Dasher is now part of our family too! Simply put, Dasher was awesome for our first RV trip. we went to:
Chatsfield State Park, CO
Mt Rushmore, SD
Badlands, SD
Wall drug, SD
Custer state park, SD
Devils tower, WY
Rocky Mountain National Park, CO...We’ve been to exotic countries, 5-star accommodations, etc, But this may have been our best family vacation yet!Working with Janet & Brian was a breeze. Janet handled our check-in demo very professionally, and took plenty to time to explain how the RV operates in great detail, then answered some of our basic questions. We were total newbies and she was very patient and professional with us during the demo.Driving Dasher: Dasher handles very nicely and is easy to drive. It took me a day or two to get the hang of it, but once I did, we were able to do three point turns where required. I have driven large trucks in the past, so this wasn't too big of a deal. It does have a backup camera which always makes it easier to back into your RV site if you have to.A few driving tips - make wide turns. Go slow when you are approaching steep downhilll, and don't forget to downshift if required. Never ride the brake! Allow others to pass you if needed. Pull over if too many cars are behind you; let them pass. RVing is all about taking your time and enjoying the views and experience...it's not a race! Backing up/reverse: Have an adult get out and help back you into any RV space or in any tight reverse situation. We had to pull into a close parking space at Mt/ Rushmore, and it helped to have a "spotter" outside the vehicle to ensure proper parking.Setting up Dasher at your RV camp site: It takes some work, but it is much easier than setting up a tent!!! Tips: stabilize before you push the slides out. You have to do the rear driver's side by hand so as to not break the plumbing. This is the hardest one to do, but do this one first as it is under the master bed. If you do this one last, you may be too stable on the other three causing this side to dip down ever so slightly, which will have your head downward when you lie in the bed. Once you are stable, plug in everything that you need, pull out the slides and prepare for your evening at camp. We used the A/C and the heat at different points of our trip, and were always comfortable. ...Try doing that when you're tent camping!Space inside: We are family of four with our children being ages 10 and 7. We never felt too cramped; it was just the right size for our family.Sleeping accommodations: We used three beds: the main "master" for us adults, the pull out couch mattress and the bed above the cabin. The kids both loved the bed above the cabin, so they took turns sleeping there every other night.Entertainment: We watch two DVDs. The sound system is very nice, although the subwoofer didn't seem to work. We were able to get our iPods/iPhones to play through the main stereo by using a 1/8" aux input cord (that we brought with us). I connected both phones to the cabin stereo via Bluetooth, but could never get them to play properly through that stereo. Janet included the manual for the stereo, but I never got the chance to read it and figure it out. With a little time you can probably get it to work. Since we were so busy enjoying the ride and scenery, it wasn't a big deal!Everything that was included: We loved that every day items such as towels, linens, cooking items, butane lighter, outdoor grill w/gas, TP, cleaning supplies, central vac, Swiffer, etc were included. This made it very easy to tidy up and not skip a beat. This is a huge advantage over corporate rentals such as Cruise America, which I understand charge extra for these types of inclusions.All in all it was a completely positive experience. We loved Dasher and would totally rent her again...On the last day our son said "Mommy, I don't want to leave Dasher!" It was cute...but a true feeling that we all shared!Our advice: Don't hesitate...Rent Dasher now, grab your family and go!
