A little four-wheel-drive...
A little four-wheel-drive rockcrawling just after sunrise.
Our brief stay was filled with adventure. We drove four-wheel-drives on miles of trails, discovered a little bit about the mining history of Calico, and saw the remnants of old mine cart tracks, vent shafts, and some awesome open caverns the size of football fields, although most of these shouldn't be explored because of the dangers of collapse.
Like clockwork, in the late evenings the group headed back to camp and lit a fire in the pit. After dinner the temperatures in the early spring dropped to the low 30s, so the RV generator was used quite a bit to heat up the Pulse. After spending hours around the campfire, most of us retreated into the RV to warm up, read books, or watch TV.
The standard batteries in the RV kept the heater running all night without having to run the generator at all, and there was more than enough sleeping room because no one seemed to complain.
One the downside, a larger freshwater tank might have been better for five adults, especially with the shower. But the Fleetwood Pulse made for a comfortable trip nevertheless.
Our brief stay was filled...
Our brief stay was filled with adventure. We drove four-wheel-drives on miles of trails, discovered a little bit about the mining history of Calico, and saw the remnants of old mine cart tracks, vent shafts, and some awesome open caverns.
The OC RV Fleetwood towed my Jeep on a double-axle trailer without a problem and still got fine mileage, 14.6 mpg to be exact. The grand total for two nights and three days was $837. So we each spent $167.40 on the weekend. I actually spent $32.60 less than I had budgeted.
The trip was a total success, no snags at all. The RV ran perfectly and had no mechanical problems. The guys at OC RV were very professional, making sure when we returned that everything had met our expectations.
I would do this trip again in a minute because it was so affordable and relaxing not to have to worry about emails, cell phones, or even my tight finances.
One last campfire to celebrate...
One last campfire to celebrate our weekend on the cheap. No cell phones or worries about finances here.
There are plenty of reputable RV rental facilities across the U.S. and Canada, and a simple Internet search will help you find what you need. However, if you are in the Southern California area, RV Magazine recommends a visit to OC RV. They specialize in luxury Class A and Class C motorhomes, travel trailers, toy haulers, enclosed trailers, and utility trailers. All the company's rentals are low-mileage units, some are loaded with options, and all are backed by excellent customer service. OC RV vehicles are meticulously maintained, serviced, and detailed after each use. The rentals include 24-hour emergency roadside assistance throughout the U.S. and Canada.
For more information contact them directly at www.ocrv.com or by calling toll-free (888) 674-6278. Tell them RV Magazine sent you!
Ed. note: This is Nick Green's personal account of how to go RVing cheaply. Boondocking is great fun, but be sure to check with your local land management agencies for the rules and regulations of the area before you go.