Hello, I have been researching RVs and going back and forth between different types for weeks now. I wish I could take them all out for a test drive in a snow storm and then choose!My options are an older Class B or C motorhome, a T@B type or similar travel trailer, or a pickup/camper (would have to purchse the pickup).I want something small and convenient where I can drive while focusing on listening to my audiobook without a worry and where I can camp with the focus being on the camping and not on maintaining the rig.I want to go boondocking.I don't want my fun to be limited by season. I love to ski, snowshoe, snowboard and I want showers in the winter.I was all set to by a T@B since it's down the road and that was the easiest option to pull with my Subaru, then my mom refused to ride with me due to the risks of towing on snowy roads. I am not at all confident about driving the Class B or C on snowy roads since the majority of them under 60k are rear wheel drive. My only experience with rear wheel drive is helping other motorists who are stuck - or watching them spin around the highway. I always shake my head and wonder why anyone would ever buy one of those!This led me to the pickup with camper option. You get 4wd and some are meant to be used in 4 seasons. Then we come to the hard part - my budget is 16k - not much to buy a pickup and camper!I am very interested in hearing from people who have tried different classes of RVs.Which type of RV was best for handling on bad roads - safety while driving. I don't wanna know it's possible to drive it in the mountains, I wanna know it's easy. I don't like white knuckle drives and want to focus on the scenery and whatever's on the radio - not on controlling an unwieldy vehicle.Which type of RV is best for boondocking.Which type of RV is best for 4 season camping?In my budget, I'm generally looking at things in the 10-20 year old category unless I get the T@B in which case I can afford a 2014.Thank you for your time!

If you are serious about off road and bad off roads is going to be pretty hard to beat a truck camper. Basically, you need something short, with good ground clearance, and 4x4 drive. There are a few 4x4 class C's (Tiger, etc) that are comparable but they tend to be specialty items and will be hard to find. There are also a few 4x4 class B's that might work (Sportsmobile, VW Synchro Vanagon) but used ones are rare. On the other hand used pickup trucks are easy to find and used slide in campers are available (at least on the west coast).Towing a trailer is generally going to handicap you. Probably the best option in trailers would be one of the off road pop-up trailers though they are less self contained they can work well. The Australians have some pretty neat off road trailers but that doesn't help you.Take a look at some of the trips in the truck camper forum to see what people are doing with them. Good luck

Get a used class C with larger holding tanks and some roof space for solar.You may need to improve the cold weather capabilities and find a place to plug in during winter.

For the amount you want to spend, you will not get a reliable truck and camper, you would only be able to get a project to do repairs on most likely.Second option I would rather tow a Tab with a Subaru than 2wd B or C if what you're looking for is relaxed driving in the snow.BUT- if you stick to wanting to boondock and take winter showers, probably the truck camper -and a well insulated quality one- is your only option listed. Very few travel trailers, B, or C units will have insulated and heated tanks.I believe you will have to compromise on your budget or your wants.

ruthiebaby,I think you really need to choose what works for you year round and it will likely work well enough in the snow (in other words, you will adapt to it). I believe that any choice really is a compromise and there is likely no right or wrong decision. Whatever you get, be prepared to spend a few years (and some money) "modifying" it to optimize it for winter use. For us, a travel trailer works well because it is large enough to hole up in during storms....and these long winter nights. It's small enough to take on Forest and BLM "roads". And I can drop it at a nice camp spot and take just the truck to where I want to ski, hike, backpack, boat, etc. and then come "home" to the trailer after I finish playing. Sometimes (like this past weekend in the Steens and Alvord Desert), going to trail heads involve roads that even truck campers would not dare tread. As far as pulling a trailer in the snow and ice....well, you likely have about what we have and I just got back from several days of camping in the snow. Good tires, 4x4, and slow careful driving go a long ways. Add chains and I can go anywhere I need .... or want.Have fun shopping,Steve

I always wanted to get the 4WD Truck camper but with all the stuff I carry I would half to pull a utility trailer behind it. This also limits my use of transportation around the area when we would setup at a camp site. Unloaded the camper sounds like bad deal to me as I would be worried sick running off and leaving it unattended sitting on a back road somewhere...My OFF-ROAD POPUP has the 5-foot front deck on it and between that and the truck bed and rear seat area we can carry some serious camping supplies with us...Roy ken

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free_radical
Explorer
Nov 25, 2014
ruthiebaby88 wrote:

...
I am not at all confident about driving the Class B or C on snowy roads since the majority of them under 60k are rear wheel drive. My only experience with rear wheel drive is helping other motorists who are stuck - or watching them spin around the highway. I always shake my head and wonder why anyone would ever buy one of those!
e!

Rear wheel drive is fine and will get you thru anything,as long as you have locking differential
these are knowns under many names GM has G80 others have Detroit locker or Eaton locker Positraction and so on,,,
G80 Positraction is more effective then 4x4 with open differential...as long as one drives gently and doesn't abuse it will last forever,,I put 300K on my pickup and camper without ever getting stuck..
Of course having good all season tires is a necessity
http://youtu.be/xdND6o9Vsqo
SteveAE
Explorer
Nov 24, 2014
ruthiebaby,

Once we find a place to camp with the travel trailer, we go to the trailheads with just the truck. Have been to more than one trailhead that there is no way you would want to bring a truck camper into ..... unless you didn't like your camper very much. Think any combination of Narrow (where we have folded in the mirrors), Rocky "roads" (low range 4x4), that cross (deep) Streams, with low overhanging Trees (not branches, but trees that have partly blown down...yes, we try to remember a chain saw). On more than one trip, our buddies with a truck camper have said to us "you drive so we don't have to drag our camper in there".
But there are times when a truck camper would be nice as when we want to drive into a special place for a quick day hike, we have to drop off the trailer. And, of course, a trailer does limit us somewhat in where we can camp. But then you can always bring along a tent (we do) or sleep in truck canopy (we do) for those more extended trips away from the trailer.

It sure would be nice to have an inflatable RV that you can just blow up when it's time to camp. But until then, every RV is just a compromise.

Good luck and don't forget to let us know what you get,
Steve
PRodacy
Explorer
Nov 24, 2014
You're asking for a lot of capability for the budget you have. I've owned several types of RVs, and would highly advise a truck camper. It took a bit of looking, but we found a 4 -season unit, like new, for under $9000. It has heated basement and a 53 gallon fresh water tank. We found that the non-slide campers are warmer than ones with slides in cold weather. You might also want to consider heating the unit - the truck camper is much smaller than a travel trailer, so its easier to heat and the propane will last a lot longer. You can take the camper off the truck while camping, but there's no need to do so. Especially in snow, the extra weight helps with traction a lot. Get at least a 3/4 ton heavy duty truck (1 ton would probably be better) and a small utility trailer if you really need to carry more stuff. You probably won't need the trailer, but won't even notice it if you have to tow it. When we go boondocking in the mountains in the winter, truck campers seem to outnumber all other types of RVs by at least 6 to 1. There must be a reason!
ruthiebaby88
Explorer
Nov 24, 2014
I have looked into rentals, I just thought it would be nice to be able to get up and go any weekend. Also the RV rentals don't have 4x4 so that would be out of the question.

Can't you remove the camper from the pickup when you get to the campground and drive the pickup wherever you want to go?
RoyB
Explorer II
Nov 24, 2014
Have you checked in with RV RENTALS... I know of folks will rent a RV at their destination and have all their camping fun then get on an airplane to come back home.

I'm sure you can rent just about every type of RV's and get a feel on which one you may like better...

I've never rented one but shouldn't be too hard to find out how all that works...

I have traveled with a friend on a couple of outing in his hugh truck camper. This is one with slide outs and side door entrance and truck was hugh with 4WD etc... There is alot of room inside on of those but it takes a big truck with duallys to haul it all... You also have to pull a util trailer to bring along anything extra.

To me that the big downside for the truck campers - you lose your truck bed to bring along all that extra good stuff you just can;t camp without. The other thing to deal with is what to do when you want to go somewhere after you get everything setup at the camp ground.

Roy Ken
ol_Bombero-JC
Explorer
Nov 24, 2014
Decisions decisions!

IMO - due to your budget constraints - and where you want to go/do with it - find a good used (4x4) pickup.

The pickup is handy for lots of stuff - as well as a daily driver.

Then take your time and find a slide-in camper.
There *are* well cared-for older (less $) out there at reasonable prices.

Try that - you can always "graduate" to a TT, which can be equally inexpensive - but with more room.

A Class C - is *not* a good "replacement" for 4x4 - if that's what you really want.

Good luck with those decisions.

~
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Nov 23, 2014
I think you're looking for the impossible for winter camping unless you're resigned to freezing and having no running water. It's just not going to work to boondock in winter unless you can budget much more. Good luck!
MitchF150
Explorer III
Nov 23, 2014
You need to be looking for custom off road RV's for the type of camping you are looking to do IMO.. ;)

And those aren't going to come in anywhere close to your budget, even used...

If you are towing anything, even in the best of weather and towing conditions and setup, you should not be "focusing on my audiobook"... ;)

Even a seasoned RV'er would have a hard time with your requests as there aren't gonna be too many 15-20 year old rigs that are going to be able to live up to the conditions you have slated and even if they are, the maintenance and upkeep on it is going to completely outmatch your experience with it..

I wish you luck in your endeavor.

Mitch
Parrothead_Mike
Explorer
Nov 23, 2014
You may also want to consider a small generator, say about 2000 watts, maybe 1800. I have a Honda which you can buy new for about $900, but there are other brands that are a bit less expensive. A generator will allow you to recharge your battery or run a microwave while boondocking. I don't know enough about solar, but I can see the benefits. Just not sure how much power you can get from them.

A friend is looking for a good used pickup camper, specifically a Lance or Artic Fox. He's done research and this is what he wants for he and his wife in retirement. Already has his 4wd pickup. For your purposes this sounds like a better option, but as usual the costs can go to the high side.

Speaking of used, you should consider good used RVs. This can save yourself serious money. I understand that new is nice, but keeping an eye open for a well taken care of used unit is a wise option. You never know when someone has a 3-5 year old RV that fits your needs exactly. You're new to this endeavor so don't be too quick to jump unless you're sure. In addition, most RV owners often move up in size after getting accustomed to the RV lifestyle. Either save more money or keep your expenses down for your first RV.

One last thing, and it's already been mentioned, winter camping requires heated tanks if you intend to take showers. You need to understand that small RVs generally don't carry much water and showers, even minimal showers, use a lot of water. Sponge baths may be an option more often than you think. Also, keeping the tanks heated will drain your propane too. Based upon your plans for recreation during the winter you may be asking too much from your ideal RV. Not saying it's impossible, just a bit of a stretch.
bikendan
Explorer
Nov 23, 2014
ruthiebaby88 wrote:
Bikendan - I was thinking the same myself - do you have a suggestion for a good resource that describes the different options for truck camper systems? Plumping, electric, propane, etc?

If you boondock or dry camp, your only heating options are the RV's furnace or something like the Mr Buddy heater.
both require propane, but the furnace can deplete a single battery if it runs all nite.

Google "the 12 volt side of life I & II".
Youtube is great for other systems but I learned a lot about them in the Tech Issues forum here.

As you educate yourself, you'll begin to see how difficult it will be to get all that you're asking for.

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