*****Official RV Thread*****

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CanyonAg77
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10:43a, 10/9/25
AG
Howdy, just wondering if there was a thread for RV folks on this forum, or if there is interest in having one.

We've done a little RVing, but recently began a long term trip. It's a learning experience, and I have a couple of questions for the veteran RV guys.

1) How do you keep ants out of the trailer? We were absolutely invaded the first night at Hords Creek in Coleman

2) Why are RV folks afraid of the dark? We seem to be the only trailer that isn't draped with lights like a Christmas Tree.

Good grief, folks, it's the outdoors. Enjoy the stars
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Mr President Elect
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2:09p, 10/9/25
AG
I wouldn't mind one. Although, it kind of spans several categories; automotive, outdoors, travel, etc.. Maybe the outdoor board would be better since it is more active?

I started this thread earlier, but didn't get too much traction, although slightly more niche... and broad

Any Boondockers Here?

I've been staying at more primitive camping spots, using apps like Campendium or https://freecampsites.net to find free or low-cost sites, typically without hookups and have rarely had any light pollution from other campers. Although, I've actually only camped in Colorado and Maine so far.
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Mathguy64
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2:36p, 10/9/25
AG
Bought a 2026 Jayco 19MRK back in June and have had it out 6 weekends. All close to home to work the kinks out and to make sure if something didn't work I was close enough to a big town to fix it.

I've already discovered RVs may have a spare but they don't have a jack.

I've discovered that outdoor lights draw gnats. That's bad. A little light is fine. A lot of it is bad.

I've discovered that our Canyon that in theory had plenty of towing headroom doesn't have quite the oomph going uphill.

We also discovered that we like secluded parks with trees and distance to our neighbor. RV resorts full of concrete, pools and people motoring in golf carts 24/7 is not for us. I'm not boondocking. I want water and connections. But a little nature is good.
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ChoppinDs40
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In reply to CanyonAg77 • 6:11a, 10/10/25
AG
CanyonAg77 said:
Howdy, just wondering if there was a thread for RV folks on this forum, or if there is interest in having one.

We've done a little RVing, but recently began a long term trip. It's a learning experience, and I have a couple of questions for the veteran RV guys.

1) How do you keep ants out of the trailer? We were absolutely invaded the first night at Hords Creek in Coleman

2) Why are RV folks afraid of the dark? We seem to be the only trailer that isn't draped with lights like a Christmas Tree.

Good grief, folks, it's the outdoors. Enjoy the stars


Ahoy!

Avid RVer here. We spend roughly 3-4 weeks in our rig a year and have for the last 5 years.

Little sugar ants? Good luck. Carry ant bait. The liquid kind and kill them at their nest. They could likely be inside the trailer vs at the campsite.

Clean up your food/rig well. We also sometimes spray around the perimeter of our campsite if we're going to be there awhile.

The lights are a funny thing. One RV company puts them on, then they all do. I think it's an extension of redneck culture more than anything when you see them added onto rigs.

We have some subtle amber lights on the front of ours that I keep on, especially when towing, to act as running lights. I'm not a fan of the super bright LED awning lights as being the only option. They do help when you need to see but are a poor way of having a "night light" to guide to the door.

Enjoy! We tow ours from DFW to Colorado and back every summer and have created great memories with our family. We have small kids so the RV experience can be stressful sometimes but gee golly it is much lighter on the pocketbook than Disney, 30A, or whatever else white suburban America does these days.
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RangerRick9211
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In reply to Mr President Elect • 12:02p, 10/10/25
AG
Mr President Elect said:
I wouldn't mind one. Although, it kind of spans several categories; automotive, outdoors, travel, etc.. Maybe the outdoor board would be better since it is more active?

I started this thread earlier, but didn't get too much traction, although slightly more niche... and broad

Any Boondockers Here?

I've been staying at more primitive camping spots, using apps like Campendium or https://freecampsites.net to find free or low-cost sites, typically without hookups and have rarely had any light pollution from other campers. Although, I've actually only camped in Colorado and Maine so far.

Oops, I never saw your thread. We're a fam of 3 + doggo in a 170 Sprinter. We boondock all over the west.

https://ioverlander.com/ is the GOAT for boondock sites. Also, SnoParks can be excellent spots.

Quote:
Why are RV folks afraid of the dark? We seem to be the only trailer that isn't draped with lights like a Christmas Tree.


RV "resorts" / parks = a certain crowd (afraid of the dark as you say). State parks are a blend of that crowd + weekend warrior families.

State/FS/Natty Park campgrounds blend more to the weekend warrior families on vacation.

Boondockers = hipsters with $200k van conversions or hippies living out of their van.

I'd take a look at Harvest Host (https://www.harvesthosts.com/), Canyon. You pay for a network where business agree to let you stay on property in exchange for $ traffic. Super duper popular with vineyards/wineries, e.g., you stay on property for free, but you have to spend $30 in food/wine at their store. Some even have hook-ups.

We keep it every year for Tahoe alone. There' a church that lets us boondock for free. Insane value and proximity to all things Tahoe. We'll use it a few times throughout the year as well, but much prefer being off the grid in the mountains.

Last night in Hood River @ Tucker Campground. We're heading up to Timberline for the big snow storm this weekend and some backcountry turns.
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Lavender Gooms
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3:43p, 10/10/25
AG
I like it on the Travel board! Think it'll be good to have some RV focused travel stuff on here!

Normally we're tent campers and we still will do that. However, with 3 kids and 2 dogs (added 2 foster girls in a 30 day period last year), we'd talked about getting an RV or trailer to do more quick trips that aren't only tent camping.

Lo and behold my dad found a Class C about 3 hours away from them that they went and checked out last weekend. Price was right and my parents told us they would buy it if they were in the market. And now we're the new owners of a 2014 Thor 31E. Bunk beds plus over cab bed and a back bedroom gives each kid their separate space. Parents are gonna go pick it up tomorrow and get it back to their house.

Needs just some minor TLC on it, but it's in great shape for the age. Can't wait to get it ready to go!
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ChoppinDs40
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In reply to Lavender Gooms • 4:02p, 10/10/25
AG
Nice! Congrats.

My wife wants a motorhome now because driving in the truck isn't as comfortable for our 12 hour days

Just bought a super duty so I see a big fifth wheel in our future.

Nice Class A is our retirement plan.
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TRD-Ferguson
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4:38p, 10/10/25
AG
We're 3 years and two vehicles into RVing. We're on the road about 6 to 8 weeks a year. Also do a lot of two night getaways within 8 hours of home.

We have a Ford Transit customized by a company in Missouri called Vandoit. We love it. We tend to spend 1/2 our time on public land and the other half in national parks, state parks, city parks and, if necessary, RV parks.

We're off-road capable and boondock capable.
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RangerRick9211
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In reply to TRD-Ferguson • 4:52p, 10/10/25
AG
Transits done right are so badass. I assume gas? That's the only thing I hate about Sprinters. The DEF system is so garbage and it only sips certain diesel. Anything bio kills it.
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TRD-Ferguson
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In reply to RangerRick9211 • 5:41p, 10/10/25
AG
Yes, gas with the ecoboost engine. We're happy with ours. It works well for two people. Although we know a family of 5 (3 kids under 10) who make it work for them.
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Lavender Gooms
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In reply to ChoppinDs40 • 7:58p, 10/10/25
AG
Thanks. Once they pick it up tomorrow, I'll have them get some pics. Big super slide down the driver side and a huge awning on the passenger side. Plus on 20k miles on it. Ford V10 engine that is apparently quite reliable. Previous owners just reupholstered all the seating.
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CanyonAg77
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In reply to Mr President Elect • 8:00p, 10/10/25
AG
i saw your boondocking thread, I didn't comment because we don't boondock and I would be useless.



I considered the Outdoors Board, but thought the thread would scroll off too fast. Maybe it will stay on the front page longer here.
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CanyonAg77
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In reply to Mathguy64 • 8:07p, 10/10/25
AG
We began with an older 5th wheel, that was barely used. Our daughter ended up using it for 6 months on TDY for the Air Force. Then we used it a few times to try to learn our likes and dislikes Probably towed it 1500 miles outside of the TDY, Probably 20 nights total.

We've been out a week and about 500 miles with the new one, after about 3 shakedown runs
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CanyonAg77
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In reply to ChoppinDs40 • 8:17p, 10/10/25
AG
Our rig has LEDs under the awning, which we like for climbing the stairs to get in/ Otherwise we like dark.

Yes, the RVs have plenty of lights, but what I'm seeing is strings and strings of Christmas lights

It's bizzarro to me
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Mathguy64
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In reply to CanyonAg77 • 8:23p, 10/10/25
AG
I have a blue LED under the stairs and another under the awning. The one under the awning is a bug magnet.

I have a string of LED "Edison" style bulbs I can hang around the edge of the awning that's really better for light and bugs.
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CanyonAg77
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8:48p, 10/10/25
AG
Here's a shot of our new (to us) 5th wheel, on its maiden voyage to the Muleshoe NWR last winter. We were there to see Sandhill cranes and found a bunch….5 miles outside the refuge
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CanyonAg77
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9:01p, 10/10/25
AG
Speaking of parks, we have been pleased with several Corps of Engineers Parks where we have stayed. Usually clean and well cared for, even if not spectacular scenery.

But then, we are in one tonight where a bunch of mental midgets are doing a concert with amplified guitars and microphones. We can hear them clearly 100 yards away

They aren't bad, and they are old farts like us, so we know the songs.

But what egotistical idiot thinks an entire campground wants to hear them sing? Use acoustic guitars and have fun with the 6 people sitting at your trailer
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TRD-Ferguson
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In reply to CanyonAg77 • 9:18p, 10/10/25
AG
We've considered camping there when heading west from Georgetown. Usually end up in Palo Duro or Oasis State Park in Portales NM. Looks like a decent place to camp based on your photo.
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CanyonAg77
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In reply to TRD-Ferguson • 9:47p, 10/10/25
AG
Very isolated, 100% boondocking. And it's a ways off the main highway. But you want isolation, its the place.

Have you ever tried Caprock Canyons?

Been to Oaisis Park once to photograph an eclipse

https://www.flickr.com/gp/chs_girls_soccer/Xf9E82De9Q

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TRD-Ferguson
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In reply to CanyonAg77 • 10:19p, 10/10/25
AG
Caprock Canyon is on the list for a near time adventure! Hopefully before March.
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CanyonAg77
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In reply to TRD-Ferguson • 7:50a, 10/11/25
AG
If you have bikes, plan a side trip to Clarity Tunnel on the CC rails to trails

https://texags.com/forums/39/topics/2964937/replies/52235713
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RangerRick9211
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9:42p, 10/12/25
AG


We are back to ski season!

I still think you do everything you can to not tow. It just opens up so much!
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CanyonAg77
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In reply to RangerRick9211 • 4:17p, 10/13/25
AG
I like the 5th wheel since I can unhook and have a vehicle. Do you guys carry bikes, or how do you get around when parked?
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RangerRick9211
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In reply to CanyonAg77 • 10:55p, 10/13/25
AG
CanyonAg77 said:
I like the 5th wheel since I can unhook and have a vehicle. Do you guys carry bikes, or how do you get around when parked?


Two modes out back: ski and bike. I have a FreedomCoast L-Track thru-axle in the galley for my delicate bikes. Solo I'll lay another bike in both beds.

The daughter and I do poke around a bunch on bikes from campgrounds/spots. But it's not like we rely on it. It's so easy with the van to grab dinner, groceries or what-nots.

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AgRyan04
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4:31p, 10/14/25
tldr: Getting an RV was the best thing we've done

.............

We bought a 1977 '13 Scamp back in 2017 when our kids were 9 & 6 and did a spring break trip up to Moab. Initially we were going to rent one but we found this one just outside of Oxford, MS for like a third of what a rental would have cost. I figured if we don't like it we can at least sell it for what we paid for it, so we took a long weekend, drove out east to pick it up, and having never towed anything in my life, our "adventures" began that night. Long story short we slept that first night in a Holiday Inn Express somewhere in Arkansas.



We figured things out and had a fantastic time during Spring Break.

By the end of that year we had sold it and upgraded to a 2018 16' Casita (needed a toilet). That little trailer has been all around the country - there were multiple years where we had 50+ nights in it.....my wife would take the kids for 4-6 weeks during the summer and I'd fly out to meet them every other week.

Key West, Banff, Glacier (multiple times), the Black Hills, the Southwest, Death Valley, half dozen trips to Utah, the UP of Michigan, at least a dozen trips up to Colorado, countless trips to Fort Wilderness. Shoot, it was even a super cheap place for my son and I to stay for the t.u. game last season when hotels were four digit prices.

That trailer is the backdrop to our children's youth and our time raising our kids. It has served us so incredibly well - affordable travel, beautiful settings, incredible experiences, purposeful and engaged time as a family. Traveling by road let's you see so many amazing things you would have nevered even known existed if all you do is fly into destinations on every trip.

My son turns 17 in a couple weeks and my daughter is 14 now, so our season of life has changed a bit. Over the last couple of years we've only used it 3 or 4 nights a year and when we do it's not all four of us piling in anymore. We still have it but we purchased a small log cabin in Colorado last year where we will spend the lion's share of our travel time to as we get older.

My hope is that as our kids age that they look back on our time in our trailer with a fraction of the amount of joy my wife and I do. It changed the trajectory of our lives and was without a doubt the best decision we have ever made.



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Kaiser von Wilhelm
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In reply to AgRyan04 • 9:00p, 10/14/25
That's awesome. Those fiberglass trailers are great, and unique. Im driving up to Canada next week to pick up my Escape 19, which is similar-ish to the scamps and casitas. They all pretty much have the same shape, but I love the smaller size and weight of this design, and I've heard nothing but good things about the durability of the shell.

I don't know what I'm doing, and apparently there's like a foot of rain on the forecast, so it should be an interesting return trip. Or maybe ill have to stay in Canada...
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AgRyan04
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In reply to Kaiser von Wilhelm • 9:27p, 10/14/25
Escape makes a great trailer - I feel like it's a step up from the Casita - and they have a very active and proud owner group.

The resale on the fiberglass trailers is strong - I could sell mine right now for about 10-12% less than I bought it - after having it for 8 years. Maintenance is also sooo much less because they're much simpler than normal stick built trailers. The size also widens the pool of tow vehicles significantly - I drove a pickup for many many years and didn't want to go back to that - we can pull it with my 4Runner or my wife's Sequoia.
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Kaiser von Wilhelm
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In reply to AgRyan04 • 9:40p, 10/14/25
AgRyan04 said:
Escape makes a great trailer - I feel like it's a step up from the Casita - and they have a very active and proud owner group.

The resale on the fiberglass trailers is strong - I could sell mine right now for about 10-12% less than I bought it - after having it for 8 years. Maintenance is also sooo much less because they're much simpler than normal stick built trailers. The size also widens the pool of tow vehicles significantly - I drove a pickup for many many years and didn't want to go back to that - we can pull it with my 4Runner or my wife's Sequoia.


Absolutely. I intended to get a mid sized SUV or pickup because there are many that can handle the smaller trailer weight, but the more I researched the more I felt that I should bump it up to a half ton to make up for my lack of experience. Picked up an F150 powerboost a couple weeks ago so that I can use the propower to keep that sucker powered for boondocking, which is awesome. That's really what made that decision for me in the end. The biggest vehicle I've driven for extended periods of time was a small Lexus SUV, so I'm learning this part of things on the go too. For example, parking is a ***** for someone who doesnt know how to drive full sized trucks, but I figured it's worth the tradeoffs for a better towing experience (from what I've been told anyway).

It's funny, I was initially focused on the scamp, mostly because of the size. But someone along the way recommended looking at the Escape, and I went all in down that rabbit hole, and pulled the trigger on a slightly used model direct from Escape (which is why I'm driving up to Chilliwack). I didn't even hear about Casita until I pretty much made my decision, but I've heard good things. Glad yours got tons of quality use over many years. That's the idea in the end, no?
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RangerRick9211
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In reply to AgRyan04 • 11:11p, 10/14/25
AG
Last pic is Eastern Sierra / Alabama Hills?

Well done on your journey. I'll never be a trailer guy, but I can't argue with the outcome. Your kids are better off with the experience.

Zero screens. More outdoors. More time together.
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TRD-Ferguson
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8:28a, 10/15/25
AG
Met a couple up in CO recently who were also camping on BLM land. They were from Brenham and about our age (late 60's/early 70's).

Sitting around the fire one evening and the guy says "You know what's great about having an RV? This is our portable mountain cabin. If we don't like the scenery we can drive down the road or just rotate it and change the view".

Wise words!
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oldag941
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10:49a, 10/15/25
AG
We are probably on our 5th RV in 20 years. I inherited into the "sport". We now have 2 high school kids and park the RV on campus for Aggie games (about 3-4 per year). We use it a few times outside of football season as well.

It has been fun. It has been good memories. Not sure if we will continue once kids are out of school. We've talked about it as part of retirement.

It's a huge cost and even though we have a 2 year old RV or a 10 year old RV, there always seems to be something broken. And you usually don't figure out it's broken until you pick it up for your trip or you park it at your destination. Cost of maintenance, repair, storage, insurance etc.

It's also a lot of work. And most of our uses are just a weekend. So the set up and the break down efforts are close together rather than a week apart or more. That wears.

All of that aside, it's been fun.

I can see us doing some in retirement. I just need to recognize that the same maintenance and effort challenges will be present when I'm older. And no matter how much money you have, those don't become less.

By the way, we have a 36' Grand Design Reflection 5th Wheel. Upgraded in size and to a 5th wheel 2 years ago due to size of kids and that they want to bring friends now.
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ChoppinDs40
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In reply to oldag941 • 11:21a, 10/15/25
AG
What model?

We've got a bumper pull but I upgraded to a super duty and now have the itch for a 5th wheel. Plus, deals can be had right now on lightly used nice 5th wheels.
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oldag941
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In reply to ChoppinDs40 • 11:25a, 10/15/25
AG
I bought a 2022 (lightly used) in 2023. It's the 311BHS). Basically has the bunk room in the back. I have a Ford super duty, crew, cab, short bed, so had to get the super glide hitch installed for this particular set up.
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ChoppinDs40
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In reply to oldag941 • 11:54a, 10/15/25
AG
You HAD to or wanted to?

I've been looking at the Anderson ultimate hitch with the 6'9" bed on my super duty. No way I'm going with one of those 300lb hitches in my bed.

I've been eyeing the 367bhs. Middle room with loft. I really want 2 sitting areas (recliners plus couch). My kids take the recliners in our rig too much.

Plus my wife doesn't know how to not bring a million things on every trip and our dinette/table is just covered in stuff. 36 hours in college station for a football weekend? SUV is 100% full of stuff.
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AgRyan04
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In reply to RangerRick9211 • 8:03p, 10/15/25
RangerRick9211 said:
Last pic is Eastern Sierra / Alabama Hills?

Well done on your journey. I'll never be a trailer guy, but I can't argue with the outcome. Your kids are better off with the experience.

Zero screens. More outdoors. More time together.


You were pretty close - that photo was actually in Jumbo Rocks campground in Joshua Tree NP.

And I can't promise there weren't ANY screens.....but they didn't live on them.....they couldn't because most of the time there wasn't any wifi and we weren't in cell service! Same thing goes for me and work - sorry, I'm going to be out of service so I'll see you when I get back
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