Newlyweds hitting the road!

[McGarveyParty]

Hello!

We are Jenn and Julian, a newly married couple who will be leaving our city-life behind at the end of the summer. Along with our 70lb black lab mix, we plan to head west and explore the coast with emphasis on visiting national parks and learning more about sustainable farming. So far, we have have a lightweight 14ft travel trailer and are currently searching for the right vehicle to pull it. We have no plans for how long we will be on the road or for where we will go exactly. We are so excited for this adventure! It seems like we have a ton to do in the next few months... any advice on prioritizing and how to get ready for this new chapter in our lives would be much appreciated! We look forward to getting to know likeminded people and gaining experiences to last a lifetime!

 

[ilovemyvan]

What a marvelous way to start a life together. I think this is just wonderful what you are doing. I love how you have only a vague plan, opened to what will happen.

Have a great life

-Nicole

 

[ttpadilla]

How exciting! I love everything about this post!! Congratulations on the start of an amazing new life together.

 

[Canine]

If you aren't doing a lot of off road or winter driving, you won't need a 4X4. A four wheel drive is that much more expense. You have a small trailer and if you keep the weight down, I could see you not needing a full size truck/van to pull it. If you go full size, a half ton truck/van should be plenty, but try to get a tow package as that will more likely include a transmission cooler, larger brakes, etc.

My priority when I started looking into this lifestyle was learning how to live without stuff I didn't need. Many of us were surprised at what we thought we needed, we didn't need at all. Less= more freedom, less stress, more resources for things that truly matter. I also played around with different types of showers and potties as I had the time to do that. When I moved, I didn't have to try to figure that out while figuring out everything else.

 

[Seraphim]

Congrats!

While you may not need need a stronger vehicle now for your current trailer, keep in mind you may decide in six months you want a larger trailer; or a fifth wheel. The bed of a pickup, with a cap on top, can store a lot of stuff, and leave the inside of the trailer uncluttered. You can als keep gear in the truck you want to use when the trailer is parked at a site - like bicycles. Or a canoe. Or an ATV eventually. Better to have a sturdier vehicle than needed, than have to replace the vehicle also because you change campers. The one disadvantage, of course, may be gas mileage. But Im willing to bet you can find a decent compromise. Just don't automatically go small. Consider all the possibilities, future and current.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Welcome and congrats.
Sounds like a good plan for beginning a new life together.

I would err toward more truck than I thought I needed. Just me not liking a sluggish, overworked rig.

 

[cyndi]

Welcome to the CRVL forums,McGarveyParty! That's a great plan!

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[McGarveyParty]

Thank you all for the warm welcome and words of advice! I thought I would share a photo of our travel trailer because well, we are just so excited about it! We are loving the input on vehicle choice, that's our next step.

Happy Trails,
Jenn and Jules

 

[Seraphim]

Nice picture.

On a side note, if no one has mentioned it you, sterilize the water system on a new-to-you trailer, as you don't know how long water may have been sitting in the system. Plenty of instructions on line: a cup of Clorox in the tanks, run it through the lines and let it sit for awhile before flushing it out. Something good to do on a regular basis anyway, to keep bacteria from fouling the water.

 

[mconlonx]

Not that I have any experience with a small TT, but with two of you and the dog, I'd say the tow vehicle you would be looking for is a 3/4ton (250/2500) full-size van or the same in a truck with extended cab and a cap on the back.

Congrats and good luck!

 

[sillysal54]

Congratulations. What a wonderful adventure the two of you are about to embark on. Best wishes for love, happiness and excitement.

 

[Canine]

I would err toward more truck than I thought I needed. Just me not liking a sluggish, overworked rig.

That is a great point! Yes, it is more expensive to purchase a heavier-dutier truck and you lose a bit of mpg, but it's not a large difference. If you look for a good deal, the cost difference would be nil.

You also get the larger brakes; brakes are your friends.

Keep in mind that many, many trucks have the 3/4 ton badge, but are actually 1/2 tons. Very important.

Back in the day finding a used 3/4 ton that hadn't been beat to death was difficult. Trucks were actually used as trucks back then. Nowadays I bet finding a prissy 3/4 or 1/2 ton would be relatively easy. I look for a wavy (not flat) bed because repeated smashing of stuff in the bed will make it wavy. Also look for fender wells that are dented in. It doesn't need to be pristine, but pretty straight. That isn't the only thing to look for, but it is really easy to see most of the time and will save you time checking out the rest of the rig.

 

[Belinda2]

Sounds romantic. We will give you some space, but please write when you can.