2013 Camping Thread

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by Slava

Anyone know where I can buy large 'sheets' of foam? Essentially what I want to do is redo the mattresses in my tent trailer. Ideally I could do this in the next week or two...

I got mine from Dormir:
http://www.dormirbedandfoam.ca/

They were cheaper than Halstead by quite a bit. I also checked out Labbe bedding, but they seemed to start me with a lesser mattress, and then work me up to the right quality. Dormir started with what they recommended, and then told me there was lower quality in case budget was a huge concern.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by ken0042

I got mine from Dormir:
http://www.dormirbedandfoam.ca/

They were cheaper than Halstead by quite a bit. I also checked out Labbe bedding, but they seemed to start me with a lesser mattress, and then work me up to the right quality. Dormir started with what they recommended, and then told me there was lower quality in case budget was a huge concern.

Awesome. What kind of thing am I looking at for pricing? I realise there is a range here, but as I see these sites I'm beginning to wonder if its going to be worth it.

[ken0042]

It was right around $300. That was for a mattress that was 6" thick and 73 x 45". That also included the custom cover for the mattress.

As I said there were cheaper options, and I was upgrading my 2" mattress that came with my trailer. So really I could have used a 2" piece under my existing mattress and been a whole lot better. However now I have a bed that is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Being a bigger guy (225 lbs) this mattress supports me and I can actually wake up feeling refreshed.

[KevanGuy]

Originally Posted by Slava

Anyone know where I can buy large 'sheets' of foam? Essentially what I want to do is redo the mattresses in my tent trailer. Ideally I could do this in the next week or two...

Believe it or not, the Army and Navy by Pacific Place has tons of foam options.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by ken0042

It was right around $300. That was for a mattress that was 6" thick and 73 x 45". That also included the custom cover for the mattress.

As I said there were cheaper options, and I was upgrading my 2" mattress that came with my trailer. So really I could have used a 2" piece under my existing mattress and been a whole lot better. However now I have a bed that is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Being a bigger guy (225 lbs) this mattress supports me and I can actually wake up feeling refreshed.

I guess I was debating just buying the foam somewhere and sewing a cover. I can sew, so in that regard its not a huge deal. I'll contact them and see what they have to say. I guess I figured getting the foam would be easy and relatively cheap.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by KevanGuy

Believe it or not, the Army and Navy by Pacific Place has tons of foam options.

Like just raw foam? That's wicked and maybe exactly what I'm hoping for!

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by MG153

has anyone on CP purchased an RV out of the states? me and a buddy are both considering going shopping for new units in montana or idaho. just curious on anyone elses experiences and hoops to jump through in order to get them back across the border

I haven't bought personally, but I did look into it. Most places near the border do this often enough that they will know a lot of what you need. I looked around at Pierce RV in Kalispell and they have a couple of guys who specialize in Canadian sales. However a few things to consider:

- Gas and hotel to go down there. If this is your first trailer, keep in mind in your truck when pulling a trailer you will only get 10-12 MPG; or around 23L per 100 km.

- Out of province inspection; I seem to recall that being around $300-500.

- Your "shakedown" camping trip. Often there are little things you notice after spending a couple of nights in the trailer. If it's something like a dead fridge that is easy and under warranty. But if it's something minor it's sometimes better to let the dealer you bought from handle it. (Water leaks, for example.)

- How do you plan on financing it?

All that being said, if I was going to upgrade today I would certainly look at prices in the US. But keep in mind part of the reason for the price difference is that they have already done the extra distance of shipping and processing through the border. So if a trailer is $3000 less down there; expect to lose at least $1500 of that savings bringing it back.

I have seen some deals that have a greater difference in price, and those would be more worthwhile.

[KevanGuy]

Originally Posted by Slava

Like just raw foam? That's wicked and maybe exactly what I'm hoping for!

Yeah last time I was there (about a month or so) there was lots of sizes and thicknesses of just raw gray foam. Near the back of the store.

[MG153]

yes im definately going to do some shopping before getting serious, there would have to be quite a significant savings to justify it, especially if there is warranty issues to deal with and any additional taxes to be paid at the border

Originally Posted by ken0042

I haven't bought personally, but I did look into it. Most places near the border do this often enough that they will know a lot of what you need. I looked around at Pierce RV in Kalispell and they have a couple of guys who specialize in Canadian sales. However a few things to consider:

- Gas and hotel to go down there. If this is your first trailer, keep in mind in your truck when pulling a trailer you will only get 10-12 MPG; or around 23L per 100 km.

- Out of province inspection; I seem to recall that being around $300-500.

- Your "shakedown" camping trip. Often there are little things you notice after spending a couple of nights in the trailer. If it's something like a dead fridge that is easy and under warranty. But if it's something minor it's sometimes better to let the dealer you bought from handle it. (Water leaks, for example.)

- How do you plan on financing it?

All that being said, if I was going to upgrade today I would certainly look at prices in the US. But keep in mind part of the reason for the price difference is that they have already done the extra distance of shipping and processing through the border. So if a trailer is $3000 less down there; expect to lose at least $1500 of that savings bringing it back.

I have seen some deals that have a greater difference in price, and those would be more worthwhile.

[pylon]

With the deals you can get on Kijiji on used unit, I see no reason why someone would want to buy new. Unlike cars, most major RV problems (Motorhomes not included) wont cost $3-5000 and beyond to fix. And trailers aren't subject to mileage wear down the same way.

There are so many people that buy a new trailer, use it 5 times in a 5 year span, are near new inside and out and want to just get rid of it, that are selling for half the value of new, there is no real reason to buy a new one. It isn't like cars, where in 5 years, there has been DRAMATIC design and technology changes. A 10 year old trailer, is barely different than a new one. My 7 year old trailer I bought a couple months back, is identical to the new model in every single way. In fact it has a couple features they no longer offer. And I paid less than half the new price.

I get why people want new cars. Warranty, wear and repairs can add up super fast on something used everyday year round. But on an RV that is used continuously maybe a month out of the year or less, I don't see the appeal of buying a new one.

[polak]

So me and a few friends decided we want to try and get out to Koocanusa for Canada Day long weekend but we realize we're a little late to the party. Anyone have any suggestions of any sites to try where we might get lucky?

Only positive is me and one buddy can go up early on Thursday to maybe try and reserve a couple spots if we can find some where that is first come first serve.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by pylon

With the deals you can get on Kijiji on used unit, I see no reason why someone would want to buy new.
<snip>
I don't see the appeal of buying a new one.

What kind of deals are you seeing? I think used trailers are quite over-priced; because the sellers are trying to justify the cost per nights camped. So for a 2-3 year old trailer you are looking to save a couple of thousand dollars.

Then you get into the question of maintenance. All of which tends to be neglected more if the trailer is barely being used. Did they inspect and fix the seals? What about proper winterization? Any of the electronic components not working properly?

The other enemy of trailers is the tires. Trailer tires aren't good for X kilometres, they are good for X number of years. That number also goes down if they have spent any length of time in the sun. A set of 4 or 5 tires (if you replace the spare) could cost you upwards of $1000.

How is the black tank? What kind of nastiness is waiting for you in there? Did they use RV toilet paper, or the cheap stuff? The only way to get a partial test is to fill the black tank with water and then dump it to see if the sensors are working right.

Same with the grey tank, did they let bacon fat and coffee grounds go down the drain?

Also buying used precludes being able to get exactly what you want. Maybe colours, options, etc. It is also convenient to be able to look at 20 trailers on one lot and decide on what suits you best. You also lose the peace of mind from having a warranty, and run the risk of expensive repairs. And retail cost for replacing a fridge could easily run into $2000. So while not $3-5K; it's still up there.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by polak

So me and a few friends decided we want to try and get out to Koocanusa for Canada Day long weekend but we realize we're a little late to the party. Anyone have any suggestions of any sites to try where we might get lucky?

I still always like this one the best. Excuse their circa 1997 website; it hasn't changed since then.
http://www.elkvalley.net/newgateresort/

They don't have power, and the sites are a little close together, but the beach they have is the best on the lake.

[Hockeyguy15]

Crap, I'm supposed to be going out to Kananaskis this weekend. Mudslides/Flooding on highway 1, a mudslide on highway 40 at the Fortress gas station. I am debating cancelling since they are supposed to get up to 100mm of rain today and another 20-30mm tomorrow, and then of course more rain on Saturday.

[Slava]

Quick question for those in the know. I'm debating buying a 'real' trailer as opposed to a tent trailer. I have the towing capacity, so in some ways, why not? What I want to know is whether the trailer being a single or double axle matters?

Anything else that I should be aware of or on the lookout for? I'm going used for sure.

[Hockeyguy15]

Originally Posted by Slava

Quick question for those in the know. I'm debating buying a 'real' trailer as opposed to a tent trailer. I have the towing capacity, so in some ways, why not? What I want to know is whether the trailer being a single or double axle matters?

Anything else that I should be aware of or on the lookout for? I'm going used for sure.

I don't believe there are many single axle "real" trailers, most single axle trailers are tent trailers. Someone correct me if I am wrong but I think it's the length that determines the axles, and even the small trailers (18 feet) have 2 axles.

I would say buying used check the tires, appliances, roof, plumbing, electrical, gas lines. Think of it this way, you are buying a moving house and I would treat it like I would a house. Call around and see if you can have it looked over by a professional.

[HockeyIlliterate]

Originally Posted by Slava

Quick question for those in the know. I'm debating buying a 'real' trailer as opposed to a tent trailer. I have the towing capacity, so in some ways, why not? What I want to know is whether the trailer being a single or double axle matters?

Single axle trailers are said to be easier to tow and steer, since there is less scrubbing of the tires when turning. They are marginally cheaper in terms of overall maintenance and usage costs, as well, since you have less tires to replace over time, less bearings to wear out, and less tolls to pay when having to pay by the axle.

Escape trailers (fiberglass trailers made in BC) are mostly single axle, including their fifth wheel model that is, as I recall, around 21 feet in length. Their longest models are dual axle, though. The number of axles isn't so much a function of length, but of weight.

[Titan]

Had a tent trailer for 10 years. Just bought a "real" trailer. The difference in setup and take down is incredible. The lack of permanent storage in the tt is also a significant factor. You will be rubbermaid's best customer and you have to load and unload those every time you set up and take down. You also have to pack a lot more when getting ready to go than you do with a real trailer.

When I went with the tent trailer I had at least 2 coolers, if not three plus numerous rubbermaids full of all the "stuff". I just went away this weekend and took a cooler and did not use it and no rubbermaids.

I would only recommend a tt if for some reason you absolutely cannot get a travel trailer.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by HockeyIlliterate

Single axle trailers are said to be easier to tow and steer, since there is less scrubbing of the tires when turning. They are marginally cheaper in terms of overall maintenance and usage costs, as well, since you have less tires to replace over time, less bearings to wear out, and less tolls to pay when having to pay by the axle.

Escape trailers (fiberglass trailers made in BC) are mostly single axle, including their fifth wheel model that is, as I recall, around 21 feet in length. Their longest models are dual axle, though. The number of axles isn't so much a function of length, but of weight.

So there's no truth to the idea that the dual axles are "better balanced" or put less weight onto the towing vehicle? I was wondering about that, but someone told me that over the weekend and I have no clue!

Originally Posted by Titan

Had a tent trailer for 10 years. Just bought a "real" trailer. The difference in setup and take down is incredible. The lack of permanent storage in the tt is also a significant factor. You will be rubbermaid's best customer and you have to load and unload those every time you set up and take down. You also have to pack a lot more when getting ready to go than you do with a real trailer.

When I went with the tent trailer I had at least 2 coolers, if not three plus numerous rubbermaids full of all the "stuff". I just went away this weekend and took a cooler and did not use it and no rubbermaids.

I would only recommend a tt if for some reason you absolutely cannot get a travel trailer.

This basically sums up why I want to make the move! That and I re-cabled my entire trailer last summer only to have a cabling issue over the long weekend. I can and will fix it myself, but I'm not looking forward to it.

[Regular_John]

So speaking purely selfishly here, what's the post-flood status of campgrounds within 1 hour of the city?

In the past we've done Gooseberry (brag creek) and Wyndam Carseland, but Wyndam is definitely closed, but I'm wondering about the condition of any others?

We're tent campers if that makes any difference. Perfectly ok with outhouses and no running water for a couple nights.