north, was pay cash as you go. WE have one kid who got in trouble with his credit cards, still not fully convinced he's learned from it. And another kid who refuses to own a credit card. She is buying a house this spring. They were raised the same.

skmct · 04-20-2021, 11:51 AM

We started out in a borrowed tent . Bought a new Colman lantern and stove (we still have in working condition). We did this while the kids grew up We did finally buy our own tent. It's all we could afford but we really enjoyed those nights around the camp fire. After the kids left home and the dog died the wife said take me to a hotel I'm done with camping. Well after about 10 years of hotels we are now glamping in our Montana HC and loving a new adventure.

**flybouy** · 04-20-2021, 03:20 PM

Just an observation .....

The last time I looked stores still sell tents, RV manufacturers and dealers still sell pop ups and I see plenty of both in the campgrounds I've been in. Seems like a lot of to do about nothing.

JMHO

notanlines · 04-20-2021, 04:15 PM

"Seems like a lot of to do about nothing"
Marshall, the three major RV parks in the area we stay in Wisconsin won't even allow tents anymore. Not even to let the kids sleep in over the week-end. And RV parks all across the country won't allow any RV's over 10-15 years old. I'm not sure where we're going with this as a country. The campgrounds seem to be staying with the tents/pop-ups but the RV parks shying away from them. It's a strange, strange world we live in, Master Jack.

**JRTJH** · 04-21-2021, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notanlines

"Seems like a lot of to do about nothing"
Marshall, the three major RV parks in the area we stay in Wisconsin won't even allow tents anymore. Not even to let the kids sleep in over the week-end. And RV parks all across the country won't allow any RV's over 10-15 years old. I'm not sure where we're going with this as a country. The campgrounds seem to be staying with the tents/pop-ups but the RV parks shying away from them. It's a strange, strange world we live in, Master Jack.

You're so right, Jim.....

In "times long past" there were RV's and places to park them (called campgrounds).. Then along came the "Airstream parks" in the 50's and the "RV Resorts" in the 60's. Those were typically in southern California and Arizona/New Mexico and catered to the snowbirds. In the 70's, many of those Resorts started marketing to "the affluent" who could afford to buy a lot in the Resort that could be "rented out when not used by the owner"...

As that "landscape changed from commercial to privately owned" the owners didn't want to be parked next to a "trashy looking trailer" so they pushed the developers to impose restrictions (strictly to keep the riff raff out)... As the years progress, the rules keep getting more stringent.

Now, we've got "classes of RV parking" that range from "organized chaos" (think about a casino parking lot on Friday night) to exclusive resorts that cater to "million dollar motorhomes" (think about Las Vegas Motorcoach Resort) in which a small lot ranges from $125K to $500K (there's one lot listed for $1 million) and include a "locked, owner's only (no renters allowed) clubhouse with an exclusive elevator to the observation deck and owner's bar located above the card rooms and private kitchen/entertainment facilities, reserved for property owner's exclusive use.....

Yep, the days of "buying a camper and mingling with other campers along the way" has changed quite a bit over the years.... I'm not so sure that it's all "for the better" but then I don't own a 2 million dollar "all electric" luxury motorhome and need to stay away from the "common people who populate the run of the mill campgrounds"....

I suppose people like Elvis, Springsteen, Pelosi and others can't just show up at Mill Creek KOA and expect to be "safe, secure and shielded from the riff raff"

So, there has "evolved" a set of "campgrounds" that cater to those people who have their "driver take the motorhome to the resort and set it up, then go to the local hotel to stay while they "fly in for the weekend (in their private jet) and on Monday, the driver returns to take the motorhome to the next "campground" for them.......

Yes, there are some "exclusive requirements in some places that simply won't let a family with a Keystone fifth wheel and a tent so the kids can sleep outside like Mom and Dad used to do when their parents took them "camping back in the 60's"...

Times, they sure have changed... I'm still unsure if it is "for the better".....

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