retiredjg wrote: ↑Sat Jul 07, 2012 7:45 pm
I'm thinking I might just go traveling/camping for a year or two. Then again, I might not. But I've been considering doing it since before I retired 5 years ago and I've been looking at travel trailers and motorhomes for about 6 or 7 years. So, I expect I'll probably need to do it at some point. Waiting too many years longer doesn't seem to be the best option.
I've pulled a boat or two. And a little pop up trailer when I was a youngster. But I've never pulled a living size trailer or really any type trailer for more than a few hours. So I'm a little concerned about jumping directly into pulling a full size travel trailer for hours at a time in all manner of conditions. In addition, I'll be traveling alone (other than the dogs) so there will be nobody to help out if/when things get tough.
I've got no worry about whether I can do it (at some point). I just don't want to jump in over my head in the beginning. So I'm thinking about something smaller - 23 foot, 25 foot, maybe 27 foot. Probably nothing larger, at least to start. I've looked at camper-trailers smaller than this and they don't seem to be a good choice for an extended trip.
I'll have to buy another vehicle to pull most trailers. I've got a small SUV right now and it will only tow smaller trailers and probably not very effectively uphill. Especially at altitude. However, since this will also be my only vehicle, I want something in the higher gas milage range.
I've looked at a lot of things, but keep coming back to
wanting an Airstream. I like the quality. Other stuff just seems cheap, especially in the smaller versions. And a lot of other things just don't smell right to me - I'm sensitive to chemicals in fabric, cheap wood, etc. The cheaper it is, the more it is a problem for me.
I'm willing to buy used, but even a used Airstream can be
quite expensive and often hard to find.
What say you Boglehead camper/travelers? What should I be looking at? What do I need to consider?
Edit: Oops. Sorry for bumping an old thread. Need more coffee. The following advice still stands.
The larger the RV the more restricted you will be.
You have to find the balance (size/comfort vs size restrictions) that works for you and the places you want to go.
Suggestions:
1. A class B, B+, or a small class C under 23ft will get you everywhere.
Pros: Park at grocery stores easily, park in any campsite not just restricted to larger sites. Class Bs will have best gas mileage of any RV on average.
Cons: Less space overall, higher price on B, and B+. Need to tow a small vehicle or just realize you need to take your house with you when you go out for the day. But since it's small not a big deal. Class Bs have highest cost, but also hold their value the best.
2. Travel Trailer under 23 ft overall.
Pros: Can get into almost all campsites. Lighter weight. Leave your house at the site and take the tow vehicle for exploring. Cheapest cost if you already have a tow vehicle.
Cons: More difficult stopping anywhere on your trip. All stops have to be planned and thought out. Stopping for gas? Alot of smaller gas stations are out because of access or turns in the lot. Or the fact that your trailer and tow vehicle will be blocking the lot while you are fueling. Stopping for groceries? Same thing. Plan on parking way out in lot, or on street.
If you want to go anywhere stay with the smallest RV possible. Ideally a class B or C.
We currently own a 18.5 ft overall trailer. In retirement we will be going to a B most likely.