I've been thinking about full timing in an RV for quite a while now and recently have thought about doing it in a truck camper. I realize there probably aren't too many people actually living year round this way but I'm sure there are some who have spent extended vacations in a TC, right?
So, my questions are 1. Can you leave the furnace on at a reduced temp setting when you are away from the camper, say, while working for 8 plus hours? and if so, how long would the propane last when the outside temps range from 10 to 30 degrees F? 2. Can you leave the fridge running all the time and does it work when the unit is on unlevel ground? 3. How sound proof are the newer campers such as Bigfoot, Arctic Fox etc.? I'm wondering how well I'll be able to sleep if there are noises outside the camper.
If I were to try living in one of these it would be 100% boondocking and I would be moving from one parking lot to another most days and possibly more scenic areas on the weekends.
I've read alot about full-timing and know most of the pitfalls of this lifestyle such as dumping tanks, getting propane, etc. I already use a cell phone as my only phone and I have cellular internet on my laptop. I have direct TV at home so I would have this in the camper.
Any major obstacles I should look out for? Any camper recommendations?
remnik wrote: So, my questions are 1. Can you leave the furnace on at a reduced temp setting when you are away from the camper, say, while working for 8 plus hours? and if so, how long would the propane last when the outside temps range from 10 to 30 degrees F? 2. Can you leave the fridge running all the time and does it work when the unit is on unlevel ground? 3. How sound proof are the newer campers such as Bigfoot, Arctic Fox etc.? I'm wondering how well I'll be able to sleep if there are noises outside the camper.
Any major obstacles I should look out for? Any camper recommendations?
Thanks in advance for any help!
Personally I wouldn't leave the furnace on while gone unless you're in temps that would freeze your tanks. In that case you'll be going through propane quick.
You can leave the frig on all the time but it would need to be leveled. Otherwise you could ruin the frig.
Sound proof??? All depends on how light of a sleeper you are. At home I sleep like a rock, but out camping/traveling I sleep lighter most likely from the excitement.
As for which TC??? There's lots to look at, then YOU need to make the personal decision.
I don't know details but several years ago we came across a man who was fulltiming in an 11.5 ft TC. No toad. As for you boondocking, how are you going to keep your batteries charged? Drive every day? Generator? Solar panels? Definitely keep leveled for the fridge as mentioned by somebody else. It won't cool well or at all depending on how unlevel it is. Level doesn't matter while you're driving.
RRUGG
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remnik wrote: I've been thinking about full timing in an RV for quite a while now and recently have thought about doing it in a truck camper. I realize there probably aren't too many people actually living year round this way but I'm sure there are some who have spent extended vacations in a TC, right? Easily over 200 nights a year on business travel, north and south.
So, my questions are 1. Can you leave the furnace on at a reduced temp setting when you are away from the camper, say, while working for 8 plus hours? and if so, how long would the propane last when the outside temps range from 10 to 30 degrees F? Yes, you can leave the furnace set to lower temps while working. Some heat is mandatory to keep the plumbing operating when temps are below 32°. Boondocking at freezing temps, ie using the furnace, propane generator 2 hrs./day to keep batteries up, cooking, some dish washing, I've gone through a 30# tank in 4 days. 12v mattress pad warmer helps keep the furnace setting lower @ night. 2. Can you leave the fridge running all the time and does it work when the unit is on unlevel ground? I seldom turn off the fridge except to defrost it. Check manufacturer's specs as to leveling. 3. How sound proof are the newer campers such as Bigfoot, Arctic Fox etc.? I'm wondering how well I'll be able to sleep if there are noises outside the camper. Soundproof? he he he! When I'm awake, I hear stuff. When I'm asleep, I die. Your mileage may vary.
If I were to try living in one of these it would be 100% boondocking and I would be moving from one parking lot to another most days and possibly more scenic areas on the weekends. I'm forced to dry camp during the winter in northern states. CGs aren't open. About 5 days and I HAVE to find a dump. Water at the gas island is turned off. So finding water can be a challenge. When I can follow the sun, 4 or 5 days dry camping and 2-3 days in a gov. or Passport America park to dump, do laundry, and replenish supplies is very do-able.
I've read alot about full-timing and know most of the pitfalls of this lifestyle such as dumping tanks, getting propane, etc. I already use a cell phone as my only phone and I have cellular internet on my laptop. I have direct TV at home so I would have this in the camper.
Any major obstacles I should look out for? Carry an ample set of tools and supplies for electrical and plumbing repair, extra fuses, caulk, duct tape, silicone, and WD-40. An extra water pump or a repair kit could come in handy at the least expected moment. Any camper recommendations? Although I'm happy with mine, you pick your's. Good luck and travel safe!!!
I've been full time in my camper for a year now. See my sig, that's where I live. I mix between boondocking and RV parks with a lot of stays at Elks lodges. So here is my shot at answers.
1. Yes, you can leave it on. Propane lasts longer then I had thought it would at first but if it's really cold I go through one of my 7 gallon bottles in about 4 days. Add in a lot of cooking and it will drop to 3.
2. Except when I'm hooked up my fridge runs all the time on gas. Works just fine. If it's not to steep to sleep in it I don't bother to level the unit. I've only had the fridge quit once when parked on a steep hill that I would not have been able to live in the camper anyway. These new fridges seem to be much better then the ones from years ago.
3. Sound will take some getting used too. Yes my new camper is a lot better then my older ones but conversely I wind up staying closer to traffic areas. Expect a higher noise level then even in an apartment. Unless you had jerks for neighbors! I'll add here that I'm still working full time so I'm forced to stay in the noisy city most of the time. But I'm used to it now.
As for the camper you choose. Get the most you can afford. They can get pretty small for some people over time. Also get all the options up front, adding them later is a real pita! I would recommend giving some extra thought to campers with slide outs. I have 2 and have already had one motor fail. That was a real pain. If you're always on the move you might want to get only one slide or none. Another small point to think about. If you need to stop often to use the rest room in the camper then try and find a unit where you can access the bath without having to open a slide out. I have to open 2 to get to mine and if frequent stops are needed that's somewhat of a pita to do every time.
Also make sure you get the generator! If you're moving often but not very far then you'll need one to keep the batteries charged. Happy camping!
Furnace could be an issue; fan motor uses a fair amount of electric. Might want to consider a small catalytic heater since the use no electric and very little propane. We lived in our TC for a bit over 6 months last summer and, except for space, found it to be pretty good living.
Harry
With wife Carole 10 yrs fulltiming
Retired U.S. Army
2002 Carriage LS 37' 5er; 2006 Lance 1181
2008 F-450 King Ranch 4x4 fully loaded
2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee toad
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My wife and I did a trial 6 week trip this summer to test the space and systems of the camper and loved it. I found a ton of good info at underagedrvers.blogspot(dot)com and expeditionportal(dot)com. also there was a couple here in this forum jimandsue was the screen name and they knew how to full time it. Our trip was so good, that the only thing holding my wife and I hitting the road for a real long trip is our house in California not selling. Good luck, I hope you can find some good info above
Cheers
mcgovski
'06 DODGE 5.9 diesel Quad Cab Long Bed. airlift super duty air bags / with in cab digital control.
'05 Eagle Cap 850 w/slide, w/100 watt solar panel
my other diesel is a john deere
I've never owned a TC or a Class C....but I'd suggest considering a smaller class C just to have a little more room. At the same time, I don't think the gas mileage would very different.
If I were doing it, I think I could get by (if just one person...me) and I was able to follow the weather so I could sit outside as much as possible. Don't think I could do it for multiple years, but I'd love to try it for a year or so.
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you would need at least 2 but 3 batterys or more would be better and solar panels for rechargeing would be a big help, furnaces use a lot of power around 2 batterys a night in cold weather just to run the furnace ,
1985 Class A Holiday Rambler Imperial 33 +1979 Class C Holiday Rambler Statesman 1000 = 24 ft
We have been camped at RV park in Georgia for past 8 days. Never have stayed this long at one spot since purchasing camper last May. Conclusion, we will be here another week and dw asked if we should reserve for next year and I said "no way". Although camper is new and very nice (Lance 915) after our trip to Alaska this summer I plan on either selling or short stays in it only. I find it amazing that people could live for extended periods in a TC. Guess I am getting soft in my old age but I find TC's too confining.
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