Tent Camping vs Popup Camper Camping
Ken
I spent some time in my parent's popup camper, and it often felt like we
were hanging out in a very small hotel room. We just didn't seem to spend as
much time outdoors as we do with a tent.
"Ken" <k...@quality.com> wrote in message
news:bj822u$ejp$1...@newshost.mot.com...
> First, let me mention that my wife & I are in our mid-40's and starting to
> feel the effects of "ground-sleeping".
>
> We're trying to decide if we should stick with tent camping (with a car)
or
> move to a popup camper.
>
> Tent Camping: It may be time to move to using cots and folding chairs. The
> issue here is that we're finding that between the two adults and out two
> kids we have enough stuff to pack I'm thinking we need some kind of
> trailer - preferably and enclosed trailer to keep stuff dry. Of course the
> trailer could be used for other hauling duties between camping.
>
> Popup Camping: Of course, these campers cost more, but provide a padded
bed,
> a stove, electric lights, and room to store clothing and other stuff.
>
> It doesn't seem like it should be this hard a decision, but I just can't
> decide. Has anyone out there faced the same decision? Any words of advice
> pro or con on either?
>
>
>
>
Ken
HeatMan
> Replying to my own post . . .
>
> I spent some time in my parent's popup camper, and it often felt like we
> were hanging out in a very small hotel room. We just didn't seem to spend
as
> much time outdoors as we do with a tent.
>
did everything outside except for changing clothes and sleeping. Due to
recurring back problems, we sold the PU and bought a Class A RV. We still
cook, eat, and sit around outside.
Laura
to tent camp (including a queen folding bed) and have Pop-up camped for the
last 3 years. Unfortunately our 30 year old camper has bit the dust. We
have debated the merits of tenting vs. popup until we are blue in the face.
I am leaning toward popup for one reason only, I am a light sleeper and the
popup had better sound insulation.
good luck with your decision,
Laura
BTW - we did everything outdoors except sleep. We never even set up the
tables as anything but beds, with the exception of one really cold rainy
Columbus Day weekend in NH. Not a bad record for 3 years of camping.
"Melvalena" <Xmelv...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:MPG.19c23c993...@news.east.earthlink.net...
> In article <bj84hm$fla$1...@newshost.mot.com>, k...@quality.com says...
> >
> > Replying to my own post . . .
> >
> > I spent some time in my parent's popup camper, and it often felt like we
> > were hanging out in a very small hotel room. We just didn't seem to
spend as
> > much time outdoors as we do with a tent.
> >
> >
> >
>
> I'm in the same spot. Friends of mine (a bit older) have moved on to
> Pop Ups. I'm one of the last tent hold outs. The pop up people tell me
> the pop ups ar just as much work to set up and don't really save you an
> set up time. Where we camp pop ups are not allowed in the tent areas--
> so our group is now split up. :(
>
> But, they do enjoy having bathrooms and more secure shelter during
> storms. The loading to go and packing up to leave is easier for them.
> They have to bring 2 vehicles if they want to bring the boat too.
>
> Like most everything else in life--there's some sort of trade off.
>
> Melvalena
> --
> Enjoy your family while they are still willing to put up
> with you.
NanWil
pop-up tent trailer (used and creaky) and now have an Aliner. It is a
hard-sided pop-up that has a teepee shape and goes up and down in minutes.
Really! There are Aliners and Chalets, which are similar. Check out the
Aliner web site (Aliner.com). We love ours, and still spend most of the time
outside.
Nancy.
Dave Anthony
"Melvalena" <Xmelv...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:MPG.19c23c993...@news.east.earthlink.net...
> In article <bj84hm$fla$1...@newshost.mot.com>, k...@quality.com says...
> >
> >
> > I spent some time in my parent's popup camper, and it often felt like we
> > were hanging out in a very small hotel room. We just didn't seem to
spend as
> > much time outdoors as we do with a tent.
> >
> >
> >
>
> Pop Ups. I'm one of the last tent hold outs. The pop up people tell me
> the pop ups ar just as much work to set up and don't really save you an
> set up time. Where we camp pop ups are not allowed in the tent areas--
> so our group is now split up. :(
>
> But, they do enjoy having bathrooms and more secure shelter during
> storms. The loading to go and packing up to leave is easier for them.
> They have to bring 2 vehicles if they want to bring the boat too.
>
> Like most everything else in life--there's some sort of trade off.
>
> Melvalena
> --
> Enjoy your family while they are still willing to put up
> with you.
Just as much work to setup?
I guess I can popup faster than put a tent up LOL
I pull 2 pins pop it open lock the arms with 4 pins pull out the slide put
one support rod up and install the door.
Hook up the water and elec and set 4 jackstands under it.
10 mins max.
Dave
lialiaturaga
tent. We like the few backcountry area's we go to that can be accessed only
with 4WD so pulling something is out of the question.
W've been looking at those car top campers but have not been able to find
one here in San Diego to actually look at on a showroom floor.
Anyone have any experience with an off-road capable pop-up?
LT
"Ken" <k...@quality.com> wrote in message
news:bj822u$ejp$1...@newshost.mot.com...
Dave Anthony
"lialiaturaga" <n...@cx.com> wrote in message
news:Uec6b.17583$n94.16406@fed1read04...
Dan Quinn
Consider the unthinkable. Turn fair weather friend and skip the tent
and popup. Then you'll be camping out. I've been doing it for thirty
years. Be sure you have nice evenings under the stars. Dan
Desert Traveler
homes, but never a popup. I currently have a Burro Trailer on ebay for sale
(search Burro Trailer) that will come off tomorrow night. A GREAT trailer,
but I prefer either the tent or the MH. Even with all the conveniences, I
really prefer tenting it.
All in all, I prefer tent camping MOST of the time. If I am traveling on
business, or for extended periods, I like the motorhome. But as with all
mechanical devices, sooner or later, you have problems. And they take a lot
to make ready. Check the mechanics, stock it up, etc, etc. And then when
you are camping, there are things to keep up with and fix. I remember one
time we took a friend's popup and it broke a cable. It was a drag propping
up the roof with a big branch and keeping the whole thing stable.
The places I really like to go the most are very remote, and there is
nothing like a tent for that. I am considering one of those tents that
enclose the back of the bed of the truck. At any rate, whatever you like is
what is best for you. Some people swear by popups. Others, tents. Others
travel trailers. Others sleeping on the ground.
There is no right or wrong way to do it. Just as long as you get out there
and enjoy the peace and fresh air.
Steve
Dave Anthony
Dave
"Desert Traveler" <desertt...@lvcm.com> wrote in message
news:ANm6b.113844$kP.107319@fed1read03...
R.White
>
> The places I really like to go the most are very remote, and there is
> nothing like a tent for that. I am considering one of those tents that
> enclose the back of the bed of the truck.
I made my own 2 years ago. It went on top of the bedrails on my D-50
p/u. I posted about it back then,
"The plan is to have the entire tent up on the bedrails leaving the
whole p/u bed usable as a sleeping area. Actually it's not a plan
anymore as I have finished it. A little hard to explain, but the tent
has the floor cut out except for about 2 inches on all four sides.
Then it sets up on the top of the bedrails and 1" wide wood strips are
set inside the tent on the 2" floor piece. "C" clamps then secure the
strips and tent to the top of the p/u bed resulting in a very sturdy
and attractive package. The downside is you have to get in and out
through the tailgate as the tent door is now on the side of the truck.
Oh well. Entire cost was around $30. The whole thing fits behind my
truck seats when packed up."
I started using the tent door by climbing up on the tire and into
the tent. This set-up worked very well and looked great as many people
would ask where I bought it. Too bad the truck's engine went.
Jeremy Oldham
We have a 23 ft travel trailer, but I only take it when the wife and
kids are going with me (4 or 5 times a year). Otherwise I just take my
pickup. I recently bought one of those 'Sportz' tents that pitch in
the bed of the pickup, and I highly recommend it! Its easy to setup,
has ample room and keeps eveything much cleaner that when camping on
the ground.
Best Regards,
Jeremy
jrol...@socalcamping.com
john.riedel
"Jeremy Oldham" <jrol...@socalcamping.com> wrote in message
news:1e17932d.03092...@posting.google.com...
> "Ken" <k...@quality.com> wrote in message
news:<bj822u$ejp$1...@newshost.mot.com>...
> > First, let me mention that my wife & I are in our mid-40's and starting
to
> > feel the effects of "ground-sleeping".
> >
> > We're trying to decide if we should stick with tent camping (with a car)
or
> > move to a popup camper.
> >
> > Tent Camping: It may be time to move to using cots and folding chairs.
The
> > issue here is that we're finding that between the two adults and out two
> > kids we have enough stuff to pack I'm thinking we need some kind of
> > trailer - preferably and enclosed trailer to keep stuff dry. Of course
the
> > trailer could be used for other hauling duties between camping.
> >
> > Popup Camping: Of course, these campers cost more, but provide a padded
bed,
> > a stove, electric lights, and room to store clothing and other stuff.
> >
> > It doesn't seem like it should be this hard a decision, but I just can't
> > decide. Has anyone out there faced the same decision? Any words of
advice
> > pro or con on either?
>
>
I grew up in a family with a pop-up camper. It is a good compromise between
"real" tent camping and sleeping in a travel trailer or RV. They are light,
small, you can tow one with anything and move it around by hand. You should
be able to find an RV store that will rent you one to try out.
PudgiePie
> feel the effects of "ground-sleeping".
>
> We're trying to decide if we should stick with tent camping (with a car) or
> move to a popup camper.
>
I have to admit that I loved my pop-up and there was no hesitation to
ditch the tent. I've been camping since the first summer I was born
and have camped in many different fashions and they're all great. To
me, camping is a state of mind and as long as I get that 'feeling,'
which only camping can provide, I'm happy. So, why not experience a
new way of camping - a more comfortable way of camping. There's no
shame in that. Plus, the convienences provided by the pop-up will
probably get you out more often. It's so easy since everything is
already packed and ready to go in the pop-up and no matter what the
weather is like you always have good shelter.
Happy Camping!
kwash
Oldham) wrote:
I can definatly relate to this. I grew up primitive camping, and my
wife never camped. When we married we went tent camping alot anf
enjoyed it. As we got older and kids came along we bought a pop up,
and loved everyminute of it. You can still go all of the places you
did before and have alittle bit more comfort. We recently bought a 27'
trailer and love it even more.
Brian S.
thread. Now I've got some questions:
1) Can anyone point me to a site with pop-up comparisons, shopping
tips, ect.?
2) What temperature range are these things good for typically?
Obviously they will be more comfy than a tent in winter, but not as
warm as an RV. Suggested temps? Are they safe to use a small heater
in?
3) How much time does it take to set one of these up? I can do my tent
in 5 minutes, and I've seen people take half an hour to get an RV
workable...
Thanks for your tips!
RICH
us are:
1) faster set up about 5 min
2) rain is not a big concern , try setting a tent in the pouring rain gets a
bit messy
3) set her up on rocky unlevel ground, try this with a tent
4) beds are super comfy. Compared to the ground of course
We also have battery power with light, fan and a sink.I can take our
camper to the same primitve campsites that we used our tent. And we can walk
around, stand up it so much nicer that I dread when we go packing in the
Cascades.
We paid less than 500 for ours and it was well worth the few problem that I
had to correct. And if we really didnt like it then we didnt lose a lot of
money. But we love it and will most likley buy a new one in about two years.
I hope this helps you with your decision, I am not trying to sway you any
direction ( AM I ?)
RICH
Gerry Pierce
to ~30 degrees, my pu has an installed 17k btu furnace, heat strips in the
a/c, and we have a portable electric heater, just in case. We were toasty.
By myself, I can be set up in about 20-30 minutes.
--
Gerry & Robyn
99 Mesa
01 Sporttrac
Jacksonville, FL
"Brian S." <1cen...@onebox.com> wrote in message
news:ac67341f.03092...@posting.google.com...
PudgiePie
> I never really thought about getting one of these until reading this
> thread. Now I've got some questions:
>
> 1) Can anyone point me to a site with pop-up comparisons, shopping
> tips, ect.?
>
> 2) What temperature range are these things good for typically?
> Obviously they will be more comfy than a tent in winter, but not as
> warm as an RV. Suggested temps? Are they safe to use a small heater
> in?
We've used ours to temps in the 30s, too. We also had a little space
heater and everything was fine. But I never tried pulling mine out in
the snow so, I'm not sure how that would work out.
>
> 3) How much time does it take to set one of these up? I can do my tent
> in 5 minutes, and I've seen people take half an hour to get an RV
> workable...
I have to admit that it doesn't take long to pop the trailer up. The
longest past is leveling it. But...setting up the inside can take a
bit longer if you have stuff packed away that you want to bring out.
I'd say that it took me 30-60 minutes on the average between unpacking
the storage areas under the seats and bringing in the stuff from the
car. Everyone has different methods of camping so this might not
pertain to everyone, but for us, we liked to have lots of little
conveniences. We'd have to bring out the chairs, and the folding camp
table, tiki torches and fuel, extension cords and batteries and
hooking up the propane, then the dishes, flashlights and lantern,
mosquito coils and bug candles, buckets, tarps if needed (wrapping the
camper in a tarp when it's cold, helps to keep it warmer inside). I'm
sure you get my point. Things like this add up quickly and before you
know it, it's been an hour before you can finally sit down and enjoy
it. However, it's well worth it because after that you are set!
>
> Thanks for your tips!
Gerry Pierce
it took us as long or longer with our tent to set up and get everything
unpacked. Where I really save time is buy having the camper already loaded
90 pct of the time. Light fridge, insert water heater anode, charge battery
all the night before; load food and roll out on the camping day. about a 20
minute task..........
--
Gerry & Robyn
99 Mesa
01 Sporttrac
Jacksonville, FL
"PudgiePie" <junk...@onmilwaukee.com> wrote in message
news:1d74f23c.0309...@posting.google.com...
Brian S.
> And of course, this 30-60 minutes is much more fun with a Beer in hand....
> it took us as long or longer with our tent to set up and get everything
> unpacked. Where I really save time is buy having the camper already loaded
> 90 pct of the time. Light fridge, insert water heater anode, charge battery
> all the night before; load food and roll out on the camping day. about a 20
> minute task..........
That was kind of what I was thinking. Leave the basics in it. Just
hitch it up and go on short notice.
Usually by the time I decide to go camping, it's mid-to-late afternoon
and I don't bother. Packing the tent, sleeping bags, cooler, light,
etc into my car takes at least an hour. With a popup you can just
throw in a change of clothes, some snacks and off you go.
I'm in Ohio, USA. This past summer it seemed to rain EVERY weekend,
which really makes tent camping a lot less fun. I think I only had two
nice weekends with a clear schedule this year. Rain wouldn't be quite
so bad with a little room to move and this would open up a lot more
weekends.
But winter's coming and I'd still like to be able to get some use of
it. I wouldn't be using it any snowstorms, but being able to set it up
IN the snow & cold might be nice.
I've looked at a few classified ads and they seem to run from
$5000-$10000 new to around $300-$600 used, which is a lot more inline
with my budget. As long as everything appears to work and the canvas
is intact, is there anything I need to watch for in older models? Any
potentially hidden problems? At least there is no engine to repair ;)
Kathryn Jacobs
Make sure that the propane bottles have "legal" connectors on them. My
Mother-in-Law is finding this right now. She didn't use the camper much this
summer and had never upgraded the connector in the past. She is now having a
very hard time finding the adaptor.
--
Kathryn Jacobs, Microsoft PPT MVP
If this helped you, please take the time to rate the value of this post:
http://rate.affero.net/jacobskl/
Get PowerPoint answers at http://www.powerpointanswers.com
Cook anything outdoors with http://www.outdoorcook.com
Kathy is a trainer, writer, Girl Scout, and whatever else there is time for
I believe life is meant to be lived. But:
if we live without making a difference, it makes no difference that we lived
"Brian S." <1cen...@onebox.com> wrote in message
news:ac67341f.03093...@posting.google.com...
Gerry Pierce
camp minus the pot and pans, sleeping bags, and dishes. Will consider all
offers......
has A/C w/heat strip installed, furnace, hot water, 3way fridge, yakima
racks, outdoor shower, awning, add-a-room, electric brakes.
--
Gerry & Robyn
99 Mesa
01 Sporttrac
Jacksonville, FL
"Brian S." <1cen...@onebox.com> wrote in message
news:ac67341f.03093...@posting.google.com...
Ashara
someone explain to me what a yakima rack is?
Ash
"Gerry Pierce" <Cruzr...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:bli361$c68gq$1...@ID-51206.news.uni-berlin.de...
RICH
roof top canoe system, there are bike systems ETC.
Rich
Eichard
news:Uec6b.17583$n94.16406@fed1read04:
> My wife and I have been talking about getting something more secure
> than a tent. We like the few backcountry area's we go to that can be
> accessed only with 4WD so pulling something is out of the question.
>
OT but I've seen in the last 2 or 3 years that all the major popup
manufacturers have off road versions of their smaller campers. I even saw a
version with a pintle hook and better ground clearance and departure angles
than most 4wd trucks.
pmhilton
Unless you're going into territory where brush bars & skid plates are a
necessity, having a popup or small-medium hardshell camper shouldn't
limit your options all that much. As said above, most newer campers
offer good ground clearance - even better than some 4x4's. I've got a
19' Scotty behind a GMC 4x4 & the only real obstacle is scouting ahead
to ensure maneuvering room at the campsite.
Pete H
--
Either everyone has rights or some have privileges.
It's really that simple.
Walt Kelly
Norm
I'm getting one in a couple of months. I have no connection to the company
that makes them nor imports them.
The Hermit
> Check out the Kamparoo http://www.kamparoo.com/
> I'm getting one in a couple of months. I have no connection to the
> company that makes them nor imports them.
>
I'm thinking of getting one of these:
http://www.sportsmobile.com/index.html