Decision fatigue.
I have spent most of the last 5 days looking at camper vans and the limited supply of 1-tons, weighing the pros and cons, working on the numbers, budget, and affordability to determine my best travel move. I am exhausted and today, no decisions will be made. I am taking a well-deserved break and watching John Wick 1,2, 3 and 4 while I write this blog.
Three days ago I looked at vans. The options I like include a pop top, a tent that sits on the top of the van. I also like the seating behind the driver’s seat to be against the side wall (perpendicular to the driver’s seat). Until this year, 2024 models, I’ve not seen this layout on manufactured Class B’s. I wanted to check them out. I do get why many people designed their own. While I’m not going to build anything out, I did decide that if I EVER did, I know what and how I need to design it.
Camper Van Options
Thor Tellaro 20a
Seems to be the higher-end version of the Dazzle. Has nicer front seats and a few added upgrades, like solar. The mid-seat behind the driver is also perpendicular which I like. It literally opens the already small floor space.
Thor Dazzle 2jb
Has the mid-seat I like, but not a fan of the bed style which doesn’t really provide a “garage.”
Thor Dazzle 2ab
Has a bed with a garage and fantastic use of storage, but the mid-seat faces the front, which then cuts into the living space.
Solis 59 px
The OG, the original pop-top. The mid-seat unfortunately faces front.
Pocket 36a
Also new for 2024 and I’ve only seen photos, but no indoor shower. While most of the time I will not use the shower inside the van, having it for those times when needed is important.
I then checked out a couple of trucks. Tomorrow the plan is to look at another truck that is not only the needle in the haystack but has what I need and want in the truck. As I’ve discussed before, the truck camper route just makes the most sense but sometimes doubt or other ideas creep in and the mind shifts. One “but what-if” pops into my head and my mind changes. One of the many changes that has occurred in how I will be earning a living, so determining my “best” option began. The pros and cons list was created.
My “easy” camper must-haves.
A bathroom/shower.
A place for my dog to be on drive days (not on my lap)
4x4 Capability
A place for my printer and art supplies.
A place for another person to sleep if needed.
Room for folding tables, and items for art fairs.
Storage for an inflatable Kayak.
Camping Chairs
Seasonal Clothes
Kitchen Items …ie coffee pot, food, plates, pans etc
Power and storage to charge gear.
Camper Van vs. Truck Camper questions.
Do I get a van, something that is easy to drive, to park, to maneuver?
What layout makes sense?
Pop-top or none? Pop-top.
Can I trade in my trailer for a van? Yes.
Is that the easy way out of the trailer?
Do I upgrade my truck and find a truck camper that works? Which can allow me to remove the camper and stay in places longer?
Hard side or Soft side?
Will I travel to places that may have snow? Yes.
I spent 4 days debating, myself, and weighing ideas with my mom. Looking at every possible scenario and anticipating that in the next 4 years, I will learn more, become more confident in how I travel, the places I go, what will be more comfortable not just for me but for my dog.
It’s an investment and my money can only stretch so far before it breaks.
Until I make that choice, that decision and sign the paperwork, the constant barrage of pros and cons will continue. The constant google research will continue with lots of reading and research, I can tell you that the pros and cons at this point are equal.
My brain is exhausted.
What would you choose?