Hi from Mark and Cyn

Hi all,

Thanks Evan for setting up this forum. We have a 550 Base with some additions in line for a May 2010 build completion. Cyn is excited about setting up her own kitchen. We will keep everyone posted. We are looking forward to participating in this forum.

Mark and Cyn

550 Base
May 2010 Completion Date

 

This is something we debated before buying the Ultra. Whether to get the base and just build the kitchen like we wanted. I wonder what you had in mind? You don't get it till May? Yeah, I remember the, what, 10 month wait we had. Couldn't wait. Will you pick it up?

 

Hi Mark,

We will be picking it up. Cyn will post pictures when she sets it up. She is looking at being able to flip up the tailgate and have everything in place to cook. Her cooking style is "minimalist rustic gourmet". Cooking implements on the left, stove in the middle (gas line has been added) and condiments on the right. Storage below will function as a dry pantry. Cooler, if used, will stay in the car. Wash basins, stored under the implements, will replace the sink.

Cyn already has picked out what we will be using. It will be just a matter of figuering out the best set up. We love coffee in the morning-I roast our own beans- so we wanted to have the stove ready to cook. It will be mounted on a pull out drawer.

Hope this is not too confusing. How has your kitchen been working out for you? The teardrop forums split on whether people prefer having a permanent sink in the galley. We are moving up from tent camping, so this is all pure luxury for us!!

Mark

 

Yeah, we were lifelong tenters, so it is all luxury to us. I really like the kitchen. It, too, is ready to go when you lift the hatch. Got all the side tables, which make organization and work easier. We pondered much on how much luxury we required. Not much. But we got all the stuff anyway. Don't know if you are getting the side tent, but I recommend it. Lot's easier to get dressed or undressed standing up. Also, a place to get out of the weather when needed without having to stay in the tear.

 

We also went back and forth about the sink when we were first signing up - we had read somewhere that they just weren't big enough to be practical. At one point, my wife told me there was no reason she would want one - would rather have the extra counterspace/cupboard. BUT, we decided to go with the kitchen as is (except for the additional speakers in the galley) and are very glad that we did. When camping without facilities it is very convenient. Also, Camp-Inn's new faucet (serial #343 and up) has much more reach and doubles the value of the sink in our opinion.

 

BTW, Mark - if you can give me a general location or city in PA, I will add a pin for you to the map.

Evan

 

Hi Mark,

Glad to hear you like your galley set up. We are going to wait on the side tent to see how it goes. We are planning on a series of day trips to Gettysburg (want to see the new museum and the restored Cyclorama), the Adirondacks and New England. Now that I am retired, we can watch the weather and camp outside of the busy times. We are fortunate to have a home that is very rural and fairly private-30 acres with deer, bear, redtails, turkeys, etc, so it is often a challenge to find a camping spot that is just as quiet.

A nice problem to have!!

Mark

 

Mark,
What part of New England are you thinking about? If Maine or close please let me know.
Bruce

 

Evan,
My 2 cents on the new faucet, I just helped Alan Hill install the kit and the backsplash in their 560 demo and we are going to upgrade before spring. The faucet is so much better! We also got a coleman hot water heater and it was pricey but we have found it well worth it. We also plan on getting a second side tent because my wife wants one on her side too.
Bruce

 

We got the Coleman water heater too - haven't had the chance to use it so I am hoping we will be glad. I'd like to know how the second tent works out for you - I considered that as well... but it's something we could always add later.

 

Hi Bruce,

We will definately let you know if we head up through Maine this summer or fall. We have PA friends who just retired in the Machiasport area and are also thinking of checking out New Brunswick. We are always open to recommendations on places to eat and camp. We will gladly return the favor for our area and the Fingerlakes region of New York.

Be in touch

Mark

 

Mark,
Do you know about the outing of the tearjerkers in May? It will be in Phonecia N.Y May 14-16th. We are coming down from Maine and there is at least 15 trailers already registered. If you want more info let me know.
Bruce

 

Evan,
The hot water heater works great. It can get so hot you can't put your hand in it.

 

Hi Bruce,

I was not aware of that gathering. It does not look like we can make it that weekend, but you might want to do an informational post for everyone under the Gatherings Forum.

Mark

 

Mark,
That's a great idea I'll do it now.
Bruce

 

We spent about an hour and a half instaling the faucet and backsplash kit. The next one will be faster. It is like all things Camp-Inn. By that i mean engineered to perfection.
Alan

 

Re: Faucet?

Ken,

Scroll down the forum to the "Offical Camp-Inn Area" (has the logo). I posted info on the retrofit for the faucet & backsplash, along with pictures.

Craig hasn't put it on the Camp-Inn website yet...he's still working out some things with it.

 

Hi Mark and Cyn,

Our 560 ultra is being completed just a little ahead of yours, with pick-up planned for early May. We went with the standard kitchen setup. If you do any camping in Gettysburg, would love to hear of any campsite recommendations there. We've been to a couple of local RV shows that have had booths from privite campsite owners. We mostly like to stay in state parks, but might make an exception for Gettysburg if we hear of a really good recommendation. I'm trying to talk my family into visiting over the 4th to see the re-enactments, but our teenage boys are very excited. They've already been there on school field trips, as well live about 3 hours away.

Good luck with your Camp-Inn!

-Bob