Members at the Islander

[Nosocks]

Anyone here staying at the Islander?

I saw one SUV with a sticker on the back of an Expedition at one of the houses near the trail entrance. I actually put their chair back on their patio after the storm that came through Desert Storm weekend. Had to set it upside down so it wouldn't get flung into the street again.

Curious if there are others. I've got my Toyhauler there for the season - checking it out while I assess purchasing a place.

 

[gmnhra]

Site 23
Deck open for cocktails most weekend evenings
Stop by anytime
Gary and Kathy

 

[Singleton]

more then a few inmates at the Islander

My ToyHauler summers on site 239. I try to join it every 3rd weekend

 

[Gramps]

My son and daughter in law.....Sams Beachcomber D5 if they are there tell them you want the beers you were promised when they bought that place

 

[Mandelon]

Sportin' Wood, River Royal, JB in So Cal, plenty more

 

[Nosocks]

more then a few inmates at the Islander

My ToyHauler summers on site 239. I try to join it every 3rd weekend

I'm in 221, so just down the way. I'll swing by.

 

[lbhsbz]

, River Royal, JB in So Cal,

Wear a good set of Jeans and locking belt if you go see those 2….some strange shit going on in that camp

 

[Singleton]

I'm in 221, so just down the way. I'll swing by.

kids Sports this weekend. So home

 

[riverroyal]

Wear a good set of Jeans and locking belt if you go see those 2….some strange shit going on in that camp

Lol. Jb is out...might he here mid summer.
I think we are on year 16? Shit who knows.
Looking like our last summer. Life changes, it's time.
Be there for the week after memorial. Then no real plans after that.
There's a lot of missing regulars this summer. More than I ever remember

 

[shintoooo]

@BUDMAN

 

[BUDMAN]

Space 382. Here since 2004.

 

[NeedlesRat]

How do your RVs do in the heat? My wife and I are seriously considering buying a fifth wheel or Moho and renting a spot for the season. Also, how difficult Is it to secure a spot for the season as a new comber? Sounds like most of you have been there a long time.

 

[Singleton]

How do your RVs do in the heat? My wife and I are seriously considering buying a fifth wheel or Moho and renting a spot for the season. Also, how difficult Is it to secure a spot for the season as a new comber? Sounds like most of you have been there a long time.

Getting a seasonal spots for the summer depends on how long you want the spot. shorter periods of time are harder to get. Just call the office or stop in and talk to them.

Multiple tricks to keeping the RV/trailer cooler in the summer. I run 3 AC’s and a ton of fans and my trailer stays at 78 when we are onsite. I leave 1 AC at 90 when we are away.

I started the seasonal rental in April 2020. Walked into the office in October 2019 with my daughter (8 at the time) and she asked if we could be added to the summer program. IMO, families get higher priority. We had friends without kids ask about the summer spots in 2021 and they never got a call (they just rent 5 weekends a year now).

It is an awesome park, but rent and power is not cheap. I am not sure how many years we have left. My daughter is 12 now and trips are getting reduced due to travel volleyball.

 

[CanyonLakeDave]

353 for us. Been there almost 10 years and love it.

 

[waterboy]

473 here, can’t launch without passing us. make it out about every other weekend,

 

[Justsomeguy]

Getting a seasonal spots for the summer depends on how long you want the spot. shorter periods of time are harder to get. Just call the office or stop in and talk to them.

Multiple tricks to keeping the RV/trailer cooler in the summer. I run 3 AC’s and a ton of fans and my trailer stays at 78 when we are onsite. I leave 1 AC at 90 when we are away.

I started the seasonal rental in April 2020. Walked into the office in October 2019 with my daughter (8 at the time) and she asked if we could be added to the summer program. IMO, families get higher priority. We had friends without kids ask about the summer spots in 2021 and they never got a call (they just rent 5 weekends a year now).

It is an awesome park, but rent and power is not cheap. I am not sure how many years we have left. My daughter is 12 now and trips are getting reduced due to travel volleyball.

Thanks for the info. I was going to ask the same question.

I worry about only having 2 ACs. I've been told to get good fans.

Do you do anything to help reflect heat from the windows?

 

[JB in so cal]

Our rig is in the body shop. Late start if at all. May try Parker; maybe Black Meadow again. Have to admit it's kind of nice spending weekends at home. Well do some trips to mission bay and a bunch out of Dana Point.

If you drop your keys in front of 244, kick them down the street....

 

[Singleton]

Thanks for the info. I was going to ask the same question.

I worry about only having 2 ACs. I've been told to get good fans.

Do you do anything to help reflect heat from the windows?

Yes. My 2 AC‘s run off the 50amp. The 3rd AC is wired separate from the trailer and is powered by the 30amp. Allows me to more of less turn off the trailer when gone. Refrig has a power switch and runs through the 20amp. My trailer is custom, so we updated a few things electrical just for extended summer stays at the Islander to avoid everything running through the 50.

Windows - tinted (highest UV tint I could find) without darkening the windows more. Also have solar shades that are removable from the inside. Windows facing away from my site are blacked out with an insulation panel. Since I have a ToyHauler, I also have 2” think insulation panels that butt up against the ramp during the summer.

 

[riverroyal]

I've had 2 rvs in there. Both 40ft fifth wheels
Best thing is get a true 4 season coach. Tinted windows and highest R value you can find
Next is 3 ac"s. We did 2 for about 10 years. It works, but not well. The 3rd ac is direct dump, other 2 are ducted in the same duct. All 3 are on the same LED screen and cell app.
The trick is getting 3 to all run at once. RVs are not set up for that
We used the washer/dryer circuit to power #3. So all 3 can run wide open at the same time.
Rig is 70 degrees when it's 110 out. We also set them at 90 when we aren't there. Then bump down as we start the 5 hour drive to get there.
Heating is no issue

As far as desert climate and hot days..wash and wax. Wash and wax.
Our gets washed every 3 months. Waxed typically 3 times a year. We pay someone, it gets done while we are nothing there.

Get gel sides or automotive paint side. The exposed fiberglass fiber side don't do well.
Do not get dark colors. Doesn't matter how you maintain it, it will fade, delaminate or peel. 100% this will happen

Next, roof. Seal it. Keep it clean.

Our 2020 montana looks new. Sides shine and no oxidation.

Keep in mind I'm super anal about this stuff. I prob go a bit over board.

Our rig has never left the islander. Had it delivered. We have a year long spot which is very rare. I don't even have a truck to tow it.

Toon is next to it right now for summer. Winters it goes into storage. We have a big shade I built. I did it myself with larger tubes and aircraft cables at corners. It's has never had a issue.
Tarps are 90% sun block mesh with 6 year warranty. They are from MP canopy in north OC.

I'm not sure there's a waiting list. Guy next to us called from glamis and drove straight there for the summer.

I'm not sure islander let's someone buy a rig and then leave it on the spot. I've never asked though.

Package deal anyone?

 

[Justsomeguy]

Yes. My 2 AC‘s run off the 50amp. The 3rd AC is wired separate from the trailer and is powered by the 30amp. Allows me to more of less turn off the trailer when gone. Refrig has a power switch and runs through the 20amp. My trailer is custom, so we updated a few things electrical just for extended summer stays at the Islander to avoid everything running through the 50.

Windows - tinted (highest UV tint I could find) without darkening the windows more. Also have solar shades that are removable from the inside. Windows facing away from my site are blacked out with an insulation panel. Since I have a ToyHauler, I also have 2” think insulation panels that butt up against the ramp during the summer.

Holy cow that's a set up! So the bottom line is. In the dead of summer toy hauler will be hot. I'm going to have to figure this out.

Tinting figured it going to be a must.

There is a vent above the rear bunk bed. I wonder how difficult it would be to convert that to a 3rd ac.

 

[Singleton]

Holy cow that's a set up! So the bottom line is. In the dead of summer toy hauler will be hot. I'm going to have to figure this out.

Tinting figured it going to be a must.

There is a vent above the rear bunk bed. I wonder how difficult it would be to convert that to a 3rd ac.

I used the vent in my trailer for the 3rd AC, then had a new vent installed.
Existing vent should have all the farming required to support the weight

 

[rivrrts429]

When I had a four season 5th wheel setup at the river I had that thing so blacked out with reflective insulation that you couldn’t tell if it was two in the morning or noon inside the coach. It was only a two a/c setup but that fucker was cold.

When it’s 115* outside and just 75* inside it feels like walking into a freezer. It was awesome.

 

[Captain Dan]

I used the vent in my trailer for the 3rd AC, then had a new vent installed.
Existing vent should have all the farming required to support the weight

And run it off a separate 120 cord plugged into the 30 amp in the pedestal so all 3 can run at the same time

 

[Captain Dan]

I vinned myself on that one....

 

[pull-on]

We are in our 5th or 6th year. Site 112 Summer and 252 Winter. Stop by for a coldie. We are usually there every other weekend or back to back.

I’m either gonna switch out fifth wheels for a two bed two bath unit or find a park model. We are going looking today, actually.

But we love it here.

 

[NeedlesRat]

I've had 2 rvs in there. Both 40ft fifth wheels
Best thing is get a true 4 season coach. Tinted windows and highest R value you can find
Next is 3 ac"s. We did 2 for about 10 years. It works, but not well. The 3rd ac is direct dump, other 2 are ducted in the same duct. All 3 are on the same LED screen and cell app.
The trick is getting 3 to all run at once. RVs are not set up for that
We used the washer/dryer circuit to power #3. So all 3 can run wide open at the same time.
Rig is 70 degrees when it's 110 out. We also set them at 90 when we aren't there. Then bump down as we start the 5 hour drive to get there.
Heating is no issue

As far as desert climate and hot days..wash and wax. Wash and wax.
Our gets washed every 3 months. Waxed typically 3 times a year. We pay someone, it gets done while we are nothing there.

Get gel sides or automotive paint side. The exposed fiberglass fiber side don't do well.
Do not get dark colors. Doesn't matter how you maintain it, it will fade, delaminate or peel. 100% this will happen

Next, roof. Seal it. Keep it clean.

Our 2020 montana looks new. Sides shine and no oxidation.

Keep in mind I'm super anal about this stuff. I prob go a bit over board.

Our rig has never left the islander. Had it delivered. We have a year long spot which is very rare. I don't even have a truck to tow it.

Toon is next to it right now for summer. Winters it goes into storage. We have a big shade I built. I did it myself with larger tubes and aircraft cables at corners. It's has never had a issue.
Tarps are 90% sun block mesh with 6 year warranty. They are from MP canopy in north OC.

I'm not sure there's a waiting list. Guy next to us called from glamis and drove straight there for the summer.

I'm not sure islander let's someone buy a rig and then leave it on the spot. I've never asked though.

Package deal anyone?

Thanks, that's great information. So with your year long spot, your trailer has never left its spot?

 

[riverroyal]

We are in our 5th or 6th year. Site 112 Summer and 252 Winter. Stop by for a coldie. We are usually there every other weekend or back to back.

I’m either gonna switch out fifth wheels for a two bed two bath unit or find a park model. We are going looking today, actually.

But we love it here.

I have a 2 bath.....what's your time frame?

 

[riverroyal]

Thanks, that's great information. So with your year long spot, your trailer has never left its spot?

Nope. Bought new in yuma. Traded a 5th wheel to them sight unseen.
They brought the new one. Took the old. Staff set it for us.

 

[Bpracing1127]

i have a toyhauler at beachcombers estates. it has 2 ac's and it does fine until about 110 outside. Beyond that it starts to struggle.

likely will move to islander next season as my rv spot at beachcomber is now a park model

 

[Singleton]

i have a toyhauler at beachcombers estates. it has 2 ac's and it does fine until about 110 outside. Beyond that it starts to struggle.

likely will move to islander next season as my rv spot at beachcomber is now a park model

Spots are opening up. Park was empty last time I was in town

 

[JB in so cal]

i have a toyhauler at beachcombers estates. it has 2 ac's and it does fine until about 110 outside. Beyond that it starts to struggle.

likely will move to islander next season as my rv spot at beachcomber is now a park model

Ian how old is your hauler?

 

[Nosocks]

I have a few stops to make.

 

[Bpracing1127]

Ian how old is your hauler?

2020

 

[riverroyal]

i have a toyhauler at beachcombers estates. it has 2 ac's and it does fine until about 110 outside. Beyond that it starts to struggle.

likely will move to islander next season as my rv spot at beachcomber is now a park model

Thought you hated islander?
You will love st george. Save the money, enjoy your new state. No reason to go to havasu for years. You have a lot of new experiences coming up.

 

[Bpracing1127]

Thought you hated islander?
You will love st george. Save the money, enjoy your new state. No reason to go to havasu for years. You have a lot of new experiences coming up.

No I love the Islander!!! They just priced me out. IMO Islander is the best area on lake Havasu.

 

[Singleton]

No I love the Islander!!! They just priced me out. IMO Islander is the best area on lake Havasu.

The price has only gone up. Part of the reason some folks did not return this summer season

 

[Bpracing1127]

All of havasu is that way. Air bnb are up. Home prices are way way up. Anything rental is up too.

We are actually looking at Page, Az at homes

 

[Singleton]

All of havasu is that way. Air bnb are up. Home prices are way way up. Anything rental is up too.

We are actually looking at Page, Az at homes

We were going to stop the Islander this year and go back to rental houses.
Did some quick searches and what a 3 night weekend plus cleaning at a 3 bedroom rental costs, equaled the Islander monthly (after power). Then add in animal boarding and the Islander continued to make sense.

 

[Bpracing1127]

We were going to stop the Islander this year and go back to rental houses.
Did some quick searches and what a 3 night weekend plus cleaning at a 3 bedroom rental costs, equaled the Islander monthly (after power). Then add in animal boarding and the Islander continued to make sense.

Yep that is why I am interested. Havasu is slowly pricing me out. It’s a shame.

 

[Icky]

Adding the 3rd ac on our 40cr made a huge difference. Prior to that we would use a blower fan to push cold air out of the bedroom into the rest of the trailer. Barely gotnit to 85 when it was 115 + out. Then we tried a portable ac for a bit, and while it helped a ton, I got tired of it taking up space. So we added the third and put a plug on it to run it straight to the pole.

 

[Justsomeguy]

Adding the 3rd ac on our 40cr made a huge difference. Prior to that we would use a blower fan to push cold air out of the bedroom into the rest of the trailer. Barely gotnit to 85 when it was 115 + out. Then we tried a portable ac for a bit, and while it helped a ton, I got tired of it taking up space. So we added the third and put a plug on it to run it straight to the pole.

Thanks to all for sharing this info. I just bought our first toy hauler. So this is what I have been wondering.

To this point I have used a buddies place in bullhead. Very gracious of him. I'm forever grateful for the years he's allowed me to keep my own key.

But, at the end of the day, it's not mine and I like using my own stuff.

 

[zhandfull]

For those weekenders during the summer months. Whats an average electric bill?

 

[riverroyal]

For those weekenders during the summer months. Whats an average electric bill?

Like you already have a spot and show up for the weekend?
$30 ish. For just mid summer weekend and cranking ac.

 

[riverroyal]

Yep that is why I am interested. Havasu is slowly pricing me out. It’s a shame.

We are there. Not that's is pricing us out. It's the cost to fun ratio. There's a threshold which it tips. I'm there...have been for a few years. Just got busy and tried to not think about it too much.

 

[angiebaby]

We are only there for the winter months-6 month lease. Electricity runs us between $80-$110/mo, but that doesn't really offer any intel for summertime. @Justsomeguy, reflective material on your windows is a no-no per the park rules, so I'd recommend tinting and blackout shades. A canopy is also extremely helpful. Our NorCold fridge couldn't keep up in October/early Nov before we had the canopy installed. You can purchase and install one yourself, with approval from the office, or you can call Arizona Awning, and they will install/take down for you.

We love it there. This will be our 4th winter coming up. There was a pretty significant waiting list to get a seasonal spot, but I think it's much easier now. We're in space 154 Oct-April, if you are in the park during that time, stop by and say hello.

With the size of the lots and all the amenities of the park, coupled with being on the lake, you just can't beat the Islander for the price.

 

[Singleton]

For those weekenders during the summer months. Whats an average electric bill?

My average power bill in the summer is 150ish. AC set at 90 when gone and 78 when onsite. However, my trailer is not the best insulated.

On-site every 3rd weekend for 5 days

 

[Sportin' Wood]

Snowbird space 154. Oct1st-April1st. We love it at Islander, but we likely trade up for a home at some point.

I recognize this is mostly a summer conversation, but I'll add unsolicited winter notes for the SEO gods.

We've been three seasons as of the end of the 23-24 winter season. We were told it was hard to get into Islander for a seasonal spot; thankfully, we got in within the first six months of making the request, lucky timing, I hear, due to Covid.

We were told it would take ten years to get storage at Islander, and we got storage after the first year we put our name on the list; lucky timing again, they had a price increase, and people bailed.

We were told ten years to get a premium water view spot lucky again, we got an upgrade after the second year to a fantastic spot we love with great neighbors. Ironically, our year-round neighbors also got upgraded at the same time, so we kept one of the same neighbors that rarely use the spot in the winter. Price increase again I hear.

The winter season is busy. The snowbirds always have something going on every day. If you are bored, it is your own fault. After the first year, I had to quit drinking. After a lifetime love affair with alcohol, the Snowbirds broke me in 2021. These are pro-level drinkers. My check liver light was on for five months straight every day.

We both mildly participate in the events because we still work, but it seems like if you contribute positively to the community, it helps when working with the office. They can sometimes be crabby but imagine working with the people who visit Islander. It takes a special kind of person to be willing to deal with people on permanent vacation. They simply don't want to deal with asshats, and I don't blame them. I find most of the staff to be friendly and helpful. They did have a new security guard last winter who was a little over the top with his radar gun and the weird way he would bust people's balls about silly infractions.

I hear people talk about the cost increases, and I'm in the minority on the subject of value, I guess. We gladly pay our monthly fee because we have paid a lot higher monthly rental fees at many other parks in the western states that are in no way remotely close to Islander. I'm also surprised more younger people don't use the park in the winter. The offroading is epic, the lake is amazing in Oct-Nov and the weather is pretty damn good all year. The worst of winter is what I'm dealing with today, with rain, wind, and cold. It is even snowing on the mountain across the valley from me, and it's mid-May.

The best part of this experiment is that if something goes sideways, we can be out of our obligations extremely fast. We just have to let the office know we are leaving our spot early and be out by the end of the month. Sure, we throw away rent money for six months a year, but it pencils out for us at this stage in our lives. We did something similar in the mid-2000s when we had a place at Kathrine Landing, and we made some of the best memories with our kids while they were young, heading to the river every weekend of summer. But we could not just drag the park model away when we quit that routine and had to deal with selling it.

The snowbirds are starting to show their age, I don't see replacements coming in as fast as people age out. There have been the same people for a decade and they are slowing down. It will be interesting to see how the demographic changes in the coming years. We are in our early 50s, and we are called the Baby Birds. We've only met a few couples our age that stay all season.

 

[JB in so cal]

Just checked a past invoice and electric is about $40 a month and we usually did Friday 5:00 to Sunday am. 2 AC during day, one at night, cart charging, boat charging etc

 

[riverroyal]

Winter is better than summer for us. It's more relaxing.
The rules that people complain about are never a issue with us. Staff is good, never a problem. They are very helpful and keep the place spotless.
We are skipping July and August this summer. Gonna do some other stuff (sit in the pool)

It's worth mentioning I passed up on numerous park models over the years for great deals. That turned out to be a huge mistake!

 

[riverroyal]

Just checked a past invoice and electric is about $40 a month and we usually did Friday 5:00 to Sunday am. 2 AC during day, one at night, cart charging, boat charging. Disco ball, lit freedom flag,

Fixed it for you