K3WE
Missouri
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Joined: 05/24/2005
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First of all, I’m looking for a friendly DISCUSSION (As if friends were having a beer around a fire.)
Obviously, gas is up, but both I and the DW have wondered about “something minimal you could sleep in”.
But dang, we sure like the bathroom, kitchen and fridge.
Our camping varies widely.
I had these ‘crazy thoughts:
-A mini van could work as a self-contained camper (No kitchen & bath, but a good place to sleep).
-And it could pull a small camper. Note: I have edited this to a 17 ft TT from 19 ft- towing capacity is around 3,500.
-And maybe get ~15 MPG towing.
-And it’s a very useful and comfortable and adaptable buttocks, cargo, AND grocery hauler for the rest of the time.
-Sometimes camp with the van only, others, take a small TT.
Another edit- no real plans to plumbing/fridge/stove to minivan.
Anyone have thoughts or even relevant stories?
Again, not looking for ANSWERS as much as a fun DISCUSSION.
Edit #3- Thanks for the comments.
* This post was
edited 06/06/22 06:52pm by K3WE *
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Skibane
San Antonio, TX
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Joined: 11/09/2005
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A minivan fitted out with typical RV appliances and fixtures is going to be carrying around some extra weight - which will reduce its towing capacity.
Most minivans aren't rated for more than 5000 lbs of towing capacity to begin with - which means that towing a 17' Casita, 16' Scamp or 17' Escape with it will be a handful.
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BurbMan
Indianapolis, IN
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We had a 34' TT for 15+ years...loved it but it was always a hassle getting gas, stopping for lunch, etc. We had the opportunity to get a Lance truck camper and thought it would be great for flexibility and travel, can go/park anywhere.
It was really convenient, but DW HATED the cabover bed and general lack of storage. We wound up selling the TC and now have a 33' 5er. In a perfect world I would have both the TC and the 5er but don't have that much space here at the house. What you're thinking of is not silly at all, it all depends on how you camp and travel. If you plan on any 4WD accessible places the minivan won't cut it....
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way2roll
Wilmington NC
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A few thoughts.
A sprinter based Class B and a small TT would get better mileage and do what you want. The downside is cost. Which compared to saving would take years to net out.
But while I agree gas is up, you'd have to log a LOT of miles in any setup to make up any real savings for a few MPG. And your MPG in any van is going to really suffer set up to camp and pulling a TT. I think there are reasons why conventional RV has evolved to what it is.
The new trucks get much better mileage now even pulling larger FW's.
2023 FR Sunseeker 2400B MBS
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Lwiddis
Southern California :(
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“Pulling” anything will make 15 mpg difficult.
Winnebago 2101DS TT & 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71, WindyNation 300 watt solar-Lossigy 200 AH Lithium battery. Prefer boondocking, USFS, COE, BLM, NPS, TVA, state camps. Bicyclist. 14 yr. Army -11B40 then 11A - (MOS 1542 & 1560) IOBC & IOAC grad
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KD4UPL
Swoope, VA
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Your not going to get 15 MPG towing a 19' TT.
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K3WE
Missouri
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Skibane: I was disappointed to see towing capacities closer to 3500 lb.
Burbman: Thank you for the very relevant story.
KD4UPL: Yeah… but it’s gotta be a little better than 3/4 ton truck and ‘real’ TT ![[emoticon]](http://www.rv.net/sharedcontent/cfb/images/smile.gif "smile")
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toedtoes
California
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There really aren't many trailers under 3500lb gvwr. Most you see as identified "under 3500lbs" are talking dry weight. As soon as you add the basics, you're over the towing capacity.
You're really looking at an egg or a folding trailer.
If you plan on sleeping in the minivan, you might just haul a small utility trailer and build a kitchen on it.
1975 American Clipper RV with Dodge 360 (photo in profile)
1998 American Clipper Fold n Roll Folding Trailer
Both born in Morgan Hill, CA to Irv Perch (Daddy of the Aristocrat trailers)
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Grit dog
Black Diamond, WA
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Skibane wrote:A minivan fitted out with typical RV appliances and fixtures is going to be carrying around some extra weight - which will reduce its towing capacity.
Most minivans aren't rated for more than 5000 lbs of towing capacity to begin with - which means that towing a 17' Casita, 16' Scamp or 17' Escape with it will be a handful.
First response, you lose. Didn't read the OP's post. Back of the line, please try again! LOL
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Grit dog
Black Diamond, WA
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KD4UPL wrote:Your not going to get 15 MPG towing a 19' TT.
3rd response...we got a winner here! You are correct, sir.
(is this fun enough like having beers around the campfire?)
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