Hello Sportsmobile Forum!
Please allow me to introduce myself: I am known as Uncle Scotty.
I speak for my family of 4: Two 40somethings with two daughters (9 and 4) that love the outdoors, live music and new experiences. We call Chicagoland home.
First, I’d like to thank all the contributors to the Sportsmobile Fourm. The information, experience and perspectives shared here have been so important in helping me reach this point...assistance I hope has only just begun. Thank you!! Please don’t stop sharing. Forgive me for the long introduction, I feel the more I share -- the more constructive criticism I can gather.
I am getting prepared to order a Sportsmobile. Hooray! But before I pull the trigger I figured I should share my plans, thoughts, concerns, questions, etcetera and let the forum chew it up and spit it out. I can take it, so please let me know what you really think. I am aware that this process is going to be a balancing act of tradeoffs, risks, rewards and costs. I am asking that all of you help me make well informed decisions.
We plan to camp with the Sportsmobile at mostly state and national parks, bringing bikes and kayaks and plenty of great food to prepare. I also plan to use the Sportsmobile for tailgates and music festivals with 2-3 other guys…and hopefully with the family once in a while. We also hope the Sportsmobile allows us to take many spontaneous overnight/weekend trips close to home. Ready-To-Go is my mantra for this endeavor.
Previously, we’ve car-camped & attended music festivals using our Honda Odyssey. It IS comfortable on the way there but we need to bring tons of stuff to set up when we arrive, then tear it all down and repack it before leaving (somehow taking up more space than before). That used to be fun but has now become a nuisance…especially when things are wet. One time, at band camp, the threat of an approaching tornado encouraged a quick escape…tearing down an elaborate basecamp in a hurry (with kids) is not something I’d like to repeat…especially while hundreds of paranoid hippies are doing the same around me. We’re DONE adventuring with the Odyssey.
We’ve rented RVs for both camping and festivals and have had mostly good experiences. I especially appreciate having a bathroom. (The potties at music festivals can get really nasty after 3 or 4 days in the sun…especially for the wife and kids) The biggest issue with the rented RVs is the fact that my wife isn’t comfortable driving the big & wide rigs. Hauling from Chicago through Minnesota to Itasca State Park last year we passed a sign: “No shoulder, narrow lanes, 50 miles.” I drove all of the 24 hours there and back. However, we love the “ready-upon-arrival” nature of the RVs. We also like the idea of going where big RV’s can’t. I’m leaning away from the 4x4 upgrades (for now) to stay out of trouble and get our feet wet first.
The idea of a Sportsmobile for “Always-Packed-And-Ready-To-Go” car camping, tailgating, music-festival going and short 1-2 night trips is very appealing. It will not as be luxurious or spacious as the rented RVs…but much better than the Minivan. Splitting the driving will allow us to go farther…but will mean less neck massages for me. We will still bring a tent for extended stays…but have the option of just popping the top for a quick overnight along the way. Most of the “essentials” we need to bring for car-camping can be built into the Sportsmobile, making camp set-up and tear-down easier.
I’ve considered waiting for the right pre-owned Sportsmobile to come along, but have determined that building our own will be the most successful and rewarding. I’m not an amateur mechanic, nor do I want to become one. Breakdowns during a family vacation are not “teachable moments” for us…we want to GET THERE. “New with Warranty” is music to my ears. I have 3 tools in my toolbox: A telephone, a checkbook and a bottle opener. (Don’t get me wrong, I CAN take care of business and DO when necessary…it’s just not what I consider FUN).
Business is good. Life is short. I’m customizing my own Sportsmobile!
Well…That’s my introduction, and I’m damn glad to meet ya’ll.
I’ll post details of my plans and ask for your feedback soon.
Cheers!
- Uncle Scotty