Good points Bob, but let's say you did find a used Highlander as you suggest. True there's no bathroom with potty and shower, no fridge, no generator, no fresh water tanks, no water heater, no plumbing, etc. to repair or replace as you are missing those things so must do without them - a greater hardship than an occasional repair if you ask me.
To each his own. Your point about being able to access more remote places would be the most valid concern I would have, were I in the OPs shoes, however there are smaller, better gas mileage RVs like the Toyota powered Mini-Winnie that are worth considering as a compromise between versatility and economy. Here's a good website for smaller RVs worth looking at:
http://www.toyotarvs.com/toyotarvclassifieds.htm Truck campers and class Bs come to mind as well, but again, these can be very pricy too. Plus, if considering a used hybrid like the Prius or Highlander, one needs to factor in the cost of battery replacement, which can be quite expensive as well. There are also serious weight and storage area limitations to consider, as well as a limited roof area for the fulltimer who may want to add solar.
There's no right or wrong choice, as life is a series of compromises to get what we want, and everyone's goals are unique to themselves. However my thoughts have some full circle from something super small and light, to a little bigger rig with a fuel efficient toad - in my case a Chevy Cobalt getting 30+ MPG that I already own, (a hybrid, such as a Prius, shouldn't be flat towed) which can be flat towed behind a used Class A or C gasser. The TV won't get very good gas mileage, as you say, but I have the toad for daily use, which will be the bulk of my mileage, as I only plan on moving my home on wheels about once or twice a month as BLM and forestry rules or the weather dictates. One could use a 4WD vehicle as a toad for access to remote areas if desired. When comparing new (which must be financed) vs used (that one either owns or can pay cash for), the additional money spent in interest, registration and full coverage insurance on an expensive new vehicle will more than offset any repair costs on a good used RV, with some money left over for the additional fuel costs of the bigger, more thirsty rig too. As far as off-grid AC use, which I believe was the intent of the OP's thread, I plan on adding a large solar system to my RV with a super-high efficiency DC powered mini-split heat pump for our off grid air conditioning needs. Yes it will be both heavy and expensive, but the money saved on RV parks and camp ground fees will pay for itself in a couple years and more importantly, will allow me to stay in more remote (yet road accessible) areas in warmer weather where others without AC would find it too uncomfortable. Here is a link to the AC unit I'm looking at:
http://www.geinnovations.net/solar-electricity-cost.html
Just a different perspective to consider. Far be it for me to suggest anyone should do what my DW and I have decided is best for us, as we are approaching FTing from the point of view of a couple, not a single person, who's needs will most certainly be different than ours.
Chip
