Would you pop-up South Texas to Canada?

Merlin14 · 08-10-2018, 07:59 PM

Seeking the group insight on this subject:
If you had the ability and time, would you be willing to vacation in a popup from Texas to Canada on a two month trip?
Almost new and comfy truck. No big driving days, and frequently staying 2-4 night in one place. Trip will be very carefully planned and it's just the two of us and our small dog.
1999 Palomino Pinto popup is in great condition and everything works well. We are mostly dry campers and will boondock about 1/4 of the time.
Just how big a concern and how much attention on the subject of bears?
We keep a very clean camp and have never cooked or eaten in the popup.
Wondering what you would do if you were in a popup, knowing what you do now.
Would you do it if you could?
Would you have "reluctances"? Like what?
TIA, ya'll!

Post disappeared - hope this not a dupe!

Riverbc · 08-10-2018, 08:04 PM

Where in Canada?

Wiscampsin · 08-10-2018, 08:14 PM

Why not, as long as you take precautions, sounds like you are, it would be a great trip!

boondocking · 08-10-2018, 09:05 PM

My wife and I boon docked in a tent (2-3 weeks at a time) every summer in the foothills and mountains of Alberta for 30 years, seen many bears, but never had a problem with them. This area is bear country, black bears and grizzlies along with mountain lions and coyotes.

Go for it and have fun.

rockfordroo · 08-10-2018, 09:11 PM

Took DW and 2 kids for 2 weeks every year for 20 yrs in a popup. 3000-3500 miles each time.

Just 2 of you and a dog? Why not?

milkman55 · 08-10-2018, 09:21 PM

Just arrived in Durango, CO. Headed to Mesa Verde tomorrow. Next stop Moab, UT and Arches and National Reef NP. Picking up a few days in Gunnison, CO on the way back to the Hill Country.

Hutch333id · 08-10-2018, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merlin14

Seeking the group insight on this subject:
If you had the ability and time, would you be willing to vacation in a popup from Texas to Canada on a two month trip?
Almost new and comfy truck. No big driving days, and frequently staying 2-4 night in one place. Trip will be very carefully planned and it's just the two of us and our small dog.
1999 Palomino Pinto popup is in great condition and everything works well. We are mostly dry campers and will boondock about 1/4 of the time.
Just how big a concern and how much attention on the subject of bears?
We keep a very clean camp and have never cooked or eaten in the popup.
Wondering what you would do if you were in a popup, knowing what you do now.
Would you do it if you could?
Would you have "reluctances"? Like what?
TIA, ya'll!

Post disappeared - hope this not a dupe!

C'mon up! We're a friendly bunch up here. Especially in Alberta. You might need to check the restrictions for soft sided RV's in Banff NP but the only CG I know of where it is highlighted is at Lake Louise and I believe they have a protected area specifically for tents and soft sided RV's. Otherwise, no problem. Your $ will go far at this time due to the exchange rate favouring the US $.
It is kinda hot (for us anyway) - nudging 38oC (100oF) today.
A smaller rig such as yours will fit in to many sites in both NP and Provincial Parks - of which there are many.

Reverse_snowbird · 08-10-2018, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merlin14

it's just the two of us and our small dog.

I'd keep an eye on that small dog.

Never used a pop up, but we did tent camp with no problems in bear country. Handled food carefully as you describe.

If you're going into bear country, make certain that you have all food in your car or truck in containers that will not allow the smell of the food to escape. Bears have been known to tear cars apart for food.

If you have any doubts, camp in park areas where they monitor and remove any problem bears. We were in a national park where a bear tore up a tent campsite looking for food, but the people were fine. The campsites were closed til they found and relocated the bear.

Suggest you take that trip. You sound like you are seasoned campers and should have no problems.

herbike · 08-10-2018, 10:31 PM

We camped for about 9 years in small tent trailer pulled behind our Honda Goldwing never had a problem. Loved it, just got too old for it. Traveled in western Canada and as far east as Ohio. Never had a problem with anything but a little too much humidity in the mid west.

Enjoy

CaptnJohn · 08-11-2018, 12:40 PM

About 50 years ago in my early 20s I may have,,,, no ~~ still wanted my complete bath then.

cariboo camper · 08-11-2018, 01:22 PM

Not really a problem. Only once in all my camping trips have I seen a sign warning Bear in area. Most campsites have park operators on site and will post if there is a Bear problem. Lots of tent campers everywhere. Come on up you'll love it, especially British Columbia.

Just remember to stow BBQ and don't leave food around. A fed Bear is a dead Bear!

oldsmasma · 08-11-2018, 02:27 PM

We live in the country in northeastern Ontario and camp almost exclusively in our beautiful Ontario Provincial Parks in Northern Ontario. I'm 68 and I've never even seen a bear in real life! Come on up. You'll love it!

kraftengr · 08-11-2018, 03:00 PM

We’d do it in a heartbeat if I had the time! I’m jealous!!

frogsandhogs · 08-11-2018, 03:31 PM

Do it!!! You will love it. Keep food in closed containers in truck. Never just open camper and let dog out. Always check outside area first and then take dog on leash. Use common sense, never leave grill out.

jdkbrooks · 08-11-2018, 04:01 PM

You only live once, go for itpo

Cold Lake Kid · 08-11-2018, 06:31 PM

Merlin14: You mentioned a concern about bears.
Please do not try to bring any firearm, especially a handgun into Canada.
If you plan on bringing a long gun, call the Canadian Firearms Centre at 1-800-731-4000 before attempting to cross the Canadian border.
A friend of mine, coming from Georgia, had his van searched and was in trouble when CBSA found a rifle in the car without the proper Canadian licensing.
If you are lucky, if caught, you'll just get turned back.

tosh99 · 08-11-2018, 10:34 PM

Some RV parks in bear country will not allow pop ups.

Try watching Slim Potatohead on You Tube who travels from Canada to Mexico and many places in between in his A-liner.

Timan · 08-12-2018, 03:43 PM

The first with our pop up was from Boerne, San Antonio area to Vancouver, BC. We went from San Diego up to BC. It was an awesome trip. I would definitely recommend it in a pop up.

rlh1957 · 08-14-2018, 02:38 PM

Popup camping in great. Only pain in the rear is setting up and breaking down every night along the way. Even in a pull over night, a popup is a pain because you have to pop it up, and most have sliding rail beds you have to let out, and like out old one you have to pull out both ends as well as the dinette to get in just for a nap. Other than the up down of a popup, love them. That is both reasons we upgraded to a hybrid... love the tent camping feel, but able to pull over for the night without letting out the ends, able to get into the bathroom and kitchen even without letting out the slide. Can also camp without either end being put down. Sofa and dinette both are beds. 2018 Rockwood Roo 24WS

pgandw · 08-15-2018, 03:33 PM

We did one month - summer of 1993 - from Norfolk, VA to Prince Rupert, BC - towing a PUP with a Ford Explorer. Due to Mississippi flooding, we had to cross at Memphis on I-40. We spent a lot of time in and out of the Rockies, starting at Petrified Forest and working our way north. A very special trip I would love to make again.

Now that kids have grown, have switched to A-frames for quicker setup and take-down. One night camping is easier due to the quick setup times.

The only campground I know of that forbids soft side campers is the one at Yellowstone - and that's only at one of their campgrounds. I like to camp at Grand Tetons NP and sightsee Yellowstone from there.

Enjoy the trip.

Fred W
2019 Flagstaff T21TBHW A-frame
2008 Hyundai Entourage minivan
camping Colorado and adjacent states one weekend at a time

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