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RE: HELP!! Need Hybrid Opinion
We have an '08 Export 17C, purchased in February, moved up from a '97 flagstaff pup.
Original TV was an '02 Jeep Grand Cherokee 6cyl w/ tow rating of 5,000#. I have to say, I was not happy with how we were towing on our way home from picking up the camper. It was a much rougher ride than I'd anticipated (even my husband wasn't thrilled) and that was an hour home, mostly highway and unloaded. It definitely worked hard on the hills. In our case, we also have a steep driveway and we weren't sure the jeep had the hp to get the camper up the grass. The camper was in our backyard for 2 mths.
DH was going to do some upgrades to the car so that the transmission wouldn't work so hard, but in the end, we decided best to get a more sturdy TV and upgraded to a Tahoe. World of difference. Now I'm not as worried about every ounce in the camper/car. And, it still has plenty of power when you hit a hill.
We chose the 17C because of the tow capacity of the Jeep (now, of course, I'd love to go larger!). I have to say, I don't know that I ever would have chosen it if we still had our minivan. Just me...JMHO.
As for the camper, we love it! It's great, perfect size. Right now we can even get 3 bikes in along w/ our other stuff. We'd highly recommend the 17C.
Good luck w/ your choice!
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kskuches
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09/11/08 02:57pm |
Hybrid Travel Trailers
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RE: Otter Lake Campground PA or Niagra Falls july 4,2009
Hi there:
Can't speak for the 4th, but we were there July 16th-22nd last year and never saw/heard anything like that. Given that someone was lighting off fireworks in our neighborhood last night, you know people do it well into July.
Anyway, I really enjoyed the campground and wouldn't hesitate to go back. The sites were very large with gravel and everything was clean, overall. We had a pop up at the time, so we used the showers/bathrooms and in our area they did get grungy toward as the day wore on, but the others I went to were spotless. We met a lot of nice people. The ride up to the campground from the main road is about 7 winding miles if I remember correctly. Bushkill Falls was my favorite day trip. Also, Camelback is pretty close with a waterpark. There are also places to white water raft in the area.
Though I've never been to Niagara camping (but have been otherwise), I would think that would be fun on the 4th. If these were my two choices, I'd probably lean toward that if not just for the experience. However, I think you'd have a good time at Otter Lake, too. I guess it all depends on you :).
Good luck w/ your choice!
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kskuches
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08/20/08 02:52pm |
Campgrounds, Resorts and Attractions
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RE: Moose Hillock, Warren NH Thumbs up!
Thanks for the info, Keith! That's on our shortlist of places to stay next year for our vacation in the White Mountains. You helped make our decision much easier! If you haven't already, put the review on http://www.rvparkreviews.com
Thanks again!
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kskuches
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08/20/08 02:35pm |
Campgrounds, Resorts and Attractions
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RE: Better day trip for Kids - Martha's Vineyard or Newport, RI?
I agree with Padlin - Newport is great if you're an adult, not so much for kids - esp. your kids' ages. You could def. go whale watching off the Cape - the kids would probably love that and it's a lot of fun. My best friend just did this w/ her kids last year in Hyannis and they loved it. Check out the website http://www.pirateadventurescapecod.com/If
If you're def. thinking of staying in Newport, Mystic, CT is probably only 45 mins. away. Not only do you have the aquarium, but the seaport is great, too - fun for kids and adults. Then again, in my warped way of thinking, if you're going to be flying out of Boston and if you haven't done so already, why not head to the NE aquarium there and the Children's museum? Don't know all the legs of your trip, so that's just a thought as well :). Best of luck planning!
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kskuches
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08/05/08 07:06pm |
Campgrounds, Resorts and Attractions
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RE: Lancaster, PA
We just came back from that area for the first time, too. What a beautiful area of the country. Stayed at Jellystone in Quarryville (very nice - water park is awesome by the way). After talking w/ a tour guide, we learned that with respect to the corn, the vast majority of it is grown to feed the cows. The Amish farmers supposedly make their crops from dairy (apparently Hershey buys much of their dairy) and tobacco, so the corn is primarily for feed. I was thinking the same thing - like, "How much corn do we EAT?!" until I heard that. We must've been lucky because we caught a stand off Route 222 that had some of the best corn I've had in a long time.
We didn't get to the Sturgis factory. Instead, went to the one in Intercourse seeing it was closer. Wish we'd driven further to Lititz, to be honest. And, note to self: always check the concert schedule at Hershey before you go otherwise you might get stuck going the same day as the Jonas Brothers are playing.....I think I've painted that picture pretty well...!
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kskuches
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08/02/08 07:22am |
Campgrounds, Resorts and Attractions
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Spare Tire FYI
Hi everyone:
Thought this story might save some people the hassle of what our friends went through on our way home from camping this weekend. They have a 2003 28' TT which they bought 4 yrs. ago and one of the tires blew - literally. Never had a problem w/ their tires before, but things happen. There was nothing but rim left. So, there we were pulling off the NJ Tpke and luckily right close to the State Police Barracks so that we were all safe. We pulled in and our friend said, "No problem - I've got a spare". So, he pulled the spare off and got the rim/shredded tire off the camper. While he was getting ready to put it on, his 10 yr. old said, "Dad, that's not going to fit. The spare has 6 lugs and the camper has 5". Ha! From a 10 yr. old!
Yup - after some choice words, the problem became suddenly more encompassing than just changing a tire on a Sunday afternoon. They were sold a camper with a spare that for all intents and purposes was completely useless to them. They are seasoned campers and they never would've thought to have looked at the number of lug nuts on the spare rim to see if they matched.
The unfortunate thing is that they called the dealer just to give them an FYI and get a spare(they did buy it 4 yrs. ago) - not looking for anything, just a heads up (and they've been thinking about trading in this unit, so they've been in contact w/ the dealer quite a bit lately). The dealer was rude, didn't even say, "Gee, we really apologize - glad you're ok", etc. The dealer who SOLD and inspected the unit put the blame squarely on our friends and treated them as if they were a waste of time. When they were looking to speak w/ the parts dept. about getting another spare, they were treated just as poorly. In this economy, I would think that RV dealers would be doing lots to keep customer loyalty - just my 2 cents. Needless to say, their new unit won't be purchased at this dealership.
So, moral of the story is, whether you buy new or used, check the spare on the unit to make sure the rims match otherwise your quick tire change could last several hours....:)
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kskuches
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07/31/08 07:25am |
Hybrid Travel Trailers
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RE: Northeast US - with a 3 year old
Ditto on the Lake George idea. We did that when my youngest was 3 and my oldest 14. It worked well for both. One of my favorite places.
Depending upon how far you want to go in the Northeast: One of my first memories as a kid was going to the White Mountains in NH (I believe there are a few KOA's around the area there, but never stayed at one). There's StoryLand & Santa's Village specifically - great for little kids. Polar Caves still brings back memories...Now that my mom lives up there, she's taken my son to some of these and he loves it. There are also water parks, gondola rides - tons to do.
Good luck with your planning! Sounds like it will be fun!
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kskuches
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07/14/08 06:27am |
Family Camping
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RE: Mt Pocono Campground
Agree w/ Bushkill Falls. We stayed at Otter Lake last year and Bushkill Falls was gorgeous. Delaware Water Gap is also nice. We went White Water Rafting about an hour or so away - loads of fun and many places to do it. Due to weather, didn't get to Camel Beach, but I was pleasantly surprised with the area. Enjoy!
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kskuches
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07/11/08 02:41pm |
Campgrounds, Resorts and Attractions
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RE: Teen's Summer Job
This is a tough topic and one we deal with all summer. We have a 19 yr.old fresh. in college and a 7 yr. old. The 19 year old has always hated camping (rather be at a beach), 7 yr. old can't get enough. It's just not possible for him to come away with us, though he's always, always welcome. Last year was our first outing without him and he did great - even taking care of the dog. No issues, no worries. He works very hard over the summer(currently 60 hrs/week - 2 jobs) and is in general very responsible - way more than his friends. Like other posters, this was either his chance to shine or blow it. I took any alcohol (we're not big drinkers) and hid it behind linens in a closet(you know he'd never check there;)) However, I'm not stupid enough to realize that he will find a way to get the booze....I work in the schools - I know that (and, been there, done that myself)! We're lucky to have a close knit neighborhood with families we know well . Our friends keep tabs on the house and the comings/goings for us and we for them (one of these families is also a camping family w/ same age kids - but girls). My parents are local enough that if something were to happen, he has help. We had one lapse in judgment last month. I believe the words from him were, "I never want to see you that angry again". We addressed it and, realize that people make mistakes and we believe he better understands how his actions can affect our family/home. It's not a perfect scenario by any stretch. We touch base with him several times throughout the day and night (thank god for cell phones) and bring his work schedule with us so that we know when to reach him. He's usually been very open with us about his life, so we're blessed in that respect - hence how we found out about his "lapse" last month. Though not perfect, we think that overall we've raised a respectful, kind hard-working young man and despite last month, I wouldn't hesitate to leave him again because I know he learned his lesson.
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kskuches
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07/10/08 03:43pm |
Family Camping
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RE: Lancaster PA/Amish Country
Thanks everyone for the great ideas! Appreciate all the input :)
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kskuches
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07/10/08 10:12am |
Campgrounds, Resorts and Attractions
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RE: Lake George RV park
Ooops. Yes, my husband reminded me right after I sent that - that was about 12 years ago, so as you can see it's like early onset Alzheimer's - or 2 wonderful kids making me lose my mind ;) Thanks for the correction!
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kskuches
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07/10/08 10:00am |
Campgrounds, Resorts and Attractions
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Lancaster PA/Amish Country
Hi Everyone:
Heading to the now infamous Jellystone in Quarryville, PA on the 20th. Now that the waterpark is up and running, hopefully things have settled down there. At least I hope so! :)
We're going for a week w/ our 7 yr. old. Looking at certain activities ie:
Strasbourg RR (this is a must do on our list)
Good 'n Plenty for dinner
Cherry Crest Farm
Is there a good Amish Farm tour/buggy ride to go on/see? Any other ideas for the area??? Any input is appreciated!
Already been to Hershey....while we liked it, no need to head back unless I'm dying for chocolate.
Thanks for the help!
Kristin
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kskuches
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07/09/08 07:40pm |
Campgrounds, Resorts and Attractions
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RE: Lake George RV park
I second the Ausable Chasm. It's amazingly beautiful. If memory serves, it's about an hour 1/2 up the road (like 30 mi. from the Canadian border). If your eldest is in to history, Fort Ticonderoga isn't all that far north. But, right in Lake George Center like someone else said is Fort William Henry.
Free is Prospect Mountain - nice hiking area. Beautiful views of the lake.
We're big water people, so we enjoyed spending time at Waterslide World 2 of the times we went. You can rent motorboats up and down the lake, too. We did that one year. And, the dinner cruise is nice - apparently they have other options now which may be easier on the wallet.
We always wanted to do some cheesy stuff like the Painted Pony Rodeo - BBQ and a rodeo, but never got the chance to.
I know you're youngest is 4, but if someone wants alone time w/ the 11 yr. old, there's local rafting that is just a blast. We went prior to the youngest being born w/ my older son and the last time, my youngest son was 3, so we obviously didn't go.
It's a beautiful area w/ lots to do. Have fun!!!!
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kskuches
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07/09/08 07:31pm |
Campgrounds, Resorts and Attractions
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RE: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Camp-Resort Marion, NC
No words can describe how funny it was to see that. It's not every day someone can dress up in a hot suit and dance to Thriller. We saw that campground, too, while thinking about a trip down south to our family next year. Now it's turned into a must stop. Thanks for the video/laugh!
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kskuches
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07/09/08 12:37pm |
Family Camping
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RE: Hershey, Pa to NY via Train
Sorry - just realized you said your son was 7. I wasn't viewing your message when I was typing :)
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kskuches
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07/08/08 03:19pm |
Campgrounds, Resorts and Attractions
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RE: Hershey, Pa to NY via Train
Hi there - Wow, you're wife is more brave than I would be :). 1st, I guess is how old is your son? Hershey/Harrisburg from where we are in CT is about a 4+ hour trip. We're heading to Lancaster in 2 weeks and planning on 4 1/2 w/ traffic/trailer. We're 50 mi. from NYC. I'd go with about 3 1/2 hours at least to NYC if you drive, traffic (as always) depending. You've got at least a 7 hour day just in travel to and from. Just an fyi, the lines for the statue of liberty in the summer can often be a nightmare (homeland security and all).
It's doable, but I think you'd be rushing through the day. I think if you took a train, you're closest station would be Harrisburg, but I suppose you could drive to Philly. Either way, I think the train will get you in to Penn Station/Port Authority. Philly is popular route with more travel options and I'd guess Harrisburg not as much.
IMHO and being a "local", do it when you have something else to do (which there always is in NYC)and can spend some time ie: Bronx Zoo, the museum of nat. history, Hayden Planetarium, Liberty state park, ellis island....To just go for the statue of liberty, while really cool, could just be a really, really long day coming from Hershey. Plus, they haven't opened the crown back up yet....that's the best part! :) Whatever your choice, at least you have options!
Long Island has some camping and Newburgh KOA is a close campground, too with (I think) shuttle buses available.
Hope that helps!
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kskuches
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07/08/08 03:15pm |
Campgrounds, Resorts and Attractions
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RE: Otter Lake Camp Resort - PA
We stayed at Otter Lake last year in our Pop Up. Site was a pull through on gravel, very level. The campground was great - lots of fishing, activities. We were never bored and our son had a blast fishing the whole week. Even on a rainy day, able to use the indoor pool. We were on Road C near a bathhouse and close to the main building (but not too close). I will say, this bathhouse did get grungy as the day wore on. However, there were others in less congested areas that were very clean. Attached link has some pictures of the campground. Enjoy if you go!
http://community.webshots.com/user/kskuches?vhost=community
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kskuches
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07/07/08 01:50pm |
Family Camping
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RE: Odetah photos???
No photos, but I can tell you that that's a pretty good area. We're staying in 23 when we go in Sept. Shaded, close to the pool, a small playground and the campstore. We were up in Q last year during a flood warning. Trying to walk up that hill during a monsoon was unbelievable. However, we still had a great time despite the horrible weather :). Be prepared - it's a hilly campground. However, it is beautiful, clean and well run. That's why we're heading back!
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kskuches
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07/02/08 02:48pm |
Campgrounds, Resorts and Attractions
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RE: Yogi Bear Quarryville, PA
I have reservations there for a week in mid-late July and have been nervously following all the goings on. Went on the website this morning and the waterpark is now open complete with pictures (even some construction tape in the background - appears to be pretty legit!). Whew!
Will let you all know how it goes!
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kskuches
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06/26/08 01:26pm |
Campgrounds, Resorts and Attractions
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