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Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: Bunk bed rails for young kids
I wanted to add a bedrail to our new trailer because the bunks are open all along one side. We didn't use one in the old trailer because the bunks were tucked next to the bathroom. Our girls are older, so the baby section at Walmart is out because they would NOT want to sleep on those bars under the wimpy bunkbed mattresses. We found this at ikea and it works perfectly. It's just big enough to keep from kids from rolling of the beds but doesn't get in the way of anything. Probably not the best solution for a younger child but works really well for our girls.
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StaceyE
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05/16/12 10:05pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Outdoor Kitchen Mod?
I have the large camp kitchen from Cabela's and love it. We have a good Coleman's 5 day cooler that sits under one of the kitchen shelves for drinks - the food all stays in the trailer. I do some cooking on an electric skillet and electric griddle and the Cabela's kitchen has lots of space for that stuff. It works for us and was pretty cheap in terms of how much use it's gotten. I pull it out at home too, when we are having a bonfire.
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StaceyE
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05/16/12 09:55pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: bug repellant question
I used to be worried about putting deet on my children until my youngest came down with West Nile Virus several years ago. That will scare you into using something to protect them from the nasty mosquitos. She is what we call mosquito bait - if they are in a mile radius they are going to bite her.
We almost always put up a screen house and throw an RV patio mat down on the ground. That gives the girls a place to sit and not be bothered by the creepy-crawlies but they are still outside enjoying the campsite. We also burn citronella candles everywhere.
I'm going to order that hand-held therma thing. That looks like a great option for further protecting our younger DD - thanks for posting!
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StaceyE
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04/29/12 07:39am |
Family Camping
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RE: Torn between 2 trailers
How old are your kids, are they at the age of bringing friends? We have a teen and having a friend with means she still loves camping with us. The double bunks will work better for bringing extra kids.
I usually don't like the kitchen next to the sofa because of potential for wrecking the upholstery when cooking or doing dishes, but it looks like there is a bit of counter space between the stove and sofa. I do like that the dinette overlooks the campsite with big window. That way if you are in the camper you still have a good view of what your kids are doing. I wish I had bigger windows overlooking our campsite in our new trailer.
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StaceyE
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04/28/12 06:18am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: What do you wish "they" had told you?
Here's another one, you don't have to drive for ten hours to find a great camping spot, something I've learned more recently. It is a fun challenge to find great camping spots less then an hour from home.
When going on that occasional ten hour trip, if DH says "I think the tires will make one more trip." INSIST that he buy new ones now. This will avoid the 2 hour layover somewhere in Kentucky trying to find tires on rims and changing them in a Menards parking lot on a 96 degree day.
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StaceyE
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04/28/12 05:57am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: What do you wish "they" had told you?
Standing at the rear corner of the site with the flashlight is all dh wants me to do, I am not guiding him in and my hand signals only add confusion. Also, make sure that I can see his side mirror so that he can see me.
DON'T tell him you would like the trailer moved a foot one way or the other, it is NOT worth the argument. Saying "Thank you, dear! You've gotten really good at getting us in a site." even when you don't think so means you are going to have a better weekend.
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StaceyE
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04/28/12 05:51am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: need opinions....newbie
I like that Jayco, but I guess it just depends on what you're really looking for. Floor plans and options are really individual with how your family operates and what they like to do. The weight and length on that Jayco is just about identical to our Sunset Trail, and we have hung walls that also don't delaminate.
Big counter space, oversized fridge, huge doors to exterior storage were musts for me. I actually prefer a booth over an extra sofa in the bunk room. The kids don't sit at a sofa as much as they get out their stuff and sit at the dinette so that was more practical for us. Best thing to do is think about what your family enjoys doing most and then find the floor plan that fits.
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StaceyE
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04/24/12 12:15pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Has anyone decided NOT to upgrade?
We camped in an old, small, no slides TT that we paid cash for six years with our two daughters before upgrading and still really enjoyed every trip - even when it rained. Went to plenty of RV shows and dealer lots and fell in love with lots of trailers.
Here's the question we always asked - "It's nice, but is it $10,000 nicer, $20,000 nicer, etc. then ours?" The day we were able to confidently say yes to that question is the day we purchased - just this last February.
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StaceyE
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04/24/12 12:06pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: need opinions....newbie
We just bought a Sunset Trail 31QB - they stopped making this particular floor plan, but you can still find leftovers around. I LOVE many things about it.
Our girls are 14 and 9. I wanted a bunk room with door also, that had extra beds for bringing friends. My fav part of the bunk room is that one of the bottom bunks turns into a dinette when you don't need it for sleeping space. When they have coloring stuff, a board game, puzzle or homework out I'm not looking at the mess when preparing meals or putzing around inside. I'm a bit of a neat freak when camping because the space is somewhat small and I can't stand clutter. This is going to work really well for all of us - LOL.
I also really love this particular kitchen with corner fridge by the door (really convenient for grabbing stuff to set outside) and the extra large counter space.
Here's a link to an album of pictures I took when we bought it:
Sunset Trail Pics
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StaceyE
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04/24/12 11:37am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Family Camping Pictures
Rock Cut State Park this last weekend. Our youngest DD had a soccer tournament, so we camped near the field for the weekend. Can't wait to go back for just camping - more relaxing then hustling back and forth to games.
Our girls love to cook marshmallows on "real" sticks they've found somewhere. Say they taste better that way! (I prefer mine without the taste of bark, on a metal roasting stick)
http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad44/Live2Camp/Rock%20Cut%20State%20Park%2004-2012/DSC_5358.jpg width=640
http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad44/Live2Camp/Rock%20Cut%20State%20Park%2004-2012/DSC_5362.jpg width=640
http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad44/Live2Camp/Rock%20Cut%20State%20Park%2004-2012/DSC_5359.jpg width=640
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StaceyE
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04/24/12 11:10am |
Family Camping
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RE: ~Post your campsite photos here~
We spent the weekend at Rock Cut State Park in the Plum Grove area on site 189 by the playground. Good for our kids, but I didn't love the kids behind us cutting through our site with their little dogs barely under control. That stuff doesn't usually bother me, but 5 year old girls with dogs did, it really put our dog on edge. Next time we'll stay in the same loop but not directly on the playground.
The grass was a bit long for our liking, but I think that's because the campground isn't 'officially' open until May 1st? I guess we'll see when we go back in June.
http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad44/Live2Camp/Rock%20Cut%20State%20Park%2004-2012/DSC_5317.jpg width=640
http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad44/Live2Camp/Rock%20Cut%20State%20Park%2004-2012/DSC_5318.jpg width=640
http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad44/Live2Camp/Rock%20Cut%20State%20Park%2004-2012/DSC_5319.jpg width=640
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StaceyE
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04/24/12 11:01am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Upper Michigan Cinnamon Rolls and White Fish
I second the pasties - LOVE them. First thing I look for when we get up to the UP, which is not often enough. I think they were originally a lunch for miners who needed an easy to pocket meal that would warm them up and 'stick to the ribs'. Every once in awhile, my mom surprises us and bakes up a batch.
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StaceyE
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04/24/12 10:14am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: change trailer tires from 14's to 15's ??
I think DH'll probably change out the tires, sounds like there could be an advantage and it certainly isn't going to hurt anything. The trailer hasn't been camped in yet, so the tires have full tread. DH figures if we switch them out now he can sell the 14's on craigslist and at least recoup a bit of money.
The trailer is in the shop right now getting a a new decal and awning piece (crossroads has honored my pickiness, great CS for sure). DH is supposed to bring it home tonight and we'll take measurements to be sure the larger tires will fit.
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StaceyE
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04/17/12 06:09am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: change trailer tires from 14's to 15's ??
Thank you, this was the one thing we weren't happy with about this trailer - everything else we love. It has lippert 3500 lb axels and 14" tires. We would have liked to have seen that all beefed up, since it is 34' tongue to bumper and weighs in at 6,500 lbs. Right now we only have 1,300 lbs carrying capacity and are thinking that changing out the tires and possible the axels (though not sure about the axels yet) could help with weight concerns. We have a chevy diesel dually to pull it, so the only weight worry is the axel and wheel limitations.
We really want to move the bikes out of the pickup bed so my DH can bring his enduro bike or jet skis with us, but are worried about the weight if we add our 4 bikes and a bike rack to the trailer tongue. They put the lp bottles in a compartment in the side freeing up good space for a rack - another plus to this trailer.
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StaceyE
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04/16/12 06:54am |
Travel Trailers
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change trailer tires from 14's to 15's ??
We bought a 2010 Sunset Trail and the only thing we don't love is the 14" wheels and tires. My DH wants to switch them out to 15" tires - can he do this? Is there an advantage or disadvantage to the 14" vs. the 15"?
Thanks,
Stacey
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StaceyE
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04/15/12 09:54pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: ***Interior RV tours/pics***
StaceyE - awesome counter space!
Thanks! The counter space and big fridge with pantry space is one of my favorite parts of this layout. And, I love the bunk room which reminds me of what we had as kids, only nicer. My dad had a 70's Travco with two couches facing each other in the back and one long table in between, which was great for coloring or playing games. At night, the backs of the couches flipped up and strapped to the ceiling to create 4 bunks - it was pretty neat.
After the suggestions, I think I'll go for a cottage theme, but not necessarily seaside. That way I can find a cute fabric with blues, greens, and tans to match what I already have. Add in some cottage artwork and wall stuff and voila. Can't wait to get started! Thanks for the help.
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StaceyE
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04/10/12 02:47pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: ***Interior RV tours/pics***
These are really fun to look at. We never did anything to the old trailer, but now that we have finally bought our new trailer I can't wait to start decorating. Not sure on what my theme is going to be yet, but we love the beach so maybe we'll make ours the seaside cabin we've always dreamed about. The colors would probably lend well to trees and nature pictures. What do you think? There is a little bit of blue in the wallpaper border that I would love to bring out, so maybe I'll start there. The sofa and dinette are too light in color for the kids and dog so I was going to make slip covers for them anyway. And the bunk room is drab for the two artsy, free-spirited girls that I have. I also don't like the brown side curtain thingies - those need to be replaced first thing.
Looking back from the front.
http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad44/Live2Camp/Sunset%20Trail%2031QB/LookingBackward.jpg width=640
Looking forward from the back.
http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad44/Live2Camp/Sunset%20Trail%2031QB/LookingForward.jpg width=640
Living area.
http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad44/Live2Camp/Sunset%20Trail%2031QB/Livingarea.jpg width=640
Kitchen.
http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad44/Live2Camp/Sunset%20Trail%2031QB/Kitchen.jpg width=640
Bedroom.
http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad44/Live2Camp/Sunset%20Trail%2031QB/Bedroom.jpg width=640
Bunk room.
http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad44/Live2Camp/Sunset%20Trail%2031QB/Bunkroom.jpg width=640
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StaceyE
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04/09/12 08:04am |
Travel Trailers
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North or South unit for Kettle Moraine State Park
We're going to spend more weekends exploring the state parks within a couple of hours drive this summer - trying to save on gas money. We have a 34' trailer that we need to fit in, we like electric sites, and campgrounds with flush toilets and a shower building. My girls love a beach, bike riding, hiking, nature centers, etc.
Is one unit nicer than the other - have more to do - or have prettier scenery?
Thanks for your input, Stacey
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StaceyE
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03/30/12 09:34am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Why is this so challenging?
We camped in a 20 year old bunk house without a slide for six years. It really helped us know what we did and didn't want out of our next trailer. We just bought our dream camper - a new 2010 (leftover) Crossroads Sunset Trail 31QB. It's long at 34' and a heavy 6500, but we have a big truck to pull it.
Here were some of the want list things the 31QB met.
Lots of clothes storage for bunk house. Make sure to look at how you are going to fit in clothes for 4 kids, some of the double on bottom, single on top floor plans have tiny little clothes closets.
Great kitchen storage space that includes large, easy access pantry (in our old trailer, the food had to go above the dinette which was hard for me to reach snacks for hungry, impatient kids). I also wanted a dedicated spot for a trash can in the kitchen (which our new trailer has). I also like the upgraded 8 cu. ft. fridge, and it's corner location near the door will make it easy to load/unload for meals outside.
Large counter space for washing dishes that was close to the door. We eat almost all of our meals outside on the picnic table so I was hoping to make the in and out of the trailer before and after meals more convenient.
Laundry chute with spot for basket in storage compartment. Six years of tripping over a laundry basket was plenty for me.
Big outside storage door for access under the bed. I didn't like having to drag everything (chairs, tables, etc) from under the bed and through the trailer door in order to set up our 'outside' living room because the storage compartment door was too small for any of our junk to fit through.
Drawers for the storage under the dinette on both sides. I really didn't like having to take off the cushions and plywood each time I needed to get at something under the booth. It's great storage, but hard to get at without drawers.
A sleeper sofa for when grownups come with us. Our old jackknife sofa was uncomfortable, small and unlevel.
Wood doors for closing off the bedrooms. That is something our old trailer had and we really liked it.
Cabinet doors that swing up when positioned over the sofa, because the doors are out of your way when you are riffling through the cabinet.
Okay, little but a huge annoyance for us. A spot where I can put shoes near the door. We require the kids to take off their shoes when they go in the trailer and there usually isn't any place to put all those shoes. Drove me nuts. There is a small cabinet below the pantry near the fridge that will work perfectly for shoes in our new trailer. I'm REALLY happy about this.
Your list might be really different after you spend a few years camping, but these were some of things that I really wanted in a new trailer and found in the sunset trail. Happy looking!
http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad44/Live2Camp/Sunset%20Trail%2031QB/ST31QB.jpg
Here's a link to an album of ours.
Our new Sunset Trail 31QB
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StaceyE
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03/05/12 10:12pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Best Midwest State Parks
Any State Park in Missouri. Missouri has some of the nicest parks in the nation.
Which are your top five state parks in Missouri? We love water, beaches, nature centers, some bike riding, streams, big rocks. Thank you!
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StaceyE
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03/03/12 07:58pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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