Whew!

gja1000 · 06-12-2009, 06:33 PM

We have had quite a couple of days - seems like longer!

Yesterday (was it only yesterday???), Gary and I decided to look at slightly larger travel trailers. We love our little 18 ft. trailer - but after spending 2 weeks in it and turning around and spending two more weeks in it next month - we realized that we needed something a little bigger. Also, we know that we will be spending as much time as possible on the White river in Arkansas, so it made sense to get something a little bigger.

We spent the day looking and found the perfect trailer (22 foot) at a great price. But it was very tiring and stressful, even though it was exciting. We had only been home a couple of hours when we got slammed by big thunderstorms, rain, hail, lightening, etc and our electricity went off. After a couple of hours and 90 degrees outside, we decided to go sleep at our daughter's who had AC. Of course neither of us slept very well and we had to be back at the house early because an electrician was coming to do some previously scheduled work.

Thankfully, when we got home this morning, the power was back on and the house was cool. We knew the electrician would have to turn off the power again today when he was working, but we did not know it would be off for EIGHT HOURS!!! So, we spent the day out and about, over at our daughter's and just now got home! It was 97 today, so it got pretty hot in here.

WHEW! Long couple of days!

Janet · 06-13-2009, 05:43 AM

How wonderful you found a new camper. If you're going to be in one for very long....the key word is "room." I would love to spend time near a river...sounds sooo relaxing, but it's hard with so many dogs. I love them to pieces, but what was I thinking...LOL.

Hopefully you won't have to be without your air the rest of the summer. I don't handle heat very well. It's only been in the low 80's here and we have the air on and I have the ceiling fan and a smaller fan blowing on me. Don't like being warm when I sleep. Hope you two can catch up on your lost sleep now.

judy · 06-13-2009, 07:10 AM

You are going to love your big new camper!!! What a nice vacation, to be camping by a river.

I would not be happy without a/c in 90 degree weather! You can always jump into the car, hook up the new trailer and taker off for the river if it happens again.

I don't even have a/c, but it cools down considerably at night. I expect to have 4 or 5 uncomfortable nights, but we aren't allowed to have window a/c. We can have portable ones, but I'll see.

DianaB · 06-14-2009, 01:16 PM

Gale, you didn't mention whether you found a camper or not. It's hard to find one that's just what you want. We have a pop-up and while we love it, it's starting to really show it's age so I've been looking......not getting any where with Glen...... but looking anyway.

We are going canoeing later this summer and I think that we're going to the North Fork of the White River. It may be a little further north than you're going!! How cool!!

I'm so glad that your daughter lives close enough that you can run over and stay in the cool! I imagine that the hot weather is hard on Gary. I hope that your air conditioner gets fixed and you don't have any more problems or bad weather!!! We have some severe storms that are suppose to be here today and the next couple of days with temps getting over 100*. That means hot and steamy. Yuck!

You'll have to get some pictures of your new camper when you get it. Good luck!!!

gja1000 · 06-14-2009, 04:22 PM

Hey Diana! We DID find a new bigger (little) trailer. We just went out to look and ended buying one - almost an impulse buy. We've had trailers for 12 years now, so we know what to look for. We bought a North Trail by Heartland. I didn't know anything about Heartland manufacturers, so had to call dd and have her look it up on the internet to find out about it. Turns out it is one of the best built small ultra light trailers made. The are made in Elkhart Indiana (I think). We LOVED the floor plan of the 21 foot model. It was the only one on the lot (at Camping World) so we bought it. Kinda scary but we are so glad we did and can't wait to get it and get ready to go back to Arkansas! So, we went from an 18 foot to a 21 foot - but the new one has a little slide which opens up the living space tremendously!

We used to have a pop up, but had so much trouble with leaking when it rained. We had lots of fun in it to be sure - but was really glad to move on to a hard sided trailer!

You are right, I think the North Fork of the White River is in Missouri - we will be in Arkansas, just below the dam on Beaver Lake. We will be camped about 10 miles from Eureka Springs.

Tiramisu · 06-16-2009, 06:58 AM

Gayle, what's the resale value (depreciation) on a camper? I'd love to get one and just take to the road for weekends!

gja1000 · 06-16-2009, 07:58 AM

The depreciation on a trailer is just about like a car. You take a pretty big hit. A rule of thumb is 1/3 over the first 3 years. If you sell it yourself - then you can get more than trading it in.

We bought a fifth wheel for $25,000 in 1998 and sold it to an individual for $15,000 in 2007. We didn't do as well on our little 18 footer that we traded in last week - because we traded it, rather than selling it to an individual. We took a 20% hit - we'd only had it 18 months. But we just didn't want the hassle of selling it ourselves - so we just went ahead and did it.

If you are going to keep the RV/trailer for a long time - then it is definitely worth whatever depreciation there is.

One thing to know however, is that there is always something that needs repair - usually not big things, but there can be. If you husband is handy, he can do most of the repair - if not, then you'll have to pay someone to do it and that can be a bit pricey. Towing the trailer down the road always shakes something loose - and trailers are not the best built products - so you just have to be prepared to take care of repairs.

That said, we've been RVing since 1998 and we absolutely love it. We hate staying in motels and love being out in the RV parks or state parks. We just love it!

Tiramisu · 06-16-2009, 08:49 AM

Thanks, Gayle, you're always so helpful!

Marilyn · 06-16-2009, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiramisu

Gayle, what's the resale value (depreciation) on a camper? I'd love to get one and just take to the road for weekends!

Sandy, you could also buy a used one to start and see how you like it. Someone else can take the hit on the depreciation. We bought a 2002 Fleetwood Wilderness 36' fifth wheel with three slides a couple of years ago for $17,000. It's in very good condition, and this was about half price. I'm sure you could find comparable deals on smaller pull behinds. Some people buy them with grand ideas and never really use them.

Just a thought....

Janet · 06-16-2009, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiramisu

Gayle, what's the resale value (depreciation) on a camper? I'd love to get one and just take to the road for weekends!

I would love that too Sandy. We use to camp when Ricky was smaller and loved it. I had been camping since my younger brother and I were small enought that we could sleep on the same cot and we started with a 9X9 tent.

After I married we've had a couple pop-up campers and they were nice, but then the dogs came along and well, I knew we wouldn't be able to leave them...the pop-ups are easy to get out of and easy to get into. We had looked for a hard sided camper, but so far nothing decent and big enough that we could afford.

I would like a 5th wheel, but my husband is so selfish that he doesn't want to take the topper off his truck. Not a hard thing to do, but that's him. So we'll most likely never have one and I guess that's okay. I need to get back on track....lol. I really miss camping on the weekends.

judy · 06-16-2009, 07:09 PM

Congratulations Gayle! I think that you should be as comfortable as possible since you go camping so often.

I hope you get one soon Sandy

Tiramisu · 06-17-2009, 05:29 AM

We actually bought a lovingly but heavily used motorcoach back in the 80s. We went on exactly 4 weekend trips in it and each time had to put it in the shop (once via towing). The last time, we picked it up at the shop and drove it to a consignment sales lot. We're thinking about renting a camper, late in the year, and taking off for a week! That will probably be the best test.

Down deep, I think the real reason I want a camper is for hurricanes and/or power outages. We could either load and go or have it to live in.

DianaB · 06-17-2009, 01:29 PM

Gayle, I'm so glad that you found a camper!! The slide-outs really make a huge difference in the room. You're going to love that extra space!! Now you're going to be all excited to go back and camp!!!

In looking for pictures of your camper I came across this web-site I thought you might like......

http://www.heartlandowners.org/forum...play.php?f=223

Blueyes · 06-17-2009, 03:23 PM

Good for you Gayle! A slide makes a world of difference. I know this because ours DOESN'T slide

gja1000 · 06-17-2009, 05:47 PM

well, slide can sometimes be a real pain when they leak or don't go in or out - I know cuz I've experienced all of these problems. I was happy to not have one in our little trailer - but the benefit of extra space obviously swayed me to have one again. I hope I don't regret it!

I am really looking forward to the extra space though

06-12-2009, 06:33 PM	#1
gja1000 Donating 4WT Yakker Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Central Texas Posts: 5,717	Whew! We have had quite a couple of days - seems like longer! Yesterday (was it only yesterday???), Gary and I decided to look at slightly larger travel trailers. We love our little 18 ft. trailer - but after spending 2 weeks in it and turning around and spending two more weeks in it next month - we realized that we needed something a little bigger. Also, we know that we will be spending as much time as possible on the White river in Arkansas, so it made sense to get something a little bigger. We spent the day looking and found the perfect trailer (22 foot) at a great price. But it was very tiring and stressful, even though it was exciting. We had only been home a couple of hours when we got slammed by big thunderstorms, rain, hail, lightening, etc and our electricity went off. After a couple of hours and 90 degrees outside, we decided to go sleep at our daughter's who had AC. Of course neither of us slept very well and we had to be back at the house early because an electrician was coming to do some previously scheduled work. Thankfully, when we got home this morning, the power was back on and the house was cool. We knew the electrician would have to turn off the power again today when he was working, but we did not know it would be off for EIGHT HOURS!!! So, we spent the day out and about, over at our daughter's and just now got home! It was 97 today, so it got pretty hot in here. WHEW! Long couple of days! __________________ Gayle

06-13-2009, 05:43 AM	#2
Janet Moderator Donating 4WT 18K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: INDIANA Posts: 21,625	How wonderful you found a new camper. If you're going to be in one for very long....the key word is "room." I would love to spend time near a river...sounds sooo relaxing, but it's hard with so many dogs. I love them to pieces, but what was I thinking...LOL. Hopefully you won't have to be without your air the rest of the summer. I don't handle heat very well. It's only been in the low 80's here and we have the air on and I have the ceiling fan and a smaller fan blowing on me. Don't like being warm when I sleep. Hope you two can catch up on your lost sleep now. __________________ To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. ECCLESIASTES 3:1

06-13-2009, 07:10 AM	#3
judy Donating 4WT Yakker Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Denver, NY Posts: 8,097	You are going to love your big new camper!!! What a nice vacation, to be camping by a river. I would not be happy without a/c in 90 degree weather! You can always jump into the car, hook up the new trailer and taker off for the river if it happens again. I don't even have a/c, but it cools down considerably at night. I expect to have 4 or 5 uncomfortable nights, but we aren't allowed to have window a/c. We can have portable ones, but I'll see. __________________ *Judy*

06-14-2009, 01:16 PM	#4
DianaB Moderator Donating 4WT 13K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Kansas Posts: 16,069	Gale, you didn't mention whether you found a camper or not. It's hard to find one that's just what you want. We have a pop-up and while we love it, it's starting to really show it's age so I've been looking......not getting any where with Glen...... but looking anyway. We are going canoeing later this summer and I think that we're going to the North Fork of the White River. It may be a little further north than you're going!! How cool!! I'm so glad that your daughter lives close enough that you can run over and stay in the cool! I imagine that the hot weather is hard on Gary. I hope that your air conditioner gets fixed and you don't have any more problems or bad weather!!! We have some severe storms that are suppose to be here today and the next couple of days with temps getting over 100. That means hot and steamy. Yuck! You'll have to get some pictures of your new camper when you get it. Good luck!!! __________________ ´¨) ¸.•´¸.•´¨) ¸.•¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤ Diana Baker ✞ You and I are friends....... Always remember that if you fall I will pick you up...... After I stop laughing!!!

06-14-2009, 04:22 PM	#5
gja1000 Donating 4WT Yakker Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Central Texas Posts: 5,717	Hey Diana! We DID find a new bigger (little) trailer. We just went out to look and ended buying one - almost an impulse buy. We've had trailers for 12 years now, so we know what to look for. We bought a North Trail by Heartland. I didn't know anything about Heartland manufacturers, so had to call dd and have her look it up on the internet to find out about it. Turns out it is one of the best built small ultra light trailers made. The are made in Elkhart Indiana (I think). We LOVED the floor plan of the 21 foot model. It was the only one on the lot (at Camping World) so we bought it. Kinda scary but we are so glad we did and can't wait to get it and get ready to go back to Arkansas! So, we went from an 18 foot to a 21 foot - but the new one has a little slide which opens up the living space tremendously! We used to have a pop up, but had so much trouble with leaking when it rained. We had lots of fun in it to be sure - but was really glad to move on to a hard sided trailer! You are right, I think the North Fork of the White River is in Missouri - we will be in Arkansas, just below the dam on Beaver Lake. We will be camped about 10 miles from Eureka Springs. __________________ Gayle

06-16-2009, 06:58 AM	#6
Tiramisu Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: New Caney, Texas (outside Houston) Posts: 1,776	Gayle, what's the resale value (depreciation) on a camper? I'd love to get one and just take to the road for weekends! __________________ SANDY

06-16-2009, 07:58 AM	#7
gja1000 Donating 4WT Yakker Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Central Texas Posts: 5,717	The depreciation on a trailer is just about like a car. You take a pretty big hit. A rule of thumb is 1/3 over the first 3 years. If you sell it yourself - then you can get more than trading it in. We bought a fifth wheel for $25,000 in 1998 and sold it to an individual for $15,000 in 2007. We didn't do as well on our little 18 footer that we traded in last week - because we traded it, rather than selling it to an individual. We took a 20% hit - we'd only had it 18 months. But we just didn't want the hassle of selling it ourselves - so we just went ahead and did it. If you are going to keep the RV/trailer for a long time - then it is definitely worth whatever depreciation there is. One thing to know however, is that there is always something that needs repair - usually not big things, but there can be. If you husband is handy, he can do most of the repair - if not, then you'll have to pay someone to do it and that can be a bit pricey. Towing the trailer down the road always shakes something loose - and trailers are not the best built products - so you just have to be prepared to take care of repairs. That said, we've been RVing since 1998 and we absolutely love it. We hate staying in motels and love being out in the RV parks or state parks. We just love it! __________________ Gayle

06-16-2009, 08:49 AM	#8
Tiramisu Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: New Caney, Texas (outside Houston) Posts: 1,776	Thanks, Gayle, you're always so helpful! __________________ SANDY

06-16-2009, 07:09 PM	#11
judy Donating 4WT Yakker Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Denver, NY Posts: 8,097	Congratulations Gayle! I think that you should be as comfortable as possible since you go camping so often. I hope you get one soon Sandy __________________ *Judy*

06-17-2009, 05:29 AM	#12
Tiramisu Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: New Caney, Texas (outside Houston) Posts: 1,776	We actually bought a lovingly but heavily used motorcoach back in the 80s. We went on exactly 4 weekend trips in it and each time had to put it in the shop (once via towing). The last time, we picked it up at the shop and drove it to a consignment sales lot. We're thinking about renting a camper, late in the year, and taking off for a week! That will probably be the best test. Down deep, I think the real reason I want a camper is for hurricanes and/or power outages. We could either load and go or have it to live in. __________________ SANDY

06-17-2009, 01:29 PM	#13
DianaB Moderator Donating 4WT 13K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Kansas Posts: 16,069	Gayle, I'm so glad that you found a camper!! The slide-outs really make a huge difference in the room. You're going to love that extra space!! Now you're going to be all excited to go back and camp!!! In looking for pictures of your camper I came across this web-site I thought you might like...... http://www.heartlandowners.org/forum...play.php?f=223 __________________ ´¨) ¸.•´¸.•´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤ Diana Baker ✞ You and I are friends....... Always remember that if you fall I will pick you up...... After I stop laughing!!!

06-17-2009, 03:23 PM	#14
Blueyes Donating 4WT Talker Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 2,119	Good for you Gayle! A slide makes a world of difference. I know this because ours DOESN'T slide __________________ Betsi

06-17-2009, 05:47 PM	#15
gja1000 Donating 4WT Yakker Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Central Texas Posts: 5,717	well, slide can sometimes be a real pain when they leak or don't go in or out - I know cuz I've experienced all of these problems. I was happy to not have one in our little trailer - but the benefit of extra space obviously swayed me to have one again. I hope I don't regret it! I am really looking forward to the extra space though __________________ Gayle

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