Camping at matches

[JM4590]

Not sure where to post this but since it goes with going to matches, I thought this looked like a logical spot.
Wonder if any of you all are camping at any of the matches? Thinking of purchasing a class B RV to roll to the matches. Would save a few $$$ ultimately, I could cook my own vittles and hang out in the evening with some friends around the fire, drink some Buffalo Trace, and strategize on how I’m gonna win the match .
Is anyone doing this? What are you ridin? Is it really cost effective, or just an added PITA?

 

[Mechdesigner]

I have pulled my Camper to several matches! Some ranges have hookups and some are just dry camping. It is convenient for sure. With the money you save you can step it up to Weller or even Blantons if you are lucky enough to find a bottle!

 

[Rob01]

You plan on going to a lot of matches? Might want to sit down and figure the cost of a hotel stay versus buying a camper, insurance, gas etc. If only a few times a year the savings might not be there.

 

[Rexwagon]

Some matches have hook ups. Some don’t. I see people camping at every match. But with the cost to pull a camper. It’s probably not cost effective.

 

[hlee]

I just did a quick search through RV trader and it looks like the average asking price of a used class B RV is around $100,000. You’d have to go to a metric fuck ton of matches to make that pencil out, if match shooting is your only use of an RV. Even at $50k, that’s still half a metric fuck ton of matches.

 

[Rexwagon]

I just did a quick search through RV trader and it looks like the average asking price of a used class B RV is around $100,000. You’d have to go to a metric fuck ton of matches to make that pencil out, if match shooting is your only use of an RV. Even at $50k, that’s still half a metric fuck ton of matches.

I think we are just poors. This man has more disposable income than I. Haha.

 

[JM4590]

You all are correct on the overall savings. I’d have to shoot two matches a week to make it equate to the savings aspect. I would likely use it to tool around to some state parks and such, but the real savings is getting away from all the fn people. I’ve stayed at some hotels for matches where there have been domestics in the hallways at 2 AM. My room filled with smoke from weed from the Rastafarians next door gettin their bong hits. Out of the way venues were the only eats in town were 7-11 hot dogs. Something to be said for quiet reflection with shooting buddies after a day on the range. Cpl of steaks and some good drink. I live on the east coast, so my travel to a match is sometimes 10+ hrs. Maybe I could be in the back gettin my sleep on while buddy drives a bit and vice versa.
Just kinda throwing it out there to see if anyone is doing it, and if so are they enjoying it or not so much. Everything in life has its + and -, as I’m sure camping at a match does also

 

[Rob01]

Damn man you must drive a long ways to matches from east coast LOL Lots of matches closer from middle of VA. Staying in cheap hotels has it's down side as mentioned so you can up the quality at times. I stay at cheap places too so I know. Going to be up to your wallet and wants.

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

I used to go to a match that allowed RV and tent camping. it was always fun because the pistol range had lighting so we could shoot at night and there was usually a guy with NV on the rifle range. Im a poor so I pitched a tent. hang out around a fire pit, bbq, and libations into the night.

 

[mahlv]

That's been 1/2 the fun for me. Fuck these hotels anymore also. Rooms now $150-$250 for the same shit that was $75-125 a few years ago, and they don't even get cleaned now. If you're trying to "pencil" it out to make financial sense, just don't, because it doesn't. What it does do, imo, is enriches the experience, even if it's at an rv park. We went to cameo the 1st hornady hunter match and stayed at an rv park nearby, one of my favorite weekends.

 

[D_TROS]

Def an option just email the MD

Ive camped in cars, garages, couches, tents, campers etc etc.

Taken an RV couple times but not worth it unless couple friends helping with fuel, esp with current prices. Way cheaper to fly down with a car getting 30 mpg and get a cheapo motel then an rv getting 8.

esp cheaper if tent it.

sharing motel rooms helps also.

one of my fav things is hanging out at the range after the shootings over.

Hope to see you out there.

GL
DT

 

[ChidJ]

I camp at most multiday matches. I have a camper but have never brought one to a match. I usually just sleep in my truck unless a teammate demands we get a hotel. Pulling my camper to a match is expensive and sort of a pain to get it unhooked and ready to roll, hooked back up when I get there, then unhooked again to bring it home, and hook it back up. Not just a matter of plugging things in. You gotta deal with your hoses (I hate messing with the wastewater stuff) bringing the slides in and moving stuff so they can, taking the jacks up, putting them down, leveling, etc etc etc

I doubt VERY MUCH you will save any money. RVs seem to always be developing some sort of issue. Not big stuff. Just little things here and there that cost money to fix. Hook up fees are generally almost as much as a cheap hotel room. Diesel is very expensive. You'll burn through propane and/or generator gasoline. If this is your main driving factor, forget the RV.

I do see others bringing RVs to matches. Its usually couples or families making a little vacation out of the match. They'll bring the dog, ATVs in all their varieties. Looks like a good time. Also, given that most multiday matches I've been to are in fairly remote locations and good food can be a long drive away, it would be nice to just finish shooting and immediately dig into some good food, hang out with the homies, etc etc

So, it could be an excellent experience if you are doing it mostly to enhance your good times. It will be miserable if you think you are going to save any money

Edit: I see that while I was typing this, some folks typed the same thing. Great minds think alike, I suppose
Edit2: I lied. I did bring a camper to a match once. It just wasn't my camper. It was nice but no money was saved

 

[Rob01]

Another nice thing to have after a full day of shooting at a multi day match is a shower and air conditioning. LOL

 

[Skg_Mre_Lght]

I usually find a KOA close by, rent a cabin (usually heated/cooled) for about $70/night with Mil discount and I'm set. Bring a sleeping bag, towel, and shower shoes, good to go.

 

[mahlv]

This has been our workhorse lately, moreso for taking my son to mt bike races, but same idea. Could handle 3 guys pretty easy, one would have to rack out in the cab, but pretty simple.

 

[M4orturnate]

I think the best way is to get a few homies together and rent a bnb. Its really awesome when its right by the range so you can hang out as late as you want or go grab a shower and come back. I used to love camping now i want a bathroom to shit in and ac to sleep in

 

[Yoteski]

If I had the means, I would definitely do what you're thinking about. Heck, if I won the lottery tomorrow I'd purchase an Earthroamer and just drive around and shoot matches around the country. The match experience is a big part of why I like to go to them. Frank recently mentioned in a podcast that shooters don't stick around and BS, drink some beers, eat, etc. anymore. If I couldn't do that at matches, it would really take away from the fun.
I agree with M4ortunate and have been doing the airbnb thing for the last couple years with other shooters.

 

[Mr. F]

Car Camping for me is the easiest if you have a SUV. Most matches are 2-3 day stays which i think fits the back of a car/cooler lifestyle perfect. I know some guys that go all out, i roll with the minimalist bare essentials for a 3-4 day trip on the road.

 

[Rob01]

Car Camping for me is the easiest if you have a SUV. Most matches are 2-3 day stays which i think fits the back of a car/cooler lifestyle perfect. I know some guys that go all out, i roll with the minimalist bare essentials for a 3-4 day trip on the road.

Where do you shower?

 

[roostercogburn98]

Out of the way venues were the only eats in town were 7-11 hot dogs.

Your standards are way too high

 

[powdahound76]

Showers?

Toilets?

This is how we wound up as “Wamby Pamby Land”.



Camp in a tent, back of a truck, or under the stars.
Stink.
Crap in a bucket with a trash bag (so you dont bury crap around the shooting venue).
cook yer own food.
Drink beer for premium hydration.

 

[Rob01]

Showers?

Toilets?

This is how we wound up as “Wamby Pamby Land”.



Camp in a tent, back of a truck, or under the stars.
Stink.
Crap in a bucket with a trash bag (so you dont bury crap around the shooting venue).
cook yer own food.
Drink beer for premium hydration.

Yeah did enough of that in the Marine Corps. This point in my life I want a shower and AC. Not looking to impress anyone in how caveman I can be. LOL

 

[todd]

I think the best way is to get a few homies together and rent a bnb. Its really awesome when its right by the range so you can hang out as late as you want or go grab a shower and come back. I used to love camping now i want a bathroom to shit in and ac to sleep in

Did that this year for Parma. WAY better than a Motel 6 or Super 8. With 3 of us, it ended up costing LESS than the Super 8 would have cost me for four days. My wife made some cool food for us to take and cook up. It was The Shit.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

I don't think I went to a 2 day match that didn't have at least one person camping, I never did it, but I wouldn't plan on having hookup.

As far as buying an RV, fuck yeah, its awesome. I would not buy a van RV though, it sucks not having a separate vehicle from your camper because of having to break camp any time you need to go anywhere and those things don't tow vehicles very well. Trailer is the way to go, you get a base camp and tow with your vehicle that you just unhook. The trailers also depreciate a lot less than motorhomes and don't cost as much new. If you just need something for weekend adventures you don't need a very big one which makes it easier to get into spots and helps with fuel mileage. The Winnebago micro minnies are pretty sweet little trailers and are well made. You can get a 18'-21' that you can tow with a small newer pickup like a Tacoma, Ranger, etc and won't pig on fuel. I tow a 16K 5th wheel a diesel 3/4 ton and only average 4mpg less than empty even in the mountains. Whatever you do just stay away from anything made by Forest River, biggest pieces of shit out there.

 

[mahlv]

I'll save ya the suspense.... There ain't an RV(towable or otherwise) that's built worth a shit. I've learned the expensive way, from $75k 5th wheel to $250k class C. You will be working on it, constantly. If you can't accept that, stick with the motels or better yet, pitch in with your buddy that has an rv lol

 

[Taylorbok]

I have a truck box camper also. Works great for camping at matches

 

[MC56]

There's a large group of folks that camp out at every sheepdog regional double header (centerfire sat/rimfire sun) in Catskills NY. firepits, grills, good food and company, beers and the occasional bottle of whiskey being passed around the fire pit to accompany the funny stories and bullshitting. There are Bavarian brauhauses down the road with good beers and weinerschnitzel and sometimes live music. Some rent rooms there, some bring RVs, some have tents or sleep in their trucks. Some sleepwalk through the woods in their boxers barefoot at 2:30am...

There have been some real fun times had. Camping with the homies and getting away from society for the weekend really does enhance the experience, it's more than just shooting, it's the camaraderie. I will continue to camp out at matches when it makes sense to do so.

Side note: Sheepdog is hosting a pro match in 2023. Mark your calendars, it's going to be a blast.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

I'll save ya the suspense.... There ain't an RV(towable or otherwise) that's built worth a shit. I've learned the expensive way, from $75k 5th wheel to $250k class C. You will be working on it, constantly. If you can't accept that, stick with the motels or better yet, pitch in with your buddy that has an rv lol

That's not true at all, we literally live in a fifth wheel now and I haven't had to fix a single thing on it yet and we bought a used 2020 that was built in 4/19. There was an issue with the black tank dump valve leaking that we bought it with and it was addressed by the dealer. Even last week when it was getting down below zero ambient for 4 nights and barely above zero (without windchill) during the day and our kitchen sink lines froze nothing broke.

Some are built better than others and some are just POS. Most of the issues with RV's are caused by lack of use/maintenance. If you just let it sit and never use it or maintain it you're going to have a lot of problems.

Since covid though QC has really gone downhill so you just have to be careful and check them out and do research. We did that and ended up with a great unit. Heartland and Keystone both build great RV's.

 

[mahlv]

""That's not true at all, they don't break"" literally next sentence "ours broke" omfg people crack me up

 

[redneckbmxer24]

""That's not true at all, they don't break"" literally next sentence "ours broke" omfg people crack me up

First of all, thats not what I said. Second, it had a very minor issue BEFORE WE BOUGHT IT and the issue wasn't even a break it was a very minor leak in the valve which is normal wear and tear and the dealer fixed so it didn't break or break on us. Third, sorry you can't fucking read.

You said there's not any built worth a shit and if you buy one you'll work on it constantly, neither of which are true and you don't know WTF you're talking about.

 

[mahlv]

Its all good bro. You wanna throw definitive statements around, especially written in stone, you're gonna have a long day. Maybe I do know wtf I'm talking about. I could pick your house apart in about 3 seconds, but maybe that's because I have a different standard of acceptance than you.

Let's build a house, on wheels. How fucking stupid is that idea in it's self?

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Its all good bro. You wanna throw definitive statements around, especially written in stone, you're gonna have a long day. Maybe I do know wtf I'm talking about. I could pick your house apart in about 3 seconds, but maybe that's because I have a different standard of acceptance than you.

Let's build a house, on wheels. How fucking stupid is that idea in it's self?

Tell me you breath only through your mouth without telling me that you breath only through your mouth...

You literally misquoted what I said, twisted that misquote, and still don't have a logical fucking argument. You said what you said which was a giant exaggeration, and are still here spouting dumb shit.

In case you didn't realize, houses not on wheels break too and you have to fix and maintain them as well...

 

[mahlv]

Guy in the broadcaster's booth, certainly an expert since he has the microphone. I do own a home, and an rv. I work on both. You concisely make my point for me.

 

[Mr. F]

Where do you shower?

Shower Tent

 

[Rob01]

Shower Tent

Bring your own water?

 

[Midwestside]

Car Camping for me is the easiest if you have a SUV. Most matches are 2-3 day stays which i think fits the back of a car/cooler lifestyle perfect. I know some guys that go all out, i roll with the minimalist bare essentials for a 3-4 day trip on the road.

The RRS tripod is so hoity-toity, it takes the bed and you get to sleep in the driver's seat.

 

[roostercogburn98]

Let's build a house, on wheels. How fucking stupid is that idea in it's self?

Guess by that logic, your house has never broke either has it

 

[wpeach1912]

I’ve camped at a few matches, but I usually just end up getting a campsite at a campground. Relatively cheap and I can shower and such. No AC, so it’d be hot in the summer in the south, but not too bad in the Rocky Mountain area. Pretty much every match I’ve ever been to will let you camp in the parking lot. I have slept in the back of my truck a couple times driving to one day matches and stayed in a truck bed camper with a buddy. If you’re just getting an RV for going to matches, it probably won’t pencil unless you’re road tripping around the country doing it and/or using it for something else the rest of the year. When my buddy and I did the truck bed camper, I think it would have cost us the same or slightly less to drive my car and stay in a hotel vs 10 mpg and $5 diesel.

 

[Taylorbok]

I’ve camped at a few matches, but I usually just end up getting a campsite at a campground. Relatively cheap and I can shower and such. No AC, so it’d be hot in the summer in the south, but not too bad in the Rocky Mountain area. Pretty much every match I’ve ever been to will let you camp in the parking lot. I have slept in the back of my truck a couple times driving to one day matches and stayed in a truck bed camper with a buddy. If you’re just getting an RV for going to matches, it probably won’t pencil unless you’re road tripping around the country doing it and/or using it for something else the rest of the year. When my buddy and I did the truck bed camper, I think it would have cost us the same or slightly less to drive my car and stay in a hotel vs 10 mpg and $5 diesel.

Honestly the beauty of being able to camp is usually the hang out that happens and can be a huge time saver if there isn't a town close to the range. I've shot a couple where the nearest hotel is over an hour away.

 

[mahlv]

Again, rooster dude, you also prove my point.

 

[roostercogburn98]

Again, rooster dude, you also prove my point.

I must have missed your point wherever you laid it out

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

I must have missed your point wherever you laid it out

his point was RVs break and you have to fix them like all the normal problems of a house multiplied and condensed into a small box on wheels.

 

[mahlv]

I have been stating my experience with RV's, even (and maybe especially) new ones, there are a ton of problems with them. As you (roostercogburn98) interpret my logic, or the lack of my logic I guess, you actually re-enforce my sentiment on the matter. I do have plenty of problems in my house, and thousands of others. I actually make a living off of those problems in customers' homes. Now take those same houses and put them on wheels and it should be reasonable to assume, by making them mobile, that there will be more problems. The level of workmanship in any home, as a general rule IMO, is far more regulated and mandated compared to recreational vehicles. There are certainly exceptions to any "rule", like I know for certain there's way nicer RV's running around than my house. Not here to start any shit, but also not taking any from the "NO, YOURE WRONG I'M RIGHT!!!!" cunts either. King-george-joseph-smith-budha-our-god only knows how wrong I have been, and can be. I'm as egotistical as any of the people on the internet, in assuming my opinion might matter, and I'm also a fuckn adult, so long as I'm entertained by breathing through my mouth and taking those clever schoolyard insults into other conversations and using them as my own, it's a great day in paradise!

 

[SanPatHogger]

I worked as a tech at a camper dealership for about 3 months. Would have been around beginning of 2007. Popups to $500,000 class A's with Cat diesel pushers. Behind the walls they are all the same cheap shit. Every one is different, 2 off the assembly line next to each other will have the wiring or plumbing run different just because people are the ones laying the lines down. Water heater on a popup is the same as a big class A just smaller. I swore I would never own one of those pieces of garbage....
Now it's the end of 2022 and I've had a camp trailer for almost 5 years. If you work on them for other people they suck. If it's your own it feels different. Way better than a tent. It's soooo nice to go 20 miles down the beach, fish all day and then take a shower, eat dinner and crash out watching Svengoolie and having a toilet and refrigerator. Sleeping in a good bed. Then wake up clean and fresh with coffee and breakfast from the microwave/oven/stovetop and have a great start to the day.
I've been trying to hookup getting a close by campground at the local 22 match for the same weekend as the match but in Texas we can camp alost all year long so campgrounds sell out.
I've got one of these. It's about the nicest small tailer without slideouts. Also has a lift kit and mud tires.

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[SanPatHogger]

Also, if you knew a few guys who also had campers, staying close by at a campground, wives, kids, dogs... having like minded cool people around and sharing a dring and stories by the campfie is always a great time.

 

[shields shtr]

My family likes camping, so I have 26' camper with a slideout, bunks, and a queen. I think it's awesome for comps. Me and a buddy can very comfortably live like kings for a few days and it's really nice being able to sit around a BS with all the other shooters after the match. Mine has an 80 gallon fresh water tank on it, so that easily lasts us a couple of days.

As some have alluded to, campers certainly do have a lot of maintenance you have to do. I basically "reinforced" mine right after I bought it. I reinforced the shitty 2x2 framing, put in higher quality plumbing fittings, and screwed and glued alot of the components like trim pieces that were likely to fail.

As to the financial "feasibility"...I quit running the numbers on hobbies a long time ago. All my hobbies are expensive, but fun. Running the numbers on them takes the fun out of it.

 

[JaoeyP]

To echo some of the stuff said-

Get a trailer instead of a motor home, cheaper and easier to unhook the truck and run to town if you need to

Campers and RVs are money pits. Period. You will spend money to store them, hauling them, and maintaining them and you'll likely still spend money repairing them.

Darn nice having your own space set up the way you want it. Nice bed and AC at the end of a long day of shooting in the summer heat is nice.

Getting to spend the extra time with friends is awesome. Hard to put a price on that.

The logistics of preparing for a match- prepping rifle, gear, ammo, clothing, etc can be a lot. Adding a camper to the mix will be that much more.

I tried for several years to not buy a camper. My in-laws have a farm and the air quality in the old farm house really isn't suitable for my asthmatic kids to sleep in. We were offered a good deal on a camper by my aunt this summer. We took her up on it. We spent 6 weekends at the farm in the camper this year. The kids had an absolutel blast and honestly I've really enjoyed the camper weekends. The kids have also spent more time with their grandpa this year than all of their previous years. Hard to put a price on something like that.

Also, the camper has problems we didn't notice when we bought it that my aunt didn't know about. It has to be repaired before we can haul it and use it again, but no big deal, it's nothing a small fortune can't fix...

 

[Dead Eye Dick]

In these days of fuel and hotel costs, If I can’t realistically attend a shooting match or a cycling race unless I stage it from our home in North Louisiana or our son’s home in Northwest Florida, I simply can’t / wont even try. $250.00 for a hotel night just simply will not do.

We have found some b&b’s out in the country are affordable, but I stage cycling races that are held in Southeastern Louisiana from our son’s house in Florida. If not closer, its easier to get to and less time consuming. These times are gretting crazy

Sooner or later, I keep thinking a tow-behind camper is the answer.

 

[jre0807]

The most expensive way to vacation is by going rv’ing. Anyone that tells you different hasn’t owned their rv for very long or they don’t look at their bank account. You can make an argument if you live in them, but I still don’t buy it.
Now if you’re the guy who enjoys driving 65mph, get 8mpg, white knuckles due to cross wind, love talking (or waiting on hold)to a service center for hours on end after every trip, it might be for you.

My recommendation, make friends with someone who is taking their rv to the match and give them $100 for “gas”, or get a hotel. Both are so much cheaper than ever owning a ruined vacation, sorry R.V.

 

[Mr. F]

Bring your own water?

yes