Fantasizing, I suppose

[bluedogz1]

OK, so I'm sorta sketching out the retirement plan (less "retirement" than "screw this I'm out.")

Anyway, my plan/goal is to see all the stuff in the lower 48 that I haven't. I reckon that's a 2-3 year project minimum traveling from place to place and plugging in for a bit.

I'm hoping to establish an equipment baseline that I can noodle around and sketch on for the 5-8 years it's gonna take me to reach this point.

I've camped and TT'd around, but never full timed. I travel alone. I can cook really well on a Coleman camp stove. Very happy to boondock it more than 50% of the time.

I want the smallest possible rig I can pull with nothing larger than a Toyota V6 pickup or maybe a F150 6-cyl. Needs to have a shower. The Casita Spirit is an attractive design (though if something smaller with a shower exists I'm all ears.) I know small class Cs exist but I'm thinking that the freedom to drop the TT and plug it in somewhere while I drive around is a good thing.

Of course, the equipment that exists now will be different in 5-8 years. I'm just trying to draw a sketch that I'll nurse for those years until it's time.

What does the hive mind have to say?

[theoldwizard1]

LadyRVer wrote:
Casita, Scamp, Oliver, R-Pod....

I am a big fan of "eggshell" campers. They seem more "durable" when compared to anything else.

They are small (toilet and shower are required for myself). For a bit more room, look into a 5th wheel Scamp. Dry weight is still under 3000 lbs.

[bluedogz1]

coolmom42 wrote:
the main thing you WON'T find in a small trailer is a comfortable place to sit. Dinettes suck for that, and the other option is the bed.

RIGHT!! Many moons ago I had a 16' Sunline, and the "dinette" was barely usable.

A solution I hadn't thought of (thank you, Slim Potatohead!) was having an outdoor screened structure. That plus umbrella chairs/table seems like a solution for longer stops.

Something I might not have made clear... everyone who suggested a larger unit is right that they are more comfortable etc. I live a minimalist lifestyle that really could fit nicely in a Casita/A-liner or similar. Part of the motivation for this whole exercise is, as I mentioned, "screw this I'm out." Therefore, the less "stuff" the better.

-Can I live with a wet bath? Yeah, till I get to a truck stop or campground with proper showers.
- I've used cassette toilets and think they're just the thing for this purpose. Also, I have no concern making like a bear in the woods when it's appropriate.

The general principles some folks have shared are awesome! Can't have too much tow vehicle, for example.

[JimK-NY]

First, don't skimp on the truck. I would go with a 150/1500 truck set up for towing. Depending on the specs you can pull over 10K pounds. Having some excess capacity is great for longevity, for safety and you will be really happy to have more power towing in mountain country.

I cannot help with the trailer size or brands since my wife and I full timed in a truck camper, not a trailer. I can make a few general recommendations. Be sure the trailer has good tires and suspension. Many are poorly made and just not up to what is needed. Modifications and accessories can add a lot of weight. Personal gear including food can quickly add another 1000#.

I highly recommend a cassette toilet. They use minimal water and you can dump in outhouses or other places when dump stations are not available. You will also want to save weight and space with a wet bath. One minute with a squeegee will do a remarkable job of drying the area.

Look for a unit with relatively large fresh water capacity. I have learned to take a shower with 1 gallon and get by for everything else with another 2 gallons a day. You will want an absolute minimum of 15-20 gallons of fresh water. Next look at battery capacity and solar. You cannot have too much and a minimum for me would be a couple of batteries and a couple of panels.

[Tvov]

coolmom42 wrote:
....

For full timing, IMHO the main thing you WON'T find in a small trailer is a comfortable place to sit. Dinettes suck for that, and the other option is the bed. Consider getting a used trailer (with careful inspection) and don't be afraid to modify it to suit your needs. A single recliner with a straight chair and small work table is a good combo for a single person.

This is basically what I was going to post.

And what about a shower? Are you happy with a "wet bath" for an extended trip?

The trailer we have now, 21 foot with wrap around dinette in front that drops to make a queen size bed, is pretty darn nice for one or two people. My major modification to it for long distance / extended living would be to remove the rear bunks and make a sitting/eating area with a comfortable chair... which would make the drop down dinette essentially a permanent bed.

My 3 big "things" for extended use with a camper would be: 1. comfortable bed, 2. easy to use shower and toilet (large enough for a large person like me), 3. comfortable place to sit.

I find it enjoyable to plan / think about stuff like this.

Have fun!

[valhalla360]

coolmom42 wrote:
First of all, Tacoma tow ratings range from 3500 to 6800 lb. As a general rule of thumb, it's good to keep your trailer at no more than 80-90% of max. Payloads go up to 1440 lb but not all are like that for sure. So get the exact specs on your specific vehicle before choosing a trailer.

There's no reason not to tow up to the trucks limit. The manufacturers already include safety margins. The catch is the "payload" is often reached before the "tow rating" effectively limiting you to less than the tow rating.

From your post, it sounds like you don't have a truck yet. A V6 F-150 can have upwards of 385hp (ecoboost 3.5). When you pick one, get one with a higher payload rating (I'd look for at least 2000lb). That will give you a truck that should be able to tow up into the 7-8,000lb range. You don't need to get a trailer that big but if you are buying, no reason to buy a weak truck.

For a single guy, I would look into something in the 18-22ft range. You can find plenty of options. One thing to look at is the newer rigs have started switching to a 12v fridge (from the old propane 3way). Ours has a little 50w solar panel to help keep the fridge going off shore power but for longer term boondocking, you will want to add a second battery and a larger panel (we are currently working so haven't had a good chance to utilize it boondocking yet)

[gbopp]

I can't help you on picking the best rig for your needs. You'll figure that out fairly quickly.
I can say that when the time comes for you to go, don't put it off. Go enjoy yourself while you are able.
You don't know what life will hand you tomorrow.
Enjoy your travels.

[bucky]

Some smaller units have a sofa/murphy bed combo that might work for you.

[coolmom42]

First of all, Tacoma tow ratings range from 3500 to 6800 lb. As a general rule of thumb, it's good to keep your trailer at no more than 80-90% of max. Payloads go up to 1440 lb but not all are like that for sure. So get the exact specs on your specific vehicle before choosing a trailer.

The higher end of the tow rating will get you in a 16-18 foot trailer. So you have a lot of options.

For full timing, IMHO the main thing you WON'T find in a small trailer is a comfortable place to sit. Dinettes suck for that, and the other option is the bed. Consider getting a used trailer (with careful inspection) and don't be afraid to modify it to suit your needs. A single recliner with a straight chair and small work table is a good combo for a single person.

[Old-Biscuit]

Did 48 states ...traveled secondary/back roads
Took 7 yrs ...course we were NOT in any hurry and wanted to see/experience/explore each place
Only traveled 250 miles between each spot....spend week or 2 then move again

Small trailers.....bed/cabinets/shower
Cooking ---kitchen can be done outside UNLESS stuck in a storm

Checkout the 'Happier Camper' line
Happier Camper

[bluedogz1]

LadyRVer wrote:
Casita, Scamp, Oliver, R-Pod....

Your plans sound good. I did 31 states in 1 year, solo with my dog. Best decision I made! Good Luck.

All of those seem like good candidates... I'd love to say money is no object, but it kinda is. I've found Casitas used for <$1500... and a new TAB is $25k!

[BarbaraOK]

2-3 years. That would be barely seeing all the Truck stops and traveling interstates. We spent 9 years full-time and the past 6 years 1/2 time (wintering in Arizona) and STILL haven't seen it all. We initially thought 1 month per state so for lower 48, that's 4 years right there. While maybe a months enough for small states, it takes more time than that to really get a feeling for all the country has to offer.

[SDcampowneroper]

agesilaus wrote:
Go to some RV shows and see what they have. Slim Potatoehead is a tiny TT advocate you might want to watch some of his stuff.
Slim Potatoehead

Be warned he is a Canadian and a bit odd but watchable. He is trapped in Canada right now and not posting a lot but he went thru picking out a new unit six or so episodes back.

his you tube vids are honest. not only Canadian, but I peg him as a Manitoban or near by accent. Pronunciation of 'about' as 'a boat' and ending statements with inflection indicating a question of accepting statements are unique to prairie Canadians. How about it, Slim, I hazard you are originally from a rural Manitoba town. Maybe even from the City, (wpg) suburb St. James ?

[LadyRVer]

Casita, Scamp, Oliver, R-Pod....

Your plans sound good. I did 31 states in 1 year, solo with my dog. Best decision I made! Good Luck.

[agesilaus]

Go to some RV shows and see what they have. Slim Potatoehead is a tiny TT advocate you might want to watch some of his stuff.
Slim Potatoehead

Be warned he is a Canadian and a bit odd but watchable. He is trapped in Canada right now and not posting a lot but he went thru picking out a new unit six or so episodes back.

[bgum]

Nucamp TAB is the smallest I know of with a shower.

We tow a 16 foot Airstream with a Toyota Tacoma. It is an excellent package. You can carry a 2200 watt genny which will run your AC on hot days. We have the extended cab and the 5 foot bed. A very comfortable ride with good gas mileage.