Longer term in a small B+
We just got back from a 3 week trip, our longest by far with our small B+. (2005 Trail Lite 23')
We think we will go south for 6 weeks later this winter.
It's a challenge in the small space but we are getting a lot better at it. We have reduced our packings, and have picked up compact equipment and supplies.
The good:
-Super easy to drive, shop, maneuver, park.
-11.5 MPG at 65 MPH on cruise control. Slightly better off cruise.
-Pretty decent interior storage
The not so good for a long outing:
-Skimpy exterior storage
-No dedicated beds
-No separate living & sleeping areas, in case of sleep issues.
-Lounging/reading/TV viewing positions not that comfy/ergonomic.
In summertime, we can spend a lot of time outside. So the small cabin doesn't matter much. But in the winter months, the early darkness means we are inside the RV a lot more. Comfort matters.
Overall we really like having a small MH. We are seriously thinking about upgrading to a small C with at least one slide, and dedicated sleeping area(s). The last gripe in my list above is the hardest one to solve in any of the small C's we've looked at. They just don't have comfy seating for sitting around. You're either at the dinette, or laying on a bed. (We insist on a dinette, so that usually means no sofa.) One exception we've seen was the swiveling Mercedes cab seats in a Solera. They are nice for lounging.
We might just stick with the TL. Devil known vs. devil unknown. If we do upgrade, there are two small Sunseekers that we like. We'd get them on the Chevy chassis. They both have queen beds, plus the OH bunk. They seem to be extremely space efficient and meet all our needs, save for the lounging. Swivel seats are offered on the Ford versions, but for the Chevy it requires a DIY aftermarket solution. All assuming there is room for the swiveled seat to be useful.
We think we will go south for 6 weeks later this winter.
It's a challenge in the small space but we are getting a lot better at it. We have reduced our packings, and have picked up compact equipment and supplies.
The good:
-Super easy to drive, shop, maneuver, park.
-11.5 MPG at 65 MPH on cruise control. Slightly better off cruise.
-Pretty decent interior storage
The not so good for a long outing:
-Skimpy exterior storage
-No dedicated beds
-No separate living & sleeping areas, in case of sleep issues.
-Lounging/reading/TV viewing positions not that comfy/ergonomic.
In summertime, we can spend a lot of time outside. So the small cabin doesn't matter much. But in the winter months, the early darkness means we are inside the RV a lot more. Comfort matters.
Overall we really like having a small MH. We are seriously thinking about upgrading to a small C with at least one slide, and dedicated sleeping area(s). The last gripe in my list above is the hardest one to solve in any of the small C's we've looked at. They just don't have comfy seating for sitting around. You're either at the dinette, or laying on a bed. (We insist on a dinette, so that usually means no sofa.) One exception we've seen was the swiveling Mercedes cab seats in a Solera. They are nice for lounging.
We might just stick with the TL. Devil known vs. devil unknown. If we do upgrade, there are two small Sunseekers that we like. We'd get them on the Chevy chassis. They both have queen beds, plus the OH bunk. They seem to be extremely space efficient and meet all our needs, save for the lounging. Swivel seats are offered on the Ford versions, but for the Chevy it requires a DIY aftermarket solution. All assuming there is room for the swiveled seat to be useful.
