Big family & small camper options?

[Moby Bill]

We had a pop-up for 15 years when raising our 3 boys. Great memories. Our youngest, now married with 5 kids (3-13 years), is considering a camper to try to enjoy similar times with his. Money, tow ratings and neighborhood restrictions are all factors. Any suggestions on pop-ups, hybrids or hi-lo models that can cram that many (7) in and be towed by a loaded Expedition (8600# tow empty)? They could store it in their backyard if it doesn't show over the 6 ft fence. They live in the Phoenix AZ area so desert camping would be most common. Any suggestions appreciated as I start this search. Thanks, Bill

[Moby Bill]

We had a pop-up for 15 years when raising our 3 boys. Great memories. Our youngest, now married with 5 kids (3-13 years), is considering a camper to try to enjoy similar times with his. Money, tow ratings and neighborhood restrictions are all factors. Any suggestions on pop-ups, hybrids or hi-lo models that can cram that many (7) in and be towed by a loaded Expedition (8600# tow empty)? They could store it in their backyard if it doesn't show over the 6 ft fence. They live in the Phoenix AZ area so desert camping would be most common. Any suggestions appreciated as I start this search. Thanks, Bill

[Ray,IN]

I was keeping your post in mind this past week while shopping for a new RV. The only RV I saw that would accomodate your family members is a 5th wheel, certainly much taller than your requriements, and must be towed by a truck. It is a Serria brand. Most of them had at least 3 bunks, and one had 5 bunks, all in addition to the master bedroom. hopefully Serria makes a TT with the same configurations.

[Kablewizard]

There are 2 RV type shows here in Phoenix this month..... First is Big Boys and their toys starting Friday. then the next is the following week which is the Annual RV show here. Have him go to both if he can, Its nice when several models are set up together so you can see the difference without driving Several miles here in Phoenix.

[The Beaver]

Although not cheap you might want to consider a Trailmanor. There are models that should sleep 7, considering ages and they fold down to about 5 feet high. We owned one and really enjoyed it but it didn't have enough storage for extended traveling when we retired.

[Moby Bill]

Thanks for all of your helpful posts. The fiver is not a player. I had done a search yesterday for RV shows in Phoenix and for some reason didn't hit those kableWizard. Thanks. I have emailed a link for them. Perhaps they will find something there. The Trailmanor came up in my looking but it doesn't come with enough bunk space. They really want to park whatever they get in their garage. Bill

[Kablewizard]

Bill



The boys and their toys is at the Fairgrounds
and RV show at the Civic Plaza

[Moby Bill]

Thanks to all. This is a very helpful site. They have settled on a Starcraft 12 RT pop up. We have our fingers crossed that it will be a good experience and create the love of camping that we have enjoyed over the years.

In 1970 we joined some camping friends for a Memorial Day weekend at Appomatox Park in Virginia. Being a country boy from the west, I was excited. All new to the wife. We rented a canvas pop up and it rained the whole week end. All night long we pushed rain off the sagging and leaking roof while our three little boys snoozed. I thought our first camping experience had ruined it for life. To my delight my wife soon suggested we do it again. I ran out and bought a 1970 solid roof Starcraft that we camped in until they started college. Those are our very best family memories. My son's wife has heard those stories and is the push behind their decision to try it. Please keep your fingers crossed too. Bill

[The Sequel]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> They live in the Phoenix AZ area so desert camping would be most common. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Bill, if they want to really have good time camping in AZ, you only camp in the desert areas in the winter . Summers are up north in the mountains. AZ is an awesome year round camping state.

[Moby Bill]

Well.you're right Tim. I meant high desert. I was stationed in Tucson in the early 80s for my last flying command and we then still had our Starcraft pop up. Which is why he (our son) is now in AZ. After college,med school and a residency it had become home.

They picked up the trailer last night and are spending tonight in the Tonto NFS with temperatures forecast in the mid 30s. They were hoping to get into Houston Mesa CG. It shouldn't be crowded tonight. Now we will see if they are real campers. Or do we need a surprise snow storm for that? Bill