What Size Camper Do We Need?
This is a question that is bantered about by those wanting to get on the road and those already on the road around the nation.
It seems to be an almost endless pursuit of the “perfect rig”.
The truth is you will not truly know until you answer a couple questions for yourselves.
How do you like to camp?
Living room view from a scenic overlook off I-10 in central Texas.
Do you want to be in campgrounds with full hook ups, pools, clubhouses? If so, you can pretty much go as big as you want because these places will have space for a large rig so large that you never have to leave it once your set up for the day.
Are you a national park lover and want to visit all of ours? Then you’ll be wanting to get a rig that stays under 30 feet in length, so you have access to stay at most of them. Each park has it own size restrictions so you will want to be sure and research this before your purchase or visit.
Do you want to travel fast and furious or will you stay in one place for awhile and move slowly?
Our preferred way of camping out in nature enjoying all the natural beauty our world can offer. This was sunset from our boondocking spot in Wyoming.
The fast and furious traveler will want something mobile, light and that allows for decent gas mileage. If on the other hand you will be staying in spots longer, you can use that strategy to offset the poorer gas mileage of a bigger rig.
There are always tradeoffs no matter what size of camper you decide.
The cool thing is that this decision doesn’t have to be permanent and your allowed to change your idea of perfect as your preferences become clearer with experience.
The only rule I would share with you is to get what you can afford on your budget.
If you are considering full timing, part timing, seasonal or weekending, remember your reasons for doing so.
Don’t get caught up in racing with the Jones’s for the latest and greatest of everything.
There are going to be maintenance costs (even if you buy the warranty), fuel costs will ebb and flow, campground fees vary by amenities and locations, limitless modifications and upgrade options and at times life will still surprise you with an unforeseen expense.
Remember your “why” of seeking this lifestyle when you are making your decisions.
Andrea relaxing outside the King and Queen near Little Payette Lake, McCall, ID in fall 2021.
For us, we love our “mid-sized” trailer, a 28-foot Airstream Safari, for our full-time adventures, because of what we enjoy. We love and prioritize being outside in nature.
Cooking, morning coffee, hiking, bird watching, and exploring are all things we love about being outside.
Knowing this meant we could thrive with less trailer, because we utilize the outdoors as our living space on most days.
If you are in the market for a camper, take a moment and identify the “why” and “how” of your travel plans, letting those answers lead you in your pursuit of that “perfect rig”.