If you are disabled at all, then try going up the steps and the big step to the bed several times in a row in something like the Everest. Do you need that fold-away hand rail to secure yourself? If everything is O.K., then start looking for a 2WD 550/5500 truck as a platform before you even buy the camper.
Remember the prime directive about living or traveling, long term in a TC. The longer you are out on the road, the larger the TC and truck need to be.
I've never run into anyone who thinks they have too much truck for the camper. It's usually the other way around.
If you are elderly, but in pretty good shape, I suggest looking at a 24-30 foot Lazy Daze class C. Why? A very low platform. I think there is only one step to get in the side entrance with the rest of the floor on the same plane, and they have a good user report record. It's the same reasoning that we, as older adults, purchased a single level, ranch style house to retire and grow old in. We retired in 2006, and so far, so good.
Our difference is the size of our 1998 Lance camper. It's only 8'6" of floor. 1842 pounds, wet. Bought it used. Paid $6500 cash @ 3 years old, and used 3 times. We've owned it for 17 years and done some upgrades to make it better, off-season, and is great to travel in as it will park in a regular parking place. I don't much like the seating, but suffer through with a back hugger back rests around the dinette. We've spent hundreds of nights in the box in all 4 seasons; in terrible weather; road or no road; layovering in cities, and enjoy the best night's sleep we ever get.
So, find out what is important to you, and find a way to make it happen.
A conductor (musical, not train) friend of mine put it this way when asked of his relative success in the conducting biz: "Know what you want, and know how to get it."
jefe
Lunch stop at June Lake, CA.
Remember the prime directive about living or traveling, long term in a TC. The longer you are out on the road, the larger the TC and truck need to be.
I've never run into anyone who thinks they have too much truck for the camper. It's usually the other way around.
If you are elderly, but in pretty good shape, I suggest looking at a 24-30 foot Lazy Daze class C. Why? A very low platform. I think there is only one step to get in the side entrance with the rest of the floor on the same plane, and they have a good user report record. It's the same reasoning that we, as older adults, purchased a single level, ranch style house to retire and grow old in. We retired in 2006, and so far, so good.
Our difference is the size of our 1998 Lance camper. It's only 8'6" of floor. 1842 pounds, wet. Bought it used. Paid $6500 cash @ 3 years old, and used 3 times. We've owned it for 17 years and done some upgrades to make it better, off-season, and is great to travel in as it will park in a regular parking place. I don't much like the seating, but suffer through with a back hugger back rests around the dinette. We've spent hundreds of nights in the box in all 4 seasons; in terrible weather; road or no road; layovering in cities, and enjoy the best night's sleep we ever get.
So, find out what is important to you, and find a way to make it happen.
A conductor (musical, not train) friend of mine put it this way when asked of his relative success in the conducting biz: "Know what you want, and know how to get it."
jefe
Lunch stop at June Lake, CA.
nodepositnoreturn wrote:
Have owned a Lance since 1999. Been cross country, beach camping ,you name it.
Currently own a 2006 Lance 1055. It was a friends who passed away. Every time I use it I’m reminded of him. I need to make a chance. Now here is why I need you, and you and you.
Wife and I are selling the house and want to travel. Here is the deal, at first I was going to get a 40 foot fifth wheel with 6 slides. I was all set trying to pick it out. Went to Hershey show sat in them. Then I watched a You tube video of a chap over from Europe using a Kind of class C ,built ion a VW chassis,it got 26 mpg. Ever space was really thought out. They toured South America,Central and Mexico and now the USA.
I was like so impressed I got to thinking of how much fun we had in the T/C and HOW many 5th wheel owners that said to me they wished they had something so easy to deal with.
So now I’m thinking .....I own a great truck a 03 Dodge Dually with 129,000 miles on it and I would be whacked not to use it.
So I’m looking and like the Host ,Cascade ,but I also like the modernist approach Cirrus has in their 920.
The one thing I do like is a comfortable chair to relax in. Host seems to be the only one that has stadium seating..
I was also looking at Sportmobiles but I don’t think they are going to be as comfortable as a truck camper? This is why I’m going a bit bonkers. ( yea I know everyone should have my issues)
But the expense of a class a A DP rules them out , travel trailer is ok I guess but still dragging something, 5 th wheel, pretty big, Truck Camper? Class B Super C ?
We like National parks, Federal Land ,I’d also like to go to Alaska that would be a drag hauling a 40 footer up there? So there are members here who own big campers and truck campers ,and others that have had similar decisions to make. If you have a moment let me know your thoughts. I’m big on European type RVs with efficient refrigeration,heating ,water heating. And economy. Thx mike
I pretty much could have written this post a couple years ago. Wife and I retired, always had truck campers. We felt like retiring we needed a bigger 5th wheel. Looked at a bunch almost bought one.
We don't full time yet, but travel for months at a time. Roughly 9 months on the road and 3 months at house visiting for the holidays.
Our final solution is in my sig. Love our Host. Plenty of room, comfortable seating, big shower. We have camped many places you would never get a 5th wheel into. We are approached all the time from people looking to downsize so they can explore more.
