Which RV?

[AH64ID]

There are some amazing places to camp down gravel roads across America, not to mention all the fascinating road trips one can make down the gravel. Not your cup of tea doesn't mean it isn't the preferred flavor of many people.

I can’t understand why people go to RV parks. To each their own. The more people that are confused by escaping down a dirt road means I’ll run into fewer of them. @slowmover has always lived in, and promoted, his own lane of travel

 

[Dl5treez]

I can’t understand why people go to RV parks. To each their own. The more people that are confused by escaping down a dirt road means I’ll run into fewer of them. @slowmover has always lived in, and promoted, his own lane of travel

On second thought.

RVs are best left on the slab. Forget any thoughts of any sort of off-pavement excursions. All bad. Stay far far away from the gravel. Sorry....

 

[SSage]

I like dry camping mostly up in the smoky mountains, but in the summer I do like the State Parks with electricity! I like my air-conditioning especially on the gulf coast at night.

I also like reservations during the peak season, I hate driving hours to find my boondocking spots all full. There is only so many spots on public lands I want to take my 5th wheel to and they are heavily used right now. I've never seen so many out with RV's before, even early in the week well off the pavement. Interesting times, at least around the SE. Doesn't seem long ago you could hit the Blue Ridge Parkway and find a nice non-electric spot easily, not anymore. I stopped overnight at Desoto SP in Alabama recently with reservations, they were even packed. Usually Alabama parks aren't so busy. Never seen it so full on a Tuesday. It was nice though, just a little elevation makes a difference around here when its hot, it cooled down nicely at night.

 

[Jim W]

Will when you reach an age in life it is sometimes more advantageous to stay in RV resorts than rough it. My wife and I have reached the age of enlightenment that we no longer need to limit our comforts when we travel. We want full hook-ups with 50 AMPS and cable TV, swimming pool and walking trails.

In fact next year we our thinking of becoming seasonal campers and renting a lot for the year.

I do not know how it is out west camping now but when ever I need to go to MI I need to travel I80/I90/I94 around the bottom of Chicago and Gary IN. I usually travel through this area early in the AM but I still will have a semi on the right side, left side, in front and in back of me on a 5 lane interstate in each direction. We our all traveling at 60 to 65 MPH and if any one has an issue, I have no where to go but forwards. Than you have the crazy automobile drivers who want to do 80MPH in all lanes, (this is a 55MPH zone). They cut in and out of traffic expecting everyone to be able to stop just like a car.

 

[slowmover]

There are some amazing places to camp down gravel roads across America, not to mention all the fascinating road trips one can make down the gravel. Not your cup of tea doesn't mean it isn't the preferred flavor of many people.

The trailer needs to be made for off-road. And have the credentials to back it. Or it’s the disposable trailer life of one after another. (Appliances are the same story).

A graded road is one thing. Other off-road it is better by alternative means.

What’s good on the highway isn’t good off-road. And vice-versa. Where are the majority of miles?

 

[slowmover]

Will when you reach an age in life it is sometimes more advantageous to stay in RV resorts than rough it. My wife and I have reached the age of enlightenment that we no longer need to limit our comforts when we travel. We want full hook-ups with 50 AMPS and cable TV, swimming pool and walking trails.

In fact next year we our thinking of becoming seasonal campers and renting a lot for the year.

I do not know how it is out west camping now but when ever I need to go to MI I need to travel I80/I90/I94 around the bottom of Chicago and Gary IN. I usually travel through this area early in the AM but I still will have a semi on the right side, left side, in front and in back of me on a 5 lane interstate in each direction. We our all traveling at 60 to 65 MPH and if any one has an issue, I have no where to go but forwards. Than you have the crazy automobile drivers who want to do 80MPH in all lanes, (this is a 55MPH zone). They cut in and out of traffic expecting everyone to be able to stop just like a car.

Full hookups are nice, just not necessary for every night of travel. A worthy experiment is to find those comfort limits based on water & propane use. Three nights? Ten? Use the TV to charge batteries or a solar unit? What you and the RV can do is WORTH knowing.

 

[RUSSELL5000]

I have been doing quite a bit of reading. I need to learn a lot more about Airstream trailers and suitability for boondocking, so I have no view on that yet.

On the other hand, I have an initial selection. This is based wholly on paper, and have never seen one. So, a lot yet to learn. Anyhow, it looks to me like the Outdoors RV Trail 24TRX is viable. https://www.outdoorsrvmfg.com/trail-series-24trx/

Dry Weight is 8.5K
GVWR is 13K
CCC is 4.4K
Tandem 6.8K axles
Goodyear LT235/85R16 tires, load range G (max load capacity of 15K = 3.75K x 4)
Traditional leaf spring suspension, but with shock absorbers, MorRyde CRE3000, greasable bronze bushings, mud flaps
100 gal fresh water
65 gallon grey water, 40 gallon black water
10 inch I beam frame rails
40 gallon gasoline fuel tank; Cummins gasoline generator 4K watt
Aluminum framing
170 watt solar panel standard; second 170 watt optional (340 watt total)
Four battery rack

I like this trailer because, on least on paper, the construction appears solid. The axles are of adequate load capacity (which, to me, means below spec), tires are of proper size and load capacity. Water capacity and electric capacity are good. I like that a generator and solar is built-in.

I don't think we'll ever carry 4.4K pounds. A full load of water and generator fuel will be roughly 1,200 pounds = [ (100 gal. fresh water + 10 gal. water heater + 40 gallon fuel station) x 8 pounds ]. I do not have "toys" to take; a couple of bicycles, kayaks, and camp chairs would come in at below 400 pounds. I can't see that we'll ever bring over 1,500 pounds of food, clothing, and other gear. My best guess is we will never top 3,000 pounds. So, practical GVWR will be more like 11.5K. In this respect, axle and tire capacity looks good; tire capacity at 77% of spec, axle capacity at 76% of spec if tongue weight = 10%.

This will undoubtedly change when I see one, but I think all I need to for this travel trailer is to get a good mattress and retrofit disk brakes. I wish they had disk brakes as an option. At a practical GVWR of 11.5K, I think I could safely tow this trailer with my existing truck. Tongue weight would be between 1,150 lbs and 1,725 lbs, so I need to check that out carefully. I use an Equalizer weight distributing hitch with 1,400 lb rating now; need to investigate truck hitch, etc. I'll probably start a separate thread on that subject.

The negative: this trailer is 30 feet long, a couple of feet longer than what I would think is ideal. Based on what others have said, it does not seem like a serious problem.

I am not going to buy a trailer now when people are paying over MSRP, so I have a lot of time for research. I would take a trip to Oregon to investigate first.

At any rate, further food for thought.

Thanks for the conversation.

 

[AH64ID]

We love our ORV, and it’s our 2nd one. They are built better than most. That’s a popular floor plan

Regardless of what you load in it the GVWR will always be 13K. The GVW will vary thou.

You will want a bigger WDH than a 14K model. The TW is 15% empty and since you don’t have heavy toys I don’t see it going down much percentage wise. Equalizer makes a 16K model, but it takes a 2.5” hitch.

 

[GCroyle]

I have been doing quite a bit of reading. I need to learn a lot more about Airstream trailers and suitability for boondocking, so I have no view on that yet.

Russell,

Many members at airforums.com consider that the only way to go. You can join, search, discuss etc. Several members are fervent mildly speaking about the topic.

I've been off the pedestal in easyish access spots but never down that gravel road past the dead pine down the gulley etc. And this fall I have a dry site reserved for a week. Water is within 100' power via my Honda 3000 and my new BMV-712 battery monitor. That or someting like it is a real good gottahaveit for battery state of charge info. Last time I used it I was able to confidently shut the Honda down cause battery was full.


The only second thoughts not knowing your level of adventure. They ride pretty low. Dexter the axle mfgr has offered a 3" lift kit for their axles. I installed one on a 30' and it makes a difference even in town at fuel stops etc. And a recent thread described Deter axles with the lift built in not added on. Might be a consideration.

And another topic has come up but sorry, not a lot of 1st hand facts on this one. The new trailers (check by model) have a compressor fridge replacing the absorption fridge. Each has there fans. The new stuff the concern is power AC or DC. The old ones got propane and a lawnmower battery? You have ice. Trick is a bit of yup, I can keep an absorption fridge running or not.

And I'm a fan (now) of my older style appliances, water heater, basic furnace instead of ANYTHING that to fix it requires a software update vs basic hand tools.

Enjoy the chase and wherever it takes you.

Gary

 

[SSage]

That 24TRX has a good spec sheet. It checks my boxes mostly. The tank sizes are good. If I was buying a travel trailer I would skip the onboard generator and carry a portable in the bed. Easier to maintain and you can use it a home too. Like a dual fuel 3600 inverter type.

I have the 4KW built in gasoline generator in my little 5th wheel and I'm not a fan of it. At home I use my old Honda EU3000is to power the AC, its so much easier on the ears! Maybe the new ones have gotten better? I want to replace my Generac 40G RV someday for something with less vibration and noise. But it gets the job done, I just got back from a boon-docking trip and its nice just pushing a button every couple days to recharge the GC2's. Didn't need A/C, it was nice up at Mt Pisgah, the high was 67 degrees last week, low was 54....

 

[Tuesdak]

I have been doing quite a bit of reading. I need to learn a lot more about Airstream trailers and suitability for boondocking, so I have no view on that yet.

Generators and Solar are the two boondocking tools most Tin Cans lack.

You make a enormous trade off in comfort for a "toy hauler". If you need a toy hauler... If not a regular travel trailer is better. FWIW I get 24 hours of gen runtime per 40# LP tank. Bad gasoline on a toyhauler and plugged gen carbs are a constant PIA to stay on top of fresh gasoline.

I run my genset going down the road as gen hours are limited in some places: 2 hours in AM and 2 hours in evening. Running the gen while going down the road charges the batteries and I can run the AC in hotter places. I had to mod my RV as the converter charging setup was a bad joke. I am not a fan of hauling out a generator when I need it as well as cheating to charge batteries between campsites. I do like the older 1800 RPM twin cylinder Onans, but again, mounting one on a Tin Can is a problem. None of them came with a built in gen except the rare Tin Can Command Center 5er with a V4 Wisconsin powered genset.

You can add solar to the Tin Cans.

The negative: this trailer is 30 feet long, a couple of feet longer than what I would think is ideal. Based on what others have said, it does not seem like a serious problem.

Before I got my RV I looked at a few places I wanted to take it. After learning a Truck Camper was too heavy for my rig with what I wanted I found that 27' Bumper to Hitch is the max trailer length that would be friendly to most places I wanted to go. Yes it's bumper to hitch length not the interior length. You stick out into the road or can't make the turn with longer than posted RV lengths. (Some spots my pickup alone is too long.) The places also do not have electric power and if they do sometimes, like water at The North Rim, it isn't reliable.

Your call to limit yourself to "larger" spots. It's a limitation vs. a problem. About the only place "North of The Middle Of Nowhere" in the four corners area is 28' Max, see pic. This place is "on the way" for several of my trips. The North and South Rim Grand Canyon are easier to get 27' and smaller spaces. It's 27' and smaller OR 40' spaces: you can win the lottery easier than getting a 40' space for any length of time there. I have been to both rims for the max 1 week stay reserved months in advance with my 27' 5er.

To me it's an irritation that most RV builders including NorthWoods (my model is now built as a 30' unit) ignore this very real length limitation of our National Parks.

https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232489

 

[SSage]

Some of the RV sites around here I like have a 26' limit, thats the big sites. Some are 20' and they look tight for a pop up. I'm 29' plus the truck, probably 4' is over the bed and I would not want any more length. I could barely use the dump station at Mt Pisgah, I guess the longer motor homes just skip it. I wanted to see if the 35' travel trailers were going to pull through it, but none tried it while I was watching. Its very steep and has an off camber entry and exit in a sharp curve. I used all my 6" bed rail clearance, I need to see if I can increase that.

When I'm not using my toy hauler's generator enough to keep the gasoline good I pump it out into my car, riding lawn mower, the motorcycle or something! A fuel station is very handy for that and it does replace lots of 5 gallon fuel can use. Personally I mainly use the generator for battery charging and AC while taking quick breaks, so it doesn't get used for long periods at a time.

I thought about going to a regular RV this last time, but its very convenient having the fuel station and the ability to load stuff via the rear ramp. I travel with a 130 pound Rottie and he uses the rear area to lay down and stretch out on a piece of carpet or blanket. Can't get him to stay on a dog bed. He lays on the rubber floor area, no fixed carpet to stink up is nice too. I put a couple folding lounge chairs back there with folding side tables. I can carry my wood smoker, motorcycle, ATV or whatever. The rear ramp opens up lots of possibilities. I want to get an electric golf cart soon.

Above the fridge is a good size flat screen mounted on a long arm mount you can point straight back, 46" size. Every seat can see the TV easily. My other toy hauler with the enclosed garage had a smaller TV facing the couch, couldn't see it from the kitchen or rear. I removed the bedroom TV, never watch TV or cooked much outside so that feature is useless for me. I like the simple layout I have now. I don't miss the separate rooms myself, but I don't have kids... so..

I blew a tire, left rear on my last trip. My first ever on an RV, so I have finally experienced a hot summer tire change on a 5th wheel. I've only had a few flats in my life time, I've done pretty good avoiding them!

 

[GCroyle]

If an Airstream is a “tin can” one of the solar enthusiasts on Airforums put 1000W on the roof of a 30’ rig. Others have followed their own path with solar. It’s a frequent topic over there. Many have done significant power modifications to their Airstream. Me no thanks I do just fine with as issued for my style including by choice 2WD and an over 9000# trailer.

 

[Tuesdak]

@SSage One of the sites I thought would be fun, as I was looking at RV's, is Honeymoon Campground, AZ. Max length 16'

Can't do it with a truck camper on a 22' pickup. Almost too remote. Google Earth it and you will see what I mean.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/asnf/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=44669

@GCroyle Yes, and it's a positive generic term for all similar construction RV's. (I have 60W of portable solar if I am in a shaded spot as well as 100W on the roof.)

 

[SSage]

The little sites around here in the Forest areas are usually much bigger than they say, the problem is getting in there with a truck and trailer. I see so many dragging the trailers through dips and ditches. Here in the SE I have to cross a gravel ditch or something to back in up hill occasionally. Last month the SP site said 50' but I could not back in and stay on the road, I had to pull into another site across a fairly deep ditch to straighten out enough to back in. Its hard on the auto trans, I use 4 Low often when backing.

I learned to avoid trailers with long rear overhangs and low hanging dump valves. My current trailer has good ground clearance. My limiting factor is bed rail clearance, but you can go to GN with a flat bed too, my 44' toy hauler was a Goose Neck. The TT units have an advantage in that regard. But I like the 5th wheel towing performance better and I don't have to fuss with hitching on a ball, no need for help, no camera, no chains, no weight distribution bars, just get it close and it slides up the plate. I can see the plate and king pin in my rear view mirror. I move every two days when traveling so it makes a difference to me. I don't think twice about hitching up and going to a tire shop or whatever, I find the 5th wheel system very appealing for my use. My stabilizers and landing gear are all electric, no manual cranking. One day I may get automatic leveling too when I have money to burn.

 

[Jim W]

Full hookups are nice, just not necessary for every night of travel. A worthy experiment is to find those comfort limits based on water & propane use. Three nights? Ten? Use the TV to charge batteries or a solar unit? What you and the RV can do is WORTH knowing.

Not everyone travels the same way, that's what makes RVing nice. I have been camping/RVing since I was 14 years old, first in Boy Scouts and then when my wife and I started to camp in a tent. We have now reached the age of enlightenment ( I am 71, soon to be 72) that comfort far out ways the boondocking that some people like.
We like to travel for 4 to 6 hours get to a resort, pull in, hook-up and enjoy the comfort of our 5er along with what the resort has to offer.

Also I don't carry any water or waste water in my tanks when I travel. They are somewhat dry maybe a gallon or so of waste water in the tanks but that is it.
Just my way of traveling.

 

[Terry Jay]

@ RUSSELL5000
Check the bed arrangement. It looks like there is very limited side access, so making it will be a chore, and overnight exit and entry may be an issue. Full walk around should likely be on your list.

I believe Ron Nash makes all their frames, which sets them aside from those using Lippert components.

Tank placement makes a huge difference in weight distribution, especially for boondocking. 100 gallons of water is 860 pounds, whether in the fresh tank or the waste tanks. Where are they located?

Best wishes on your quest.

 

[RUSSELL5000]

Thanks again for the comments. I have plenty to study on!

I am signed up on the Airstream forum and have been reading away.

Slowmover and GCroyle: I understand your point regarding shape; I recall a thread from a number of years ago where I learned that many fifth-wheel folks were obtaining better fuel economy than my box like travel trailer even though they were larger and heavier. On the other hand, beyond shape, what make the Airstream-style trailers better is not readily apparent t me. Can you give me a list of those factors in a nutshell so I can research further. Thanks!

 

[endoscott]

We love the Airstreams, but no slideouts was a deal breaker for us, we spend a couple months at a time some places. AF frame construction is awesome.

 

[GCroyle]

Russell,

Airstream better? That is subject of many discussions, campfires, forum threads and outright arguments.

I have to limit this to my personal experiences. 11 yrs ago we went from a Eureka tent to a 3 yr old 30' Classic Ltd slide out. I didn't even look at other brands cause "she" had an eye for these silver trailers. I have zero other brand experience.

Pro's. Every repair that my '07 has needed I've been able to do. Still looks nice, catches the usual oh do they still make those comments etc. My interior is the Coupe de Ville by accident as I bought used. Actual hickory wood.

Cons. Does it have enough storage for you. Enough square footage. Ground clearance all the usual stuff.

Watch out points. Wet floors, not good. Current production is using more better flooring that holds up to water leak if it happened. This is only based on one rig but the classic furnace, water heater and AC are a darn sight easier that ANY new radiant floor heating, app based anything system. Think a 12V vs todays PC based 24V engines. You feed my furnace 12VDC, propane and a T-stat signal and bingo it makes heat. If it talks to your phone, PC or the WWW is that a out in the wild reliable feature or so much glitz and schmutz.

Airstream has a really long history and people go nuts over a barn or field find of a 1940-70 rig and it's either a recovery or gut and remake.

Aluminum skin r&r. OH yeah best to avoid it. But I can find a very recent thread where a rig was side swiped, it looked like crap. But a heritage dealer in NC replaced individual panels and ribs a/r and it passes for NEW to a very particular 'ol fart that I know.

Wally Byam the Airstream man had a flair for showmanship world caravans, South America, Europe, Mexico and such. He built a following. It still exists today but maybe a bit tamer but US caravans are booked up and waiting lists for the hopefuls.

National, regional and local rallies. Some folks live just for these others meh. But if a local unit rally or regional is in your area GO and ASK kick tires with them. We're going to an informal rally this fall, likely 200 rigs.

We have been to one of the biggest campgrounds at Myrtle Beach, Ocean Lakes. 310 acres, 859 sites, 550 employees in season. They have nearby off site trailer storage. We know they don't but you can see row upon row of Montana 5'ers lined up.

Factory is in Jackson Center Ohio they just finished a 40M$ 750,000 sq/ft expansion. Can you say back order right now due to current buying environment.

Pic below is four Airstream slides at a small rally I organized a few yrs back. Mine is the silver truck.

Care to share your AF name?

Gary