Full-timing in a camper + TT

kohldad wrote:
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.

Hey we could be a twin! We have the exact same idea... :)

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.

We have two high-end 15.6-inch laptops, two tablets, and two phones. Probably a DC compression fridge in the TC, a condo-style residential fridge in the TT. A DSLR and two compact cameras. Our custom TT will have a 55-inch 4K TV. We will use a microwave for brief moments, and as will a coffee maker. On top of this, a sat receiver (my DW is really into sports like NBA and MLB), a rice cooker, a kettle, and a hair dryer. We will need much more than 200W. We plan to get at least 600W.

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.

I'm debating on this one. I may keep things simple by keeping the propane system there. As you said, the consumptions are expected to be low. May not need diesel system here. But the TT will be fully diesel. No propane or nor gas there.

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.

You are probably right. Just want to be more cautious. We also plan to go Alaska and I hear gas stations are rather far apart. I feel much happier when the gas tank is full, even on my daily car right now. :)

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.

Thank you - this is exactly what I was expecting based on my research so far. Looks like I'm aiming for roughly where you are right now.

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.

Yes so I've been told. That's why I don't want to take the TT into the national parks. I want to keep them outside of them and bring only the TC into it. No problem if there's no hookups or electricity as huge solar panels and batteries should take care of them. The truck's alternator will help out as well. When we need to work, we will drive out into areas where there are strong signals. Once again, a reason why I need lots of battery capacity in the truck side as the TT may not be in a good area either.

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.

That might be an interesting option. Never really thought about ordering something from Europe...

We worked our butt off for the past (too many) years. Finally our kids are detaching from us. If we want to spend some decent money into something, this is it. Yes RVs depreciate a lot but the experience it offers cannot be compared with anything else. We are not into other materialistic stuff but love the camping and hiking experiences.

Have fun and keep us posted. Sound like a very interesting story unfolding.

Thank you. :) We are still a bit to go before starting full-timing but when the time comes, I'll make another huge thread... lol.