New RV for us

[Ernie]

The show is for dealers and suppliers only. It is a very Big deal by invitation only. I get a kick out of checking out the small/new manufacturers that set up in available empty lots showing their teardrops and popups hoping to get some sales from the overflow. I am hoping to see some campers this year.

[Redthies]

Congrats Hatch! There is no perfect RV. They all are compromises.

I am actually a big Airstream fan, but I am not RVing enough to justify ownership.

Ted, I own a company that restores and customizes Airstreams. I’m busting my ass to get my 1963 Globe Trotter done in time for a September fly fishing / wine drinking trip. We usually camp at Hobson or on the Rincon, but will only get as far south as Santa Rosa this trip. Next time we hit Ventura County I’ll let you know and we can tilt a beverage!

[cooperhawk]

Oh, you like Airstreams do you. We've had two, a Bambi 1962, and a 345 Turbo Diesel 1985.
We finally sold the 345 in 2012 after 18 years of travel with it.

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[Hatchdog]

Wow Coop, that beauty looks like a space ship. Very cool!

We brought the “Thoroughly Modern Millie” common RV home yesterday. Not nearly as awesome as Coop’s Airstream. I forgot to take some interior pics but will do so today. Previously we had a 2019 Rockwood and it’s amazing how much “cheaper” this 2026 is. Such as the thickness of the outdoor storage doors. Just another case of less for more. First trip isn’t until the 13th so we’ll spend some days getting it spotless (Mrs hatchdog is eager to attack the interior). Then we’ll load up all the stuff needed for life in camp. First trip is to our favorite place on Lake Roosevelt, we’ll bring the boat so two trips for me. (90 minute drive each way so no big deal).

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[DsGrouse]

Congrats. That looks lovely.

[Redthies]

Looks great! What’s the model? I’m curious on floor plan.

Are you south of the Kettle Falls bridge at your spot? We’ve camped at Kamloops Island a couple of times. I need to go to Crandall for a “Burrito del Toro” (they name all their breakfast items after celebrities like the “Piggy Smalls” sandwich. It’s in the old apple warehouse, which has some great antique stuff. I’ve gotten a couple of nice leather pieces like an old scabbard and an old cartridge belt to hang with my old Winchesters.

[Redthies]

A couple of pics of our ‘63 since Coop cracked the seal

[markiver54]

Awesome Airstream.

[Ted124]

Oh, you like Airstreams do you. We've had two, a Bambi 1962, and a 345 Turbo Diesel 1985.
We finally sold the 345 in 2012 after 18 years of travel with it.

Airstream 1985 345 TD 4.jpg

OMG! That thing is huge! I’d be scared to drive that.

[Ted124]

Wow Coop, that beauty looks like a space ship. Very cool!

We brought the “Thoroughly Modern Millie” common RV home yesterday. Not nearly as awesome as Coop’s Airstream. I forgot to take some interior pics but will do so today. Previously we had a 2019 Rockwood and it’s amazing how much “cheaper” this 2026 is. Such as the thickness of the outdoor storage doors. Just another case of less for more. First trip isn’t until the 13th so we’ll spend some days getting it spotless (Mrs hatchdog is eager to attack the interior). Then we’ll load up all the stuff needed for life in camp. First trip is to our favorite place on Lake Roosevelt, we’ll bring the boat so two trips for me. (90 minute drive each way so no big deal).


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Full indoor accommodation! That’s the way to go!

[Ted124]

A couple of pics of our ‘63 since Coop cracked the seal

Very cute Airstream! I’m sure restoration efforts require some level of skill.

[Ted124]

This entire RV thing got me thinking.
At one point or another I will most likely move out to Arizona. Who can tell the future !?
My property is well rented, Re/Max is the property management.
In short, me thinks: if the time comes for me to move to AZ, I'll keep the property rented, find myself a decent camping trailer and get back to the roots. Find a good safe space, clean water and waste connection and live the "simple life" again for a while.

[Ted124]

Full time RV living, 1989

[cooperhawk]

OMG! That thing is huge! I’d be scared to drive that.

Actually, that 345 was very easy to drive. It had a six cylinder Isuzu 6BD1 engine and ran very well.
It had been set up for 55mph but I changed the rear end and it cruised at 65mph at just the right
rpm. It got 16mpg and towing a vehicle it got 12 mpg. It only weighed in at 16000 lbs.
It was a pretty thing. People always wanted to see inside so one time in Wisconsin we set up a sign
that said tours began at seven so we could eat dinner in peace.

Here's our Bambi.

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Finally sold that for three time what I had paid for it.

[cooperhawk]

Here's our ride now. Unfortunately its broke down at Freightliner in Rochester, MN.

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For old folks like us now it provides a lot more room and comfort.

[Ted124]

OMG! This looks like something out of a Mad Max movie! The Bambi is extra cute! New ones are pricey.

I think I just changed my mind regarding the living in trailer idea.

[cooperhawk]

The Winnebago is really nice and not quite so spartan as the AS.
Here it is in OKC with the Bronco hooked up and ready to go as soon as we pull in the three slides.

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Here's a shot of the interior with the lovely Mrs. Cooperhawk.

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[Ted124]

The American Way! Thank the Lord for all the Highways!

[daytime dave]

Some impressive RV's here for sure. I followed a pickup truck with a camper in the bed. It was modern and looked very well made. It turned into the market ahead of me and I told the owner how I thought it was a nice rig. He said it was perfect for two. He had it on a Chevrolet crew cab 2500.

[Hatchdog]

Looks great! What’s the model? I’m curious on floor plan.

Are you south of the Kettle Falls bridge at your spot? We’ve camped at Kamloops Island a couple of times. I need to go to Crandall for a “Burrito del Toro” (they name all their breakfast items after celebrities like the “Piggy Smalls” sandwich. It’s in the old apple warehouse, which has some great antique stuff. I’ve gotten a couple of nice leather pieces like an old scabbard and an old cartridge belt to hang with my old Winchesters.

We’re staying at the Kettle Falls Campground, a NPS campground with a fantastic boat launch. It’s just south of the bridge. That antique store sounds like fun, is Crandall up your way?

It’s the 2618RD from Forester/Rockwood. 30’ overall length with hitch and rear bumper. Front bedroom, mid bath which is a walkthrough, mid kitchen and recliner area and rear dining. Towed it home yesterday empty and hardly knew it was behind my F250. Once I get it loaded with all our stuff and 54 gallons of water it will get a bit heavier. Rear water tank so probably will be a little bit wiggly. Had the same set up on a previous Rockwood and it towed fine. Longest trip was South Dakota Mt Rushmore area.

Here’s some interior pics.

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