Need input on abnormal dwelling vehicle

[SoulRaven]

Things have suddenly changed in my living situation, and I am surely going to be put out on the road. The choices I have is to hook up to the recent popup camper I recently acquired with my 2014 Ford Escape and just go, or sell the popup and just use the Escape and go.

I have went through the motions of setting up the Escape for vehicle dwelling, with a bed, storage, window coverings, rain guards, and even put in a remote start, among other typical things for vehicle dwelling. Although the popup gives me lots more room, and I could bring more gear and stuff along that might make life much easier, I am wondering that doing that might NOT be a good idea, because I would have something else to have to worry about bringing along and towing. Of course it would hurt my fuel mileage also. Not much, but maybe 4 to 5 mpg difference. I don't really know. The popup weighs about 1,600 lbs empty. And I figure after I load it up, it will be about 2,000 lbs I will be towing. The Escape is rated for 3,500 lbs towing capacity, and has the tow package.

Another thing is, that money is an issue because I only get about $600 from SS after part b and drug insurance is taken out of it. So I will have to be in "free" camping mode most of the time. And of course there is the problem of being one step up from a tent, plus set up and take down of the pup. Not much of a problem, but I want to keep this as simple, comfortable, and inexpensive as possible. BTW, the Ford Escape is being taken care of payment and insurance wise, from an agreement made, so there won't be any vehicle expense except for gas and maintenance.  Of course since the Escape is pretty new, it shouldn't require much repair and maintenance expense. The only thing I have to do to the popup to get it to be road ready is some new tires and check and repack the wheel bearings. But I don't know of any other problems that could arise from it. It is a 1999 but in fairly good condition.

So......the the question is.....take the popup with me, or sell it and just use the Escape?

 

[gcal]

If you are going to be boondocking anywhere out west, get rid of the popup. Put the money from selling it away to see how well you can live in your Escape. Popups are a pain to set up when you are tired. Bears, racoons, and even squirrels will tear up popup canvas if they think there is food inside. There are many lttle used hardsided trailers you can look at if you decide you want more space. $600 isn't enough that you can needlessly add to your expenses.

 

[LeeRevell]

Sell both Escape and Popup and buy a larger van.

 

[SoulRaven]

If you are going to be boondocking anywhere out west, get rid of the popup. Put the money from selling it away to see how well you can live in your Escape. Popups are a pain to set up when you are tired. Bears, racoons, and even squirrels will tear up popup canvas if they think there is food inside. There are many lttle used hardsided trailers you can look at if you decide you want more space. $600 isn't enough that you can needlessly add to your expenses.

I never really thought of the woodland creatures except for bears. What you say makes loads of sense. Thanks for bringing these things to my attention. This is why I come here ......to get insight to these potential problems that I overlook or just simply don't think of.

 

[SoulRaven]

Sell both Escape and Popup and buy a larger van.

I can't sell the Escape because it is up side down with the dreaded "negative equity". I would like to trade it for a van but, that is something that will not work because of that. The Escape is being paid off for me as a settlement deal and my name is on it as co owner. In my opinion that would just create more problems and I want this to be as smooth as possible. I eventually want a van, but the Escape is what I have to work with right now, and I can't think of any way to liquidate it or trade because of the outstanding upside down loan.....that I am NOT responsible for. I don't know if that makes sense or not. But right now I am in no condition mentally to be going through that sort of boat rocking.
But thanks for the suggestion. I am trying to sell the popup through Craigslist now, because of the suggestions from you and others makes sense to me. Unless there would be something that could counter that I will stay the course on selling.
Thanks

 

[VJG1977]

Based on your experience with the Runaway, you have to ask yourself, can I live out of the ESCAPE?
[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Post # 88  Speaking about the Runaway that you tried, [font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]"[/font][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Here is what I have come to decide at this point. It is way too confining and inconvenient[/font][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif] to live in or out of."[/font][/font]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]If you sale the pop up for $1200, you would have an extra $100 a month for a year.[/font][/font]
[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]If you keep the pop up, you have much more space.  You can stand up, have a full size bed, kitchen, dinette, shower and toilet. [/font][/font]
[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]You have to decide if the inconvenience of towing is out weighed by the benefits of the addition space and facilities. [/font][/font]
[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]There are a lot of modifications that could be made to better suit a solo traveler.  [/font][/font]
A few links:
[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]http://www.popupportal.com/index.php?topic=89923.0[/font][/font]
[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]http://www.popupportal.com/index.php?topic=85914.0[/font]
[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]http://www.popupportal.com/index.php?topic=55654.0[/font]

Pop Up Discussion

Most people that reply, even with the best of intentions, are going to end up telling you what they would be most comfortable doing.

Pop up campers are certainly not the ideal camper for full time but if you have it to use, it is better than nothing.  You can always park it somewhere and sale it later.  

I full timed for 3 years in a vintage 36' TT 1979-1983 and loved it, miss it.

 

[SoulRaven]

I will admit that what I said about the Runaway still holds true. The difference is, that I had to tow something that was very small and confining. My thinking was then that the Escape would provide just about as much sleeping space as the
Runaway, and I wouldn't have to tow anything. So, in other words, if I was going to be put into a confining space just use the Escape and get rid of towing something that didn't really give me anything better. Kind of a getting rid of the redundancy.

My present situation is changed in that now I am sorta forced to make it on a small amount of income and will have to deal with the most inexpensive way to do that.   If that now means having to suffer a little in cramped quarters that is what I will have to do until I can make arrangements for a better alternative. I was a little cocky before because I had resources to back me up.... that has now changed. I will soon be cut loose to drift and make it work to survive. And having anything that will put extra burdens and expenses, ( even small ones) could spell disaster and hardship for me. So I have to forgo some comforts to survive. 
 
I am a little apprehensive about the popup and some of the problems that could be created by using it. But I am checking and reading the links you suggested. I am trying to keep an open mind and make a educated decision.
Thanks for your response.


[/quote]

 

[acfdexpo]

I wonder if a roof top tent could work for you.  It would free up some storage space, would unfold over a side door as an awning,  and I think most have at least a three inch foam mattress.  No towing, more space(depending on size),  off the ground and away from critters.
Downside it is basically an expensive fancy tent but it may fit your situation.   http://tepuitents.com is just one of many companies.

 

[Reducto]

The only problem I see with selling the trailer is it seems like a bad time to do it. Snowbirds have already bought what they are going to by now and nobody is looking to buy for Summer yet. If you don't find a buyer maybe hold onto it for a few months and see how it works out, then it should be easier to sell when the weather gets warmer if it's not to your liking.

 

[SoulRaven]

I wonder if a roof top tent could work for you.  It would free up some storage space, would unfold over a side door as an awning,  and I think most have at least a three inch foam mattress.  No towing, more space(depending on size),  off the ground and away from critters.
Downside it is basically an expensive fancy tent but it may fit your situation.   http://tepuitents.com is just one of many companies.

Good suggestion on the roof top tent. But it is a tent like you said and there is setup to it. And like someone else stated earlier, if I am tired or not feeling well it could be a pia to set up. I am still thinking that being in the Escape might be just as good because I have it setup with a pretty comfortable air bed and memory foam topper. I really want the hard sides around me.

 

[Rugster]

My opinion doesn't cost anything and it's worth what you paid for it, but how about this:

Sell the camper (or as posted above, hold onto it for better selling period) but buy a roof top storage (or rear storage rack) for storage of things you may not need every single day. That would free up some room inside the Escape. It also wouldn't cost too much...

If you could sell the pop up that would give you a bit of a cushion for anything that pops up.

 

[SoulRaven]

The only problem I see with selling the trailer is it seems like a bad time to do it. Snowbirds have already bought what they are going to by now and nobody is looking to buy for Summer yet. If you don't find a buyer maybe hold onto it for a few months and see how it works out, then it should be easier to sell when the weather gets warmer if it's not to your liking.

Here in Florida it is always summer so selling it might not be a problem. And I think hunting season in starting and they like them for that. Also this is the perfect weather in Florida for out door activities. When people ask what do you do in Florida in the winter the response is "We open the windows". So I don't think I will have a hard time selling it.
My problem with holding on to it for a few months is that I am worried that it could make things hard for me if I run into problems in some way while traveling with it. Then I might have a hard time getting rid of it, unless I just walk away and abandon the thing. Also, according to what ever method I chose to go.....either the popup Escape combo or just the Escape, i will be packing differently. If I do the popup combo, I am sure I will be bringing more stuff than just using the Escape. So if I decide to get rid of the popup on the road I will have extra things to contend with or have to get rid of them too.
Thanks for the idea, I hadn't thought of just trying it out for a few months but I am just afraid of that idea in case it wouldn't work out. I don't think I have too much margin for error on this dwelling change with my current income. I am being very cautious. Maybe too cautious, but I am in the learning stage of this.

 

[ZoNiE]

I'd get rid of the pop up. It's a nice one, but they really suck when it comes to setup and no place to store anything, and in stormy weather, you'll be in the escape anyway.

Sell it and get a 5x7 single axle cargo trailer you can stand up in. Then you have a "room" which can serve as a kitchen, living, storage. Sleep in the escape or the trailer.

 

[SoulRaven]

My opinion doesn't cost anything and it's worth what you paid for it, but how about this:

Sell the camper (or as posted above, hold onto it for better selling period) but buy a roof top storage (or rear storage rack) for storage of things you may not need every single day. That would free up some room inside the Escape. It also wouldn't cost too much...

If you could sell the pop up that would give you a bit of a cushion for anything that pops up.

I like the idea of the roof rack, and I may try that or the rear hitch rack. I will be using one of those if I find it tight inside after or during the packing process of this. I am making a list now of the things I am going to need to take. If I start having a hard time fitting all that stuff inside the Escape I will get a carrier or rack as you suggest. Very good idea.
As you can see in the photos, I am using the shallow Sterlite containers as a platform for my air bed and mattress topper. I am going to store my shower tent,  folding table, and folding potty under those which should give me plenty of storage capacity. But like you say if that doesn't work out or I need to free up more space inside I will add a rack or rear hitch carrier for those seldom used things. And I can just pop the stuff in there.
Thanks.

 

[SoulRaven]

I'd get rid of the pop up. It's a nice one, but they really suck when it comes to setup and no place to store anything, and in stormy weather, you'll be in the escape anyway.

Sell it and get a 5x7 single axle cargo trailer you can stand up in. Then you have a "room" which can serve as a kitchen, living, storage. Sleep in the escape or the trailer.

Yeah, it's starting to head in the direction of getting rid of the popup. Yelp, stormy weather setting up something is a real drag. I have been through that at times and know that is something that is very aggravating to me.  Good thought about being in the Escape during the storms. So what good is the pup then???? Thanks for bringing that to my attention.
I did some extensive research on the cargo trailers. But I would have to put quite a bit of work into it I think in getting it set up. Right now I really don't have that time or to be honest the funds to do it. I already had the popup and was willing to tow it if the benefits outweighed the risks and costs. So far the consensus here seems to be leaning to getting rid of it and just going with the Escape for awhile and try to make it work til I find something better if it doesn't meet up with keeping me going in a successful manner. I will certainly keep the cargo trailer in mind if the situation turns negative and I can afford it money wise. And I am pretty sure I will have the time.

 

[SoulRaven]

This is great. Everyone is so helpful. Your responses are helping me be confident in doing and going through this transition and trying time. Everyone has brought up some very good ideas about my decision to either keep the popup or just go with the bare Escape. I have gotten some new thoughts and reinforcing ones on my decision making process.
Thanks to everyone.

I am also open to any suggestions on outfitting the Escape to make things work out as successfully as possible. I think I have decided to just go with the Escape. Although the popup may be more roomy and comfortable at times, I think in the long run it could be more trouble and expense than it would be worth. Right now I think I have to concentrate on survival and simplification, along with frugality to make it through this.

Administrator: Should I start a new thread on this topic then?

 

[masterplumber]

Just my opinion, but based upon all your previous experience and posts, I think just using the Escape for now is a great idea. You will need to minimize as much as possible for sure. In fact, you will probably be happier with less "things" and more space and organization in a small space. I would add a tent to your load however, nothing huge and fancy, just a good quality 4 - 6 man dome tent. They take up very little room when packed, and if you are boon docking in an area for a bit you gain some extra space to spread out for a week or 2 at a time. An aerodynamic roof top box for light stuff would probably be better than a hitch hauler just from a the point of view of driving, parking, etc...Keep things in it like tent, extra bedding, extra clothes, etc...

 

[SoulRaven]

Just my opinion, but based upon all your previous experience and posts, I think just using the Escape for now is a great idea. You will need to minimize as much as possible for sure. In fact, you will probably be happier with less "things" and more space and organization in a small space. I would add a tent to your load however, nothing huge and fancy, just a good quality 4 - 6 man dome tent. They take up very little room when packed, and if you are boon docking in an area for a bit you gain some extra space to spread out for a week or 2 at a time. An aerodynamic roof top box for light stuff would probably be better than a hitch hauler just from a the point of view of driving, parking, etc...Keep things in it like tent, extra bedding, extra clothes, etc...

I do have the small dome tent you refer to. And I will see about taking it along. I like the idea of adding some extra room if need and I feel like it. But not having to do it makes it more doable. I am still on the fence about the roof carrier. I don't have a roof rack and I don't know about putting one on. I am sure that I can accomplish that if the time comes. Any ideas on the best way to install one? Diy or have it done at the dealer?
Thanks for the suggestions

 

[Patrick46]

Look for a potential roof rack and/or cargo box at the junkyard, or a used one on Craigslist. Save your bread.


btw...they usually just clamp onto your truck's rain gutters. Easy-piesy.

 

[akrvbob]

The only problem I see with selling the trailer is it seems like a bad time to do it. Snowbirds have already bought what they are going to by now and nobody is looking to buy for Summer yet. If you don't find a buyer maybe hold onto it for a few months and see how it works out, then it should be easier to sell when the weather gets warmer if it's not to your liking.

I agree 100% with this. You'll get more by waiting tell spring to sell so try it out and make a decision then.
Bob