LoveToKnow Camping:Ask the Camping Expert

From LoveToKnow Camping

Looking for advice on how to make your next camping trip a perfect getaway? Whether you are looking for camping gear ideas, tips on finding the best camping spots, or information about the latest trends in RV accessories, the LoveToKnow Camping Expert Mary White is ready to answer your questions.

Mary is an experienced tent and RV camper who has traveled extensively and camped in all types of settings, including primitive mountainous locations, state and national park campgrounds, and modern RV resorts.

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Current Questions

Question: We are looking to buy a tent trailer. We had a Nimrod many years ago. We liked the easy towing and more space of a tent trailer but don't like the wet canvas on the beds when it rains and its time to go home. Have they gotten better about that and if so, what brand/model would you recommend? I've heard of ones with solid sides. Thanks! - Posted by: Don Jander
Answer: Hi -

My husband and I avoided getting a pop-up for the very reason you are discussing. I am sure that the soft side campers still have the same issues they always have. There are several brands of hard side folding campers. Some of the makes you may want to check out include A-Liner, Apache, and Trailmanor. They're likely to cost more than their softer counterparts, but you shouldn't have the same issue about folding up a wet tent trailer. Happy Trails! - posted by:Mary Gormandy White

Question: Hi Mary, I recently retired and love to travel, but have limited funds. If I buy a folding tent trailer like a Coleman will I have to pay the RV rate when I stay at a campsite, or can I park at a tent campsite for a very reasonable rate? Thanks you, Glenn - Posted by: Glenn Jeglum
Answer: Glen - Folding tent trailers are still RV's, so campgrounds are going to charge you the RV rate. One of the main reasons that tent rates are lower is that tent campers aren't likely to use utilities. Some campgrounds charge different RV prices based on the type of electrical hook-up you'll need, and you'd qualify for the lower RV rate in that case. In some cases, sites that aren't pull-thrus are less expensive as well. When making reservations, ask if there are any discounts available for small RVs. Happy trails. - posted by:Mary Gormandy White

Question: Hi Mary, i would like to purchase a good pull behind trailer, camper type unit, nothing to large, as I have no experience with this what would you say would be a comfortable unit for extended camping outings, something not to large but reasonably comfortable Thank you - Posted by: Gary Wilkins
Answer: Gary - This is a difficult question to answer, as many factors impact the best size camper for an individual. It depends on how many people you plan to travel with, what you mean by extended, your personal space preferences, whether you plan to travel with pets, and additional factors. When I started shopping for campers, I felt the same way you do. What I found to be the most beneficial was visiting an RV dealership and touring different sizes and styles of campers. There's no better way to get a sense of the size camper you'll be comfortable with than to tour several models, one after the other. This will give you a sense of what "feels" right to you. - posted by:Mary Gormandy White

Question: I got your email after reading your user info on lovetoknow.com, and you seem very knowledgeable on the subject. So forgive me if I may sound completely clueless about camping, becuase I am. I am trying to get a small group (5-6) of my friends together on a weekend camping trip before winter. I live in Columbus, so any campground in Ohio or within a three hour drive would be perfect. Our ideal trip and location would be somewhere we can park our cars, then walk to any location where we can decide the place to pitch a tent. Somewhere we can hike and fish during the day, and build a fire at night where we can possibly cook our own food and drink cold beverages while we can just relax and reminisce. I guess my first question about this scenario is are there places like this? If so, do you have to make reservations or are there places that let you go for free? Also, what is the approximate cost of such a trip for fishing licenses, camping fees? I hope you can answer some of these questions. Also, any other information or useful links to share with an amateur camper would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to hearing from you. - Posted by: PHILIPPE VIRAY
Answer: Philippe - It's best to always camp in an official campground. There are plenty of excellent campsites within a reasonalbe drive from where you are located. You will probably find that one of the Ohio State Parks is perfect for you. Use this link to connect directly to the state park system, where you'll find information about specific locations, reservation procedures, and rates. Have a great trip. - posted by:Mary Gormandy White

Question: We were given an old avilon camper. We are having trouble with the eating table. There are no hinges to hold the table up or even if we can make a bed. Our model year is a 1969 or 76.We are no6t sure.Our son gave it to us and we have been working on it for weeks. PLEASE HELP. Thanks - Posted by: sherry black
Answer: Sherry - The best resource for information about restoring an Avion is the very active Avion owners Yahoo Group. When you register for the group, you'll need to specify why you are interested in joining. Let the moderator know that you hae an older Avion that you are restoring. You'll find the members to be very forthcoming with tips and advice. We profiled one of the members in an interview about Avions recently. Best of luck getting your Avion up and running. - posted by:Mary Gormandy White

Question: Hi-I just boughta chevy Astro van. I will use it for both a passenger van and a camping vehicle. I want to get prepared for when I go camping so I'm looking for a premade platform that I can slide into the van after I take the rear seat out. On top I will put my mattress and lide my boxes of camping gear underneath. It's pretty simple but I'd rather purchse it premade...any ideas if something like that exists already?? Thanks Pam - Posted by: Pam
Answer: Pam - I don't think you're going to find this pre-made especially for this purpose. If anyone has something like this, it would be a company that specializes in van conversions. I wonder if a waterbed platform would work? - posted by:Mary Gormandy White

Question: Dear Mary, We have an airmatress for guests. When it's cold (even mildly cold), the air in the matress gets cold as the night progresses. By morning the matress is cold. Do you have tips for combatting the cold matress? Thank you, Susan - Posted by: Susan
Answer: Susan, The air inside an air mattress is impacted by the temperature in the air around it. When you set it up, try "insulating" it. For example, place a comforter or a few blankets on he floor below the mattress. This will deflect some of the cold air rising from the floor. Also place a blanket on top of the mattress, between the mattress and the sheet. You may also want to try using flannel or jersey sheets instead of cotton ones. - posted by:Mary Gormandy White

Question: I have a 1980's companion camper trailer. I plugged in the electric cord to an outlet, and the interior plugs work fine, but the 12v lights don't work. The bulbs pop as soon as I turn them on. The converter/charger is not plugged into an outlet and I have no battery at this time. I don't even know if you need to have it plugged in if you are not using a battery. Every 12volt light blows the bulbs in the camper. Any ideas on what I need to do? Hopefully its not trace down wires thru the walls. :D Thank you for any help you can provide. - Posted by: Stephan K
Answer: Check a 12V light socket with a voltmeter. If it's 110V instead of 12V, you get to trace wires. For safety, when tracing, put a battery in the camper and pull the electric cord out of it. You'll trace 12V in the 110V system. Set the 110V breakers to "Off". Pull outlet boxes out of the line and test the wiring to each box as you remove it. When the 110 system no longer reads voltage, you've found the bad wire. Hopefully you have a wiring diagram for the camper.

Sorry for the bad news :( - posted by:Mary Gormandy White



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