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tim_eisele's avatar
tim_eisele
Explorer
Dec 09, 2017

Downsizing

My wife and I are considering downsizing from a 40' 5th wheel to a camper van 21'-24' long. Looking at Roadtrek and Airstreams right now. Difficulty with 5th wheel range from 2 blown tires and $9,000 in damages, lack of flexibility on road, necessity to map out every road, lack of fuel availability with a 60' rv and tow vehicle.
Have any of you downsized, for what reasons and are you satisfied with your new campers???
Any recommendations would be appreciated.
TAME

25 Replies

  • We made the switch you are considering: 38' DP to RoadTrek.

    We couldn't be happier. The RT drives like a high end car, fits in a regular space in most places, and has everything we need. Perhaps the RT is somewhat over-engineered -- it is a complex rig. But in mine everything has worked just as advertised.

    It's a different RV life style. Things are definitely tighter onboard!
  • We downsized from 32' fiver to a 10.0 Camplite TC. Yup, learning curve and transition but glad we have our dually and truck camper. There are advantages and disadvantages to every unit. It's only 2 of us so that helps. It's so easy to park, fuel, get a site, and clean. We have had tt, fiver, class C, and a smaller TC. To each is own. Good luck!
  • If you already have a tow vehicle and want to keep it, a small trailer would be a far better deal. You can get decent tank capacity and reasonable storage in a 21-24 foot trailer.

    Spend some time in a B TOGETHER before you buy. They are pretty cramped. It might be too much of a downsize to manage.
  • Not to be argumentative, but other than length, you can have the same problems with any rig.

    We have a 40' DP with a toad and have no problems finding fuel and we don't use the high priced truck stops. This last ear we went from AZ to FL and MN to LA.

    Bill