In the Mood for RVing? I'm Wanting a Pop-Up

Posted by Ronda Miller January 22, 2010 at 9:56 a.m.

In the Mood for RVing? I'm Wanting a Pop-Up

This time of year has many of us dreaming about some type of escape. Whether that involves sipping a pina colada on a tropical island, skiing at a favorite resort, or something as simple (okay, it isn't always simple) as a visit to Grandma's house, our minds are most likely vacationing somewhere during these seemingly endless days of winter.

I've never traveled by RV, never used a pop-up camper, but as recently as last summer, I did have the opportunity to spend several days and nights camping in the Rocky Mountains.

My first thought was how nice it would be to crawl inside one of the pop-up campers I saw attached to vehicles - somehow the RV world just isn't me.

The campers would offer immediate warmth, or air conditioning, depending on our needs, and quite frankly, we were freezing in our tent. It would save us time and energy spent setting up our tents, finding three 'legal' sites close enough together to actually enjoy the company of those with us isn't always simple, and it would enable us to travel and park at some other location during our travel time.

So the search is on. What better place to go than the RV show at Bartle Hall this coming weekend. Will I see you there?

What are you looking for. Are you looking for something specific or are you simply daydreaming?

I called one of the places about renting a pop-up - they are quite expensive! For those of you who use them, are they cost effective, or is it more about the freedom of being able to stay off the fast lane and travel without thoughts of motels, etc.?

http://www.examiner.com/x-34012-Lawrence-Parenting-Issues-Examiner~y2010m1d15-Lawrence-and-Topeka-parents-take-your-teen-to-an-RV-show-this-weekend

Delicious
Digg
Tumblr
Wordpress
Reddit
Copy and paste the link:

LJWorld.com doesn’t necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy. Also, read about banned accounts and harassing comments.

schula (anonymous) says…

Ronda -- I would love to be planning a trip to a warmer and sunnier place right now. Going on a cross country trip in an RV or pop-up camper sounds like fun. I am not one for sleeping on the ground in tent but an RV or pop-up might be the way go. Where do you want to go on your trip? I really want to see some mountains this summer -- it has been too long since I have been to Colorado.
January 22, 2010 at 10:06 a.m.
schula (anonymous) says…

Oh by the way everyone -- you can take the rest of the day off at beginning at 12:00 today. Hope you all have a good weekend and I look forward to reading everyone's comments.
January 22, 2010 at 10:07 a.m.
justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Hey, now if I had that pop-up I could have an early start to my weekend thanks to you, Schula!

I agree that the Rockies are always awesome, but I'll wait till summer to go visit. Your burial place is there and we don't want you to speed that trip along any!

My cousin just moved to Seattle and I've only been there once many years ago. I have never been to Yellow Stone National Park either. I'd love to take a couple of weeks next summer and do both. I could also have another midnight chat with Jimi! :)

I'd love to hit Santa Fe as well. I love New Mexico.

So many places, but lots of time to plan and save.
January 22, 2010 at 10:37 a.m.
Irish (Leslie Swearingen) says…

We camped in the VW and we had a twin mattress in the back. Was it comfortable? We were young and in love. We could not have been happier if we had been in a 4 star hotel.
We got off the Interstate and went down the back roads.
We liked Santa Fe well enough but we drove into the desert. We would sit in the stillness and meditate watching the moon come up over the rim of the canyon and as we stayed quiet and still the desert creatures would feel confident enough to let us see them.
It was an incredible experience.
January 22, 2010 at 1:23 p.m.
justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Sounds like wonderful memories, but I'm not in my twenties anymore either. A mattress and inside a vechicle is still likely as comfortable and as warm, or warmer, than a tent, more protection from animals and our two legged friend or foe, and much cheaper than a campsite rental. Still, I doubt it'd be the best choice. Lots of people saw the states that way back when/then. Good ole days stories?

School bus anyone?
January 22, 2010 at 2:09 p.m.
Irish (Leslie Swearingen) says…

I've often dreamed of having enough money to have an 18 wheeler with windows cut in the sides and customized. That would be roomy and comfortable and a great way to see the scenery.
Then too I would like to travel in a tour bus and stay in a different great hotel every night.
How I feel about travel depends on how my back and knees are doing.
The reality would be a customized school bus with a lift for a hover round which I will need one of these days.
January 22, 2010 at 2:19 p.m.
Irish (Leslie Swearingen) says…

Convoy?
January 22, 2010 at 2:20 p.m.
justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

I love planes and limos and five star resorts. I love freedom to be active enjoying my vacation site sans cooking, cleaning, making and breaking camp.

Tour buses would wear me down. I get motion sickness some unless I'm driving.
January 22, 2010 at 6:09 p.m.
RoeDapple (anonymous) says…

Nothing like sleeping under the stars with nothing between you and the good earth but a sleeping bag...
.
and the rocks...
.
roots...
.
weeds...

occasional cow patty...
January 22, 2010 at 6:44 p.m.
dancemomx2 (Sheila White) says…

We love to camp!! Right now we just have a tent but would love to have a pop-up someday. My parents started camping in a tent, then went on to a pop-up and now they have a large camper. I recommend any of them.

I think it really depends how much work you want to do. They have very basic pop-up and then ones that come with all the bells and whistles. They can be just like a home away from home.

We haven't been to the rv show in a few years, but I'm sure you will enjoy it. It's amazing what they can do with a little house on wheels.

For us it's just about getting away from everything...phone,computer,tv, etc. We love to just sit by the fire and stare up at the sky. We do all of our cooking on the campfire, which makes the food taste so much better. We even went to Fan Fair in Tennessee one year and stayed at a campground in tents. I was even pregnant when we did that.

Hope you have fun and get some good ideas. Now I'm ready to pack up our gear and head out to the lake.
January 22, 2010 at 9:39 p.m.
tangential_reasoners_anonymous (anonymous) says…

I hate planes and limos and five star resorts. I love freedom to be active enjoying my vacation site, while taking in scenery, making memories, and breaking routines.
January 23, 2010 at 7:34 a.m.
Irish (Leslie Swearingen) says…

Now that I think about it the more I would like to go camping in a tent and make cowboy coffee over an open fire.
Life can be good without a television, or computer.
I would want a sleeping bag from L.L. Bean
and I would put up a life sized card board cutout of Bert Gummer to scare intruders away.
Where would I go? I have been to every National Park and they each have something to recommend them.
Probably the Grand Canyon.
January 23, 2010 at 12:38 p.m.
RETICENT_IRREVERENT (Ronaldo Ignacio) says…

"In the Mood for RVing? I'm Wanting a Pop-Up"

Miss Ronanda, you dirty, dirty woman.
I had to look up these terms on Urban Dictionary.
I am glad I shielded my eyes and didn't even read your blog.
January 23, 2010 at 12:49 p.m.
georgiahawk (anonymous) says…

Ronda, keep your eyes open, used pop-ups can be bought pretty cheaply. Had a great time in a pop-up at the Winfield Bluegrass Festival! It rained as is normal and it was great to have somewhere warm and dry off of the ground. I was surprised at how much room there was.
January 23, 2010 at 12:54 p.m.
femail (Linda Hanney) says…

Rhonda, decide exactly what you want by looking at the RV show, etc. Then Google the name and model. There you go.

I thought that RV show was in February. Thanks for the heads up. We're looking again. One thing you can be sure of, no one is ever satisfied with their current RV choice.
January 23, 2010 at 1:39 p.m.
budtugly (anonymous) says…

Slide-in Popup in the back of a 4 wheel drive truck. You can go anywhere and not have to tow anything, it is the best and you can get to all the places that a pull behind cannot go. The lightest one made is by four-wheel camper ,all aluminum construction. Not cheap but definitely the finest for getting away!
January 23, 2010 at 2:06 p.m.
justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Roe, yep, nothing like the smells and the texture that the cuzins leave behind - oh, I forget, we ain't related to animals. R we? Or is that R V we? hehe

dancemom, it would be terrific to have five to ten couples (or singles) go in on a pop up together and then take turns using it, making it more affordable for all. Renting seemed exceptionally pricey. I am excited about going to the show on Sunday - Schula, are we on?

Irish, good choice in place to travel. I'm jealous that you've been to all of them - I need to stop flying around and take in the more scenic route. I do love campfire coffee - all food seems to taste better in the open air. We loved our steel cut oats! :)

Ret, at least you remembered to address me formally. Who says old dogs (and young pups) can't be 'learned' some manners. Glad you have a dictionary and that you can read. Surprises, surprises!

georgia, thanks for that advice. I will look around for a used one. I am not real picky as long as it has a refrig, stereo, and plumbing for showers, etc., I'll be good. (Just kidding - I want shelter from a storm and good sleeping arrangements).

Linda, seriously, no one is ever satisfied with their current RV item? Wow, because they're always wanting the newer and larger one? What do you use at present? I know you are a pro when it comes to traveling.

bud, but then I have to have that monster 4 wheel drive truck - I agree though that it would be stellar to get off the beaten path and camp somewhere as far from other people as I could get. Camp for the night, go hiking throughout the day and then come back for a long, deep, exhausted, filthy body sleep! Wow, I'm ready!
January 23, 2010 at 3:44 p.m.
budtugly (anonymous) says…

Justbegintowrite
You are wrong on both counts. Four wheel popups are made for even small pickups, weigh as little as 600lbs. They also come with a propane heated external shower, so you dont have to go to bed with filthy body, unless you like it that way.. But WOW all you want. You stay back and watch Survival and Access Hollywood and all those reality shows and Blog on Buddy..
January 23, 2010 at 5:12 p.m.
leedavid (anonymous) says…

RoeDapple (Anonymous) says…

Nothing like sleeping under the stars with nothing between you and the good earth but a sleeping bag…
.
and the rocks…
.
roots…
.
weeds…

occasional cow patty
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

That means somebody stole your tent....Barumpump!

Old joke. Speaking of old, that is me and last year we sprung for a motorcoach. The economy crashed and they are available for a song. We love that thing. Always packed and ready to go. We have a beautiful country and we hope to see all of it.
January 23, 2010 at 5:50 p.m.
RoeDapple (anonymous) says…

Shucks, I knew something was missing.....
January 23, 2010 at 7:20 p.m.
justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Bud, I've only watched Survival a couple of times. I prefer living the life and/or adventure over watching others. Your popup sounds ideal. I don't have a pickup at present either. What's the price range for those? Pop ups not pickups? :)

lee, glad you're enjoying your motor coach and wish you'd all supple some links so I have a clue of what you're talking about.

Roe, how long did it take you to notice your tent had been stolen?
January 23, 2010 at 8:21 p.m.
RoeDapple (anonymous) says…

Sadly, the first thing to go was the tent pole...

;-)
January 23, 2010 at 8:59 p.m.
leedavid (anonymous) says…

RoeDapple (Anonymous) says…

Sadly, the first thing to go was the tent pole…

;-)

This is true in a motorcoach as well. I'm over 50.
January 23, 2010 at 9:08 p.m.
justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

That's what they all say. It might have looked strange if only the pole was left standing.

Hey, where's Marion? Isn't he an expert on camping?
January 23, 2010 at 9:08 p.m.
RoeDapple (anonymous) says…

Me thinks (Elvis) Marion has left the building...
January 23, 2010 at 9:18 p.m.
justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

He's gone camping or packing?
January 23, 2010 at 10:16 p.m.
RoeDapple (anonymous) says…

Search...

http://www2.ljworld.com/users/Marion/
January 23, 2010 at 11:05 p.m.
Did_I_say_that (DIST) says…

"In the Mood for RVing? I'm Wanting a Pop-Up"

Sorry, Ronda, the title stopped me cold: "In the Mood for RevVing? I'm Wanting a Pop-Up". It makes me want to go to Irish's blog and post, "That's what she said."

I'll get back to you about the blog if I can get past the title.
January 23, 2010 at 11:14 p.m.
Pywacket (anonymous) says…

Ronda~ Be very, very careful if you go camping! My second child was conceived (quite in the moment and contrary to plans), in a damn camper, deep in the north woods, in a hellacious thunderstorm that later spawned tornadoes. The relatives gave us a hard time for several years following this. "Hey, you going camping this year???"

My cousins have a pop-up and they love it. When we visit family back home, we have borrowed the pop-up & set it up in the folks' back yard for the teenagers to sleep in for the week. That way, they're not annoying us and we're not annoying them. Nice--self-contained, with bathroom & little fridge, & everything. In this economy, seems like you could maybe get one used for a good price. Have you looked?

When I go camping, I prefer a tent. Always did--even before the camper-in-a-storm fiasco (well... guess I shouldn't call her a fiasco). I love sleeping close to the earth and looking outside early in the morning when the fog is hugging the ground and deer or rabbits are edging close to see what the tent is all about, and the scent of the woods and dewy underbrush washes over you. No better way to wake up.
January 24, 2010 at 1:20 a.m.
budtugly (anonymous) says…

JustB
They arent cheap thats for sure.If you buy a fourwheel new the popup alone will cost $10k. I see them on Ebay occasionally for 5 or 6k virtually new.Then there is the truck but that is the advantage of them. You can use a 1/2 ton pickup and not have to buy a Monster truck. Im with you on that thought.If you didnt want to go back to those areas, a pull behind would be ok. You can find one of those used for a couple thousand usually. Look for black mold around the canvas and or dry rot. You dont want to deal with that.
January 24, 2010 at 7:52 a.m.
justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Did_I, Really, where was your mind? Contrary to mainstream bloggers, being compared to Irish isn't a negative. I admire her Freebird spirit for having the guts to be who she is. (did I really say that!).

Pyw, Great story! Nothing like being surrounded by the wilderness to make one act like an animal! Isn't it fun! I love intimacy in all that you named. T-storms, smell of earth,
electricity of storms rolling over. Makes me want to run through the jungle or do 'it' in the road. I hope you named her something appropriate like Stormy or Lunar, or such. Not such a bad thing to be conceived in passion.

I'm guessing best time to make an offer on a used one would be Fall when people aren't wanting to store; or not? There are a ton of them on the Internet, but I would want someone more knowledgeable than myself for inspection. Good tips about black mold, etc.
Bud, on a scale of one to ten, how ugly are you? Not that it matters and I love the name. I need to check for a used one. Sounds like there are a lot out there. What's your gas mileage like. I know cost must vary considerably year to year with our rapidly changing gas prices. Sounds like the perfect suggestion for getting off the beaten path.

I love the idea of teens using it - fun memories.
January 24, 2010 at 9:06 a.m.
Irish (Leslie Swearingen) says…

Did_I_say_that Just what blog would that be? The last one which is about the dog that was rescued from the river?
Thanks, Ronda, the thing of it is, I just write what I think, and then I am totally astonished at the depth of some of the reactions.
A friend of mine is going camping in Yosemite in about five months. It is one of his favorite places. He is very good with a camera and takes some excellent pictures.
I had pictures of me as a child in New Mexico in 1955 and a few years after that.
I was so cute in my little cowgirl outfit. Those were some of the pictures that were lost, and that still makes me want to cry.
I have always been a cowgirl at heart.
January 24, 2010 at 11:48 a.m.
justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Maybe you can get your friend to send photos of his camping trip to you, Irish. You can blog his experences or assist him in blogging the trip.

I had a little cowgirl outfit and remember dressing like an Indian in a pretty beaded dress one year with my sis and mom for Halloween. Good memories. Sorry about the loss of your photos. You've got wonderful memories though!
January 24, 2010 at 5:56 p.m.
Did_I_say_that (DIST) says…

Ronda, Sorry for the confusion. I was not comparing you to Irish. Your title was worded in such a way that it could have had a common wise-crack following it. Obviously, my mind was in the gutter (sorry, mom) "I'm wanting a pop-up" "That's what she said" Thus, my comment could have been in Irish's blog.

Irish, Your blog, "What we have here is a failure to communicate"
January 24, 2010 at 6:14 p.m.
femail (Linda Hanney) says…

Ronda, you know how I like to ramble on about our roadtrips. So much fun.

We purchased a pop up camper one time for something like $250. It needed a new canvas top, which we bought online--can't remember the exact cost, but maybe around $600. In the end, we had a nearly new camper.

We aren't into high end RVs which are luxurous livingrooms on wheels. But, Budtugly's comment about a light weight pickup popup camper is close to what we're currently thinking about. We like our van conversion, but many backroads are off limits.
January 24, 2010 at 8:09 p.m.
schula (anonymous) says…

Ronda -- sorry that we didn't make it to the RV show. I am sure there will be other ones we can try to get to.
January 25, 2010 at 7:40 a.m.
justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Did_I, doesn't matter, no offense taken. And I can understand how a mind can go places! Mine has been known to. Seems as though most words have 'those' meanings.

Linda, sounds like you knew what you were doing and how to do it. You probably already have a home for your present set up, but if not, and should you find something else that suits you, please let me know.

Schula, yeah, wished I could have gone too, but I had a great time checking out all of Lawrence's book stores and with weather such as this, I'll enjoy having a new good read.
January 25, 2010 at 8:21 a.m.
Irish (Leslie Swearingen) says…

Got just one more nickname for you Ronda. For me I mean. Arrrgg!
My camping friend and I both love the Aubrey/Maturin books. I call him Stephen because he is like that character and he calls me Goldilocks because of my affinity for Captain Jack Aubrey who is a blond.
Okay one more, Marion called me sheeple because I like President Obama so much.
January 25, 2010 at 11:47 a.m.
justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Marion lives on and walks among us in so many varied ways. Like both names. You certainly are a creative person and get around.
January 25, 2010 at 4:52 p.m.
schula (anonymous) says…

For those of us that missed the Kansas City RV Show, there will be one in Topeka. The Topeka Boat & Outdoor Show will be February 12 - 14. The hours are as follows:
February 12: 3:00 - 8:00
February 13: 10:00 - 8:00
February 14: 11:00 - 4:00
January 26, 2010 at 11:37 a.m.
RoeDapple (anonymous) says…

Thanks schula!

(maybe I can get a new tent po......)
January 26, 2010 at 11:44 a.m.
Irish (Leslie Swearingen) says…

Ronda, I am so sorry, read this and then stopped and went back and re-read it. My comment is in the wrong blog!
Did I put something in the nickname blog about the joys of camping?
Yikes!
January 26, 2010 at 12:05 p.m.
justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Thanks, Schula! I hope to be around to catch that one! Lots of fun events calling us out in upcoming months. It will be interesting to see how large of a draw this will be.

Poor roe, he didn't get that new tent po.. hed asked for. Or is this a mrs roe request? Hopefully not another one of your crazy cuzin thangs.

Irish, I'll have to go check what you said. Don't worry though. Not a huge difference between a pop-up and a nickname.
January 26, 2010 at 12:56 p.m.