I thought I'd share my thoughts (and our conversations) over these last few days...The other half mentioned really wanting to sell the TC and get a small trailer. Why? Because of the cons of owning our TC. Bathroom too small to shower in, truck not available for dump runs/daily driver, lack of storage. The talk was maybe going to the dark side in a year or two. I spent the last few days hanging out at the trailer forum here looking at pics, thinking, looking at more pics and imagining myself with a trailer. I went through the whole thought process of shopping for it, sitting in it, purchasing it, TOWING it, and I just couldn't shake the sadness I felt inside. My balloon was deflating and fast!I couldn't just hook up and go to the local park for the day. Boondocking wouldn't give me the "under the radar" feeling and I'd probably end up in more campgrounds, not that I don't go now but options are better. Plus sightseeing would be a nightmare DRAGGING that thing around with me. So the last couple days I've been hanging out around town, Walmart parking lot, a beautiful historic city park and wherever else a TC can go for a day trip. The smile on my face says it all. The giddiness every time I jump in to drive it, park it and just sit and enjoy it, makes me realize that I belong in a TC.Another discussion yesterday and the conclusion is we STAY IN THE TC!!So why the story?? I was surprised how just the thought of changing really upset me and the emotions I felt thinking about it.Have any of you felt the same way?? Are we really that emotionally tied to our TC's?Ps.. here's a pic of me hanging out in the Historical Park yesterday.

I feel the same way my wife also :)

Why not just take the camper off for your trips to the dump or for exploring? It takes all of 15 minutes to do it and once it's done your free to roam as you wish. As far as a shower I would look into an outdoor setup, they seem to be pretty nice and have a lot of room. With all of the benefits of a TC I couldn't ever justify it to haul a trailer around. I like to boondock in remote places where you could never turn a trailer around in.

If I didn't have a small class B I'd go with the truck camper option in a heartbeat - no doubt about it. I'm not fond of having to bypass small/rough/remote roads due to size or having a trailer and I enjoy, as you stated, the under-the-radar feel. Plus, there is something special about a truck camper that's difficult to put into words. The grass may occasionally seem greener on the other side, but deep down ~you~ are the only one who knows how you really feel :), and there's nothing wrong with being emotionally attached to your choices - that just means that you made the right choice!

About 10 years ago we traded in our TC and bought a 24' Nash TT, because the 2 kids were getting too big for the truck camper.Now I was driving a 50' train around. We found out how easy it had been to park the truck/TC and how much towing a TT limited where we could go. One time we arrived early at an aquarium and even though I thought I had us parked in a good spot- far end of the large parking lot with a good escape route- we came out to find our truck and TT trapped by several randomly abandoned vehicles.Gone were the easy lunch stops on our way to a campground. Much more planning to fuel up in small towns. Sure the increased TT floor plan was nice, but we value the mobility more.TCs for us.

We downsized from a toyhauler even though we camp/rv year round. This means there are trips when we do spend a great deal of time inside the TC peering out the window at the storms or rain. That's the times we miss being able stretch out on our sofa together and read or watch a movie. We were also spoiled with huge holding tanks (endless showers were the norm) and high capacity generator (try running your microwave, AC and hair dryer at the same time in a TC).On the other hand the TC has afforded us much more flexibility in where we stay. I take it up with me when I ski and can have a hot meal and hang wet clothes in the bath after I change. My DW can shower and doll up after a foot race and we can hit the local town without smelling like a locker room. We go to evening shows or events and avoid the drunks on the road by returning home in the morning...

The Emotions in a TC | Good Sam Community

bedrocker
Explorer
Jun 06, 2013
I feel the same way my wife also :)
Bigfeets
Explorer
Jun 06, 2013
Why not just take the camper off for your trips to the dump or for exploring? It takes all of 15 minutes to do it and once it's done your free to roam as you wish.

As far as a shower I would look into an outdoor setup, they seem to be pretty nice and have a lot of room.

With all of the benefits of a TC I couldn't ever justify it to haul a trailer around. I like to boondock in remote places where you could never turn a trailer around in.
WrongWayRandall
Explorer
Jun 06, 2013
If I didn't have a small class B I'd go with the truck camper option in a heartbeat - no doubt about it. I'm not fond of having to bypass small/rough/remote roads due to size or having a trailer and I enjoy, as you stated, the under-the-radar feel. Plus, there is something special about a truck camper that's difficult to put into words. The grass may occasionally seem greener on the other side, but deep down ~you~ are the only one who knows how you really feel :), and there's nothing wrong with being emotionally attached to your choices - that just means that you made the right choice!
SugarHillCTD
Explorer
Jun 06, 2013
About 10 years ago we traded in our TC and bought a 24' Nash TT, because the 2 kids were getting too big for the truck camper.

Now I was driving a 50' train around. We found out how easy it had been to park the truck/TC and how much towing a TT limited where we could go. One time we arrived early at an aquarium and even though I thought I had us parked in a good spot- far end of the large parking lot with a good escape route- we came out to find our truck and TT trapped by several randomly abandoned vehicles.

Gone were the easy lunch stops on our way to a campground. Much more planning to fuel up in small towns.

Sure the increased TT floor plan was nice, but we value the mobility more.

TCs for us.
Bedlam
Moderator
Jun 06, 2013
We downsized from a toyhauler even though we camp/rv year round. This means there are trips when we do spend a great deal of time inside the TC peering out the window at the storms or rain. That's the times we miss being able stretch out on our sofa together and read or watch a movie. We were also spoiled with huge holding tanks (endless showers were the norm) and high capacity generator (try running your microwave, AC and hair dryer at the same time in a TC).

On the other hand the TC has afforded us much more flexibility in where we stay. I take it up with me when I ski and can have a hot meal and hang wet clothes in the bath after I change. My DW can shower and doll up after a foot race and we can hit the local town without smelling like a locker room. We go to evening shows or events and avoid the drunks on the road by returning home in the morning...
Eycom
Explorer
Jun 06, 2013
jamminalong wrote:
Have any of you felt the same way??

Sure! You're not alone. I've traveled extensively in my TC for 9 years now, because it's strengths have most closely matched my needs while still working. It has been a "go just about anywhere... any time" camper offering a modicum of comfort even during cold winters. There's been no more reservations, "roach coach" motels, or Awful House "greasy spoon" restaurants. Moreover, I can't deny the serendipity encountered while camping in remote areas, where larger RVs couldn't go or wouldn't fit.

However, time goes on and needs change. Having already experienced some of that, it's conflicting for sure. But, I foresee a day when my TC simply won't be my best option, especially since I'll continue to full time as long as my health will allow. I'll just turn the page and look forward to the new chapter.
Bigfoot85
Explorer
Jun 06, 2013
jamminalong wrote:
The smile on my face says it all. The giddiness every time I jump in to drive it, park it and just sit and enjoy it, makes me realize that I belong in a TC.
Yup ... that about says it all!
Great pictures by the way ... looks like summer is here to stay in the Pacific Northwest.
bighatnohorse
Explorer II
Jun 06, 2013
There's a certain satisfaction that comes with pulling into a park site next to a 5th wheeler (or trailer), jumping out of the cab, plugging in the electric, pulling out a chair, grabbing a beer and sitting down like there's nothing to it.
pbrooks101
Explorer
Jun 07, 2013
I recently experienced truck problems with my F-350 DRW 6.0 diesel..... To the tune of almost a $2000 repair bil. My wife and I had a discussion about trading the truck for a 1/2 ton, selling the TC and going back to a fifth wheel, althought smaller than the 37' that we had previously. My 12 year old son apparently heard our conversation and when I couldn't find him a short time later I looked in the garage. He was out there sitting by himself crying. When I finally got out of him what the problem was, he told me he didn't want to sell the TC. I asked him why keeping the TC was so important to him..... It was the father/son weekend fishing trips, towing the bike trailer with us, and generally all the things that he said we couldn't do if we went back to a fifth wheel. Needless to say, after a deep conversation with him, the $2000 repair bill was paid and we are heading out on a 12 day adventure next week........ In our TC!!!
Camp__Forrest__
Explorer
Jun 07, 2013
My wife and I have the discussion often. For us, the primary complaints are the lack of space and the climb up into the bed. We are boaters, so a trailer isn't an option, but a small motor home is. With us, it comes down to the fact that we will likely always have a pickup, so why have another vehicle. We also like the ability to upgrade the camper or the truck independently.