RV Life: Choosing the Right RV
Sometimes starting is not always a straight line.
Wisdom offered up by my mother as we discussed the turn of events and my future plans.
When I first began researching life on the road. I really didn’t have the parking space for much. Parking was very limited in Los Angeles. LA was cracking down on RVs parked on roads. I also didn’t own a vehicle that could tow a trailer. I needed something that would be relatively easy to drive, wouldn’t take a lot to get started (move-in ready) and fit my stuff.
Granted I have and had more stuff than I needed and still do.
While I like my 24 foot Class C - I don’t love it. Yes, I love that I have it, but I have determined I need to change rigs. Not that it doesn’t fit me, but I feel it limits me. Most that end up with style RV I purchased probably don’t have to work from the road and are not traveling with the intent I have.
I’ve been debating changing rigs since last fall. After spending my summer driving around Ohio in my dad’s Caddy, the ease of having a vehicle that has no height restrictions got me thinking. I keep telling myself I need another year of full time traveling in this RV before I make any changes, but something in my gut tells me I know I’m right.
Which leads to daydreaming instead of accomplishing what I need to for the day. Really I have a lot to do. Really do.
My hopes is that blogging about it and get these thoughts in my head on paper to help me stop daydreaming. Not sure if that will actually happen but I’m going to try.
There is no easy way to pick the right RV
For me my choices: Van or Travel Trailer & Truck. No more motorhome.
It’s all about weighing the pros and cons.
Let’s point out, right now I have the perfect amount of space. Any less and I would definitely have to rethink alot of my items. Is that a bad thing? Not really.
In my future (like the next couple of years), I planned on working at National Parks for seasonal work after traveling around the US for awhile. Which means having a truck / trailer combo makes the most sense. This would allow me to set up camp and take the truck to work or have the truck to explore on my days off.
So why do I keep daydreaming about vans? I mean seriously. I need to stop. They are quite overpriced. Unless I built one out and honestly after watching countless videos, it’s more skills than I have. There would be more bending to access areas in the van. I’m finding that bending isn’t much fun. Especially after having 2 knee surgeries.
Sigh.
My Pros vs Cons of a van vs. travel trailer
#VanLife
Pros
Small
Nimble
Easy to park
Easy to set up
Can stop when I want and where I want.
Can park anywhere.
Has everything I need.
Less Planning needed.
Cons
Small storage space
Less storage options
If I am camped somewhere everything goes.
If I want to explore (hike) pups right now are in the vehicle. (pet monitor)
Smaller Appliances
Would lose money if only kept for a year or two.
#traveltrailer
Pros
I can set up camp, plug in and use the tow vehicle to explore.
Pups would be safe in the RV (pet monitor)
I don’t have to pack up camp everytime I leave.
Allows me to have more freedom to explore hard to reach places in an RV/van.
Can stay longer in RV parks. (which is more cost effective)
Can get the truck now and take time looking for right trailer.
Cons
Have no idea how to tow
Can’t stop on a whim
More planning required
A lot more time to set up.
Alone when attaching and detaching the trailer.
Could be limited in camping options. Less spaces for longer rigs.
Truck / Trailer Wish list
I’ve determined what I need if I decide to go with the truck / trailer combo
Trailer Specs
Trailer: under $16k
Weight under 4K
Bunk House (not a requirement)
Full/Queen bed
Under 22 ft.
Full Size fridge.
Would like it to be solar ready or have solar
Backup Camera
Power Jack
Truck Specs
Truck under $20k
V8
Crew / Extended cab
4x4
Backup camera
Brake Assist
Air Bags
Anti Sway bars
What I would want in a Class B Van
For a Class B it’s about the price. Van prices can range from 10k to 200k. Many have opted to build a van out. Not in my wheelhouse of skills, so if I do get one, I would make modifications, but everything I don’t know how to do is already built in the van.
The model I love, The Winnebago Solis 59PX, is over 100K. It has everything I want and a pop-up tent on top for visitors or nights I want a view. It’s nimble, it has a shower if I really need it. It also has a cassette toilet. Is that better? Maybe.
The Roadtrek is at the top of my list of models for affordable vans, age would need to be a 2003 or newer. It looks like a beefer version of a Class B. It does sit a bit lower, but it has everything I would need.
The190 Popular is the layout I like. It has an additional closet towards the front.
Priced between $25-35K
This to me is the most ideal if I want to travel quickly.
Honestly If I had the money (income), I would invest in a Winnebago Solis 59PX - or if they decided they would sponsor me and allow me to use one for a year, that would be even better ;) - (again dreaming)
What’s Next for my RV Life?
My next step. Selling my rig. Cleaning out everything, move back into my parents basement. Pack up the unneeded items and store them until I get the new rig. I’ve already researched and there are a few travel trailer models I like.
It is unbelievably frustrating to be in my mind. Will the annoyance of having to pack up every time I move vs. the inability to quickly stop outweigh one over the other?
I have no idea, I do know however, that I will be moving back into the parents (temporarily) while I'm sort this out and sell my rig. I will be shooting a video for YouTube of the rig and making an announcement towards the end of June on price and full specs. If you are interested, fill out the form below and I will put you on the email list once I am fully ready to sell.
I am hoping to have whatever rig I decide on by September. In the meantime, I'm hoping my mind settles down and plan on working on some other videos over the next few months.
Trying to inprove my video/editing skills, I have been posting #shorts on YouTube of my weekly Vlog moments. Subscribe so you can follow the AYJ Journey!!
