Best lifestyle model - van towing RV

[VanLifeCrisis]

im seriously considering the enclosed trailer route. cheaper than buying a truck camper and truck, but retain the ability to separate home from vehicle if needed

 

[highdesertranger]

I am planning on a separate trailer also. mainly because I need a 4x4. I also have a lot of prospecting gear. this plus I like to shower every now and then. so I will build my own trailer a toy hauler which is a cross between a travel trailer and cargo trailer. highdesertranger

 

[offroad]

I like the idea of putting a motorcycle into the back of the truck. With a couple bicycles., and maybe kayaks. And towing a trailer.

 

[ganchan]

This is my plan. I couldn't figure out how to get my nomadic lifestyle going because I have to purchase both a tow vehicle AND a trailer. Then i got to thinking, why not start with a a van and live in the van until I get the money together for a 13-foot Scamp or Casita or something. Then I can just hitch the trailer to my van and have double the storage space!

 

[akrvbob]

That's a very good plan ganchan!
Bob

 

[jimindenver]

When ever considering towing, make sure your tow vehicle is up to the task. If there isn't a sticker on the drivers door jam, u may find it in the manual or have to call a dealer to look it up. I can tell you I have a F 150 4x4 that couldn't pull a pop up, much less a travel trailer. I can't even attempt to move our 25 ft trailer around the storage lot with it.

Storage here for both my 25 ft and a pickup trailer is $30 a month. The lot even has a dump station and fresh water.

Vans for towing, I love them. Until 2003 we had owned four Econolines and a 1960 F 100 panel truck. ( wood floor, really cool but with a 232...we called her the lead sled) I towed with them all except the panel. They had the tow capacity as well as the payload and were made for work. They have the clearance but not the 4x4 low for gearing and a 4x4 van, well a Expedition is cheaper.

 

[offroad]

That's a very good plan ganchan!
Bob

Funny bob. That's your lifestyle plan and the major overarching theme. Live in van. Expand to pulled trailer. Be happy.

 

[ganchan]

Funny bob. That's your lifestyle plan and the major overarching theme. Live in van. Expand to pulled trailer. Be happy.

I can think of an intermediate step along the way, too -- get one of those tents that attaches to the back of the van. I wouldn't necessarily want a thin layer of cloth separating me from savage wildlife or wandering crazy people as I sleep. but in a relatively safe campsite, it would be nice to expand the thing and actually stand up straight for a change....But i think they only make them large enough to fit minivans, not full-size vans....

 

[akrvbob]

Are you pretty concerned about savage wildlife or wandering crazy people? I've seen lots of things out here, but nothing like that!!

Bob

 

[ganchan]

Are you pretty concerned about savage wildlife or wandering crazy people? I've seen lots of things out here, but nothing like that!!

Bob

I guess I've seen too many teenage-camper slasher movies....

As for animals, I just figured that if I was in a tent (even one attached to a vehicle), a bear might try to eat me or something. But maybe not.

Seriously, though, anybody here got one of these van tent things?
http://www.sportzbynapier.com/

 

[[email protected]]

I don't know if this works everywhere, but here in Washington, state that is, you can add length to a TT or any trailer and the DMV will modify the title to show the extra length. I was thinking of a small TT but want to carry an ATV with me, so I can add 4 or 5 feet to the front of the trailer, and still be legal. I would just have to be sure that the modification is strong enough. A dual axle TT would work best.

 

[highdesertranger]

well a trailer is kinda balanced to give you a specific tongue weight. you can't just add to the front or back without moving the axle. if you make the tongue longer and put an atv up front your tongue weight will be excessive. as a side note most trailer tongues are to short but not short enough for an atv. highdesertranger

 

[LeeRevell]

Adding length on the front will increase the tongue weight, and more so with an ATV on it.