Ready to buy an RV but need help!

Check out the older Camplite 16DBS (2012 - 2016). They are all aluminum, very simple to maintain, dual axle and start around 2750 pounds dry weight. You would have to find one with an all weather package and may need to install some kind of flooring on an older unit. They may be small as a live in, but are worth a look.

 

Trade for a full size truck and your options on a camper expand a great deal. Along with a much better towing experience when laying all those miles down.

 

Casita ($), Escape ($$), Bigfoot ($$), Oliver($$$). All good options. Casita is a little small for full-time (ish) living, IMO. Escape 21 looks like a great balance between cost and function/features. Oliver if money not so much an issue.

 

Yeah, Ill be traveling with a cat and 2 small dogs so wall-to-wall carpeting is a big "nope" for me. I don't love any of the the well-made sandwich style trailers. I am going to have to weigh the cost of a fiberglass/aluminum RV with the cost of being very proactive about maintaining a cheaper RV (annual roof sealing for example).

 

I would not buy brand new. the trick is finding an RV with original owner who has taken serious good care of their RV but only used it a few times a year! I ask all the good questions since I've been down this road before and know what to ask and what the red flags are...RV-living part-time is a dream for me as I've always been a nomad and now that I am semi-retired can really explore my wanderlust!

 

cool, thanks! This is new to me.

 

This is my first time looking at these trailers and I am leaning towards Rpod and Geo pro!

 

Gently used and meticulously maintained is what I am looking for!

 

I've never been to one! Good call

 

I am officially going down that particular rabbit hole! they have lots of interesting and different floorplans and designs.

 

My first trailer was supposed to be towed but I ended up parked for 2 years. I have been pondering buying a much smaller trailer for adventure but after 2 years of talking about it, I am ready to pull the trigger. It's a process for me but it is time to hit the road before I get too old or too scared!

 

I've been down this road before. I am 3 years into paying off a 6-year loan on my Taco and with prices the way they are now, it just doesn't make sense. But I recognize this as the limiting factor.

 

I would love a double axle for peace of mind but I do not think that exists at my weight limit

 

I know this to be true but since I cant afford both a truck upgrade and an RV, I will settle for my limited options. I also do delivery for a living and an 8 cylinder would kill me gas-wise.

 

If I play my cards right and take excellent care of a cheaper build, I think I can make it work. Also, traveling with the weather so as to avoid rain and snow as much as possible!

 

Thanks for the myriad responses!!

I realized last night that I hadn't actually thought through the "boondocking on BLM land" thing thoroughly. A- I am already very isolated on a mountain top so I am looking for more community and human interaction. More importantly, B - I'm traveling with 2 dogs and likely my cat and I can't imagine leaving them in the RV while I do grocery shopping etc so that will now be a rare occurrence.

I was using that option as a way to save money but it just doesn't make sense with what I am seeking. I have been in deep solitude for 6 years and I want the opposite of that - which I realize is a complete 180 from most folks who buy an RV. They want peace and solitude! I want community!

So I am now looking into RV clubs like Thousand Trails. A good friend lives in her RV 5 months a year and will help me navigate that as the likely choice.

 

Check out layouts too if you go to an RV show. Walk thru scenarios how you would use it. We did that with skiing, MTB riding, hiking, paddleboarding, etc. I walk in with X stuff from the activity and where does it go? How do I hang up wet gear to dry. Write some ideas down before you go then sit in the trailer and walk thru them. RV show is best since you won't get high pressure hassles because there are 10,000 other people doing the same thing. You can do it peacefully and take your time.

 

That’s my wife and too. We have been very blessed and retired young. That’s why we’re looking too. We love to visit the state parks, national parks and hike.

 

Funny, different needs, I love it.

For me it is the isolated setting I'm looking for. No hook ups is fine, I carry enough water for up to 4 days, propane for weeks and I have a solar panel for keeping the battery charged and a generator if the sun fails me.

 

Take a look at a Max from Little Guy. I have a 2018 that served as a weekday home for several years, while I was working out of state.

They are well built (unfortunately, they use Dometic appliances, so you have to deal with their quality). The interior is built from solid wood, so it looks good as well as is sturdy. The best thing is all the windows. You feel like you are outside, even though you are inside.