According to estimates by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, as many as 30 million Americans qualify as recreational vehicle enthusiasts. While some RV travelers prefer the luxury of a full-sized, self-contained unit, many have fallen in love with the flexible and easily maneuverable pop up camper. If you are an owner or frequent renter of one of these great, little trailers, chances are that you are familiar with a variety of campgrounds and have taken numerous camping trips to some great destinations. However, you may not have considered venturing on one of those longer road trip tours that are common to owners of large RVs. Owning a pop up does not limit you to short camping trips. If you have the time and the inclination, you can travel hundreds and even thousands of miles across several states with a pop up.
Advantages of Long Distance, Southwest Travel with a Pop Up
When traveling cross-country, a large motorhome might seem like the more comfortable, efficient choice. After all, it has the amenities of home and is much cooler, particularly in a desert environment. However, a pop up has numerous advantages over the luxury motorhome that might even allow you to get more out of your summer vacation.
The greatest advantages of a tent trailer are its size and compactness. Because of its light weight, it can be pulled with a smaller truck or SUV. Not only is this better for the environment but can save a family hundreds of dollars on gas. There is greater overall visibility with a trailer that is low to the ground, and it is much easier to maneuver through both cities and narrow country roads.
Camping with a tent trailer can also open up more choices when it comes to selecting a campground. Some of the most beautiful desert campgrounds are also some of the most remote with narrow entrances and compact campsites that do not easily accommodate a large RV.
Although taking a long distance trip through the Southwest with a pop up is, in so many ways, a preferable way to travel, there are some special considerations that anyone considering such a trip should take into account.
Hot and Inclement Weather
Many parts of the Southwest reach triple digit temperatures during the summer months. According to the National Park Service, average temperatures in Arizona's Saguaro National Park, Utah's Arches National Monument, and California's Joshua Tree National Park can climb to over 105 degrees.
Extremely hot weather is not much of a problem while you are on the road if you have air conditioning in your car. However, you will need to take several precautions against hot weather while camping. Plenty of water, either stored in a small tank or in bottles, is essential. Sunscreen and hats are also necessary. If your trailer does not have an awning, you may want to carry a folding umbrella or canopy. Battery-powered camping fans or misters are inexpensive and can take the edge off the heat.
One of the most effective ways to deal with the Southwest heat while camping is to plan carefully. Planning activities such as cave exploring, swimming, and perusing museums during the hottest part of the day can offer relief from the heat, and evening is the ideal time for a hike.
In summer, the Southwest is also prone to sudden thunderstorms that can be very dangerous if you do not have adequate shelter. Both lightning and flash floods are common and potentially fatal hazards. While weather is a natural part of outdoor traveling and shouldn't cause you to live in fear, it is advisable to know all you can before embarking on a long trip. Read the National Weather Service guide to thunderstorms. A battery-operated weather band radio is one of the best tools you can have. Take precautions seriously and be prepared to check into a motel or, at least, take shelter inside a building for the duration of the storm.
Bathroom, Showers, and Dishwashing Facilities
One thing to keep in mind for a long trip is that you will not have the convenience of a black water tank. Unless your small trailer has a portable toilet, you will need to have continuous access to a bathroom or outhouse or be able to dig your own latrine. You may need to walk to these facilities in darkness or bad weather for long periods of time. However, consider the advantages of this arrangement. You will never have to deal with the mess or odor of of a sewage tank. You will never have to worry about finding a dump station.
Keeping clean is also an important consideration. You may be accustomed to going without a shower for a weekend trip, but you will need access to bathing facilities for longer travel. Many campgrounds provide showers, and several of these are coin operated to encourage conservation. It is a good idea to carry an ample supply of quarters at all times. However, some campgrounds provide only water spigots or no water at all. This is where having a solar shower that can be affixed to the outside of your trailer or a tree can come in very handy. Keep in mind that you are also likely to need periodic access to laundromats during your travels. Some of the larger campgrounds provide washers and dryers for a fee.
Another question to ask yourself is how you are going to keep your dishes clean. Some tent trailers have sinks, but these may be inconvenient for washing pots and may lack hot water. Using primarily paper plates and plastic utensils is one way to cut down on the amount of cleaning. There are also portable camping sinks. Sometimes campgrounds provide dishwashing sinks. If you use the campground facilities, be sure to follow the regulations to avoid attracting unwanted wildlife.
Storing and Preserving Food
Eating primarily canned and dried products will help considerably with long term storage, but chances are that you will need to keep some items cold at all times. Without access to a refrigerator, you will need a sturdy cooler and plenty of ice. This will involve refilling and draining the cooler every few days during your trip. Block ice is usually best for this purpose because it lasts the longest. By freezing two liter soda bottles filled with water, you can make some block ice to start you on your way.
Making the Most of Your Southwest Adventure
Realistically, camping your way through the Southwest in a tiny trailer involves extensive planning and a degree of discomfort that you might avoid in a larger rig. Try to think of these as minor inconveniences. Consider how the cost savings, expanded options, and easier mobility can create a more fulfilling and exciting adventure.
Sources:
U.S. Department of the Interior. "U.S. National Park Service". Accessed February 7, 2011.
Recreation Vehicle Industry Association. "RV Quick Facts". Accessed February 7, 2011.
Linda Seddon - Linda Seddon is a freelance writer and an aspiring novelist. She writes on a range of topics. Some of her favorites include literature for ...
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