Hello all..I am looking to purchase a camper to full time live in. I will be a solo female, not mechanically inclined.(but will have to learn) What would you suggest as a type of camper and how long in length. I'm leaning towards a Class C but not sure what is the best option. My father will be joining me on occasions as well. I feel by having to purchase a pickup and a 5th wheel trailer will be just as expensive as buying a Class C. Your thoughts? Thanking you in advance.

when you say live in full time, do you mean regularly traveling from place to place or just being in one place for months at a time?

Ray on u tube channel Love Your RV just posted a chat about the pros n cons of truck n trailer vs motorhome. Some good info.

Have you rented a C for a week? That will give you an idea on size. Have you ever driven a truck with a fifth wheel? Do that before you buy in the approximate size that you found acceptable in the C.

How much experience do you have with camping? Why do you want to chance from your current normal to a new normal? Will you be traveling or just sitting? What kind of budget do you have available to pay for the high cost of camping at sites less than a year? More details will help everyone give you better answers.

One of the primary reasons for a Class C, B or A over a 5th wheel is the ability to climb into the driver's seat and drive away from trouble without ever having to go outside or hitch up. Class C rigs drive a bit more like a car than either A or B, which you might also find helpful. In addition, there are Cs that are smaller than As and Bs.I too would suggest renting a C from somebody like CruiseAmerica for a week so you get some experience before you put real money into buying.I also agree that your needs will differ depending on travel plans, your job(s), pets, and how much "stuff" you want to have with you.There are single people who find something as short as 17 or 18 feet perfectly acceptable, and others who feel pinched in a 35 footer.

Confused and Frustrated | Good Sam Community

rexlion
Explorer
May 23, 2020
Sometimes a vehicle needs to be taken in for maintenance and repairs, anything from simple oil changes to more complex, time consuming things. With a C (or A) you have dealership service people traipsing through your 'home' and maybe keeping your 'home' for days while waiting for parts. Whereas with a truck and trailer/5th wheel, the 'home' can be parked and lived in during those times. To me this is a big consideration; YMMV.

5th wheels do tow nicely. I could see myself in a compact fiberglass 5er like the Scamp 19 or the (Escape Trailer Industries) Escape 5.0TA. Spacewise they're about equivalent to a 22' travel trailer (where the tongue is included in the length). Low profile, so a smaller truck can be used and fuel economy is better. I keep dreaming.... not ready to retire yet. I hope you find just the right rig. Remember to pick out the trailer/5er first, then find a truck with plenty of extra tow & payload capacity.
RoyB
Explorer II
May 23, 2020
If I was to go solo full time I probably would get a Truck camper setup along with a motor bike on a small platform extension on back... No matter what you end up with all will be different one way or another... For you just starting I like the idea of renting things first so you can decide what might be best for your situation...

I pulled into a camp ground in south west Virginia one time and camped out next to girl that had her setup on the back of her motorcycle... She was comfy as heck haha... She was a book author and going all over the USA writing stories for her books. Forgot who she was now...

Roy Ken
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
May 23, 2020
Fancy Free wrote:
Hello all..I am looking to purchase a camper to full time live in. I will be a solo female, not mechanically inclined (but will have to learn).

That is "deep water" you are about to jump into !

I strongly suggest a few weekends with a rental. You will then know what it is like to drive one and live in one.

IMHO, full timing in any motorhome, regardless of size, is an issue. You can't just "run to the store" for milk and bread. Even short sight seeing side trips are a major undertaking.

Towing a small vehicle is an option, but buying a good pickup and a medium size trailer (< 25') I think is a better, more cost effective, option.
NoVa_RT
Explorer
May 23, 2020
Have you looked at a lot of RVs, at least online? Might also want to go to a RV show if there’s a large one in your area. Don’t need to buy at the show - those prices are generally available despite the hype - but it can be a good way to see what the options are.
Flute_Man
Explorer
May 23, 2020
I understand what you are going through. I have been full timing for 14 years so I have a lot of experience to share with you if you want to call me.
Fancy_Free
Explorer
May 23, 2020
That is true. I would have two vehicles then. That's costly. I need a new vehicle anyway, so might as well try to find a pickup and a 5th wheel or a spacious TT.
Thank you.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
May 23, 2020
Towing a toad requires adequate motorhome ability. Some are rated for 3500 pounds max while others are 5000 or more.
agesilaus
Explorer III
May 23, 2020
Fancy Free wrote:
Also was going to tow a car behind. Do you call it a "toad"?

Yeah but then you have to maintain and service two vehicles not one. I am a diehard towable fan so keep that in mind...heh
Fancy_Free
Explorer
May 22, 2020
Also was going to tow a car behind. Do you call it a "toad"?
Fancy_Free
Explorer
May 22, 2020
Also was going to tow a car behind. Do you call it a "toad"?

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