56 replies to this topic

[Vic Harder]

 

In short, my ideal length would be a short box, extended cab.  In your case, I'd let first figure out what size camper you need, then commit to a truck.

 

Woot! So I have the "ideal" truck!  I note with interest that even my 2500HD has a less than idea turning radius, and is 19' 2" long, which is 2" longer than some NPS parks allow on "tenting" sites.  Do you think they would hassle me about the 2"?

[hoyden]

My replies also in red. 

 

Hello all,

 

Hi!

 

I can't speak to the truck - I have a Tacoma and love how nimble it is. But I'm also 5'4 on a good day with shoes on, so the smaller Fleet (vs Hawk) isn't as big a deal. I do know that Hawks are niiiice for more space, but I'm happy with my Fleet. Me n' two dogs did a lot of traveling in this rig comfortably. 

 

I read many threads about problems with the water system, freezing, pump failures, tank water tasting funny, and I wonder if there are more than a couple folks who have gone with the simple concept of water jugs, gravity and portable sink receptacle.

 

What I found with my water tank is I pay attention to the weather. If I have water in my tank and weather report says below freezing during the times I'm not driving/that I'm camped, I usually open the water pump access door and keep my furnace on. Sometimes I have drained the water, but doing it the other way I haven't had issues. 

 

Many of the water heaters heat 3-6 gallons of water when I would rarely need more than 1. I would think heating a gallon on the stove would be more practical but the water heater might be more energy efficient?

 

I've been living in my FWC Fleet since Dec, bought it new Nov 2015 and I've never used my water heater! Ha! If I want hot or warm water, I just heat it up on my stove. 

 

I like the concept of a basically self working shower system such as the road shower, thanks for showing me that Squatch, which under decent circumstances will heat the water and deliver a shower without using anything but mother nature and when she doesn't cooperate a kettle on the stove should fill the bill. Anyone else using that system or something similar and what do you think?

 

Another thing I haven't used. In my months on the road, there have only been a couple of times where I felt "geez, I really need a shower". Most of the time, showers have appeared when I want them. Campgrounds, friend's houses, or when I was still working and I took 4 day trips, I'd just shower before I left and when I got home. Then again, I'm not a "must shower every day" kind of person either. Even when I'm home, I only shower every few days. 

 

Anyone use a water purification system for the water you get from available sources on the road?

 

I'm looking forward to reading other people's answers on this. But so far, I've not had any issues. And when I have felt concerned about the water in my tank, (mostly irrationally, honestly), I boil it before use, or let the dogs have it, and have my own store-bought jugs to drink. 

 

As far as heat I am thinking a furnace might be better to control condensation but I know there are many who use the Wave heaters so any opinions from those who have used both?

 

I am so glad I got the furnace. Having a thermostat is GREAT.

 

Cassette/porta potti vs Luggable Loo..... I know there are many threads but are there those who have done both and have a preference

 

I originally had a porta-potti, but after dumping it a few times, I got grossed out by the splash potential and where stuff got stuck inside the unit and after about 6 months ownership I went to a Luggable Loo. That's what I've used since. It's so easy. 

 

Hope this helps! I also thought about going bare-bones and getting a Coleman stove and carrying a water container, but there's a reason I'm not in a tent. Well, there's a few reasons. Regardless, I am so glad I got the stove and sink and FLUSH MOUNTED (totally worth the extra cost). Furnace with thermostat is fantastic because you don't have to self-monitor, or turn it off at night (I set mine at 54F overnight), I ordered the solar with the Fleet because I knew trying to put it in myself would be nigh impossible and probably way more expensive. That said, I wouldn't mind a bigger panel, or another one. 

 

I'm still a little torn on the fridge. I definitely would have some fridge - screw coolers, they are a headache. The Dometic one I got with the camper is fine, but sometimes I wonder if opting for a very efficient top-loader might have been better. That said, I also wondered how I would have installed and fit one in. 

 

Hope my rambling helped!

Dawn

 

[Boonie]

Happyjax,

 

As I am sure you have seen so far the answers you have received have been as varied as the experiences and preferences of the person responding. Even the concept of what does "minimalist" mean. You have probably noticed that most campers who have been doing this for awhile have evolved their campers to fit their specific needs, desires, and preferences.

 

Since you have not mentioned if you currently have a camper or if this will be your first and whether you plan on buying new or used, I would suggest that before you make an unwise (and costly) camper selection on your first attempt, buy an older less expensive camper (and maybe truck) and use it for a year. Most older campers will sell for what you paid for it, so it is a cheap way to figure out what you like and what you do not. If it has a water tank, try a few trips with only jugs. If it has a hot water heater, don't us it; Heat water on the stove. If it has a refrigerator, try using a cooler. You get the idea.

 

Also, a hot water heater takes up about two cubic feet of space or 10% or more available cabinet space. Is that the best use of that space if you only occasionally plan on showering while camping? Again, you get the idea.

 

Realistically if you had Vic's camper, you might not be happy because it is what Vic wanted and not what you wanted.

 

And that's my 2 cents worth, Good luck.

[Vic Harder]

 

Realistically if you had Vic's camper, you might not be happy because it is what Vic wanted and not what you wanted.

 

And that's my 2 cents worth, Good luck.

Great advice, and besides, Happyjax can't have my camper!  

[Happyjax]

Well I don't know all about Vic's camper but I'll take that solar system

[Vic Harder]

20 more sleeps before we head out for a month of "testing" 

[alijabosdotcom]

14 more sleeps before I head off for 4 months of testing