Downsizing: Satisfied or Regrets? - Page 2

86Scotty · 04-07-2014, 03:47 PM

Chance, I see your point.

On DaveB's response about a bigger bathroom I'll offer my opinion as well since I totally agree with him. For me/us it's about privacy. I always prefer to use a bathhouse at a State Park or CG if available, but not if there's a line for a filthy stall or a cold shower. In that case I would use my own. My personal preference is to head to the bathhouse in the middle of the night, just before I turn in (midnightish). The water is usually hot and I have the place to myself. Also, I just fantasize about having a complete bathroom (with a realistic shower) in a van sized package, but If I can't just pull over and use it anywhere something is lost. In other words, I would like a nice sized HW heater and water and waste tank as well as the bathroom. Anyway, sorry to butt in.

rallypanam · 04-07-2014, 04:06 PM

In addition to the SMB, I have three tents.. One is very small for smaller motorcycles, one is medium sized for larger motorcycles, and one is large for when using the girlfriend's Mini Cooper S with her and the mutt.

(not my Trail 90, although I have one just like it)

It all depends on where we're going and what we need to bring. The Mini pretty is pretty much confined to developed campgrounds once or twice a year.. But it saves on gas and is way more fun on a twisty road!

Chance · 04-07-2014, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

.......cut........ Also, I just fantasize about having a complete bathroom (with a realistic shower) in a van sized package, but If I can't just pull over and use it anywhere something is lost. In other words, I would like a nice sized HW heater and water and waste tank as well as the bathroom. Anyway, sorry to butt in.

Yeah, everything else being equal, my wife would also love a full bathroom. And that's where a reality check shows that an extended ProMaster has approximately 20-square-feet of additional floor space, enough extra room for a full bath with shower/tub. And adding three feet in length to a van may not be that big a compromise. I expect it would not add much cost or affect fuel economy all that much.

**daveb** · 04-07-2014, 11:27 PM

Yep having to wait in line sucks! And then...well, lets just say some people are pigs. Lately I've noticed some don't use the head like it is supposed to be used and litter the floor. Must be some kind of third world thing. But I also would rather sleep on the ground with ants than in a bed with bedbugs at some hotel. I've been known to pay for a room, use the shower and head back to my van and sleep in the parking lot. Of course it depends on the hotel.
My big issue is just that I'm big. Makes a huge difference on my opinion on a lot of things. No tables, no little vehicles, walk thru models are tight and RV bathrooms...fo-get-a-bout-it. 50 model rules! If I were to buy a bigger RV, it too would have to be redesigned

oclv · 04-18-2014, 08:29 AM

I've talked to Sprinter owners that claim they get 25 mpg on the highway. I think about that when I fill up my V10. At this point in our lives we like heading into the remote high areas here in the West (no problem getting privacy in the bathroom.........just need a shovel) Once we don't need high clearance and 4X4, I could see a Sprinter solving the dilema of fuel mileage vs size/comfort.

E350 · 04-18-2014, 09:58 AM

oclv: IMHO, be skeptical about mileage claims from anyone:

http://sprinter-source.com/forum/showth ... 64&page=10

People boast about their casino wins, not their losses. Especially if they have spent alot of money at the casino (for their Sprinter, etc.).

I boast about my trip from Sacto to L.A. during the break-in period of my E350 driving 45-55 mph on the flats from Sacto to L.A. getting 21.96 mpg hand calculated. I have never gotten anything close since (yes I do have mods planned to try to claw my way back up there).

IMHO, it takes a certain amount of energy to move a certain mass, regardless of engine size, etc. And over a certain speed, wind resistance takes its toll on mileage, regardless of whether the rolling barn is an E350 or a Sprinter.

ehc0720 · 04-23-2014, 08:32 AM

My version of downsizing. I recently bought a 2014 Toyota Tacoma 4dr truck. I'm planning on getting a tent (roof top tent) that is in a self contained box that mounts on a rack that goes across the top of the bed, leaving plenty of storage in the bed below the tent. It gets 19-25mpg, city.hwy, and the dogs are fine in the back with the seat backs folded down. This may take the place of my SMB, the only downside I can think of is after a rain needing to pack up and the pop up tent is still wet, we'll see. I also have a motorcycle trailer that I pull sometimes, great to park the SMB/truck and explore on the bikes.

gerrym51 · 04-27-2014, 01:44 PM

seems to me a sportsmobile would be best as "second vehicle" catagory for spot use and emergencies.

bassman · 12-27-2014, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oclv

I've talked to Sprinter owners that claim they get 25 mpg on the highway. I think about that when I fill up my V10. At this point in our lives we like heading into the remote high areas here in the West (no problem getting privacy in the bathroom.........just need a shovel) Once we don't need high clearance and 4X4, I could see a Sprinter solving the dilema of fuel mileage vs size/comfort.

I have no problem taking my 2X4 Sprinter T1N to places like Bowman and Faucherie. And I have a stand up shower and porta potti but thinking about a Whitefeather 4X4 conversion?

**daveb** · 12-27-2014, 09:38 PM

There is something to a big RV with a Jeep toad behind it if you frequent campgrounds and still want to take on heavy off roading. But a 4x4 Sprinter offers a medium that might suit many. I'm thinking of just pulling a Jeep behind my SMB. I get nervous that I might have to be towed out of the backcountry if the Sporty breaks down. Pros and cons to everything.