Car camping the 2019 RTR

[kygreg]

Who's going and should we organize a car camping subgroup there? We could learn a lot from each other.  I'll be going in my Prius with attached tent. 

 

[Suanne]

Welcome to the forum!

For the last 4 years David has organized a small vehicle show-and-tell during one of the afternoons of the RTRs. So, watch for that as a time to gather. As for trying to camp together, we're all so independent that would be a real challenge to organize. But, once you get there, it's fun to walk or drive around, visit, and count how many Prii you see … I spied at least 15 last January … and I use to be the only one for the first several RTRs.

 

[dawnann7]

That's a pretty cool tent. I can't quite tell from the picture, but it is attached to the back of your car? Where did you get it?

 

[kygreg]

Welcome to the forum!

For the last 4 years David has organized a small vehicle show-and-tell during one of the afternoons of the RTRs.  So, watch for that as a time to gather.  As for trying to camp together, we're all so independent that would be a real challenge to organize.  But, once you get there, it's fun to walk or drive around, visit, and count how many Prii you see … I spied at least 15 last January … and I use to be the only one for the first several RTRs.


Thank's Famous Suanne, I'll look for it.

 

[kygreg]

That's a pretty cool tent. I can't quite tell from the picture, but it is attached to the back of your car? Where did you get it?


Yes it goes over your open hatchback, it's like adding a living room to your car. I didn't have a picture of mine, so I just copied a stock image off the web. Here's a link to the one in the photo. I actually bought one from walmart for a lot less money but it doesn't fit the Prius as well as this one, but I make due. 


https://www.autoanything.com/truck-...v-rYswjezXXDvXldJcAFJZD0D9A2hgwkaAkvYEALw_wcB

 

[ladeeblaze]

I have a Subaru.. I have no idea how to store in it. Should I took out the front seat? I was thinking about buying a tent, but I was wondering if it would be to cold. HELP!!!

 

[Neal]

I'm going with a Springbar Or Kodiak tent on May 1st. I wouldn't mind meeting up with other car/tent dwellers. Nice set up kygreg!

 

[rosiemartinez1211]

I have a Subaru.. I have no idea how to store in it. Should I took out the front seat? I was thinking about buying a tent, but I was wondering if it would be to cold. HELP!!!

I have a small SUV and a tent too. Trying to research stuff to help keep warm. Also thinking about buying a hitch cargo carrier to help carry all my essential needs.

 

[velojym]

Though, as previously mentioned, arranging it might be kinda like herding cats, but this being a great gathering for learning from each other, camping in groups with similarly equipped folks would make for a fairly convenient way to share tips/tricks/etc. related to that particular mode.
Yeah, I'm stating the obvious, but I'm good at that. I think...

 

[suemulberry]

Who's going and should we organize a car camping subgroup there? We could learn a lot from each other. 

Good idea.  In 2018 RTR I had to walk 15 min round trip to use porta potty.  Maybe we can have a little area not too far from the potties for car campers?
It wasn't windy when I attended last RTR.

 

[QinReno]

Hello R. Weren't you asking about small trailers several weeks ago? I think it was you. There is a Casita listed in the Trading Post section. Also, I recall mentioning teardrops which are generally expensive for what you get, but Bob Wells mentioned the Runaway Campers in his video. The Base Camp unit is only $3195.
- http://runawaycampers.com/models-prices

 

[rosiemartinez1211]

Hi Q, yes I was. I'll look into it, thanks!!!

 

[sephson]

I've been to the last two RTR's in my Kia Soul. I don't look for similar vehicle types to camp near. I look for people who are willing to have me as a neighbor for a few days. At the last RTR this took a while , as a lot of the people I encountered when I pulled in at dusk, had no interest in having any more neighbors. Eventually, after about twenty minutes of driving around, I found a spot where the people camped nearby were actually welcoming. I've met some great people using this method, and quite happy that I was not camped near the people who turned me away.

 

[ladeeblaze]

.....I found a spot where the people camped nearby were actually welcoming. I've met some great people using this method, ....

I do me... I have a big smile that not many can resist. If you see me pull up grab a seat lets enjoy! After you give me a hug!

 

[ladeeblaze]

That is a good idea... the hitch for extra storage. I really do not want to tow anything. Hugs

 

[pksmart]

I plan to be there this year.  I am in the process of converting my 2016 Honda CRV into a camper.  I am trying to be as self sufficient as possible, meaning I have my own toilet and shower setup, my own cooking area, solar power, and of course sleeping like a baby.  I consider this RTR as a kick off to my real on-the-road experience.  A place to work out the bugs.  I'm lucky that I am only 2-1/2 hours away.

Like most of you, I have watched videos, read forums, and have experience with camping since I was a babe in the woods.  I have camped just in sleeping bags in Key West, a small tent in Germany, a cargo van from Texas to Michigan, a pop-up camper from Illinois to Wisconsin to South Dakota to Florida.  But this is the first time I am camping in a car by myself.  And in a car that I converted myself!

-Pam

 

[Ken in Anaheim]

NEAL : be sure and check Kodiak prices here : https://www.competitiveedgeproducts.com/Flex-Bow-Canvas-Tents_c_12.html

 

[beforrest]

I plan to be there this year.  I am in the process of converting my 2016 Honda CRV into a camper.

Hi, I am Blainey (Barbara Elaine) and I am also converting my CR-V. I would love to see yours while we are at the RTR! You seem to have yours much more built out than mine.  I would love to see how you have the shower set up. Let me know if you are interested.  Thanks and safe travels.

 

[RowanFae]

I'm still on the fence. It depends on a few things. I want to go, and I have most everything I need to car/SUV camp. All I really need and more. Still, huge crowds? Meh. Financially depends on:

1). How much buying Christmas for all my grandkids breaks me.
2). How much out of pocket I have to pay to fix the windshield on my Escape.
3). How much replacing either the windshield wiper motor, motor assembly costs me. My windshield wipers are behaving all wonky.

Also, I'm thinking I'd rather spend the cost of traveling across country - TWICE - on solar panels and batteries instead.

 

[QinReno]

Rowan, if you are thinking of solar for SUV/car camping, I think you can get by with a very minimal system. Maybe a 50W panel, which will not take up much space, a charger and 35 AH battery, plus a small AC inverter. Then, you can plug in a regular 120 VAC lamp and run your laptop, and don't need any extra wiring. 4 wires total, and under $200 total.

In regards the huge crowd at RTR, expect another 2,000 or more people this year. The van build got a huge increase this year, and looks like RTR will follow suit. One thing you can do is car camp at the La Posa CGs and go over for day trips. There is a lot more to see in the Quartzsite area than RTR. 

Think of it as a much needed vacation to warmer climates. .