RV or Tent

[Grizzly95]

I have a an 11ft S&S camper that I have yet to use, I am thinkin of selling it and buying a big-ass tent. I am thinking like a canvas tent. I don't know anything about them, or how long or difficult they are to put up. What do you guys use? Pics? Thanks guys/gals

[nw_bowhunter]

Go with a good quality canvas tent like a Rainer tent. Get bigger than you think you will need because once you set up they can get real comfy and others will join quickly. Also, consider an add-on for the kitchen. Before I bought mine I checked out the sportsmen shows and ended up buying a package deal which included the stove. I like internal frames.

They don't take as long as you would think to set up but at minimum two guys makes it a lot easier. I say about 30 minutes for my. I have everything labled and before I start to assemble I lay all the pieces I need.

Depending on what you are using for, gear and # of people in it I would check out a 12 x 14 as a starting point.

[denali]

we went with a wall tent 10 years ago 16x20  then couple years later got a 12x14 for a cook shack, we set up 2 days before deer opening an tear down after elk.   Love the wall tents,  pics are on another computer try to get them up   

[Axle]

I've gone the RV route and liked it but then I downsized for financial reasons and speed reasons.

I much prefer the tent version of hunting. The canvas wall tent is easy to put up and take down and store. You can use a smaller rig for all the gear too. You can move camp easily.

One big thing for me was, I had friends who would come along in the RV and not respect cleanliness at all. They would also never off to help with cleaning it and some of the more rude ones would never off gas money. A big RV takes a gas guzzler to haul it which costs a lot in the long run.

I got a wall tent about 20 years ago, set it up in my back yard, sprayed it real good with Thompson's original waterseal and it has been serving me well since then.

[Smokepole]

Wall tent.  I have one for small family outings thats 10x14.  Then we set up a 16x 20 Montana Canvas outfitter tent for muley season.  Plan on getting a wood stove and you're good to go.

[carpsniperg2]

i bought a camp trailer last year 22ft love it  love it. keeps the wife happy when its used for hunting and camping

[Bulldozer]

We got wall tents last year and love them. We got a 14x16 internal frame to sleep in with wood stove and 12x14 cook tent.  Last night of the season my dad was up about 400 am cussin trying to change propane tanks on his RV cuz it ran out sometime earlier.   We were nice and warm in the tent with the wood stove.

[gasman]

Why do you not use the camper 

I started with a tent and switched to a camper. I often am first and last in camp and set up of a canvas tent is a Biatch to set up  and take downfor one person. So much gear to buy and pack with a tent, it is just easier to park my truck with my camper and drive my jeep or i can drop my camper in 10 minutes and drive my truck.


Just my .02.

[GoldTip]

I've used both, love my camper, (26' toyhauler)but at times it's difficult to get it where you want to set camp, and in some place's it's difficult to get it turned around if you get where your going and someone is already there!   Wall tents are easy enough to set up, but then you have storage of them and there frame parts and where do you put it if it's taken down wet and things like that.  There are drawbacks to either method.  All in all for straight up hunting use only, I'd go wall tent, minimum size of 14'x16' for three guys.  Any more guys than that I'd seriously consider a 14x20 or even a 16x20.  Now if you want ot take most of the town with you, I have an Army MASH tent that I believe is 20'x32' that I'd be willing to part with.

[croix]

Why do you not use the camper 

 

You can't beat the ease of use that a camper offers, but it doesn't suit all situations. I use my camper throughout the summer for family camping and I still think it's the best option for family outings where there's only three of us in the camper and we are in a campground. It's the ONLY way I will take the family out.

I've used it for hunting a few times also when it was me and maybe one or two other guys and there was a campround near the hunting and it was a short trip, but for our BIG deer camp the tents just work better. They have more space and you don't have to worry about tromping snow/mud/dirt in and out of them. I suppose if I had a single purpose camper that was only used for hunting and not family use then I might not worry so much about it, but there is still the space issue. We have had a dozen people in our cook/social tent playing cards, drinking, cooking etc.- NEVER be able to do that in a camper.

If you go the tent route, I am a big proponent of having seperate cook and sleep tents, especially for groups and for hunting. It allows people to go to bed while others are still being social. Also, I'm not a big scent nazi, but I would rather not cook burgers and onions in the same tent where my hunting clothes are hanging. It's tough to justify the setup of two or more tents though when you are only spending two nights.

Bottom line - short trips with few people = camper
                  long trips or large groups = tent(s)

 

[alanger]

Can't beat a good solid wall tent with a wood stove. nice and toasty. 

[MtnMuley]

Can't beat a good solid wall tent with a wood stove. nice and toasty. 

.....in the back of the utility trailer your pulling with your truck/camper.   Wall tent for socializing and kitchen/eating and the camper for snoozing(propane heat)--that way when it's your buddys turn to stoke the fire in the middle of the night, you don't freeze your arse off!

[gasman]

Can't beat a good solid wall tent with a wood stove. nice and toasty. 

.....in the back of the utility trailer your pulling with your truck/camper.   Wall tent for socializing and kitchen/eating and the camper for snoozing(propane heat)--that way when it's your buddys turn to stoke the fire in the middle of the night, you don't freeze your arse off!

I would second that.......

[royalbull]

If it is just yourself I would keep the camper. We set up 3 wall tents, have a 16' cargo trailer that we build a kitchen off one side. It takes a long time to set every thing up. A few years back another friend of mine joined our camp he has an 11' camper with a jeep he tows behind. He doesn't even unhook his trailer, just jack knives it so he can get in and out. When we started to break down camp he walked out with his remote pushed the button his jacks went up slide went in. Jumped in his jeep drove it onto his trailer (no ramps needed) tied it down and was ready to go in less than ten minutes. It takes us days to get every thing set up and about 4-5 hours to break down. Then the work still isn't done because you have to unpack everything when you get home and dry it out cots, tents, tarps, etc. I love the comfort of my wall tent but if there wasn't several of us I think I would have a camper

[littlemac]

I've gone small motorhome and tow the Jeep.

Converted a 23' Tioga to 4X4 and it gets me where I want to go for camp.  I don't have a couple of days to get out there and set up usually so when I park it's ready to go.

Don't get me wrong though, if I can tent I would go 16 x 16 wall tent at least.  Make sure you have the right canvas for the frame though.  We f'd up and took one that was too small for our old frame one year.  Just improvise after that.

[Grizzly95]

Well, it seams more guys are pitchin a tent ( couldn't help the pun) then parkin an rv. I am honestly jealous of your camps, my hunting is mostly solo or with one buddy and only a day trip. I really want to spend more time out this year. I like the tent theory because of the smaller space needed to store at home; but the camper has some convience. I have a large tent (not canvas) that my kids insist on using when we go this year. The biggest decider was the jeeps hooked up, I am putting a towbar on the jeep this spring to take along. I spent enough time putting the small block in it and suspension work that it needs to get out and stretch a little.
  I was just going to build a trailer for the jeep, but with 3 kids and the wife and I we don't fit (legally). Not as much worried about the law as I am the safety aspect. But that is another story.

Royalbull: Did your friend build that trailer? If so I want the plans! That is an ideal setup, if the boys in camp put the hurt on the animals you can always use the trailer for the game and someone gets to enjoy a cruise in the jeep.

I do remember sleeping in a wall tent years ago and the comfort and warmth was unmatched by any rv I have slept in. Maybe it sounds stupid, but heat from a wood stove always feels better than from a gas furnace. My dad only heats his house with wood and my kids even remark about how much warmer it feels at his place. Maybe it is all the junk food grandpa cracks them up on.

Thanks for all the advice guys. I might still go for a wall tent. There is a spot I want to elk hunt that the truck and camper could get a little sketchy on the side hill.

[Cylvertip]

I love my mobile elk camp.

[high country]

If it is just yourself I would keep the camper. We set up 3 wall tents, have a 16' cargo trailer that we build a kitchen off one side. It takes a long time to set every thing up. A few years back another friend of mine joined our camp he has an 11' camper with a jeep he tows behind. He doesn't even unhook his trailer, just jack knives it so he can get in and out. When we started to break down camp he walked out with his remote pushed the button his jacks went up slide went in. Jumped in his jeep drove it onto his trailer (no ramps needed) tied it down and was ready to go in less than ten minutes. It takes us days to get every thing set up and about 4-5 hours to break down. Then the work still isn't done because you have to unpack everything when you get home and dry it out cots, tents, tarps, etc. I love the comfort of my wall tent but if there wasn't several of us I think I would have a camper

that looks flat scary to me.....tongue extender dragging a single axle trailr that is heavy........yikes!  of course my jeep is pretty heavy

[high country]

how many guys are you needing to house? I run a 12x12 alaknak with all the goodies and for 3 guys it is perfect.....any more and I would be crabby. the thing is beyond watertight so far and the price is good. I have done the 24' trailer, the 32' motorhome, the 11' camper and the tent is the ticket for me when I am HUNTING cheap to buy, no water freezing, I can dry out my clothes on the  clothes line and I get 20mpg every where I go. now if I had to haul mom and the kids............bring on the luxoliner

[Jamieb]

I hunt solo alot, For me a camper is the only way to go. With the electric jacks and remote, I can load or unload the camper in less then 5 min.'s.
I bring a generator along on some trips so I can run the microwave. I have a solar panal on top to charge the batteries durring the day.
I've hauled this thing to AK a couple of times, Idaho a few times and used in all over WA. Its nice to be able to take so much gear, have the fridge/freezer, stove/oven, furnace, and other comforts.

Camp in AK

I never have to cut wood or feed a wood stove, if it gets cold then I just turn up the stat.
Get bloody and sweaty from packing out meat, I have a shower.
Most of the cooking I do is in the microwave, or just heating up a can of chili on the stove.
If I bring the dish along then I even have satalite TV.

[JackOfAllTrades]

There's posts for and against RV's. I don't have a wall tent, but I think I want one some day. That said, it's not because I don't like the trailer I have. And yes! I'll use it SOLO! All friggin 29 feet of it! Just because it's so convenient. I can set up camp solo in less than 15 minutes. Even when I had a camper for my truck, I'd still take it off the truck and set on blocks for even a weekend hunt.  -Nothing againts wall tents. They certainly have their place in more rugged road area's and when you're expecting deep snows.

If you don't use your camper, that's your fault!    They can be very convenient in a lot of destinations, but if the camper doesn't suit the places you're going, then it's time to let it go. But man... No splitting wood to keep warm, -just turn up the thermostat! Lights? Just hit the switch! Running water? Hit the switch and open the faucet valve! Hot water too! Oh, and a hot shower!

Love my trailer!

-Steve

[BLKBEARKLR]

I went from the stars to a poncho, to a 2 man tent, to a 10 man tent, to a cabover to my 21 foot toyhauler. And I am never going back. Nothing like hunting on a long hot day come back turn the AC on, microwave some chow pop in a DVD and relax.

[turkey buster]

here is our entry

[RightPlace-RightTime]

  www.kwikkamp.com  There is a combo kit in there, includes everything,  14x16.  I have it.  Got it two years ago,  I love it. 

[Heavily Armed Hiker]

Canvas tents for hunting camp.....Salem Tents make a good quality tent.  Spend too much time in the RV in the summer that the mrs. would have a fit if I brought the thing back smelling like elk camp 

[whacker1]

I love my wall tent.  However, I would like to have a slightly bigger wall tent and a camp trailer.  I have a very small wall tent that is just for one or two people 8 x 10.  I have spent a lot of nights in it and like it, however I would like a larger one to use from time to time.  I would also like to have a camp trailer to replace the wall tent system. 

It currently takes me an 1 1/2 hours to assemble full blown camp and about an 1 hour to take it down.  With a bigger wall tent it will take longer. 

And don't kid yourself about the space it takes up.  for me and a hunting buddy it takes a solid 30 minutes to load the truck, takes up the entire bed of my pickup, and takes that kind of time to unload the truck when i return home.  I would like to have the freedom to be pre-loaded, hook up the truck and go with a trailer or camper.  We stayed in my cousins tent trailer last year and that wasn't too bad.  I would like to advance to a small trailer in the next 5 years. 

The family is getting older and we will need more family friendly space in the next few years.

[rasbo]

bought a 23ft komfort after my wife had a bout with cancer..WE always loved tent camping..But after taking the trailor elk hunting,shower,bed,crapper,heater,fridge,,microwave..HAPPY WIFE!!Ahh case closed for us..a honda 2000 runs everything we need and will run 11hrs..

[Axle]

One nice thing about the RV is that when you have guests, they can use it as a guest house. We used our RV like that many times. If I'm ever rolling in the dough, maybe I will get another RV.

Our best family memories do come from the tent camping though.

[JackOfAllTrades]

One nice thing about the RV is that when you have guests, they can use it as a guest house.

Yup! When our trailer isn't hooked to the truck, it's clean and parked out back, plugged in under cover.

[Skyvalhunter]

http://www.huntthewest.com/2010/WallTent.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HuntTheWest+%28Hunt+the+West%29&utm_content=Yahoo%21+Mail

[elk311]

Both have thier advantages... a tent will go wherever your rig will go. The same cannot be said of an RV. I am however, pondering setting up both. Artic Fox and Montana Canvas elk camp... hmmmm...

[gasman]

MY hunting set up.





And it is dam comfortable especially with the jeep getting me where i want or need to go 

[JackOfAllTrades]

Both have thier advantages... a tent will go wherever your rig will go. The same cannot be said of an RV. I am however, pondering setting up both. Artic Fox and Montana Canvas elk camp... hmmmm...

I know a few camps that do just that. There's an Army wall tent for sleeping quarters for the younger crowd, then a wall tent for a mass kitchen/chow line, then a trailer or two for the adults to have as retreat and sleeping quarters.

I can see my camp evolve to something like that someday with my boys, and some relatives in the future. The trailer may sleep eight, but we seldom push that far.

-Steve

[ICEMAN]

Over the years, I keep changing camp size...... Started with the big ol' trailer, then to the camper....then really went small for a few years with just a tent only...  Now I am pulling a cargo trailer which I have installed a very basic kitchen in the front 18" of the trailer. (The cargo trailer is still handy to haul stuff since my kitchenette does not impact but 18" of space...) Basically a counter, a single burner stove, an oven and shelves, no water. I carry two freestanding 3.5 season tents which you can stand in, can withstand snow and pretty heavy winds. Great tents. They set up in 5 minutes, and they warm with just a gas lantern. Eureka Equinox tents.

For summer or campouts with the family, it is nice to just be able to toss everything into the cargo trailer and keep the cab of the expedition clear of gear.  Deer season with the kids, we sleep in one tent, cook in the cargo trailer, and lounge in the second more used/beaten up tent.  Elk season, I sleep in the cargo trailer on a cot or on top of the coolers... and only set up the beater tent for lounging in with my other camp mates. Works for me!

[Wanttohuntmore]

I've used them all, and there is no perfect camp.  What I'm finding works best so far is a camper though, especially if you have a boat and fish, or tow a jeep.  The ease of pulling into camp, the side of the road, etc, and jumping into the back to sleep can't be beat.  Right now I have a 22 foot toyhauler (wife wanted it for comfort), but I'm really trying to get a camper again.  I like Gasman's setup!  Actually, if I can get another camper, a wall tent for doing the boat hunting trips, then I'm set!

September for me, a one man gore tex bivy..... Not comfortable.... But keeps me alive.

[Kowsrule30]

Ditching the trailer this year for a new wall tent set up from Davis Tent.... If you order before the end of this month shipping is free.... I just ordered mine.....