The first time I attended this event was last year. The setting is the Palisades in Tahoe (Squaw Valley) where the 1960 Winter Olympics were held. It's a beautiful setting and driving up the road which ends at what was once the Olympic village you can still see remnants of the Olympic buildings, now converted into condos and homes.

Like last year, as I approached the venue, I was struck by the serene and picturesque landscape. The Sierra Nevada mountains provided a stunning backdrop, and the crisp, clean air added to the sense of tranquility. The former Olympic village, now a vibrant community, served as a reminder of the area's rich history and the enduring legacy of the games.

It’s been a while since I’ve paid attention to the camping industry, but it did feel like something was different. There weren’t as many people, almost more vendors than participants and I got there around 1pm on Saturday, the first day of the event. The day was beautiful, not a cloud in the sky and the weather was finally cool, a lovely 74˚.

When I went last year, it was before I purchased my camper. As I was walking around my initial thoughts were, “maybe this is for me”, but as I went inside them, they felt tight, I couldn’t see how two people lived in them. This year though, I felt a little different. Some I went in didn’t feel that way. I saw extended vans which give them a couple more feet and raised beds on lifts giving more living space, which made the ones using bed lifts less cramped.

I have always been fascinated how the small spaces can offer so many amenities. As a kid I have loved going into the rail car restaurants. Camper vans don’t have a lot floor space once everything is accommodated so I suspect they expect a person to be using the outside more as “enjoyment” space and the insides is for the necessities like sleeping, cooking or going to the bathroom and yes, most all had a bath, small as they were, they had one.

Banboo was a predominately used wood; I rather like it. It gives a nice texture and feel to the inside; I am curious how it will hold up long-term.

Modules builds are another feature I noticed as being popular; and can be less expensive option than having a van completely customized.

I think for those who have a limited budget and may not know if camper van life is for them, or for those who want to be more weekend worriers, having your camper built out with components could be the route to go. It can be less expensive to get started. You could just get the components you needs like a sink component, a bed component, a bench component, then as you live in your van you can add other components and move them around to fit your lifestyle.

Here are a few links to companies that build using modular components. If you google, you’ll find a tone of companies that is in this space, so do your research and find one that you feel comfortable working with. Happier Camper Vans, Vanpackers, and Wayfarer Vans. I don’t recommend one company over the other, these are links I’ve come across several time and have watched their videos on YouTube.

What struck me this year was the obvious cost of some of the custom built vans $150k+ and yes that includes the van. I think if money is no object then having a custom van built could be a nice addition to your stable of vehicles, but if you are more budget conscience, then it becomes prohibitive.

I think anymore thinking about “mobile” life, give a lot of thought to what you are trying to do and your needs. Go to RV lots and look at a lot of different types RV/campers or camper vans. Try to picture yourself living in one even if it’s for just a weekend; go rent one for a weekend. (DO NOT BUY FROM CAMPER WORLD). Join a lot of camper groups on Facebook and read through the post to understand the issues that come with owning a camper/van and yes they will all have problems.

Some people will like campers vans over RVs for ease of use. No tow vehicle needed. You can pull over, park almost anywhere and sleep for the night. Easy to get going in the mornings. No hooking up the RV and everything that comes with pulling an RV. I guess you could add in truck campers in the mix too.

On the flip side, one of the problems I hear with owning a camper van is if you want to go out for the day you have to break down your camp spot and if you don’t have a reservation, you could come back with someone else in your spot. Anytime you leave you have to detach the water hose and sewer hoses (if you have hookups). So breaking down and setting up is more of an issue than with an RV where you go for the day and come back to your camper. Again, it does come down to preference and how much room you may need.

Personally, I don’t mind hooking up the camper, now that I’ve gotten use to it and since I’m not pulling a house behind my truck, driving goes pretty smoothly. Before you purchase any van or camper, do your research and don’t get swept up in all hype of it because not matter what you see or hear, it takes work. Things will break and you’ll find yourself having to fix something yourself.

#GetCampingGoVenture