Trial runs

[casca777]

Hello: I've watched some of your videos and I'm thinking that this lifestyle of van camping may agree with the changes in my life at age 63 as well as the minimalist tendencies that I have. I'm long time single and my home is currently just listed on the market. I still have a home base with house sitting. I live high altitude in Colorado at 9k ft and work at 10k ft.  The winters can be pleasant or not. I'm thinking of doing a trial run of vehicle camping in Arizona the week of Thanksgiving and two weeks around Christmas and New Years. If I like that, I might quit my fall/winter job and just keep my summer job.

My problem is that I agree a van would be the perfect size for me, but I don't want to spend the money to buy and convert one until I commit to the van camping lifestyle. I may decide that it is not for me. I currently have a 2wd, Tacoma 4 cyl  5 sp with a topper on the back. My carpentry skills are not good, but I have some tools. For a small investment I may be able to build a bed/shelf with some storage underneath.

Would this be large enough to live in? Would I need a small utility trailer to carry my gear? I haven't check the towing capacity but I'm thinking it would not be more than a small sedan. I get 30 mpg with the little tacoma. Any other suggestions I'm not thinking of? Thanks Casca.

 

[eDJ_]

There are plenty of Class "B" rv's laying around that can be had reasonably.  It will just depend on how much mileage is on them and the condition of the interior.  I'd also check to see if it has been towing anything during it's
service life too.

These seem to have their greatest appeal to Fathers with sons to go hunting or fishing, or couples
who like to get away on the week ends.   A lot of RV sales businesses shy away from them due to their
automotive nature.  (where it looks more like a Van than an RV and the prices are too similar)

Beside Class "B's" there are loads of Class "C" rv's out there.   Possibly cheaper than some of the Class "B"
due to the numbers of them.

If you shop for these you may find a deal in time where you can use it awhile and form an opinion of what
would work best for you.   Then you can sell this first rv and reclaim most of your money.

You may visit some RV sales outfits and tell them you have such a vehicle that you are looking at buying
and ask to see their NADA RV prices book.   Sometimes you'll find a salesperson who is willing to do this.

Banks, Car Lots, and other lending businesses rarely have these.  

So good luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

[Almost There]

Would this be large enough to live in? Would I need a small utility trailer to carry my gear? I haven't check the towing capacity but I'm thinking it would not be more than a small sedan. I get 30 mpg with the little tacoma. Any other suggestions I'm not thinking of? Thanks Casca.

That will depend entirely on HOW you want to live!

In most cases, something that small means living out of it, instead of in it. There is a difference. You won't likely be able to cook in it, stand up to put your pants on, sit comfortably on a porta pottie, etc. etc. If you're good with that then sure, it will fit. If not, then you're probably going to want something bigger.

As to whether you need a small trailer to carry your gear, again that will depend entirely on how much gear you think you need. We have people here who manage to get everything in a Prius and people who  have trouble finding enough room for all their stuff with a Class C....

As to towing with it, once again, it's going to be tight. Something to think about with towing is that it's not just the weight of the trailer but the weight of everything you're carrying both in the trailer AND the tow vehicle that should not exceed the GVWR. A lot of people just look at the trailer weight (even loaded) and think they're okay when they're not.

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome to the CRVL forums casca777! Making trial runs before making any decisions is a very good idea. Since you'll only be out for a few weeks at a time buy the essentials - foam for a bed, a good sleeping bag, a cooler, a small stove, storage containers for food and anything else that you might need for daily living. A forest campground is a good place to start because you'll have access to a toilet, water and picnic tables but still be out in nature. The trial runs will give you a better idea of how much space you need and if you enjoy the lifestyle. If you have the time come to the RTR in January!

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.

 

[DannyB1954]

I think your plan is wise. You can get a lot of ideas from youtube.
just do a youtube search for truck camper or tacoma camper.
If you are building some storage for under your bed, often the big box stores will make the cuts for you. After the first cut, I think they charge a dollar. So if you are good with a tape measure and pen and paper to draw plans, you can get er done.

Some people travel the world with just a backpack, No reason a truck camper can't get you started. After some trial runs, you will begin to know what you like to have with you. The basics are shelter from the elements, (including proper clothes for the time of year), food, water, sleep, and hygiene, (place to poo and wash). All of these things can be as simple or complicated as you wish. They make small pop up shelters that can be used for privacy, something like this, https://www.amazon.com/Faswin-Priva...469158879&sr=1-3&keywords=camping+shower+tent (Doing some things are hard lying down in the back of the shell).

Welcome to the tribe.

 

[rvpopeye]

Welcome aboard casca!
I think you have some good suggestions so far.
It's such an individual kind of thing so just going super minimal for a few test runs (at least a week at a time ) will give you many more answers than we can. But don't be shy and ask about anything that you need to know about!