Video Series Documenting our Noob RV Shopping Experience

we could really use everyone's help finding our ideal tow rig.

themoreweexplore wrote:

westend wrote:
Get your priorities straight. You don't need a composting toilet and big bike storage, huge windows to sit inside. Most of us use our trailers to camp, that means getting outside.

Just because our priorities are different from yours does not mean we need to "get our priorities straight."

You may not need a composting toilet, but we really want one. Since they're compatible with almost every model out there, this shouldn't be an issue anyway.

Bike storage is essential to us. Part of the reason we want to go full time is to be able to bike, hike, backpack, and camp in new locations. If we don't have secure bike storage, it negates a lot of why we want to get out there.

The more we look at trailers, huge windows become more and more important to us. We'll go crazy cooped up in an RV with limited windows.

Just because our ideals are different doesn't make one person's priorities "right" or "wrong."

Lots of good advice in your post though. We've been RV shopping for 4 months, at over 12 different dealerships. While we're not pros, we don't feel like we're rushing it. The videos are good, but they only tell half the story.

Sorry about the "straightening". Sometimes tact disappears when I communicate. How about this instead: I think you would have an easier selection process if you didn't have the need for a composting toilet and bike storage inside.
IMO, big windows mean big energy loss for heating and cooling. Your desire for big windows is as valid as my need for smaller ones, of course.

Makes sense. Sorry I was so defensive.

I think we're willing to give up some insulation factor in exchange for the big windows.

Our tow rig will be a big diesel cargo van, so that'll solve the issue of storing the bike in the RV. We'll store it inside our tow rig instead.

themoreweexplore wrote:
Makes sense. Sorry I was so defensive.

I think we're willing to give up some insulation factor in exchange for the big windows.

Our tow rig will be a big diesel cargo van, so that'll solve the issue of storing the bike in the RV. We'll store it inside our tow rig instead.

Insulation is only important if you are trying to endure heat or cold ambient extremes for an extended period. When I rebuilt mine, I used different insulation materials and spent two weeks installing it. The payback is that the structure is easy to heat or cool and it is dead quiet inside.

I still don't fully understand why a bike needs to be stored inside the van or trailer. Many folks carry customized bikes that cost thousands mounted on the exterior of their tow vehicle or on a purpose built rack on the trailer. It may be that your bike is that dear to you that you don't want it in view for security or it can't be subjected to weather. I have a Specialized, a Marin, and a few others but they get mounted on the exterior if they're coming along on the trip.

You will find a good 4x4 diesel pickup with a shell a whole lot cheaper then a 4x4 van. and you can still lock the bikes in the shell and if you where ever to buy a small generator you could put it in the shell also and run it while it's in the shell. Not to mention other stored things.

Agreed, a pickup would have been a lot cheaper than a 4x4 diesel van. Too late though, we got one.

Picking up our new tow rig, Fred.

We went to our first RV show this past weekend. We were surprised by the winnebago travel trailers. They have a nice interior design.

Video - Utah RV Super Show

We'd like to check out Oliver trailers soon, they sound fantastic, though the wet bath and tiny "bedroom" might be an issue for us full-time.

westend wrote:


I still don't fully understand why a bike needs to be stored inside the van or trailer.

It`s very simple.......it`s because that`s what they want to do!

allen8106 wrote:

westend wrote:


I still don't fully understand why a bike needs to be stored inside the van or trailer.

It`s very simple.......it`s because that`s what they want to do!

"Wants" and "needs" can be exclusive from each other, my actual point in this discussion. It may be that these folks, new to RV'ing, thought there was no alternative for bike carrying.

Yes, it's simple....I was trying to help.

I enjoyed your rental videos very much. Nice job!

I noticed that when you hooked up your power cord to the pedestal you did not turn off the breaker before plugging in. You should always do that before you either plug in or unplug to avoid making a spark which, over time, will erode the contacts surfaces on both the plug end and in the box.

I second the earlier comment about the problem you had with the water heater only putting out a very limited amount of "warm" water. Sounds to me like it was in "bypass" mode.

I look forward to spending some more time with your videos. Good luck in you adventure! :)
Barney