Some of the RVs I’ve lived in
Living in small spaces appeals to me. So living mostly solo in various RVs for the past 20 years has worked well. Started off in a van then slide-in cabover pickup truck camper, school bus conversion, bumper pull trailer, truck camper on trailer, motor home and 5th-wheel. I’ve learned to be picky like any home buyer. It took two years of hunting to find the 34 foot 5th-wheel I currently live in that was within my budget. I knew what I wanted, a rear living room with big Imax windows and slide-outs to make the space livable even when pulled in. I can easily see the 5th-wheel hitch but have trouble with a bumper hitch. My preference includes maintaining only one engine as my tow vehicle. I happen to like driving a truck. However your needs differ ensure you take some of the suggestions below into consideration to find the right RV for you.
Not all RVs, or people, are created equal
There are many considerations that potential RV buyers should think about. Go to the RV shows, even if you’re not considering buying new. This offers you the opportunity to check out various floor plans beyond looking at a picture. If more than one person will be living or traveling in this wheelestate it has to be comfortable to all. What are you’re needs?
Solo, couple, family, weekender, vacation, fulltime, boondocking off the grid, RV parks or campgrounds, extra toys like bikes, kayaks, motor cycles, power boats, ORVs, hobbies… Don’t be afraid to make a list.
Try this
Think about the basic living space. Rear living room, bedroom, bath room or kitchen? Because I spend most of my inside time at my desk in the living room and very little time in the kitchen I prefer the large windows in a rear living room. Yet I still have to cook and clean up the mess. Stand at the kitchen sink and pretend to do dishes. Will the sink accommodate your largest pan? Is the sink so far back you’re leaning over the counter in a back breaking position? Do you bump your head on the overhead cupboards? Are there enough cupboards for even a reduced lifestyle? Remember to consider weight so you don’t destroy your rolling home.
Sit at the booth or table. Did you have to squeeze in like a size 12 into a 2? How much elbow space? Would the table top hold 2-4 dinner plates without overlap? I prefer a free-standing table with chairs but that removes storage found under the bench seats of a booth. Plus the booth will usually make into a bed.
Wherever you will sleep, bed, booth or couch, lay down on that puppy, for a while. Both of you together if that’s the case. Does someone have to crawl over the other and is there head room for that? Some RVs advertise a “queen” bed but it’s not always a standard size so sheets are different. If/when the mattress needs replacing the odd ball size will have to be special ordered. Oh yea, I should mention that all items purchased at a RV Store are usually expensive.
Dare I mention the bathroom, if it has one. Not usually master bedroom size with a garden tub. Whether it’s a room of its own or not, sit down on the toilet. Time to pretend again. Can you reach the toilet paper without bashing elbows or tweaking your back? Same goes for showering, which you might already be in if it’s a shit/shower/shave style. Can you stand up, and turn around?
Slide-outs change a narrow road-legal width into a wider floor plan that offers a little more space and comfort. I put off slides until this unit for several reasons. Foremost, if a slide won’t come in via the handy little button operating a motor the next option includes hand cranking with multiple lift push human labor. Living alone and boondocking my ultimate fear was a slide malfunction. Would I be able to get slides back in by myself?
The other slide-out dilemma includes what you can’t get to when the slides are in. I’ve seen some strange layouts that make the kitchen useless and the bathroom inaccessible. Does that work for you? When on the road I enjoy the freedom to stop and make a meal rather than always pay to eat out, or think ahead which is not my style. During a quick park there’s not always space to open the slide(s). Can you access the refrigerator, sink, stove, pantry?
RVs come in many shapes and sizes to suite different needs, and bigger is not always better. Talk to RVers who will have many more suggestions I’m sure. Take your time looking around. I’ve had good luck finding used RVs on craigslist.
Making a purchase of my own
So why all this RV advice? Because I’ve been practicing what I preach. For about a year I’ve been shopping for yet another slide-in cabover truck camper. Yes, I live in a RV. It’s my big home that basically gets moved twice a year from my central Arizona winter place to the North Rim Grand Canyon. I don’t consider this camping and am no longer overly fond of sleeping on the ground yet still like to go to remote places. The truck camper is my toy to go play. And I found one. But in the excitement forgot to take photos and I haven’t brought it home yet. Soon. Then I can take a road trip.
Congratulations! Great post… I’m always considering, reconsidering and debating exactly what I want vs what I need. Most people I have talked to keep going bigger. I will be awaiting to hear how you adjust to going smaller.
The truck camper is not replacing the 5er which I still call home. Yet it’s so mobile. I’m always blown away thinking about sitting in the back of my pickup with basic comforts.
Great post for those who are considering the purchase of an RV. So many get bowled over by the glitz that they miss the important things like livability.
And just when I thought I had it figured out I’d want something different.
Congrats on the new Truck Camper! I’m still in the “decision-making” phase of figuring out my next home, but know it will be mobile and not another “sticks and bricks.” I’m starting to think along your lines that just one RV is not enough, and perhaps the true answer is, indeed, multiple RVs! A nice bigger comfy one to live in, and a fun little one to go travel and explore in.
Great post and very wise observations on choosing an RV.
The only problem for me having two RVs is making two trips to the North Rim and back. Good luck making a decision.
BTW, your remodeling job turned out beautiful including the wood floors that I’m sure the dog doesn’t love.
Had a couple Volkswagon Campers years ago & loved em. Like you, I’ve always felt comfortable in small spaces as well. I’ve always kinda liked the idea of a truck camper too. Looking down the road a bit we’re asking ourselves if we really need a big Motorhome anymore. Nice to be excited about something new eh:))
Always wanted a VW bus and instead had a Chevy van that looked like a VW inside. I get lost in a house and would collect far too much stuff. I’m excited about heading into the desert in cozy comfort.
Can’t wait to see your new rig. We have been lucky that our 32′ MH w/one slide-out can and has gone most everywhere, and is very comfortable and nice to live in full-time. You will have so much more freedom and fun trips to come! Congrats…
I’m dreaming and scheming already.
Woohoo! You found it! I get drooly thinking of truck campers. Can’t wait to see your pictures!
I can’t wait to go play in the desert.
Please don’t drool on the couch. 😉
WOO HOO! That’s tremendous! I’m half jealous, half happy. I’m happous.
Love this post. Much as I like my bicycle I cannot see me cycling around with my home on the back, too much like hard work!! I love the RV you have now. Looking forward to seeing photos of the truck camper. Have a good week. Diane
I wouldn’t mind one of those big ones but I imagine its not cheap pulling it around if you had to travel a lot with it.
I love my big house too but you’re right, it’s not cheap to tow around. Thus the slide-in camper. I’ve been hunting for a van rental in SA and the only company I see is Lekker camper. Know of any others?
You can tell you are an experienced RV’er.
Thanks for the terrific insight, Gaelyn!
Hope this helps. Good luck hunting.
I’d know exactly what to look for now if I were hunting for an RV….I like the one with the bike…..
I love your living room with the big windows and colorful crocheted blanket on the couch. And your new truck camper sounds like fun!
Thank you Diane. The warm afternoon sun shines in as I type.
Lots of good advice here, Gaelyn. Hope the new truck camper is perfect.
I wish you luck with your RV situation. I really love that you have one. It does appeal to me as well. Of course the maintenance is another thing…..but it’s really cozy inside and reminds me of camping. Great info for those searching:)
That certainly was in depth review/advice if I ever saw one. Glad you found what you were looking for, now me, I’d go for the three wheeler . . .
Gaelyn, our robins are tiny compared to yours.
Congrats on finding a truck camper! We have learned by trial and error what sort of RV works for us. Can’t wait to see some photos. -Maureen
Great post! I just got a new (old) 30 foot 5er myself. Been toying with the idea of getting a cabover camper too for shorter fun excursions. Thanks for mentioning that.
Listen to this lady! Yes, go to all the RV shows you can to find what you do and don’t like. There are lots of different layouts and amenities. Some manufacturers seem to be much better at using the available space than others. Some amenities look really cool but if you aren’t going to use them as part of your lifestyle, why choose them and give up space to them? Check that bathroom too. You spend more time there than you think. A tiny bathroom will drive you nuts over time as a fulltimer!
I have never done camping actually which is a great pitty I see after reading your post. It’s always hard for me to decide what is useful and what is useless 😉
RVs are a great way to travel so it’s kind of like camping but with comforts. You should give it a try.