Finally off the ground

[StuckOnTheDock]

Hi all, we just acquired a 2020 232ESP, very lightly used by the only other owner. Like new inside, everything works, doesn't leak, pulls really well. Just got done putting her in storage on my side of town. Can't wait to get it out in the north woods. Probably somewhere up on the Mogollon Rim for the first outing. Soon...

[Platokidd]

Welcome from the top side land of Lincoln

[bikendan]

Hi and Welcome to FRF, from the South West Valley.
Be sure to check out the Tent Camper and Popup section here.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Forest River Forums mobile app

[Reverse_snowbird]

You might try 'driveway camping' for a night before you take it on a trip. If this is your first rv, driveway camping helps you remember what you need to pack.

Congratulations on your purchase and welcome to the forum!

[chriscowles]

Congrats on getting a dry space with a bed and a galley. It's a huge improvement over tent camping.

Practice changing tires before you go anywhere. You need to be sure you have the right tools. You might be surprised by what doesn't fit or work as you anticipated.

[StuckOnTheDock]

Thanks for the suggestions and encouragement! I'm sure this is the start of great adventures.



Having the truck free to roam around, free of gear will be great. Camping comfortably in a tent takes a lot of gear. This consolidates it to one rolling storage spot.


I was always comfortable in a tent, air bed and electric pumps make it pretty nice. It's the prep and pack that makes it hard. Now we are a bit older, it seemed like we'd go more if it were easier. It's generally not desire that keeps us home, it's the amount of work it takes to get out.


The only problem I can identify right from the start is that I don't have a place at home to set it up and access the storage. Going to have to get creative, tent camp packing then transfer from bins in the woods, or set it up at the storage, it's pretty close.

[Oaklevel]

Welcome from Virginia !!!!

[Wiscampsin]

Welcome from Wisconsin.

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by StuckOnTheDock

... The only problem I can identify right from the start is that I don't have a place at home to set it up and access the storage. Going to have to get creative, tent camp packing then transfer from bins in the woods, or set it up at the storage, it's pretty close.

You'll soon find the lack of upper wall cabinets to be adequate justification for a hybrid, after which you'll need a regular travel trailer because the tent ends let in too much heat, light, noise and humidity. Prepare your wallet.

More seriously, we used to lift the roof slightly to allow opening the door, then belly-crawled in to get to the storage boxes. You'll figure out which boxes to store closer to the door.

[StuckOnTheDock]

Originally Posted by chriscowles

You'll soon find the lack of upper wall cabinets to be adequate justification for a hybrid, after which you'll need a regular travel trailer because the tent ends let in too much heat, light, noise and humidity. Prepare your wallet.

More seriously, we used to lift the roof slightly to allow opening the door, then belly-crawled in to get to the storage boxes. You'll figure out which boxes to store closer to the door.

I totally get where you are coming from, but an adage I live by is "Comparison is the thief of joy." so I purchase carefully. This was already compromise for comfort, I wanted a rooftop tent on a full adventure trailer. My wife was having nothing to do with a ladder in the middle of the night. Being a reasonable person, I immediately caved in to her needs and found the Rockwood 232ESP. It seems a good compromise.



We decided to do a hybrid trip the first time, all the bins but the tent bin, transfer stuff in the woods. It will be a fitting end to ground camping. The dining bench storage is accessible from outside, I think it's going to be kept open as possible for last minute additions.


I appreciate the advice, unfortunately I'm a bit broken for crawling, I don't mind doing a little more, I'd have to lift it enough to stand, it's not a problem.



Thanks!

[Rhumblefish]

Welcome, Stuck!

Your picture screams Phx area though - admittedly - I initially figured you for the East end of things (we've got family over there). Your path is a well considered and oft-traveled one. No advice - there's plenty of that (and opinions) here... and you're clearly doing your research.

I'm wishing you much enjoyment after this most recent turn. I'm a lifelong tent camper (and former Eagle scout), and -despite the comforts that I added along my own journey - have really come to enjoy travel trailer camping. We've camped more in the last two years than I had done in the previous ten combined.

Cheers!

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by StuckOnTheDock

I totally get where you are coming from, but an adage I live by is "Comparison is the thief of joy." so I purchase carefully. This was already compromise for comfort, I wanted a rooftop tent on a full adventure trailer. My wife was having nothing to do with a ladder in the middle of the night. Being a reasonable person, I immediately caved in to her needs and found the Rockwood 232ESP. It seems a good compromise.



We decided to do a hybrid trip the first time, all the bins but the tent bin, transfer stuff in the woods. It will be a fitting end to ground camping. The dining bench storage is accessible from outside, I think it's going to be kept open as possible for last minute additions.


I appreciate the advice, unfortunately I'm a bit broken for crawling, I don't mind doing a little more, I'd have to lift it enough to stand, it's not a problem.



Thanks!

I watched a young couple pull into camp in a small crossover SUV. They were done setting up their Thule cartop tent in 10 minutes. It looked very stable.

They had a rectangular luggage rack in the trailer hitch to carry their cooler, stove/grill and a 5# LP tank. It was all within the capacity of their car.

I recommended that setup to my daughter and boyfriend but she reminded me that her 50# dog can't climb ladders.

[Rhumblefish]

Originally Posted by chriscowles

I recommended that setup to my daughter and boyfriend but she reminded me that her 50# dog can't climb ladders.

Midnight potty trips that involve a 5-6' vertical maneuver are also slightly frowned upon - especially with a dog (ladder climbing or not)!

[StuckOnTheDock]

Originally Posted by Rhumblefish

Welcome, Stuck!

Your picture screams Phx area though - admittedly - I initially figured you for the East end of things (we've got family over there). Your path is a well considered and oft-traveled one. No advice - there's plenty of that (and opinions) here... and you're clearly doing your research.

I'm wishing you much enjoyment after this most recent turn. I'm a lifelong tent camper (and former Eagle scout), and -despite the comforts that I added along my own journey - have really come to enjoy travel trailer camping. We've camped more in the last two years than I had done in the previous ten combined.

Cheers!

I appreciate your best wishes. I've lived on the south side, in the worst area of town (27th and Indian School), and the West Side but never the east. I'm sure we have a LOT of overnighter's in our near future if nothing else, but probably a lot of 3 day excursions, that's the plan anyway. Cheers.

[StuckOnTheDock]

Originally Posted by chriscowles

I watched a young couple pull into camp in a small crossover SUV. They were done setting up their Thule cartop tent in 10 minutes. It looked very stable.

They had a rectangular luggage rack in the trailer hitch to carry their cooler, stove/grill and a 5# LP tank. It was all within the capacity of their car.

I recommended that setup to my daughter and boyfriend but she reminded me that her 50# dog can't climb ladders.

That's realism. That's what I realized when my wife told me. Reviews seldom mention 34 degree drizzly mornings and full bladders. Climbing down in the dark all of a sudden seemed pretty silly.

[StuckOnTheDock]

Originally Posted by StuckOnTheDock

Hi all, we just acquired a 2020 232ESP, very lightly used by the only other owner. Like new inside, everything works, doesn't leak, pulls really well. Just got done putting her in storage on my side of town. Can't wait to get it out in the north woods. Probably somewhere up on the Mogollon Rim for the first outing. Soon...

We went to Flagstaff, wildfires were a concern, but was great! See here...


https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...ml#post2751422

[2dogs]

Greetings from the Prescott, AZ. area.