To camper or not to camper... Hunting and married couple trips

[Dennis]

Hallmark camper 8’ on 6.5” bed with optional storage boxes at rear.

 

[wapitibob]

It all about fuel cost pulling my trailer vs motel cost for the time I'm hunting. Empty I get 18-20 mpg, pulling the trailer I might get 10. It paid to pull the trailer to AZ last year, I stayed there for 3 weeks. WY for 10 days or so it's usually a wash or cheaper to motel or airbnb.

 

[HairyScandinavian]

OP, I absolutely can't stand wasting hours driving back and forth. When we hunt out West I want to enter the woods and be there for 7-10 days without leaving. I don't think I could find a hotel within 2 hours most places we've been so it's definitely not an option anyway. Used campers are typically a lot less expensive as they've taken the depreciation hit already. I got sort of an off-road pop-up camper that can go in pretty deep and it's worked out great for hunting trips out West. Not as great for general traveling as it's a PITA to crank up and down but you won't see any hard sided campers in where I haul this thing for hunting. The main thing the wife needs is the toilet, everything else is just convenient. I have to admit I really like having the stove top and the sink to wash up when the water tank doesn't freeze solid. Not much wind drag to kill fuel mileage on the pop-up is a benefit too.

One perk with campers is proximity and time saved daily. IE a hotel might be 1hr+ away from the trailhead, camper might be right there. Day after day it adds up.

But you have to want a camper and like camping to deal with it. There are nuances of trailers vs truck campers too (in an ideal world having both are nice).

Also no bed bugs in a camper.

 

[displacedtexan]

We started with a small camper and then wanted more room. We ended up with a big toy hauler and I hated towing it. We sold it a few years ago because we knew our plans would not allow for much camping trips the next year. I miss having one every now and then but dont regret selling it. If we get another in the near future it will be a simple cargo trailer hybrid type without all the comforts of a full on camp trailer. As mentioned, its a lifestyle. If you are going to live it they can be fun. When we are retired who knows, maybe we will get another nice one.

I can't see us getting rid of our camper. I use it for working out of town. Nice to have a space that's your's with a kitchen when you're working somewhere for a few weeks.

I'm still seriously thinking about building one of those cargo trailer conversions for hunting and fishing.

 

[NMNomad]

We moved out to the southwest from the east coast about 4 years ago. Everybody in the family loves being outdoors. So, I made the decision to make the absolute most of this chapter of our lives, and we travel all over to camp and experience as much as possible out here. We currently reside in an uppity HOA neighborhood with no chance of parking a rv on the property. We considered a camper, then ran the numbers for purchase, upkeep, maintenance and storage and it just didn't make good sense at the time. So, we went all in on tent camping and have the ability to live in luxury unsupported out in the back country for an extended period of time. Not purchasing the camper gave us the extra funds to be able to just grab a bag and leave town at a moment's notice and stay in high end hotels / resorts of all kinds any time we please. Which we do frequently.

There are times I drool over the latest and greatest bus / rv / camper and really appreciate them for the comfort and convenience they provide. Right now, for us, it just isn't the time. No doubt once these kids get a little older and we have trouble sleeping on the ground we will move in that direction. And it will be plush!

Just understand it is not an investment. You are paying for comfort and an experience. The depreciation is steep on campers. Hope you find exactly what you need to get out there and enjoy it!

 

[wapitibob]

To add, trailers will never pencil out unless you sell the house and live in one. I bought used from a friend, cheap, and made sure it was solid; no maint issues.

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

Thank you all for the thoughtful and humorous feedback, i really appreciate it. To give a little more context, I have been working fully remote way before it was cool (2013ish). As a result, now that my wife and I are empty nesters with a daughter in central NE and one in Fort Collins, CO, we have more time on our hands to visit them, and I can work from anywhere with cell signal or wifi.

We absolutely adore our 3 dogs, but every time we want to go on a visit now, we either need to inconvenience a friend or my son to do dog chores while we're gone or, as a last resort, board the pups. To board 3 dogs, even in BFE Western IA, is around $100 per day on week days and more on the weekends. One of our pooches is 11 and gets around very well for his age, but is tremendously sensitive and anxious when my wife is away. As a result, we're not comfortable boarding him.

We already live out in the sticks and can "camp" in the yard of the farm whenever we want. I have a 30'x50' shed I could shoehorn the camper into as well. So exposure to the sun and elements when not in use would be eliminated.

We do live on gravel, and I would expect any camper we got to handle gravel roads and camping at non-modern areas at least some of the time. We'd likely also use the camper in the winter, so heating pads for the tanks and other necessities would be required. So far we've been watching youtube videos to start our education, and there seem to be a lot of reasonable options in that 21'ish range and 5,000 or less pounds that my duramax could easily pull.

For those that have campers around that size or smaller, what are your thoughts on single vs. dual axles, other than the added stability and extra maintenance 2 extra tires, brakes, bearings, and axles require?

EDIT: for those that considered campers and decided the math didn't make sense, would you mind sharing some of the ongoing expenses re: insurance, maintenance, registration, etc...?

 

[displacedtexan]

Thank you all for the thoughtful and humorous feedback, i really appreciate it. To give a little more context, I have been working fully remote way before it was cool (2013ish). As a result, now that my wife and I are empty nesters with a daughter in central NE and one in Fort Collins, CO, we have more time on our hands to visit them, and I can work from anywhere with cell signal or wifi.

We absolutely adore our 3 dogs, but every time we want to go on a visit now, we either need to inconvenience a friend or my son to do dog chores while we're gone or, as a last resort, board the pups. To board 3 dogs, even in BFE Western IA, is around $100 per day on week days and more on the weekends. One of our pooches is 11 and gets around very well for his age, but is tremendously sensitive and anxious when my wife is away. As a result, we're not comfortable boarding him.

We already live out in the sticks and can "camp" in the yard of the farm whenever we want. I have a 30'x50' shed I could shoehorn the camper into as well. So exposure to the sun and elements when not in use would be eliminated.

We do live on gravel, and I would expect any camper we got to handle gravel roads and camping at non-modern areas at least some of the time. We'd likely also use the camper in the winter, so heating pads for the tanks and other necessities would be required. So far we've been watching youtube videos to start our education, and there seem to be a lot of reasonable options in that 21'ish range and 5,000 or less pounds that my duramax could easily pull.

For those that have campers around that size or smaller, what are your thoughts on single vs. dual axles, other than the added stability and extra maintenance 2 extra tires, brakes, bearings, and axles require?

Our's is 20' and single axle. Pull with a heavy F250 (steel bumpers, winch, steel steps, steel box and rack, a bunch of sound deadening, stereo equipment...)

I was a little unsure how it would pull, but it's fine. Done multiple 10 hour trips with it, and one 18 hour.

I'd still prefer 2 axles, but I wouldn't be scared of another single axle.

 

[wapitibob]

All my travel trailers have been dual axle, and Nash. The only other brand I would buy is Outdoor RV. Not sure if you can get those out your way. Lance is top end but twice the money.

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

All my travel trailers have been dual axle, and Nash. The only other brand I would buy is Outdoor RV. Not sure if you can get those out your way. Lance is top end but twice the money.

That was my next question re: highest quality brands as they all seem to be manufactured in central IN other than Winnebago of course.

 

[dlee56]

My wife and I bought a used 15’ camper for $1500, I put a good bit of work into it this spring to fix some water damage, seal the exterior, and fix a few things inside and after a summer of use I’d say it’s the best thing I’ve bought in a while. I wouldn’t buy a new camper, they are all relatively built like crap and so far to me it seems to be best to buy used, fix what needs fixed, and if it only lasts 5 years then just do it all again. I’m probably $2500 into this thing so far and worth every penny. Stove, water heater, 3 way fridge, shower, toilet, sink, and propane heater for the crisp mornings.

Not the best looking thing, nor the most luxurious but it fits our needs and beats the hell out of the canvas tent sleeping on cots. Also great to just stop wherever you are, hop in and have a dry place to sleep if need be. Another lesser known pro that may already be mentioned here is that it’s an excellent spare guest room when you have family and friends visiting.

 

[vladkgb]

I've got a camper and have been using it mostly for family trips and early-season hunting trips. It's a 21' Grand Design Momentum, a toy hauler, so i can fit my machine(s) inside when hauling.

Last year I brought the trailer with my side by side for my archery Elk hunt. It was awesome to have the home base, and two vehicles, especially the sxs for getting into rough stuff.

However, I'm starting to have doubts about using it during the later seasons. This year, i've two tags that are in the late season, one is in Wyoming, a 12 hour drive for me, and another is local, 6 hour drive but in December. I'm worried about getting snowed in, freezing pipes, and dragging the trailer on slick roads, and am leaning towards a canvas tent and diesel heater and my truck.

Any advice for using a trailer in November - December timeframe for hunts?

 

[BadDogPSD]

I agree with Wapitibob, Northwood RV (Nash, Arctic Fox, Desert Fox) or Outdoors RV seem to be well made. I've owned all three of the brands made by Northwoods and are were pretty much trouble-free.
I'd go dual axle vs single axle. 20' gets pretty small, especially if you have to rearrange and move stuff daily to make a bed. Going a bit larger, +/- 24' gives you a separate bed for sleeping (vs converting the dinette or pulling out the sofa bed).
Look at the cargo carrying capacity, some trailers have very little.
I'd also recommend trying to buy used, something a few years old but that has been properly maintained. Paying to have it inspected is a very good idea.

 

[AZ8]

I’ve been wanting a 5th wheel for some time now. However, I have no where to store it at my house. So a rental storage lot is my only option. That is a deal breaker for me. Talk about flushing money down a toilet! I stored my utility trailer for about a year off site and writing that check every month made me sick!

So for me, it’s storage cost. You luckily don’t have that issue.

 

[brca005]

The purchase price will pay for a LOT of hotels.

^^^THIS^^^

We full time RV’d for 2 1/2 years, it was a great chapter in our lives, experienced a ton and wouldn’t change it for the world. However the day we decided to get a sticks and bricks, we couldn’t get rid of it fast enough.

I agree, it’s a lifestyle and the people who have them and works for them, that’s awesome, good for you guys!

The wife and I ran some numbers one day to figure out cost of camp sites vs hotels and hotels were actually cheaper, this was also figuring in fuel, food, etc. The best part about hotels is once you’re week or two is over, you pack up your stuff and walk out the door with no worries about cleaning or maintaining anything, that can’t be said with a camper.

I personally think unless you’re going to use it once a month or travel for an extended period of time, they aren’t worth it and hotels are the way to go.

 

[NV HUNTER]

I started with a motorhome , went to a 5th wheel toy hauler. Now I have a Kodiak canvas tent.

Towing time saved is incredible, and the simplicity is great!

And the wife is enjoying the tent life as well

 

[Blockcaver]

Tented for many years....over 35. Moved to BC, wife didn't want to tent with the #'s of bears around. We got a Northern Lite cab-over truck camper and a 1 ton diesel to carry it...single rear wheels. Have hauled it around 160,000 km...100,000 miles as well as living in for 6-months straight while building/contracting our house build. We still enjoy it, especially for multi-day bird hunts with our Vizsla in the fall and early winter. Wouldn't want to commute from town/to every day. Wouldn't be the same experience. Same with the month I spend in it while bowhunting Coues deer, shooting sporting clays and visiting friends and relatives in AZ each winter.

There is some maintenance for sure. But that is a relatively minor detail for the number of days we utilize it each year.

 

[MallardSX2]

Campers are a money pit. I don’t know if we will ever own another one.

 

[jsb]

We've owned two camper vans, a Class C, a tent trailer, and two travel trailers. Camped hundreds of times with our kids and now continue to do so after they are gone. I'll take a campground over a hotel any day. No comparison for me.

I've never had all the breakdowns others speak of. I do spend a grand on a good cover for the winter months. Gotta protect the roof, priority #1.

Currently have a 2024 20 ft. Keystone Hideout single axle, 3300 pds easily pulled with my Chevy Tahoe. Not a huge investment which is how I like it. But has all the key features we want at this point.

 

[NRA4LIFE]

If you decide to get into the RV world, remember the first rule of RVing: AVOID CAMPING WORLD LIKE THE PLAGUE THAT IT IS!

OMIGOD, The first and only time I've been in a camping world I had to ask the guy if the prices were correct.

Back on track. We have a 20' trailer and love it. It basically has all the creature comforts of home (well except the hot tub). Wife LOVES having a bathroom and shower. Will never be without one. We take it everywhere, State Parks, RV parks, boon docking, etc. If you go that route, get a slide out, it is amazing the extra room you get. Get the roll out roof for it too. Remember, people who diss slide outs are the people who don't have a slide out.