Class B

[taketimeforlife]

I wasn't sure if I should post this in Vans or RVs but I was wondering if anyone is using a Class B Motorhome/Van? After a rough year last year I am trying to get into something that will be safe, secure and reliable for my 15 year old son, our golden retriever and myself. I was thinking about a popup trailer because that's about all my vehicle can tow but others have suggested this wouldn't be the best idea especially in inclement weather. If I went the Class B route I can sell my current rig and use the proceeds towards the class b.

Your thoughts?

 

[decodancer]

I wouldn't recommend a popup, too much work just to bed down when you arrive. A class B is great, that's basically what I have and I've traveled with two large dogs before. Some of the custom ones are really pricy though. A class C might be cheaper and much better as far as space is concerned but if it's your only vehicle, gas costs would be rough. Are you going to stay in one area? If you find a campground with good long term monthly rates you could get a travel trailer. Many sellers will bring them to your site or you could find someone with a truck to tow it there. They can be dirt cheap and you can keep your car.

 

[user 423]

Unless you plan to spend the great majority of your time outside of the vehicle, a Class B will be pretty cramped for two people and a good-size dog. Most have amenities such as a stove,sink, fridge, small tub, toilet,closets,etc. which are nice to have but you are left with precious little interior space.

 

[akrvbob]

I think most Class Bs will only have one bed for a couple. Plus they hold their value really well and are usually fairly expensive even used.

My first thought would be a box van or step van you convert. Plenty big enough for two of you. You could even build a small bedroom so your son can have privacy.

Another option is slide-in camper on a pickup. One of you can sleep in the overhead and the other can sleep on the dinette which almost always becomes a bed.
Bob

 

[Van-Tramp]

Yea Class B will be too small for two plus a dog. I'm sure you son will want some privacy too.

Another option is a light truck and small travel trailer. You can get a 10 year old pickup truck (F150 give or take) and a 20 foot travel trailer for less than a Class-B. You will have a lot more room, and an F150 will get fair fuel mileage when not towing, equal or better than the Class-B.

You can get a well equipped F150 for under $3000 and a well equipped trailer for around the same. A proper Class-B will cost 10k and up.

 

[PastTense]

Dan:
Exactly what kind of lifestyle do you expect? How much travel will you be doing? Do you have a fulltime job? What about your son? Doesn't he have to go to school?

I am a bit surprised Bob didn't mention the setup he has: a van pulling a cargo trailer, as that would also seem to work--each of you would have a separate place to sleep if needed.

 

[Seraphim]

Intervec made many Class Bs in the 80s and 90s that a foldout bed, and a large overhead bed. We sold ours in 2012. They can be found for about $2k on up. Ours was a'96 with about 50k mileage, and it sold in a few days for $8k. But it was in very nice shape with mechanical upgrades.

We haven't found a newer B that we liked as well. The models had different names, depending on which van ( Ford, Chevy, Dodge) was used: Falcon, Horizon...

You can find them online. they're quite popular. I'll see if I can find some pics..

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http://bentfalcon.wordpress.com/gyrfalcon/

On the right there's a link to interior photos.

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The upper berth would be perfect for a young person. We used our for storage. Too old to climb up and down five times a night lol.

 

[taketimeforlife]

Thanks for all the great feedback! To answer a few of the questions...

I design websites so it's a job I can do from anywhere with an internet connection.
My son is with me every other week...during the summer, the week he is with me we would likely be staying in my area (Boise). Perhaps traveling 50 miles max. to different fishing holes
The weeks he isn't with me I may venture a bit further or if I have a lot of web projects stay at a local RV park.
When school starts in the fall there are some full service RV parks within 5 miles of his school and his mother's house.

I know it's going to be a challenge but I'm determined (and so is my son). He loves fishing and is looking forward to being able to go anywhere in the state.

 

[PastTense]

Doesn't Boise get moderately cold in the winter? This could cause problems.

Exactly what kind of vehicle do you have currently? Perhaps you could tow something a bit bigger than a popup. Here is a website of towing capacities:
http://www.campinglife.com/tow-ratings-database/

 

[Van-Tramp]

You may want to consider becoming a member of the Moose and/or Elk's Lodges in town, some even have RV hookups. Most will allow you to camp in their lots for free, or a small donation. It will be much cheaper than a RV park and it 100% tax deductible. You then can stay at any of them across the country.

Becoming a Moose has been one of the best things I've done. I am currently at a Lodge 1-block from my son and Ex. I have power, water, and access to a shower inside the lodge. I get to see my son every day and sometimes she cooks me a hot meal too (when she is not mad at me for what ever reason). I took on some temp work so while I am sitting here I am doubling my income and saving up.

 

[Belinda2]

How much do they charge you at the Moose lodge, Van-Tramp?

 

[Van-Tramp]

Each lodge may be different, but generally I have paid $10 per night (or $50 per week) for hookups, and half that for no-hookups.

It is also $70 per year to be a member for the Moose (I assume the Elks are about the same).

There are 2500+ Moose Lodges around the country an Canada, so you always have a "home" no matter where you are. And so far, everyone has treated me just like family from the moment I walk in the door to say hello.

And remember, it is all tax deductible too, so it comes right back into your pocket (kinda) each year.

 

[GrayWhale]

You may want to consider becoming a member of the Moose and/or Elk's Lodges in town, some even have RV hookups.

What exactly are these Moose Lodges? Are they motels? Or what is a lodge like, say when you go in to use the bathroom and shower? Is it set up like a gym with multiple showers, toilet area, lockers and such?

I see many in my area. Most have "CAMPING" designations with a picture of a tent. Does this mean they have camping sites for pitching a tent? How would you camp there in your van for $0-$10? Is it camping in the parking lot with electrical hookups?

And what other services do the lodges offer? This looks like a good deal, thanks.

 

[Van-Tramp]

The lodges are private clubs... community centers, but for members only. Many offer weekly activities: BBQs, bingo, poker, karaoke, etc, and almost all that I have seen have a nice bar (or two, in the case of my home Lodge). Some have full restaurant style kitchens, others may not.

Most will allow members to overnight in their lots for no cost (local laws allowing). Since most of these lodges have been around well before the local ordinances, many are grandfathered in to still allow camping and such even though the city/county forbids it. For instance, my home Lodge allows the Boy Scouts to camp here a few times each month. ROTC camps here too.

Most do not have hookups, but about 10% do ( a little planning will get you to one when you need it). They are primitive hookups in many cases (no sewer) and usually only have a few spots with hookups, but there are rarely anyone using them.

This past year I have visited numerous Lodges. I've watched the Super Bowl in Truth & Consequences, NM (full hookups) with a huge potluck meal, stayed a few weeks just outside of Glacier National Park (full hookups), and stayed many overnights in my a-to-b travels. They are safe places with no harassment from local law. I can go in and have a beer with people that instantly welcome me as their close friends and many have treated me out to dinner (and beer) on those 1-night stays.

Just walk into your local Lodge and ask them about info. They would be happy to give you the tour and answer any questions. My biggest fear was if they were religious or not. They ask only that you "believe in a higher being", but do not dictate which "being" that is. I have yet to see any prayers in the functions either. And, NO you do not need to wear antlers in the lodge

http://www.mooseintl.org/public/default.asp - Main web page
https://secure.mooseintl.org/LodgeChapterLocator/default.aspx - find a lodge search
https://secure.mooseintl.org/LodgeChapterLocator/CampRVReport.aspx?reporttype=rv - Lodges with RV hookups

 

[LeeRevell]

In checking on the Moose membership requirements, they indicate a new prospect must be 'sponsored' by an existing member. Is this easy to arrange at a Lodge, or does one need to actually know a Moose?
Sounds like a pretty good deal, assuming one can meet the membership requirements.

 

[Van-Tramp]

Just walk in. Im sure they will find someone willing to sponsor you (the sponsor gets something out of it too)

I may be able to do it by giving you my member number. Not sure if they need me in person or not.

 

[highdesertranger]

I never knew about this moose stuff. that's some great info van tramp. highdesertranger

 

[PastTense]

The Loyal Order of Moose is an organization for Men, with a separate female auxiliary: Women of the Moose. Note Belinda2 is a female, Van-Tramp. Are you sure everything you have been saying also applies to women?

 

[Van-Tramp]

Thank you PastTense, you are correct.

To the best of my knowledge everything applies to women as well. Not sure about the Elks with that though.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

We have stayed at Elks & Moose lodges as guests of members. A $10 donation got us an RV space with full hook-ups and an invite into the bar for an inexpensive dinner and beers. Always a great time.
Thinking of joining one or the other this year.

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If I went the Class B route I can sell my current rig and use the proceeds towards the class b.

Your thoughts?

TakeTime...Have you considered bartering for the rig you need/want??
Its a win win when both parties are happy with the trade.
We traded off our aging RV last week for a good maxi van so we can stretch our travel dollars.