Hello,After lurking and reading for some time I feel the need to post this question. I don't know if an RV is right for my wife and me but I think it could be. We sell at shows from Utah to Missouri, Colorado, Arizona, Texas - basically a one day (long) van drive from Denver. We're out 2 to 3 weekends per month - 4 or 5 days on the road for each "away game" we do.We have a van and cargo trailer. We currently bask in Two Star Hotel Luxury - usually Choice Hotel chain properties. We spend anywhere from $350 to $500 per show -- I'd say average $1100 per month on hotels. An RV would allow us to stay out for a few weeks reducing the "Out and Back" trips we make now. (We've put close to 60,000 miles on the van in 18 months)If we were to use an RV we'd need to trailer tow a full size van because that would hold our setup and inventory as well as provide ground transportation. The problem with just a coach is that many of the venues have tight loading areas and I couldn't get close with a long Class A and 14' trailer. We need to be able to stay and work in the rig - desk...place to pack small boxes for internet orders and so forth. We need a good shower as we have to be presentable at the shows. Two sleeping areas would be ideal. One Queen Size Bed would be work if we were still in our 20's but now....not so much.We're in our 60's and will be doing this for another 5 years health allowing. This leads me to think a good used rig that we can afford or for which we'd have a modest note. Anyway - I'm posting this in Class A. A C might work but I think it would be just too small. I can't be the only person to have these questions....what would you do?

Have you ever looked at Toyhaulers? They are basically a Travel Trailer or 5th wheel camper with an open bay 8' wide 6'6" tall by whatever length unit you get. Some have garage lengths of 15' or more. They still have all needed amenities in the front half for living quarters, they usually have fold up sofa's or bunk beds in the back, but removing those is not a problem. You would be able to load for the trip, stay at a site , pack up and go to a park for a few days, have your stuff with you to move to the next, and between shows your truck or van is free for travel locally.And since the rear lays down and becomes a ramp loading and unloading may be a lot easier too.

I think a class A toyhauler might solve your problems, take a look at this one that recently sold at ppl in Houston http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/diesel/2007-Simba-30874.htm Simba toyhauler it has a garage with lift in the back that could be used to haul merchandise and convert into a multi function space or bedroom when empty. There is also another bed in the ceiling up front, and a sofa bed in this layout. Then just tow a small car behind for running around.p.s. PPL's sold list shows the 07 Simba toyhauler sold for $38,500

Well that Simba is quite interesting. Never knew of a Class A with a garage. I do know a guy who uses a Super C with a lift gate and garage but the living quarters are sparse.A Toy Hauler trailer ... hmmm...would have to be a bumper pull towed behind a van.Something to consider.

Note that most gassers won't haul as much product or tow as much as a DP.

AllegroD wrote:Note that most gassers won't haul as much product or tow as much as a DP.That's what I'm thinking as well

We don't "Camp" ...We sell at shows. What would you do?

Lew_Schiller
Explorer
Jul 22, 2017
Thank you guys very much for all your help and input. I believe I have come to grips with what will work best for me.
Passin_Thru
Explorer
Jul 22, 2017
Don't park the RV at the show. Try an RV Park. Problem solved.
MrWizard
Moderator
Jul 21, 2017
IF your going to Hotels, convention centers, stadiums
they have enough room back in 18 wheelers
you just need to learn to drive and park a larger vehicle

a 38ft MH and van or small trailer is the wrong combination
a TH motorhome, or a toy hauler trailer with tow vehicle

back it in unload, then go park
bigred1cav
Explorer
Jul 21, 2017
What do you sell we are looking for a road job in the east

Lew Schiller wrote:
Hello,
After lurking and reading for some time I feel the need to post this question. I don't know if an RV is right for my wife and me but I think it could be.
We sell at shows from Utah to Missouri, Colorado, Arizona, Texas - basically a one day (long) van drive from Denver. We're out 2 to 3 weekends per month - 4 or 5 days on the road for each "away game" we do.
We have a van and cargo trailer. We currently bask in Two Star Hotel Luxury - usually Choice Hotel chain properties. We spend anywhere from $350 to $500 per show -- I'd say average $1100 per month on hotels.
An RV would allow us to stay out for a few weeks reducing the "Out and Back" trips we make now. (We've put close to 60,000 miles on the van in 18 months)

If we were to use an RV we'd need to trailer tow a full size van because that would hold our setup and inventory as well as provide ground transportation. The problem with just a coach is that many of the venues have tight loading areas and I couldn't get close with a long Class A and 14' trailer. We need to be able to stay and work in the rig - desk...place to pack small boxes for internet orders and so forth. We need a good shower as we have to be presentable at the shows. Two sleeping areas would be ideal. One Queen Size Bed would be work if we were still in our 20's but now....not so much.

We're in our 60's and will be doing this for another 5 years health allowing. This leads me to think a good used rig that we can afford or for which we'd have a modest note.

Anyway - I'm posting this in Class A. A C might work but I think it would be just too small. I can't be the only person to have these questions....what would you do?
STANG23L
Explorer
Jul 19, 2017
I've been driving by this beast on the way up to my camper. Partner it with a car trailer hauling your van packed for the show and you'd have plenty of room. Only down fall is the sleeping arrangements. But with some searching you should be able to find something similar with the layout you want.
tropical36
Explorer
Jul 19, 2017
Lew Schiller wrote:
Well that Simba is quite interesting. Never knew of a Class A with a garage. I do know a guy who uses a Super C with a lift gate and garage but the living quarters are sparse.
A Toy Hauler trailer ... hmmm...would have to be a bumper pull towed behind a van.
Something to consider.

In a class A toy hauler, look for an 07 or 08 Damon Outlaw on a W24 Workhouse chassis, that will have the 8.1 big block GM engine....OUTLAW
PNW_Steve
Explorer
Jul 19, 2017
msturtz wrote:
Whatever you do I strongly recommend checking with your insurance company. Most personal insurance companies will deny claims if a vehicle is used for business of any kind. Usually you can add a rider to your policy to permit commercial / business use.

This is true. When I started using my truck for occasional business use I had to add a rider. It costs me $15/year.

As far as rig options:

I full timed for 6+ years in a converted Eagle 10 coach. The baggage bays are HUGE. I would imagine if you had a rig like that and pulled your van behind you would likely have plenty of storage for your goods and show gear as well as the mobility to carry goods to the show with ease.

Just a thought:)
Lew_Schiller
Explorer
Jul 19, 2017
okhmbldr wrote:
Lew,
If you do the U-Haul and TT. You could tidy up the truck with a vinyl wrap for the cab and you could attach a large printed vinyl to both sides of the truck, printed with advertising to reflect your business. Anyway, that sounds like a good plan.

I was just in the place where I do my best thinking and vinyl wrap came to mind. Much more cost effective than paint!
okhmbldr
Explorer
Jul 19, 2017
Lew,
If you do the U-Haul and TT. You could tidy up the truck with a vinyl wrap for the cab and you could attach a large printed vinyl to both sides of the truck, printed with advertising to reflect your business. Anyway, that sounds like a good plan.
msturtz
Explorer
Jul 19, 2017
Whatever you do I strongly recommend checking with your insurance company. Most personal insurance companies will deny claims if a vehicle is used for business of any kind. Usually you can add a rider to your policy to permit commercial / business use.