Skimping vs. budgeting

This might fall under skimping!

see more That Will Buff Out

Um.... no thanks

This one might have sat, just a little, too long!


"1971 Chevy Class B Motorhome - $2000
96,000 Original Miles on 350 V8 with automatic Turbo 400. New upholstery. New tires & brakes. Arizona vehicle. Dual A/C. $2000 OBO or trade for Silver, Platinum or Gold"

In my search for the RV that I will drive into my future, I have run across some serious clunkers.

I live 50 miles from the closest semblance of civilization. If the RV is still there, by the time I arrive, there's probably a very visible reason why.

*Disclaimer: I didn't even bother to call this one!

Dog is my co-pilot

That's right! And her name is Stumpy. We've been traveling together since March of 2007. She's pretty easy to get along with. As long as our schedule includes food and some walks, she's amenable.

Stumpy is a seasoned traveler. Besides many smaller trips she has journeyed from the East coast to the West Coast and back five times.


Her duties are extensive and her job description is very detailed. Among other duties, she's also my service dog.

(you can help feed shelter dogs by making a postcard, such as this. More details can be found at the Pet Postcard Project

And in times of trouble and stress (or any time at all) she is happy to provide comedic relief to a situation.


Stumpy also has her own blog: Stumpy's Daily Dose 'o" Dirtville, that documents her daily doggie doings, while we're domiciled in dirtville.

What DO I want?

Yup, that's the vehicle of my dreams. That and a couple of mules.

And here's a more modern version.


So, the better questions would be, "What do I need?" I have three main concerns: room, ease of driving and safety. I'd like enough room for myself, one or two dogs, and an occasional guest. I'd like to feel comfortable driving it in, even in congested traffic. I want to be able to pull over, whenever and where ever, to rest without having to "set up." I also would like to be able to drive away, without having to get out of the trailer and into another vehicle. I'd like to have enough room for an occasional guest.

I ruled out Class A's, pretty much right off the bat. Although, If I found a smaller one, I would certainly go look at it.

Class B's? Too small for myself and two dogs. And there is no room for guests. Again, if the right one crossed my path, I would consider it.

Travel trailers? I had intended to purchase my home last year, to take to the east coast. When I couldn't find the motor home I wanted, I ended up buying a small pick up truck. The truck is too small to pull anything but the lightest of travel trailers. Again, I'm not ruling them out. I love the Burros, Scamps, Casitas, and Shasta's I especially love the retro TTs. But a travel trailer doesn't meet even my bare bones criteria. I'd probably hold out, unless someone gave it to me!

Class C, it is then.
I haven't any preferences, when it comes to make and model, yet. I'm emotionally invested in Ford products, but the make of the vehicle would never be a deal breaker. I lived in a 24' travel trailer, for a year and a half, and found the space to be quite adequate. So, something between 21 and 26 feet, with the bed in the back (if there is extra sleeping space) would work.

Also, the vehicle should have a big enough engine to tow my Ford Ranger.

Of course, I would like it to have all the necessary power sources: generator batteries. Solar panels, too, would be a bonus. Anything that's already installed is going to save me money, in the long run (I would hope.)

Price range? I learned a long time ago never to be the first to reveal your budget in negotiations. She who reveals last, wins.

I just can't help myself...

I love it!


"Camo Bus! Yes! A camoflauged RV You gotta see! - $9998

How many of you buddies can watch TV while they are hunting? This is a 1990 Diesel bus painted Camo with a 3208 Cat and 5sp Allisson Transmission, Recent conversion with Generator, fridge, 2 A/Cs, Stove fridge, huge shower, porcelain RV toilet, Air door, big ground clearance, tons of power and way more!!!!!! You gotta see it to believe it, its way cool! Make offer, bring a trade?"

Seriously, It's too big. And I don't hunt. But, I still love it! I have to wonder how many miles are on that Cat engine that makes the rig that cheap! You have to admit, it looks pretty nice inside. and roomy, too!