Help, I cant decide.

[sidat202]

Hi everyone. Im trying to make a decision on what to live in, but I cant decide. I have a pickup with small camper I am living in now, and I have a class C motorhome. The motorhome needs cosmetic work finished inside. I dont know what would be better. I see advantages and disadvantages going either way. So I hope your thoughts, ideas, and opinions might help me decide. Thanks.

 

[sparky1]

hello;<br />I loved my old Truck camper but,out grew it---I still have my 34 ft RV.&amp; my Van camper also.truck &amp; van&nbsp;do better on Gas than The MH. it just depends on the room&nbsp;&amp; what all the Things you want to carry,long stays-rather have the MH holds more goodies,<br />sparky1.in s,va.

 

[rvwandering]

Like sparky1 says it really will depend on what you plan on doing in the future. The truck camper would be better for stealth in cities and will get you in small spots in the forests but the motorhome will be so much better for comfort and convenience. A year of fulltiming in a Volkswagen bus with an ice box , a Coleman stove,limited storgae and very small fresh water tank was enough for me but there's no end in sight for fulltiming in with our class C. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">

 

[sidat202]

Thanks for the thoughts. I plan to travel so fuel economy is a factor. Im thinking of selling the motorhome and live in my truck and camper for the next year or so. Then maybe go with a bigger van or truck trailer combo. Why is it so hard to make decisions? Just thinking out loud.

 

[akrvbob]

I think the thing you need to decide is "What is my vision for my life on the road?" if it's freedom, and movement and the simplest possible life, forget the Class C, it will be a noose around your neck. If its sitting in one place for months at a time on public land, then maybe the Class C is perfect. I have a friend with an older /class C and he pulls a Ford Festiva that gets 40 mpg. He loves his life just the way it is and wouldn't change anything.<br /><br />Once you have a vision for your life on the road, then you can make a good decision. Bob

 

[sidat202]

Hi Bob. Ive been hanging out with your buddy steve and his dog Zeke. He is a good guy. Thanks for the comment. Thats what I have been thinking. I want to stay as mobile as possible. I think with the class C the fuel economy will hinder my movement. Im looking forward to meeting you. Are you really as good of a person&nbsp;as steve says you are?

 

[Cyndi717]

Hi there.
I see that this is an old post but I am in exactly the same situation. While I've been living in y the motorhome for a couple of months now it still needs an alternator and generator starter.  Tires are ok for now but what next.  I am spending the weekend in my 19' camper at a friend's house watching her dog s this weekend. I think I like my camper better. The only thing I worry about is security during overnights on the way to boondocking. My motorhome is a 1994 holiday rambler and I'm worried about it draining and restricting my life.

 

[highdesertranger]

Cyndi I don't know what drive train you have but alternators for most gas motor homes are well under 100 bucks. now the genny starter is another story. I just did a quick search for an Onan 5500 starter and they are under 50 bucks. tells us what you have both of these problems might be fixed for a c-note with enough change for a beer. highdesertranger

 

[Cyndi717]

Cyndi I don't know what drive train you have but alternators for most gas motor homes are well under 100 bucks.  now the genny starter is another story.  I just did a quick search for an Onan 5500 starter and they are under 50 bucks.  tells us what you have both of these problems might be fixed for a c-note with enough change for a beer.  highdesertranger

Thanks for the info. That's good to know. I have

 

[Cyndi717]

Cyndi I don't know what drive train you have but alternators for most gas motor homes are well under 100 bucks.  now the genny starter is another story.  I just did a quick search for an Onan 5500 starter and they are under 50 bucks.  tells us what you have both of these problems might be fixed for a c-note with enough change for a beer.  highdesertranger

Thanks for the info. That's really good to know. After spending the night in my camper I've decided I need to be totally self contained for safety. At least in the mh I can kick them from the steps!  Lol I just have to many things to sell/fix before I start my real full time life this summer. A 2004 camper, a 2004 rusty ford f150 4x4 (maybe my toad?) And my 1994 holiday rambler 34 LE on a ford chassis. I need to take the dog box if to see what one I need.

It really helps to know that there are going to be people like you around to help when I get in a pickle!

 

[Cyndi717]

Hi there.  I see light at the end of the tunnel.  Closing on the house is next week and my son graduates next Friday. I will have some money to get really set up.  The only problem is that I have been changing my mind every day. Lol. I believe I have decided on 4x4 truck and camper. The truck I currently have is a rust bucket I never should have bought.  I have my sights on a 2002 FORD F250 Super Duty Crew cab Long bed 4x4 Automatic V8 7.3L turbo diesel with 196, 000 miles on it. I'm not so worried about the camper because they are a dime a dozen and I like my Salem 19'. I figure I can go bigger if I need to or even a truck camper since I'm planning on buying the right truck, right?
That and getting aclimated to nature in the West are my worries at this time.  I have only every lived on the east coast, though my short travels out west have inspired me, I don't feel confident enough about hitting the trail.
I don't really have anyone to talk to about this, so comments, encouragement, laughter... whatever you have please send my way!
Thanks
Cyndi717

 

[Oberneldon]

Cyndi,

Go with what feels fits your needs. If a pickup & camper - have someone look over the truck before you buy. Camper make sure there are no leaks / mold/ etc. bring an extra set of eyes for an opinion. Then live and learn like everyone else.

Best wishes,

Brent

 

[rvwandering]

Hi Cyndi, it looks like things are moving fast for you! Will you be moving into your camper as soon as you close on your house? Don't worry too much about making the wrong decision. You can always get something different if you find that your current camper doesn't fit your needs.

As far as traveling in the west: We lived in the east for almost 40 years and love traveling in the west. It's much easier to find boondocking spots and the scenery is so beautiful and varied. You can find almost every type of terrain and weather. Hopefully you can make it out to the RTR in Flagstaff. You'll get to meet some great people and get a lot of help to make your introduction to van dwelling enjoyable.

 

[rvpopeye]

Your plan sounds ...............PERFECT !

If you liked the west a little on a short trip = you'll like it a lot on a long trip ?????
If not , all the roads go in both directions ,,,,it's true , I have personally verified it !!!

 

[ArtW]

Cyndi
It sounds like you've got it figured out, there will never be a time you will feel 'comfortable' about leaving an established life behind, all you can do is give it a go
Definitely have a mechanic check the truck out well, and start learning all you can about maintenance / repair
remember, the trickiest part of fixing a vehicle is figuring out the problem, from there it's usually just nutz n boltz
Stand, and be true, and success will be yours

 

[Cyndi717]

Hi there.  I spent a month and a half in the camper last summer with son, but traveling with a teenager who 'needed' amenities,  we were in koas most of the time. Then I spent a few weeks last fall 'boondocking' in my friends front yard.  I bought a 1994 Holiday Rambler 34 le on my birthday in February and have been living in it since then. I'm in an old campground that has water and 15 amp service. Lol
My mom and I own the house together which turned out to be a problem.
The thing is that I have been with someone or in my comfort zone while doing these things!
I am going to try to make it to Flagstaff for my initial trip so I can find my independent legs again!
Thank you everyone, this really helps and I cant wait to meet the tribe.

Since you all like pictures. The truck is the one I'm looking at and I currently have the camper and motorhome. 

 

[roadtripous]

You will enjoy the Western States. Lot's of public lands to boondock on. You can travel, sight see, pretty much as slow or fast as you want.
All the LEO's I've come a crossed, which is very few. Where friendly, just checking to make sure everything was within the rules of land use.
I have and still could spend decades in the area I'm in and still not see it all.

 

[DannyB1954]

Diesel engines that are past warranty concern me. If anything goes bad on them it costs a fortune to replace. You often hear that diesels will go 500,000 miles. How many trucks do you see for sale with 400,000, or even 300,000? If you do find one, how much money did the owner need to put in to get that mileage? The manufacturers give the same warranty for gas as diesel. Shouldn't the diesel have a longer warranty if it is problem free?
I own an RV with a diesel. If anything goes wrong, I walk away from it. Not worth the high expense to repair, and that is if you can even find a good diesel mechanic. I was told at a car dealership that the only pickup truck diesel engine that is rebuildable is the Dodge. It has replaceable engine cylinders, (sleeves).

 

[Photogal39Travels]

Really like you truck and trailer. Looks great

 

[highdesertranger]

Danny you where told wrong about Dodge being the only rebuildable diesel. I don't know where they came up with that one. this summer I will have a thread on rebuilding a 6.2 diesel. I am curious what RV do you have with what diesel motor? if its the right one I might be interested in it if you ever decide to get rid of it. highdesertranger