For full timing I would be looking at the higher-end trailers, which may blow your cost up. The first thing I'd choose to LIVE IN would be an Airstream. Next I'd look at maybe an Arctic Fox/Nash.
I'd keep in mind that full-timing puts more wear & tear on your trailer. Many trailers are designed for occasional weekend use, not living in.
Greg & Laurel & 2 young boys in Western WA
'99 Arctic Fox 27Y
'97 F-250 7.3L PSD
XR400 & KTM 200
Hello Everyone,
Thank you so much everyone for all the support and great information. I have a 2006 GMC Sierra long bed, 1/2 ton V-6. That is why I have to go for small.
I will be following the sun, summers in Michigan and winters out west.
I have to be where I can be outside. I am a real nature person.
For all of you who have never been to the UP- you must come to see it in the summer. This is truly a beautiful place and the fishing is great.
Thank you'll again. RV'ers are the greatest.
Up Gal
Some 18 ft trailers are including the tongue also in the measurement and some are not. We recently bought a 1995 Sunline TT 18 ft(not including the tongue). It only needed cosmetic improvement, everyhing worked. We just are finishing it with repaint, new decals curtains, carpet etc. Looks great and we are happy. We are heading to Alaska this summer(just the wife and I).You cant have everything in a rig that size. Ours does not have a couch but it has a bed with a real mattress. One person could live in it I suppose if the weather doesnt keep you trapped inside.Good luck,have fun. I researched rigs first and Sunline is a good one. They went out of business a couple of years ago but there are still used ones out there.
I second the suggestions for a used trailer, especially a Sunline. Sunline trailers are very well made and I believe they would hold up to fulltiming.
I have a Sunline Saturn T-1850. It is almost 19 feet long counting the hitch and back bumper. The trailer itself is just over 16 feet. It is very "cozy" (this means "small" to some people) but just right for one person.
The bed in the corner is a bit difficult to make up as a regular bed all the time but I have also put a cover over the mattress and used a sleeping bag instead. This is easily straightened and looks neat. Or it can be rolled up and used as a backrest similar to sitting with my feet up on a sofa.
I do not have a sofa nor do I miss one as I thought I would. I do have a very comfortable folding, reclining chaise lounge for outside sitting under the awning. I also spend most of my time outside while camping and/or stargazing when the weather is good. When the weather is cold or rainy my little trailer just seems warm and cozy to me.
I do not fulltime but believe I could do so in this little trailer. I would add some lightweight shelves for paperback books or odds and ends.
Check your owners manual for your truck to see what you can tow. Then start looking for something that weighs less because you will add additional weight with food, cookware, dishes, clothes, bedding, water, etc. For example, my tow vehicle is rated to tow 5500 lbs. My trailer's max weight is 5000 lbs but it's actual empty weight is just under 3300 lbs. This allows me to easily add up to 1000 lbs of stuff and still be under both weight limits. I am comfortable with this.
If you need additional storage, you might use your truck for some things. Do you have a cap on your truck now?
One thing I noticed about my little trailer is I can always find a place to camp with it. The larger spaces are usually gone but there are usually several smaller places available. I like the state parks and they like smaller trailers so it works out well.
One other thing. If you start with a small used well-made trailer and find it is not big enough for you, you can always trade up to a larger trailer without worrying about having spent too much money on the first trailer. This was what I did - plus I was tired of sleeping in my truck while stargazing!
Good luck with your search and enjoy your fulltiming. Whatever you decide, be sure to have fun.
Susan
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