Hey everyone! I'm very excited about heading to BM for my first time - I've been wanting to go for many years so I'm making up my mind to do it this year and I want to do it right. I am hoping to get an RV and at some point, operate a small kitchen to feed a few people here and there and make new friends.
I've been doing a lot of reading and have some locals who go each year whom I'll be learning from. Right now my biggest conundrum is how to secure an RV. Any advice is appreciated.
I've been contemplating the pros and cons of buying an RV and driving it to the event, verses renting one (I've got a 4Runner I could tow a trailer with, but not sure if this 6cyl could handle a 20' trailer). I have no problem renting one if that's probably the smarter/easier deal, but I am not sure which company(s) are the most reputable, since they take a pretty hefty deposit up front, I don't want to give money to some fly-by-night operation that will screw me over. Is there a list of the most reliable RV rental places to use? Anyone have any recommendations?
I think I'll probably rent, but I'm also entertaining buying an RV - I've got some leads to some good deals here in New Orleans (for obvious reasons, a huge chunk of the population has been living in trailers since Katrina so travel trailers around here are not in very high demand). But I am a bit intimidated by all the maintenance and other issues, so I'm wondering if being a newbie to BM and operating a travel-trailer/RV might detract from my first BM experience? What do you think? I can use all the advice I can get. I am anxious to secure my base for BM and then get into planning and trying to create something to add to the community.
- Mabu
New Orleans headed to BM for first time
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Elderberry
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Simon of the Playa
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this is NOTHING like Rainbow, so get that out of your head right now.
you cant go serving food to make friends unless you get a permit from the nevada health people, and most of these fuckers want bacon in their grilled cheese anyways, myself included.
you smell kinda veggie to me, at first whiff.
i think if you post what kind of budget you're working with, how much time you plan to spend (flying out/ renting vs. driving from N.O) and do you want to own said camper when you drink the kool-aid and come back next year with big big plans.
also realize that the further from reno you get, the more likely you can actually reserve one, and not get screwed by extra "burning Man" charges.
there are a number of forums on this and other RV matters.
I have stayed in an RV a couple of years...i'll admit it, it's nice.
there is always someplace, dust free to hide in, and with literally, all the comforts of home.
is this what you want your BM experience to be? An extension of the default world? if so, than that is the ticket.
i like teepees...there are great in just about anything the playa can dish up. they are portable, lightweight, relatively inexpensive, and chicks dig them.
you owe me one grilled cheese sandwich, hippy.
you cant go serving food to make friends unless you get a permit from the nevada health people, and most of these fuckers want bacon in their grilled cheese anyways, myself included.
you smell kinda veggie to me, at first whiff.
i think if you post what kind of budget you're working with, how much time you plan to spend (flying out/ renting vs. driving from N.O) and do you want to own said camper when you drink the kool-aid and come back next year with big big plans.
also realize that the further from reno you get, the more likely you can actually reserve one, and not get screwed by extra "burning Man" charges.
there are a number of forums on this and other RV matters.
I have stayed in an RV a couple of years...i'll admit it, it's nice.
there is always someplace, dust free to hide in, and with literally, all the comforts of home.
is this what you want your BM experience to be? An extension of the default world? if so, than that is the ticket.
i like teepees...there are great in just about anything the playa can dish up. they are portable, lightweight, relatively inexpensive, and chicks dig them.
you owe me one grilled cheese sandwich, hippy.
Frida Be You & Me
I am not a vegetarian and I don't fit the Rainbow stereotype (have you even ever been?). I guess I could have a bar or something -- the operative thing is to contribute to the community.
The reason I want to get an RV is because I'd prefer to at least be able to sleep in a comfy environment, and I can afford it, so why not? I've spent many years roughing it and that's always an option, but if I decide I want some comfort, without early planning, I certainly can't depend upon that, so that's why I'm soliciting advice. My budget is open, but ideally, I'd like to spend under $2500 for the trailer rental - if I have friends who want to go in with me, then probably more, but right now, I am the only person that can commit and if there's a window to secure an RV, I need to jump on it and do my research and make a decision fast, right?
My initial research into RVs/travel trailers shows that it looks like it's going to cost anywhere from $2200 - $3500+ for rental. The cheapest I found was from getrv.com or something simliar, but the problem with that is it appears to be some kind of referral site and I have no idea who the actual supplier of the RV trailer would be, and I want to make personal contact with somebody before I plunk down some huge deposit to secure the trailer. On the higher end, I've found some places in Reno that will rent with stuff like a $500 cleanup fee and $2000 damage deposits.... if that's what I have to do, I'll do it, but I think those are probably the "n00b" rates and I'm thinking vets have better recommendations. But I would prefer to get the best deal, which is why I'm asking around. I don't want to get screwed over by some company that all the veterans know should be avoided. I'm also open to any other ideas or options.
I can pick up a decent trailer in my home state for $1k-2k more than it would cost to rent.. I'm debating on whether it's worth it to truck the trailer 5000+ miles there and back... maybe it is.. maybe it isn't.. the problem is, I haven't owned a travel trailer before and even though I'm pretty good with all things mechanical and beyond, I wouldn't be so bold as to take for granted what a daunting task that would be, especially for someone who might be making the trip solo. So I'm hoping I can get some advice, in addition to the condescending judgments. Anyway, it's all appreciated. Whatever I do, I plan on being an asset to the event one way or another.
PS. I do like grilled cheese, but I'm more likely to bust up some smoked BBQ brisket.
The reason I want to get an RV is because I'd prefer to at least be able to sleep in a comfy environment, and I can afford it, so why not? I've spent many years roughing it and that's always an option, but if I decide I want some comfort, without early planning, I certainly can't depend upon that, so that's why I'm soliciting advice. My budget is open, but ideally, I'd like to spend under $2500 for the trailer rental - if I have friends who want to go in with me, then probably more, but right now, I am the only person that can commit and if there's a window to secure an RV, I need to jump on it and do my research and make a decision fast, right?
My initial research into RVs/travel trailers shows that it looks like it's going to cost anywhere from $2200 - $3500+ for rental. The cheapest I found was from getrv.com or something simliar, but the problem with that is it appears to be some kind of referral site and I have no idea who the actual supplier of the RV trailer would be, and I want to make personal contact with somebody before I plunk down some huge deposit to secure the trailer. On the higher end, I've found some places in Reno that will rent with stuff like a $500 cleanup fee and $2000 damage deposits.... if that's what I have to do, I'll do it, but I think those are probably the "n00b" rates and I'm thinking vets have better recommendations. But I would prefer to get the best deal, which is why I'm asking around. I don't want to get screwed over by some company that all the veterans know should be avoided. I'm also open to any other ideas or options.
I can pick up a decent trailer in my home state for $1k-2k more than it would cost to rent.. I'm debating on whether it's worth it to truck the trailer 5000+ miles there and back... maybe it is.. maybe it isn't.. the problem is, I haven't owned a travel trailer before and even though I'm pretty good with all things mechanical and beyond, I wouldn't be so bold as to take for granted what a daunting task that would be, especially for someone who might be making the trip solo. So I'm hoping I can get some advice, in addition to the condescending judgments. Anyway, it's all appreciated. Whatever I do, I plan on being an asset to the event one way or another.
PS. I do like grilled cheese, but I'm more likely to bust up some smoked BBQ brisket.
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Elderberry
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Those seemingly expensive rentals are from companies that know you will be taking it to BM and what it will look like when you return it. So, they charge accordingly. Many of the 'more reasonable' rental fees are from companies that do not normally rent vehicles going to the burn and will refuse to rent to you if they know you will be taking it to BM. Even Uhaul won't rent you a truck if you tell them you are going to be taking it to burning man.
JK
JK
Elderberry
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle.
Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle.
Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me
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LeChatNoir
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- Location: Louisville, Ky
Hiya mabu…
Sounds like you’re starting your research well. I spent several years planning and following burning Man from afar before thing fell into place and I was able to go.
If you do get a trailer of your own, let me put an idea in your head (and I have to say that I’d prefer to own my own for $1K more and be able to customize it for future trips):
Whatever else you do, get an extra set of inner and outer bearings to fit your trailer’s axles. Also get a small gear/bearing puller in order to do a roadside fix-it job. Trust me, this is the voice of experience speaking.
In ‘05 we stopped in Wyoming to help Zulegoona (a fellow eplayan) and found that he had a burned up bearing on his travel trailer. We had no parts on our rig so he had to wait a couple of days to get what he needed. However, this was not enough to sink it into my brain. In ‘06 I was pulling a campmates trailer and had a bearing fail in Denver. We managed to find the correct bearing just before the parts place closed on a Saturday afternoon and it took some major running to find it, too.
Now I have a 7x16 enclosed trailer that we bring and inside of it is a jump kit consisting of new bearings, a puller, and fresh grease, along with other bits of wiring stuff.
And always carry a spare at all times.
Sounds like you’re starting your research well. I spent several years planning and following burning Man from afar before thing fell into place and I was able to go.
If you do get a trailer of your own, let me put an idea in your head (and I have to say that I’d prefer to own my own for $1K more and be able to customize it for future trips):
Whatever else you do, get an extra set of inner and outer bearings to fit your trailer’s axles. Also get a small gear/bearing puller in order to do a roadside fix-it job. Trust me, this is the voice of experience speaking.
In ‘05 we stopped in Wyoming to help Zulegoona (a fellow eplayan) and found that he had a burned up bearing on his travel trailer. We had no parts on our rig so he had to wait a couple of days to get what he needed. However, this was not enough to sink it into my brain. In ‘06 I was pulling a campmates trailer and had a bearing fail in Denver. We managed to find the correct bearing just before the parts place closed on a Saturday afternoon and it took some major running to find it, too.
Now I have a 7x16 enclosed trailer that we bring and inside of it is a jump kit consisting of new bearings, a puller, and fresh grease, along with other bits of wiring stuff.
And always carry a spare at all times.
The New and Improved Black Cat... now with 25% more blather
Excellent advice. I will 100% follow your advice and bring extra bearings along the way - probably extra tires as well. I'm an Eagle Scout so I'm all about being prepared ; )
I am going to look at a few trailers locally before I make up my mind and I got a stack of RV magazines to dive into.
I have been seeing these rental deals through getrv.com where they stage the trailers in Gerlach and drive them out and pick them up. Prices just went up $500 in the last few days - it's crazy, but it seems like picking something up in CA and driving it to NV would cost as much if not more than having them stage it for you... so far the best renting deal I've seen are the burningman specials on getrv, but I really want to talk with a human who can tell me if there are any hidden deals.. for example if they're dropping off and picking up the RV, how am I going to refill the propane tanks? The standard contract seems to suggest it has to be returned in the same condition, but if I never move the trailer, WTF? Now either that doesn't apply to these special drop-off/pick-up deals or it's a way for them to get a bunch more money later. I wish I could talk to someone who rented a trailer or RV this way to know what the deal is.
As always, thanks so very much for all the great advice. I want to meet every one of you on the Playa and bust up some nice wine or whatever..
I am going to look at a few trailers locally before I make up my mind and I got a stack of RV magazines to dive into.
I have been seeing these rental deals through getrv.com where they stage the trailers in Gerlach and drive them out and pick them up. Prices just went up $500 in the last few days - it's crazy, but it seems like picking something up in CA and driving it to NV would cost as much if not more than having them stage it for you... so far the best renting deal I've seen are the burningman specials on getrv, but I really want to talk with a human who can tell me if there are any hidden deals.. for example if they're dropping off and picking up the RV, how am I going to refill the propane tanks? The standard contract seems to suggest it has to be returned in the same condition, but if I never move the trailer, WTF? Now either that doesn't apply to these special drop-off/pick-up deals or it's a way for them to get a bunch more money later. I wish I could talk to someone who rented a trailer or RV this way to know what the deal is.
As always, thanks so very much for all the great advice. I want to meet every one of you on the Playa and bust up some nice wine or whatever..
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LeChatNoir
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And on the note of pulling a trailer, it will cost you more fuel but personally I like having the ability to haul what I want or need. But I also get lots of use out of it the rest of the year as well.
Pulling our trailer (at about 6000lbs loaded) with a Cummins diesel, we get about 13mpg or so, but we’re going 75 mph when we can. I could hold back and maybe get a bit better, but I’d rather move. The hills are a booger and you hit quite a few. On those I just drop down a gear to about 50 mph and putt my way up them without straining the engine.
Putting all this in perspective, in a fully loaded truck we’d get 18 mpg without the trailer at best. Not that bad of a difference, but what you’re driving could make a very big difference. Just make sure your vehicle is able to pull what your asking it to. I’ve seen so many people pulling travel trailers that were far too big for the vehicle they were driving. That’s a dangerous combination that, if lucky, leads only to vehicle breakdowns.
Pulling our trailer (at about 6000lbs loaded) with a Cummins diesel, we get about 13mpg or so, but we’re going 75 mph when we can. I could hold back and maybe get a bit better, but I’d rather move. The hills are a booger and you hit quite a few. On those I just drop down a gear to about 50 mph and putt my way up them without straining the engine.
Putting all this in perspective, in a fully loaded truck we’d get 18 mpg without the trailer at best. Not that bad of a difference, but what you’re driving could make a very big difference. Just make sure your vehicle is able to pull what your asking it to. I’ve seen so many people pulling travel trailers that were far too big for the vehicle they were driving. That’s a dangerous combination that, if lucky, leads only to vehicle breakdowns.
The New and Improved Black Cat... now with 25% more blather
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LeChatNoir
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Oh… and if you buy a trailer, repack the existing bearings first thing. Take nothing for granted.
You may find that you’ll get some ribbing for having someone haul a trailer out there for you and set it up. It does sort of go against the radical self-reliance factor, but I understand that equation doesn’t always breakdown in the same fashion for everyone.
I’d encourage you to pull one, but I’m encouraging it more for the reason of the whole experience of working on something, getting it just the way you want, then pulling out and pointing your hood west (or whatever direction you may have to head to get there). It’s a magical sort of thing, starting that great journey to the desert. After so many days on the road, bearing down on Gerlach and looking off to my right, seeing those lights beckoning from way out there in the desert night… it’s a great rush after what was sincerely an epic sort of journey.
The trip to get there is, to me, as much a part of it as the event.
Ok... enough of my yakking on and on.
ETA:
I just reread your initial post and saw that I’d somehow overlooked that you have a four runner.
The 6 cyl would likely pull a trailer, but I’d suggest a smaller one, rather than a 20’ one. that sounds like a bit much. regardless, you'll have to take it easy on it, too and make sure she's in good mechanical shape.
Please don't let my enthusiasm for driving across the country get you in a bind in the middle-of-nowhere Texas.
Where’s Captain Goddammit, anyways? He’s a master of towing dangerous crap around safely.
You may find that you’ll get some ribbing for having someone haul a trailer out there for you and set it up. It does sort of go against the radical self-reliance factor, but I understand that equation doesn’t always breakdown in the same fashion for everyone.
I’d encourage you to pull one, but I’m encouraging it more for the reason of the whole experience of working on something, getting it just the way you want, then pulling out and pointing your hood west (or whatever direction you may have to head to get there). It’s a magical sort of thing, starting that great journey to the desert. After so many days on the road, bearing down on Gerlach and looking off to my right, seeing those lights beckoning from way out there in the desert night… it’s a great rush after what was sincerely an epic sort of journey.
The trip to get there is, to me, as much a part of it as the event.
Ok... enough of my yakking on and on.
ETA:
I just reread your initial post and saw that I’d somehow overlooked that you have a four runner.
The 6 cyl would likely pull a trailer, but I’d suggest a smaller one, rather than a 20’ one. that sounds like a bit much. regardless, you'll have to take it easy on it, too and make sure she's in good mechanical shape.
Please don't let my enthusiasm for driving across the country get you in a bind in the middle-of-nowhere Texas.
Where’s Captain Goddammit, anyways? He’s a master of towing dangerous crap around safely.
The New and Improved Black Cat... now with 25% more blather
Oh, I can definitely relate to what you're talking about.
The operative thing here is whether or not I want the burden of hauling a trailer I just got 2500+ miles each way. I'm totally up for the long-ass road trip and I keep thinking if I was just driving a little 4runner, I would be a little more portable and it would be easier to take a diversion here or there or stop wherever. If I was pulling a trailer, everything would be a lot more complicated. And it probably doubles the chances of something breaking down and me being stuck in bumfuck, Egypt and railroaded by some crooked repair shop. As it stands, I'll be driving an 8-year-old vehicle out there anyway. If I had a group of people with me, I'd be all for it, but I'm thinking being light on the trip out and back might be more fun. However, if I can't find a good deal from a reputable dealer, then I will end up pulling my own rig. In any case, I plan on hauling some interesting stuff out to make a nice camp spot anyway.
The operative thing here is whether or not I want the burden of hauling a trailer I just got 2500+ miles each way. I'm totally up for the long-ass road trip and I keep thinking if I was just driving a little 4runner, I would be a little more portable and it would be easier to take a diversion here or there or stop wherever. If I was pulling a trailer, everything would be a lot more complicated. And it probably doubles the chances of something breaking down and me being stuck in bumfuck, Egypt and railroaded by some crooked repair shop. As it stands, I'll be driving an 8-year-old vehicle out there anyway. If I had a group of people with me, I'd be all for it, but I'm thinking being light on the trip out and back might be more fun. However, if I can't find a good deal from a reputable dealer, then I will end up pulling my own rig. In any case, I plan on hauling some interesting stuff out to make a nice camp spot anyway.
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LeChatNoir
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LeChatNoir
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- Location: Louisville, Ky
I guess it boils down to how much you would use it in the off season, since the extra money it will cost you in fuel and upkeep is going to have to be offset by some potential fun at times outside The Burn. So unless you can use it at other times, or you can find one so dirt cheap that it’d cost you less than renting it to haul it out there and back, I think I’d look at renting one out there if you want an RV.
Hey…
Just another idea. My first two years, I slept in the back of my truck. And if you have forerunner, it’d be easy to do. Here’s a pic of the knock-down frame I set up over the truck camper those years:
It worked great and held up in the winds wonderfully and it all broke down and fit in the back of the truck. But of course then we outgrew it and built a dome.
Hey…
Just another idea. My first two years, I slept in the back of my truck. And if you have forerunner, it’d be easy to do. Here’s a pic of the knock-down frame I set up over the truck camper those years:
It worked great and held up in the winds wonderfully and it all broke down and fit in the back of the truck. But of course then we outgrew it and built a dome.
The New and Improved Black Cat... now with 25% more blather
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Simon of the Playa
- Posts: 22827
- Joined: Thu Sep 06, 2007 6:25 pm
- Burning Since: 1996
- Camp Name: La Guilde des Hashischins
- Location: BRC, Nevada.
an interesting option may be to purchase a used one near or around reno, fly or drive in, pick up your rv, and then drive it home..
the worst thing would be to break down halfway there on the way in.
it is a long haul from n.o. and that increases the risk of something going wrong.
your gas casts would decrease as well.
and yes, i've been to a rainbow national and i swore i would rather die than return ever again.
it was a logistical failure of epic proportions.
fuck rainbow. They have no sense of "leave no trace" and their intolerance is intolerable.
oh yeah, i almost forgot. welcome home.
the worst thing would be to break down halfway there on the way in.
it is a long haul from n.o. and that increases the risk of something going wrong.
your gas casts would decrease as well.
and yes, i've been to a rainbow national and i swore i would rather die than return ever again.
it was a logistical failure of epic proportions.
fuck rainbow. They have no sense of "leave no trace" and their intolerance is intolerable.
oh yeah, i almost forgot. welcome home.
Frida Be You & Me
My ideal plan in this:
* secure a drop off RV for a reasonable rate - get some people who can vouch for whoever I deal with
* load up my SUV with enough supplies so that I could camp without the RV just in case. I'll also bring my own 2k+ generator.
* have an adventure road trip along the way, but not be burdened with having to tow a trailer.
* Get to BM, set up the RV, but also set up with whoever I'm camping with - whatever their area is and try not to go in and out of the RV much so it doesn't get crapped up.
Spend most of my time visiting and experiencing the whole deal and bringing some art project or gifts, or cooking or running a bar or something that people appreciate.
I'm also trying to figure out how to get some internet access because I need it for my job. I know the whole deal about BM is to get away from that, but in my situation, I'm going to need to just touch base with my office once a day. If I have to pay through the ass to have that, that's what I'll do. It will give me the peace of mind to be able to fully-enjoy myself. When I was younger, I'd be a lot more adventurous and I'd pack nothing and just wing it... now that I'm 40'ish, I have more responsibilities I can't abandon unfortunately. So I might as well kick back a little and not kill myself along the way... that's what I'm thinking...I know the 20-somethings will think this is pussified, but I am pretty sure I've been through a lot more heavy shit than they have so why not use some of my hard-earned resources to provide some comfort up there? That's what I'm thinking... I can always just throw shit into my car and run a makeshift setup, but hey, if I have the means to do something more comfy is it so bad? If I didn't live 2500+ miles away it would be a lot easier to bring in some art-car, but I am limited unfortunately..
* secure a drop off RV for a reasonable rate - get some people who can vouch for whoever I deal with
* load up my SUV with enough supplies so that I could camp without the RV just in case. I'll also bring my own 2k+ generator.
* have an adventure road trip along the way, but not be burdened with having to tow a trailer.
* Get to BM, set up the RV, but also set up with whoever I'm camping with - whatever their area is and try not to go in and out of the RV much so it doesn't get crapped up.
Spend most of my time visiting and experiencing the whole deal and bringing some art project or gifts, or cooking or running a bar or something that people appreciate.
I'm also trying to figure out how to get some internet access because I need it for my job. I know the whole deal about BM is to get away from that, but in my situation, I'm going to need to just touch base with my office once a day. If I have to pay through the ass to have that, that's what I'll do. It will give me the peace of mind to be able to fully-enjoy myself. When I was younger, I'd be a lot more adventurous and I'd pack nothing and just wing it... now that I'm 40'ish, I have more responsibilities I can't abandon unfortunately. So I might as well kick back a little and not kill myself along the way... that's what I'm thinking...I know the 20-somethings will think this is pussified, but I am pretty sure I've been through a lot more heavy shit than they have so why not use some of my hard-earned resources to provide some comfort up there? That's what I'm thinking... I can always just throw shit into my car and run a makeshift setup, but hey, if I have the means to do something more comfy is it so bad? If I didn't live 2500+ miles away it would be a lot easier to bring in some art-car, but I am limited unfortunately..
What year did you go? I think depending upon where it is, really makes a difference, but yea, I know what you mean... I found the whole thing an interesting sociological experiement. I can only deal with the extreme hippy thing for so long.. it's nice to be in love with the earth and everybody, but that doesn't mean you can't clean yourself up a bit now and then and consider getting a job instead of complaining about having no money... I definitely am not part of that scene. Which is why I think I'd identify a lot more with the BM crowd.Simon of the Playa wrote:an interesting option may be to purchase a used one near or around reno, fly or drive in, pick up your rv, and then drive it home..
the worst thing would be to break down halfway there on the way in.
it is a long haul from n.o. and that increases the risk of something going wrong.
your gas casts would decrease as well.
and yes, i've been to a rainbow national and i swore i would rather die than return ever again.
it was a logistical failure of epic proportions.
fuck rainbow. They have no sense of "leave no trace" and their intolerance is intolerable.
oh yeah, i almost forgot. welcome home.
I guess, people have been telling me for years and years I need to get to BM. So I know I'd really dig it. I should have gone 10 years ago, but haven't so I'm trying to make up for it now and not just show up, but try to participate like I've been doing it before.
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LeChatNoir
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In recent years there has been limited wifi in places around the city, but it’s just setup as a gift by whoever manages to set it up. You can find it, but I wouldn’t try to rely on it. Come to think of it, I seem to remember seeing internet dish setups for sale at truck stops before.
The New and Improved Black Cat... now with 25% more blather
My plan is to have my own setup so I don't have to depend upon anybody else, but if it can be had in the area, all the better. If not, then if it's economical, I can offer a little wifi hotspot near my camp.LeChatNoir wrote:In recent years there has been limited wifi in places around the city, but it’s just setup as a gift by whoever manages to set it up. You can find it, but I wouldn’t try to rely on it. Come to think of it, I seem to remember seeing internet dish setups for sale at truck stops before.
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LeChatNoir
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What's the best arrangement to set something like this up temporarily at BRC?ygmir wrote:yeah, the satellite dish link is pretty much the same as Dish Network
so, if you can aim it, it doesn't care where it is, and, it's sat up and down.
so, just power and, you're in, depending on line of site to the sat, of course.
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Simon of the Playa
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- Camp Name: La Guilde des Hashischins
- Location: BRC, Nevada.
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wedeliver
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- Location: Tionesta, CA
- Contact:
Hi mabu,
thought I would add my two cents. I have a bit of experience with most types of RV and today the best deal out there are the inexpensive motor homes. Pre, 1995 or so they can be found for under 10 grand and with the economy the way it is, maybe even cheaper. These rigs might have 40 or 50 thousand miles on them, (most even less because people park them more then they drive them). Class A rigs normally have a genny included and these are pretty quiet. Most trailers do not come with a genny. and lets talk about our wheel bearings for a sec. I do believe in repacking the rig you purchase, and doing proper maintance, but if you are going to carry extra bearings for your trailer, what about the tow vehilce? What about extra fan belts for the engine or head/tail lights, etc on and on.
There are lots of little old ladies who are full timers, spend the winters in Arizona, (quartsite or the slabs in cali) and the summers visiting people. Nothing like driving a nice one bedroom house around with ya. I have seen these little old ladies "thread the needle" and go places that might look hard to get to. Pulling a trailer should not be a burden but an advantage. On your drive you could pull over any time you want and eat, sleep, shower. thats what having a nice rig is all about. You go and visit someone and stay in the driveway, hooked up to their "shore power".
So, now we have dispelled the myth that your trailer or Motor Home have lots of break downs, as the issues are the same with any vehicle you drive to the desert.
Sure you have to look a little harder for parking in the city when you are driving one of these but not that big a deal.
My recomendation would be that you do a few trial runs with whatever you purchase and work out the kinks, see how easy it is, make sure you top off the propane (wanna keep them popsicles in the freezer frozen).
We have both a 34' Motor Home and a 30' Trailer and for ease of use the motor home drives just like a big truck and
I can pull the trailer with it!
In california the top speed you can legally drive while pulling a trailer is 55mph.
thought I would add my two cents. I have a bit of experience with most types of RV and today the best deal out there are the inexpensive motor homes. Pre, 1995 or so they can be found for under 10 grand and with the economy the way it is, maybe even cheaper. These rigs might have 40 or 50 thousand miles on them, (most even less because people park them more then they drive them). Class A rigs normally have a genny included and these are pretty quiet. Most trailers do not come with a genny. and lets talk about our wheel bearings for a sec. I do believe in repacking the rig you purchase, and doing proper maintance, but if you are going to carry extra bearings for your trailer, what about the tow vehilce? What about extra fan belts for the engine or head/tail lights, etc on and on.
There are lots of little old ladies who are full timers, spend the winters in Arizona, (quartsite or the slabs in cali) and the summers visiting people. Nothing like driving a nice one bedroom house around with ya. I have seen these little old ladies "thread the needle" and go places that might look hard to get to. Pulling a trailer should not be a burden but an advantage. On your drive you could pull over any time you want and eat, sleep, shower. thats what having a nice rig is all about. You go and visit someone and stay in the driveway, hooked up to their "shore power".
So, now we have dispelled the myth that your trailer or Motor Home have lots of break downs, as the issues are the same with any vehicle you drive to the desert.
Sure you have to look a little harder for parking in the city when you are driving one of these but not that big a deal.
My recomendation would be that you do a few trial runs with whatever you purchase and work out the kinks, see how easy it is, make sure you top off the propane (wanna keep them popsicles in the freezer frozen).
We have both a 34' Motor Home and a 30' Trailer and for ease of use the motor home drives just like a big truck and
I can pull the trailer with it!
In california the top speed you can legally drive while pulling a trailer is 55mph.
I'm a topless shirtcocking yahoo hippie
www.eaglesnestrvpark.com
www.eaglesnestrvpark.com
-
ygmir
- Posts: 30403
- Joined: Thu Sep 20, 2007 8:36 pm
- Burning Since: 2007
- Camp Name: qqqq
- Location: nevada county
the best arrangement?mabu wrote:What's the best arrangement to set something like this up temporarily at BRC?ygmir wrote:yeah, the satellite dish link is pretty much the same as Dish Network
so, if you can aim it, it doesn't care where it is, and, it's sat up and down.
so, just power and, you're in, depending on line of site to the sat, of course.
well
dish on a pole or solid base, not a vehicle, aimed at the satellite, power working, and, computer on.
YGMIR
Unabashed Nordic
Pagan
Unabashed Nordic
Pagan
-
wedeliver
- Posts: 1871
- Joined: Thu Sep 16, 2004 11:10 am
- Burning Since: 1998
- Location: Tionesta, CA
- Contact:
Unless you are registered as an installer you can't get authorization to turn it on. There are units that "self" allign. They are usually mounted to the rig and are pretty expensive.
(we are talking two way connection, not just a receiver)
(we are talking two way connection, not just a receiver)
ygmir wrote:the best arrangement?mabu wrote:What's the best arrangement to set something like this up temporarily at BRC?ygmir wrote:yeah, the satellite dish link is pretty much the same as Dish Network
so, if you can aim it, it doesn't care where it is, and, it's sat up and down.
so, just power and, you're in, depending on line of site to the sat, of course.
well
dish on a pole or solid base, not a vehicle, aimed at the satellite, power working, and, computer on.
I'm a topless shirtcocking yahoo hippie
www.eaglesnestrvpark.com
www.eaglesnestrvpark.com