A camper for Grandma

[Jim K in PA]

Since we got our PUP last summer, we have thoroughly enjoyed it.  We had it set up during a family gathering at our house last fall, and everyone was impressed at how much room it had, and how comfortable it was.  To my surprise, my MOM announced that she thought it would be great if SHE had her own, so she could go camping with us, and my sister and her family.  So, over the last year we have looked at a number of alternatives.  

My mom fell in love with Aliner campers, and we looked at them on-line.  There is no dealer within 100 miles of her home, or mine, but we did see one sample at an RV show in NJ.  However, after looking at the Aliners, and their rather substantial prices, we suggested that she consider a small PUP.  She is divorced, and would be in the camper alone for the most part.  She would also not be camping without either my family or my sister's with her, so she would have help with setup, should she need it.  My mom is only 64, and in generally good health, so ingress/egress is not an issue.

While perusing Craigslist, we came upon a listing for a 2006 Viking 1796s at a reasonable price.  The seller said that they had bought it in July 2007 as a leftover, and had set it up in their driveway, and for one trip to Cape Cod.  I went and looked at it and it was as advertised.  It really was pristine, with a few minor scrapes, but otherwise as new.  So, we brought it home yesterday.  Here are a couple of pictures (sellers shots):

Grandma's Camper

It should be interesting to see how she does with this.  Her Gransons (my two and my sister's son) are very excited.  First test will be in a couple of weeks when we camp up in our pasture.  

Just thought I would share.  She does not participate in Forums and such, but I will direct her to this forum post.

[Shepherd]

That's awesome.  Congrats to your mom and you for finding such a great pup.  It is really nice to hear about the extended family making wonderful memories camping.

[ForestCreature]

Jim, That looks like a perfect camper for Mom. Beautiful shape and the one of best parts for her is she'll always have family to help set it up.

[PattieAM]

Very nice camper....she should enjoy it.  How does she feel about towing and backing it into a site?

[Jim K in PA]

Thanks for the positive comments and encouragement.  My mom is recovering from a broken shoulder at the moment, so her typing is limited to one hand, and her non-dominant had at that.  She may post up when she is back in full swing.

Very nice camper....she should enjoy it.  How does she feel about towing and backing it into a site?

Thanks Pattie.  I surmise that someone will "assist" her with backing up wherever that may be necessary.  Moving this little camper around is so easy, even if she just gets it close, we can wheel it to its set up spot.

Our "test" camp will be in about a week and a half, and I will post some more pics and results from her first stay in a camper.

[Kelly]

What a great little camper!  Your mom is lucky to have so much help and support.

My mom sold her class c after my dad died.  We're taking her camping with us later this month so she can get her fix.  She really misses the camping.  My youngest is trying to convince me to sleep in the tent with her so grandma can have our bunkend.  I figure the PU is big enough for all of us.  Once off the ground ....

[mrsoreo57]

WOW...you go granny....how wonderful...
Don't be surprised if Grandma and some grandkids start making trips "without" their parents...

[cjpoppin]

I'm  about to be 63 and camp with my husband we just upsized to a TT however if anything were to happen to him I would downsize to something........GREAT for your Mom glad she is  going camping with family......Perfect pup for her and it's so nice that she has family close to help with getting everything done.  Who knows she might set her sights on camping with a women's RV group and you'll hardly ever see her......Hahaaaaa
Go Granny Go   Gray Power...........Happy Camping and send some pic's when you make that first campout and hope she gets to feeling better soon.

[tlhdoc]

It looks like a great little camper.  I hope your mom has a good time camping in it.

[Jim K in PA]

Well, Grandma spent her first night in her new to her popup.  We set up a little "Viking Village" up in our pasture this past weekend.  It was a beutiful night, and we all had fun.  Her only complaint is that the bunk mattress is not thick enough for her, so we are going to try some memory foam "toppers" that others have mentioned here on the forum.

Here are the ladies - from left to right: Grandma Fran (in red), Grandma Pat (the new camper owner), and Great Grandma Ethel (91 years old). DS Matt is standing to the right.





Another view of the ladies with Grandma's camper behind. That is DS Billy in the background.





Our "Viking Village" . . .



Grandma's camper.




We hope to get her out for a local camping excursion some time in September, which will likely be her only trip for this year.  She is really looking forward to joining us on our camping trips.

Thanks for looking!

[GeneF]

Well, I guess Grandma won't be getting all that perfume stuff, body powder, note paper etc this year for the holidays, most likely it will be some pots and pans, porta potty, lynx levelers, popup quizmos, bal leveler, lafuma chair, etc.

Have a great time with the popup and enjoy the family gatherings.

[Jim K in PA]

  Thanks Gene.  I agree - her Christmas list will be a bit easier to fill this year, and more fun!