I kicked the tires on some small RVs, but they are so expensive. We ultimately built out the back of a used Suburban (similar to what https://www.suboverland.com/ is doing, but not as elaborate). I can still use around town when I need to run an errand. It’s got as much room as a teardrop, but no towing. Super easy to just sleep in a parking lot somewhere if I want to. It’s been a good way to test the waters as far as weeks on the road.
Haven’t spent 10,000 miles across like 15 states camping in it, about the only thing I’d prefer over it would be a converted van. I would never pay $100K+ for one, though. But I think I could buy a used (unconverted) van and convert it myself for far, far less and be content.
Another option we looked at was a smaller vehicle (probably a used 4Runner or Outback) and then a rooftop tent. My takeaway after seeing so many of those in campgrounds out west…spend the money on the “hard shell” ones that are so easy to set up (such as the iKamper).
Haven’t spent 10,000 miles across like 15 states camping in it, about the only thing I’d prefer over it would be a converted van. I would never pay $100K+ for one, though. But I think I could buy a used (unconverted) van and convert it myself for far, far less and be content.
Another option we looked at was a smaller vehicle (probably a used 4Runner or Outback) and then a rooftop tent. My takeaway after seeing so many of those in campgrounds out west…spend the money on the “hard shell” ones that are so easy to set up (such as the iKamper).