From newborns to teens, the Tune M1 truck camper is ready for the whole family. Camping with kids can be a whole new experience, so we surveyed Tune parents and put together our top five tips.
Tip #1: Take your time on the road and minimize campsites
While you’re planning your trip, make sure to factor in more stops and longer time on the road. Anticipate extra delays for babies who need frequent feedings and potty training kids anxious about using unfamiliar bathrooms on the road.
“Make sure to double the time you think it will take to do anything,” Tune M1 owner Loup says.
It also helps to stay at the same campsite for longer to let your kids get used to the environment, settle in, and explore. They discover more with some time.
Tip #2: Engage them in activities
Keep your kids engaged by letting them help you with small tasks. If you’re starting a fire, let them help by having them collect twigs or leaves. They’ll stay entertained, and you’ll get an extra set of hands.
Meals can be a great way to get kids involved. Easy camping meals like chili dogs or instant oatmeal allow your older kids to make most of the food on their own.
Outside of campsite activities, make sure and do your research ahead of time to find ideas your kids will like. Is there a place to ride bikes or tour a nature center? Planning a list ahead of time ensures less of, “Mom, I’m bored!” and more of “Let’s go again!”
Tip #3: Factor in heat
Heat is important when it comes to babies. If you’re in a Tune M1, we recommend adding the Truma Varioheat Eco Heater that provides quick and easy propane heat. This truck camper heater has a thermostat, which allows you to set and maintain a precise temperature.
Don’t forget, you’ll be waking up in the night to change diapers. Even if you have warm sleeping bags or blankets, a heater keeps things more comfortable.
Tip #4: Pack more clothes than you think you’d need
“Getting thrown up on during a camping trip can be frustrating. Throw an extra top or bottom into the diaper bag for yourself,” says Cora, a mom of an 8-month old baby and Jeep truck owner.
It helps to dress yourself and your kids in layers. In higher elevations, temperature varies drastically between day and night. Layers ensure you don’t have to keep returning to the campsite to change during the day.
Tip #5: Stay safe!
Being out in nature can be unpredictable, so set a game plan to keep kids safe. Make sure to talk to your kids about boundaries - how far can they wander, do they have a way to contact you, can they go near water?
Practice camper entry and moving around. Getting into the Tune M1 and climbing onto the bed platform can be challenging and dangerous for children if care is not taken. Teach them how to safely climb into the truck camper and use the ladder to get into bed. Once they have a process down, they are likely to follow it.
We recommend keeping a first aid kit in your Tune M1 at all times just in case. Here are some great options we found.
Overall, the most important tip we can give is to stay flexible and let your kids experience all nature has to offer. No camping trip will be perfect, but you can find what works best for your family and make notes on what to improve for next time.
Ready to explore how the Tune M1 can work with your family?
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