Long time lurker, now first time poster,,with unsettled plans

[rastaman]

I have been reading the forum and blog for sometime now. I am 59 and currently living in central Florida,<br><br>I have been determined&nbsp; to take an extended trip "out west" next year. I would like to boondock and stealth camp as much as possible. Until very recently I was planning to convert a van for this trip. However last week I unexpectedly gain possession of a dodge 3500 dully.<br><br>This truck has nearly 300k miles however it is in excellent condition and would more than likely be more dependable than any van I would of purchased. My concerns are...<br><br>the cost of fuel almost .40 -,50 cents higher than gas. <br><br>and lack of comfort and space (for two)if used with&nbsp; a topper. I am afraid that a slide in camper or pulling a travel trailer would limit my 'stealth ability, along with the drop in mpg.<br>I have thought of pulling a small box trailer, but was hoping that it would be used to transport two small dual sport bikes to be used for exploration.<br><br>I guess what I am asking is how important is stealth camping, I am hoping to visit, Utah, Arizona,New Mexico and maybe Colorado. This trip is intended to not just be a sight seeing 'tourist'&nbsp; trip but a "life experience'......on a budget.&nbsp; And if all goes well.....look out Alaska! <br><br>I have been considering a pop up slide in, but I could buy a van for the prices I have seen. <br>Any comments and suggestions are welcome

 

[rvwandering]

&nbsp;Stealth is not very important in the west. Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado have a lot of public land where you can boondock. Smaller cities have big box stores. Large cities have casinos. It's really different from Florida as far as actual campgrounds with many options and cheaper nightly rates.<br><br>&nbsp;How long are you planning on traveling? If it's just a matter of months a topper would be the most economical choice. It's possible to build a bed platform with storage underneath and have a pretty comfortable sleeping area. If you're planning on traveling for a long time you'll probably want something with more room, especially standing room.<br><br>&nbsp;Here's a post with a lot of different sources for cheap and free camping - <a href="/post/Free-and-inexpensive-camping-and-boondocking-6087340" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://vanlivingforum.com/post/Free-and-inexpensive-camping-and-boondocking-6087340</a>

 

[Stargazer]

I have done both the trailer and just a vehicle. Obviously, a trailer will limit where you can go. The places that I have enjoyed the most, the adventures that I remember most fondly, are the places where I could not have gone with a trailer. And in Alaska, many of the state parks' campgrounds will not accommodate larger rigs. There have been many times when I have thought, "Man, I'm really glad I'm not pulling the trailer." Parking lots, small gas stations, city streets. Roads that beckoned and turned into two ruts. Pulling a trailer? Better know what's down that road beforehand. The trailer will decide where you go, not your heart.

Regarding space and comfort, however, a trailer beats them all, hands down. There will be no stealth with a trailer, though. And there's nothing more fun than hitching up in the rain and cold.

Think about how you like to travel. My late husband liked staying in RV parks; he enjoyed meeting the other campers and the amenities, like full hookups. I liked getting out onto the backroads and into the wilderness. For him, it was the destination. For me, it was the journey. It just depends on your interests and what is important to you.

It doesnt have to be an either/or decision. Bob, the forum owner, loves his trailer and it's a sweet setup. But he traded his truck for a van, which he converted to a simple camper so he could leave the trailer behind when warranted. I'm sure if you PM'd/emailed him, he would be happy to give you his thoughts.

 

[rastaman]

tonyandkaren, <br><br>thanks for your input. I have spent a week sleeping in the truck with a topper, was ok but all we did was sleep in it, everything else was done outside. My thoughts at this time is a trip of two-three months. I am not sure as I just have no idea of the distances and places to stop at. I just know i dont want to rushed and would like to explore more off the beaten path places.<br>My concern with the topper only is the cramped condition with porta-poty etc in the event of bad weather or other situations, I would like to be frugal, however I don't want the trip to be a nightmare especially for my wife <br><br>as this thread is becoming more of a question and answer than introduction, should I re post under a&nbsp; different heading?

 

[rvwandering]

Stargazer has some good points. With your truck and a topper you can go just about anywhere. You could supplement your living area with a tent that is large enough to stand up in. A little shower/potty tent is also an option. Two-three months isn't very long. You could try it with the truck and cap and if it's not working well or you decide to stay out longer you can start looking for something bigger. <br><br>Our country is huge with so many cool places to see and explore. You can travel for years and not see everything. National parks are the highlights so see as many as you can. <br><br>Keep posting on this thread but if you have a question that would fit better under one of the other forum topics post there and you should be get answers from people who have experience in that area.<br><br>I forgot to welcome you- so welcome to the forums!

 

[twokniveskatie]

You can start a new one or we can move this one. Let me know. Titles can even be changed if you like....

 

[Stargazer]

And how nice of you to consider your sweetheart. There is always the option of an occasional night in a motel and a nice restaurant meal

 

[rastaman]

twokniveskatie...If you could move this thread for me that would be great...I think the section that covers 'traveling / living in a truck might be more appropriate...(only if you agree)<br><br><br>

 

[rastaman]

I guess part of the problem I am having is understanding that, as tonyandkaren mentioned out west is different than what i am used to in Florida and the east coast. Where stealth may not be necessary as much. In that case I should really consider a tent for 'living' out of when stopped and use the truck bed as such.... a bed.&nbsp; I have already built a platform for storage under the 'bed' and it is a 8ft truck bed so it is like being on queen size.<br><br>thanks again for all the responses form all...keep them coming, they all help and encourage.

 

[twokniveskatie]

Rastaman, how is this thread? Wherever you are happy, we are happy

We have been camped off and on with mike, who has a great set-up in a car with a bed for quick overnights and a tent for extended camping stays. Best of both worlds for him. I love his setup !

 

[rastaman]

Now you have me really thinking, if I will only be using the truck to sleep in why even bother,&nbsp; a more nimble suv with a tent could serve as well, with better mpg, the savings could justify more motel nights...right? &nbsp;&nbsp; <br>however I am thinking that I would really love to pull my motorcyles along, they are small dual sport bikes whick could could go almost anywhere and only weigh 200lbs each.<br><br>if I am envisioning setting up a base with vehicle and tent, and then heading out daily on tours with the bikes, while boondocking....is this realistic and could be considered advisable?

 

[Stargazer]

You betcha it's doable. Whatever you can think up! Back in my younger days, we rode a motorcycle across the country, pulled a small cargo trailer and tented. Never boondocked with it though, always stayed in state/national parks. I'm sure others here have. Let's see what they have to say.

 

[idn88]

Well, if the truck is known to be reliable you may want to stick with it for now. &nbsp;It can take a lot of time and effort to find something else, and you can still end up with someone&nbsp;else's&nbsp;lemon, or a lot of repair costs to get it ready.<br><br>If you could find a older used trailer or slide in, you could probably use it and resell it for about the same you paid for it after your trip. You could use this trip to determine what you really want and need, and then go that route later with minimal wasted dollars.&nbsp;

 

[rvwandering]

Boondocking on public land, setting up a base camp then going out exploring is definitely doable in the west. Check out this site for an idea of what you'll find -<a href="http://freecampsites.net/usa/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> http://freecampsites.net/usa/</a>

 

[rastaman]

Thanks for that link, I haven't had the chance to dig into it yet.but I am sure it will come in handy.<br>Now that I"think' I might have my mind may up on the vehicle I will be using, (dodge 3500). I will begin working on my conversion. I am on the hunt for a 'slide in' however the price will have to right. In the meantime I already have a topper that has served us for a week in the Big Bend Texas desert before. So I know what to expect. <br>This trip I intend to install&nbsp; the following,<br><br>solar on the roof,<br>a water storage tube.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp; (I am thinking 6'' 8' PVC caped and plumbed. to be used primarily for showers. Now I just have to think of a way to get the sun to warm it up.)<br><br>I will probably pull my 4x8 enclosed trailer, Inside I hope to cram 2 motorcycles, Tent extra water containers, small 1k genny, tools and "house batteries", and last but not least porta potty, which will be accessible at a moments notice, and usable inside the trailer <br>I am sure the list will grow....<br><br>Always looking for ideas....<br><br>thanks

 

[Seraphim]

Coming late to the conversation - apologies.

The trck camper (TC) became our choice after selling our van; we looked at everything and almost bought a C; we stumbled onto TCs by accident and fell in love. Our goals were remote boondocking sites which couldn't be reached with a trailer in tow. In our van, we woke up in some amazing places of a morning; places we couldn't have pulled a trailer.

Our 3500 diesel dually is loaded to about 4000 lbs of cargo and we get 12+ mpg on average. for the mountains, I'm glad of the diesel's power. With today's prices, a gas engine might be cheaper to operate, but I'll still go with the diesel.

I wonder if there might no be a carrier available for the bikes? I didnt catch what size they were, but a hitch carrier ought to handle two two hundred pound bikes.

You can find an old TC cheap and remodel it, or use it as a hard tent for less luxurious camping lol. Whichever you prefer. We often eschew some of the amenities; they are nice but not necessary. I will mention that - for two people - a bit more space is a major psychological advantage. The main reason we moved from a van to a TC.

Don't take too much stuff. It will just be a hassle. Minimalize, and if you find there's something you can't do without ( after a week or so) pick it up on the road.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[rastaman]

<span class="status_offline" title="Offline"><a href="/profile/1653545" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Seraphim</a> , thanks for the insight, We are prepared to do without a lot of amenities, and comfort is not high on our list of needs. I am curious as to what you think of the pop top TC's and if there are any major advantages or disadvantages as a opposed to a hard side. <br>As for the bikes they are Yamaha tw200, great little bikes, however I dont recall seeing a to bike hitch carrier. with a TC a would be willing to only carry one bike (ride 2 up) so as not to have to tow a trailer, however with out a TC using just the topper I cant imaging not having a trailer.<br><br>I just spotted a Jayco pop top TC, no plumbing and or toilet however it is fiberglass and has refrige/stove/ac...I may look at it next week if still available.&nbsp; So would I would love some feed back on these Truck campers, as I know absolutely nothing about them.<br><br><br><br></span>

 

[rastaman]

<span class="status_offline" title="Offline"><a href="/profile/1653545" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Seraphim</a> , thanks for the insight, We are prepared to do without a lot of amenities, and comfort is not high on our list of needs. I am curious as to what you think of the pop top TC's and if there are any major advantages or disadvantages as a opposed to a hard side. <br>As for the bikes they are Yamaha tw200, great little bikes, however I dont recall seeing a to bike hitch carrier. with a TC a would be willing to only carry one bike (ride 2 up) so as not to have to tow a trailer, however with out a TC using just the topper I cant imaging not having a trailer.<br><br>I just spotted a Jayco pop top TC, no plumbing and or toilet however it is fiberglass and has refrige/stove/ac...I may look at it next week if still available.&nbsp; So would I would love some feed back on these Truck campers, as I know absolutely nothing about them.<br></span>

 

[rastaman]

<p>Seraphym&nbsp; thanks for your insights. comfort and amenities is not high on our list of things, we kinda like the adventure mode.<br>I am curious as to what type of TC you have and what do you think of the pop tops as apposed to the <br>fixed models. and what are the advantages and disadvantages of either.<br>As for the bikes they are yamaha tw200, great small bikes, I dont recall seeing a hitch carrier for 2 bikes, If I were to get TC I would definitely be interested in a hitch carrier and would probably be willing to carry only one bike (ride 2 up). without the TC and only using the Topper I really dont see us not taking a trailer.<br><br>i just spotted a Jayco pop top TC in amy area, I may go look at it next week, if it still available.</p><p>So If anyone has opinions and info on the differences of TC's I would love to hear them<br><br></p>

 

[mad*sparrow]

If you're interested in taking your dual sports with you there is a forum for adventure bikes that offer help with stealth camping and staying overnight on their properties that I've found very useful. I have a BMW Dakar that I've traveled on and can't see going to Colo, Utah, or Alaska without it. advrider.com