We bought a trailer!!!

[Popupnut]

HI folks,

I had mentioned a couple of weeks/months ago that we were considering moving over to the dark side....We did it!  I know that I am and will always be a Pop-Up-NUT -- but this makes so much sense we had to jump on it.
I thought I'd share with those who are interested what we bought.
We didn't want to go over 30 feet.....We found a trailer that we could both agree on - It has 2 bunks and a separate suite for the masters in command.

It is a 2004 Springdale268 BHL-GL if that means anything to anyone - it's 29 feet long has a full side glide out that has the sleeper couch and dinette - the master bedroom does not have a walkaround bed - but that also kept the length down for some reason ....the storage is alittle "ify" in the master but I can manage something to store all our stuff - I know the underbed makes a great storage but a hassle to dig in there every time you need a sweatshirt.  There is overhead storage - I'll figure it out.
The kitchen area is just the right amount of space I need - there is no oven because "Thor" has not made enough or is not making anymore for the campers coming out (so says the dealer..) so we got the microwave/convection oven combo for the price of what we originally bought (a gas oven and micorwave).  I really needed something I could bake with as my wee one has a food allergy and I either have to bring mega tubs of pre-baked goodies or bake while we are camping - I choose to bake the goodies fresh.  I also like the idea of a convection oven - I'm new to it but so happy to use it.  The new system allows me that much more room where the oven was going to be for storage - YIPPEE!!!  The bunks are sufficient for the kids - lot's of space. The bathroom has a full size tub and adequate space for all my stuff ( not much).  There is a wardrobe outside of the bathroom as well - I wish I had it here so I could figure out where I'm going to put everything - DH thinks I'm nuts - but I know you guys will understand...The camper probably wont be ready until mid-March - but I can wait - I'm crocheting blankets for the kids bunks.....Ummm let's see what else......there is decent storage outside as well as under the bunk bed area to the outside.  
I need to find an outdoor stove - as the pop-up had one in and one outside - I never used the inside one - but the outside one was convenient.
I know the thermos fire and ice grill is a possiblility but would love to find something without the teflon coating and just a regular stove - open flame.. any ideas?  I've been on ebay searching but must not be looking in the right area.
At any rate - I am happy that we are doing this - the ease of set up will make a big difference - DH works from 4 a.m. to 5-6p.m. every night 6 days a week - when it takes 2 hours to set up and the whole morning to pack away and break down on leaving day - a weekend camping trip is too much work for him.  I'm hoping this does the trick.
Wish me luck folks - and any ideas on how you dark siders made the switch would be helpful - I was hoping I could keep the camper stocked with camping clothes and food stuffs during the season - how to do that is also a challenge I'm ready for.
So if I'm forgiven for this move ---- please let me know!  I am going to have to whip up a new sign for the camper!!!  Lot's of excitement!
Letting go of the Utah is wrenching - a gift from my Mom who passed away-- however, she would have wanted me to get the 36 ft trailer with the cocktail lounge on the roof and all the luxuries - she had a flair for the high life - I am much simpler than that - but I knw she'd be happy for us just the same!!

[birol]

Wooow, you are excited over this ! To be honest, I would go bananas too ! Sounds like an excellent unit to me !  Congratulations and many happy camping years and nice memory in it !

Is there a link to a  floor plan somewhere ?  Would love to see what the floor plan looks like !

[Miss-Teri]

Congratulations!  

[NightOwl]

Beth, CONGRATULATIONS  to you, and all the big and  little PopUpNuts!

However, I would be derelict in my duty if I did not inform you of an important caveat.  You ARE  aware, arent you that if you do not continue on here at PUT, InterGalactic Statute # 3456, part B says that you MUST return the new trailer!!!  Part C says you must cease and desist immediatley from further crocheting of bunk covers if you leave here!

(And, remember, Love never dies: I KNOW your mother is smiling down on the purchase of this new "turtle-shell home" for her beloved daughter. .)

[Popupnut]

check out //www.keystone-springdale.com - the model#268 BHL-GL

floor plan - and some shots of interior design of the others as well....

Thanks everyone for your congrats and good wishes - Nightowl - you always have a way of getting me going - thanks for the loving support!!

[byrdr1]

Welcome to the darkside.... It has a powerful draw......
We moved everything we had in the popup to our new to us TT in October before our trip to RJ'S Ranch for Halloween. I had a place for everything and lots of left over room.
We have a pantry so everything in our 2 moveable tubs went here. All the clothes are in closets or drawers. All the pops&pans are under the stove/oven area in cabinet.
Tools and campground stuff are in the ouside doors on the double slide out.
After we loaded everything up for our trip we had the cabinet over the bed empty and one closet empty plus both drawers in the bedroom.
It is so nice to have a frig that works and has ROOM. The freezer is nice we just havent used it yet. weather was to cold for ice cream but spring and summer are coming.
You will enjoy this new camping experience.
We cant wait for the season to begin. I am headed for the ROCK this weekend with 2 other guys. I hate to un-winterize the camper but for a weekend trip with low 60's this weekend and free race tickets I couldn't turn it down.
Have fun and welcome to the "dark side" LUKE! I am your father................
randy

[Camperroo]

Congratulations on your TT.  We traded in our popup for a Springdale TT and have loved it.  We also loved our popup but now with my neck and back problems it's nice to have a real queen sized mattress to sleep on plus we keep it on a seasonal site now so it's a vacation "camping" home.  Our Springdale does have an oven, 3 burner stove and microwave, so I'm not sure what your dealer was telling you...but as long as your happy it doesn't matter.  It's not the dark side to have a TT having a popup was a fantastic introduction to our family of a lifestyle we had never tried before...camping.  We had many fun trips and vacations with our popup before we moved on to our TT but still this PUT board is for all!!

[topcat7736]

Congrats on the new trailer!

I don't remember who, (hope it wasn't me), began calling TT's the dark side, but I can tell you that with 3 skylights, an opaque dome thing over the shower, and windows all around, our TT has enough light to qualify as a popup! At least with TT's, we save time packing, unpacking and setups/takedowns!  

[Gone-Camping]

Hey Beth...Congratulations on the new trailer, I know you're going to like it. Make sure you send me a picture of you're new camper sign so I can place it on your page!

Also, as far as the outdoor stove is concerned. The simple solution would be to purchase a Coleman 2 or 3 burning gas or propane stove. They are table top units, work well, and the propane units can be run off the big bottle up front fitted with an inline "Tee" and an extension hose! The entire thing probably cost under $75 (Stove, Tee, & extension hose) at Wally World...

[tlhdoc]

Congratulations on the new trailer.

[B-flat]

Congrats on the new Springdale.  You have just moved over......and doesn't that slide qualify under the "if it popsup or out?"  I remember someone saying that a long time back.  I, too, have been looking at Springdales and Rockwood in the liteweight versions for just 2 people to camp in.

[Ernhrts3n8]

Congratulations Beth.  Remember if you are ever camping at Waters Edge in Lebanon, look us up, me and Foxyladies.  We are both seasonals there.  I would love to see your new trailer.

[MICJAR]

Congratulations on the new TT

Just got the 260TBL Myself here is link you might like

//www.forumco.com/keystonervs/

Mike

[Popupnut]

Thanks everyone for your good wishes - we are really looking forward to this camping season.
I also appreciate the forum site for Keystone campers - I'll be checking in on that now and then as well!
I will email you a pic of my new sign Cliff as soon as I get the chance to make it!!  I think I have some time - (atleast until May) to work it up.
I'll have it in my sight in March - so I can make sure it comes out looking precise.
My pop-up sign will have to go into the archives -- we will save it for the kids to fight over when they start camping!!!!
Between crocheting blankets for the bunks and painting the new sign - I should be able to keep the camping "itch" down until the time comes for the 1st adventure!!!
Thanks gang!  You are the greatest source of support and encouragment one can obtain in this cyber campers craze -- PUT always has and always will feel like home!

[Gone-Camping]

Just so that you should know Beth, I PROUDLY display my Pop-up sign that you made for me, even though I'm now in a Hybrid TT too!!!