Full-timing in a camper + TT
Instead of asking small bits and pieces which could be taken with wrong contexts, I've decided to post our potential plan. Hopefully you guys can tell me if this will work or not. I'll get the budg...
Forum Discussion
My wife and I have considered something similar. A TT so we have the space when we stop for a while and then the TC to go out and explore for a couple days at a time. Does mean I may end up paying for two camp spots for the same night, but can afford that and usually will be boondocking so shouldn't happen all that much.
We would have the need to keep two laptops charged, DC compressor fridge, phones, and cameras. We don't watch TV, use a microwave, and have LED lights. With this 12V, we figure we can get by with two batteries and 200 watts of solar. Would probably have a small 2000 watt generator also to cover those places and days where sunshine isn't available.
Would probably just stick with propane in the camper for heat as it doesn't use that much even in single digits. I currently only have a single 20# tank and that will last for two weeks in a poorly insulated camper. So twin 30# tanks would easily last a month, probably more with a well insulated camper. However, if you want to go diesel for heat and cooking, you could easily add a 20 gal tank in place of the propane tanks. Therefor, no need to add larger tank on the truck yet would still be able to use the camper for truck emergency reserve.
Unless you plan on taking this rig south of Mexico, the stock 34 gallon tank will more than do in states and Canada. I pulled a 35' FW at one time and always could get fuel before 1/2 tank. Trick is to take it on when you have the chance and you are near 1/2 tank. Even with the TC and TT, you should still have a 300-400 mile range. I have that much with my TC and a gas engine.
On my 3500 SRW, I have an 8'6" camper which weighs 2,400 pounds leaving about 1,600 pound payload capacity. This would allow me to easily pull a 30' TT weighing 7,000 pounds or more.
The problem with NP are they usually don't have hookups. You need to look into COE and State Parks as a lot of them have electric hookups. The other issue is a lot of NP because of the remoteness don't have phone access and such no internet. The others usually do.
I also think you budget is extremely generous. Truck shoud run 50k + 5K for fuel tank mod and camper setup. A nice TC should only run 40k at max. And then the 28' Custom camper had better be under 50k or you are wasting money. For the trailer, since you want small and diesel, it may actually be cheaper to buy a European camper, have it shipped to the States, and then modded as necessary to meet the us requirement.
Have fun and keep us posted. Sound like a very interesting story unfolding.
We would have the need to keep two laptops charged, DC compressor fridge, phones, and cameras. We don't watch TV, use a microwave, and have LED lights. With this 12V, we figure we can get by with two batteries and 200 watts of solar. Would probably have a small 2000 watt generator also to cover those places and days where sunshine isn't available.
Would probably just stick with propane in the camper for heat as it doesn't use that much even in single digits. I currently only have a single 20# tank and that will last for two weeks in a poorly insulated camper. So twin 30# tanks would easily last a month, probably more with a well insulated camper. However, if you want to go diesel for heat and cooking, you could easily add a 20 gal tank in place of the propane tanks. Therefor, no need to add larger tank on the truck yet would still be able to use the camper for truck emergency reserve.
Unless you plan on taking this rig south of Mexico, the stock 34 gallon tank will more than do in states and Canada. I pulled a 35' FW at one time and always could get fuel before 1/2 tank. Trick is to take it on when you have the chance and you are near 1/2 tank. Even with the TC and TT, you should still have a 300-400 mile range. I have that much with my TC and a gas engine.
On my 3500 SRW, I have an 8'6" camper which weighs 2,400 pounds leaving about 1,600 pound payload capacity. This would allow me to easily pull a 30' TT weighing 7,000 pounds or more.
The problem with NP are they usually don't have hookups. You need to look into COE and State Parks as a lot of them have electric hookups. The other issue is a lot of NP because of the remoteness don't have phone access and such no internet. The others usually do.
I also think you budget is extremely generous. Truck shoud run 50k + 5K for fuel tank mod and camper setup. A nice TC should only run 40k at max. And then the 28' Custom camper had better be under 50k or you are wasting money. For the trailer, since you want small and diesel, it may actually be cheaper to buy a European camper, have it shipped to the States, and then modded as necessary to meet the us requirement.
Have fun and keep us posted. Sound like a very interesting story unfolding.
