OK guys, I need some purchasing help. There are a number of items I've been dragging my feet on purchasing. Every time I think I find what I what, I end up seeing a lot of bad reviews. I think I've documented how I've become super cheap over the past 5 years, so I think that is part of it also.
Your recommendations would be welcome on:
A gas grill. This is really the tough one for me. Of course everyone says Weber, but the for the size that I want, I'm looking at like $1400. Just seems ridiculous. I have seen some in the $600 range, but they are just a bit small for my tastes. When I grill, I throw everything on there, and like to have a lot of room.
IF YOU CAN HOLD OFF UNTIL FALL, THESE WILL BE MUCH CHEAPER. IF YOU WANT TO BUY NOW, I'D GO TO COSTCO AND GET ONE TO SUE FOR THE SUMMER AND IF IT IS NOT TO YOUR EXPECTATIONS, RETURN IT. YOU MIGHT LOOK INTO ONE OF THOSE DUAL ONES THAT USES CHARCOAL ON ONE SIDE AND HAS PROPANE ON THE OTHER. I'VE SEEN SOME SOLID LOOKING ONES IN THE 300-400 RANGE
Camcorder. Doesn't have to be too high tech. Just something to capture the kids' childhood on for their future viewing.
LOOK FOR SOMETHING ON CLEARANCE. I'VE BEEN NEEDING ONE FOR A WHILE. LAST WEEK I WAS IN STAPLES AND FOUND A NEW HD PANASONIC FOR $70 (ORIGINALLY ~300). THEY ARE GETTING KIND OF EASY TO FIND AT CLEARANCE PRICES BECAUSE EVERYONE HAS THIS STUFF BUILT INTO THEIR PHONES NOW.
A tent. Just need something that will fit two queen air mattresses plus gear. A lot of things I've looked at either look like they don't have enough air flow, or too much (screens don't zip up, just rain fly covering). Almost bought
this today, until I saw a single review about little air flow.
STAY IN A MOTEL OR A PLACE THAT HAS CABINS FOR RENT. OTHERWISE BUY SOMETHING YOU REALIZE WILL ONLY LAST A SEASON OR MAYBE TWO. YOU MIGHT START WITH A CHEAP ONE FROM CRAIGSLIST AND MAKE SURE THAT ITS SOMETHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WANT TO DEAL WITH. THEY ARE CHEAPLY MADE OVERALL AND A BEAR TO ASSEMBLE THE SECOND OR THIRD USE WHNEN PARTS ARE MISSING. AGAIN, IT WILL BE CHEAPER AT THE END OF THE SEASON.