Hi I'm new and wanted to introduce myself.

[campingmom]

I didn't see an intro section so I hope it's ok to post this here.

I'm the mother of two wonderful daughters who are 8 and 6. I am married to a wonderful Dh who does not camp.  I also work full time as a teacher.

I have always enjoyed camping with friends and this year, I rented a PUP for a week. It cost me and arm and a leg. Well, when friends decided to let their pu go after one season and move to a larger trailer, they sold me their 95 palomino PUP for a steal. I think it was a steal. It is in awesome condition, looks great and after 3 weekends in it, everything is working. I just love it.

I only paid $600.00 for it.

My plan is to do a couple week trips with my girls this summer while Dh is working. (Being a teacher has it's perks!) and possibly a few weekends. Seeing as he HATES camping, I can't over do it even though my girls and I would love to be gone all the time.

I'm wondering about a few things that I've read about here and wanted to ask a few questions if possible.

1. Are the solar bunk end things worth it?  I don't have air so it does get hot.

2. What types of things do I need to do to prepare the pup for the season? (I got mine in Sept. used it 3 times and put it at a storage place for winter. I can't keep it at my home as we are not allowed to have them out. DH won't let me put it in the garage)

3.  Anything else you could tell me would be great.

Oh, BTW,  to all the women out there, I do all the set up, hook up, towning and backing up myself. Anyone can do it!!!!

Thanks and I look forward to being here.

[Dee4j]

Welcome!! I'm not sure about your neck of the woods but here in Cali we have a great group, which makes it great for

[tlhdoc]

Welcome to PUT.  I also have a non-camping DH.  

[Azusateach]

Welcome!

You'll find lots of support and opinions here!

I'm wondering if your winter storage protects your PUP from the elements.  If not & you've left any water in any tanks, you might want to think about winterizing them.  Don't ask me how -- I'm in So. California & camp year-round so I don't have to worry about it.  But it can be a real bummer to use your trailer for the first time in the spring only to find out that it's "sprung"!

Again, welcome, and enjoy your summer with your girls.  Who knows, you might even convert your husband!

Laura

[JimS]

Welcome!
I have not used the solar bunk ends so I can't offer any help on that.  I do have a high volume vent fan that makes a huge difference when warm, and it is not too loud.
I assume that you winterized the PUP by getting all of the water out of the pump and lines.  At the beginning of the season, I flush out the water system and sterilize the whole system and tank.  I make sure the electrical connections are tight and the battery is in good shape and fully charged.  I check the propane system to make sure there are no leaks and everything works.  Check the tire pressure and the tires themselves - no cracks or other damage.  I lube the hitch and hitch ball.  Lube the lifting system if needed, all hinges and any other thing that moves.  Lube or service the wheel bearings if needed, and check the brakes.  Check all zippers and screens / canvas for damage.  Check suspension components - maintenance as required.  Carry spares - fuses, bulbs, duct tape, wire, zip ties, tools such as lug nut wrench, socket for hot water heater drain, and any other tool just for the PUP.  Another tool box for general repairs.  Tire pump.  Tire pressure gauge.  I'm sure I have forgotten many things but you get the idea...
Lastly, HAVE FUN!!!!  Maybe hubby will see how much fun you and your daughters are having and want to get in on it!  Nothing like sitting aroung that campfire at night with family and friends and enjoying life.  Doesn't get much better.

[wavery]

Solar bunk end covers are definitely worth it. They keep the PU cooler in summer and warmer & dryer in the cooler months. They cut condensation to practically zero.

Sounds like you got a great deal on your PU. I would highly recommend getting the wheel bearings packed and brakes & tires checked though.

[3ontheGo]

Welcome!

[TheViking]

Welcome!! I'm not sure about your neck of the woods but here in Cali we have a great group, which makes it great for

 
 
Great for.......................what?

[chinacat]

Welcome!

I have not tried this . . . but a budy of mine with a hybrid said he used one of those silver "survival" blankets (I always called them "space blankets") over the bunk cover and used plain old binder clips (like you can steal . . . er borrow, from the office) to clip it to the canvas seams. He claims that it works great and really keeps the heat down inside. I would be worried that this would blow off easily  . . . but he claims it didn't.  I was planning to try this myself in the spring!

[ronerjones]

Hello and welcome. Congrats on your new camper. Suggestion number one, find a family friendly camping area where your husband might just fit in. I had to ease my wife into it very slowly. Now she can't wait for the next camp trip. It is the best family activity I can think of. As for the solar blankets for the bunk ends I can truly say they make a huge difference. We camp in south Florida, trust me when I say that summer time no shade can be brutal. I actually use a tarp one side is brown one side silver bought it at Home Depot and cut it to size. I left mine long so it overlaps and blocks some of the sun from the sides also. The bunk ends are a good 15 degrees cooler with the tarp. Also keeps all of the dirt and moisture off your camper canvas.

We have found a local PUP group that we have started camping with. you should check around to see if your area has a group.

Happy Camping

[GrizzlyTaco]

PopUpGizmos is having a Free Shipping sale going on until Jan 31st.
I have them for our PU and they are worth the money. Ed C.

[campingmom]

Welcome to PUT.  I also have a non-camping DH.  

Well, It really isn't protected since it's out in the open. However the lot I keep it at is full of PUPs and all types of trailers. I didn't use the water tank at all and don't have any special stuff. No heater or air so I'm sure everthing was drained. I thought about covering it but was told the moisture with the cover would not be good.

I think of it often sitting in the cold and snow and only hope it will be ok come spring.


Thanks for the help.

[ForestCreature]

Hi  and welcome.  There is a MI group in the GLPUC
You might want to check them out.

[cndlzrus]

I didn't see an intro section so I hope it's ok to post this here.

I'm the mother of two wonderful daughters who are 8 and 6. I am married to a wonderful Dh who does not camp.  I also work full time as a teacher.

I have always enjoyed camping with friends and this year, I rented a PUP for a week. It cost me and arm and a leg. Well, when friends decided to let their pu go after one season and move to a larger trailer, they sold me their 95 palomino PUP for a steal. I think it was a steal. It is in awesome condition, looks great and after 3 weekends in it, everything is working. I just love it.

I only paid $600.00 for it.

My plan is to do a couple week trips with my girls this summer while Dh is working. (Being a teacher has it's perks!) and possibly a few weekends. Seeing as he HATES camping, I can't over do it even though my girls and I would love to be gone all the time.

I'm wondering about a few things that I've read about here and wanted to ask a few questions if possible.

1. Are the solar bunk end things worth it?  I don't have air so it does get hot.

2. What types of things do I need to do to prepare the pup for the season? (I got mine in Sept. used it 3 times and put it at a storage place for winter. I can't keep it at my home as we are not allowed to have them out. DH won't let me put it in the garage)

3.  Anything else you could tell me would be great.

Oh, BTW,  to all the women out there, I do all the set up, hook up, towning and backing up myself. Anyone can do it!!!!

Thanks and I look forward to being here.

Welcome Lisa, Nice to see another Michigan Mom who loves to camp!  I do alot of the hooking up, towing, backing up, setting up, taking down the PUP too.  

About your questions...
The solar covers are a must here in Michigan if you want to start camping early in April and camp late into October... we have such a short season here in Mich but a great state with lots of lovely things to see... I have camped in 30 degree weather(night temps) with solar cover on my bunk ends and an electric heater, plus my heater that is standard  in the pup.. And kept warm.  They help when its summer and there is no trees for shade and you come back from the beach and the camper is cooler with them on, then with them off.

Prepare your camper as you would your home(comfort bedding)(Kitchen stock with untensils, pots and pans etc), water system check to see if antifreeze is removed and sterlize holding tank with 1/4 cup bleach after flushing antifreeze out.  Then leave bleach water in tank overnight, next day pump bleach water up thru faucets and then drain tank and flush with clean water.  

Not sure what area of Michigan you are in, maybe we will run into each other camping, I have a Michigan sign with my cndlzrus that we post at our campsite. And I am in the SE corner of the state by Lake Erie.  I also camp with GLPUC that was mention above its a great group of people to camp with and your girls will love having other kids to play with while camping... check it out...

[Lifeangel1]

Hi Campingmom and welcome... I also have a camping hating Husband. My DD and her two boys ages 7 and 6, and I go camping at least once a month from April through October. We used to tent camp then two years ago I bought the pup. I love it. I stil get a little worried about backing it in but the worrying is usually worse than the actual backing. We have a great time and I know you will too!!