Truck camper or rental

OrcaSalmonSeaWolf · Nov 30, 2024

Hello Folks and thank you for letting me share.
Last year i purchased an older tundra and a pasttime truck camper, airbags and tie downs, great rig. at that time i was looking at living out of it because of lack of affordable housing here. and i much enjoyed it. out of the blue i came upon a SUPER affordable tiny space to live and do art, thing is it is off grid and month to month rental.

now, i am in a self imposed stressful dilemma. i use the rig for daily driver because every week on my days off i like to go out to the coast. but taking the camper on and off every week is a hassle... my thing is, that in town driving to work i get 10 to 11 mpg, hwy almost 14. my point is that im going crazy thinking i need to get something smaller and fuel efficient. on top of that the thought of even getting into a new rig and trying to sell this one is stressful too. i just cant make up my mind. go smaller or hold on to what i have in case rental doesnt work out or i want to go full time someday. again, thsnks for even reading this if you've made it this far. any reflections back to me on this would be really helpful as i keep bouncing around in my head with ideas, etc. peace.

twomountainlions · Nov 30, 2024

Are you shopping for a new vehicle or used one ...used ones are always a gamble/repairs are expensive. Selling a truck is kind of stressful, I recently had to sell one, ended up selling to a dealer taking a loss because selling on open marketplaces is kind of wild now and not always safe. It wasn't like selling a vehicle back in craigslist days, for sure. And if you got Toyota Tundra in a good shape I personally wouldnt let it go, may be unless you are getting another Toyota with better miles. Then truck camper, have you checked if you take a loss by selling it as these are vehicle specific, it might take time to sell. This is your insurance against things going bad with a rental, Id let a few months pass befire Id even start thinking

Morgana · Nov 30, 2024

A lot depends on your budget. You don't have to share that with us, but you should figure out for yourself exactly what you could afford to buy, and what you can afford to risk. Really think through the details. The worst-case scenario as well as the best.

How well does your current vehicle run, and how well do you know it? Is it worth taking a chance on another vehicle (used, I'm guessing) that may have unexpected problems?

So you're putting the camper on for your coast visits, and taking it off for the work week? Is there an alternative to the camper for those short trips (a tent? doing something with the cab to make it sleep-able?)? Or, looking at it from the other angle, is there a different way to get to work?

If your housing future is already uncertain ... and housing costs in general are also still rising ... and nobody knows what's going to happen to the economy come January (that's not a partisan statement; both parties have said that) ... that's uncertainty x3, which is a lot. I'd take a really hard look at your priorities and see which are essentials and which are nice-to-haves. And then decide how much you're willing to risk.

Sometimes it's hard to know how you're going to feel about doing something until you actually do it ... but there's a lot at risk here. So I'd say do the cold hard math very carefully. And (what I have to tell myself when I get in this kind of fix, which is ~often), it's OK to give something up.

Good luck, and meanwhile congrats on the tiny home!

bullfrog ! · Nov 30, 2024

A older Tundra with the timing belt V8 is about as good as it gets. Maintenance costs are now where the cost of new truck payments. It should last at least 300,000 miles if not closer to 500,000 miles with enhanced maintenance. Not to mention lower insurance and taxes due to its age. There are newer technology loading and unloading systems that simplify the process other than simple side jacks, even a back up camera can be assisted by targets and things as simple as hanging a tennis ball from a overhead structure on the camper to touch a side mirror can make it easier. Quick release type anchors should also be considered. Many hunters simply transport their camper then unload to hunt with combination jacking and tie down systems so look at some of those forums. If what you have is serving your needs you most likely won’t be able to find a replacement if you change your mind later. Full time living can be a heavy proposition and anything getting over 10 or 11 MPG is a good setup in my opinion. Plus you have the option of having a tow vehicle as well. Cheapest new high efficiency cars are over $30,000 so those extra MPGs are expensive! I would look at alternatives for transportation In addition to your Tundra like an electric bike, ride sharing or even public transportation.

rruff · Dec 1, 2024

OrcaSalmonSeaWolf said:
... my thing is, that in town driving to work i get 10 to 11 mpg, hwy almost 14. my point is that im going crazy thinking i need to get something smaller and fuel efficient.

How much driving is your commute and going to the coast?

WanderingRose · Dec 1, 2024

Lots of good suggestions here, and I particularly agree that your budget is a biggie, also that you already have the reliable Tundra.

Mileage is one factor, but a reliable vehicle, and a Toyota, is a gift from the universe,

Your month to month rental could at some point end as an option, too, as in not your decision, as you’ve said, and holding onto the camper is probably wise.

I think the idea of simplifying your weekends at the coast is also wise, while you wait and watch things shake out over time.

Back in the day, we young people making big decisions were encouraged to do a “balance sheet”, writing our choices at the top of a sheet of paper, pros and cons beneath each.

It sometimes helps to put that structure in place, so that you can see your options laid out in writing.

I also think that if your instincts are telling you that selling what you have in the hopes you can find something better is risky, it is important you pay attention to that.

If selling was the right decision, I believe you would feel that.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

maki2 · Dec 1, 2024

What I see as a possibility as a less stressful change is doing a compromise. Get rid of the camper and replace it with a high topper canopy. You mileage will improve versus an open truck bed. You can still go camping on the weekends by putting a camping cot in the back, a portable toilet, stove etc. You will be able to sit up inside that style of canopy. You could even put solar panels on the top of the canopy or use portable panels. There are a number of full time nomads who use that exact setup. It is versatile and will allow you to keep the truck but not be jammed up for housing if you want or need to move out of your current housing.

maki2 · Dec 1, 2024

What I see as a possibility as a less stressful change is doing a compromise. Get rid of the camper and replace it with a high topper canopy. You mileage will improve versus an open truck bed. You can still go camping on the weekends by putting a camping cot in the back, a portable toilet, stove etc. You will be able to sit up inside on a toilet or on the bed or for a bit of cooking on rainy days in that style of canopy. You could even put solar panels on the top of the canopy or use portable panels. There are a number of full time nomads who use that exact setup. It is versatile and will allow you to keep the truck but not be jammed up for housing if you want or need to move out of your current housing.

Gr8ful · Dec 1, 2024

Bought a new full size pickup in 2000. I drove 40 miles RT to work. We had flew to Florida and rented a Suzuki Swift & when back I bought a cheap used Geo Metro 3 cyl (same car) just for going to work & when I went places alone. Just in fuel & tires I more than paid for the truck & Geo. It got 50mpg, tires were $99 for 4. I called it the Crapmobile & people laughed at me but it kept my truck new & was trouble free except for the front strut mounts rusted so I had them welded twice for $50 per time. Still ran fine when I sold it & later had a 4cyl 4 door. They make exp aircraft engines from the 4cyl. Just what worked for me. Good luck.

twomountainlions · Dec 1, 2024

Unless you are signing a long term lease assume your rental might not last more than a month after move in, no matter what the owner is saying... if you wouldnt be able to find alternative ok rental quickly I wouldn't even sell that topper until you get some certainty and know better whats going on with the property, like can it go on the market and be sold soon.

afblangley · Dec 2, 2024

In my opinion, a van is best setup for a daily driver + camper. Its overkill when doing the former and not the most efficient use of space when doing the latter. But every setup involves compromise, and a van is the most flexible. With the right layout, it can carry people, cargo, and camper amenties.

Gas mileage is the price of admission into the club, but most vans will be better than what you're getting with your current setup. My bus gets better than that. The smaller vans can get in the 20s.

There is a gas free alternative if money isn't a barrier and you're in the cool kids club. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz has landed on US shores. I expect to see some conversions from here on YT soon...

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