camper recommendations?

One of the fine folks on NCKA steered me to www.rvshare.com a few years ago after an "exciting" weather weekend at Doran.  Very straightforward rental process, and you can try different sizes and types of campers to figure out what best suits your needs.

One of the fine folks on NCKA steered me to www.rvshare.com a few years ago after an "exciting" weather weekend at Doran.  Very straightforward rental process, and you can try different sizes and types of campers to figure out what best suits your needs.

Great idea, thanks for that, Mark. So, I’m wondering Which you tried and what your thoughts are now?

Great idea, thanks for that, Mark. So, I’m wondering Which you tried and what your thoughts are now?

The family likes the 18.5BH models (manufacturers vary).  They usually have a queen size bed, 2 bunk beds, a small booth that can convert into an spare bed, if need be.  Small stove and fridge.  They have a small shower and a crapper.  Very easy to tow with my fullsize truck (put the kayak on the truck's racks); hardly even know it's there.  I only "kissed" the gate at Ocean Cove pulling into the Group Campsite that one time... I was mesmerized by the campfire 

Right now, I prefer the hardsided campers for easy environmental protection.  No more wind/rain whipped tents + heater!  Plus, the bathroom/shower is super convenient with the kids.  I prefer the small travel trailers, so the kids are forced to play outside.  We only hangout inside if it's raining or to sleep.  Quick set up as well... just park and level out. 

If I go backpacking with the guys or when the kids are older, sure, it'll be tents or bivy bags all the way.  BUT, hardsides make it fun to be out in rain and heat.  Total game changer. 

I vote small hardside or hardside hybrid. The GF (and I) love the idea that your bathroom is only 20 ft away no matter where you are and it's yours.  Ask your wife about that one if you're trying to decide hardside or tent/popup. When I downsize Casita will be my choice. As you age, whoever goes the most at night gets the edge of the bed that's easiest to get out of.

Great idea, thanks for that, Mark. So, I’m wondering Which you tried and what your thoughts are now?

The family likes the 18.5BH models (manufacturers vary).  They usually have a queen size bed, 2 bunk beds, a small booth that can convert into an spare bed, if need be.  Small stove and fridge.  They have a small shower and a crapper.  Very easy to tow with my fullsize truck (put the kayak on the truck's racks); hardly even know it's there.  I only "kissed" the gate at Ocean Cove pulling into the Group Campsite that one time... I was mesmerized by the campfire 

Right now, I prefer the hardsided campers for easy environmental protection.  No more wind/rain whipped tents + heater!  Plus, the bathroom/shower is super convenient with the kids.  I prefer the small travel trailers, so the kids are forced to play outside.  We only hangout inside if it's raining or to sleep.  Quick set up as well... just park and level out. 

If I go backpacking with the guys or when the kids are older, sure, it'll be tents or bivy bags all the way.  BUT, hardsides make it fun to be out in rain and heat.  Total game changer.

Right on, thanks for that perspective and thoughts. Good point on the proximity criteria, Dale.

Escape trailers have a great reputation. All fiberglass shell. 17-21 feet plus a 5th wheel style.

https://escapetrailer.com/

we use a off-road pop up camper.  from Fleetwood.

we have been on lots of hunting trips in it.  we freeze our asses during the late season.  shower in it?  yes.  i rigged up a fertilizer spray bottle and it works awesome.  keeps us from having to set up all the water stuff in the rv.  we stand in the shower.  it it is a guy trip, i will shower outdoors.  stand on a rubber mat.

take a crap?  nope..zero clue.  never done it.  i do know you have to pull out a canister and pour it out.  pretty sure that can be pretty dramatic if your camper trip has a bad, "taco night".  my brother's g-friend is the only person that has pooped in it.  and trust me, the entire camper is off limits to visitors if anyone is pooping.  you're basically sitting in the room, like a prison toilet.  (i've seen pictures )

 Thank you all for the info. We are in the early research phase.We don't have a set budget yet but are not looking to go all out. At this point I think we have ruled out tent trailers and Winabago type rigs. We hope to store it at her brothers new house. He has some acreage and is close by. He also has a big truck that we might be able to use for towing. If not, my little Nissan truck has over 200,000 miles so it might be time to upgrade. Those hard shell trailers sound good. 

If your looking used and have no clue what to look for, feel free to pm or email me we live full time in a 40 Sierra QBQ 355 I think is the model. Forest river bunk house 5th wheel. Just re did the carpets with hard wood in the living room and grandkids bunk room.

Something not mentioned yet about pop-up tent trailers --- Rain.  Mine keeps me dry.  Problem is you can not pack up, drive home and put it away til next time.  Instead you must raise it back up to dry or risk mold - add that task onto putting away all your stuff that you could not fit into the trailer.

I had a V6 Pathfinder and the tent trailers are light - that was the main reason I did not go with a hard shell.  I towed over the Sierras and coastal maybe 15 times before I blew the transmission - I learned about tranny coolers the expensive way.  So consider that - NorCal is not flat and you will need some horsepower.