Looking for a rig that sleeps four comfortably

U

UncleFunk

New member
Hello,
I’m a long time lurker on this forum and found you guys after coveting an EarthRoamer and trying to figure out how to get one. My son and I would love to drive from Alaska to Panama (we currently live in Costa Rica) and those set ups look sick. I probably don’t need the luxury element but I love that they appear to be pretty rugged and very capable.

My son is basically an adult now at 6’2” and 170 and I have a wife and 12 year old daughter. My wife has been pretty adventurous, but she’s over getting stuck (especially in rivers), crawling up and down steep mountains in mud and slick conditions and she’s pretty afraid if I got an ER, I’d get us stuck so far out that no one could help us!

I think she’s a touch dramatic, but here’s the point: we are moving back to the states and now is the time to do some exploring and live in a rig for a bit while we get a house ready to settle in. This means we’ll be in the set up in both a drive way and getting out to explore. I like the idea of EarthRoamers, Tiger Siberian’s, and other rugged trucks, but I don’t think I’ll be putting it to its best potential very often in our current situation (and being based out of FL). For the right price, it would definitely be on the table, but it’s got to sleep three and a half adults, and those floor plans are rare.

I’m not against a trailer type of set up, but generally prefer a truck build. I’m probably maxed out around $150k, but I may be able to get into the low $200’s if there was a clear reason and value to it. I’d prefer not to be stuck in RV parks, so something where we can be off the grid for at least 4-5 days at a time would be great.

What do you have that’s not getting the usage it should and I need to take a look at? Any suggestions on what to look for? I cruise the ads here pretty regularly, but I’m sure I’ve missed or overlooked some good options.

Any ideas? Thanks is advance!
 
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Mlachica

Mlachica

TheRAMadaINN on Instagram
(shameless plug for my rig that's for sale) With a king size bed, dinette bed, and 6'6" of standing room, this could be an option. It's definitely off road capable.

www.expeditionportal.com

update 2017 Ram Crew Cab Diesel or 2017 FWC Hawk FLATBED

*UPDATE* *UPDATE* I will consider separating. There has been interest in buying the camper and flatbed minus the truck. Would there be interest in buying the truck, once the flatbed and camper have been removed? It would be an excellent starting point for somebody who wants to personalize...
www.expeditionportal.com www.expeditionportal.com
 
M

martinf

Member
In you situation, you could consider a class C motorhome with a 4x4 conversion by quadvan, quigley or ujoint. You can get something new for less than 100k or used for way cheaper.

Fraserway in Canada has a fleet of custom rental RVs based on 4x4 crew cab trucks like the overlander . Rentals are usually sold after a couple years for cheap. You can seat 4 and sleep 4 comfortably.

For a rugged look, check out Hunter RMV, basically a trailer bolted on a military vehicle. Not sure if they have a 4 seater option though.

With a family of 4 and driving mostly on pavement maybe except for a few dirt/gravel roads for boondocking, any option above would work and be within budget. You can always add solar/lithium and bigger fresh/waste water tanks if you plan on being off the grid for a few days at a time.
 
U

UncleFunk

New member
Good idea. I wish they had some of their overlander series for sale. They do look like a great transition into the game.

martinf said:
In you situation, you could consider a class C motorhome with a 4x4 conversion by quadvan, quigley or ujoint. You can get something new for less than 100k or used for way cheaper.

Fraserway in Canada has a fleet of custom rental RVs based on 4x4 crew cab trucks like the overlander . Rentals are usually sold after a couple years for cheap. You can seat 4 and sleep 4 comfortably.

For a rugged look, check out Hunter RMV, basically a trailer bolted on a military vehicle. Not sure if they have a 4 seater option though.

With a family of 4 and driving mostly on pavement maybe except for a few dirt/gravel roads for boondocking, any option above would work and be within budget. You can always add solar/lithium and bigger fresh/waste water tanks if you plan on being off the grid for a few days at a time.
Click to expand...
 
Msand

Msand

Importer
Mlachica said:
(shameless plug for my rig that's for sale) With a king size bed, dinette bed, and 6'6" of standing room, this could be an option. It's definitely off road capable.

Click to expand...
Bayou Boy said:
Yes. Ujoint offroad converted class C.

I have a family of 4. It's miserable being stuck inside when it's hot or rainy and not having places for everyone to sit comfortably.
Click to expand...

They convert to 4x4. But a factory class c is not meant for off-road use. No frame twisting at all or else you'll crack the thing in half. Someone did that behind my house on the beach a few weeks ago.
 
B

Bayou Boy

Adventurer
Msand said:
They convert to 4x4. But a factory class c is not meant for off-road use. No frame twisting at all or else you'll crack the thing in half. Someone did that behind my house on the beach a few weeks ago.
Click to expand...

I see driving from Alaska to Panama in the OPs description of his needs, not anything about flexing around anywhere. A converted Class C will do that handily.
 
M

MotoMind

Member
Mlachica said:
(shameless plug for my rig that's for sale) With a king size bed, dinette bed, and 6'6" of standing room, this could be an option. It's definitely off road capable.

www.expeditionportal.com

update 2017 Ram Crew Cab Diesel or 2017 FWC Hawk FLATBED

*UPDATE* *UPDATE* I will consider separating. There has been interest in buying the camper and flatbed minus the truck. Would there be interest in buying the truck, once the flatbed and camper have been removed? It would be an excellent starting point for somebody who wants to personalize...
www.expeditionportal.com www.expeditionportal.com
Click to expand...

This is not the worst idea actually. If two people can share each bed, it is quite comfortable. The dinette bed is not large, but you could work out a custom floorplan at the cost of storage space.

What I did not like about the FWC with extended use was how cold or hot they were due to the aluminum construction, and also how insanely loud the tin roof is when it rains. Also you need to rework the wires, charging system and batteries to make the biggest 2 way fridge function for longer stops (where sane people park in the shade).

But for space, I think a cabover king bed design with a sliding platform to extend the bed, is great. Add a dinette bed and it could work.

On reflection, there is nowhere for 4 people to stand and poop in a FWC. Just sleep.
 
B

Bayou Boy

Adventurer
MotoMind said:
This is not the worst idea actually. If two people can share each bed, it is quite comfortable. The dinette bed is not large, but you could work out a custom floorplan at the cost of storage space.

What I did not like about the FWC with extended use was how cold or hot they were due to the aluminum construction, and also how insanely loud the tin roof is when it rains. Also you need to rework the wires, charging system and batteries to make the biggest 2 way fridge function for longer stops (where sane people park in the shade).

But for space, I think a cabover king bed design with a sliding platform to extend the bed, is great. Add a dinette bed and it could work.

On reflection, there is nowhere for 4 people to stand and poop in a FWC. Just sleep.
Click to expand...

Three adults and a 12 year old will be miserable in any truck camper. Regardless of the size. Especially a FWC.
 
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