Photo by Fred Smith
Matching Keystone Laredos with a connecting deck.
“We wanted to enjoy the outdoors, and we wanted to enjoy quality time with our families,” says Bill from the couch of his Keystone Laredo fifth wheel. Bill’s wife, Kim, agrees and adds that when it came time to make the major purchases that would define the family playground, “It was the guys’ decision, but the wives and the kids picked the creature comforts. We all enjoy it.”
What the Canale and Vickers families enjoy nearly every weekend begins with a space that features identical Keystone Laredo fifth wheels parked parallel to each other. The trailers face north and south, respectively, so that they open toward each other. Between the trailers lies a custom-built wood deck that serves as a common area and gathering place for the two families to enjoy meals and downtime together. The deck is outfitted with all the essentials for a professional outdoor cookout including a picnic table, gas grill and dual industrial strength outdoor heaters.
“Our personalities are definitely opposite. He’s the pit bull and I’m the poodle,” says Bill of their respective demeanors.
Kim interjects, “They make great decisions together. George gets an idea and wants to pull the trigger. Bill will sit back and examine all the options.”
George’s wife, Michelle, chimes in, “They complement each other well. George and Bill make a great couple.”
Their friendship began in 1997; George and Bill met while working at an aviation company. In 2005 they partnered to form Turbine Aircraft Support Group, a manufacturer’s representative organization specializing in the sales representation of large airframe manufacturing companies. Each a licensed pilot, the two friends share a passion for both aviation and the great outdoors.
“George always enjoyed fishing,” explains Bill, “but when he met me and saw that I was into fishing, hunting and anything that had to do with the outdoors, he called me the ultimate redneck.” Indulging in his friend’s variety of outdoor activities, George followed Bill on a few hunting trips and soon immersed himself in the sport. “George caught the hunting bug,” says Bill, “and when George catches any bug, he goes from zero to 60 in about two seconds.”
Photo by Fred Smith
Sitting in the perch, waiting for a sighting.
The duo embarked on hunting trips across the country. Joyous as the times were, George and Bill realized their excursions were lacking a key component. “Our families were at home,” says Bill. “We were enjoying the outdoors, but we were missing the opportunity to spend time with our families.”
Enter the family RV camp. Take two fifth wheels joined by a custom built deck, add a grill, a campfire, a gargantuan hunting preserve and you have the ultimate outdoor family get-a-way spot. “We have the best of all worlds,” says Bill. “We get to enjoy hunting, camping and the outdoors, but we get to do it as a family.”
When it came time to pick the RVs for their play-ground, George and Bill selected identical 2011 Keystone Laredo fifth wheels. “With a fifth wheel,” says Bill, “you are always mobile. I can unhook the RV from the deck, hitch up to my truck and be on the road in 20 minutes heading off to the next family adventure.”
Price point and livability were strong determinants for George and Bill in choosing the Laredo. “With three slideouts and high ceilings,” explains Bill, “the sense of space is great.” Spaciousness in the amount of storage the Laredo offers was also a factor that made the Laredo a sensible choice. Kim is quick to point out that the pass-through storage bays hold the family’s hunting gear along with anything else they might need in the pursuit of outdoor fun.
Having blazed their share of trails into the wild blue yonder as pilots and having roamed the countryside in camouflage as hunters, two lifelong friends have discovered the joy of sharing outdoor fun with their families. With a vision for adventure and a spirit for invention, the Canale and Vickers families are poised to live their RV lifestyle to the fullest and share their journey together.