Hello All,
As the subject says, I'm new to both pop-up campers and this forum. I live in Gilbert, AZ, a SE suburb of Phoenix, and just bought my first pop-up, an '05 Fleetwood Colonial CP. I just moved to AZ from northern VA last summer and had always tent camped before. However, I wasn't so sure I wanted to be sleeping on the ground in AZ with all the creepy crawlies , plus I wanted something I could keep reasonably packed and ready to go. Anyhow, I dithered for almost a year and finally made the plunge last month.
We (boyfriend, dog - best camping buddy in the world, & I) have taken the camper out for 2 weekend trials so far and I love it. We are going to Houston-Mesa campground in Payson over the Labor Day weekend -- our first drycamping trip.
I'm looking forward to chatting with some locals on here and learning all the good places to go. I can't put a tow vehicle in my signature, unfortunately, as my Grand Cherokee was totalled 2 weeks ago and I'm in the process of deciding what to buy to replace it. Any suggestions??
--Deborah
Gilbert, AZ
'05 Fleetwood Colonial CP
Hello Deborah,
Welcome to the forum and welcome to Arizona!
There are a lot of places to camp in this state for sure!!
Good luck with your new vehicle search, I know what I sure would like to have (F250 SD CrewCab 4x4 Diesel... ??!!! LOL - maybe someday).
Tom
Hi Deborah,
Welcome to AZ and Popup camping!!!
We just upgraded a couple of months ago from a Taos to the '05 Fleetwood Colonial CP and we love it! And............my husband and I (and our two dogs) will also be at Houston-Mesa over Labor Day weekend ---- small world, huh?
:D
Darren & Cyndi
Chandler, AZ
'05 Fleetwood Colonial CP
Quote from: tjy355Hello Deborah,
Welcome to the forum and welcome to Arizona!
There are a lot of places to camp in this state for sure!!
Good luck with your new vehicle search, I know what I sure would like to have (F250 SD CrewCab 4x4 Diesel... ??!!! LOL - maybe someday).
Tom
Thanks for the welcome, Tom. F250 huh? I love the Ford trucks. However, I think I'll have to settle for something a little less pricey. :) I'm seriously thinking about just getting another Grand Cherokee. Also considering an Explorer. I'm looking at used (or "previously owned" as they say these days LOL!), anywhere from 1 - 3 yrs old. I'd rather someone else take the first year hit in the wallet. I've been in Alaska for the past week and a half, so can't start looking in person after I get home on Sunday. And, oh yeah, get the insurance check. Details, details.... :)
Quote from: azmondaysHi Deborah,
Welcome to AZ and Popup camping!!!
We just upgraded a couple of months ago from a Taos to the '05 Fleetwood Colonial CP and we love it! And............my husband and I (and our two dogs) will also be at Houston-Mesa over Labor Day weekend ---- small world, huh?
:D
Darren & Cyndi
Chandler, AZ
'05 Fleetwood Colonial CP
Hi Darren & Cyndi!
Wow, it really is a small world! Same camper and same campground at the same time! LOL! I'll be sure to look for another Colonial CP. We'll have my boyfriend's Ford truck as tow vehicle I'm sure, since I *seriously* doubt I can get home (I'm in AK until Sunday), get a check from the insurance company, and find a car before next Friday.
As far as the Taos goes, that is actually the camper I went to the dealership to buy. I had decided I would just take it one step up from a tent and see how that went. Well, when I saw the Colonial CP, it was all over, and I just said "that's it." I haven't regretted it for a minute and really like the camper. Do you have any suggestions as far as modifications or storage ideas?
Quote from: AZPopperHi Darren & Cyndi!
Wow, it really is a small world! Same camper and same campground at the same time! LOL! I'll be sure to look for another Colonial CP. We'll have my boyfriend's Ford truck as tow vehicle I'm sure, since I *seriously* doubt I can get home (I'm in AK until Sunday), get a check from the insurance company, and find a car before next Friday.
As far as the Taos goes, that is actually the camper I went to the dealership to buy. I had decided I would just take it one step up from a tent and see how that went. Well, when I saw the Colonial CP, it was all over, and I just said "that's it." I haven't regretted it for a minute and really like the camper. Do you have any suggestions as far as modifications or storage ideas?
No mods yet -- except we are looking into adding a shower or privacy curtain around the cassette toilet so I don't have to close ALL the curtains everytime I need to use the "facilities". The Taos was a great starter pop-up for us, but pretty small and we have no regrets about upgrading to the Colonial as it had everything we wanted -- enough of the extras, etc.
Quote from: azmondaysNo mods yet -- except we are looking into adding a shower or privacy curtain around the cassette toilet so I don't have to close ALL the curtains everytime I need to use the "facilities". The Taos was a great starter pop-up for us, but pretty small and we have no regrets about upgrading to the Colonial as it had everything we wanted -- enough of the extras, etc.
Did you not get a privacy curtain with your camper? I have one that was included in the camper when I bought it that snaps onto the ceiling around the CP. It matches the window curtains. I would suggest you go back to your dealer and tell them you didn't get the curtain. I'm sure it's standard equipment. It certainly is handier than closing all the curtains!
This is going to sound weird, I know, but the cassette toilet is my favorite part of the camper. LOL! I had never dealt with a porta-potti of any type before, and I was so pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to clean and maintain. I was afraid it would be a big gross hassle and figured I probably wouldn't use it except in emergencies, but it's so easy I use it all the time when we're camping. Ahhh, it's the little things in life..... :p
Quote from: AZPopperDid you not get a privacy curtain with your camper? I have one that was included in the camper when I bought it that snaps onto the ceiling around the CP. It matches the window curtains. I would suggest you go back to your dealer and tell them you didn't get the curtain. I'm sure it's standard equipment. It certainly is handier than closing all the curtains!
This is going to sound weird, I know, but the cassette toilet is my favorite part of the camper. LOL! I had never dealt with a porta-potti of any type before, and I was so pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to clean and maintain. I was afraid it would be a big gross hassle and figured I probably wouldn't use it except in emergencies, but it's so easy I use it all the time when we're camping. Ahhh, it's the little things in life..... :p
No, we didn't get a privacy curtain!! :( Last time we were out, we noticed the snaps on the ceiling and thought it was for a probably for a privacy curtain
-- you can bet I'm calling the dealer tomorrow. It is such a pain in the **s to close all those curtains.
And, no, it doesn't sound weird, the cassette toilet is my favorite part too. WE had a porti-potti in the Taos, but it was kinda hard to take in & out, so it was only used at night, but..................I use my cassette ALL the time too! :D
Thanks so much for the info, I plan on calling the dealer tomorrow --- did you get your Colonial from Little Dealer?
Cyndi
Chandler, AZ :usflag:
'05 Fleetwood Colonial CP
Quote from: azmondaysThanks so much for the info, I plan on calling the dealer tomorrow --- did you get your Colonial from Little Dealer?
Cyndi
Chandler, AZ :usflag:
'05 Fleetwood Colonial CP
Yes, I got mine from Little Dealer. I had been talking to and bugging one of their salesmen, Cordell, since last year when I moved out to AZ. Went out to the dealership, then also saw him at a couple of shows, etc., so when I was ready to buy something, I figured I owed him the business. LOL! Hopefully you won't have a problem getting your privacy curtain. They've been pretty good to deal with so far. The service guy that initially set up and checked out my camper found a *tiny* chip on my stove, and had already ordered a replacement for it before I picked the camper up. It was backordered and I've been out of town a lot, so I haven't had a chance to go get it yet.
Did you get a/c on yours? If so, how has it done for you? I've only used mine once, and it didn't seem to cool the camper down like I thought it should. I posted about it in the General forum and have some possible answers (bunk-end covers and voltage fluctuations), but would be interested to know if you're happy with your a/c if you have it.
Also, have you camped at Houston-Mesa before? Both times we've taken the camper out we've stayed at Payson Campground & RV Resort (I think that's the name) since it wasn't too far from home, and found Houston-Mesa while driving around town. It looks really nice. We're going to be in the Elk Loop I think? (the RV loop anyway) There were only about 5 reservable spots left when I made the reservations last week.
Welcome Deborah,
It is great to have you on board. We will have to keep you posted for the next outing. We will have to get one going soon.
Take care.
Mary Romeo
Quote from: AZPopperDid you get a/c on yours? If so, how has it done for you? I've only used mine once, and it didn't seem to cool the camper down like I thought it should. I posted about it in the General forum and have some possible answers (bunk-end covers and voltage fluctuations), but would be interested to know if you're happy with your a/c if you have it.
Also, have you camped at Houston-Mesa before? Both times we've taken the camper out we've stayed at Payson Campground & RV Resort (I think that's the name) since it wasn't too far from home, and found Houston-Mesa while driving around town. It looks really nice. We're going to be in the Elk Loop I think? (the RV loop anyway) There wrer only about 5 reservable spots left when I made the reservations last week.
No - we did not get the a/c. In the summer we mostly camp in the mountains (Mogollan Rim, Flagstaff, etc.) - although we have kicked around the idea of getting an a/c one of these days.
We have not camped at Houston-Mesa before. Unfortunately, it looks like we may have to cancel our trip -------we have a family situation and will need to stay home that weekend. We were so looking forward to that trip (sigh), oh well, another time for sure.
Oh! About the privacy curtain.................when I was telling my husband about it, he said "Oh, THAT's what that was for, I thought it was an "extra" or something." Can you believe it? We had one all along and I didn't even know it -- I still wouldn't know if it weren't for you!!
Cyndi
Chandler, AZ :usflag:
'05 Fleetwood Colonial CP
Quote from: maromeoWelcome Deborah,
It is great to have you on board. We will have to keep you posted for the next outing. We will have to get one going soon.
Take care.
Mary Romeo
Thanks, Mary! I'm looking forward to it!
Quote from: azmondaysNo - we did not get the a/c. In the summer we mostly camp in the mountains (Mogollan Rim, Flagstaff, etc.) - although we have kicked around the idea of getting an a/c one of these days.
We have not camped at Houston-Mesa before. Unfortunately, it looks like we may have to cancel our trip -------we have a family situation and will need to stay home that weekend. We were so looking forward to that trip (sigh), oh well, another time for sure.
Oh! About the privacy curtain.................when I was telling my husband about it, he said "Oh, THAT's what that was for, I thought it was an "extra" or something." Can you believe it? We had one all along and I didn't even know it -- I still wouldn't know if it weren't for you!!
Cyndi
Chandler, AZ :usflag:
'05 Fleetwood Colonial CP
Hi Cyndi,
I'm glad you found the privacy curtain. Sure makes life easier. LOL!
Sorry to hear you won't be camping next weekend. I've had some second thoughts myself. I really should be car shopping, but I really want to go camping!
Do you have any good campgrounds to recommend? I was in the Show Low area a few weeks ago and checked our Hawley Lake campground for future reference and it's beautiful. Definitely on my list.
Quote from: AZPopperDo you have any good campgrounds to recommend? I was in the Show Low area a few weeks ago and checked our Hawley Lake campground for future reference and it's beautiful. Definitely on my list.
The only other place we camped at up there is Canyon Point, which was a nice campground.......we've been up to Flagstaff and actually camped up at the Grand Canyon a few times and a couple of time on the river in Parker at Buckskin State Park (mostly in the fall/winter for Buckskin) :p. Most recently, we spent a week at So. Carlsbad in California -- what a beautiful place. Right on the ocean!! We're going to definitely try to get reservations for next year. Another place I want to try is Oak Creek Canyon -- but will need to wait until Fall for that one, I think. I was really anxious to try out Houston-Mesa, hopefully I'll get to try it out soon. If you go, let me know what you think of it. :sombraro:
Hope you have a great trip!!
Cyndi
Chandler, AZ :usflag:
'05 Colonial CP
Hi Deborah --
Just curious if you ended up going to Houston Mesa and if you did what you thought of the campground?
Hope you had a great labor day weekend!
Quote from: azmondaysHi Deborah --
Just curious if you ended up going to Houston Mesa and if you did what you thought of the campground?
Hope you had a great labor day weekend!
Hi Cyndi,
Yes, we did go. I managed to find a vehicle to buy on Thursday evening, just in time to tow the camper on Friday! We could've used my SO's pickup to tow, but this way I didn't have to feel guilty about going and not car shopping. :D I got another Grand Cherokee, a red '04 Limited in mint condition and I love it.
I really like Houston-Mesa. I just finished posting about it under the Campground Reviews section of the forum, so you can check it out there. Basically it was even nicer than I had hoped. They have huge sites and they're very private and quiet. Even with it being pretty much full and a holiday weekend, we noticed that there wasn't much in the way of noise from screaming kids, loud parties, etc.
I hope you got to do something at least a little fun over the weekend. I thought about you and was sorry you missed camping up there. The weather was great, high's in the upper 80's to 90 or so, with night temps about 59 or 60. Perfect sleeping weather -- just a couple of blankets and didn't need the heater.
This was our first trip of dry camping and it went pretty well. We did run low on fresh water, but just refilled with a 5-gal. water bottle. The cassette pottie was great! We used it exclusively for 3 days and it still wasn't full when we got home yesterday. I was impressed! :#
My son, his wife, and my 7-mo-old grandson drove up for the day Sunday morning. We drove around to see some of the sights since they hadn't been up there before, and cooked steaks and toasted marshmallows before they drove back Sunday night. We checked out some of the campgrounds on 260, including Canyon Point (which I think you said you've stayed in?), and made notes for future trips.
I guess the most notable event of the weekend was when I got stung on the hand by a stinging caterpillar. I didn't even know such a thing existed! They were all over the campground, really cute fuzzy green things. Or so I thought! I reached over to pick up a chair bag that was laying outside the camper and one was inside a fold. I brushed against it and 2 of my fingers immediately felt like they were on fire. :yikes: It took a while for the pain to subside, and my lips actually started to get numb while we were driving around, but it finally did get better. Today it looks like I have poison ivy on those fingers and they itch like crazy. Moral of the story: Watch out for cute fuzzy caterpillars!
I hope you get up to Houston-Mesa sometime soon! You'll have to let me know if you enjoy it as much as I did.
It sounds great - I can hardly wait to try it! Hopefully someday soon, before it gets to cold!!
orah
Quote from: AZPopperYes, I got mine from Little Dealer. I had been talking to and bugging one of their salesmen, Cordell, since last year when I moved out to AZ. Went out to the dealership, then also saw him at a couple of shows, etc., so when I was ready to buy something, I figured I owed him the business. LOL! Hopefully you won't have a problem getting your privacy curtain. They've been pretty good to deal with so far. The service guy that initially set up and checked out my camper found a *tiny* chip on my stove, and had already ordered a replacement for it before I picked the camper up. It was backordered and I've been out of town a lot, so I haven't had a chance to go get it yet.
Did you get a/c on yours? If so, how has it done for you? I've only used mine once, and it didn't seem to cool the camper down like I thought it should. I posted about it in the General forum and have some possible answers (bunk-end covers and voltage fluctuations), but would be interested to know if you're happy with your a/c if you have it.
Also, have you camped at Houston-Mesa before? Both times we've taken the camper out we've stayed at Payson Campground & RV Resort (I think that's the name) since it wasn't too far from home, and found Houston-Mesa while driving around town. It looks really nice. We're going to be in the Elk Loop I think? (the RV loop anyway) There were only about 5 reservable spots left when I made the reservations last week.
Deborah, we bought our Coleman Tacoma at Little Dealer also. Not a bad place to do business. We are on the west side of Phoenix. Hope our campers cross paths some time. Lots of places to go and a few to stay away from. The fun is in the hunt and knowing where to go. Welcome from Bill and Shirley
Quote from: Barizonaorah
Deborah, we bought our Coleman Tacoma at Little Dealer also. Not a bad place to do business. We are on the west side of Phoenix. Hope our campers cross paths some time. Lots of places to go and a few to stay away from. The fun is in the hunt and knowing where to go. Welcome from Bill and Shirley
Hi and thanks for the welcome. :) So you're over on the far side, huh? LOL! I just moved here from VA last year, so am still exploring places. Are there any camping places that you would not recommend? You are right, there are so many places to go around here, and it would be good to hear first-hand experiences. It would be great to meet up with you guys someday.
Just wanted to say,"Hi".We are looking forward to joining you Arizona campers in a few months,when we retire.We have plans to move to our house in Show Low around March,or April.Have camped at Fool Hollow State Park-liked it-but it is only a mile from our retirement house,and we would love to hear about other parks,mountain or desert.Soo much to see and explore.Can't wait.If any of you see us camped in our Chalet,please drop by-We would love to meet you !
Steve & Mary
Quote from: forestwalkerJust wanted to say,"Hi".We are looking forward to joining you Arizona campers in a few months,when we retire.We have plans to move to our house in Show Low around March,or April.Have camped at Fool Hollow State Park-liked it-but it is only a mile from our retirement house,and we would love to hear about other parks,mountain or desert.Soo much to see and explore.Can't wait.If any of you see us camped in our Chalet,please drop by-We would love to meet you !
Steve & Mary
Hello!
Show Low is a beautiful area. Fool Hollow State Park is a campground I'd like to try, but they don't take reservations so probably won't chance it. I like to have reservations and know I have a site when I drive that far. Houston-Mesa campground that I was just posting about is really nice and not too far from where you'll be. There are some pretty areas in CA that I'd like to explore, too, when I can take a bit longer.
Ditto on the dropping in! There ought to be some way to recognize folks from the forum at campgrounds. Maybe there is and I don't know about it? :confused: