Howdy from So Cal

[bdegroodt]

Hey folks! Been lurking here for a few months and have finally registered and going on the record as an AS owner to be.

Long story short, I've had some life changing "issues" in my life over the last few months and have had the benefit of being open to those issues exposing my mind to doing what I want--versus doing what I was supposed to. It's a good campfire story, I promise.

For now, I'm in the process of selling my worldly possessions and expect to find myself in a Basecamp later this year. I race mountain bikes in amateur endurance mountain bike racing and my original plan called for mounting my mountain bikes to my BMW R1200 GS-A and heading to some trailheads around the US for some undetermined period of time--and perhaps crossing international borders to open my eyes further to other worlds.

My only fear of doing this is the same one I have anytime I spend an extended time camping--sleeping on the ground and not having a little comfort in my life when I want it. So I've modified my plan slightly to keep my Jeep Grand Cherokee and add a Basecamp to its rear. As I understand it now, the BMW should be able to fit inside the Basecamp without a problem--as well as a few more items of creature comfort than my motorcycle bags were going to allow. I'll still be able to roll the bike out and boondock where I feel like doing it, but always have a little more comfort waiting at some camp location.

Plans for the rest of this year and early next year include getting the Basecamp set up, finishing selling my stuff, packing up and heading to New Mexico where I'll be doing some training for the Great Divide mountain bike race (Banff, CN to Antelope Wells, New Mexico) and a few other stops for races here and there. Beyond that, I'm looking forward to making some AS friends on the road and hearing some great stories.

Thanks for the welcome aboard in advance.

BD

[mstblove]

Sounds like a wonderful plan to me. Best of luck with your new life adventure.

Debra

[sd90mac]

Sounds like a great idea to me. My brother in law races mountain bikes in North Carolina.

Marie

[Fyrzowt]

BD, welcome to the forums!
Dave

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

[FreshAir]

Welcome. Hmmm, that's quite a load for a Cherokee to tow. Is it a earlier V8?
Neil.

[bdegroodt]

Originally Posted by FreshAir

Welcome. Hmmm, that's quite a load for a Cherokee to tow. Is it a earlier V8?
Neil.

Hmmm, I think it'll be fine. It's a V8 (Hemi).

[Lani]

Wow! Sounds like an excellent plan! Good luck through the process of selling your things. Having just done that I know it can be overwhelming at times but totally worth it!!! Look forward to hearing your updates.

[Zeppelinium]

There are 'Streamer campfires year-round. Look for the rallies and come tell your story. Of course, you'll have to listen to a few yourself--we're all misfits of one kind or another.

Zep

[jrsbasecamp]

If your on a budget, buy an eclosed utility trailer pack with gear. If you want alot of attention buy the basecamp.

[FreshAir]

Originally Posted by bdegroodt

Hmmm, I think it'll be fine. It's a V8 (Hemi).

That should do it!
Neil

[bdegroodt]

Originally Posted by jrsbasecamp

If your on a budget, buy an eclosed utility trailer pack with gear. If you want alot of attention buy the basecamp.

One of the reasons I went for a "used" Basecamp was for resale down the line. I already know I want a Bambi, so I'm banking on the Basecamp having a higher resale value than any custom job I might have hacked together (and trust me, it would have been a total hack-job).

I'm looking forward to picking it up and many years in future memories from my Airstream(s).

[Zeppelinium]

Originally Posted by bdegroodt

Hmmm, I think it'll be fine. It's a V8 (Hemi).

Make sure you consider sway control, not just pulling power. Our F-250 diesel doesn't even know the Airtream (any of them, from 18' up to 31') is back there. I never use sway control on the hitch on the F-250.

The V-8 Explorer is a totally different story. Sways at the drop of a hat. I don't know if it's due to the difference in tow vehicle weight or wheel base, but I'd bet it's mostly a wheel base issue. I use moderately heavy friction on my sway control when towing the Carvel with the Explorer, don't ever exceed 60 mph, and haven't even considered towing the longer trailers with it.

Your Cherokee has a similar short wheel base, so take care. On the other hand, your Basecamp is lighter. You'll just have to get experience with it.

Zep

[bdegroodt]

Good advice Zep. Thanks! Especially since once the Basecamp is in hand I'll immediately start a hunt for a Bambi and am sure the advice above will really come into play.

[martinto]

You won't have any problems towing. I've towed mine several times with a GMC Envoy 4.2L In Line 6 with no problem...and also with a 800 lb Harley loaded in it. I now have a Buick Enclave 3.6L V6 with tow package and it pulls just fine...I have not experienced any "sway" on either tow vehicle.

My wife wants to move up a class or two for camping comfort so I've just listed my 2007 Basecamp on e-bay. Never did the ebay thing and will see how it goes in the next few days.

We've enjoyed the BC and would stay with it, if not for the persuasive powers of my wife of 37 years!