RV noob in SoCal-Avid Tenters-buying 16' AS

[Stream-Style]

Hi Everyone: I've found so much good info on this forum for weeks now, that I've finally joined.

We are 2 guys who've enjoyed tent camping (hiking, elaborate outdoor meals, mostly in Yosemite High Country and Death Valley) for 3 decades but age has caught up to us and we are tired of getting up at 3pm to pee in 38 degrees against a tree hoping no one else in nearby tents hear us .

Going for a 16' Bambi Sport to buy early next year and plan to still go to camp sites without hook ups most of the time since we truly enjoy being outdoors and don't need or watch TV while camping. The AS is for sleeping and toilet and a home for all the camping stuff we normally box up in our car. HOWEVER: Until reading this forum, I never realized the beautiful places you can boondock for 2-3 days with an AS battery and a small solar setup! And here I thought it was all about the bathroom and shower!!

Going to buy the new Honda Ridgeline 4WD with 5000lb towing. It will also be our daily driver and garage parked, so a bigger truck wont work for us and hope this setup will work at least few years until we find we want to go bigger.

We've never towed anything before, so GVWR, tongue weight, WD and electric breaks are totally new to us but I feel I found the best place for help and encouragement. Thanks!

[Hittenstiehl]

Someone will chime in about the nice tow vehicle but welcome to Airstream and the forum.

You will have so much fun, in addition, to not needing to carry a shovel to the bathroom, dressing standing up, not wondering why your sleeping pad is deflated, not touching your tent sides and not wondering how come the ground gets harder each year.

Enjoy

[rmkrum]

Especially the harder ground issue.


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[Dalwyn]

Welcome to the forums.

[avionstream]

You will have a blast! Good attitude!

[rpenczek]

I'm a noob too, but went big, 30' classic. My only TV issue is the garage at work, in which my GMC clears by about 1/2" (note to self, do not overinflate tires). I've been a tent camper for ever, as a Boy Scout, Scout Master and with my family. My wife was never interested until I got her out once, now she loves it. It took me two years to get her out of a tent and into a TT. Every time we would look at other brands of trailers she would say, if I want cheap press-board walls, I can go to Motel 6, I want my tent.

Of course, for the same reasons you note plus the work of setting tents, hauling water, and the various other tent camping gear needed, I wanted a TT. Finally, we looked at a 25 year old AS and her first comment, "oh, I could do one of these". 25 years old and beat up and she liked it, go figure.

Anyway, we eventually purchased a 2005 30' Classic. There is a ton to learn and more maintenance than you have on your home without wheels, but no more setting up tents.

You noted in your post, off the grid camping, read carefully the posts on quiet generators (like Honda) vs solar. We camp in the mid west in the summer (read HOT) so like AC, which does not run on solar.

Welcome

[KJRitchie]

I would look at the Sport 22 also. It falls within your tow vehicle specs.

Kelvin

[Stream-Style]

Originally Posted by rpenczek

There is a ton to learn and more maintenance than you have on your home without wheels, but no more setting up tents.

How true that is: I kinda started seeing that by reading this forum (battery maintenance, tire pressure, weight distribution, fresh grey black tank maintenance) who knew?

Thanks all for the well wishes and warm welcome. I've started a word-file of tips and tricks I copy from different posts and look forward to a rewarding and fun experience.
-Dino

[NWGetaways]

Are your trips mostly 2-3 days, in state and national parks?

That's easy to manage without solar or a generator. We go 4 or more days easily. I did update the battery to two 6volt Lifelines. Fresh water is usually the limiting factor.

The 16', 19', and 22' can fit in pretty much any tent site. A really deluxe upgrade from a tent!

[Isuzusweet]

Welcome to the forums.

As a PP stated, IMHO a 22' would be a nice upgrade, especially for two adults. The 16' is really good for one person.

The Honda Ridgeline is a really neat 7/8" truck; just make sure you maintain the 4wd and transmission properly. Also a must have mod to the VCM in your truck is the VCMuzzler.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/VCMuzzler-II-...-/172249356977

Trust me, it is the best cheapest modification your truck will ever need.

Cheers
Tony