First trips w/233S and 2.5yr old and 1yr old

[RichDesiletsJr233S]

Hi everyone! Just wanted to share how much we are enjoying our new Roo 233S.

My wife and I are new to camping in a trailer. I grew up camping on Cape Cod beaches in a truck camper.

Well we purchased our new '16 Roo 233S beginning of March and quickly got ourselves set up at a seasonal site in RI (about 40mins from our home in MA). It might as well be 1,000miles away!

Even with rainy weather we enjoyed the last 2 Friday, Saturday and Sundays at our home away from home!!

The trailer has been perfect. With three tent ends and the hard dinette slide we have plenty of room(even with the 2 little boys stuck indoors for a good amount of time).

We'll be back again this weekend and can't wait.

I appreciate this forum and everyone's help, info and insights. Happy camping!!!



Rich in Massachusetts
2016 Roo 233S
2013 Ford Explorer XLT

Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[cruisegrandma]

We're retired now and I can't wait until we can take our little grandson with us. He's only 7 months, but I figure that in about a year, we'll be having just as much fun with our little one. Can't wait.

[RichDesiletsJr233S]

Just want to add a few things we found:

1- we used a small electric fireplace heater and it worked great!

2- also the mattress heaters were a big help with the 40 degree nights.

3- we kept the vent fans running to keep airflow and moisture down. It worked.

4- our 2.5year old slept in the rear bunk, my wife and I slept in the side and out 1year old in a pack in play in front of the dinette.

I'm sure we'll come across other things that work (and don't) as we go.


Rich in Massachusetts
2016 Roo 233S
2013 Ford Explorer XLT

Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[RichDesiletsJr233S]

Originally Posted by cruisegrandma

We're retired now and I can't wait until we can take our little grandson with us. He's only 7 months, but I figure that in about a year, we'll be having just as much fun with our little one. Can't wait.

It's been a blast so far. We are excited that they'll grow up camping.

We tent camped for 9 days last year when our youngest was just 2months!


Rich in Massachusetts
2016 Roo 233S
2013 Ford Explorer XLT

Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[jgourlie]

That looks like a blast. Congrats on your new trailer

[RichDesiletsJr233S]

Originally Posted by jgourlie

That looks like a blast. Congrats on your new trailer

Thank you! We are excited to say the least.


Rich in Massachusetts
2016 Roo 233S
2013 Ford Explorer XLT

Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[cruisegrandma]

Not sure why, but I always viewed camping as "work". I sure wish I had considered it when my kids were small. The funny thing is that my son and daughter are very outdoors and love camping. So does my 19 y/o hiker/cc running grandson. They now think mom/grandma is "pretty cool" and I'm loving that.

[MuddauberE]

Just a couple things to think about....
Look into getting PUGS, they work very well on the bunk ends to help control temp and keep the moisture out. Never fun when waking up to rain falling on your head lol.

I read in the manual that if you are going to keep the slide out open for an extended period of time, more than a couple weeks that you will want to stabilize it but putting a jack or something under.

I hope you have fun camping! I know we considered long term spots.

[RichDesiletsJr233S]

Originally Posted by cruisegrandma

Not sure why, but I always viewed camping as "work". I sure wish I had considered it when my kids were small. The funny thing is that my son and daughter are very outdoors and love camping. So does my 19 y/o hiker/cc running grandson. They now think mom/grandma is "pretty cool" and I'm loving that.

I completely understand that thought. Thinking back I remember all the things my parents had to do to ensure we had a good trip. Now, being the parents, my wife and I have that responsibility. But the work makes for a sweeter escape once we are on site and set up.


Rich in Massachusetts
2016 Roo 233S
2013 Ford Explorer XLT

Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[RichDesiletsJr233S]

Originally Posted by MuddauberE

Just a couple things to think about....

Look into getting PUGS, they work very well on the bunk ends to help control temp and keep the moisture out. Never fun when waking up to rain falling on your head lol.



I read in the manual that if you are going to keep the slide out open for an extended period of time, more than a couple weeks that you will want to stabilize it but putting a jack or something under.



I hope you have fun camping! I know we considered long term spots.

Thank you! I need to look into PUGS for sure. We have stayed dry BUT I've heard they will help keep heat and cold out, protect the ends and keep them clean.

I'll have to investigate more on the slide. Our dealer told us NOT to support it additionally. We plan on closing it up between each visit HOWEVER didn't close it this last time as everything was wet.


Rich in Massachusetts
2016 Roo 233S
2013 Ford Explorer XLT

Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[jgourlie]

Pugs were awesome on our hybrid. Made a big difference in the heat for the a/c. I also used reflectix in the windows and that also helped with heating cooling

[oldsmasma]

Yes you are Rich in Massachusetts! That picture of your two wee ones in their chairs by the fire is what camping is all about! Congratulations.

[rkaslon]

Welcome to the Roo family!! We have the same trailer but it is a '15 and we love it. We fill ours up with 3 dogs and 2 grown kids. It's still a lot of fun and we look forward to every trip.

Looks like you have a site that you keep rented for the summer. We would love to do that here in Colorado but finding a place that combines the traditional camping feel is hard to come by.

[Cowboy_mama]

Rich what Campground are you at in RI? we're headed out for only our 2nd trip this weekend to a campground there called Whispering Pines and have 2 small boys as well.

[RichDesiletsJr233S]

Originally Posted by Cowboy_mama

Rich what Campground are you at in RI? we're headed out for only our 2nd trip this weekend to a campground there called Whispering Pines and have 2 small boys as well.

We are at Echo Lake Campground in Pascoag, RI. My brother and sister in law found it last year. It's a nice spot. I've already met two people who have been camping there since the late 1970's!


Rich in Massachusetts
2016 Roo 233S
2013 Ford Explorer XLT

Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[RichDesiletsJr233S]

Originally Posted by rkaslon

Welcome to the Roo family!! We have the same trailer but it is a '15 and we love it. We fill ours up with 3 dogs and 2 grown kids. It's still a lot of fun and we look forward to every trip.



Looks like you have a site that you keep rented for the summer. We would love to do that here in Colorado but finding a place that combines the traditional camping feel is hard to come by.

We have loved the 233S so far! We decided on the seasonal site because my in laws are there with our 2 nieces and nephew. It should be a fun summer. The only downside is no dogs so our dog gets to visit with my parents and their two dogs when we go.


Rich in Massachusetts
2016 Roo 233S
2013 Ford Explorer XLT

Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[RichDesiletsJr233S]

Originally Posted by oldsmasma

Yes you are Rich in Massachusetts! That picture of your two wee ones in their chairs by the fire is what camping is all about! Congratulations.

It sure is! Many memories will be made!!


Rich in Massachusetts
2016 Roo 233S
2013 Ford Explorer XLT

Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[RichDesiletsJr233S]

Originally Posted by jgourlie

Pugs were awesome on our hybrid. Made a big difference in the heat for the a/c. I also used reflectix in the windows and that also helped with heating cooling

I'm going to have to get them. Everyone is recommending them. Thanks!


Rich in Massachusetts
2016 Roo 233S
2013 Ford Explorer XLT

Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums