Newbie Qs about Trucks, Campers and Wives
Hello! Aspiring future TCer here. After all my research, reading, dreaming , wonderlust and hand wringing, I'm completely sold on the Pros of a TC, and adequately accepting of the Cons. Or so I th...
Forum Discussion
I'm not a full timer nor am I a TCer, but I've been camping for 53 years now, so maybe can add a little insight.
#1. Go slow. I think your strategy to go week-ends and get longer and longer is an excellent way to do it. You may find that "full time" really is not the answer, but your "comfort" limit may be 2 weeks, or 3 weeks, and then you have a great need to hit the home-base for a while. You really won't know until you experiment.
My wife and I have dreamed of full timing, but the reality is, I don't think we ever will. After 2 weeks in the camper, we are both ready to come home for a while. After a couple days, we want to do it again, but we just need the stick-and-brick house for a base. We both work full time still, and quite frankly, I do enjoy my job. (I guess I'm fortunate there). So vacation time is nice, but an extended time would probably spoil the excitement of RVing. (too much of a good thing you know).
Only you will be able to make that decision, that's why I think your plan to start slow is a good one, extended the time out longer and longer. Besides, it will give you an opportunity to flush out bugs from your camper, give you a base to gear up again, and let you re-coup and plan for the next "outing". You will need to learn how to develop your camping strategy also, plan and research your camp sites, practice boon docking, and then have the assurance of returning home to analyze your experience, make adjustments, and plan ahead until you get into the "swing" of this life-style.
About #2: I do not know the weight limitations of your truck, nor do I want to throw out pros or cons nor make suggestions for something different. But one thing you do is go as economical as possible. If you can find a TC that fits your truck without creating a gigantic financial draw, then that is really the best way to do it.
Reason? Chance are, your first camper will not be your last one. You may find it's too cramped. You may find it's just not right. You may find you really do want a bigger truck and a bigger camper combination. By investing wisely the first time, and thinking "cost effective", if you DO decide to swap out for a larger truck or a larger camper, you will still get a decent return on the resale of your rig, then you can use the sale of that to purchase something that suits you better.
On the other hand, you may be perfectly fine with your first choice and may last you 30 years. If so, you are really a winner!
Remember "newbie" the RV "golden rule"... The 3rd camper will be the camper you really wanted first! Meaning, you will probably trade campers 3 times before you have the one that really works for you.
Another reason for considering 'economical' purchase? You may not like a truck camper at all once you actually get it. "Dreaming" and "Reality" are mostly 2 vastly different worlds. You may want to scrub the camper completely, in which case you have a moderate investment, you can sell, and then get a trailer, a Motor Home, or something else, and you won't be taking a serious financial "hit" (if) you change your mind later.
So... go moderate and practical with your truck-camper combination.
About #3. My wife and I never had a WTH moment that we both didn't agree on. Our 1st trailer became too small, and climbing over each other in a corner bed became a real PITA after 3 years. We both agreed it was time to trade.
The second trailer was 31 feet long... nice and long. Had it for 8 years. But we slowly quit using it. One day we asked why? And we both agreed we did not like the layout. We actually missed camping, but really, the trailer layout really stunk! But we had this WTH moment together and we were in perfect agreement.
Third Trailer now ... so for, it's perfect. We both agree. No surprises, and the "passion" for camping is back and we're are on the "go" again!
So to answer your question about #3 .... It all depends upon the wavelength you and your spouse are on. If you are compatable, think alike, and "communicate" about everything, then you won't have any surprises.
But by all means, do LISTEN to what she is saying RIGHT NOW before making the investment. Make sure you are both in 100% agreement and comparable with your decisions, otherwise, it simply will NOT work. You have to be 100% in tandem with each other! You must if you want it to work!
Good luck and I wish you well in your research and decisions.
#1. Go slow. I think your strategy to go week-ends and get longer and longer is an excellent way to do it. You may find that "full time" really is not the answer, but your "comfort" limit may be 2 weeks, or 3 weeks, and then you have a great need to hit the home-base for a while. You really won't know until you experiment.
My wife and I have dreamed of full timing, but the reality is, I don't think we ever will. After 2 weeks in the camper, we are both ready to come home for a while. After a couple days, we want to do it again, but we just need the stick-and-brick house for a base. We both work full time still, and quite frankly, I do enjoy my job. (I guess I'm fortunate there). So vacation time is nice, but an extended time would probably spoil the excitement of RVing. (too much of a good thing you know).
Only you will be able to make that decision, that's why I think your plan to start slow is a good one, extended the time out longer and longer. Besides, it will give you an opportunity to flush out bugs from your camper, give you a base to gear up again, and let you re-coup and plan for the next "outing". You will need to learn how to develop your camping strategy also, plan and research your camp sites, practice boon docking, and then have the assurance of returning home to analyze your experience, make adjustments, and plan ahead until you get into the "swing" of this life-style.
About #2: I do not know the weight limitations of your truck, nor do I want to throw out pros or cons nor make suggestions for something different. But one thing you do is go as economical as possible. If you can find a TC that fits your truck without creating a gigantic financial draw, then that is really the best way to do it.
Reason? Chance are, your first camper will not be your last one. You may find it's too cramped. You may find it's just not right. You may find you really do want a bigger truck and a bigger camper combination. By investing wisely the first time, and thinking "cost effective", if you DO decide to swap out for a larger truck or a larger camper, you will still get a decent return on the resale of your rig, then you can use the sale of that to purchase something that suits you better.
On the other hand, you may be perfectly fine with your first choice and may last you 30 years. If so, you are really a winner!
Remember "newbie" the RV "golden rule"... The 3rd camper will be the camper you really wanted first! Meaning, you will probably trade campers 3 times before you have the one that really works for you.
Another reason for considering 'economical' purchase? You may not like a truck camper at all once you actually get it. "Dreaming" and "Reality" are mostly 2 vastly different worlds. You may want to scrub the camper completely, in which case you have a moderate investment, you can sell, and then get a trailer, a Motor Home, or something else, and you won't be taking a serious financial "hit" (if) you change your mind later.
So... go moderate and practical with your truck-camper combination.
About #3. My wife and I never had a WTH moment that we both didn't agree on. Our 1st trailer became too small, and climbing over each other in a corner bed became a real PITA after 3 years. We both agreed it was time to trade.
The second trailer was 31 feet long... nice and long. Had it for 8 years. But we slowly quit using it. One day we asked why? And we both agreed we did not like the layout. We actually missed camping, but really, the trailer layout really stunk! But we had this WTH moment together and we were in perfect agreement.
Third Trailer now ... so for, it's perfect. We both agree. No surprises, and the "passion" for camping is back and we're are on the "go" again!
So to answer your question about #3 .... It all depends upon the wavelength you and your spouse are on. If you are compatable, think alike, and "communicate" about everything, then you won't have any surprises.
But by all means, do LISTEN to what she is saying RIGHT NOW before making the investment. Make sure you are both in 100% agreement and comparable with your decisions, otherwise, it simply will NOT work. You have to be 100% in tandem with each other! You must if you want it to work!
Good luck and I wish you well in your research and decisions.
