So, many months ago, I joined TikTok to try and figure out if I had any reason to be there. It’s a great time waster, and I know what I can do to waste your time. I’ll post about my trials and tribulations of getting back into camping. So, the first person to follow me there after I posted about going camping again was Can Head. We met at the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan in May 2010. I hope to see him again at Talladega.
Have You Tried Plugging It In?
When I got my first camper in 2009, I added a 20 Amp outlet by the driveway so I could charge it and get it ready easily for trips. I’d hang out in it occasionally, wishing I was out of the driveway.
After getting the Puma home, I found the outlet was not working. Imagine my surprise when an electrician I had called said, “You should plug it in all the way.” Please, that is a rookie mistake, not something I should have done.
With that behind me, I’ll take a few days to learn where things are in the camper and get familiar with it before hitting the road.
And Now – The Camper is Mine!
It’s been about fourteen years since I bought my first camper. For the last five or so years I have not had one. But not now! After shopping for various models and dealers over the past few months, I’ve found my new home on the road. It’s a New 2023 Palomino Puma Ultra Lite 12FBX. I ended up purchasing from RV Roadway in Opelika. I worked with Cody on the sales side, and Deborah completed the paperwork and financing from USAA, although the current interest rates are lousy right now. I can’t say enough how easy the process was and how much I like the folks at RV Roadway. I’ll take a few days and probably do a Google Review. I’d certainly recommend it. As a matter of fact, the dealership is expanding on the property next store to the current location, formerly the Harley Davidson Dealership. I’ll take a few days to learn about the camper and will share details on the blog in the coming days or weeks.
It’s Time to Camp Again
I really miss camping. Taking off and going to a nearby lake or river to get away from it all. It’s been since before the pandemic that I sold my Jayco Jay Flight. I admit, as my first camper, I didn’t know the best way to care for it. Plus, you never really know what you like and don’t. Oh, it was better than the tent I slept in at my first race at Talladega. That would have been the last time I slept on the ground!
I got the bug while going thru several years of photos a week or so ago. Then, a couple of folks from Bama RV sat next to me at Wild Wing Cafe. Bama RV has taken over the location and some inventory from Opelika RV Sales on Highway 280. Bama RV, with it’s original location in Dothan, opens all on Monday July 31st.
Remember Your First Time?
Can you remember the first time? The first time you saw her, your first trip together, hanging out with friends at a racetrack? She’s been gone for several years now, but I thought I should find her for one last visit before moving on.
And there she was, sitting on the edge of the woods. I’ve aged a bit, but time hasn’t been so good for my first camper. By now, you understand I’m talking about that Jayco 165 Flite that brought me to the camping world.
I sold it a few years ago, after having too many problems. A leak in the roof expanded to the front and damaged the front. I grabbed some pictures this weekend. I was a bit sad. Maybe I should have held on and tried to fix the issues myself. One thing is for sure: I understand the basic maintenance required of a camper. I’ll do a better job next time, I promise.
Camper Jerry and His Friends 