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Question about Van Nationals from new member.
#660490 May 06th 2014 12:00 am
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I am thinking I am skipping my annual trip to the Mopar Nationals in Carlisle, Pa with a car and instead going to the my first Van Nationals with my van. I have a few questions that I hope are not too dumb. First, what is the best day to arrive? Earlier the better I presume? Also, do most people camp right there on the fairgrounds next to or in their vans? I would guess that the fairgrounds have showers? Maybe you could point me in the right direction for first timers. Is there a thread already on the site somewhere that answers these and other questions a newbie might have?

Re: Question about Van Nationals from new member.
67deluxe #660493 May 06th 2014 12:45 am
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this will also be my first nats. and I was wondering about the camping arrangments as well.


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1996 chevy hightop

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Re: Question about Van Nationals from new member.
67deluxe #660500 May 06th 2014 6:09 am
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Most people sleep in there vans tents or campers all on the grounds where the show is held also there is showers



keep on truckin
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Re: Question about Van Nationals from new member.
67deluxe #660502 May 06th 2014 6:47 am
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I have run solo to 2 Natz and on the first one I packed heavy. Don't need to do this unless you need special food. Slept in the van but having a pop up or tent to stash your stuff in or under is a good idea. Last years winds made that a bit tough though! Be prepared for some weather if you can. My time frames ended up arriving on Wednesdays. That's okay but you realize any extra time would be more fun. Food vendors are usually great. so it's snacks and maybe something for a quick sandwich for me now and a coffee pot and cooler with favorite beverages. So much is available on the grounds or not very far away you shouldn't have to get carried away on "stuff". I was pretty geeked about going to my 1st so I set up a "van camp" in the yard to kind of see what I might want or need to have. Man it's so much fun .Do not miss the opportunity. If you are part of a club or online group get with them it makes it much easier.

Re: Question about Van Nationals from new member.
67deluxe #660507 May 06th 2014 8:22 am
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Thanks, Digz. It sure sounds like a good time from what I have been reading.

Re: Question about Van Nationals from new member.
67deluxe #660509 May 06th 2014 8:41 am
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I went to my 1st Nats last year and had a ball. Definitely hook up with someone or group. It makes it alot better. There is also electricity so bring extension cords.


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Re: Question about Van Nationals from new member.
67deluxe #660510 May 06th 2014 8:49 am
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You can get into the fair Grounds after noon on Sunday.


The only Stephentown on earth.
I don't mind Coming to work,
but that 8hr wait to go home is a bitch.
No matter how little I do,
I always feel I could do less.
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Re: Question about Van Nationals from new member.
67deluxe #660521 May 06th 2014 11:36 am
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Do try to get there early if you can, at least by Friday noon. The huge van show is on the Friday and often the most happening night of the event is the Friday night as many will take it easier on Saturday night for the long ride home. There will be food vendors and the town is nearby if you run out of anything. There are hot showers.

Re: Question about Van Nationals from new member.
67deluxe #660529 May 06th 2014 1:50 pm
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Thinking i would try to roll in on thursday early eve.

Re: Question about Van Nationals from new member.
DrBob #660531 May 06th 2014 2:04 pm
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Originally Posted by DrBob
You can get into the fair Grounds after noon on Sunday.


That is the Sunday before 6/13/14


The only Stephentown on earth.
I don't mind Coming to work,
but that 8hr wait to go home is a bitch.
No matter how little I do,
I always feel I could do less.
"The only thing wrong with a perfect drive to work is that you
end up at work."
NOVA VANS
1990 Dodge B150
Re: Question about Van Nationals from new member.
67deluxe #660566 May 06th 2014 5:27 pm
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It's July isn't it? Lol

Re: Question about Van Nationals from new member.
67deluxe #660567 May 06th 2014 5:31 pm
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yes, he means July

arriving early is never a bad thing, but don't show up so early that stuff isn't ready. this year monday and tuesday should be ok.

everyone sleeps in their van, or with their van in a camper or tent, etc.

wind shouldn't be an issue at these grounds, unlike ohio, but rain is still an issue, have had some good thunderstorms there.


90 Astro - "The Grey Ghost" - Haulin Ass, Not kids.

E-Z Vanners and West Vanners
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Re: Question about Van Nationals from new member.
67deluxe #660582 May 06th 2014 9:49 pm
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By all means, go to the Nats. I've been doing them since 78. For a bunch of years I slept and cooked in the van or cooked on a small BBQ grill. If you drink coffee, take a pot, take some food just in case. Take a fan if you're going to sleep in the van and a extension cord. Take a cooler (if you drink, pack said cooler with ice and beer and maybe a pack of bologna). For a number of years now, I've taken a trailer, not because I don't like sleeping in the van, but now I usually have my wife, dog, cat, daughter, three grandkids and all the stuff to support all of these "dependents". Go! Enjoy! Have fun and meet all of the other vanners.


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Why is it that when I press 1 for English, I still can not understand the person on the other end????
Re: Question about Van Nationals from new member.
67deluxe #660585 May 06th 2014 10:47 pm
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Fan sounds like a great idea. Was wondering about sleeping in a van in the middle of July.

Re: Question about Van Nationals from new member.
67deluxe #660617 May 07th 2014 2:40 pm
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it can get warm, a fan is a must, park against the side of a building so you have shade in the morning.
that's a good reason to get there early... finding some shade! there's not a lot.

that or you just stay in your van till it gets too hot..


90 Astro - "The Grey Ghost" - Haulin Ass, Not kids.

E-Z Vanners and West Vanners
Council of Councils Board Member
National Truck-in Board Support Team

[Linked Image]

"No matter where you go, there you are."
"If you can't do something smart, Do something right"
"There are three kinds of people in the world, those who can count, and those who can't"
Re: Question about Van Nationals from new member.
67deluxe #665693 July 08th 2014 4:44 pm
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67Deluxe... my fellow Pittsburgher:
Skip Carlisle, pack your tailgating & camping set up, get in that Dodge, & join the one man flock piloting the Jive Ass Turkey. I'm leaving Pittsburgh on Wed AM 7/16 with plans to arrive by evening.


Pittsburgh PA Vanner
75 VansAJammin' & 76 Jive Turkey
89 A-Team Van

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Re: Question about Van Nationals from new member.
67deluxe #665838 July 09th 2014 5:26 pm
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Sure, park against the shady side of a building....as long as you're FIVE FEET away from it!! LOL The fairgrounds are strictly enforcing that this year, but everything else seems to be pretty cool. If you want more shade, bring a tarp, and definitely bring a small fan, even if you're in a tent. The last Natz up there was hotter 'n Hell! Take 'er easy in the daytime when it's hot, and venture out to partyland when the sun goes down. And keep in mind that in the daytime there are things going on in some of the barns (beer tastings, RC races, etc.) that you can enjoy, and the buildings are cooler than outside in the sun. If you do wander around in the heat, you will find that many of the clubs will have their own bars set up under canopies, and you can probably score a cool and tasty beverage there. In fact they're even planning a Pub Crawl with some of those bars at 3 PM on Thursday on Vendor's Row. Also, there are events being scheduled for outside the Natz grounds which will give you a change of pace, and let you see some of the countryside. The area around Saratoga Springs is really nice, and Lake George is only about 30 miles north of the Natz, a real summer playground.

So, basically, show up, relax, and enjoy! You can spend the weekend zoning out in your campsite, or come on out and meet the rest of us. We'll definitely show ya a good time!! See ya there!

Re: Question about Van Nationals from new member.
67deluxe #666636 July 21st 2014 4:23 pm
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Overnight temps were in the upper 50s and low 60s this year. Goes to show that you never can tell, unless you just do it.

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