Van vs. egg camper

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Don't know anything about this company re: it's reputation for quality, and so on, but the prices sure look like they're in your range:

http://www.eurekacampersinc.com/clearance-campers

 

[mothercoder]

To tow a trailer you will need either a larger car,  larger SUV, truck, or van. Of those the one that is easiest to make liveable is the van. You might have to live in the tow vehicle while you save up for the trailer. Beds are not hard to make, or get a twin size futon from a second hand store.  Porta potties are cheap, or use a camping toilet, (plastic bag). Folding tables and chair, camping stove and cooler, you got a RV.  
If you want a show stopper it will cost you, but if you are happy with basic but comfortable it shouldn't break the bank. Being in a cold area, maybe get a heater and install insulation first.  You can learn how to do most everything by watching Youtube Videos.

All of that sounds great except the futon. My 62 year old back would scream bloody murder if I slept on a futon. But I can figure out something that works. I also don't need to worry about weather. I will be leaving in June and heading to temperate weather. 

YouTube videos are my nightly entertainment. )

 

[mothercoder]

Don't know anything about this company re: it's reputation for quality, and so on, but the prices sure look like they're in your range:

http://www.eurekacampersinc.com/clearance-campers

Thanks. They look interesting. I fired off an email to them.

 

[ArtW]

you did mention hitting the back country, so a consideration
In the back country, a road you're exploring can just...end
with no turn around room
can you back a trailer up a twisty road , maybe uphill, maybe for a mile or 3?
those camo and slide campers look good to me, but I don't think they give standing room
Of course, if you live out of your camper, insteasd of in it, that might not be ab issue

 

[ArtW]

oh, and a van build can be as simple as
throw a mattress in
throw some totes in, with your stuff in them
giton down th' road

More elaborate things can be done as time and health permit

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

Just a couple of thoughts:

• Don't skimp on your bed.  A good rest improves any experience and you spend 1/3 of your life in one.
• As I get older it gets harder to get up off the floor, so a mattress on the floor would be out for me.  I want to swing my legs out, get up into a sitting position before standing up.
• I have used a 4' X 8' sheet of plywood on top of plastic totes (of the appropriate height) with my favorite twin mattress on top.  Made a comfortable, temporary bed.  Totes can be slid out like drawers if no-one is on the bed.
• You need to decide if not being able to stand upright inside will work for you.  Being able to stand up inside and stretch my back is important to me.
• If you use any kind of open flame in your camper have a CO detector.  Cheap insurance.

 -- Spiff

 

[Lorrie]

I am for buying a real camper van yo start. 
I could not do the conversion and I found a 1993 Chevy Horizon Van in Reno, Nevada off craigslist. I paid $3800.00 for it. Yes I spent another $3000.00 on the deferred maintenance items. It had 82,000 miles. This summer  I traveled Oregon, Washington, Canada and San Juan  Islands. Feeling blessed to have this 19 foot high top van.

 

[Txjaybird]

I've had 4 vans, 7 pickups,  4X4 full size Bronco and currently drive a 1991 4x4 Ford Ranger that is almost "new' due to rebuilds/repairs/replacement parts I've done in the 13ys I've had it.  I've also numerous travel trailers, tents. popup campers, and 1 TIPI.

I'm in my 60s with arthritis, diabetes and only 3 joints in my body that haven't suffered some type of trauma or injury.    Basically I'm tore up from the floor up!   :huh:

I needed a new TT that my current vehicle would tow.  I had decided to keep my Ranger earlier this year because it's paid for and I know what it's problems are and it has a 4.0 V6. ,4 wheel drive, overload rear springs and a extended cab.

So I needed a new T.T. that was......affordable on my SSDI income, that I could hookup & tow & setup by myself, that the Ranger would pull easily,  and had low wind resistance.

I lucked out and found a 2004 Aliner that met all the requirements on my list.  As banged up as I am and being short legged I can still pop it up by standing on the 3rd rung of a 6ft ladder and have it ready to use in less than 10min.    These Aliners aren't cheap new however mine was $6,000 with the higher axle for off road use, and then I received $2,000 trade in on my Viking popup which was for sale as I am at the point that I can no longer crank the roof up or pull out the bedslides any longer without help.

I like the egg T.T.s however the Aliner is good for now & when I can't climb up on a ladder in another 20 to 30ys       I'll make a change.   Pop Up Portal, Aliners Owners Club and  the Fiberglass RV sites all have classified ads and they aren't restricted to the type of TTs offered so you might find something there.  

If starting from scratch I'd want a 3/4 ton pickup with a back seat and at least a 6 1/2ft bed with a topper for storage to start with.  An Aliner now and a Scamp/Casita or similar TT later.

I have found it easier to find a T.T. for my vehicle than the other way around.  You may find what you want as you travel west if you haven't found it before you're ready to roll.  

I hope you find what you need...It took me months to find the Aliner.

Jewellann

 

[rvpopeye]

I am thinking about getting a Scamp 5th wheel and mounting it on my class C frame in place of what's there now...

Jewellann
just 20 or 30 years?

 

[Txjaybird]

I am thinking about getting a Scamp 5th wheel and mounting it on my class C frame in place of what's there now...

Jewellann
just 20 or 30 years?

 Yup  I  figure I'll slow down in my 80s & 90s or there about.  I actually saw a Scamp 5th wheel for sale somewhere recently, maybe it was on Fiberglass Rv ?

Jewellann

 

[accrete]

My wife and I have a combination of DIY / Pro build van. We have ~$20k into the conversion (+ cost of van) Not cheap, but really Big Bang for the buck compared to most options. 

The other thing we tried is a small fiberglass trailer (Parkliner) but sold it after three years as it was holding us back from our wanderlust...so we are back to van alone. 

We both feel that for our style the van is the best fit. 

Best wishes on your research and hunt for the right-for-you setup.

Thom