First of all, I’m looking for a friendly DISCUSSION (As if friends were having a beer around a fire.)Obviously, gas is up, but both I and the DW have wondered about “something minimal you could sleep in”.But dang, we sure like the bathroom, kitchen and fridge.Our camping varies widely.I had these ‘crazy thoughts:-A mini van could work as a self-contained camper (No kitchen & bath, but a good place to sleep).-And it could pull a small camper. Note: I have edited this to a 17 ft TT from 19 ft- towing capacity is around 3,500.-And maybe get ~15 MPG towing.-And it’s a very useful and comfortable and adaptable buttocks, cargo, AND grocery hauler for the rest of the time.-Sometimes camp with the van only, others, take a small TT.Another edit- no real plans to plumbing/fridge/stove to minivan.Anyone have thoughts or even relevant stories?Again, not looking for ANSWERS as much as a fun DISCUSSION.Edit #3- Thanks for the comments.

A minivan fitted out with typical RV appliances and fixtures is going to be carrying around some extra weight - which will reduce its towing capacity.Most minivans aren't rated for more than 5000 lbs of towing capacity to begin with - which means that towing a 17' Casita, 16' Scamp or 17' Escape with it will be a handful.

We had a 34' TT for 15+ years...loved it but it was always a hassle getting gas, stopping for lunch, etc. We had the opportunity to get a Lance truck camper and thought it would be great for flexibility and travel, can go/park anywhere. It was really convenient, but DW HATED the cabover bed and general lack of storage. We wound up selling the TC and now have a 33' 5er. In a perfect world I would have both the TC and the 5er but don't have that much space here at the house. What you're thinking of is not silly at all, it all depends on how you camp and travel. If you plan on any 4WD accessible places the minivan won't cut it....

A few thoughts.A sprinter based Class B and a small TT would get better mileage and do what you want. The downside is cost. Which compared to saving would take years to net out.But while I agree gas is up, you'd have to log a LOT of miles in any setup to make up any real savings for a few MPG. And your MPG in any van is going to really suffer set up to camp and pulling a TT. I think there are reasons why conventional RV has evolved to what it is. The new trucks get much better mileage now even pulling larger FW's.

“Pulling” anything will make 15 mpg difficult.

Your not going to get 15 MPG towing a 19' TT.

TV & 30 ft TT to Mini Van and 17 ft TT | Good Sam Community

way2roll
Navigator II
Jun 06, 2022
A few thoughts.

A sprinter based Class B and a small TT would get better mileage and do what you want. The downside is cost. Which compared to saving would take years to net out.

But while I agree gas is up, you'd have to log a LOT of miles in any setup to make up any real savings for a few MPG. And your MPG in any van is going to really suffer set up to camp and pulling a TT. I think there are reasons why conventional RV has evolved to what it is.

The new trucks get much better mileage now even pulling larger FW's.
BurbMan
Explorer II
Jun 06, 2022
We had a 34' TT for 15+ years...loved it but it was always a hassle getting gas, stopping for lunch, etc. We had the opportunity to get a Lance truck camper and thought it would be great for flexibility and travel, can go/park anywhere.

It was really convenient, but DW HATED the cabover bed and general lack of storage. We wound up selling the TC and now have a 33' 5er. In a perfect world I would have both the TC and the 5er but don't have that much space here at the house. What you're thinking of is not silly at all, it all depends on how you camp and travel. If you plan on any 4WD accessible places the minivan won't cut it....
Skibane
Explorer II
Jun 06, 2022
A minivan fitted out with typical RV appliances and fixtures is going to be carrying around some extra weight - which will reduce its towing capacity.

Most minivans aren't rated for more than 5000 lbs of towing capacity to begin with - which means that towing a 17' Casita, 16' Scamp or 17' Escape with it will be a handful.

Forum Discussion

TV & 30 ft TT to Mini Van and 17 ft TT

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

Towing a mini van

Will I kill my mini-van?

Nissan nv200 mini-van conversion platform?

NorCal Mini Truck Camper Rally - April 2023

36' gasser towing a 4600 pound mini van