Another extinction event - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

kerry · #1 06-26-2008, 11:04 PM

A little over a hundred years ago, the introduction of the repeating rifle and steam locomotive to the Great Plains spelled disaster for the great Buffalo herds of the American West. This summer a similar extinction event is occurring. The Great American RV is disappearing from the Great Plains. In previous years, American RV herds began their summer migration to the Rocky Mountains from their wintering grounds in the suburbs of midwestern cities. I-80 would be filled bumper to bumper with the herds clawing their way across the blacktop. This year, the herds have all but disappeared. A few older members of the herd, apparently aware that their fellow species members have all but given up on life due to the high cost of fuel and have laid down to die in storage lots, still wander across the plains in search of anonymity in the herd. It is not to be found. Experts speculate that many other American species, depending on the American RV for survival will themselves slowly dwindle in the coming years.

(I drove from Denver to Omaha today.)

#2 06-27-2008, 05:50 AM

If everyone had a 306 or 307 van it would take the entire vacation to reach the destination!

t walgamuth · #3 06-27-2008, 06:35 AM

I sold the big airstream a couple of months ago. It was a big mileage improvment for the couple who bought it from the tall tall fifth wheel they had before.

I've been looking around for something smaller. Our second of seven trailers was a love bug a little thirteen hundred pound fiberglass bubble. There is a thing called a casita now that looks a lot like it. Something I can pull with my three hundred d would be nice.

Its just me and the Mrs now unless we begin taking grandchildren along.

Tom W

TheDon · #4 06-27-2008, 08:27 AM

teardrop camper?

SwampYankee · #5 06-27-2008, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry

A few older members of the herd, apparently aware that their fellow species members have all but given up on life due to the high cost of fuel and have laid down to die in storage lots, still wander across the plains in search of anonymity in the herd. It is not to be found. Experts speculate that many other American species, depending on the American RV for survival will themselves slowly dwindle in the coming years.

(I drove from Denver to Omaha today.)

I'm hoping to bag one of those hibernating beasts in the not-too-distant future. The prices are really starting to come down towards my level. Sure 8-12ish MPG doesn't sound appealing to most but if you factor in my travel costs for getting 2 adults and 4 kids anywhere and hotel/motel stays along the way and once we arrive (sometimes needing 2 rooms due to occupancy issues if we're honest with them), it's actually not too bad.

I'm still debating the older Class A/C vs. newer crewcab pickup/Suburban + older trailer details. A motorhome offers a more enjoyable driving experience with everyone spread out whereas a newer pickup/SUV would ostensibly be less troublesome and easier to drive around once the destination is reached and the trailer left at the site. I'm quite capable and creative with roadside repairs when alone but with a wife and cranky kids thrown into the mix it might not be a good thing.

Chad300tdt · #6 06-27-2008, 08:44 AM

Here you go Swamp ... big enough for your whole family.

http://newhaven.craigslist.org/rvs/704114326.html

kerry · #7 06-27-2008, 08:47 AM

A high percentage of the RV's I saw on the road yesterday were older class C's, the ones that were paid off long ago or were bought for a song. It looks like people can't afford both the payments and the fuel for the new ones. Motorhomes are nice for driving with a large group of people, but the Casita's or Trillium's are nice too.
I've driven I=80 a lot this time of year and yesterday was astonishing. I'd guess about 90% of the RV's have disappeared. I guess I shouldn't be surprised because I fall into that group. We're driving the TD instead of the Wanderlodge.

link · #8 06-27-2008, 09:27 AM

Were you to spend time at state and national parks, you’d find more than a few herds remain. But the ever popular car (and suv) campers will likely flourish in light of reduced competition.

SwampYankee · #9 06-27-2008, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad300tdt

Here you go Swamp ... big enough for your whole family.

http://newhaven.craigslist.org/rvs/704114326.html

I don't need the temptation, Chad.

That's what I'm thinking. But nothing until we finish out our self-imposed debt reduction program. By the end of September/early October gas will probably be up to $5/gal. and I can get one even cheaper.

I've always had a fondness for the 70's box Winnebagos, probably because I had a toy one as a little kid. A restored one might not be too shabby. Then we'd really be Cousin Eddy-esque

(even though Eddy's wasn't a Winnie).

Dee8go · #10 06-27-2008, 09:40 AM

Less of those on the road is fine by me. I find them annoying and aggravating, especially in large herds.

I'm glad I'm not an RV salesman. For that matter, I'm glad I'm not a yacht salesman either.

Chad300tdt · #11 06-27-2008, 09:42 AM

I used to help my landscaper buddy sell Christmas trees when I was in my early 20's. I would spend all day hanging in and around the Winnebago. We had a space heater and a TV set up in it for comfort.

Amazingly, I could easily make upwards of $500 a day just for putting a fresh cut on a tree trunk and helping to load the tree. Plus dealing with happy holiday people was always fun.