Travel Trailers/5th Wheels

So we pulled the trigger on this unit at the start of summer. Anyone else road warriors/camping fools? We have wanted one for years and always said "next summer" we started thinking about it and we are running out of "next summers" with our boys 14,11, and 5.... Since I got a 2017 F-250 this Spring I decided what the hell, might as well add a camper to the mix, I can always make more money, can't ever get more time with my sons. Thus far, we have camped every weekend since May although this weekend we are taking "off" and staying home to do some house projects. I really have enjoyed camping in this, albeit it isn't the camping I did with my Father as a boy.... in a old Ford with a old camper top attached to it. I'd call this "Glamping"

The one thing I Have noticed, is these things, for what they charge for them, are not made well. Seems to be a well known fact amongst season RV/trailer/5th wheel owners. Call me crazy, if something cost 20k it should be built well. I already had to have mine in for repair as the compressor in the AC went out and the tile in the bathroom looked as if a drunk monkey laid the adhesive. Doesn't put my mind at ease when next May the warranty is up. Needless to say, I have a spread sheet of items that they will be addressing or redoing that don't seem to have been done well. After getting this and doing post buying research (we were getting one regardless) it is really frustrating that regardless of maker, these things have as many problems as they do and that there is virtually no regulation of this market. No lemon laws, and virtually no recourse for downright piss poor craftsman ship. Not to mention the engineering and where they put some of the things they do. Whomever thought putting a thermostat right where one of the slide-outs goes in and out was a good idea was an idiot.

Anyhow, we have enjoyed it thus far and it has served it's purpose and I am SO GLAD I went with the f-250.... even though the gas mileage is horrendous the thing pulls this with ease and the automatic sway control and adjustment and the automatic trailer align make hooking this up and pulling it virtually seamless...

Nice rig! My wife and I just bought our first camper a couple months ago. It's just a used pop-up, but with an 8 month old baby, we figured we would upgrade from the tent camping that we used to do. We love camping and we've taken it out twice so far this year. I can't imagine having the baby and a dog in the tent so we're really happy with the purchase so far. It's also really nice to have a bigger place to hang out when it rains and having a heater for those chilly nights is great as well.

During my employment as staff archaeologist with CALTRANS I shared expenses and quarters with a friend's family AIRSTREAM. These, along with the tiny sleeper teardrops are becoming an attraction in their own right at car shows. I don't know what region you live in or potential natural and man made disasters.
A well stocked trailer can be a godsend in such a situation. You may want to invest in some longterm supplies. SECURITY from burglars will be a consideration.