Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.
We want to thank all of our members for their participation and input over the years, and we want to especially thank those that have acted as Moderators for us during our amazing journey living and traveling in our RV and growing the RV-Dreams Family. We will be forever proud to have been founders of this Forum and to have been supported by such a wonderful community. Thank you all!!
I'm sure someone living in a car now would love it. It sure is cramped though and would wear thin to most people very quickly. With all the options available out there in the used market, I guess my question would be, why do you want to live in something so small?
I know a couple that snowbirds in their camper van (also called a Class B, which is what a Roadtrek is) and loves it. They go deep into Mexico, boondock in Quartzsite, etc. I also remember there was a couple that had a website, this was before blogger, that fulltimed in a camper van and loved it. It can be done. I also know a couple that started fulltiming with a camper van but it didn't work out so they moved up to a Winnebago View, a small Class C on a Sprinter chassis. That is working out for them.
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Bill Joyce, 40' 2004 Dutch Star DP towing an AWD 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Journal at http://www.sacnoth.com Full-timing since July 2003
Talk about timing. After replying above I went to look for the blog for the couple I know who moved from a Class B to a 24 ft Winnebago View and found it. I also found they are moving to a 34 ft diesel pusher and will tow a car behind it. Looks like it didn't work out. Their reasons were needing a better kitchen, but I am sure it is not the only reason. Anyway here is Linda and Dave's blog,http://www.sandsys.org/wordpress/.
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Bill Joyce, 40' 2004 Dutch Star DP towing an AWD 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Journal at http://www.sacnoth.com Full-timing since July 2003
When I first started looking for an RV I also thought about buying a Roadtrek but when I went inside one I knew it would not be for me. I think there nice vehicles but not something I would want to live in.
I definitely understand the attraction to the smaller option. We currently vacation and weekend warrior in a 2000 Eurovan camper which we will give up for a 5er to full time. We love the van and have put on well over 100k miles on it during our 10 years of adventures. It is nimble and sure footed and can be parked in a 7' garage and normal parking space. It does lack hot water, AC and bathroom facilities, but that has never been a problem for us. The Roadtrek is definitely a larger vehicle with more storage and amenities than the Eurovan.
We do have a couple issues with the Eurovan. First, the storage is not convenient and is not sufficient for more than one sport (biking & climbing). The closet in the van is on the side and is difficult to get to because of the backseat/bed. Second, since we choose to sleep on the lower bed, it must be put away every day. After two weeks on the road, this gets very old and if we forgot to get out the coffee pot the night before, coffee can't be made until both of us are up because the bed extends in front of the cabinet. This latter has led to our number one criteria - a separate sleeping and living area. :)
Personally, I think it can be done, but as everyone else has said, it really depends on the person or persons if this is possible. Things to consider are storage for clothes and any equipment, can you live in small spaces, will you have pets and is remaking the bed every day for the foreseeable future acceptable. If possible, rent one for a week or two and see how you like it.
Peggy
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Peggy, Tony and 'the boys' aka Chopper & Fezzik living our dream http://blog.excessellence.com/ 2011 F350 SRW 2008 Mobile Suites 32TK3
I looked at the floorplan on the internet and it sure seems small! I can see it if you love the outdoors and will be outside almost all the time and use it to sleep in at night. But imagine being stuck for a few days with torrential rains or snowstorm. I know I would get cabin fever. I agree with some of the other posters, try to see if you can rent one for a couple of weeks and try it out.
We had a Pleasure Way for a few years before going fulltime and absolutely loved it. Our longest trip was two weeks and we had some foul weather, but we just popped a movie in the DVD player and settled in. However, I knew I could not live in it fulltime. I need some space to do things other than camping. We did consider using it as our toad, but there was that pesky weight issue.
In her Jan 28th, 2010 post, Linda explains that it was a combination of health problems (diabetes), specialized cooking need and room to do the required exercises that led them to upsize. http://www.sandsys.org/wordpress/2010/01/
Sorry for the late reply, I just found this site looking for other Roadtrekers who blog. I can speak to this question directly since my wife and I full-time in our 97 Roadtrek 170P. It is very comfortable, has more than enough room and honestly, we wouldn't trade it for any other rig. I have made quite a few mods to it which can be seen on our blog. I am currently making a few more changes to make it even more comfortable. I am happy to answer any questions anyone has on this. Feel free to email me anytime. The blog address if you want to follow us is http://www.vantramps.com
Our "dream" rv is a Roadtrek! How wonderful to find your blog and connect with someone who shares our dream. Hope you are having a most magnificent day!
Mike - I love your blog! If I were single I would seriously consider a van like yours. Also, if our financial considerations were such that it was the only way for us to full-time, I would be there in a second! Heidi