Girl Camper

When I see a vintage camper I am transported back to the camp outs of my youth! They hold so much in the way of charm and nostalgia for me. We did some tent camping and had a home made pop up that we rented from a neighbor each year. When we would walk around the campground I would always want to look inside the little trailers. When I returned to camping in 2006 I bought a 1959 Field and Stream with the birchwood interior. I also joined the group Tin Can Tourists to learn as much as I could about vintage trailer ownership.

Membership in that Facebook group was the first place I ever saw any questions raised about the damage that exists in many (most) vintage trailers. Of course that damage varies depending on how well they were cared for, what part of the country they were in and what manufacturing methods were used. Canned hams that were stick and tin built did not fare as well over time as the riveted aluminum trailers. One thing seemed certain though, any unit that was at least forty years old would have at least some issues that needed addressing.

Enter Tim Heintz, founder of Heintz Designs Vintage Trailer Restorations. Tim has a love for and extensive knowledge of vintage trailers with a specialty in trailers manufactured from the 1930's through 1960's. He is one of the country's leading restorers and does custom rebuilds for customers at his Panama City, Florida location. I invited Tim on the show to share his wisdom on vintage trailer restorations and help those enamored with these nostalgic beauties know when to buy and when to walk away and when to leave the revitalization to a pro.

Tim has done many, many trailer restorations over the years and has a big personal collection of vintage trailers. One of my favorite restorations was this 1951 Vagabond.

Follow Tim!

Tim's website, click here!

Tim's Facebook page here!

Listen to Tim's interview on the podcast.

We have spent this year exploring all of the different kinds of RV’s available.  Today we are looking at the tried and true Pop Up trailer. That magic box that so many of us grew up camping in and that is still out there today. On today’s show we are taking a look at t in but don’t consider for ourselves.  Maybe it’s time to reconsider this classic.  Here are some of the Pro’s and Con’s of the Pop Up trailer.he frequently overlooked Pop Up trailer. This family classic is one many of us grew up

Pros

* Big and Airy – there’s lots of sitting room, sleeping areas, site lines and airflow in a pop up.

* Great Way to Start Towing – A Pop Up is low to the ground so you can see over it. There’s less wind interference. You get better gas mileage. You can see over it in the rear view mirror.

* The Sleep a Crowd – The large wing beds that slide out are King sized and can hold several small children. They also have two tables that fold down for added sleeping. There’s nothing else in their size range that can hold that many people.

* Easy to Store – They can be stored in a garage and their hard shell top allows you to stack camping equipment on top of them. You save on storage fees when you can store it at home.

* Easy to Find in the Used Market – There are so many pop-ups in the used RV market. Because they are not as popular a choice as many other models, there are more available.

* Light Weight – Compared to most travel trailers, the Pop Up is light weight and can be towed by most six cylinder vehicles.

* Less Costly to Maintain – They have fewer systems so there is less to repair and maintain.

* They fit in small spaces – Even the longest pop up is only 16′ long and can fit in most campsites.

* They are Maneuverable – A Pop Up sits high and is easy to take on dirt roads. It can also be moved around by hand when it’s disconnected from the tow vehicle.

Cons

* Requires Assembly – Has to be set up and broken down in any kind of weather

* You Can’t Access things in storage – When you are driving and need something that is stored in it you can’t simply open the door and get it. It’s folded down and not easy to reach.

* You Can’t Nap In It While On the Road – Because it’s folded down you can’t easily open it and take a nap along the way.

* Soft Side Walls – The soft side walls require maintenance and offer less protection from wildlife and cold weather. They also need to be dried out as soon as possible when the trailer has been  closed up in the rain.

* Kitchens are Not Great – The kitchens in pop up are low and cooking and prepping meals in them can be awkward. Most pop up users set up a camp kitchen outdoors. They also have small sinks, very little refrigerator space and poor storage.

* Potty Situation – The porta potty in a pop up is not ideal to say the least. Some have none at all and some offer a hidden portable johnny that has to be taken out and dumped and also has no real privacy around it unless you consider a curtain on tracks adequate protection. Most people are a little more self conscious than that but if you are alone it would be a better option that a flashlight in the dark at 2 AM.

* Less of a Four Season Trailer – The Pop Up would not be a great choice in really cold weather. You can take a winterized travel trailer and stay warm in it in cold weather but the pop -up will offer less cold protection.

* Noisy – In heavy winds and rain the pop up can be a noisy option. The canvas snaps in the wind and the rain can sound like a real weather event on the canvas sides.

A Pop Up trailer is a great way to transition from tent camping to RVing.

On this weeks show our topic is “reducing the chances of trailer theft.” All too often I see on social media a request to share a picture from a heart broken trailer owner who’s beloved trailer has been stolen . Frequently a trailer owner will come out to their driveway in the morning and find their trailer has been taken. I’m going to discuss some ways which you can help deter these thieves.

Girl Camper Guide Catherine Goggia is pinch hitting for me for the next two weeks while I am on a little sabbatical. She is taking us through her purchase of new trailer tires and explaining trailer tires (ST) versus regular tires (LT).

Catherine is our Northern California Girl Camper Guide. She is an R Pod owner who grew up camping and encourages others to get out there and do things. She is the editor of her own Girl Camper site. You can follow her here.

Some of the topics Catherine discusses include:

ST tires are built differently than LT tires

Why the tread is more shallow on ST tires

Why side walls on ST tires differ from LT tires

C and D rated tires

Tire maintenance

Things that impact load capacity

Open range tires

Made in USA tire manufacturers

Click the link below to hear the podcast and the full scoop on buying trailer tires.

Have you been wondering how an outdoor enthusiast with a top rated TV show became the host of the number one RV Show in the country? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to own a campground? On this week's podcast, I turn the tables and interview my friend Alan Warren from the RV Show USA.

Alan began his career in broadcasting by creating a TV show specializing in hunting and fishing. Three reincarnations later the respected expert was ready for a new challenge. He sold the ranch he lived and filmed on and pivoted to an old love - RVing.

Although The RV Show USA is only three years old, it is the #1 RV Show in the country. Alan has a reputation for calling out bad practices in the industry but, also gives industry leaders a chance to be on the show and answer consumer questions.

Alan jumped even deeper into the RV lifestyle by buying a campground on beautiful Lake Buchanan in Burnet, Texas. The Big Chief RV Resort is an ideal spot for the sportsman who wants to launch a boat straight from the campground as well as those who just want to enjoy stunning lake sunsets. The campground offers many amenities including a pool and spa that feel like a resort hotel.

The sunsets at Big Chief are beautiful on Lake Buchanan.

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If you are one of those who dream the full time RVing dream, - in technicolor, black and white, on the job and off, you will enjoy meeting Sandy Ellingson, Executive Director of RVWA, the Recreation Vehicle Women's Alliance.

Sandy Ellingson is the Executive Director of the RV Women's Alliance

After achieving empty nest status, Sandy, still working full time, and her retired husband, began researching the possibility of full time RVing. There was so much to consider and to do. What type of RV? Travel trailer or motorhome? What travel style? RV Parks or boondocking? Keep a condo or sell it all and pack all of your worldly possessions in an RV?

On today's show Sandy shares the process of going from dreamer to doer and what she would do differently if she knew then, what she knows now.

At Girl Camper we receive so many letters from full time wannabes and stories like Sandys help to shine some light in the dark places of those dreams and, let us see the realities we may be overlooking. I always enjoy an interview with someone who has gone from home on turf to home on wheels because each story is different and will speak to each of us in a different way.

Sandy and Mark Ellingson, enjoying road life!

Mary Kirlin, Girl Camper Contributing Editor has posted her new spring Gear Guide with her favorite hiking essentials! Mary lives in Northern California and frequently travels the Pacific Northwest where she hikes and captures beautiful photos. I invited Mary to contribute gear guides to Girl Camper because she is a dedicated researcher, loves finding companies with a conscience, and is aware of the impact that a product leaves on the environment. Head on over to Mary's "More Camper Than Glamper" page under Girl Camper Wisdom and read about the best hiking gear for the season ahead!

https://girlcamper.com/wisdom/hiking-and-hydration-spring-gear-guide/

If you want to travel with all the comforts of home but not need a big tow vehicle to do it, this is the podcast for you. In Episode 190 I shared five RV's under 3K pounds that you can stand in. I had to leave quite a few off the list though and this week I am filling in that list with the box trailers that fit that bill.

My criteria was that it had to be under 3 K pounds, have a bathroom and be tall enough to stand up in. I decided to concentrate on the box style trailers with a length of 19" to 21"10". These RV's have many similarities but each has a defining characteristic that sets it apart from its competitors.

Working heaviest to to lightest the first is the Winnebago, Micro Minnie 1706FB. This RV weighs in at 2,980 pounds and is the only one with a dual axel. It also has the largest fresh water tank at 43 gallons. Another great feature setting it apart is the standard tankless hot water heater. It's got a built in ladder and good outside storage. The negatives to me are not front window and limited kitchen counter space. The Micro Minnie has a MSRP of $21,464.

The interior of the Micro Minnie 1706.

The Jayco Hummingbird 16MRB weighs in at 2,890 pounds. It has a flexible floor plan with a Murphy bed that folds away to reveal a love seat for daytime leisure. It has a portable table that can be set up inside in front of the love seat or outside under the 10' awning. Without a dedicated dining booth there is room for a bigger kitchen and more storage across from it. The rear bathroom on the Hummingbird is really spacious and has a lot of storage. The negatives in my mind are that it has no front window and some people may not like having a dedicated dining space. The MSRP for the Hummingbird is $25,440.

The murphy bed hidden away with the love seat showing.

The Forest River Wolf Pup has several models including one that is a toy hauler. The 14CC weighs in at 2,884 pounds and is 19' long. It's defining feature is the rear entry. The window over the dining booth is really large and the booth folds down to become a small sleep space or day bed. There is a lot of kitchen counter space and good storage underneath. The negative is the east/west bed and the separate toilet and shower which are on opposite sides of the rear entry. The MSRP on this unit is $14,380.

The KZ Sportsmen Classic 160 QB is a great entry level model that weighs 2,860 pounds. It is 21' 10". The added two feet allows for this model to have a walk around Queen bed. It has a small dinette across from the kitchen. There is a three piece bath and a large wardrobe in the rear of the trailer. Outside there is pass through storage under the Queen bed. The MSRP for this model is $16,995.

The Sportsmen Classic 160QB.

Lastly, the Lance 1475 is the lightest of the five models I chose weighing in at just 2,600 pounds. They have another model with a small slide out but I am focusing on the non slide out model. It is 19' 8" long with an east/west facing Queen bed. It has many outstanding features but the main thing that separates it from other units in this field is the chairs and swivel table that replace the dining booth. Lance Manufacturing offers many standard features that are upgrades with other manufacturers. Aluminum framed ceilings, floors and sidewalls are standard features as is the Azdel exterior. The 1475 is a four season RV with wrapped and heated tanks. The windows are European style Radius Acrylic Tinted Thermopane. The MSRP is $39,000.

Have you wanted to have a truck but not something quite as big as a half ton? Are you wondering what light duty trucks out there will deliver on tow capacity, mileage and comfort? Mike Caudill is an auto expert, owner of Driven360, experienced RVer and my guest today as we go over the top four light duty trucks. You can check out Mike's product reviews at Our Auto Expert!

We have already covered the Ford Ranger in its own segment so, today we will be focusing on the Nissan Frontier, Chevy Colorado and the Jeep Gladiator. To listen to our show on the Ford Ranger, click here.

2020 Nissan Frontier

The Nissan Frontier began production in Smyrna, Tennessee in 1997. When it first came out if offered a few cabin options but not many trim packages. Today the Frontier has five different trim packages to choose from - S, SV, Desert Runner, Pro04X and the SL.

It is a great option for those that want a light duty truck with some substantial towing capacity but don't want to pay the hefty price tag often accompanying these trucks. You can purchase a Frontier with a tow package of 3,500 #'s for a starting base price of $19,290. It's a great vehicle for those who don't need an off road vehicle and who will be driving on pavement.

2020 Nissan Frontier

MPG: Up to 19 city / 23 highway

Towing capacity: 3,500 to 6,500 lbs

Max towing 6,720 lbs

Payload is 1,460 lbs

MSRP: From $19,290

Fuel tank capacity: 21.1 gal

Engine: 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 4.0 L V6

The Chevy Colorado

Chevy Colorado is another lightweight duty truck that makes a great alternative for those who don't want a half ton. The Colorado came out in 2004 replacing the Chevy S-10. In many ways it was an improvement over the S-10 offering more space and power than it's predecessor. The price of the Colorado, depending on trim packages, ranges from a starting point of just $21,300 to $43,000.

MSRP: From $21,300 to $43,000

MPG: Up to 20 city / 30 highway

Towing capacity: 3,500 to 7,000 lbs

max towing is 7,700 lbs

Payload: 1,578

Dimensions: 212-225″ L x 74-77″ W x 70-72″ H

Engine: 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 2.8 L 4-cylinder diesel, 3.6 L V6

2020 Jeep Gladiator

Photo Credit: Jeep

The Jeep Gladiator is for the off road enthusiast. It will tow a recreation vehicle but once you get where you are going, the Jeep Gladiator is for those who love life off the beaten path. It is built for fun and has taken Best in Class for Towing - 7.650 pounds, and Best in Class for Payload at 1,700 pounds. There are several configurations available. The Sport starting at $33,500. The Overland from $40,395 and the

MSRP: From $33,545

Towing capacity: 4,000 to 4,500 lbs

Best in class towing at 7,650 lbs

Best in class payload at 1,700

MPG: Up to 17 city / 22 highway

Curb weight: 4,650 to 5,050 lbs

Horsepower: 285 hp

Check out Mike's business partner Nik Miles comparing the Ford Ranger and the Jeep Gladiator. Click here to see!!

Here's Mike's YouTube Channel - chock full of great auto reviews! Check it out here!!

Our partners at Bankston Motor Homes is taking your calls and open for business. Do a little online shopping and dreaming while we are all waiting for camping season to get started!!

The Girl Campers enjoying a Camper College at Bankston Motor Homes in Huntsville, Alabama.

Have you harbored a dream of buying an RV and taking off for parts unknown? Do you dream of a life where you can make money on the road and live your best life but don’t know how to get started? My guest today is Jody Duquette, Executive Director of Workamper News. She’s sharing their newest program for those wanting to learn about the RV lifestyle.

Jody Duquette

The Dreamers Journey is a new program offered on line for a monthly fee by Workamper News. It is a way to look realistically at the pros and cons of the Nomadic life. How would you get mail? Insure yourself? What would the actual costs be? What if I got sick on the road? What are people who are already doing it saying about what the down sides are? Can I get work easily? Should I sell my house, rent it or use it as an Air B and B?

A lot of thought went in to developing this program that not only covers the practical side of RVing but the emotional side as well. The program is designed so that those considering the lifestyle can take a practical look at it and build confidence before making a decision. The classes are taught by experts in the field and available on line for study at your convenience. As long as you are a member, the classes are available. The monthly cost is $99 for the comprehensive classes.

Classes are taught in a Live webinar on Tuesday afternoons and a bonus webinar on Thursdays. If you can't participate in the Live, the webinars are saved for you to watch at your convenience. After looking at the whole program I feel it is money well spent. So many of the questions I receive at Girl Camper have to do with "How to get started full timing and workamping." I am so pleased to see this program offered.

You can check out the Dreamers Journey here and also Workamper News which is a great resource for those hitting the road and hoping to stay employed along the way.