On the heels of the previous Glamping post, there’s this, that I’ve only just discovered, from a few years ago: Pete’s restoration of his 1964 Shasta Astroflyte.

Moab Under Canvas: certainly very nice tents — and I do like a good canvas tent — but their suites are far more than I’d be comfortable paying per night. Story & video here.

I think one of those tents up at elk camp would be incredible.

Then there’s the 2015 re-issue of the 1961 Shasta Airflyte trailer, going for $18K or so. Wonderful little trailers and I’d like to see a final production model.

Way too small for us, obviously, and even smaller than the little hybrid we pull today, but still wonderful little trailers.

Photos here.

Video walkthrough with the Shasta President below:

No word on how much a suitably-equipped 1960 Caddy convertible would cost to pull it with.

A bit more info here.

Not sure if I’ve posted this before, but I was just over on The Book of Face and shared some of these with some new RVers:

1. Trailer tire pressures are absolute minimums.
2. Never let anyone without a financial obligation to your rig “help” you maneuver.
3. Unless it says “Minimum”, it’s okay to do 10mph (or more) under the speed limit.
4. Some of the most enjoyable and memorable roads don’t have “I-” in front of a number.
5. It’s perfectly okay to be a tourist.

And, now, because Facebook isn’t really the place for me to post my diatribes and extended thoughts, the explanations for each of the above:

1. With the exception of some limited lateral stability during turns and some braking, trailer tires provide no traction. Because of this, their pressures can run high. When inflating trailer tires, never run them any lower than the pressure stamped on them. Mine are 65PSI. Then, after running for a few miles down the highway (10 or more), check them and see if they’re hot. If they’re very warm or hot to the touch, add 3 or 4 more pounds. Those little battery-powered laser infra-red thermometers are awesome for precise measurements.
2. Envision this: “Come on back… come on back… come on ba–,” CRUNCH. They have no obligation to repair any damage they inflict.
3. Contrary to common belief, one does not need to drive at or above the speed limit. When pulling a trailer or driving a motorhome, patience wins the race. Lower speed means it’s easier to address emergencies, lower fuel consumption, less load and wear on the engine and drive train. While UPGRAYEDD is perfectly capable of running a 16,000 lb. fiver at 85MPH, I don’t. Regardless of trailer size, I always follow the posted Truck and cautionary speeds and warnings.
4. In a car, Interstates can get you there quickly. But with an RV (and with a motorcycle), if there’s a US or State highway and no time constraints, I’ll take the nearest offramp from the Interstate to enjoy some lower speeds and better scenery.
5. Yup, I’ve been a tourist in my own town. I’m good with it. I’ve also happily done the tourist thing in other towns. But my definition of ‘tourist’ may not be the same as everyone else’s.

There are more, oh, yes. But that’s all I’ve time for presently. What are your recommendations to new RVers?

• The dual-battery config on the trailer did really well for the long weekend of boondocking. In fact, we could’ve gone several more days on battery power, even running the furnace at night to keep our little hybrid trailer above 55F.
• We would’ve run out of fresh water before we run out of power; but still had about 20 gal. on board when we departed (used 25 gal.).
• No nearby dump stations, so if we were to actually plan on boondocking anywhere, we’d need a waste solution (like a Thetford SmartTote or something).
• The next truck will be an actual 4×4 for the extra terrain-traversing capability it provides.
• Allison transmissions on diesel trucks are awesome. Except when you’re doing a long descent… without an exhaust brake.
• The red-line on the 2002 6.6L Duramax is 3,200 RPM. The Allison transmission will dutifully shift down to 3rd while doing 65MPH.
• The sound of a diesel V8 pulling 3,500 RPM is a little unnerving.
• Add ‘exhaust brake’ to the list of improvements we’ll need to make… along with:

1. canopy
2. lift pump
3. exhaust brake
4. new tires (and full-size spare)
5. replace trailer spare
6. compact, quiet generator option

Yeah, there will be a few dollar signs.

Boondocking for a few days. Location classified. Camping. Fishing. Hiking.

…and thinking that I should’ve put in for my elk tags this year.