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?

[2lazy4U]

Get an Aliner or Chalet hardside popup/ I've full-timed in both with dogs and a cat and they're great, esp. if you have something like a Clam screen tent.

But good luck finding either in this climate, and they're now getting overpriced.

[valhalla360]

Met a couple living in a 2 person tent and a subcompact hatchback.

Anything is possible. Just how much pain are you trying to put yourself thru.

[philh]

Coachman 192 RBS is just a touch larger, but it makes an awesome little trailer

[SDcampowneroper]

look at this in another way, to some, a snowflake is an incomprehensible disaster, to the next person, a 110 degree day just as incomprehensible. Rving life gives mobility to move with the seasons, there is not a perfect average anywhere, or a minimalist unit suitable for more than slight changes in temp. that maintains indoor comfort.
OP has that hardiness, life on the CDN prairies has all those weather extremes, sometimes from day to day. My bet is he will go larger, more featured than his minimalist concept.

Someone from our southern regions who have not experienced the extreme temp swings of the northern plains or the onset of very warm high humidity buggy times in the south. No awning, tent or quick enclosure can give comfort anywhere, The retreat indoors is into a cooled or heated place is the only option.
OP look into your comfort- discomfort level . While minimal of tow vehicle, amd living unit has appeal as an upfront and towing cost, the living Use cost is to more.

[bluedogz1]

JimK-NY wrote:
A small trailer can be very comfortable especially for just one individual. You will need a decent bed, small kitchen and a place to sit. For me a wet bath would also be a necessity.

BTW, even if it rains I do not spend my day indoors. With decent clothing you can enjoy virtually any weather. If not, it is time to move.

I agree on this. Of course, there are times to just stay inside, but overall I'd rather be out with proper clothing. As a whole I plan to follow pleasant weather around the 48 but rain is unavoidable.

"Minimalist" means different things to different folks. I agree that for some, a 20' TT is "minimal." For me, I want to bring as little with me as I can get away with. The Runaway is an attractive option but I'm not sure I want to write off a shower just yet.

https://www.runawaycampers.com

[JimK-NY]

A small trailer can be very comfortable especially for just one individual. You will need a decent bed, small kitchen and a place to sit. For me a wet bath would also be a necessity.

BTW, even if it rains I do not spend my day indoors. With decent clothing you can enjoy virtually any weather. If not, it is time to move.

[Lantley]

Full time presents a much different scenario than being a weekender.
I don't think it a viable plan to be uncomfortable on a full time basis.
Roughing it for a weekend is part of the adventure. Roughing it full time just means being miserable and is not my idea of an enjoyable retirement.

[valhalla360]

bluedogz1 wrote:

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.

A 20ft unit is pretty minimalist and costs are pretty darn low.

A bit uncomfortable is fine for a few weekends plus a week long trip each year...when it's full time, it gets miserable pretty quick not to have a comfortable place to hang out.

Keep in mind with full timing if you have a rainy week, are you going to want to stay inside or sit out in cold rainy weather under a tarp?

[bluedogz1]

theoldwizard1 wrote:

bluedogz1 wrote:

theoldwizard1 wrote:
A couple of LiFePO4 batteries, solar panels, an inverter and a small generator would cover everything. Cold weather camping would require an electric heater and power (not battery or generator), but A/C has the same requirement.

How does cooking get done in this case?

Induction cooking plate and a microwave. If you want to bake, bget a convection oven.

I have a convection oven in my home now that is roughly the same dimensions as a small microwave. Why bother with extra appliances when interior space is at a premium?

[theoldwizard1]

bluedogz1 wrote:

theoldwizard1 wrote:
A couple of LiFePO4 batteries, solar panels, an inverter and a small generator would cover everything. Cold weather camping would require an electric heater and power (not battery or generator), but A/C has the same requirement.

How does cooking get done in this case?

Induction cooking plate and a microwave. If you want to bake, bget a convection oven.

[bluedogz1]

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.

I really like this guy!

Now, lots of folks here gravitated to bigger or more feature-laden trailers, but his A-liner looks like just the thing. What am I missing? What made y'all not suggest something like this?

[bluedogz1]

theoldwizard1 wrote:
A couple of LiFePO4 batteries, solar panels, an inverter and a small generator would cover everything. Cold weather camping would require an electric heater and power (not battery or generator), but A/C has the same requirement.

How does cooking get done in this case?

[theoldwizard1]

bluedogz1 wrote:
A solution I hadn't thought of is having an outdoor screened structure.

Very useful with some folding chairs.

Most eggshell campers do not have awning so this cover that also.

[theoldwizard1]

JimK-NY wrote:
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.

CONCUR ! Not having a black tank is one less thing to worry about !

One thing I am surprised at is that no "eggshell" manufacturers have dropped propane ! A couple of LiFePO4 batteries, solar panels, an inverter and a small generator would cover everything. Cold weather camping would require an electric heater and power (not battery or generator), but A/C has the same requirement.