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08-25-2010, 02:20 PM
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#21
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Senior Member
Trailer: 74 Boler 13 ft / 97 Ford Aerostar
Posts: 368
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Hi,
My lovely bride and I have been talking for more than a year about this very question. With (hopefully) retirement looming on the horizon in less than 4 years, we want to be able to travel to warmer climes in the winter and visit our kids and relatives who are scattered throughout Canada. I have read many of the previous forum topics relating to this over the past couple of years, and they all make good points.
The big advantage of a motorhome for us (we are really thinking of a smallish camperized van, as we want to keep it small), is that it is self contained, so that we can actually park in downtown Vancouver where two of our kids live. With the Boler, we are usually unable to find parking within several miles of the incredibly crowded west end of the city. We once had to park in North Vancouver and take the ferry over to Vancouver to visit. That was quite fun, except that we were worried about whether the parking lot operator would object to us taking up two spaces and whether we would get back in time to avoid a ticket. With the camperized van, we can also camp almost anywhere overnight while travelling. We have owned camperized vans in the past and quite enjoyed them.
We like to tow the trailer with a van because of the extra enclosed space in the van as opposed to a pickup truck. Lately (since 1997) we have been using a Ford Aerostar AWD minivan, however none of the newer domestic minivans have rear wheel drive so they can’t tow much. We always buy domestic vehicles because we want to keep the profits in North America. When the Aerostar dies within the next year or so, I may try for a 2005 Chevy Astrovan, which appears to be the only other domestic minivan with rear/all wheel drive. Our gas mileage with our current setup is about 17 mpg at 65 mph on the highway, which is acceptable and which seems to be about the same as our friends who have camperized vans. We love the Boler, except for the 48 inch wide bed (even after I widened it as much as practical). I am looking for a older 14 foot fibreglass trailer, or else I may do a massive mod next year to widen the bed.
The big disadvantage of a motorhome or camperized van is what was already said in this and other forums. If we set up our campsite and have to go into town for eggs, we have to take most of the campsite with us and leave the rest without any secure storage. We really like being able to leave the camp set up when we toodle around the neighbourhood to the tourist venues. There are issues around auto repairs as well, but we are not worried about that so much.
So, at the moment it seems to come down to the type of travelling we expect to be doing. If we go from place to place a lot and not stay long in one place, or if we have places to stay with relatives or friends most places we go, then a camperized van has advantages in mobility. On the other hand, if we are likely to go somewhere and stay there a few days or weeks at a time to explore the surroundings, then a trailer has advantages.
Since we expect to do both types of travelling at different times, the discussion continues, probably until we actually retire and have experience to go on.
Rick G
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08-25-2010, 02:43 PM
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#22
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Senior Member
Trailer: 13 ft Burro
Posts: 220
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If I go for a motorhome one of these old GMC Motorhomes would be high on my list even if I had to drop in a new crate engine, I still want the fiberglass like these and these just look cool.
There is one in town for 12k in looks in good shape.
Scott
Customed out they look really cool!
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08-29-2010, 02:50 PM
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#23
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Junior Member
Trailer: No Trailer Yet
Posts: 27
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thanks
Thanks everyone for your replies. I'm more educated now on the differences in construction. On reading some of the motorhomes' websites, some did sound like molded fiberglass, but the superstructure question hadn't occurred to me.
I've let this idea go for afew reasons. We don't have the money for a new or slightly used motorhome, only a 15+ year old one. The engine seems like it would be iffy at that age, even if the RV body might be intact. Also, we aren't going to be touring around or visiting relatives, but probably full-timing in one campground for 6 months and another for 6 months. A trailer does seem more logical for that sort of use. After retirement in 10 years, we might travel a little. But not a lot.
The other reason I was tempted by the motorhomes was the choice of floorplans, even after eliminating those with slides and regular construction (we want a minimum of leaks and problems). Even just looking at Born Free, Coach House and Chinook, there were a lot of floorplans to choose from.
Now we are back to eggs. For two people, the only one that would really be comfortable for long-term living would be the 25' Bigfoot, which someone here pointed out to me a few months ago. And since they are out of business, we'd have to find a used one. Most of those are in Canada. So limited choices in floorplans. I wish Trillium made larger units since we live in CA. I like their construction. I also like Eggcampers. We do have enough money for a new egg (though the Escapes might be a stretch cuz of the bad exchange rate). I've noticed some couples have tried full-timing in smaller eggs, but I don't know if it's only been for a year or smaller amounts of time. Maybe we don't need the 4-season thing, since CA doesn't get below freezing for long at a time.
I'll keep meditating on it and reading the forums.
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09-19-2010, 04:58 PM
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#24
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Junior Member
Trailer: Eggcamper
Posts: 2
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We have had an all electric Eggcamper for about 3 years. It has been all over the US including a 5 week trip. It is wonderful. Not having been a camper prior to buying this, I was very nervous. My husband had done lots of camping, but I was a hotel, colored TV kinda girl. I have enjoyed this more than I can imagine. The fact that we do not have to worry about the propane and tunnels which ban the tanks, has been very nice. You can still boondock, but not TV. Isn't that what boondocking is about though?
We did nto like the Scamp or Casita because of the all of the carpeting inside. Holds smells and not easy to clean. Ours is easy to clean and smells good all the time.
Get an Eggcamper.
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09-19-2010, 09:25 PM
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#26
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Senior Member
Trailer: 1977 TM14 Surfside / 2007 Toyota Tundra V8 2wd
Posts: 289
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For two people, the only one that would really be comfortable for long-term living would be the 25' Bigfoot, which someone here pointed out to me a few months ago. And since they are out of business, we'd have to find a used one. Most of those are in Canada.
Hi Lisa,
I met Ron from Oregon who was selling his Bigfoot trailer (25?) back in May. I'm not sure if he still has it or not. Maybe if you posted a note, he may contact you if he still has it. Good luck. Marina
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09-19-2010, 10:05 PM
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#27
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Senior Member
Trailer: Scamp 16 ft Side Bath
Posts: 705
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Fgmh ?
Hi, Lisa - as others have said, I think this depends on your choice of travel style.
1st, I agree with Donna D ... I'd jump at one of those rare Scamp MH's
Next, We also like the GMC MH's but not the idea or expense of such a large rig to muscle thru city traffic. A Joy stated, a TV and small FG trailer can easily park in just 2 spaces.
Lastly, we chose TV and trailer for the above-mentioned reasons. We like the mobility of leaving the Egg in our campsite, whether in a CG, RV park or dry-camping and touring or exploring with our van. Plus, our E350 Ford is our mobile storage container for things like off-season clothing, tools, extra supplies, etc. AND we can go uphill a lot faster!
And a note about size - you can be comfortable in a small trailer. We enjoyed our first 3 1/2 years of full-timing in a 13ft. Scamp with no sense of being confined. We recently upgraded to a 16ft. Scamp with a bath (named it 'the Royal Flush') and that has expanded our camping options a bunch.
Enjoy you research and 'shopping' - L 'n D
p.s. If we ever have a shot at a Vixen MH in good condition, most of this logic will disappear - they are awesome! LdB
__________________
“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions.” A. Einstein
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09-19-2010, 10:23 PM
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#28
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Senior Member
Trailer: Former Burro owner and fan!
Posts: 9,015
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Having just recently become an Ex Motorhome owner, I can speak with experience.. don't do it LOL
Even if you never have any drivetrain issues, its a traveling nightmare, especially if towing a car. No quaint camping spots for you, you are limited to pull thrus when on the road. All the benefits of easy set up are torn down when the car is a factor.
Living in one is not as nice as you would expect. I found the biggest problem was it was like living in a 31 foot hallway. No floorspace to speak of, but LOTS of storage. Everywhere. Above, below and surrounded by it. Made it feel really cramped, even if the fixtures were full sized.
I doubt I will ever own one again.
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09-20-2010, 11:33 AM
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#29
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Senior Member
Trailer: 2007 Casita
Posts: 3,428
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Lisa, as you see the reasons for going trailer versus motor home are as varied as are the many rv options to choose from.
Take your time looking especially if your planning to live in it. I agree with the Bigfoot or EggCamper suggestions. Much bigger floor plans than say a Casita.
Gina, did I miss something? Are you back in an egg?
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09-20-2010, 05:49 PM
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#30
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Senior Member
Trailer: 13 ft Scamp Deluxe 2007 and 40' Allegro Bus
Posts: 219
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We actually have both, a 13' Scamp and a 40' diesel motorhome. There is, in our opinion, a place for both depending on the type of camping you wish to do. We consider our Scamp our summer camping unit for National Parks as well as other shorter ( 1 or 2 weeks in length). Our motorhome is our second home that we live in during the winter . In short, camp in the Scamp and live in the motorhome when we snowbird in the South. Works for us although "different strokes" as they say .
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09-20-2010, 08:22 PM
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#31
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Senior Member
Trailer: 1988 16 ft Scamp Deluxe
Posts: 25,697
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Davep
We did nto like the Scamp or Casita because of the all of the carpeting inside. Holds smells and not easy to clean. Ours is easy to clean and smells good all the time.
Get an Eggcamper.
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I just have to comment on this. The Scamp marine "rat fur", or Escape "headliner material" or Casita carpet, does not hold odors any more than an EggCamper upholstery or curtains or rugs on the floors hold odors. I don't think any Scamp/Escape/Casita owners would want to camp in a stinky trailer any more than an EggCamper owner. There are usually reasons for wanting an EggCamper or other all fiberglass interior, but it's not because of the interior materials holding smells.
__________________
Donna D.
Ten Forward - 2014 Escape 5.0 TA
Double Yolk - 1988 16' Scamp Deluxe
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09-23-2010, 12:39 PM
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#32
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Senior Member
Trailer: Bigfoot 19 ft
Posts: 716
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When researching a fiberglass trailer, I spoke with a couple I knew via the dog games. They've owned several RV motor homes over the years, and the husband recently bought a Scamp 16 for solo fishing trips. The wife "took over" the Scamp on HT and dog training weekends.
The husband told me that he bought the Scamp because it could get him into areas that the RV could not go. Plus, huge gas savings. He told me that he has more fun with the Scamp than he every had with their RVs. They still use the RV for "family" trips, but that Scamp seems to be occupied most every weekend.
__________________
'02 Bigfoot 21’ | '07 Chevy Tahoe
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09-23-2010, 04:46 PM
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#33
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Senior Member
Trailer: 1999 Scamp 16 ft ('The Pod')
Posts: 293
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bud Kennedy
I have never seen someone driving their MH to work for instance.
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Our next door neighbor drives his Pleasure Way to work and uses it a lot otherwise to go to dinner and shopping. Nice to have a bathroom handy no matter where you are.
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04-30-2012, 06:14 AM
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#34
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Senior Member
Trailer: U-Haul CT13
Posts: 778
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My brother gave me this and I drove it home to CT from Indiana last week and it averaged 13.3 to the gallon.
It's fiberglass from the cab back and really comfy. We are taking it camping this weekend!
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05-06-2012, 05:10 PM
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#35
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Senior Member
Trailer: U-Haul CT13
Posts: 778
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had this thing out this weekend....roomier than our ct13 but not as tall...we liked it and the ease of using it.
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