Camping
Introduction to Camping
Camping is a great way to connect with nature and disconnect from the stress of everyday life. There are many ways to enjoy the great outdoors, and camping in an RV or trailer is one of the most popular choices.
RV and trailer camping have many advantages over tent camping. One of the main benefits is that they provide a more comfortable and convenient camping experience. With an RV or trailer, you have a bed, a kitchen, and a bathroom all in one place. This means you don't have to sleep on the ground, cook over a campfire, or use a shared bathroom. You also have the option to bring along all the comforts of home, such as a TV, air conditioning, and a microwave.
Another advantage of RV and trailer camping is that they allow you to travel more easily and comfortably. You can move from one campsite to another without having to pack up and set up camp each time. This means you can cover more ground and explore more places in a shorter amount of time.
On the other hand, tent camping has its own unique charm and benefits. One of the main advantages of tent camping is that it allows you to be closer to nature. You can hear the sounds of the wildlife, feel the fresh air, and see the stars at night. Tent camping also allows you to be more flexible with your camping location. You can pitch your tent in more remote areas, such as national parks or wilderness areas, where RV and trailer camping may not be allowed.
Tent camping also tends to be more affordable than RV and trailer camping. You don't have to buy or rent expensive equipment, and campsites that allow tents are usually cheaper than those that accommodate RVs and trailers.
In summary, camping in an RV or trailer provides a comfortable and convenient way to enjoy the outdoors, while tent camping allows you to be closer to nature and offers more flexibility and affordability. Both options have their own unique advantages, and the choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and camping style.
What RV/Trailer to Buy
After years of attending RV shows in Maryland and Hershey, Pennsylvania, which is reputed to be the world's largest RV show, I finally decided to purchase my first trailer in the spring of 2022. It was no easy task choosing from the hundreds of options available, which ranged from teardrop trailers to pop-up trailers and Class A, B, and C RVs.
During my selection process, I prioritized finding a trailer that was small enough for my current minivan to pull and could be parked in my garage, as my HOA prohibited parking on the driveway. I also did not want to spend money on parking in RV parking areas.
What is A-liner and why I chose it
After establishing my selection criteria, I narrowed my choices down to two types of trailers: teardrop and pop-up trailers. While teardrop trailers are small and lightweight, they do not provide enough headroom to stand up inside, and most models require outdoor cooking.
That's when I discovered the A-liner, a type of pop-up trailer that met most of my requirements. An A-liner is a type of folding trailer that has a distinctive "A" shape when set up, hence the name. It is lightweight, compact, and can fit in my garage when folded. One of the key advantages of the A-liner is that it provides enough headroom to stand up inside, which is not the case with most teardrop trailers. Moreover, it has an indoor cooking option, which is particularly useful in bad weather. The A-liner also offers the added benefits of air conditioning and heating, making it suitable for camping in any season.
Purchase & taking Delivery
After weighing up all the pros and cons, I ultimately decided to purchase the A-Liner and placed a deposit at the Maryland RV show held at the MD state fairgrounds.
A few weeks later, I visited Beckley's RV in Thurmond, MD to pick up my new trailer. The entire experience exceeded my expectations, and I was impressed with everyone I interacted with that day, from the salesperson to the finance person and the store manager. Since it was my first trailer, they even went the extra mile by giving me a lesson on pulling, backing up, and parking (which, by the way, can be challenging if you've never done it before). If you're in the market for an RV in Maryland, I highly recommend this dealership.
Let’s start camping
During the first year of owning our trailer, my family and I went on several camping trips to various campgrounds in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. I plan to share more details about these trips soon.
