So we are planning to FT in our motorhome. Problem is, I still need to work and it does not have any place I can set up an office inside. We have considered trading in our coach for something with an office but that would present other problems--mainly the sleeping arrangements because we bought a bunk model so our 3 yr old will have her own bed.
So, I was at a dealer today and noticed these guys: Aliner
I thought what a perfect size for an office! It would give me a private working area away from our living quarters where I can work undisturbed and set up my computers, printers, etc.
Is this a practical solution to my problem? Ever seen anyone else pulling their office on the road? I realize I would be forced to pay for 2 sites at many RV parks and CGs.
Bill Adams said
06:12 PM Apr 19, 2011
So how would that work? You have a class A motorhome, pulling an Aliner. What are you going to do for a toad? I know of at least one couple who tows and the other person drives another vehicle where ever they go. Personally, I think they are nuts but it has worked for them for many years and they seem to be quite happy.
The Hensons said
06:15 PM Apr 19, 2011
Yes, my wife would be driving our toad. Thanks.
bjoyce said
06:24 PM Apr 19, 2011
You could also get a toy hauler motorhome and convert the garage area into an office and bunk bed area. Look for a used Newmar Allstar for a mid-engine diesel that might work.
The Hensons said
06:32 PM Apr 19, 2011
Thanks Bill...
Yes, we looked at toyhaulers and the Newmar 3950 when we were shopping. The Newmar is nice, but I don't think our daughter would like sleeping "upstairs". Neither of these options would really give me a private office either.
Mallo said
09:33 PM Apr 19, 2011
* shrug * My office tends to be the table and chair I carry in the basement of the fifth wheel down by the lake if it's good weather and the desk in the fifth wheel in bad weather but I have 3 cats not a 3 year old.
I have never seen anyone do what your saying using a second camper more common is people setting up a box trailer of some sort with a shop or an office. One advantage there is with the right size trailer you could put the car in it while moving then when the car comes out convert it to your office.
Mallo
Froggi said
10:17 PM Apr 19, 2011
Back in the 90's when my late husband and I traveled full-time, I set up my office on the dining room booth. That said, we didn't have kids or pets. LOL!
Linda said
08:57 AM Apr 20, 2011
We have seen the situation Mallo suggested. The couple had a motorhome and pulled a box trailer that held their car and their office.
DorisandDave said
10:16 AM Apr 20, 2011
We replaced the dining table and chairs in our 5er with a long desk. We have both our laptops and the printer on top and a file cabinet between our chairs under the desk. We also work on the road, but no toddler.
Doris
RandDWT said
12:08 PM Apr 20, 2011
Well, as they say, "there's no right way to do it", so your idea of the Aliner might be exactly right...for you. Go for it and give us some feedback!!
mktobob said
12:20 PM Apr 20, 2011
Pulling another camper could pose a problem in some campgrounds. Many of them only allow one camper/rig per site. The owners could charge you extra or make you set up the second rig on it's own site. Just a thought.
The Hensons said
01:43 PM Apr 20, 2011
Thanks everyone. Bob, I do realize I may be forced to pay for 2 sites and that would be okay. I do not think the box trailer would work as my towing capacity is 4000lbs and I think that would exceed that with a car also.
janni said
01:47 PM Apr 20, 2011
We pull a trailer behind dp and I drive the pickup. At camp we take the motorcycle out of trailer and it then becomes man cave. Looks like you have a solution.
The Bear II said
09:38 AM Apr 21, 2011
How about convert your toad into an office ? A minivan or SUV can easily accomodate an office situation.
I believe a Box trailer would be a better solution than an Aliner. With box trailer you can design the office to meet your needs rather than work around the design of the Aliner to put together an office. The smaller Box trailers are very light.
We replaced our four dining chairs and table with one of these (see URL below). Now we have a desk plus dining table and two chairs. It's very flexible setup. I can use it for my work (just the desk) or we can arrange it for my wife's crafts andd jewelry making (combination of desk and table)
http://www.amazingmagictable.com/2tabledesk1.htm
Kerri said
11:33 AM Apr 21, 2011
As a single mom who has worked "around" my children since birth - not in a MH, but in some pretty small spaces! - I can totally relate. Getting some serious work done in a small space with a sweet little one running around is difficult, to put it mildly! They don't mean to be such a distraction, but they are just so darn cute!
Are you members over at Families on the Road.com? I hope Howard and Linda won't mind me mentioning them here - if you haven't checked out their site, I would recommend it. I've read about families on there who drive a MH and pull a small truck/camper which Grandma lives in when parked. Families who have a P-U/5ver combo plus a van that Mom drives because Dad needs the truck for work. Families who pull a small popup with a minivan AND drive a P-U/5ver... Tons of possibilities! As several others have said, do what works for you and your family right now.
Kerri in AL
The Hensons said
07:23 PM Apr 21, 2011
Great ideas! I'll give consideration to them all and let you all know what I decide to do.
Kerri, yes I am a FOTR member, thanks.
The Hensons said
02:21 PM Apr 23, 2011
Think I might have found what I want. It's an older model Aliner. Not a pop-up so it would serve great as storage for bikes and other items while moving. The size is perfect for an office and/or homeschooling room. It would also give us extra refrigeration space (albeit only 3cf), storage, sleeping quarters if our motorhome needs repairs.
I would have to paint it to match our "house truck", of course
-- Edited by The Hensons on Saturday 23rd of April 2011 02:42:21 PM
-- Edited by The Hensons on Monday 2nd of May 2011 10:11:38 AM
-- Edited by The Hensons on Monday 2nd of May 2011 10:28:39 AM
So we are planning to FT in our motorhome. Problem is, I still need to work and it does not have any place I can set up an office inside. We have considered trading in our coach for something with an office but that would present other problems--mainly the sleeping arrangements because we bought a bunk model so our 3 yr old will have her own bed.
So, I was at a dealer today and noticed these guys: Aliner
I thought what a perfect size for an office! It would give me a private working area away from our living quarters where I can work undisturbed and set up my computers, printers, etc.
Is this a practical solution to my problem? Ever seen anyone else pulling their office on the road? I realize I would be forced to pay for 2 sites at many RV parks and CGs.
Yes, we looked at toyhaulers and the Newmar 3950 when we were shopping. The Newmar is nice, but I don't think our daughter would like sleeping "upstairs". Neither of these options would really give me a private office either.
* shrug * My office tends to be the table and chair I carry in the basement of the fifth wheel down by the lake if it's good weather and the desk in the fifth wheel in bad weather but I have 3 cats not a 3 year old.
I have never seen anyone do what your saying using a second camper more common is people setting up a box trailer of some sort with a shop or an office. One advantage there is with the right size trailer you could put the car in it while moving then when the car comes out convert it to your office.
Mallo
We have seen the situation Mallo suggested. The couple had a motorhome and pulled a box trailer that held their car and their office.
We replaced the dining table and chairs in our 5er with a long desk. We have both our laptops and the printer on top and a file cabinet between our chairs under the desk. We also work on the road, but no toddler.
Doris
Pulling another camper could pose a problem in some campgrounds. Many of them only allow one camper/rig per site. The owners could charge you extra or make you set up the second rig on it's own site. Just a thought.
I believe a Box trailer would be a better solution than an Aliner. With box trailer you can design the office to meet your needs rather than work around the design of the Aliner to put together an office. The smaller Box trailers are very light.
We replaced our four dining chairs and table with one of these (see URL below). Now we have a desk plus dining table and two chairs. It's very flexible setup. I can use it for my work (just the desk) or we can arrange it for my wife's crafts andd jewelry making (combination of desk and table)
http://www.amazingmagictable.com/2tabledesk1.htm
As a single mom who has worked "around" my children since birth - not in a MH, but in some pretty small spaces! - I can totally relate. Getting some serious work done in a small space with a sweet little one running around is difficult, to put it mildly! They don't mean to be such a distraction, but they are just so darn cute!
Are you members over at Families on the Road.com? I hope Howard and Linda won't mind me mentioning them here - if you haven't checked out their site, I would recommend it. I've read about families on there who drive a MH and pull a small truck/camper which Grandma lives in when parked. Families who have a P-U/5ver combo plus a van that Mom drives because Dad needs the truck for work. Families who pull a small popup with a minivan AND drive a P-U/5ver... Tons of possibilities! As several others have said, do what works for you and your family right now.
Kerri in AL
Kerri, yes I am a FOTR member, thanks.
Think I might have found what I want. It's an older model Aliner. Not a pop-up so it would serve great as storage for bikes and other items while moving. The size is perfect for an office and/or homeschooling room. It would also give us extra refrigeration space (albeit only 3cf), storage, sleeping quarters if our motorhome needs repairs.
I would have to paint it to match our "house truck", of course
-- Edited by The Hensons on Saturday 23rd of April 2011 02:42:21 PM
-- Edited by The Hensons on Monday 2nd of May 2011 10:11:38 AM
-- Edited by The Hensons on Monday 2nd of May 2011 10:28:39 AM