Forum Discussion

bluedogz1's avatar
bluedogz1
Explorer
Feb 02, 2021

Fantasizing, I suppose

OK, so I'm sorta sketching out the retirement plan (less "retirement" than "screw this I'm out.")

Anyway, my plan/goal is to see all the stuff in the lower 48 that I haven't. I reckon that's a 2-3 year project minimum traveling from place to place and plugging in for a bit.

I'm hoping to establish an equipment baseline that I can noodle around and sketch on for the 5-8 years it's gonna take me to reach this point.

I've camped and TT'd around, but never full timed. I travel alone. I can cook really well on a Coleman camp stove. Very happy to boondock it more than 50% of the time.

I want the smallest possible rig I can pull with nothing larger than a Toyota V6 pickup or maybe a F150 6-cyl. Needs to have a shower. The Casita Spirit is an attractive design (though if something smaller with a shower exists I'm all ears.) I know small class Cs exist but I'm thinking that the freedom to drop the TT and plug it in somewhere while I drive around is a good thing.

Of course, the equipment that exists now will be different in 5-8 years. I'm just trying to draw a sketch that I'll nurse for those years until it's time.

What does the hive mind have to say?
  • bucky's avatar
    bucky
    Explorer II
    Feb 03, 2021
    Some smaller units have a sofa/murphy bed combo that might work for you.
  • coolmom42's avatar
    coolmom42
    Explorer II
    Feb 03, 2021
    First of all, Tacoma tow ratings range from 3500 to 6800 lb. As a general rule of thumb, it's good to keep your trailer at no more than 80-90% of max. Payloads go up to 1440 lb but not all are like that for sure. So get the exact specs on your specific vehicle before choosing a trailer.

    The higher end of the tow rating will get you in a 16-18 foot trailer. So you have a lot of options.

    For full timing, IMHO the main thing you WON'T find in a small trailer is a comfortable place to sit. Dinettes suck for that, and the other option is the bed. Consider getting a used trailer (with careful inspection) and don't be afraid to modify it to suit your needs. A single recliner with a straight chair and small work table is a good combo for a single person.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Feb 03, 2021
    Did 48 states ...traveled secondary/back roads
    Took 7 yrs ...course we were NOT in any hurry and wanted to see/experience/explore each place
    Only traveled 250 miles between each spot....spend week or 2 then move again

    Small trailers.....bed/cabinets/shower
    Cooking ---kitchen can be done outside UNLESS stuck in a storm

    Checkout the 'Happier Camper' line
    Happier Camper
  • bluedogz1's avatar
    bluedogz1
    Explorer
    Feb 03, 2021
    LadyRVer wrote:
    Casita, Scamp, Oliver, R-Pod....

    Your plans sound good. I did 31 states in 1 year, solo with my dog. Best decision I made! Good Luck.


    All of those seem like good candidates... I'd love to say money is no object, but it kinda is. I've found Casitas used for <$1500... and a new TAB is $25k!
  • BarbaraOK's avatar
    BarbaraOK
    Explorer
    Feb 03, 2021
    2-3 years. That would be barely seeing all the Truck stops and traveling interstates. We spent 9 years full-time and the past 6 years 1/2 time (wintering in Arizona) and STILL haven't seen it all. We initially thought 1 month per state so for lower 48, that's 4 years right there. While maybe a months enough for small states, it takes more time than that to really get a feeling for all the country has to offer.
  • SDcampowneroper's avatar
    SDcampowneroper
    Explorer
    Feb 03, 2021
    agesilaus wrote:
    Go to some RV shows and see what they have. Slim Potatoehead is a tiny TT advocate you might want to watch some of his stuff.
    Slim Potatoehead

    Be warned he is a Canadian and a bit odd but watchable. He is trapped in Canada right now and not posting a lot but he went thru picking out a new unit six or so episodes back.
    his you tube vids are honest. not only Canadian, but I peg him as a Manitoban or near by accent. Pronunciation of 'about' as 'a boat' and ending statements with inflection indicating a question of accepting statements are unique to prairie Canadians. How about it, Slim, I hazard you are originally from a rural Manitoba town. Maybe even from the City, (wpg) suburb St. James ?
  • LadyRVer's avatar
    LadyRVer
    Explorer II
    Feb 03, 2021
    Casita, Scamp, Oliver, R-Pod....

    Your plans sound good. I did 31 states in 1 year, solo with my dog. Best decision I made! Good Luck.
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Feb 03, 2021
    Go to some RV shows and see what they have. Slim Potatoehead is a tiny TT advocate you might want to watch some of his stuff.
    Slim Potatoehead

    Be warned he is a Canadian and a bit odd but watchable. He is trapped in Canada right now and not posting a lot but he went thru picking out a new unit six or so episodes back.
  • bgum's avatar
    bgum
    Explorer
    Feb 03, 2021
    Nucamp TAB is the smallest I know of with a shower.

    We tow a 16 foot Airstream with a Toyota Tacoma. It is an excellent package. You can carry a 2200 watt genny which will run your AC on hot days. We have the extended cab and the 5 foot bed. A very comfortable ride with good gas mileage.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Feb 02, 2021
    Look at the WInnebago 1708FB

    https://www.winnebago.com/models/product/towables/travel-trailer/micro-minnie-1

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