Alternative Approaches to RVing

I've looked into the future. There are a number of ways to spend it. I can sit in my condominium and wait for God. Or I can travel and see the continent, if not the world. That's not really a difficult decision, is it? So what is my 10 year plan? Here are a few options and approaches using a RV. Some are more palatable and acceptable than others.

Full Time Vanning. Now, over at Facebook and YouTube we can read or view the adventures and travails of those who practice "stealth camping" in a van. This includes the joys of defecating in a bucket, mooching showers from friends, going to Panera to get WiFi and so on.

I've ground camped. Really liked it because there was a real payoff. That payoff was nature. I was one with the critters. We bathed in the same water, slept under the same stars and walked the same paths. However, living in NYC in a van is not my idea of communing with nature.

Nor am I enamored of the concept of avoiding all taxes. It is a fact that property taxes support most education in the U.S. I view a desire to avoid property taxes as a covert attempt to undermine education and children. Merely another duplicitous move in a country in which we state "Children are our future" yet do exactly the opposite.  For those avoiding property taxes, the reality is this is BS.

"Thumbs Down" to Full Time Vanning. 

Class A Living. This is the opposite side of the spectrum. Purchase a 30 footer (or longer) and tow a "Smart Car" or something larger.  Start a website promoting the wonders of going with the wind. This also applies to fifth wheels and towables more than 30 ft. in length.

The class A does provide a "home" experience. However, it isn't very maneuverable and I really got a kick out of the TV show which included the family that purchased a Prevost and declared "We're going to the National Parks." My guess? They have never before gone to a National Park.

Living full time in a Class A means avoiding all taxes other than fuel, and torpedoing education in this country. Not something I can support.

Yes, there are some real benefits to owning a class A. But getting into the National Parks isn't one of them. One of the problems of the Class A is maneuverability. Another is initial cost. A third is "cost per mile."  Ditto for trailers longer than 25 feet. These RV's need a lot of room. "Room" is in short supply in a lot of the State and National parks.

For the boondockers, driving a Class A on sand, or the prairies is probably not a good idea.

Gets about 8-12 MPG. Great support of OPEC and a variety of despot regimes in the world.

However, having such a vehicle does allow one to live in a house on wheels. But as for the adventure? Sorry, no adventure and limited outdoor access. Too many inconsistencies for me, one who adheres to "a life of moderation."

"Thumbs Down" to Class A RVing. 

Class B or B+ Living. These are vehicles less than 25 feet in length. Consistent with "moderation." However, consider that a Chevy Suburban is 18 feet in length. Obviously anything longer than 20 feet will be impossible to parallel park, will overhang any shopping mall parking space, and may likely be too tall for many garages.

On the other hand, I'm not planning on an urban exploration in such a home on wheels. In other words, would you like to travel through Atlanta or Manhattan during rush hour in such a vehicle? Been there, done that. Not something I would recommend in anything other than a Hummer.

The problem with a Class B? It's really small. Yet it does provide the opportunity to travel at about 16-19 MPG and will fit into all of the National Parks. A "luxury" Class B will also include a real bathroom, ample sleeping space, an additional space for living, a real kitchen and so on. In other words it is truly "A tiny home on wheels."

However, most of us want more than 80 square feet of living space. Yes, this might be adequate for travel and a week, or two or more. But difficult to live in for an extended period.

Thumbs Sideways for a Class B

Class B+. This is a vehicle that is larger than a class B. Many have the same chassis, but also add a "box" at the rear. That box generally accommodates a larger bath, but not much else. If the B+ includes a slide-out, that does improve the real estate. But if it doesn't, then all one gains is that large bath area. I once commented at the "gone at the Wynn's" website that the author seemed obsessed with bathrooms. Let's be real, shall we. We really don't spend all that much time on the pot.

Furthermore, many Class B+ don't accommodate multiple living areas. Want to do something separate from the spouse in the morning? Impossible as the bed is in the middle of the vehicle and egressing requires opening the door in the bedroom. In many of the B+, even using the kitchen requires working at the foot of the bed.

In purchasing a Class B+, one may sacrifice flexibility for a larger bath area. However, if one purchases a Class B+ with a slide-out, then one does gain floor space.

Most B+ won't fit easily in a standard parking space. When's the last time you saw one parked on Main Street? That's my point.

So in purchasing a Class B+ there are some modest gains, but also some sacrifices.

Thumbs Sideways for a Class B+

Ground Camping or a Small Towable. Now, that's a good way to travel. Put the kids in the rear seats of a Chevy Traverse, or a Honda Odyssey and tow an Alpine.

Not a really a bad way to travel on a budget. Some include all of the amenities. An R-Pod includes a furnace, refrigerator, range top and so on. Overflow can sleep in a tent.

Park such a vehicle anywhere there are full baths and it can be really comfortable.

Thumbs Up for R-Pod.


Bottom line. It's all about lifestyle. That, and the reality "We can have whatever we want in life, all we have to do is pay for it."