Van versus 2001 Toyota 4Runner with teardrop trailer

[hrhinkle1]

[font=arial, sans-serif]Hey everyone, I am debating between using my 2001 Toyota 4Runner with 110,000 miles on it and hooking up a teardrop trailer to the back so that way I don't have to do too many modifications versus buying some sort of high top van and going all out. I am not too construction savy but I'm sure over time I'll be able to learn. I just wanted to hear some pros and cons that you had potentially for my situation. I live in an apartment complex so I couldn't technically park the teardrop there but I could find somewhere else to park it. The teardrop will ultimately I'm sure be around 10g to 15g depending on what I want in it and who I buy it from but from what I'm hearing a good van with solar and all of that ends up costing people about 7g to 10gs?  [/font]
[font=arial, sans-serif]Please let me know what you think![/font]
[font=arial, sans-serif]Thank you so much,[/font]
[font=arial, sans-serif]A 23 year old gal trying to make a new life  :heart: [/font]

 

[tav-2020]

[font=arial, sans-serif]Hey everyone, I am debating between using my 2001 Toyota 4Runner with 110,000 miles on it and hooking up a teardrop trailer to the back so that way I don't have to do too many modifications versus buying some sort of high top van and going all out. I am not too construction savy but I'm sure over time I'll be able to learn. [/font]

Welcome! I have same thoughts, keep changing my mind, thought I wanted teardrop, etc.  This forum is full of people with great ideas, suggestions/advice, all to make you go hmmmm....
I will be lurking and reading all the replies you get on this thread for sure!

 

[tx2sturgis]

Welcome!

Have you seen these?

Not as cool looking as a teardrop but reasonably priced.

http://runawaycampers.com/models-prices

 

[tx2sturgis]

Wait...I take that back...this little Runaway camper looks pretty cool!

http://runawaycampers.com/the-venturist

 

[bullfrog]

A lot depends on whether you are going to live in them full time or part time. Being as I gather you are a single person that gives you a lot of options. Do you have pets or hobbies that may take up space? Are you okay changing clothes sitting down or are you tall and need to stand? Most of the choices are personal ones based on you and your life style, both ways work but may not for you therefore it is best to try as many as possible without investing a lot of time and effort. Getting to the RTR and seeing many of the different ways and talking to the people that do them is in my opinion priceless and the best way to test the water.

 

[MrNoodly]

[font=arial, sans-serif]...a teardrop trailer... versus buying some sort of high top van...[/font]

I'm a little confused. If you would want a high top van, how could you be happy with a trailer that has even less headroom than a standard van?

 

[tav-2020]

I'm a little confused. If you would want a high top van, how could you be happy with a trailer that has even less headroom than a standard van?

some teardrops , like the T@B, are full height:
https://tab.nucamprv.com/

 

[hrhinkle1]

A lot depends on whether you are going to live in them full time or part time.  Being as I gather you are a single person that gives you a lot of options.  Do you have pets or hobbies that may take up space?  Are you okay changing clothes sitting down or are you tall and need to stand?  Most of the choices are personal ones based on you and your life style, both ways work but may not for you therefore it is best to try as many as possible without investing a lot of time and effort.  Getting to the RTR and seeing many of the different ways and talking to the people that do them is in my opinion priceless and the best way to test the water.

A single person trying to work up the courage to jump into full time and not start off as parttime. I would bring a german shepherd with me so a big dog but quiet. 5' 6" so not too tall and don't mind changing standing or sitting. 
I definitely have seen the posts for the RTR. I am thinking of driving out there this year at least for the women's only portion since I'll only be allowed off work for a few days.
Thank you! All the advice is appreciated

 

[bullfrog]

I would take a look at some of the videos that have been made by people using the Teardrop and Tiny Trailers forum (ttnt) because I don't like to spend money trying things out (I do but don't like it) as if you don't like it you won't have much money in it (may even sell it for a profit so you can try something else) still have your economical Toyota to trade if you decide to try a van. Even rent a small UHaul enclosed trailer and hit the RTR. The hard part if just getting out there to see what works for you and what others have done that may work for you.

 

[Almost There]

I chose the high top van over any kind of combination of vehicles because I prefer being able to get from my drivers' seat to my living space without going out side.

It's part of my safety protocol as a senior woman travelling alone. I try not to advertise that so I can pull in to a rest area/truck stop/parking lot and just move to the living area never leaving the vehicle. I also, after years of travelling, have found that it's usually raining or doing something nasty just about the time I want to move from one place to another.  I stay warm and dry this way.

While I've towed a trailer for years, I find it inconvenient to always having to be looking for space for the combination rig. With a van I can park it just about anywhere.

A full size van with a 24" high top on it (not a TV top) can give you an awesome amount of storage, comfortable living quarters for one and relatively decent gas mileage, all in one vehicle.

 

[John61CT]

Start with what you have and hit the road, least expense essentials only.

You'll save so much skipping the first set of misjudgments.

You never find "perfect" anyway, but start the evolution with some experience.

 

[rm.w/aview]

I agree, if you can get to the Women's RTR you'll see & learn much. You can learn much on this forum as well, but seeing firsthand and having actual and engaging conversations will go far with your decision. I favor the van over the teardrop... AT brought up some good points and has an experienced point of view, and John's comment certainly makes sense (not to discount the other's, but these two comments resonated strongly with me), and I think that you're introducing complexities into your decision by getting a trailer relevant to your apartment complex. There's a balance that we all contend with regarding mobility and comfort. You'll get more mobility with the van, and I honestly believe that you'll be comfortable in it as well, even using it regularly as you get ideas on what you want & where you want to put it, decor, paint, fabric, etc. I think the learning curve will have less damage and more fun if you went with a van.

 

[ride4321]

I'm in the process of trying to figure which combo will work best for hitting the road in retirement. Like everyone here says you'll likely change your mind as you go so I decided not to worry about it too much. I've decided to start out with a minivan (Sienna) and either a bigger teardrop design or small cargo trailer that I can haul a midsize motorcycle in. I'm in the process of building out the van right now. If you like the vehicle you have try out a small trailer or teardrop. I'm not sure I'd buy a new one though, you'll lose a lot if you decide to resell. Maybe you could just rent a small u-haul cargo and see how that feels for a weekend of camping, it will give you a good idea of how you'll deal with limited space. Just an idea.

 

[Motrukdriver]

How many folks here get to a campsite, set it up and then just stay inside their camper or van or what ever you have? I'm guessing very few if any. Most folks go outside to do stuff outside. A teardrop is basically just your bedroom were you sleep and maybe kick back to watch TV or what ever later in the evening. I love the outside kitchen a teardrop offers around back. Set up a shade tarp or netting with lawn chairs. The tow vehicle can be used as your storage area for stuff you set up camp with. I think a Toy and a teardrop is a great idea. If I was single I wouldn't have any issues with this combo.