Bolt And Scamp First Camping Trip A Family Adventure

Hey everyone! We just got back from our first camping trip with our Bolt and Scamp trailer, and I had to share our experience. It was a fantastic family trip, even though we kept it local and only traveled about 40 miles. Let me tell you, this car is awesome!

The Towing Experience

Towing with the Bolt was surprisingly smooth. I was a little nervous at first, not knowing how the electric motor would handle the extra weight of the Scamp. But the Bolt performed admirably. We took it slow and steady, and the car never felt strained or unstable. I made sure to check the tire pressure and adjusted it according to the Scamp's specifications before we left.

I’ll admit, I was constantly monitoring the battery range, especially since it was our first time towing. We planned our route carefully, taking into account the hills and traffic, and made sure there were charging stations along the way just in case. This brings me to the next point – the energy consumption.

The only real downside was the terrible (but expected) 2.6 mi/kWh. We knew going into it that towing would significantly impact the range, and it certainly did. Typically, we get around 4 mi/kWh in the Bolt, so seeing that number drop was a bit of a shock. But hey, we were prepared for it, and honestly, it was a small price to pay for the convenience and fun of camping with our own trailer.

Despite the mileage, the Bolt's instant torque made merging onto the highway and climbing hills surprisingly effortless. I found myself using the “L” gear (low gear) quite a bit, which provides more regenerative braking and helps to recapture some of the energy. It's a great feature for towing, as it helps to slow the vehicle down on descents without having to rely solely on the brakes. This is especially important when towing, as it reduces the risk of brake fade. Additionally, the Bolt’s smooth acceleration made for a comfortable ride for everyone in the car, even with the added weight behind us. We encountered varying road conditions, from smooth highways to slightly bumpy backroads, and the Bolt handled them all with ease. The stability control system also gave me peace of mind, knowing that it was working to keep us safe and on track.

The Scamp Trailer

We chose the Scamp because it's lightweight and compact, making it a good match for the Bolt. It's also surprisingly spacious inside, with enough room for our family of four to sleep comfortably. We opted for the 13-foot model, which is the smallest Scamp offers, but it has everything we need – a small kitchenette, a dinette that converts into a bed, and plenty of storage.

The Scamp is also incredibly well-built. It’s a fiberglass trailer, which means it’s lightweight, durable, and resistant to leaks. This was a big selling point for us, as we wanted a trailer that would last for many years to come. We also appreciate the simplicity of the Scamp's design. There aren't a lot of bells and whistles, but everything is functional and well-thought-out. This makes it easy to maintain and repair, which is important to us as we plan to do a lot of camping in the future. Setting up camp with the Scamp is also a breeze. It only takes a few minutes to level the trailer, hook up the utilities, and extend the awning. This means we can spend more time relaxing and enjoying the outdoors, and less time fussing with equipment.

We made sure to pack all the essentials for our trip, including bedding, cooking supplies, and outdoor gear. The Scamp has plenty of storage compartments, both inside and out, so we were able to keep everything organized and easily accessible. We also brought along some of our favorite camping games and activities, such as board games, a frisbee, and a portable speaker for music. The kids were especially excited to roast marshmallows over the campfire, which is always a highlight of any camping trip. Overall, the Scamp has been a fantastic addition to our family, and we can’t wait to take it on many more adventures. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to tow and maneuver, while its comfortable interior provides a cozy home away from home.

The Camping Experience

Our campsite was at a local state park, just about 40 miles from home. It was the perfect distance for our first trip, allowing us to get a feel for towing without venturing too far. The park itself was beautiful, with plenty of trees and hiking trails. We spent the day exploring the area, hiking to a nearby lake, and enjoying the peace and quiet of nature.

One of the highlights of the trip was cooking our meals outdoors. We brought along a portable propane stove and grilled some delicious burgers and hot dogs for dinner. We also made s'mores over the campfire, which is a camping tradition we never miss. The kids loved helping with the cooking and cleanup, and it was a great way to spend quality time together as a family. We also brought along a few outdoor games, like frisbee and badminton, which we played in the open field near our campsite. It was a fun way to get some exercise and enjoy the fresh air. In the evening, we gathered around the campfire, told stories, and watched the stars. The sky was incredibly clear, and we were able to see so many stars that we don't usually see in the city. It was a magical experience that we will always remember.

Evenings were spent around the campfire, sharing stories and enjoying the starry sky. There's something truly special about disconnecting from technology and connecting with nature and each other. The kids especially loved roasting marshmallows and telling spooky stories. We also took some time to simply relax and enjoy the quiet of the evening. Camping is such a great way to de-stress and recharge. Being surrounded by nature helps to clear your mind and put things into perspective. We all slept incredibly well in the Scamp, lulled to sleep by the sounds of crickets and the gentle breeze rustling through the trees.

Loving the Bolt

Despite the hit to our mileage, I love this car! The Bolt's electric powertrain is so smooth and quiet, and it makes towing a much more pleasant experience than with a gas-powered vehicle. Plus, we were able to charge up at the campground, which was a huge bonus.

Another thing I appreciate about the Bolt is its spaciousness. Even with the Scamp hitched up, there was plenty of room for all of our gear. The Bolt's hatchback design makes it easy to load and unload, and the rear seats fold down to create even more cargo space. This is especially useful when camping, as we tend to bring a lot of equipment with us. The Bolt's comfortable seats and smooth ride also made the drive to and from the campsite enjoyable. We didn't experience any fatigue or discomfort, even after several hours on the road. The Bolt's infotainment system is also a great feature, providing us with navigation, music, and other entertainment options. We were able to stream our favorite playlists through the car's speakers, which made the drive even more enjoyable. The Bolt's safety features, such as lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring, also gave me peace of mind while towing. Knowing that the car is equipped with these advanced safety systems helped me to feel more confident and in control.

Overall, our first camping trip with the Bolt and Scamp was a huge success. It was a great way to spend time with family, enjoy the outdoors, and test out the capabilities of our electric car. We learned a lot about towing with an EV, and we're already planning our next adventure. The Bolt's combination of electric power, spaciousness, and advanced features make it the perfect vehicle for camping and exploring. We're excited to continue using it for our outdoor adventures, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us next. So, if you're considering towing with an electric vehicle, I highly recommend giving the Bolt a try. It’s a fantastic car that will surprise you with its capabilities and performance. And who knows, maybe we’ll see you out on the road or at a campsite sometime soon!

Final Thoughts

Our first camping trip with the Bolt and Scamp was a resounding success! It was a fantastic family getaway, and the Bolt performed admirably. Sure, the mileage took a hit, but the overall experience was well worth it. We're already looking forward to our next adventure! What about you guys, have you ever towed with an EV? What was your experience like?