The wife and I will be retiring in 4 years and plan to travel the US and Canada at that time. We currently live in S. Florida and have experience going it alone offshore, making long runs in small single engine boats to the Bahamas, Cay Sal Bank and Dry Tortugas. I am mechanically inclined and not afraid to turn a wrench but, have ZERO off road experience. Our truck, a 2002 2WD 7.3 CCSB F250 is absolutely useless off pavement. We are leaning towards truck campers and would like to get a taste of travel before retiring. How would you recommend someone in this position get started to gain experience in the overland world without blowing the bank? Thanks.
What is the best way to get started exploring?
- Thread starter Huffy
- Start date
Waltzing Matilda
Adventurer
Great questions and suggestions.
Offshore boating has a lot in common with camping, so you may already know more than you think about spending time out of doors.
You could try joining a camping group that has outings in your area and learn the basics by spending a weekend in campgrounds before going too far offroad. Sharing experience on weekend outings with others is a good way to learn, compare notes on gear etc. Outdoor retail shops may also offer classes.
If/when you are ready for more, get more gear, upgrade the truck, add a camper, and/or look for travel convoys. Not sure what type of groups you may have in your part of the country. Here in So California we have many, including this one that takes people into Mexico. http://www.vagabundos.com
Have fun learning and planning your retirement.
Offshore boating has a lot in common with camping, so you may already know more than you think about spending time out of doors.
You could try joining a camping group that has outings in your area and learn the basics by spending a weekend in campgrounds before going too far offroad. Sharing experience on weekend outings with others is a good way to learn, compare notes on gear etc. Outdoor retail shops may also offer classes.
If/when you are ready for more, get more gear, upgrade the truck, add a camper, and/or look for travel convoys. Not sure what type of groups you may have in your part of the country. Here in So California we have many, including this one that takes people into Mexico. http://www.vagabundos.com
Have fun learning and planning your retirement.
surlydiesel
Adventurer
I vote you see if anyone near you rents truck campers. You would have to do some modifications of your current truck for tie downs but you could get a taste of it and see if it's for you. Or even easier, rent a C class rv and see what you think. The nice part about RV's is that you can access the back of the camper without leaving the cab of the truck, like if it's raining for example. The ease of the truck camper comes in when parking in tight areas. The 2wd truck limits you some but with a locker or true limited slip and the weight of a camper, you will get pretty far.
I'd say heck with a tent. I'm completely over tent camping unless I have a level, pine needle thick spot to set up on. Otherwise, as soon as it starts raining, I'm looking for my PFD and heading for higher ground. I would build a sleep platform in the bed of your current truck, with a canopy of some kind before tent camping. That's just my 2 cents.
Congrats on making the decision to travel!!! Lots to see.
Cheers,
Jorge
I'd say heck with a tent. I'm completely over tent camping unless I have a level, pine needle thick spot to set up on. Otherwise, as soon as it starts raining, I'm looking for my PFD and heading for higher ground. I would build a sleep platform in the bed of your current truck, with a canopy of some kind before tent camping. That's just my 2 cents.
Congrats on making the decision to travel!!! Lots to see.
Cheers,
Jorge
Photomike
White Turtle Adventures & Photography
Like has been said try renting a camper first.
If not able to do that find a nice used unit (this can be a challenge) and hit the road camping starting with a day or two in your driveway, another couple of days nearby and then branch out from there. You will find what you need to pack after a day in the driveway, after a couple more days you will find what you do not need.
Then once you have tried it you may find you don't like it, want a newer unit, a bigger unit or a smaller unit. Also you can then decide on the truck.
If not able to do that find a nice used unit (this can be a challenge) and hit the road camping starting with a day or two in your driveway, another couple of days nearby and then branch out from there. You will find what you need to pack after a day in the driveway, after a couple more days you will find what you do not need.
Then once you have tried it you may find you don't like it, want a newer unit, a bigger unit or a smaller unit. Also you can then decide on the truck.
Mundo4x4Casa
West slope, N. Ser. Nev.
Huffy,
PhotoMike has good suggestions. You want to work your way into a Expedition-style RV in a manner that won't trap you into something you really don't want in the long run. What is that? Only you can decide what your needs are for traveling. Write them down. Prioritize them. Maybe a Class C or small MoHo would be a better choice if you want to live a slightly more elegant lifestyle.
1. How small a space can you live with and live in? A TC is the most expensive per sq. foot of RV you can buy. Since you are sailors, you may be used to small spaces already. Be sure you have no claustrophobia if you go small. And, is this for long-term camping and traveling? There is a whole mindset and setup for full-timers and long-term expedition types.
2. Are you going to pursue an 'off-road' style TC? This changes the equation right away from a huge 4500 pound camper on an even bigger truck to an 1800 pound/wet or lower hardside or popup style TC still on a too-big truck. Always, always, always buy more truck than you think you will need.
Start by looking at used units, and getting buddie/buddie with someone who already has a unit similar to the one that you are interested in. Go to RV trade expos. The mfgrs. strut their new stuff at these and you can get a snootful of info that you may want to have. If you find a rig that you think suits your needs by all means take someone along with you that knows truck campers and RV's in general. This is crucial in making an educated choice.
3. If you decide on a certain rig, try out every aspect of it's design. Lay on the bed for at least 20 minutes to see if the mattress is meant for you.
Sit on the pot. Pick up the wand like you were going to shower. Do you do everything and fit in the tiny bathroom? I'm 6 ft./ 225 pounds and it's a squeak. If you are shorter than that, so much the better. Go thru the motions of cooking and pulling stuff from the fridge and cupboards. Are you going to use bottled water? Where does that go? Does this seem like a good set up? Have the two of you pass by each other in the aisle way. Does this ballet work for you? The most negative aspects of TC's for older folks (I'm older than you) are: 1. Climbing the outer stair steps easily. and 2. Climbing the very tall two steps to the overhead bed. There are legions of people with bad knees and backs who are forced to sell their TC's and buy an almost no entry step-up, class C.
The largest and widest spectrum Truck Camper community is over on the RV.net/truck camper forum. I would skip on over there and sniff around for lots of info on getting your feet wet in truck camping. Post your querrie and you will get a lot of hits from people who know.
Jeanie and I are retired and are planning a 16-week clock-wise circumnavigation of the U.S. boundary states; states that touch an ocean, or Canada or Mexico. We've been almost everywhere west of the Front Range and this will be a new opportunity to see the eastern half from Sept. 1st to New Years day. Our twist is we will try to camp on the beach at every beach that allows it, right on the sand. Because we can. There are surprisingly a lot of beach camping (not much in Fl) available and we'll be there off-season.
regards, as always, jefe
PhotoMike has good suggestions. You want to work your way into a Expedition-style RV in a manner that won't trap you into something you really don't want in the long run. What is that? Only you can decide what your needs are for traveling. Write them down. Prioritize them. Maybe a Class C or small MoHo would be a better choice if you want to live a slightly more elegant lifestyle.
1. How small a space can you live with and live in? A TC is the most expensive per sq. foot of RV you can buy. Since you are sailors, you may be used to small spaces already. Be sure you have no claustrophobia if you go small. And, is this for long-term camping and traveling? There is a whole mindset and setup for full-timers and long-term expedition types.
2. Are you going to pursue an 'off-road' style TC? This changes the equation right away from a huge 4500 pound camper on an even bigger truck to an 1800 pound/wet or lower hardside or popup style TC still on a too-big truck. Always, always, always buy more truck than you think you will need.
Start by looking at used units, and getting buddie/buddie with someone who already has a unit similar to the one that you are interested in. Go to RV trade expos. The mfgrs. strut their new stuff at these and you can get a snootful of info that you may want to have. If you find a rig that you think suits your needs by all means take someone along with you that knows truck campers and RV's in general. This is crucial in making an educated choice.
3. If you decide on a certain rig, try out every aspect of it's design. Lay on the bed for at least 20 minutes to see if the mattress is meant for you.
Sit on the pot. Pick up the wand like you were going to shower. Do you do everything and fit in the tiny bathroom? I'm 6 ft./ 225 pounds and it's a squeak. If you are shorter than that, so much the better. Go thru the motions of cooking and pulling stuff from the fridge and cupboards. Are you going to use bottled water? Where does that go? Does this seem like a good set up? Have the two of you pass by each other in the aisle way. Does this ballet work for you? The most negative aspects of TC's for older folks (I'm older than you) are: 1. Climbing the outer stair steps easily. and 2. Climbing the very tall two steps to the overhead bed. There are legions of people with bad knees and backs who are forced to sell their TC's and buy an almost no entry step-up, class C.
The largest and widest spectrum Truck Camper community is over on the RV.net/truck camper forum. I would skip on over there and sniff around for lots of info on getting your feet wet in truck camping. Post your querrie and you will get a lot of hits from people who know.
Jeanie and I are retired and are planning a 16-week clock-wise circumnavigation of the U.S. boundary states; states that touch an ocean, or Canada or Mexico. We've been almost everywhere west of the Front Range and this will be a new opportunity to see the eastern half from Sept. 1st to New Years day. Our twist is we will try to camp on the beach at every beach that allows it, right on the sand. Because we can. There are surprisingly a lot of beach camping (not much in Fl) available and we'll be there off-season.
regards, as always, jefe
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Hy,
wanted to do the world tour by sailboat and realized is too slow and way too costly. Marinas, boats, maintenance are high expenses out of my budget. Somebody said that leaving aside an acid bath , the ocean is the most corrosive environment. An used sailboat could be a never ending repair story. A marina could cost 3000$ a year . That was the cost of my rebuilt transmission, which i hope can take 10 years of use. I,ve bought a used 10 years Dodge ram with a rebuilt engine and was not afraid of the rest of repairs( especially if you know a good mechanic). Also you have some freecampgrounds.net , free bondooking , BLM national forests. The point is it is a lot cheaper to be in a camper that in a sailboat. Once you have your 4x4 truck and a camper i doubt camping off-road it will be blowing your account if you don't abuse your truck or your luck. Is like do more with less, because you'll see many places at a smaller cost than boating. But this depends also of your personal account.
I like fiberglass campers ( northern lite, Bigfoot). If you have experience with boats this is the same construction but it only last a lot longer and needs a lot less maintenance. So those fiberglass campers will not give you much trouble if were well cared. Good and fast resale value if you change your mind.
See some national parks in Colorado,Utah Arizona,California. These states are amazing and very good for off-roading.
traildamage.com if you you want to see some trails and are rated by difficulty, scenery, etc.
Bahamas is the best for sailing, i've rented 10 days a sailboat in Hope town. Too bad i didn't win at lotto, i could have stayed a couple years more. I'm allergic to snow and i live in Canada.... Some day i want to see The Exumas, ( you can invite me if you go and need a crew member).
Just came back from Fort deSoto campground, the best in Florida.
hope this helps
incognito
wanted to do the world tour by sailboat and realized is too slow and way too costly. Marinas, boats, maintenance are high expenses out of my budget. Somebody said that leaving aside an acid bath , the ocean is the most corrosive environment. An used sailboat could be a never ending repair story. A marina could cost 3000$ a year . That was the cost of my rebuilt transmission, which i hope can take 10 years of use. I,ve bought a used 10 years Dodge ram with a rebuilt engine and was not afraid of the rest of repairs( especially if you know a good mechanic). Also you have some freecampgrounds.net , free bondooking , BLM national forests. The point is it is a lot cheaper to be in a camper that in a sailboat. Once you have your 4x4 truck and a camper i doubt camping off-road it will be blowing your account if you don't abuse your truck or your luck. Is like do more with less, because you'll see many places at a smaller cost than boating. But this depends also of your personal account.
I like fiberglass campers ( northern lite, Bigfoot). If you have experience with boats this is the same construction but it only last a lot longer and needs a lot less maintenance. So those fiberglass campers will not give you much trouble if were well cared. Good and fast resale value if you change your mind.
See some national parks in Colorado,Utah Arizona,California. These states are amazing and very good for off-roading.
traildamage.com if you you want to see some trails and are rated by difficulty, scenery, etc.
Bahamas is the best for sailing, i've rented 10 days a sailboat in Hope town. Too bad i didn't win at lotto, i could have stayed a couple years more. I'm allergic to snow and i live in Canada.... Some day i want to see The Exumas, ( you can invite me if you go and need a crew member).
Just came back from Fort deSoto campground, the best in Florida.
hope this helps
incognito
Attachments
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Sorry for the delayed response, could not post for some reason. Thanks for all the great advice, there are some great ideas to try and some confirmations on what we are thinking. We are going to look for a used TC that we can learn the ropes with and look into a club or group here in the dull SE. Not much more than a rental and we can use at will over the next few years. Hopefully I can get the wife to try some driveway trips for a little TC ballet in between excursions! I suspect TC's are like boats, buy a good one to start with or plan to buy two. Also thinking a bit of common sense and a winch may alleviate some of my off road concerns with the current F2 really stuck. As we get closer to the big day we want to head towards a expedition type rig, best guess, a new F350 4X4 and TC. We would buy now but want it to be fresh when we hit the road for real. Tents are in my past, I hope so anyway! We'll definity check out Rv. net and the other recomendations.
Above are some pics of our current expedition rig, this shot about 120 miles off shore. If any of you need a place to boondock in S Fl send us a PM. we have a couple acres in Jupiter with electric and water. There is plenty to do here including nice day hikes, the Everglades, boating, great fishing, the beach, mud bogs, kayaking, surfing, etc.
Tuff to really "off-road" or overland in FL. Limited amounts in Everglades, Ocala forest Ect. But lots of camping places on the East coast down to the FL Keys, so the camping part you can thoroughly test out. See if it's for you. Myself I wanted to hit the woods, the wife not so much, so we did the beaches and keys to warm up and now she's more into "camping" than me I think. Talking about doing the full time travel thing in the future.
Sent by wing, prayer & ATT
Sent by wing, prayer & ATT
Mundo4x4Casa
West slope, N. Ser. Nev.
Huffy wrote: "If any of you need a place to boondock in S Fl send us a PM"
Be careful what you ask for. 8<) There is a long thread right now on RV.net about where to camp with your TC in S. Fl. without breaking the bank.
I think you have a good plan.
regards, as always, jefe
Be careful what you ask for. 8<) There is a long thread right now on RV.net about where to camp with your TC in S. Fl. without breaking the bank.
I think you have a good plan.
regards, as always, jefe