First time buyer questions

[tbkfan]

Looking for some advice and answers with regards to our first RV purchase. We are a family of 5. Our 3 kids range from 4 to 13 years old. I don't think I am the typical RV buyer though as every floor plan I have looked at online seems to include lots of things that I would find to be a waste of space/weight while not providing the key features that I am interested in.

We are not looking for a home on wheels. When we camp, we are there to spend time outdoors, being active,not sit around a campsite doing things that we would normally do at home. For example, I do not need or want a TV or audio system. I can't understand what I would want a microwave for either. AC is something that I suppose I would consider but definitely in the not needed category.

A shower is a must, but it doesn't need to be much more than a hose with a drain in the floor. A toilet is also on the must have list according to my wife, although I am indifferent to that.

Basically, I am looking for ultra lightweight, sleeps 5 comfortably (one bed must be a queen) and has lots of storage space.

I would consider a tent trailer but just have concerns about how rain proof they really are. For example, I'm not as worried about an actual leak as I'd be concerned that just touching the side of it during a good rain would wick moisture through... Is that even a possible issue?

Any suggestions or ideas would be really appreciated. Thanks.

[wbwood]

Get a pop up....we never had any leak issues when we had ours. Things touched the side and there has never been any wicking done. For what you described, this is what you want...

Visit Pop Up Explorer. It's a great site and tool. There is a forum on there with thousands of pop up owners. Ask questions there. Yuo will get a better view from thousands of pop up owners. The guy that runs the site, Dean, is a great guy. I've known him for about 12 or 13 years.

We have a Class C and have had a TT with a bunkhouse before (besides the pop up) and if we had to give up the motorhome, we wouldn't go back to a TT (nothing against them, we like them), but we would at least have a pop up. Hae been from the mountains to the beach and everywhere in between with the one we had and loved every minute of it.

[2gypsies1]

Have you looked at R-pods by Forest River? They even have bunks. They do have the microwave though but take it out and use the space for storage. Save it though if you ever want to sell it you can re-install it.

R-Pod Trailers

[tbkfan]

I have a friend that modified a cargo trailer and it just seemed like a ridiculous exercise especially from an economics standpoint, and he didn't put in any plumbing. I definitely want plumbing.

My predilection for "stripped down" is rooted in my overall philosophy in life and especially my outdoor life... if I don't need it, why carry it? Among my favorite outdoor pursuits are backpacking, mountain biking and hiking. These are all activities where less is more and I don't carry something that I am never going to use. Definitely have to take the essentials every time we go out, but only the essentials and if there is a lighter, more compact version of something, I am always seeking out those things and replacing the older, heavier, bulkier item. So the same applies to my choice of RV. I really don't want a larger tow vehicle (but will cross that bridge when and if I come to it) and so if I can make my RV lighter by not having AC, MW, RVQ, Radio, etc. then that is what I will do. Just the essentials is my mantra. Beds, a toilet (for the wife) and a shower. To be totally honest, a stove, sink and table are all superfluous to me too, but I realize that I won't find something with a toilet and a shower that doesn't have those things too.

I guess my reservations about a pop-up are 2 main things. Do they come with showers? And will I constantly have wet sleeping gear because the kids can't stay away from the sides when it rains?

[SoundGuy]

tbkfan wrote:
I get it, most here are into the RV lifestyle and I can appreciate that for what it is, but I'm just saying that my priorities are a little different than most here. I'm not shopping for a camping trailer as a way to spend big chunks of our vacation time in a home away from home. What I want to get out of it is the ability to make quick weekend trips with minimal planning and preparation. To just have a trailer, packed and ready to go at a moment's notice, or not go if the forecast is for really nasty weather.

Whether a trip is planned or last minute, just a few days or several weeks, in a campground offering all the amenities or basic dry camping in a provincial or state park, really has little to do with how well appointed the trailer is. We've done just about every variation but most often these days find ourselves just grabbing a day or two or three of camping when the stars align and we can organize the time in our busy lives to go. We enjoy the amenities our fully equipped travel trailer offers but whether we use it all on any given trip is irrelevant, the point is it's "there" if we want it. We keep it fully loaded and ready to go, only adding fresh food as required so we can be on the road just as easily and quickly as anyone. I don't see your use being any different but with your predilection for "stripped down" perhaps the earlier suggested idea of a cargo trailer you can build up to your own specifications might be worthy of consideration. Just don't get lost in the fantasy that this will necessarily any easier, quicker, or simpler to organize for a trip than it is for those of us running conventional, fully equipped travel trailers. 😉

[gazingm42]

Since you only need somewhere to cook and a small bathroom, have you considered a
larger popup trailer. SInce no microwave normally or AC it will save you the $$. You look at the selection out there you can get a new or used cheaper than a trailer.

[tbkfan]

Really appreciate the feedback and suggestions. A few thoughts to address a few of the comments so far:

Definitely realize that the V6 Tacoma has its limitations and that my next truck might have to be a Tundra (so much for parking in my garage...) Towing capacity aside, growing kids will only tolerate the limited leg room to a point. But I think if I can transfer most of what is now a loaded bed, to the trailer and keep the dry weight, to 3000 lbs with the loaded weight to around 4000 lbs, I'll be okay in terms of what the truck can handle. I will likely upgrade the rear suspension to help in that regard too. I really love my Taco and giving it up will be a sad day.

The toy hauler idea has really peaked my interest. I hadn't really considered it before because I don't have motorized toys to haul around and have no desire to ever own any. But I quickly checked out a few online and it looks like the general theme is a bit more stripped down to the essentials and as a result a much lighter dry weight since large portion of the trailer is just empty garage space. Perfect for the outdoor gear we take on our typical outings.

Is it unlikely that I will find something in the 17 foot size that will have a queen bed (possibly in a hybrid type foldout) plus bunks for 3 kids? I really want to stick to something as compact and lightweight as possible. I would go to 21 feet if it's the only way to get 5 sleepers, but if it's doable in a 17 footer, that would be even better.

If a microwave is just for popcorn, then someone's missing out on one of the joys of camping... Jiffy Pop. Things like the 'RVQ' are also in that same category in my mind... Is that not why most campsites have a firepit?? I get it, most here are into the RV lifestyle and I can appreciate that for what it is, but I'm just saying that my priorities are a little different than most here. I'm not shopping for a camping trailer as a way to spend big chunks of our vacation time in a home away from home. What I want to get out of it is the ability to make quick weekend trips with minimal planning and preparation. To just have a trailer, packed and ready to go at a moment's notice, or not go if the forecast is for really nasty weather.

[2gypsies1]

Keep in mind that whatever you buy, if you take out the T.V. or microwave to keep it stored because when you want to sell it that's what folks will want. 🙂

[mileshuff]

If concerned with moisture on hybrid canvas you can easily use something similar to Popup Gizmos (google it!). They provide improved insulation and also prevent condensation from forming on the inside of the canvas top. I've never had an issue with the sides.

[Grit_dog]

Without comment on the suitability of your Taco as a tow vehicle, you're correct, it's hard to find newer campers without all the amenities. After all, people buy campers so that they DO have the amenities of home when they are camping.
I'd suggest either a small toy hauler. Usually pretty light for their size as they are designed with more cargo in mind than std TTs.
Or if you want to go basic, get a cargo trailer and outfit it with only the amenities you want. Like most projects though, you'd probably be able to buy a comparable camper by the time you spent a bunch of $ upgrading the cargo trailer.

[APT]

Only buy a hybrid is you want to sleep under canvas. There are similar weighted hard walled TTs that will also work.

A Living Lite 21BHS may be a good fit for you. Or a smaller toy hauler with dual electric beds.

[bikendan]

tbkfan wrote:
I have a 2012 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 w/ 4L V6. I think it will tow up to 6500 lbs but I have to keep in mind that it will have 5 occupants and I will likely be filling the bed with other gear. I think a 3000 lb trailer is what I should be aiming for, 3500 tops.

Hybrid is definitely the favourite I'd say, just the concerns about moisture wicking I guess. Don't the mattresses themselves typically touch the sides?

Your Taco's payload capacity will be the biggest limiting factor ESPECIALLY with a family of 5 and their stuff.
You won't be happy towing a hybrid big enough for a family of 5, with your truck.

[wing_zealot]

There is zero problems with moisture wicking through the sides of a hybrid. Just does not happen. Condensation can occur under some conditions. When it does you just wipe it off with a towel in the morning. You are better off with posing your questions regarding hybrids here.

[GaryWT]

Check the payload of the truck, add up tongue weight, people, gear etc to see where you are and go from there.

As for stuff in the camper, we rarely use the radio but it is there. We sleep with the tv on so that is a keeper, could live without the microwave but my wife makes popcorn sometimes. Bathroom is important as we do not have to use anything else.

[SoundGuy]

tbkfan wrote:
I have a 2012 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 w/ 4L V6. I think it will tow up to 6500 lbs but I have to keep in mind that it will have 5 occupants and I will likely be filling the bed with other gear. I think a 3000 lb trailer is what I should be aiming for, 3500 tops.

Well you certainly have picked a challenge for yourself, expecting to transport a family of 5 in a V6 powered Tacoma (three of whom are still growing day by day :E ) while also dragging along another couple of tons in trailer weight. :E If it weren't for your TV's limitations I'd otherwise also point you in the direction of a triple bed hybrid, one model being the Coachmen Freedom Express 21TQX but it sure won't weigh anywhere near just 3500 lbs once loaded and ready to camp. Keep in mind also that there isn't much in the way of cargo storage in any hybrid simply because there isn't a large front pass through storage compartment as there will be with any travel trailer with a front queen island bed. Unfortunately (in your case) any camper like this will in most cases be fully equipped with an entertainment centre, microwave oven, A/C, etc but of course there's no reason you can't remove any you really don't want, which in turn would obviously help reduce the trailer's UVW a bit.