All ActivityMost RecentMost LikesSolutionsRe: How big a toad? ferndaleflyer wrote: Never heard of having a tow dolly registered and inspected, at least in the 3 states I have lived in. I always use a dolly even though my current toad is set up to flat tow. You have a lot to consider just make sure those offering advice here actually know what they are talking about. You say you are set up to flat tow but you use a dolly. Why?Re: How big a toad?I don't have to have a small truck but, as I said, I need a new truck right now, mine is worn out. So, buying a truck, I would kill two birds with one stone. A truck for right now and a toad if I get an RV. Appreciating the responses.How big a toad?I don't even have a Class C! Or anything other than a camper trailer. But I might be buying something and am considering a Class C. It would probably be me and another person, plus gear. Wondering how big a toad you can pull. I am first needing a new pickup, mine is falling apart! It's 15 years old and things keep breaking and I'm ready to buy something. I fear making a 500 mile trip in my old truck. So, can a Class C pull something like a Chevy Colorado? I don't know what you call it. Is it a half ton? It's smaller than a half ton like a Silverado. I don't know if I've ever seen anyone pull a half ton. Anyway, since I have to buy a pickup, wondering about this. For just general use, I'd rather buy a half ton but... a small pickup could also serve as a toad. If a Class C will pull it. If a Class C won't, would a Class A? Or do you always need a real small toad? Actually in today's truck world, I dunno if they even make real small pickups anymore, I can't think of one. Even a Toyota Tacoma appears to be about same size as a Chevy Colorado.Re: Smaller or more minimalist truck camper cptqueeg wrote: The 8' FWC shell model is $18K, the 8' FWC Grandby side dinette is $28K so it's $10K cheaper(plus tax, if applicable.) The 6.5' Hawk has the same $10k difference in prices btwn models. Idaho requires a title and therefore state sales tax, where the shell model does not require the title. ymmv Any accessories added are going to cost the same on either the shell or fully built out model. You'll need solar, batteries, and controller. Throw in your camp stove, water supply, porta potty, diesel heater, 12v cooler, and you're good to go. The interior is empty so you can bring lots of stuff and it's only limited by what can fit through the door. Grandby shell build Regarding your link, I appreciate having that to review, as it shows so many options you, typically, need to consider getting, if not all, and provides the price. Thanks to all responses, I may have to just buy bigger and more complicated. Sure is a lot to analyze, lol. I wish I could just find a used truck and truck camper ready to go and drive away! I not only have to choose a truck, but then an RV, sheesh!Re: Smaller or more minimalist truck camperIt appears that there is a term for what I described as one of the RV ways I have been considering -- "a camper shell with a mattress underneath" and this is known as a "truckbed camper." So, since I have an aversion to heat, I must travel north or else have an a/c. Can anyone describe my options for this? Further clarifying that at this time, I am sticking with these options... truck camper, truckbed camper or popup tow-behind camper. (Of course, I could get a Class A, B or C or travel trailer and have a/c but, for now, I keep learning toward smaller, less upkeep versus an A, B or C or travel trailer.) Like, if I were to learn toward a truckbed camper, how could I have a/c? Could you rig up some type of roof a/c or put in a small window unit and have a generator? If this is just too problematic, I will just have to choose my RV type and stay north! Which I really plan to do anyway, because a key reason I am even going through this is to escape the brutal heat of Louisiana summers; I have had it! Of course, I still have "the lady wants a bathroom" problem. And shower. Which brings me back to truck camper or something else. But... there are outdoor showers and portable toilets. Still researching all of this, TIA!Smaller or more minimalist truck camperHello, I do not have a TC but have been thinking about it again. I have been thinking of all kinds of RVs but keep going back to "smaller" or "less demanding with upkeep" or "less." And I often think of just having a camper shell and a mattress underneath for sleeping. But... especially if I have my lady friend along, a bathroom would be a big help. A man is not as picky with bathroom needs. A kitchen would be nice but I just keep gravitating to maybe I don't want a big truck camper, not sure yet. They are certainly expensive. I have a 2008 Nissan Titan truck and it's got 230k miles, so, I won't be using it, I am due for a new truck. Probably would buy a 3/4 ton minimum, maybe even 1-ton but also 4wd. Unsure of bed length. If I had just a shell, would probably get a 6.5 ft bed, minimum, as I am 6'2" tall. An 8 ft would be even better but the entire truck would be longer, and it seems kind of clunky to maneuver around. Just wondering... do they make smaller truck campers with less bells and whistles but that have bathrooms? Or what other options, possibilities, could I explore? If I didn't need a bathroom and just had a camper shell with mattress, that could suffice for some nights. I also have a tent I could use sometimes. I guess I could also consider a popup to pull but I would rather it all be there on a truck. I am not afraid of camping under the stars but something self-contained would be better for a woman, and certainly better even for me in weather. While mentioning weather, I don't like to be hot, so, an a/c sure would be nice in the warmer months. But I could also just travel in cooler climes!Re: Help, need old a/c shroud replacedWent to a RV dealer today who has a parts shop and the guy had at least 20 used ones that I saw and also new ones. I did not have a model number on the a/c unit, my helper did not find one; I will have to climb up myself and see if I can find one. The RV guy said it might have been on a plate which has fallen off, seeing as how the trailer is 40 years old. He said only way he could match it was to see the old one. All I had was the biggest piece left after it shattered and he thinks it's an old Dometic. The only shroud he had that they thought might have a chance to work was $200. And it has a rounded front and mine seems like it might be more square. So, I don't even know if it would work, period. But spending $200 on this for this old trailer seems a stretch. I'd rather just make a shroud out of something. The RV guy said the a/c wouldn't work too well if you don't have a shroud, I guess meaning it won't draw air properly or something. My takeaway after the visit was an exact match might be impossible.Re: Door for old 18ft Road RangerThe door on my trailer is much smaller than all the doors listed on the Mobile Mart supply house listed above in this thread. My door is about 24x72.5. That is outside to outside, unsure how, exactly, to measure.Re: Door for old 18ft Road RangerAre RV doors somewhat generic, in that my size door might be found, used or new? (EDIT: I see JIMNLIN posted a link to a place with doors, I will measure mine.)Re: Door for old 18ft Road RangerAnyone know answers to the questions in the OP?
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