Looking for some advice on choosing a sub $130k camper

[elefex]

Hi everybody,

I've been sponging the threads on Expedition Portal for some time now and have finally decided to make a thread.

Here is my scenario:

My wife, cat, and I are looking for a vehicle to be our "mobile" home. We make our living on the internet, I am a machinist that makes small parts--my tools are also very portable with the largest piece of machinery being a metal lathe that is 7" x 14".

When our lease in Washington State is up, we plan to travel to Northern BC, Canada to live off grid with a friend (who currently lives in a cabin off-grid) for a year or two. Afterwards, we will probably move to somewhere in Utah, off grid. We're going to be staying in North America, basically is what I'm trying to say.

We've been looking for a vehicle with a decent amount of living space since it would be our home. We are also planning to bring along a yurt, in case we ever need the extra space.

Naturally, we would want something that is a 4x4 and capable of traveling off-road. We wouldn't be doing any "wheeling" or rock crawling, just driving over rough terrain and most likely, d snow.

So far, we know of two options that make the most sense to us: getting a pickup truck and adding a camper to it (probably the XPCamper), or an EarthCruiser or other Mog-type vehicle. We looked at the Sportsmobile initially but have ruled it out since it seemed much smaller than a camper. We've also come across several owners that seemed to be less than happy with their experience.

Our budget is about $130,000 or so. I'm thinking that it would be possible to achieve if we were to get a used Fuso chassis. The thing is, for the price, we would be able to get two trucks with campers. It makes it a bit difficult to justify the Fuso camper but I'm sure there is something that we are overlooking.

How does the living space in a Mog-type camper (I apologize if I'm using improper terminology) compare to a truck camper?

Has anyone had this problem before? We're open to all opinions and hoping to learn from those of you who are more experienced than ourselves. Thank you for your help.

 

[DiploStrat]

Tiger?

Have you looked at the Tiger by Provan? The Bengal is well under your budget. The larger Siberian likely to be a bit over. Many happy owners, several of whom came from looking at the Sportsmobile and finding it too small. As far as I know, the Tiger is the least expensive way to get 4x4 and a passthrough from cab to camper. Very detailed analysis here: http://www.best-in-snow.net/dog-tru

I have spent a lot of time looking at larger campers on larger trucks. Two Expo members have done a lot research and are building vehicles of their own. Either of these might fit your needs if you don't need a passthrough:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/23173-F550-Flatbed-Build

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...-5500-Expedition-Camper-The-build-has-started

Note that both of these threads contain many links to other interesting threads.

Finally, this thread, http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...re-s-Tiger-Motorhome-build?highlight=shortbus follows someone who built up a crew cab Tiger. I especially like his suspension mods.

 

[haven]

A trailer might make more sense than a truck camper in the scenario you describe (no rock crawling, stay in one place for an extended time). You'd be able to set up the trailer in camp, and use the truck to run errands and take short trips. a 20 foot trailer will provide double the living space of a 20 foot truck with camper on the back.

 

[BKCowGod]

A trailer might make more sense than a truck camper in the scenario you describe (no rock crawling, stay in one place for an extended time). You'd be able to set up the trailer in camp, and use the truck to run errands and take short trips. a 20 foot trailer will provide double the living space of a 20 foot truck with camper on the back.

Seconded... You can buy a LOT of trailer for under $100k, especially if it's a year or twelve old.

 

[spencyg]

We make our living on the internet, I am a machinist that makes small parts--my tools are also very portable with the largest piece of machinery being a metal lathe that is 7" x 14".

I'm extremely curious what niche' you've found where a 7x14 lathe and the internet are your primary income generating tools.

Please do tell!

 

[NothingClever]

I think DiploStrat has nailed it....a Tiger would be a very good option for your needs.

But rather than take along a yurt which will eat a lot of living space or require a trailer for travelling, I'd spend that dosh on a high-quality awning with enclosure walls (windows, mosquito-screens, door, etc....check out www.fiammausa.com). You can easily run an enclosure-safe propane heater inside to maintain that living space despite a drop in the outside temperature. An enclosure will greatly expand your living space with some chairs and a table whether you're in Missoula or Mobile yet be infinitely easier to take down and stow than a yurt (signficant undertaking).

And for your budget, I think you could hitch a towable, lighweight, fuel efficient runabout (an AWD Subaru comes to mind) behind you which would allow you to transition the Tiger from travelling mode to home mode and get you back into town for the grocery run on the dirt roads you're envisioning.

Happy hunting!

 

[WAND3R3R]

Spend Less and See if You Like it.......

I am sure you can spend the entire $130,000. without too much problem. I recommend you go with a truck and camper option. Here's why;

You can find a nice used 4x4 truck w/ an 8 ft bed for around 20K. Just do a quick ebay motors search and see how many are available. You can go Diesel or gas with a truck.

Then buy a nice truck camper for 15 to 45 K depending on what you want. Many options available.

With a truck and camper you can separate the truck from the camper and use them independent of one another. If you decide that life on the road is not for you, you can sell them as one or individually. This will make it easier to sell your mobile-home.

In 2008, I bought a 2005 F350 DRW 4x4 with 56K miles for 17K. I then bought a 2002 Bigfoot Truck Camper for 14K and for a grand total of 31K I have a pretty nice set-up. I have gone on a lot of travel, on and off-road and have been very happy with the set-up. No it is not as capable as many off-road set-ups but my camper is heavier than other units. I think you will find that the founders of many of the upscale off-road motorhomes (XP Camper and EarthRoamer I believe) started their off road travels in Trucks with Campers. If you like life on the road and want a more capable off-road motorhome you can always upgrade!

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[NothingClever]

With a truck and camper you can separate the truck from the camper and use them independent of one another.

That's a really great option, too. I forgot about the fact some manufacturers engineer weight-bearing floors into their designs.

Definitely a good option.

 

[elefex]

Have you looked at the Tiger by Provan? The Bengal is well under your budget. The larger Siberian likely to be a bit over. Many happy owners, several of whom came from looking at the Sportsmobile and finding it too small. As far as I know, the Tiger is the least expensive way to get 4x4 and a passthrough from cab to camper. Very detailed analysis here: http://www.best-in-snow.net/dog-tru

I have spent a lot of time looking at larger campers on larger trucks. Two Expo members have done a lot research and are building vehicles of their own. Either of these might fit your needs if you don't need a passthrough:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/23173-F550-Flatbed-Build

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...-5500-Expedition-Camper-The-build-has-started

Note that both of these threads contain many links to other interesting threads.

Finally, this thread, http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...re-s-Tiger-Motorhome-build?highlight=shortbus follows someone who built up a crew cab Tiger. I especially like his suspension mods.

Thank you for all the information, we will look through the links. The Provan Tiger does seem a bit larger than the XPCamper and relatively close in living space as compared to something mounted on a Fuso chassis. I did not like how the Tiger looked from the exterior in the beginning but it seems to be something that we have to grow into liking. We will write this down as an option.

A trailer might make more sense than a truck camper in the scenario you describe (no rock crawling, stay in one place for an extended time). You'd be able to set up the trailer in camp, and use the truck to run errands and take short trips. a 20 foot trailer will provide double the living space of a 20 foot truck with camper on the back.

I had thought about getting a trailer but could not find one with high enough clearances to traverse through deep snow or rough terrain without damaging the axle / underbody. Most of what I've seen are "recreational" trailers that are meant for on-road use. Do you have any recommendations?

I'm extremely curious what niche' you've found where a 7x14 lathe and the internet are your primary income generating tools.

Please do tell!

I make small machinery, tools, forms, and dies. The 7x14 is a lightweight "homemade" one made for traveling, the bed is constructed from titanium square tubing. Another large piece of machinery is the Milwaukee "portable" magnetic drill press. It is very heavy and I haven't found of a way to lighten that yet.

I think DiploStrat has nailed it....a Tiger would be a very good option for your needs.

But rather than take along a yurt which will eat a lot of living space or require a trailer for travelling, I'd spend that dosh on a high-quality awning with enclosure walls (windows, mosquito-screens, door, etc....check out www.fiammausa.com). You can easily run an enclosure-safe propane heater inside to maintain that living space despite a drop in the outside temperature. An enclosure will greatly expand your living space with some chairs and a table whether you're in Missoula or Mobile yet be infinitely easier to take down and stow than a yurt (signficant undertaking).

And for your budget, I think you could hitch a towable, lighweight, fuel efficient runabout (an AWD Subaru comes to mind) behind you which would allow you to transition the Tiger from travelling mode to home mode and get you back into town for the grocery run on the dirt roads you're envisioning.

Happy hunting!

Thank you for the link to Fiamma! I really like the enclosure and will probably get one of those. It seems to be a very good way to enlarge living space.

I am sure you can spend the entire $130,000. without too much problem. I recommend you go with a truck and camper option. Here's why;

You can find a nice used 4x4 truck w/ an 8 ft bed for around 20K. Just do a quick ebay motors search and see how many are available. You can go Diesel or gas with a truck.

Then buy a nice truck camper for 15 to 45 K depending on what you want. Many options available.

With a truck and camper you can separate the truck from the camper and use them independent of one another. If you decide that life on the road is not for you, you can sell them as one or individually. This will make it easier to sell your mobile-home.

In 2008, I bought a 2005 F350 DRW 4x4 with 56K miles for 17K. I then bought a 2002 Bigfoot Truck Camper for 14K and for a grand total of 31K I have a pretty nice set-up. I have gone on a lot of travel, on and off-road and have been very happy with the set-up. No it is not as capable as many off-road set-ups but my camper is heavier than other units. I think you will find that the founders of many of the upscale off-road motorhomes (XP Camper and EarthRoamer I believe) started their off road travels in Trucks with Campers. If you like life on the road and want a more capable off-road motorhome you can always upgrade!

I definitely have no problems with spending less, after all--less is more! We probably won't be getting the latest model of diesel vehicle. I'm not sure when they will start releasing DEF-required vehicles but I think that is a step backwards in technology. They really have no idea what they are mandating and I would not be surprised if it would result in a net gain of overall emissions.

 

[Christian P.]

I second the truck and truck camper combo. I went that route with my Bigfoot and have no regret so far. We have been living in it for weeks at the time and it works very well.

I got a pristine 2005 Bigfoot 2500 Series from the original owner and a GMC Silverado 2500 attached to it...the truck was not my preference but the whole package was less than 20K...

Here is a good one as a starter:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/rvs/2709917565.html

The camper is a bit heavy and I would have preferred to go with the 1500 Series but this package was too good to pass.
Keep in mind that these hold their values a lot, so if you ever decide to sell it back you won't be loosing as much money as a custom made camper.

It was my first experience with truck camper and I must say I was a bit nervous, especially the first time I took it off the truck. Now I do it all the time and I am getting pretty confident. They are not joking about the winter package - as far as I know it's one of the only campers with double pane windows and insulation/heat in the basement for the water tanks. We are using the propane furnace, the water heater and the stove - a lot - and we only need to refill the bottles every 2 weeks or so.

 

[Christian P.]

Here is a good deal - $18K for a 2006 Bigfoot, and the truck is also for sale:

http://montana.craigslist.org/rvs/2615519353.html

 

[BillTex]

Truck + camper + utility trailer= mobile home + (removable, if needed) living quarters + mobile work shop/extra storage.
A great reason to get a TC is the ability to tow behind it...

 

[lblampman]

Honestly, what's "best" for you depends on how much space you need to live comfortably. I think that's putting the horse in front of the cart, rather than trying to guess what particular rig might work.

If you figure out how many square (or cubic) feet you need in your living quarters then you can start to analyze which of the various rigs would provide that amount of space in an overall dimension and configuration that will work for you.

There are no apples-to-apples comparison to be made between a truck & camper, a Class C camper, a tow vehicle & trailer, or a custom camper-on-frame. Each is a unique solution unto itself with its own list of pros and cons.

In the end something drives the choice whether that's the need for a particular amount of space, having a second vehicle wherever you go, being able to tow another vehicle or utility trailer, having enough storage space, or even having enough water & sewage capacity. It may be that a 20' travel trailer has more living space than a 20' truck with a camper on it but choosing the travel trailer makes the whole rig 40' long and precludes towing other things. Setup requirements are also different. None of which are "good" or "bad" except as it relates to your particular situation.

If you can live in a truck camper full time in places where the weather is not always mild then more power to you, and I'm impressed. I personally really wanted to get into a rig that size; the first time I showed by wife a truck camper (an Arctic Fox with a slide out) she just laughed and said she thought it would be fine for a weekend...period. We now live full time in a 35' motorhome. Sheesh.

The "thing" that drives my decision is the need to tow so a travel trailer and fifth wheel are out. The next thing that drives the choice is the need to accommodate a work space for my wife (she's a painter) and myself. The next thing for me is large capacity tanks for water, waste, and propane. So the choices kept getting narrowed for me just by making the next choice. We're not "travelling" in our rig like one would on a tour or long trip, we're living in it day to day in a cold/damp environment that keeps us indoors a lot. In other words: it's a home, not a conveyance. It makes a big difference.

I'm going to try and blend what my wife wants and what I want in a custom camper built on a Medium Duty Truck chassis (find the thread on Shachagra here and that will give you a good idea of what I'm after). That way I can travel on unpaved roads and live off-grid, still be able to tow, and have enough space (people and storage) to use it as a full time living solution.

The search for the perfect solution to your needs can be fun and you get exposed to more answers than you thought possible. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

All the best,

Les

 

[Darwin]

My vote is for a Cummins with a caravan camper shell on the back towing a livin lite toy hauler or camper.

I would rather have the ability to use the truck to drive around and also to carry tools. Just unhook the trailer and you are off.

Using a slide in camper towing a trailer seems more cumbersome to me. You are also not gaining any offroad capability with that set up.

 

[18seeds]

Truck + camper + utility trailer= mobile home + (removable, if needed) living quarters + mobile work shop/extra storage.
A great reason to get a TC is the ability to tow behind it...

This has my vote. Enclosed Trailer/Workshop can double as storage and additional living space. Make sure the TC has a side entry. It will make life much eaiser. If you need a Trailer with high clearance than get a snowmobile trailer.