Welcome to October!
Bob, if you are still in Alaska, let me know. We live in anchorage.
We plan to snowbird for the next few years as I still work in alaska in the summers, doing renewable energy consulting.
We have a fine 2006 Sprinter and have done lots of camping in it since we bought it new (a Mercedes at a dodge price) I recommend the 2004-2006 Sprinters with the 5-cylinder turbo diesel--gets 22-26 mpg and runs on bio-diesel if you can find it (or make it!)
That is the real advantage to diesel rigs, that if/when petro-fuel gets too spendy, you can always make fuel for a diesel, but you can't make gasoline.
We also suggest looking into a co-op style "intentional community" for if/when you want to have a place to park it, maybe grow a garden, have some chickens, a storage unit, bio-diesel system, etc. I know that may be heretical to those who feel best with wheels under their bed, but its just another option.
Hope to make time to correspond this winter. Maybe we can make the gathering, too.
Be well,
Poetom