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ugh
IL
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Joined: 11/05/2009
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awsmom8 wrote:I travel with kids and have used WalMart parking lots extensively for over night camping. They are ideal for families as they are safe, and have 24 hour security. You have to realize that stopping at Walmart means that you are using their parking lot for overnight parking, not as a playground. I stop at Walmart after using a nearby park, beach, or playground and allowing the kids to burn off steam. Occasionally though, I'll toss the football to the kids at Walmart if we are parked in a safe, traffic free area. We have even unloaded the bikes and gone for a ride. But usually we pop in a movie, followed by bedtime. And we have met many families at Walmart parking lots.
Think about looking at Class C's. They are more family friendly and will sleep more people. It gets old breaking down the dinette and couch every night as it means you have to go to bed the same time as the kids.
Ok. Great.. I assume you used travel trailer right? If so, what did you do for A/C if it was hot? I know everything else can be run by battery or propane.
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awsmom8
Tehachapi, Ca
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awsmom8 wrote:Depends on what you mean by self contained. I used to have a 5th wheel without a generator, and boondocked alot, as well as used WalMart. Sure, we had lights, a water pump, and a gas stove, but were unable to use the microwave. It sure got hot without air conditioning--a necessity in some areas!
So I sold it and got an older Class C motorhome with bunkbeds and a generator and LOVE it. Didn't pay much more than I did for the fifth wheel. I can turn on the generator and run the airconditioning and microwave. The generator recharges the coach batteries also each time I use it.
The kids get the bunkbeds in the rear, and I can close the door while they watch a movie on their portable DVD's. I take the queen sleeper above the cab, and have some quiet time (but it usually doesn't last long!)
We couldn't use the A/C as we didn't have a generator for the Travel Trailer and it got hot--kinda like living in a tin can. I did get 2 portable generators and it was a pain in the kazoo. Had to chain them to the frame of the TT, they weighed 55 lbs each and were hard to lift into the travel trailer compartment or the truck bed. And every time I wanted to start them I had to walk outside and start them and then out again to turn them off. In my Class C I just press a button and the generator turns off and on!
And if you use a travel trailer in the winter, the furnace will probably run the coach battery dead by the morning. With a generator, it charges the coach batteries when you run it, and I use an electric heater when the gens on.
 Women who obey the rules don't have any fun!
1998 Class C Jamboree 29' Bunkhouse KidHauler 30,000 miles
1998 Saturn SW with 40,000 miles
1993 & 1995 year kids
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bsinmich
Holland, MI
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We ran our generator only one night in the time we have had generators on board and then the CO sensor went off during the night. We found it wasn't our generator but the one next to us in a flying J that was getting the exhaust into our coach. I am reluctant to run the generator while sleeping for that reason. I think a Class C would be a better choice with the bunk option for the children. A genturi is an attachment for your gen. exhaust line that helps to keep the exhaust away. I now have 35 hours on my generator in a 6 YO MH. We don't use it much. If the temp is high enough that you need AC then it may be worth the price of a CG for that evening. If you are heading West to the mountains we have found the temps very comfortable evenings.
2003 Newmar Mountain Aire, Workhorse W22, & 2002 PT Cruiser w/Remco lube pump, Falcon 5250, & US Gear Unified Tow Brake
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Chock Full o' Nuts
GA
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Kirk wrote:There are many fifth wheel trailers that do have the option of a built in generator set, and a few travel trailers do also but the reason that they are not common is that there is no fuel tank on a normal trailer to supply fuel to a generator set. If you choose a trailer and must have a generator, then I suggest a portable one but a much better idea for stops with children is to use RV parks. Wal-Mart parking lots do not seem to offer much to entertain children and most will not want more than one trip where they must sit around looking at parked cars each evening. If you choose kid friendly RV parks then each night can be one more fun experience for the kids with swimming pools and play grounds and all sorts of other amenities.
It is quite rare to see families spending nights in Wal-Mart or other parking lots and the same is true for truck stops. Even if you choose to buy a motorhome with an on-board genset, parking lots are not a child friendly setting.
I agree with this completely. It makes for more expensive traveling, but IMO it's a necessity. When we took our 2-month cross country tour we found out real quick that 1) we can't push it past about 6 hours without a mutiny and 2) finding a place with a pool will generate forgiveness for having to sit in the back seat watching 5 hours of desert scenery. LOL.
When we get to the day when we are traveling by ourselves we'll probably overnight at truck stops or WalMart. But as long as we have the kids with us, we *have* to stop at places that give our kids a way to burn off some energy.
"Those who dwell...among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life."--Rachel Carson, environmentalist, 1956
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bikendan
Napa, Cal.
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ugh wrote:Thanks for clearing that up. I am still not sure which one I want (motorhome or travler trailer). Thanks.
with a travel trailer, you'll need a tow vehicle with enough of tow capacity. you'll also need a weight distributing hitch and sway control unless you've got a 3/4 ton or bigger tow vehicle. and you'll need to practice backing up if you've never pulled one.
without a generator, not only will you not be able to use the a/c, but not the microwave or television unless you have a 12v TV or an inverter.
a MH would be my recommendation also.
Dan- Firefighter , Shawn- Musician/Entrepreneur , Zoe- Faithful Golden Retriever , 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche LS, 2007 Rockwood Roo 23SS w/Equalizer and Prodigy, and 5 Mtn. bikes and 2 Road bikes
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larchambeau
Sterling Heights, MI
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Based on what I've read so far, it sounds like the main reason to choose one or the other is the availability of A/C in a Walmart parking lot.
I think one should use Walmart as an occasional stopover when on the road. Never plan on arriving before 4:00PM and setting up camp with the expectation of using all your camping options. And you should never plan on staying in the same Walmart more than one night. Anything else is abusing their generosity.
Having said that, there are plenty of camping options while traveling. Many state parks have inexpensive camping with electricity, especially during week nights. I've seen camping facilities with electricity along the turnpike in Ohio, and I presume other states, as well. A little planning will allow you to take your trip with minimal expense. Look for BLM (Bureau of Land Management) booklets for options on free camping on government land.
If you plan this way, you need not worry about whether you have to use a generator or not. I've camped for five years now, do not have a generator, and never used a Walmart for overnight.
If you use a travel trailer, you never have to worry about having a vehicle to go off and see the sights, providing you have a good match between your trailer and tow vehicle. With a class C, you have to consider whether you will tow a vehicle, or live with the consequences of not having one.
It's a lot to consider. Remember, it's expensive whichever way you go. Put plenty of thought into it before jumping in, and you'll be happy with your decision. Good luck with all this. Your family will remember forever the experiences of their camping, so you're on the right track.
Thanks, Larry
2004 GMC 3500(SRW) w/ 8.1/Allison, Ext Cab, Long Bed
Pull Rite Super 5th, Prodigy, CustomFlow V-tailgate, Rhino-lined
2000 Sunnybrook 30RKFS 1-Slide 5th Wheel
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StanleyandIris
Louisiana
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When it is too hot to sleep without a/c in the TT, go to a CG or figure out how to take a quiet generator along.
MH's are great, but if you want to run around to sight see you need a toad, you have to take the MH or rent a car. We have a 42'DP and haven't missed much without a toad, we just drive the MH where ever we want to go. We figure we can rent a car MUCH cheaper than buying a toad vehicle. Enterprise Leasing will even deliver the car to you and weekend rates are low.
As for traveling, nothing beats the MH comfort on the road but the purchase price, insurance and maintenance costs may be prohibitive.
Iris
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ugh
IL
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Awesome feedbacks. Thank you everyone.
We decided to go wiht TT. I will get a quiet generator in case we need it. We need one for our home as a backup anyway.
Thanks.
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awsmom8
Tehachapi, Ca
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One of the biggest reasons I went from 5th wheel/pickup truck to Class C was to be able to allow the kids to move around while traveling. They can sit (with seatbelts on) on the couch and dinette and play cards, and get up and stretch, get a soda, etc. They travel better with the class C. After a few weeks of sitting in the back seat of the truck, they were tired of traveling.
I also like the idea of being able to just jump in the drivers seat and take off. One night, while boondocking in the 5th wheel, we got harassed by drunks and I had to call 911. I was too afraid (as a single mom) to get out of the 5th wheel and walk up to the truck and drive off.
But the generator is really nice!
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bikendan
Napa, Cal.
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ugh wrote:Awesome feedbacks. Thank you everyone.
We decided to go wiht TT. I will get a quiet generator in case we need it. We need one for our home as a backup anyway. Thanks.
what will you be towing with? and have you towed a TT before?
have you looked at how much a quiet generator costs? one that will be quiet and run the a/c will cost a minimum of $1000 average.
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