Hi! I am trying to find a camper that best meets my family’s needs. I am new to the camping world and have many questions. I am planning on using my camper mainly on weekends, with an occasional week long stay during vacation, and traveling no further than a 150 mile radius from home. Any input that I can receive would be of great value.
After exploring all of the different models/options at our local retailers I am leaning heavily towards a hybrid. The 2 main reasons why I favor a hybrid are:
1. Bed Size. As far as campers go, it seems that the industry standard for queen size beds is 75†long. I found a few hybrids that have 80†long beds. Since I am 6’ 8†(80 inches) tall, this is a given. Plus my kids are big too, and I want something that they will be comfortable in for years to come, as I am sure they will be very tall as well. Also, with a hybrid I can get 3 – 80†X 60†queen size beds in a given unit.
2. Trailer Size. I’d like to keep it below 25 feet if possible. I have yet to find anything else with adequate bed size that is less than 25 feet. Also, I would like for each our 2 boys to have their own bed. I’ve seen models with bunks, but the bunks are only 72†long and are narrow, which I am sure they will soon outgrow.
The 3 models that seemed to best meet our needs are:
Stampede S-22 TBRG (by Palomino)
Kodiak 23TT (by Skamper)
Rockwood Roo 233 (by Forest River)
Of the 3 I like the Rockwood Roo the best, as the layout is more appealing, and the fact that none of the pop out beds occupies the front side of the camper, allowing for more usable space in front as well as a larger awning.
Some concerns that I have are:
- Moisture build up on canvas. Internally due to humidity, especially when sleeping, and then dripping down onto the bed. Also externally due to rain, leading to mold/mildew, especially when having to pack it up when it is raining/damp, and the excess moisture eventually leaking through to the inside on mattress, etc before you get a chance to unpack it and dry it out. (Note: one individual had expressed these concerns to me from his previous experience with a hybrid, although he had admitted that it was an older model hybrid (1999 Bantam I believe) that he claims was one of the first on the market at the time and he felt that it wasn’t very well made.
- Equalizer hitch – I’m not sure if this is necessary in my planned set up 23’ 9†trailer pulled by a 2003 Silverado 1500HD. (Note: I’ve been told by one individual (not a salesman) that this is really only needed on standard size 1500/F150’s and smaller vehicles, and since I have a 1500HD this isn’t necessary at all. (Just his opinion…)
- Size of water tanks, clean, black, and grey water. I understand that bigger is better, but what would should I consider to be adequate, given my planned usage?
- Durability of beds (I weigh 260 Lbs, plus my wife will be in the bed with me as well). There aren’t any prop rods/poles supporting the bed for underneath/outside, just cables on the inside that hold it open. The underside of the bed is fiberglass (I believe).
- Use of a hybrid in colder temperatures, given that the beds are enclosed with canvas, versus fiberglass sides. The model I am interested in comes with heated mattresses & 20,000 BTU furnace. There is also an option for a heated holding tank – is this necessary since I am not planning on any cold weather (below freezing during the day) camping?
- There is a $170 option of a RainKap (http://www.rainkap.com) which “prevents black streaks and easily replaces common one-inch trim insert (not present on all RV moldings). “ Is this worthwhile?
- Buying thru RV Wholesalers (http://rvwholesalers.com/index.php). Has anybody out there purchased from them or know of anyone who has? It appears to be a great way to save thousands of dollars, plus you get to set it up exactly the way you want, without having to settle for what’s on the local dealer’s lot or having to pay extra for a “special order.â€
- Lastly, storing my camper when it is not in use. I plan on storing it on an uncovered cement slab alongside my house, so it will be outside all year around exposed to the elements – with Wisconsin winters being the biggest concern.
Sorry about the long post, but I’d rather have my questions answered by experienced campers, not experienced salesmen! Also, buying an RV is a major purchase, and like anyone else, I’d like to get it right the first time (or at least close). Any comments in regard to model selection or addressing any of my concerns would be greatly appreciated.
After exploring all of the different models/options at our local retailers I am leaning heavily towards a hybrid. The 2 main reasons why I favor a hybrid are:
1. Bed Size. As far as campers go, it seems that the industry standard for queen size beds is 75†long. I found a few hybrids that have 80†long beds. Since I am 6’ 8†(80 inches) tall, this is a given. Plus my kids are big too, and I want something that they will be comfortable in for years to come, as I am sure they will be very tall as well. Also, with a hybrid I can get 3 – 80†X 60†queen size beds in a given unit.
2. Trailer Size. I’d like to keep it below 25 feet if possible. I have yet to find anything else with adequate bed size that is less than 25 feet. Also, I would like for each our 2 boys to have their own bed. I’ve seen models with bunks, but the bunks are only 72†long and are narrow, which I am sure they will soon outgrow.
The 3 models that seemed to best meet our needs are:
Stampede S-22 TBRG (by Palomino)
Kodiak 23TT (by Skamper)
Rockwood Roo 233 (by Forest River)
Of the 3 I like the Rockwood Roo the best, as the layout is more appealing, and the fact that none of the pop out beds occupies the front side of the camper, allowing for more usable space in front as well as a larger awning.
Some concerns that I have are:
- Moisture build up on canvas. Internally due to humidity, especially when sleeping, and then dripping down onto the bed. Also externally due to rain, leading to mold/mildew, especially when having to pack it up when it is raining/damp, and the excess moisture eventually leaking through to the inside on mattress, etc before you get a chance to unpack it and dry it out. (Note: one individual had expressed these concerns to me from his previous experience with a hybrid, although he had admitted that it was an older model hybrid (1999 Bantam I believe) that he claims was one of the first on the market at the time and he felt that it wasn’t very well made.
- Equalizer hitch – I’m not sure if this is necessary in my planned set up 23’ 9†trailer pulled by a 2003 Silverado 1500HD. (Note: I’ve been told by one individual (not a salesman) that this is really only needed on standard size 1500/F150’s and smaller vehicles, and since I have a 1500HD this isn’t necessary at all. (Just his opinion…)
- Size of water tanks, clean, black, and grey water. I understand that bigger is better, but what would should I consider to be adequate, given my planned usage?
- Durability of beds (I weigh 260 Lbs, plus my wife will be in the bed with me as well). There aren’t any prop rods/poles supporting the bed for underneath/outside, just cables on the inside that hold it open. The underside of the bed is fiberglass (I believe).
- Use of a hybrid in colder temperatures, given that the beds are enclosed with canvas, versus fiberglass sides. The model I am interested in comes with heated mattresses & 20,000 BTU furnace. There is also an option for a heated holding tank – is this necessary since I am not planning on any cold weather (below freezing during the day) camping?
- There is a $170 option of a RainKap (http://www.rainkap.com) which “prevents black streaks and easily replaces common one-inch trim insert (not present on all RV moldings). “ Is this worthwhile?
- Buying thru RV Wholesalers (http://rvwholesalers.com/index.php). Has anybody out there purchased from them or know of anyone who has? It appears to be a great way to save thousands of dollars, plus you get to set it up exactly the way you want, without having to settle for what’s on the local dealer’s lot or having to pay extra for a “special order.â€
- Lastly, storing my camper when it is not in use. I plan on storing it on an uncovered cement slab alongside my house, so it will be outside all year around exposed to the elements – with Wisconsin winters being the biggest concern.
Sorry about the long post, but I’d rather have my questions answered by experienced campers, not experienced salesmen! Also, buying an RV is a major purchase, and like anyone else, I’d like to get it right the first time (or at least close). Any comments in regard to model selection or addressing any of my concerns would be greatly appreciated.
urability of beds