Maybe you can help us

[Zebedee]

So I've been scanning these forums, other forums, and every forum trying to decide on which RV is the best for us.

I jumped from TrailManors, to molded fiberglass trailers, to all-aluminum trailers...and then went off on a tangent to Truck Campers. There's just so much info and variations and likes/dislikes out there!

I'm hoping for some guidance here. I'm wiping the slate clean. Since my wife and I have a goal of full timing, I'm hoping you full timers can shed a bit of light.

So here's basically our situation/goals:

- We are in our 20-somethings, have done lots of backpacking/tent camping around the world, but want to start our 2+ year journey throughout the US in something more convenient.

- We want something small/lightweight, but feel more comfortable with hard sides rather than a pop-up; also something with a small shower/toilet/kitchen

- We are new to RV-ing so, whatever we'd get initially, we'd like it to be quite newbie friendly (lower maintenance, which is why fiberglass molds appealed to us)

- We'll likely spend anywhere from 1 week to 1 month at each site

- We are starting from scratch, meaning we're going to buy a vehicle as well, so we'd like a RV/vehicle combo that works really well (including optimal MPGs)

What should we really be looking at given our criteria? Perhaps some of you full-timers that have traveled in multiple trailers can give us some pros-cons from your experiences. I'll be happy to provide additional info if needed.

Much appreciated!

**edit to add: by small we mean 13' to 19'

[DianneOK]

One thing you may want to consider...truck length. When we bought our current TC, we had a F350 4x4 extended cab. The weight of the camper was a non issue. However the ride on that truck was a problem. There was an airflow issue between the camper and truck that set up an oscillation that drove us crazy. The high pitched whistle was nearly unbearable.

For another reason entirely, we decided to trade trucks an get a crew cab. Not only is there no noise issue, the ride is incredibly better. The difference of a few inches was remarkable.

As far as the 4x4...speaking from experience. ...the one time you need it, it will pay for itself. Ask me how I know.

Even tho we are no longer fulltiming, we use our 4x4 capability frequently, especially in winter.

[monkey44]

Zebedee wrote:

monkey44 wrote:
For the most versatile camping lifestyle, a good truck and a truck camper works quite well. I full-timed in mine for over two years, and then later in life, Genie and I have taken six month trips at a time with no issues, even when it rains.

Best combo is a hard-side with full bath ... tight fit, but functional. Gets you clean. you'd need a 2500/250 truck for anything but the smallest, lightest. The difference between 1500/150 and 2500/250 in price is not significant, and you want enough power and suspension for comfort on the highways.

Drive into tight campsite, or tight forest or desert roads, and/or drop the TC at the campsite and take the truck alone.

We've been all over this country, Canada, and Mexico at various times - it goes anywhere we need, and the camper can go anywhere the truck can go ... no worries about turning around at the end of a road.

We'd suggest a 4x4 PU, as you only need 4x4 once to make it worth the cost, and it appears you like back-country rather than "Full HU" resort style.
If we know more about your budget, we can recommend a good set-up. Tires are important - and brakes - when hauling a TC as well.

Thanks. I do like this idea a lot. We're good with small, that's why we like the shortbed campers (like the Lance 650) and yes, we do need help in the area of choosing the right PU (of course we'd like the most economical). Our budget is under $60,000.

If you explore this idea in more detail, make sure you look at TC that will suit you, THEN pick a truck that will haul it. I'd stay away from 1500/150 for any TC, even when spec's say it's OK, unless you think "pop-up" - which I'd never do for long-term camping.

I see you are considering the Lance 650 is very small, I'd suggest you think 825 - as it still fits on a short-bed truck and it has a full bath - plus a reasonable size fridge (not tiny, hidden up in the bed area, and it really means something to get a hot shower, even a short one. The tank-less WH's are not very effective.

[RVcrazy]

IMHO most truck campers are too heavy for 3/4 ton 2500 SRW 4x4 trucks. Be careful with your weights. Per your stated goals, I would suggest the Escape 19'. You will find that extra 2' useful. It has a larger bed & booth. Playing games or having a nice meal make a larger booth nice, without needing to take apart your bed to put back up the large booth in the 17' Escape. Another possibility with just a full bed would be a used Bigfoot trailer. I would go with a 21'. Casitas are also small fiberglass, but have a smaller bed. Take your time to really compare your options! An 18' trailer offers a lot in a relatively short unit. If you go with a 3/4 ton truck, consider an Arctic Fox or Nash trailer. They are really decent trailers and hold up well in more natural settings. They have a strong chassis (non-Lippert) in newer units. These are widely available new and used in WA & OR.

[Zebedee]

monkey44 wrote:
For the most versatile camping lifestyle, a good truck and a truck camper works quite well. I full-timed in mine for over two years, and then later in life, Genie and I have taken six month trips at a time with no issues, even when it rains.

Best combo is a hard-side with full bath ... tight fit, but functional. Gets you clean. you'd need a 2500/250 truck for anything but the smallest, lightest. The difference between 1500/150 and 2500/250 in price is not significant, and you want enough power and suspension for comfort on the highways.

Drive into tight campsite, or tight forest or desert roads, and/or drop the TC at the campsite and take the truck alone.

We've been all over this country, Canada, and Mexico at various times - it goes anywhere we need, and the camper can go anywhere the truck can go ... no worries about turning around at the end of a road.

We'd suggest a 4x4 PU, as you only need 4x4 once to make it worth the cost, and it appears you like back-country rather than "Full HU" resort style.
If we know more about your budget, we can recommend a good set-up. Tires are important - and brakes - when hauling a TC as well.

Thanks. I do like this idea a lot. We're good with small, that's why we like the shortbed campers (like the Lance 650) and yes, we do need help in the area of choosing the right PU (of course we'd like the most economical). Our budget is under $60,000.

[Zebedee]

JAXFL wrote:
Hey OP I found what you need....

Your Camper.

Wow, that's fantastic!

[JAXFL]

Hey OP I found what you need....

Your Camper.

[2gypsies1]

OP: You have received tons of recommendations since Dec 15 on 5 different forums on this site. Your research is commendable!

[DianneOK]

Moderator note. I have cleaned this thread up. If you can't be nice, don't bother posting. I will not tolerate the kind of flaming I just dealt with. Any post referring to the offending poster has been deleted as well.

[monkey44]

For the most versatile camping lifestyle, a good truck and a truck camper works quite well. I full-timed in mine for over two years, and then later in life, Genie and I have taken six month trips at a time with no issues, even when it rains.

Best combo is a hard-side with full bath ... tight fit, but functional. Gets you clean. you'd need a 2500/250 truck for anything but the smallest, lightest. The difference between 1500/150 and 2500/250 in price is not significant, and you want enough power and suspension for comfort on the highways.

Drive into tight campsite, or tight forest or desert roads, and/or drop the TC at the campsite and take the truck alone.

We've been all over this country, Canada, and Mexico at various times - it goes anywhere we need, and the camper can go anywhere the truck can go ... no worries about turning around at the end of a road.

We'd suggest a 4x4 PU, as you only need 4x4 once to make it worth the cost, and it appears you like back-country rather than "Full HU" resort style.
If we know more about your budget, we can recommend a good set-up. Tires are important - and brakes - when hauling a TC as well.

[Gjac]

I think the most economical combination to travel/camp in is a small Class A with a small, light tow car. It will be more economical than a truck towing a trailer or 5th wheel especially if you stay in one spot for a month. I would choose the A over the C because the MPG is similar(7-10 mpg) based on weight but you will have more room inside, more storage outside, more FW capacity,and usually a better heavier duty chassis. Being young back packers I would look for simple,small,a functional floor plan for your needs because you will probably enjoy camping outside under the awning rather than watching a flat screen TV inside. Most folks responding are probably older like myself so what may work for us my not be good for you at your age. I stopped back packing 10 years ago but really enjoyed it when I was younger. I would look at short A's from 2006-2010. It will have the latest chassis improvements and be cost effective. Good luck in your search.

[Zebedee]

JAXFL wrote:
We're content with a good shower and a meal...............

Then I would say that even a 18' RV would work for you. Check Craigslist for a low cost RV even a cruiser type van might work and get you going.

Yeah, 18' is plenty big for us. Currently looking at the Chalet XL 1935, Escape 17', and KZ Spee E14RB, and Lance 650 Truck camper... They're all quite different.

[JAXFL]

We're content with a good shower and a meal...............

Then I would say that even a 18' RV would work for you. Check Craigslist for a low cost RV even a cruiser type van might work and get you going.

[Terryallan]

Zebedee wrote:
These are great responses so far. Thanks.

It really seems like seeing is believing. Maybe even renting an RV would be a viable option for us, just to get familiar.

I'm still stuck on those TrailManors though.

The TrailManor would give you the best MPG, and a hard side, once up.
Remember when you buy. YOU and DW are the only ones you have to please. It is your money, and your adventure.

[Zebedee]

These are great responses so far. Thanks.

It really seems like seeing is believing. Maybe even renting an RV would be a viable option for us, just to get familiar.

I'm still stuck on those TrailManors though.