Camp Kamp

Any others out there? Northeast Wisconsin?

Hi, just purchased 34 ft type A.  Looking for Wisconsin GLBT that may want to travel together, or meet at other campgrounds.  Looking for other GLBT peeps to do the same.

A Year in Review of Two New RVers 

July 2013- July 2014

What a year! In July, the US Supreme Court upheld that Prop 8 was indeed unconstitutional! Donald and I were elated and we wasted no time in scheduling our appointment to get married, On July 9, 2013, Donald and I were officially married, after 18 years. Our marriage ceremony was quiet and simple, with our best friend Shirley and our god-daughter Randi, as our witnesses. I wont say we did it on the cheap, however, I did make sure we were coordinated in Donald's favorite color; yellow.

Anyone else planning to be at Chula Vista RV Resort over the Labor Day Holiday?

Hi all!

My gf and I just purchased our first Class C today.  Only trip on the books is Bar Harbor and Eastport, ME in August.  

Looking for community members in the Northeast.?

Hi there, just joINed.  I can't find a list of upcoming trips for the chapter. Can u please let me know where that is?   Thanks sharon

When, a few years ago, I suggested to my partner Dave that giving up our day jobs, selling our B&B in New Orleans and setting out in an RV to tour America for a couple years would be a swell adventure, I was expecting an arched eyebrow and withering stare. Dave loves New Orleans. Dave loves familiarity. Dave hates surprises.  And yet…he agreed. With surprisingly little hesitation.

An act of love?  Of course.  But there is an adventurer’s spirit deep in his soul as well. And this particular solution to feeding that spirit comes with a bit of familiarity hitched to the back of the truck.

And so, much to my astonishment, the adventure began.

Our first year on the road has been more fun, more fascinating, more fulfilling than either of us imagined. And I've been blogging about it all along the way here: http://fabulousfifthwheel.com/.

Now this weekend is taking some thinking.  Being trailer trash and all, it almost leaves the door wide open as to how to decorate at this event.  I am sure there will be some festive decorations show up.

We loved the Temecula meet up and this one to be as good.  Loved meeting the Rainbow RV hosts Greg and Tim.  What a couple of great guys.  As newbies, they made us feel right at home.

We are not doing a dog show this weekend so we can come to this gathering and what a joy it will be to take the weekend off and enjoy.  We are sure we will but hope to meet some great people this weekend.

Well we did it, we listed our house last thursday (may 15) and moved into our travel trailer (Lacrosse, luxury lite, touring edition, 327res) and we love it - the 3 dogs (2 jacks and a rat terrier) all love it too andwe couldnt be happier with the park we are staying in, unless it was closer to our house (for visits while waiting to sell) it's about 24 miles from us. 

Gettingeverything we think we wanted in the trailer seems to have gone fine - it all fits! We were even able to get cable internet here since we are going to be here for a few weeks (and/or until our house sells, which in the market currently in Austin, will be fast). 

We also got our new 10inch cool memory foam queen bed and its sooooooo much better! 

The only annoyance is where to put our compters while we game (lol Steve and I are bother gaming geeks:P) but we set up on our table and got rid  of 2 of the chairs for now so we have plenty of room. The dogs are lounging on the sofa and recliners as i speak which is the new norm. The view out the rear picture window is a pig farm, which surprisingly is cute and not smelly!

Cant wait to see what this brings with it (the adventure that is) but after house sells we will be heading to nor-cal to visit family and get married, then we are going to be heading east to visit friends/attractions all summer and early fall long! Any MUST HAVES or good tips for long durations in your trailer are welcome!

Hello All,

I said I would be keeping you up to date as we are on our way to dog shows and then to the meet up in Temecula.  We have not had access to the net so have been unable post our results.

All three of our dogs won points this weekend.  Our little Affenpincher took a Group II and a Group III win.  His little playmate beat him on the last day taking breed and went to Group where she did not place but showed her ass off.  It was a great day.

Our dog Diva also won over the specials she was up against and went to Group.  So all in all, we did very well.

We are planning a Texas to Florida RV Trip this month and I need help planning it.  Where should we stop and what should we see?  I need your help!  

I will be video blogging my adventure on my blog at http://www.staywithfamily.com/blog  

We just left the bay area last evening and on the road.  We are actually on our way to Salt Lake City Utah to a 4 day dog show.  We are showing our Affenpinchers and our Bouvier.  We have a great line up of judges hence the long trip.

Started out yesterday and one of the Affenpinchers jumped over the gate between the seats.  Affen means monkey so we laughed and said to each other we now have flying monkeys.

First night drove just over 300 miles and today already on the road for another 500 miles today.  Will set up for dog show tonight and start our first of 4 shows tomorrow.  Will keep you posted as to their progress and a pic or two if possible.

If you are in the market for a towable (Air Stream, DRV 5th Wheels, Cardinal or Redwood) I highly recommend Southwest Coaches, and sales manager Dave Delano.  We bought our Carriage (Carri-Lite) 5th wheel and were treated very well; definitely gay friendly)  Their service is great and they work on any brand towable.  I know they want to be a Rainbow RV sponsor also.  They are located at 1313 1313 RV Center Drive, Colton, CA 909-422-9926.

Just returned from another Fun Filled Dog Show in Sacramento.  For those of you who know dog shows, we took 3 out of 4 majors in the Affenpincher breed.  Another new champion.  "Razrr".  Sorry, I don't have a pic of him to post immediately.

The drive to Sac was uneventful and all went well.  However, as you know---anything can happen and sometimes does.  When we pulled up stakes and ready to leave, we could not get our hydrolics to raise.  WTF?  Took me an hour before I shut down the coach completely including turning off the batteries as if it was stored and then restarted everything again.  YEAH!  Success.  The system reset itself and we were on our way.

Have another trip this weekend leaving home Friday to Vallejo to show our Bouvier des Flandres this time.  She has one major already and we are looking to pick up another this weekend. 

Thought I would write about our last adventure.  Nice but I will be sure to check a map next time a book an RV site.

I had a one week convention meeting in Monterey, CA [nice place] and googled for a place to park "Buster".  That is the name of our RV.  Anyway, found an RV park that boasted to be very nice in the Monterey area.  In fact it was very nice but was approximately 1 to 1.5 hours away by car to the city of Monterey. 

Don't get me wrong, it was a very nice park and is located at exit 295 on Highway 101 at Greenville.  The park is in fact new and only had 4 to 6 rigs there the whole week I was there.  Grass, trees, and aminities were great with club house, pool and work out area.  The work out area was nice to look out but rest assured, I did not use it.

So I guess another lesson learned about taking the RV out, be sure to check on the location of the RV park you are booking before you set your final plans.

Well  I thought I'd document my partner and my adventures. Today we got a new propride hitch installed which marked the end of our 3 week ordeal buying a new  travel trailer :)

Its a PrimeTime Lacrosse 327res http://www.primetimerv.com/default.asp?page=products&choice=floorviewer&model=lacrosse&name=4891 (ours is a lovely champaign not white)

We bought it from  our dealer (Thats it over there we really like it!) with intent on towing with our v8 2012 f-150 ecoboost. Well... on the way home (a 22 mile trip) it was swaying so bad we about had heart attacks in only mild wind even on side roads - and the check engine light came on. Come to find out the dealer for our truck didnt exactly tell us everything correctly about our towing capacity and the radiator was overheating cuz we were like 800lbs over weight.

The experience was actually good, so earlier last week Steve went and got us a 2012 cummins turbo diesel heavy duty ram 2500. Our new hitch arrived on tuesday of last week (propride) and  we got it assembled saturday (had to work!). During assembly we did have to call the support twice on a saturday and Sean woodruff the owner  of the company called us back within 3 minutes both times! (amazing service) - we had  to remount the propane tanks and extend the break away chains (which i finished this morning).

So we pulleder out - the truck pulled the 8400 TT like it wasnt even there and we had 45mph gusts all day today with a cold front moving into austin and we drove a 100mile round trip and it was... for lack of a better word... AHHHHHH MAZEING! we were so relieved, and had no white nuckle experiences. Then.. I was actually able to back it into our driveway on the first try (again!) 

Another Great weekend with the group. This last weekend was a quick one.  My work schedule involved  web programming on a new commerce website so hotspot in hand, I headed out to the RV park early.  Tim usually likes to stay late but I think he was relieved to get there early so we could set up a couple of his home Christmas decorations.  Our intent was to load the shoe and make it a high heel skate but we didnt have time to make a blade  and I didnt want to sew in all the lights for a two night stay.  Maybe we can do the event next year and plan a little better .  Not long after we got there most of the members showed up.  I was surprised to see Jim From San Diego since it was so close to his home.  but it isnt about the drive there it is all about the company you keep.  I was glad his partner ( he calls him a room mate) Nacho was there with us for most of the fun stuff.

On Saturday morning we were awaken by a voice "Now Dasher, Now Dancer Now Prancer, Where is my Vixon"  Then what to my wondering eyes should appear but 30 straight people in leotards.  OMG , Tim started taking notes for next year, no way, I am not that secure.  The group visit the rv park every year for the event an spend Saturday spreading Christmas Cheer.  They were having too much fun.

Saturday Night we checked out the light displays, went to the RV Resorts annual Chocolate extravaganza event then off to the local Restaurant for a group Dinner.  No pt lick for this crowd we were truly Glamping this time the Restaurant is next to the rv park. 

At the Marina Bar and Restaurant we had a party of 15 or so.  The Girls wanted to foster fellowship and put us all together by totally rearranging the seating at the jont.  Susan and Steffane get right in and get it done I guess when you have 5 teen age boys at home you just take charge and do it.  We had a wonderful meal and the gift exchange was a bunch of fun.  In true spirit of White elephant Susan and Steffane wrapped a ornate urn from their storage.  that was the hit of the barter steal a gift what ever game we played after opening up our gifted treasures.  

Hey, all, I just saw this listing on Craigslist and thought it was so cool that I wanted to share.  So, if anyone out there is looking for a party RV, this might be of interest!

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/rvs/4205400311.html

For four years we have tried to come up with a motto for Rainbowrv.   I think it must include fellowship because that is a common theme result and warmth  found at every event.  Thanksgiving at  Chula Vista Marina was another fellowship full event.  

Tim and I intended to get to the RV park on Thursday to spend some time unwinding from our landscape work before we set up for guests but the rain dampened Tim's motivation to uncover the bus and set out on wet highways.  Fridays rain left him with no choice but to contend with the waterspots.  We arrived at the park in  just 90 minutes as the traffic was light and the park is less than 80 miles from our house.  Most every one made it to the park but the down pours in Arizona  and Palm Springs Kept John & TJ and Matt & Doug from making the trek.  For a list of who went click here.

The RV park sets up a holiday dinner for Saturday which in the past included stuffing and potatoes with the Turkey but things changed and we learned that only Turkey is provided.  Not to worry because everyone we spoke with offered to help make the two treats.  Our prep started with several trips to the local markets for ingredients,  then Sandy and Dee offered their four slide coach up as a production kitchen where Mandy, Sandy and I whipped up the two dishes.  I am not much of a cook but under the guidance of the two I think I proved to be of some help.  I must admit  the cooking was quite a bit of fun and just as rewarding when our  dinner came and everyone gobbled up the two dishes.   

The RV Park supplied and set up  the tents because the main clubhouse would not seat the entire park.  I so wish we were able to break bread together and am not quite sure there isn't a bit of politics at play.   I am sure not all the Indians and pilgrims ate together either.  Their Loss, no SandyMandy stuffing for the hetro's.

Wow....what a stressfull and learning journey this has been.  After searching for over a year, we finally found our "dream RV" a 2001 Holiday Rambler, Ambassador, diesel pusher (70K miles on it).  We found it via the internet, from a dealer in Corbin, Kentucy.  We're actually from Kansas City, Missouri.  We traveled to Corbin in March 2013 and decided, this was the one. Following is the "Reader's Digest" version of our personal nightmare!

• We made the deal, and left the coach with the dealer for upgrades and additions.  The coach was to be ready for us in four weeks, so we booked air. The night before we were to leave, the sales manager called, the coach wasn't ready.  
• After many phone calls, sometimes daily, finally end of June and the dealer notified us that the coach was ready.
• This time we decided to drive the 600+ miles, as we were going to buy a tow dolly.  
• We arrive in Corbin and the dealer had the coach set up at the local KOA waiting for us. The employee that set it up, hooked the coach up to the city water, but didn't reset the switch to city water and left the switch in the tank position.  This caused a leak, which leaked in to the coach and underneath the laminate flooring, buckling it!
• Also we disovered the dash air and the cruise control were not operational.  
• The dealer took the coach back to the service shop and gave us a loaner, to stay in while the appropriate repairs were underway.
• A week later, and finally, we take delivery and on our way back to Kansas City.  We're about 50 miles outside of Corbin, and the coach is steering erratically and we begin to smell smoke!  We pull over on the closest exit, get out and there is smoke billowing out of the front passenger wheel.  We contact the dealer and he directs us to the nearest KOA and he'd send a repair crew out the next morning.
• Two weeks later, 3 or 4 phone calls a day and we are still stranded at the KOA, with the coach up on hydraulic jacks and listing to the back and drivers side.  "Waiting for part"
• We decide to leave the coach at the KOA and wait for the dealer to once again, repair the coach.
• In July, we're notified by the dealership that the coach is ready, but.......
• In the meantime, we begin hearing from friends we'd made in the area, that the dealer was declaring bankruptcy and the bank came in and repo's all the units on his lot, including ours, which had been paid for in full!
• FINALLY, we hire an attorney and found out that the dealer had received the clear title in May and signed it over to the bank to generate more reveune for his failing business!  
• Fast forward many sleepless nights, the bank decided to give us free and clear title, releasing them from any liability.
• As I write this, the dealer and his wife are in jail, under 10 counts of fruad, 1M bail each.  

So we leave tomorrow to pick up the coach and hopefully close this chapter in this horror story.  We thought we'd taken all the right precautions, check the dealer's BBB rating, talking with other customers.  Now we find out that there was one unit he had sold to 3 different individuals!  Many of folks were in our same position.  I suppose at the first sign of trouble, we should have hired an attorney to represent us in the transaction/s.  Who knows?

We are looking forward to meeting Rainbow RV folks and making new friends.