Choosing A Vehicle

[Scoundrel]

I discovered this site about 18 months or so ago and have been going nuts trying to decide on exactly what type of vehicle will best suit my needs. First I was thinking a van. But I'm 6'4" and being able to stand up is important to me. Next I started thinking about box trucks and step vans. These seem like good options except if I had to put it in the shop I'd lose me home and transportation. Then I started thinking about a pick up and slide in camper setup. This seems like a pretty good option. However as I'm getting older, I'm not fond of having to climb up so high to get in bed. Because once I start this lifestyle I plan to keep it up until I die. After that I started thinking about small trailers. Again this sounds pretty good. But then I start thinking that if I must have a big, gas guzzling to pull it why not just skip the trailer and get a van? So I've come full circle.

Right now I am thinking hard about getting a small cargo trailer and converting it myself. But, as a newbie to the RV lifestyle, (although I am a simi driver and live mostly in my freightliner) I'd like to hear from others that are doing the full time RV thing. What type vehicle do you have? What do you like about it? What would you like to change about it?

 

[Lucky mike]

I have had all of the above.....
I ended up in a small class A.(25')...mostly because I needed the room and conveniences due to disabilities....I have towed a car ,I now tow an enclosed trailer with a mini pickup and my shop in there.

Mileage is bad in most full size RV's but give and take...I dont use it as my daily driver and I dont go more than 55 on the big roads so it evens out....couldnt rent a ratty apt. for the monthly fuel budget!

I didnt have to build it...full bath ,kitchen, salon area.....5500 wtt.genny.....solar/with 6 batteries....100 fresh....140 waste.....just over 5k$ when I bought it..... and I live in it and travel for under 1k a month for the last 2 years.

Im a boondocker....so when I pull over its for a week or better at atime mostly...your going to have to decide your comfort level.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

I've traveled in all kinds of vehicles/modes and there were things I liked and didn't like about each one. Currently, in a 27' class A. I like it as a home with a shower, toilet, galley, sitting (salon)area, and I can go back and flop on a full bed.
I don't like the MPGs, hard going on backroads, more room than I need.

Everyone has their own needs/wants. Many of us have used different vehicles and are still looking for the "perfect" one for them.
Think about what you can live WITHOUT within reason and start from there.

 

[kyonu]

Based on your needs, I think a high-top Sprinter will be your best bet. They're 6'5 tall (so barely taller than you--gives you less than an inch of insulation--but you may not need it!), so you can stand up. A Mega roof version is 7' tall, so if you can find one of these rare gems, go for that.

I'm also 6'4, so I'm in the same boat. I'm young, but my knees aren't the greatest, so I understand the crawling around, need to stand, and the requirement to NOT climb into bed. Anything with a super high top is your best bet, unless you do the shortest Class A you can find.

 

[Scoundrel]

I've been living in a simi for several years now and discovered many ways to make due, and even be comfortable with, very little. For example, I no longer need easy access to a toilet. Although it's nice to have it. Especially when it's the middle of the night, freezing cold and pouring rain.

I've looked at sprinters. But that's a little more than I was wanting to spend. If I went with converting a small cargo trailer I think I could get more for my money.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Our ceiling is 6'5", but watch out for that A/C up there. Careful, don't hit your shoulder on that cabinet by the door. Don't hit your head stepping out the door.
Nice big driver's seat, go ahead, you drive...climb on over that doghouse. Don't even think of using that driver door...old bones break/joints hurt, its a long way down going that way.

Sure, there's lots of ways to go and they all have their pros and cons...especially for someone "size challenged"

 

[decodancer]

if I had to do it all over again, I'd get another class C and put a scooter on the bumper for short trips. It's as easy to drive and park as a van as long as you don't get one that's too long. I always take the dinette out and replace it with a long desk because I travel solo and like floor space. The trailer is a good idea but between the cost of adapting and tagging the trailer and tow vehicle, you could have all the comforts of home with a C.

 

[One Awesome Inch]

Get a hightop van or camper van. Have a $2000 (or whatever appropriate amount) saved up in case big repairs are needed. While the van is being fixed you can either rough it in a tent or rent a cheap motel for a few days.

But you gotta have that money saved up. If you dont and your van/home gets stolen or destroyed in an accident or fire, you will be homeless. This freaks me out alot thus at least $2000 in savings is necessary IMO.

 

[Scoundrel]

Thanks to all for the input. I think I'm settled on converting a small cargo trailer. At least for now.

 

[Belinda2]

Scoundrel,
Here's what it comes down to with YOUR individual lifestyle:
1. What is the order of priority:
Space, MPG, stealth, reliability/dependability, life of product, cost, etc.
2. Take all the "stuff" you need. What is the cubic feet of this?
3. Take all the stuff you WANT in cubic feet. Are you willing to sacrifice every pound and cubic inch to pay more for this item in MPG, larger vehicle, etc.?

I disagree with you one point. You do not need to get a "big, gas guzzling"____ to pull ALL small trailers. Some can even be pulled with a V4 or motorcycle. Check that out further. I have a V4 and a small trailer. I was so happy with it, when it wore out, I dissembled it, and had a new built with my old items. One advantage you have with trucking at this point is that you probably know what you need. Make your priorities and find what you want in order of those priorities. The truth is, I'd really like to get advise from you. You have years of experience!

 

[Scoundrel]

You're right of course Belinda2. There are plenty of small trailers that can be pulled by a small car or bike. I just haven't seen one of that type I'd want to spend the rest of my life in. I'm assuming pop up tent and teardrop types here. if there are other, more structurally substantial units I'd be very curious to learn more because it would save me from having to buy a vehicle as well as a trailer.

Advice from me? Anything I can help with I'm happy to do. But my needs driving a truck are probably different than your needs. I know they are different than what I'd want in an RV.

 

[Kevin H]

Take a look at Casita trailers or other 'fiberglass eggs'. They are not a whole lot different from a custom sleeper on your OTR truck. They are also light weight so they can, and often are, pulled by midrange cars and trucks.

 

[Scoundrel]

It's been 8 months since the last post in this thread and I've finally reached my ideal. I'm going to buy a van within the month and try to have it converted before Summer starts. The main factors in my decision were firstly I'm a simi truck driver and while I'm away working I need my rig to fit in a parking space on the company lot where I know it'll be secure. Then when I'm home I'll park either in trailer parks or outside a friends home.

 

[highdesertranger]

good for you I hope it works out. good luck and keep us informed. highdesertranger

 

[gypsychic]

Happy New Year Scoundrel.

I hadn't seen your thread until just now. I always find it so much of a relief once I've made a decision. You have but now another awaits you. You have to find the van that you want. Good luck in your search. I can't wait to see what you get and how you make it your own.

Cheers,

GypsyChic