Howdy from Texas, y'all

[Fibtek]

Newb here with the same-old-same-old newb questions.

I don't own an RV, but have been lusting over them for years, especially the fiberglass ones.

Looking for basing info as I am tired of Hotels and considering a venture into a new kind of vacation possibilities.

There are two of us, plus two large dogs. Every time we want to go somewhere, we not only have to find ourselves an overpriced, unspectacular hotel room, but we have to pay to get a dogsitter and leave our dog-children behind.

There are some really nice campgrounds not too far from us that are half the price and look to be twice the fun! BUT... I need some help with what to consider.

Need to have a shower/bathroom - wife INSISTS, and I AGREE.

Need something that I might even be able to pull with a 6cyl Escape. Could use our Crown Vic, but better to have the option of the Escape as well.

Need to do it all for as far under $10k as possible - I am handy and a fixer-upper is not too much of a problem.

I am 6'3" and would like to be able to stand up straight in said RV.

Must be comfy for two people and two dogs.

So what would you suggest? I am already thinking Scamp, Casita.

I have even been looking at small motorhomes, but don't like the idea of a motor tied to the trailer. Rather have the option of using with multiple vehicles.

[Donna D.]

to FiberglassRV, we're glad you're here!

Lots of kind and helpful folks here on the forums, someone will be along shortly to help answer some of your questions.

I just wanted to say HI from Portland, Oregon

[luvrOlife]

Hello CW,

Thought I'd follow in Donna's hospitable footsteps and send out the Welcome wagon!

I have a vintage uHaul that is about 6ft. high inside. Being Vertically challenged the ceiling height was never an issue for me. A friend of mine has a vintage Hunter Compact. It has a pop-up roof for added height, that provides extra ventilation too.

I also own a 2011 Escape and have been "haulin' my Pearl Jam" allover Northern California and the Sierra's since I got her. I normally get between 25-26 mpg and when I tow, I average about 22-23mpg.

Most vintage eggs weigh from 1000-1300#'s.

Another friend of mine, purchased a custom 19' Casita. I believe her tow weight is about 2200 lbs. She pulls it with a Toyota Tacoma V6.

Take a gander at the Gallery...if you're handy you'd be able to purchase a really nice used one in your budget!

Good Luck with the Hunt! -V

[Gene Masse]

I see you are in Texas. Casita is in Rice Tx. Go and check out their products. At least that would be one way to begin your search.

[Mary F]

To get a Casita that tall, you'll need a 17ft., which probably isn't a good match for the Escape tow vehicle (or Crown Vic, for that matter - the 17's are a little heavy on the tongue weight.) Their 16 ft. would be a better choice, but the interior height isn't going to make you happy.

I know next to nothing about Scamps, but I think their interior head clearance may be a little higher than Casita's.

[Donna D.]

At 6'3", I'd worry less about standing headroom and more about bed size. You'll spend very, very little time inside any of these trailers standing straight up. But you'll spend hours every night laying down.

[Mary F]

Good point, Donna.

CW, check out this topic called Bed sizes.

[Gene Masse]

I agree the bed is more important. I have a 16' Casita and am 6'2". I have to stoop some. I really don't care. I'm not usually standing around in the camper much. I don't consider it much of an issue. Casita does have a queen option I believe. If you can get it in a 16 your TV should be able to handle it. Two big dogs, well that's another issue.

[DrewSK]

We've taught our dogs to use the front bottom bunk bed and under the bed (table) as their bed space. They all "den" in their spaces.
We have a 16ft scamp with a side bathroom and 3-4 20lb-30lb dogs, depending on how full the shelters are. I am however "horizontally challenged".

[luvrOlife]

To again follow Donna's Wisdom; the friend I mentioned searched for a Hunter Compact because 1) He's 6'3" & 2) it has a queen size bed 3) the pop top was a nice bonus for fresh air and height when needed.

[luvrOlife]

Oh i forgot the most important ** it was recommended by users on this forum! Well there ya go CW

[carlkeigley]

to the Forum CW.

This is twice your desired budget.
A few used ones out there but too new to be cheap.

But thought you'd enjoy knowing they are out there.
I still look at all the egg models............

Backyard Photo Shoot

[Bob Miller]

Yoy didn't mention exactly which year and model Escape you have, but I suggest that you first look in it's owners manual for a towing weight limit.

There are very few 13' with a bathroom/shower, the Scamp being one when so equipped. But adding those features to a 13' egg cuts down significantly on the usable interior space. For that reason I would suggest looking at 15 & 16 foor trailers that are so equipped, but, at the same time, keep one eye on the weight and the other on your budget.

Good Luck and be sure to ask lots of questions

[Fibtek]

Yes - I have been looking at Bed lengths - definitely a concern.

That "Lil Snoozy" is REALLY cool - was looking at their website too. Nice!

My other considered option is one of the older Toyota based motorhomes like a Sunrader, but it makes me nervous to have a vehicle attached.

THANKS for the replies - looks like I need to keep researching and go out and see a few in person.

[Fibtek]

Here is another question regarding toilets.

If you DO NOT have a toilet in your rig, how do you usually find the acCOMMODE-ations at the RV parks you visit?

Do you find that most places offer clean restrooms and showers?

Is it worth using the park facilities to gain the extra space in your RV?

Does it make a big difference in weight? Maybe my Escape could handle the weight if no toilet/shower and associated water tanks?

My Escape is an '02 V6 3.0.

[honda03842]

Texas has a lot of well attended fiberglass trailer rallies. Usually on Saturday they have an open house, a great chance to check out trailers. Go to the rally section of the forum for details.

We use campground showers and some are better than our home showers.

[Donna D.]

Clean is subjective.... I learned to swim in a cattle trough (don't put your feet down! ). So, if there's plenty of hotwater coming out of the shower head and I've got shower shoes on.... I'm good to go. Others expect "operating room clean," may be sadly disappointed. But I get as clean as YOU.

If there's a pit toilet and it's nasty, but I've brought my own TP and can hold my breath long enough or breathe through my mouth... it's usable.

Come on group... we've all been there. Admit it.

[carlkeigley]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

Clean is subjective.... I learned to swim in a cattle trough (don't put your feet down! ). So, if there's plenty of hotwater coming out of the shower head and I've got shower shoes on.... I'm good to go. Others expect "operating room clean," may be sadly disappointed. But I get as clean as YOU.

If there's a pit toilet and it's nasty, but I've brought my own TP and can hold my breath long enough or breathe through my mouth... it's usable.

Come on group... we've all been there. Admit it.

Are you kidding?! ADMIT IT???????............ROFL

[Fibtek]

I could probably buy a porta-potty to have as a backup in the trailer, because I am not one to use a toilet at an outdoor rock concert...

But I can deal with a reasonably clean shower. No doubt shower shoes would be in order, even if it looks spotless!

I have noticed that you can get a reasonably nice, and slightly larger motorhome, like the Sunrader (mid to late 80's) for a pretty low price - some even have low miles. You know there is always one out there that someone's grandpa owned and cared for diligently.

SO MANY DECISIONS!

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Fibtek

THANKS for the replies - looks like I need to keep researching and go out and see a few in person.

That's OUR secret Brochures and pictures don't even come close to sitting in a dinette or stretching out on a bed.

Best of luck in your egg hunt!