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bug512
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Karma: 44 |  | Gene's FAQ On Bringing a RV to Bonnaroo & VIP Info
« Thread Started on Aug 27, 2007, 9:42pm » | |
This is a list of “Things to Know” about bringing a RV to Bonnaroo and "Dry Camping".
I put this list together after being on the Inforoo message board for over three years and trying to help out people who are headed to Bonnaroo with a RV / Camper.
We have attended Bonnaroo in 06,07and 09 and have stayed in the VIP area. I also attend up to four NASCAR events each year where we "Dry Camp"
Here are some things you will need to know, some of my personal observations are in ().
**********************************************************
Batteries:
-Used for powering 12 volt appliances like lights, water pump, electronics on refrigerator and water heater.
-Batteries do not run air conditioners.
Generators:
-You will need a generator if you are bringing a camper and want to use air conditioning.
-Most motorized (Class A&C) motorhomes have built in Generators.
-When you run the generator it charges the batteries that run the 12 volt appliances as described above.
-Quiet portable generators are quite expensive (you can purchase them for around $2,000 – $3,000 for a Honda or Yamaha).
-Watch out for “contractor type” generators, they can be quite loud. You do not want this.
-Look to see where you can rent a generator instead of purchasing one.
-Bring a cable or chain and lock to secure the generator to the RV from theft.
Wattage:
-If you are going to use a portable generator for a camper (travel trailer, fifth wheel or pop-up) and you want to use air conditioning you will need a 2800 watt generator at a minimum.
-Do not run the air conditioner and coffee maker, hair dryer, electric water heater with a generator less then 4,500 watts. If you must use one or the other appliances turn off the air conditioner.
-(We have a 3000 watt generator, Honda EU3000is)
Fuel Consumption of Generators:
-Check to see how much fuel you will need to bring. If you are renting a RV make sure the fuel tank is close to full before entering the festival. Most built-in generators will shut off when the campers fuel tanks get below 1/4 full.
-(From my experience you fill be fine for the four days if the fuel tank is close to full when you enter the festival)
-(Our Honda’s EU3000is uses less then .5 gallon per hour at full load. We bring 15 gallons and have only ever used 10 gallons)
Fuel Consumption of RV's / Trucks towing trailers:
-If you are renting a class C motorhome (most common) figure on 9-11 miles per gallon
Air Conditioning:
-Air conditioning in the camper will make your experience much more pleasurable.
-Most campers have air conditioning with the exception of some pop-ups. If you are renting a pop-up check with the rental company to make sure it has air conditioning.
-(We only run the air conditioner and generator when we are at the camper. We never run the air conditioning at night, it has cooled down enough after sunset.
We will start it up before we go to bed for a while to cool down the camper, then shut it off and then open the windows for the night. No doubt that you fire it back up by 7-8 AM to keep the camper cool.)
-Note: Air conditions do not run on the campers batteries or propane. You will need a generator.
Fresh Water
-Most campers hold between 30 and 80 gallons.
-A 12 volt electric on-board water pump draws water out of the fresh water holding tank and distributes water to faucets.
-Fresh water filling has been $50 per fill. This fee does not matter if you need 10 or 100 gallons.
-Another option would be 7 gallon aqua (available at wal-mart) containers and a radio flyer type wagon to transport the water from the wash stations. Then poor or siphon the water in the fresh water tank.
-This is our fresh water system. With this setup we can leave the camper parked and still get freshwater to fill/refill our tank. Many festivals have a central place to obtain water for free.
I acquired a 55 gallon poly drum, (weighs <10lbs empty) then I installed a bulkhead fitting installed along with a 1/2" ball valve.
To get the water out of the drum into the camper I use a 120 volt transfer pump (available at Tractor Supply or Northern Tool)
The pump came with a small hose that goes between the drum and the pump, then I connect my fresh water hose to the discharge of the pump into the camper fresh water tank fill.
This set up makes refilling the fresh water tanks very easy.
Here are some pictures.
Drum
Bulkhead Fitting with ball valve
Water pump
Gray Water (Showering and Sink Drain):
-Most campers hold between 30 and 60 gallons.
-Plan to take “Navy Showers” Rinse, stop water, soap, and rinse. Most campers have a valve on the shower head to easily turn on and off he water for this purpose.
-The gray water tank will fill very quickly if you take long showers (take navy showers) and wash dishes (use paper products).
Black Water (Toilet Waste):
-Most campers hold between 20 and 40 gallons.
-Pump out service is available for $50, this is to empty the black and gray tanks.
-If you can hold out over the weekend without the need to be pumped out look for dump stations on RV Dumps
-(Our camper holds 22 gallons. It will take four days and four adults to fill it).
Propane:
-Refrigerators, cook tops, furnaces, ovens and water heaters run off of propane.
-Make sure tanks are filled before the weekend.
Placement of camper:
-Again make sure the camper is level as possible.
-Watch when you park. Look to see where other campers exhaust pipes are. You will not be happy breathing in generator exhaust all weekend. Not to mention possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
-Try to position the right (passenger, awning) side or the camper to the north or west. The main stage is south, so opposite of that. This will give you a little shade during the day.
RV Links:
Dumpstation Locator
RV Information
Class C motorhomes 101 DVD
RV-Camping.org
RV Education
Other notes for RV's:
-Make sure the camper is level. Not only will this make your sleeping more comfortable but it is necessary for the refrigerator to operate properly. Bring some 2X8 planks to level the camper with.
-Most rental campers do not have awnings, check with the rental company and make sure to bring your own shade.
-If you do rent a camper make sure everything works before you leave the rental office. Refrigerator, water heater, water pump, air conditioner, generator, awning, also make sure the propane tanks full. Check to see if they have Roadside assistance numbers. See if they have a reference manual just incase you forget how to operate the appliances.
RV FAQ's and Questions the people have asked me over the past:
Q- I am bring a 25ft RV for the first time this year and had a question. With five people take VERY short showers, should a 42 gallon tank last us through the weekend or should we plan on a refill? Any info would be greatly appreciated!! Its ALMOST here!!!!
A- No, the 42 gallons will not last you the weekend. Maybe 6 showers at best.
Remember that you will be also using water throughout the day for washing hands, face, flushing the toilet and maybe some dishes.
Bring a water container (or two) that you can put on the back of a radio flyer type wagon. You can buy 7 gallon water containers form Walmart. Then bring a three foot hose (old piece of garden hose or similar) to syphon the water from the container to the fresh water holding tank fill on the camper.
Water is available there, two years ago it was $50 per fill regardless of weather you get 5 or 100 gallons...Very wierd. Most NASCAR races I go to charge by the gallon.
Remember that you will be also filling your gray water tank...I'm sure this holds around the same as your freshwater tank. I don't know the laws in Tennessee of draining gray (shower & dish water) on the the ground. But it is a option to slowly (open the valve very little) let the
gray water out.
Q- So what is a Class C motorhome?
A- Click the link RV Classes Explained
Q- Where can I rent a RV from?
A-
Cruise America
USA Rentals
El Monte RV
RV-Rentals
The above list is national rental companies. Also try to do a internet search on RV Rentals in "your town".
Most RV dealers also rent RV's
Q- What can I tow? Can I tow this? Questions like this and more.
A- RV Towing Tips
Q- I just read your post on Inforoo about RV camping. I went to Bonnaroo last
year, but stayed in a tent. This year, we rented a camper (with a/c). My
question is this: on Bonnaroo's site it says you can only bring a 1500 watt
generator, which, according to your post and my camper rental people, won't
power an a/c. I'm scared to bring the 3000 watt one I was planning on
bringing because I don't want the Bonnaroo security people to say I can't
bring it in or something. Any insight/advice?...Amanda
A- Hello Amanda, you are right on everything you say in your email. The two years we went we brought in a 3000 watt generator, I also did not get searched when arriving, so no problems. I'm thinking we didn't get searched due to the fact we went VIP, General Admission might be different.
I'm thinking the 1500 watt limit might be there so if they have a problem with noise they can tell someone to turn it off or the person writing the limits on generator sizing has no clue on what size generator a RV/Camper/Motorhome needs to power is utilities.
I saw many generators over 1500 watts not to mention 3000 watts. Most motorhomes have a 4000+ generator onboard.
Q-Where can I fill up my Camper/Truck/RV with gas before entering the festival grounds.
A-Well if you are coming from the Chattanooga area on I-24 there is a Big Daddy's Fireworks in the median on I-24. You will be able to fill up your tank there along with getting any last minute supplies like beer and ice.
*******************************************************
Cost for VIP:
2007:
$1,125.75 for two VIP Tickets
75.00 RV Pass
12.00 Shipping Fee
65.00 Service Fee
$1,274.40 Total
2009:
$1,349.50 for two VIP Tickets
125.00 RV Pass
12.00 Shipping Fee
72.65 Service Fee
$1,559.15 Total
Bathrooms & Showers:
Showers are open 24 hours from the time you get there on Thursday.
Bathrooms: some are air conditioned, some port-o-potties.
Pictures of 2009 VIP area showers and bathrooms.
Click here for showers
Click here for bathrooms
Area Lighting:
The VIP area has construction type lighting on during the night. There is also light infiltrating from other areas that surround the VIP area such as the main stage and roadways. A small pocket sized flashlight LED type will be handy for reading maps and artist lineups.
WiFi:
The service is very spotty and slow. I had most luck before 9 AM.
2009 Note: I was unable to get WiFi service the entire weekend.
Maps:
Click here for 2006 Site Map
Click here for 2006 Centeroo Map
Click here for 2007 Site Map
Click here for 2007 Centeroo Map
Click here for Area Road Map
Click here for 2008 Site Map
Other notes:
Dust:
Bring a disposable dust masks (a 3M type from Home Depot), the dust in 07 was incredible.
Drinking Water:
Get yourself a Camelbak to drink water out of. We used four cases (24-16 oz bottles) for four of us in 07. This was along with Vitamin water, Gatorade and soda.
Next year I will bring a case and two gallons of water per person. I will use the gallon water to fill the Camelbaks.
2009 Note: Drinking water improvements that were made since 2007 are awesome. Bring water that you will need for your campsite consumption. With the drinking water filling stations in the Centerroo area, I don't see the need to bring that much water.
Shade:
We have a 10'X10' Caravan Caravan Canopies shade canopy. This is along with the awning on our trailer. If you are bringing a tent you might want to consider two, one for shading the tent and one to sit under.
If you need to contact me via email genemartel@verizon.net
I will add more in the future when I think about more information.
Peace
Gene & Ginger
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05 Jayco 23B
Equal-i-zer, Prodigy,
Honda EU3000is
And 3 of the best dogs George, Shadow and Gracie
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bigjohn
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Karma: 45 |  | Re: Gene's FAQ On Bringing a RV to Bonnaroo
« Reply #1 on Aug 28, 2007, 11:02am » | |
thanks for the info, man! We're thinking about going that route next year.
[edit] YES! Please sticky this! I'll need to find it sometime next spring.
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Karma: 394 | | Re: Gene's FAQ On Bringing a RV to Bonnaroo
« Reply #2 on Aug 28, 2007, 11:43am » | |
stuck
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bigjohn
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Karma: 45 | | Re: Gene's FAQ On Bringing a RV to Bonnaroo
« Reply #3 on Aug 29, 2007, 10:54am » | |
Many thanks, mighty moderator type person! 
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Karma: 50 | | Re: Gene's FAQ On Bringing a RV to Bonnaroo
« Reply #4 on Sept 2, 2007, 10:18pm » | |
karma bug512, I'm thinking about RV/VIP options next year and any helpful info is greatly appreciated!!
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Karma: 78 | | Re: Gene's FAQ On Bringing a RV to Bonnaroo
« Reply #5 on Nov 25, 2007, 12:13am » | |
Thanks for all the info! It's great! Karma
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Karma: 419 | | Re: Gene's FAQ On Bringing a RV to Bonnaroo
« Reply #6 on Nov 25, 2007, 2:29am » | |
Not that I am AT ALL an expert on the RV thang...this was the first time I had EVER rented/driven/been in one on my own (  ) but it was actually really easy if you have ANY common sense and have done ANY camping AT ALL..... and have a really good place to rent from. I rented from a local mom/pop place that only rents like 7 RVs total....they take a lot more time to screen peeps and take more time to teach you how to do stuff....and screen peeps better. BUT they let you use the awnings and nuts which is cool! ANd they are usually cheaper...I got mine for $900 base for 7 days WITH the 500 miles already included....which is usually an extra charge from the national rentals which are going to charge 800-850 for 5 days rental and then another 150 for the 500 miles...  AND the guys told me if I didn't know how/where to dump the grey/black water I could bring it back full and they would dump it for an extra $20....MUCH cheaper than any of the services at Roo and since i didn't know anything about dumping that crap it was WELL worth it for me! Too extra clean water in 5 gallon drums to fill up for the fresh water tanks....the only think we ran out of (with three girls) was grey water tanks for showers....even doing Navy showers....three women taking 2 a days even Navy showers will fill up a 22 gallon tank in 2.76 days... ....the whore baths commenced after that with the baby wipes....tho having a fridge to keep them cool made a HUGE diff! Never ran out of potty time tho' thankfully!
And even though we NEVER figured out how to level the darn thing, other than us feeling like we were always drunk and stubling around all the time, everything worked fine.....And we too only ran the AC generator when we were ACTUALLY in the RV and turned it off at night cause it would get too cold! We even brought extra gas cans and filled up the RV with gas RIGHT before we went into Bonnaroo to make sure we had enough gas to run the generators all weekend...never even broke into the extra supplies...had more than enough just from what we had in the gas tank.....did have to add some of the fresh water we brought in 5 gallon tanks to refill the fresh water....but only about 10 gallons....would suggest that.....
DON'T run the microwave and AC at the same time... will have to reset most fuses in the RV....including on the generator....The AC will cool down even the HOTTEST RV in a matter of no more than 10 mins....grab a beer, go out into the shade/tarb and chill for a while...it will be cool when you get back....the fridge is awesome for salsa/margaritas (the frozen kind in the tubs that you just add a bottle of tequila to...) and frozen breakfast items like Monkey bread and toaster strudels.... We didn't really cool real food but it would be cool to have a small grill to do it outside if you spent any time at camp...we didn't much. The beds are nice too!  I don't see a lot of advantage to VIP if you have an RV unless you are really into eating A BUNCH and NOT getting ANYTHING to eat in Inforoo or with friends.....and if you want cold showers in nicers surroundings...and just LOVE the proximity to Centeroo...THAT seems to be what you are paying the double cost for to do VIP/RV....having a really close camping space....personally I don't think I can justify it....but then I like to walk around....it's part of the experience of Roo for me
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Karma: 3 | | Re: Gene's FAQ On Bringing a RV to Bonnaroo & VIP
« Reply #7 on Dec 15, 2007, 6:55pm » | |
bamabelle,
Any chance you will forward the contact info for the place you rented from for 2007? I have the same concerns you did with renting an RV for the Roo (I will be an RV renting first timer) and it looks like you found the kind of place I need as opposed to a big corporate rental place. Please, please share.
My email is nealbook at cox dot net
Thanks.
Neal
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bug512
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Karma: 70 | | Re: Gene's FAQ On Bringing a RV to Bonnaroo & VIP
« Reply #9 on Jan 24, 2008, 5:14pm » | |
Awesome info! I am going the RV route this year as well! Two quick questions...
1) I thought I read somewhere that if you have an RV pass you can also a bring a "follow" car into the RV area. Is this true? Do they mean you can tow a car in (no idea why you would want to do that), or can a second car follow you in and park next to you?
2) Are RVs subject to the same searches as other cars? More likely? Less? Etc.
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bug512
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Karma: 44 | | Re: Gene's FAQ On Bringing a RV to Bonnaroo & VIP
« Reply #10 on Jan 25, 2008, 6:37am » | |
Quote:Awesome info! I am going the RV route this year as well! Two quick questions...
1) I thought I read somewhere that if you have an RV pass you can also a bring a "follow" car into the RV area. Is this true? Do they mean you can tow a car in (no idea why you would want to do that), or can a second car follow you in and park next to you?
2) Are RVs subject to the same searches as other cars? More likely? Less? Etc. |
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- Are you staying in the general admission RV area or in the VIP RV area?
- If you are in the General Admission RV area I'm pretty sure you will need to purchase a companion pass. You might want to compose a email to info@bonnaroo.com to make sure.
- And for the VIP area it would work like this....
How many people are in the group? The reason I ask is that, for example is if you have a total of four people, two can go in with the camper/RV, and two can go in with the car. Think of yourselves as separate groups. If it's just two of you, one in the car and one in the RV you will need a companion pass.
- There are many people who tow cars behind their campers. The reason is that when the camper is "set up" at a campground and now you need or want to travel somewhere you will now have a vehicle to do that with, otherwise you would need to break down camp jsut to gat a gallon of milk or a case of beer.....
- I can't speak for the general admission RV area, my guess would be, yes they will search the camper. I know in the VIP area I personally have not been searched. I have read posts that people have been searched when they first opened the VIP area.
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jamesinlittlerock
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Karma: 1 | | Re: Gene's FAQ On Bringing a RV to Bonnaroo & VIP
« Reply #11 on Jan 25, 2008, 3:16pm » | |
so there is a General ticket price rv area? or all strictly vip. I am new to all this.
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bug512
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Karma: 44 | | Re: Gene's FAQ On Bringing a RV to Bonnaroo & VIP
« Reply #12 on Jan 25, 2008, 5:38pm » | |
Quote:| so there is a General ticket price rv area? or all strictly vip. I am new to all this. |
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For General Admission.......
You can get general admission tickets ($200ish per person) and a RV pass ($75ish)
For VIP.......
You get VIP tickets for two people ($1,300ish..yes One thousand three hundred) and a RV pass ($75)
Does that help?
If you have any more questions please ask....
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jamesinlittlerock
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Karma: 1 | | Re: Gene's FAQ On Bringing a RV to Bonnaroo & VIP
« Reply #13 on Jan 25, 2008, 9:50pm » | |
Quote:
Quote:| so there is a General ticket price rv area? or all strictly vip. I am new to all this. |
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For General Admission.......
You can get general admission tickets ($200ish per person) and a RV pass ($75ish)
For VIP.......
You get VIP tickets for two people ($1,300ish..yes One thousand three hundred) and a RV pass ($75)
Does that help?
If you have any more questions please ask....
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Yes that helps a ton...no way I would spend 1300ish for 2 people, plus 75 for the rv. GA all the way. now just to wait for line up to be announced
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carpedm01
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Karma: 70 | | Re: Gene's FAQ On Bringing a RV to Bonnaroo & VIP
« Reply #14 on Jan 26, 2008, 12:37am » | |
If you do the RV thing, are you allowed to set up extra tents around/near your RV? I know you can bring extra canopies and all, but if you dont all feel like crowding in at night, can you set up extra sleeping quarters as well??
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"And you can tell Rolling Stone magazine that my last words were... I'm on drug$!!!"
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Karma: 189 | | Re: Gene's FAQ On Bringing a RV to Bonnaroo & VIP
« Reply #15 on Jan 26, 2008, 12:43am » | |
Quote:| If you do the RV thing, are you allowed to set up extra tents around/near your RV? I know you can bring extra canopies and all, but if you dont all feel like crowding in at night, can you set up extra sleeping quarters as well?? |
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No
j/k I think so, but am sure others will know  .
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bug512
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Karma: 44 | | Re: Gene's FAQ On Bringing a RV to Bonnaroo & VIP
« Reply #16 on Jan 26, 2008, 7:02am » | |
Quote:| If you do the RV thing, are you allowed to set up extra tents around/near your RV? I know you can bring extra canopies and all, but if you dont all feel like crowding in at night, can you set up extra sleeping quarters as well?? |
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I have seen tents and shade canopies set up around the RV.
I myself have set up like this before.
If you are renting a RV, they usually do not have a pull out awning. So you will need something for shade if you plan to sit outside. Check with the rental company.
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Karma: 228 | | Re: Gene's FAQ On Bringing a RV to Bonnaroo & VIP
« Reply #17 on Jan 26, 2008, 10:59am » | |
What are the dimensions of the sites in VIP? We're trying to figure out how much room we have for canopies, tents, etc. Thanks!
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God sure baked a lot of fruitcake, baby. |
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bug512
Mudbather
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Stanky McNasty
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Karma: 228 | | Re: Gene's FAQ On Bringing a RV to Bonnaroo & VIP
« Reply #19 on Jan 26, 2008, 9:09pm » | |
Thanks, Gene. We were pretty sure it is 20x50 but just wanted to confirm. You see, we're building a diorama of our campsite. Kidding! At least, I hope viciouscircle is kidding... 
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God sure baked a lot of fruitcake, baby. |
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viciouscircle
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Karma: 70 | | Re: Gene's FAQ On Bringing a RV to Bonnaroo & VIP
« Reply #20 on Jan 27, 2008, 7:40pm » | |
Oh, I am not kidding. I never kid about obsessively undertaken craft projects!
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GIVE BACK OUR BABY!
![[image]](http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee173/RedVelvetBaby/merc-1.jpg) ![[image]](http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee173/RedVelvetBaby/hellokitty.jpg) ![[image]](http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee173/RedVelvetBaby/amp.jpg) |
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bug512
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Ginger & Gene
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Stanky McNasty
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Viva Velvet!
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Karma: 228 | | Re: Gene's FAQ On Bringing a RV to Bonnaroo & VIP
« Reply #22 on Jan 27, 2008, 8:13pm » | |
She's kidding. This is our first 'Roo and we're obsessing over all the details.
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God sure baked a lot of fruitcake, baby. |
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viciouscircle
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Karma: 70 | | Re: Gene's FAQ On Bringing a RV to Bonnaroo & VIP
« Reply #23 on Jan 27, 2008, 8:59pm » | |
And we are making a diorama of our campsite. And then using it as a model to do a trial run of the setup in my yard. In February. In the snow. For real.
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GIVE BACK OUR BABY!
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bug512
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Karma: 44 | | Re: Gene's FAQ On Bringing a RV to Bonnaroo & VIP
« Reply #24 on Jan 28, 2008, 6:23am » | |
Quote:| And we are making a diorama of our campsite. And then using it as a model to do a trial run of the setup in my yard. In February. In the snow. For real. |
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Excellent idea. Before hiking the Appalachian Trail I remember practicing setting up our tent in the rain and at night.
From my understanding and from what other posters have said, when they park you in the camping lot it is best to swing your car a little wide to maximize your real estate and then set up your tent / shade shelter immediately to claim your ground. Don't look around, you will not have anywhere to set up your camping gear.
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Gene's Pictures
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Gene's FAQ On Bringing a RV to Bonnaroo & VIP Info
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bamabelle
Stanky McNasty
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Karma: 419 | | Re: Gene's FAQ On Bringing a RV to Bonnaroo & VIP
« Reply #25 on Jan 30, 2008, 9:31pm » | |
Quote:| If you do the RV thing, are you allowed to set up extra tents around/near your RV? I know you can bring extra canopies and all, but if you dont all feel like crowding in at night, can you set up extra sleeping quarters as well?? |
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Yes...you can have tents set up around the RV in the space alloted for the RV....and yes most RVs do have awnings but most rental places won't let you USE them But MINE did
BUT....the exhaust from the generators will be nasty for any tents around the RVs...
And companion cars in RV GA are $25 extra and MUST come in WITH the RV....
We got searched by the Sheriff's Dept...but it was random....most RV's just get the normal search...and even the extra search didn't take more than 5 mins.....not exactly horrible....but then again it was three girls.... they teased us for not having enough beer
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machub
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Karma: 15 | | Re: Gene's FAQ On Bringing a RV to Bonnaroo & VIP
« Reply #26 on Feb 1, 2008, 4:03pm » | |
FYI, last year we came in two cars on different days. I had the RV pass and the other car had the Companion pass and we had no problems. We had to play marco polo to guide the second car to our camping spot though. Also, neither of us had an RV, but with the passes we were able to camp in the RV section.
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meemaw
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Karma: 3 | | Re: Gene's FAQ On Bringing a RV to Bonnaroo & VIP
« Reply #27 on Feb 5, 2008, 5:23am » | |
Quote:Awesome info! I am going the RV route this year as well! Two quick questions...
1) I thought I read somewhere that if you have an RV pass you can also a bring a "follow" car into the RV area. Is this true? Do they mean you can tow a car in (no idea why you would want to do that), or can a second car follow you in and park next to you?
2) Are RVs subject to the same searches as other cars? More likely? Less? Etc. |
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We bought a Companion Car pass ($25) with the RV Pass $75) at the same time that we got our tickets and you have to enter at the same time. They are a real pain on giving you enough space to park the RV and the Car - you have to make sure that there is enough space to keep from getting Carbon Monoxide from the RV next to you - I made such an issue over this due to some problems that I think they will address it as a safety issue with the RV parkers in 2008.
Only one car per pass unless you are pulling a camper.
The search on my RV was no issue. The guy checking it did come inside more to see it and then to sit in the AC to cool off. They were more interested in teasing my daughter in the companion car. Anyway, they asked if I had any glass and I said no - offered to let them look at the coolers that were sitting at their feet, they said that was okay and I said well there is frozen water in there and you can get a bottle if you want - one took one and the other said he was fine, but both were really nice, like they were dealing with their mother and I am sure they were shocked at my age and the RV.
None of my searches were beyond normal or ugly. I was worried about them tearing the RV apart and making me toss all the glass dishes, coffee pot, etc that is always in the RV, but that was not a worry. I understood when I elected to attend the event that I could be searched and it is no different than going to a basketball game at the University of Tennessee. I dread that every game but I am afraid that it is a sign of the times.
There was a lot of things in the RV that we keep standard and it would have been a nightmare had they tossed it, but I am sure that they were not interested in me blocking the entrance way for two hours that it would have taken me to re-pack it. Most everything in an RV can be packed where at a glance you can tell what is there. I know that I re-packed ours 6 times during May trying to figure out where I really wanted things. Then got home from a month of camping and re-arranged the entire RV bays again, but it has worked well now for Roo and other adventures. I would say that you all renting an RV will not take all the stuff that I carry on a normal camping trip.
RV's are nice and if all the people in it know a little bit about how it all works it is a help. My suggestion is that if you rent one that you make them show you how it all works and then you try it. I would add an extra night to stay near where you pick it up so that you can play with the RV before you head down the road.
The awning is one of those things that no matter how many times I use it, I still forget a thing or two BUT I can do it all alone and can usually help someone if they are having trouble. If you don't rent one with an awning, then you need some good tarps. Also, you need to make sure that the ground under your generator does not get too dry and catch on fire - my generator ran for between 96 and 110 hours. WE turned on the generator Thursday and did not stop it until I stopped for gas about 30 miles away from Manchester on Monday afternoon.
You need to know how to re-set any alarms. Most of you that will be renting an RV won't care about all the little things that I worry about when I use the RV.
I did notice where someone was worried about dumping. Most places like Flying J will have a dump or a state park - if you go through Knoxville on I-40 the TVA campgrounds usually have a dump. Dumping is no issue if the sewer hoses are there. Most RV's have them stored in a tube or the bumper - make sure that you know where they are just in case you had to dump. Usually the Black water tank has the larger value. YOU just connect them and dump the black water first then the gray water. Most dumping stations have a gray hose where you can wash everything down if you were messy. It is really logical if you remember that gravity makes it work so the hose that is in the hole in the ground can fly out if it is not weighted down with your foot or a rock. Also, it never fails that the values let a little fluid leak out so when you take off the sewer cap you often have a little present. White hose in the RV is for drinking water and the gray hose or regular garden hose is for tending the sewer hookups.
We did not use the inside shower since there was 4 of us and 2 were more worried about being cleaner than the other 2. <g> We had extra water and hooked up a Coleman outdoor shower. Now if we had not had the people next to us so close with their tents to where I could not get into our bays, we would have used our outside shower with hot water.
The Honey Pots that worked the event had a difficult time getting to the RV's to dump the tanks and to fill the water back up. I think that if this service is going to be there that some thought needs to be given to how they are going to get to the bays to do the service for the people.
BE SURE TO BUY the special stuff that you put in the tanks - well down the sink and in the potty!!! The heat makes them need twice as much, but I can't stand the potty to have an odor. Also buy the two ply special toilet paper and make sure you have a plunger packed. There is always one in the group that doesn't let enough water run when they flush the thing. My RV has a double door system for the bathroom and was a pain to have to shut the door every time you used the toilet - wakes everyone up and shuts off the AC from the bathroom and the location that the AC is not on at that time. WE have 2 AC units and I alternate them. Anyway, we took 2 cloth shower curtains with hooks, two picture hangers and an old rod that hangs across the back of the car when you travel with hanging clothes to make this divider. I did bend the picture hooks so that they held the rod and I used a larger size so it would be more secure.
Remember the space is small and close so you have to do a little bit of planning. If you don't know the people in the RV, you will before the weekend is over. An empty sleeping spot is can be taken by anyone needing to sleep. The smaller RV's used for rental are better designed and I think are a little easier. I know just the difference in my floor plan and some of the used RV's that we looked at was a big deal.
I think that the people parking the RV's need to know a little bit about the needs of the people in the RV area. With the fit that I pitched and the attention that the fire chief and the medical staff gave to my concerns, I am sure that this problem made it on some of their issues we need to correct list. It was nothing that I could not have gotten the people camping next to me to solve, it was just important enough that it needed to be brought to the attention of the staff that had the power to see that it did not happen in 2008.
If you have friends that are also going in RV's it would be nice to come in together so that you can back one RV in so that you have a double in front campsite. The people next to us pitched a fit and told the girl doing the parking that we wanted to do this at the same time they were telling us that they were good guys and our new best friends. She finally gave in and I said if you want it backed in you have to back it. He was so pleased since he had never driven an RV - I knew that with the fit he had pitched that he would take as much space as he could which is what he did. It made for a really nice campsite. I would of loved to of had a U campsite with the 3rd RV running along one end.
I bought two different styles of Coleman fans and they were nice, just remember that you might need extra batteries. We did not have to replace them while we were there and I found them on with no one using them lots of times when I was the last one to head to Centeroo. I could not make up my mind which fan I liked the best. They both worked fine. One I think had a ring so that you could hook it to a screen in a tent. I think that you can take it apart placing the screen between the two pieces. It was probably more powerful and more expensive. The other one was more of a personal table fan and I will probably buy more.
We kept a floor fan hooked up on the outside and had a fan inside the RV in addition to the AC. We ran the generator all timet, but it was cool enough at night until about 7:30 AM to actually sleep with the generator off.
Also you need to know if your generator has a breaker of its own. I need to double check that on my system. Also you need to know where the extra fuses are for the 12 volt system, extra light bulbs for the coach, and how to turn on the breakers if you trip them. Someone always wants to use the microwave and the toaster at the same time or god forbid the hairdryer.
I would think that if you had an RV question that with the number that were there and they type of people at the event that if wouldn't take many trys to locate someone that would help or solve your problem.
WE are trying to figure out if we would miss too much of being at Bonnaroo by staying at KOA and letting them cart us back and forth. The cost for two would be about the same. The gas tank for the RV holds probably around 85 gallons so to be safe if you figure it is about $250 per fill up then you add the RV/Companion Pass you are up to $300 so is it worth the extra $200 to have full hook up and shade??? Plus a fire if you desire.
I did see others searched a lot more than I was and I saw cars torn apart - I did not see why they were selected instead of me other than I was much older. Any bags I had got searched just as much as anyone else in any line that I was in. I saw no pattern as to reasons for searching.
We did pack our coolers with dry ice and frozen water bottles. Ice is there for the buying but it melts so quick if you do not have something cold waiting on it when you get back to camp. The frozen water bottles were so nice and lasted well thanks to the dry ice. BE picky on what they sell you as dry ice. Don't let them tell you that you have to take the smaller pieces - you are buying it by the pound and you want good sized pieces.
I filled the floor in the RV with all the coolers so they would have been easy enough to view and had a lot of the food, supplies, etc sitting out. I am guessing that just one look at all the stuff, me being older and alone plus a companion vehicle that had one person may have worked in our favor.
No matter what age you are, I think it is normal to worry about being searched. If I trusted the people doing the searching, I wouldn't worry - it's okay to search my stuff, but I want to watch you do it and I noticed that it was more you stand here and we are going to search things with the cars. Now I do know that they did not want in my RV without me also being in it. Since we were going into the handicap section we stayed a while over on the side waiting for our special stickers.
This old lady was impressed with the entire event and if you can get an RV, it is worth the trouble. They are not hard to drive and chances are you will not rent a huge 40 ft thing with slides. <g> The Bounder I love so was bought off E-Bay, sight unseen and I knew nothing about them. I found a style and floor plan that I liked then started trying to locate one. They are much cheaper now than then and there are a lot sitting in Florida or other retirement areas at good prices.
Two quick questions that bring to mind so many thoughts. <g>
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bug512
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Ginger & Gene
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ttrulis
Spotless
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Karma: 0 | | Re: Gene's FAQ On Bringing a RV to Bonnaroo & VIP
« Reply #29 on Feb 6, 2008, 2:47pm » | |
i apologize if this stuff has been posted before, but i have a few questions and i couldnt find answers here or on the site.
1. If we have a camper that is towed by an suv, would we need to purchase the rv pass AND a companion pass?
2. Is the VIP RV area still close to centeroo like the vip area is? If not about how far?
3. If we purchase a pair of vip tickets and the vip rv pass, can regular general admission people we know stay in the rv in vip as well or is there only access to this area for those with the vip tickets/wristbands?
many thanks in advance!
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