Need some long-time wisdom feedback please

[SheketEchad]

<FONT face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif" color=#990000></FONT>&nbsp;<BR><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000>Howdy,</FONT><BR><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000></FONT>&nbsp;<BR><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000>As I had mentioned before, I had a paid off option by end of February on a 1980 Ext Cab F-150 and a 25' Kit Road Ranger.&nbsp; Friends picked it up for me at auction and are holding it (they will flip it if I don't want it).&nbsp;&nbsp; Currently it's in ID and I am in FL.</FONT><BR><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000></FONT>&nbsp;<BR><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000>Once they got all items at their place, I discovered that the truck is a stick - I don't drive stick!&nbsp; I can learn, I am sure.&nbsp; But my thought leans towards the following:</FONT><BR><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000></FONT>&nbsp;<BR><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000>Do I really want to try to learn two new driving skills (pulling a longer trailer) at the same time?&nbsp; </FONT><BR><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000></FONT>&nbsp;<BR><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000>I'm not a mechanic, so I'm not sure I want to try to master an older truck at this point in time. </FONT><BR><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000></FONT>&nbsp;<BR><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000>The one huge benefit of this deal outside of the cost factor, is that I could live on this family's place in ID for some time, getting used to the vehicles.&nbsp; </FONT><BR><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000></FONT>&nbsp;<BR><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000>So I am trying to be more realistic and have less obstacles and came up with this alternative.</FONT><BR><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000></FONT>&nbsp;<BR><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000>There are lots of small (17 ft and under) trailers and campers that come up for sale in the price range that I have cash in hand for.&nbsp; I can haul 4K with my current set up with a heavy duty tow package and a 2008 vehicle that is about a year away from payoff.</FONT><BR><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000></FONT>&nbsp;<BR><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000>I think I should start smaller and more manageable, especially if I am looking to workamp as a single.&nbsp; I'm pretty hardy and don't panic too easily, but this is a new arena for me and I'd like to set myself up for success as much as possible.</FONT><BR><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000></FONT>&nbsp;<BR><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000>If I get a smaller trailer or truck/camper, I can put it on family locations here in state and take it out on weekends to get the feel for it, in really nice weather and on flat ground <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">&nbsp; </FONT><BR><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000></FONT>&nbsp;<BR><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000>I'd really appreciate feedback from all of ya'll with experience, male and female.</FONT><BR><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000></FONT>&nbsp;<BR><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000>Thanks in advance,</FONT><BR><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000></FONT>&nbsp;<BR><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000>~SE</FONT><BR>

 

[ice_maiden]

First you have to find your own learning curve, but you actually have three new driving skills to learn. Driving a stick is not extremely complicated, mostly a matter of coordination and practice.&nbsp; I had all of my boys driving a stick by the time they were 12 because they hunted deep in the woods with their dad and he drove a stick. I wanted them to be able to get out in case of an accident. <br><br>Your bigger obstacle will be the trailer.&nbsp; Pulling a trailer down the highway is not too hard. Maneuvering a trailer into places to camp or rural areas, is a horse of a different color.&nbsp; Your biggest hurdle will be learning how to back that puppy up. And the longer the trailer the more complicated that becomes.&nbsp; I have a friend that pulls trailers all over the place. And has for 15 years.&nbsp; But she can't back one though.&nbsp; Fortunately she is not trying to live a mobile lifestyle.&nbsp; She has mobile food concessions and is usually where she can get someone to back it for her, or takes me lol.<br><br>I can back a trailer and drive a stick but for me the less complicated route was a motorized RV. <br><br><br><br>

 

[SheketEchad]

<FONT face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif" color=#990000>Thank you Ice - I've considered also truck campers that are available just because I know it would be easier on me to drive and maneuver.&nbsp; I just hate driving my 'house'...lol!</FONT><br><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000>I have had a hard time in the past with the 'turn opposite of where you want to go' concept when pulling Uhaul trailers.&nbsp; I suspect the additional length will make it ever more challenging.&nbsp; Practice, practice, practice - where there are no mailboxes to swipe, that's my plan <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"></FONT><br><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000></FONT>&nbsp;<br><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000>4x4 - that is a pretty TT in the listing there!&nbsp; I'm at work so I won't view the link to YT, I'll wait to watch the scary wind video at home...haha!</FONT><br><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000></FONT>&nbsp;<br><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000>Thank you for taking the time to reply.&nbsp; </FONT><br><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000></FONT>&nbsp;<br><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000>~SE</FONT><br><FONT face=Georgia color=#990000></FONT>&nbsp;<br>

 

[ice_maiden]

SheketEchad, ultimately it is yours to choose, what you are comfortable with, what you already have and what you can afford, but to address the driving your "house" issue.... This is an issue that I know well.... When I started talking about this lifestyle several years ago, my brother wanted me to go with a truck and trailer....At the time I was considering a 20-25 foot C class.... his argument was that I could use the truck without the trailer, but with a C class I would have to drive that monstrosity where ever I went. My argument was that I did not want the hassles associated with pulling, backing, hooking, unhooking and setting up the trailer. But I did agree about driving that hulking rv everywhere.&nbsp; My solution was a smaller van type RV... He still argued about having to take it with me. So I sat and ruthlessly made a list of the pros and cons of both... I finally won my case when I pointed out the safety factor between the two options.<br><br>If I am in a trailer, asleep in the middle of who knows where and someone is bent on mischief in my direction... I have to stand and fight, because I am trapped in that trailer.<br><br>If I am in a motorized RV then I need only turn the key and leave.&nbsp; I doesn't matter if I am hooked to shore power or not... that damage can be repaired<br><br>Ultimately the issue for me was one of safety.. I will trade driving my house for a little more security.&nbsp; I have traveled all over by myself and slept in many truckstops on the way.. but I was always aware I could turn the key and leave.... Not sure I would feel as comfortable with a trailer.<br><br>But that aside, it seems you already have a truck. If you could reconcile the "driving house" issue, it seems that the truck camper would be the better START... it would give you a chance to explore the lifestyle and all of it's options before you made a more long term choice.<br>

 

[Seraphim]

<P>Ice Maiden makes a good point about safety, but a PU with a camper in back would not solve that problem, I think. Wouldn't you still have to get out to get to the driver's seat?<BR><BR>We drive a Class B (van)&nbsp;and often flat tow a compact car - a 1978 VW beetle. DW's Versa can also be flat towed and both offer excellent gas mileage. The orignal style tow bars for that&nbsp;VW can be bought for about $90. (just random info). That way, we don't&nbsp; have to drive the rig around full time, only when going from site to site.<BR><BR>If you have the time, go to your friend's house and try the truck. Give yourself a week or two to get comfortable with it. It's a skill worth adding to your skill set, and not difficult to learn. Just expect some frustrating moments. With the clutch.&nbsp;<BR></P>If you decide it was a mistake, can't they still flip it later?<br><BR>Pulling a trailer isn't that bad; you just generally try not to get into positions where you have to back up too far too often lol.&nbsp; Use your brains about getting into certain scenarios with it: driving in icy, windy conditions, etc.<BR><BR>Add this to others' advice, and good luck <IMG border=0 align=absMiddle src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif"> You have to decide on your priorities.<BR><br>

 

[akrvbob]

I think there are very few vehicles that can beat a van for a simple live-aboard. It doesn't do anything extremely well, but it does everything very well. I think a high-top conversion van is the best possible vehicle. If you need more comfort then get a class B camper van. Here are the factors you need to consider. You have to decide which is most important to you and which are not really very important.<br><br><ul><li>Comfort--how much do you need</li><li>MPG--how much will you spend on gas</li><li>Stealth--will you be spending much time in cities</li><li>Reliability--how much money will it cost to keep it on the road</li><li>Cost--how much can you spend up front</li></ul><br>Again, a high-top conversion van is very good at all these. An 1980 truck and trailer will have very poor MPG, very poor stealth and very poor reliability. A truck with a camper will also have very poor mpg and stealth. If at all possible, buy a 1996 or newer vehicle. Buy a cargo van if stealth is very important, a conversion van for more comfort, or a class B camper van if comfort is most important. Bob &nbsp; <br><br>

 

[SheketEchad]

<span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Thanks again for all who have responded; it is always good to have experienced people provide input. &nbsp;I truly appreciate your time in doing so.</span><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">I went to look at a 1979 TransVan last night, as I wasn't familiar with the type. &nbsp;Is Bondo an actual color? &nbsp;(grin) &nbsp;What I did discover is that size is too small for me *if* I am going to be in a workamping environment. &nbsp;If I had a lot of outdoor space before me, such as a National/State park hostess, that might work but really, it was cramped and dark (and old and creepy to boot!)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">It had no shower, and only a 2 burner stove. &nbsp;The external connections for propane and water were in pretty bad disrepair. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">I now know why they are called 'water closets'; geesh, I'd be claustrophobic in that! &nbsp;Heaven help me if I had any kind of critter encounter in that close of a space...teehee!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">What I did like:&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Size is very manageable, so another 3-5 feet wouldn't feel too bad for me since it's basically just a big, long truck (I used to drive Suburbans)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Headroom is fine, because I am short!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">I'd convert the 'water closet' into a pantry and use a different form of bathroom while on the road, and use the local facilities while workamping.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Seraphim: &nbsp;I had given thought to flying to Idaho and using some vaca time to get the feel of the truck and trailer but they need a decision in the next 10 days and I don't see that happening, especially since I have to move an adult child this weekend and will be on the road for the next four days.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Ice: I do see that balancing different needs/wants as you and also Bobpointed out, will be key to a comfortable transition. &nbsp;Driving the 'haus' may pull more positives than I thought.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">In response to Bob's factors:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Comfort - After looking at the TransVan, I'd almost rather have most if not all of my cooking/kitchen stuff outside (but storage inside) &nbsp;I'll &nbsp;have to figure out how often inclement weather would put the kibosh on that kind of set up and what I'd do in those cases. &nbsp;A good night's sleep is crucial; purty is not. &nbsp;Ease of daily tasks is very important.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">MPG - Since the plan inside of my head right now involves summers in mountains or northern sites and winters down south, I don't plan to drive a whole lot in between. &nbsp;I'll probably get a better bicycle or maybe even a moped for alternate travel, so my major gas expenses will be between job sites.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Stealth - Not wanting to be in cities at all if possible! &nbsp;This is not a big factor.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Reliability - This is most critical of all. &nbsp;My budget will be akin to a piece of angel hair pasta and I have no back up. &nbsp;I'm 12 &nbsp;years away from the earliest of all possible retirement options.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Cost - This is nearly in line with reliability. &nbsp;I'm doing this on a wing and a prayer <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> &nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Lots of things to think about!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">~SE</span></div>

 

[rattlesnake joe]

<p>Think about a pop up camper for&nbsp;a pick up with a Honda ct 90 motorcycle on the back.&nbsp; You can go anywhere almost.&nbsp; It is economical and the bike is a kick to ride.&nbsp; Put a wire basket on the front and a box on the back to carry things with.&nbsp; With the amount of freedom you get with this set up you will have a permanet grin on your face.&nbsp; I really like the Palamino Bronco pop up&nbsp;so if you put that on a 4x4 with your bike on the rear&nbsp;in a motorcycle rack you'll be in business.&nbsp; How does 100 miles per gallon sound to you?</p>

 

[SheketEchad]

<span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">That Palomino is rather spiffy! &nbsp;I had never seen one of those before.</span><div><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia;">I have never driven a motorcycle <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> But I have been considering that or some kind of scooter as a carry along transportation option.</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia;"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia;">100 mpg sounds mahvelous about now...haha!</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia;"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia;">Thanks joe<img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia;"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia;">~SE</span></div>

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;I tried the trailer thing twice and gave it up as too much of a hassle. Either one piece units (campervans, step vans, motorhmes, etc) or truck &amp; slide in campers for this puppy. Contrary to the previous post, you CAN get to the cab from the camper without going outside in a slide in camper.. if you have sliding rear windows and a slider on the camper. I have one on my present camper and my dog uses it for going back 'n forth. It's really handy in the summer time since, when ot gets too hot in the cab for the puppy to 'drive', she can bail into the back. <br>&nbsp;One other thing I'd like to address regarding trailers is the fuel economy. You're dragging along a lot of extra weight with the complete trailer chassis/axle(s)/tires, as well as rolling resistance. Yup, it can be speedy to unhook, but check out the electric camper jacks they have out now, some even self-leveling. Saw a guy with that kinda setup and he could get that camper on/off the truck in record time. <br>&nbsp;'Course, if room is what you're looking for, a trailer has a slide in all beat, but you're more limited in where you can go. Forget parallel parking on a busy street, unless you're a pro and have the space in the first place, and don't even think about forest service 'goat trail' roads with switchbacks. Then again.. different strokes an' all; just have to rightly figure what you'll be doing and buy according to your needs. ..Willy.&nbsp; <br><br>

 

[owl]

&nbsp;&nbsp; Look into renting a class c motorhome. They are big enough to be comfortable for one person or two and small enough to handle easily. <BR>They will also tow a small car or trailer for a bike etc. Renting allows <BR>you to see if it will work for you and you'll also have an idea of what<BR>to look for in a purchase. Don't get in a hurry and remember what<BR>works for someone else may not work for you.<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp; You can also rent camping vans.

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;One thing I forgot to mention is that a plain 'ol 3/4 truck isn't really enough for even an 8' camper.. get a beefed-up suspension or airbags. Better yet, get a 1 ton. &nbsp; <br>

 

[SheketEchad]

<span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Owl: I looked that up as I thought that would be a good testing ground. &nbsp;Here the price is prohibitive - not for the nightly rental mind you, but the "250.00 clean up fee". &nbsp;I need a job cleaning rental campers, geesh. &nbsp;What do they think I am going to do in there that would take 250.00 bucks to clean up??? &nbsp;I don't clean game in the dining area or anything, or bury fish heads under the seat cushions. &nbsp;</span><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Willy - really? 3/4 ton won't do it? I've pulled an 8' trailer with my high-end Vortec 6 SUV and it's done fine. I was looking at 1/2 ton pick ups, guess it's good I didn't find one yet.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">4X4 - I've seen the Lancets, they are very nice. &nbsp;The sway bar and springs verbiage is beyond my comprehension at this stage, but I keep learnin'!&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">I found a very nice used small Class A &nbsp;32' that was sweet and for less than what I paid for my SUV four years ago. &nbsp;Alas, I really want to pay cash and not worry about a payment hanging over my head should I decide I want to take a season off.</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Decisions, decisions. Oy!</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">~SE</span></div>

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;Big difference between pulling a trailer and hauling a slide-in. An 8' trailer might have a tongue weight of only a few hundred pounds, whereas an 8' slide-in camper can often have an empty weight of 1500+ lbs.. and then you add your stuff. All this is is being held up by the truck's suspension. Also, when they figure out the payload of a truck, it is the overall weight of whatever is being carried in back INCLUDING passengers, gas, and whatever else they can throw in there. Therefor, a 3/4 ton truck might only be able to legally carry 1/2 ton after you add 2 passengers, a full tank of gas, and the family rottweiler. <br>&nbsp;I had a 1/2 ton truck and it wouldn't safely carry my 8' camper.. and even my 3/4 ton squatted down like a turkey before I swapped in the 1 ton axle and heavy duty leafs. Now it carries my camper high 'n proud.. but rides pretty rough unladen. ..Willy.<br><br>

 

[SheketEchad]

<span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Gotchya- the weight distribution makes it a different animal when it's all in the truck bed, vs pulling something. Makes sense!</span><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">~SE</span></div>

 

[SheketEchad]

<span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Gotchya- the weight distribution makes it a different animal when it's all in the truck bed, vs pulling something. Makes sense!</span><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">~SE</span></div>

 

[Les H]

Tween, that's true for some, but remember, there is no one answer for everyone I Hav my minibus for me, a 14' camper trailer for my wife and I, two cabin tents, sleeping bags et all for family outings, and an ultralight backpack set up for trails. I too, have lived out of a backpack for 6 months, but that doesn't work well for ( our) teenagers. Where I go, and what I go camping in/with all depends on the experience I want to have, and who is with me. I am NOT a single woman traveling alone, and some people just require more " stuff" to get bye than others. A minivan might be a luxury for you, but might be the lowest down the scale someone else may be able to bring themselves. If I could do it all over again and not worry about$, I'd do a 3/4 ton 4x4 pickup with a 20-24' travel trailer ( that still has room in the closet for my backpack<img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">)
Les