I have to start out by saying, "I hate spellcheck software." Every time i make a post I must go back through edit and undo all the spell checking. The program has no tolerance for jargon, of which we use a lot. In addition, I can type as fast as I can think, so I don't watch the result until it's a paragraph too late. Editorial: OFF.
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Old Days and TX Gearhead make the same recommendations that I would.
The 825 is on the same short bed, narrow/less tall/not so wide platform as my older Lance 165-s with the same dimensions, and the same wet weight, except many of the accessories and cold weather details are much improved. Aluminum frame also. It is adequate for 2 people ONLY. I hope those 4 kids are out of there and you are in STAGE II (out of the house and out of your pocket).
Your Ford 2 series is close enough to beef up the suspension and tires. We've had good luck with our '98 Lance and considered dumping it for a new Lane 650, but I've upgraded so many systems that after weighing the cost vs. time left to use it, we decided to keep it and run it the rest of the way into the ground. The only downside I can see with the 650 is it's 3 or 4" taller because the fridge was moved up high on the edge of cab over bed area.
Another idea is to keep the MoHo and get a minimalist pop up as a contrast to you luxury RV. That way you could pick and chose which platform to use.
Just a word about hard side vs. Soft side. They each have things they can do better than the other.
Our 165-s is now insulated and very, very quiet overnight. So much so that if we're in a rowdy camp situation, the noise just doesn't matter. My brother John's 9.5 foot OUTFITTER! was filled with silt when we sat out a desert windstorm at the Hammers and the wind noise was pretty intense. In the Lance, we've slept in winds up to 90 mph and it was quiet. We did have some fear that the rig was going to go over though. But is was quiet! However, he does have a lower profile which helps when going, 'off-road' as you are want to do. Here's a pic of his '99 Ford II series diesel, long bed, stock height with OUTFITTER! It's about 16 inches lower than my '01 Dodge II series, short bed, 3 inch lift, larger tires, hard side:
Of course, his is palatial in the up position, compared to mine. You would think the Lance would weigh more than the OUTFITTER! by looking at the pic, but you'd be dead wrong. His wet weight is a few hundred pounds more. Some of that is in bigger tanks.
Also, if stealth appeals to you, the rule of thumb is to have an RV that doesn't change shape or look like anyone is home. i.e.: pop ups; pop outs; awnings.
After 15 years with the Lance we are so used to it, it's like an old pair of shoes. I know every creak and groan: what it can and cannot do.
One last thing: for short duration RV trips into the boonies, you can't beat a pop up. For longer duration trips, especially in bad weather, the hard side starts to tip the scales as there is nothing to set up.
Looking to downsize, you must decide how far down you want to go and what you can do with and do without. Keep us informed.It's always fun to watch the platform change process.
jefe
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Old Days and TX Gearhead make the same recommendations that I would.
The 825 is on the same short bed, narrow/less tall/not so wide platform as my older Lance 165-s with the same dimensions, and the same wet weight, except many of the accessories and cold weather details are much improved. Aluminum frame also. It is adequate for 2 people ONLY. I hope those 4 kids are out of there and you are in STAGE II (out of the house and out of your pocket).
Your Ford 2 series is close enough to beef up the suspension and tires. We've had good luck with our '98 Lance and considered dumping it for a new Lane 650, but I've upgraded so many systems that after weighing the cost vs. time left to use it, we decided to keep it and run it the rest of the way into the ground. The only downside I can see with the 650 is it's 3 or 4" taller because the fridge was moved up high on the edge of cab over bed area.
Another idea is to keep the MoHo and get a minimalist pop up as a contrast to you luxury RV. That way you could pick and chose which platform to use.
Just a word about hard side vs. Soft side. They each have things they can do better than the other.
Our 165-s is now insulated and very, very quiet overnight. So much so that if we're in a rowdy camp situation, the noise just doesn't matter. My brother John's 9.5 foot OUTFITTER! was filled with silt when we sat out a desert windstorm at the Hammers and the wind noise was pretty intense. In the Lance, we've slept in winds up to 90 mph and it was quiet. We did have some fear that the rig was going to go over though. But is was quiet! However, he does have a lower profile which helps when going, 'off-road' as you are want to do. Here's a pic of his '99 Ford II series diesel, long bed, stock height with OUTFITTER! It's about 16 inches lower than my '01 Dodge II series, short bed, 3 inch lift, larger tires, hard side:
Of course, his is palatial in the up position, compared to mine. You would think the Lance would weigh more than the OUTFITTER! by looking at the pic, but you'd be dead wrong. His wet weight is a few hundred pounds more. Some of that is in bigger tanks.
Also, if stealth appeals to you, the rule of thumb is to have an RV that doesn't change shape or look like anyone is home. i.e.: pop ups; pop outs; awnings.
After 15 years with the Lance we are so used to it, it's like an old pair of shoes. I know every creak and groan: what it can and cannot do.
One last thing: for short duration RV trips into the boonies, you can't beat a pop up. For longer duration trips, especially in bad weather, the hard side starts to tip the scales as there is nothing to set up.
Looking to downsize, you must decide how far down you want to go and what you can do with and do without. Keep us informed.It's always fun to watch the platform change process.
jefe
OP, going with a cassette toilet doesn't mean you can't have a shower as well. Outfitter, Northstar and hallmark all have such setups.
To be clear I and others are talking about this.
and not this when we say cassette toilet.
Something like the Outfitter Apex8 should work well for your needs with its relatively lightweight construction and the lower height from the pop-up roof allowing easier navigation of overgrown roads into campsites. It is a fully equipped camper with all the amenities of any hardside but in a more compact travel package.
To be clear I and others are talking about this.
and not this when we say cassette toilet.
Something like the Outfitter Apex8 should work well for your needs with its relatively lightweight construction and the lower height from the pop-up roof allowing easier navigation of overgrown roads into campsites. It is a fully equipped camper with all the amenities of any hardside but in a more compact travel package.
OK, got the real off-road Jeep.
Is it street legal? Why not pull TT with it?
Other option is toy hauler behind F250
I bet the Jeep tires cost way more than standard size on trailers.
Is it street legal? Why not pull TT with it?
Other option is toy hauler behind F250
I bet the Jeep tires cost way more than standard size on trailers.
