Ed: Yep, its to get me, the wife, and a dog or two back and forth from my favorite rivers. Mostly short trips of 2-3 nights.
I plan to try and keep it as simple as possible, which is why I'm turned off by full-blown rv trailers or tent trailers. It might also be used on rare ocassions for actual hauling of something, so I'll try to design everything for easy in and out.
A dry, comfortable bed is top priority. Initial thought is to put in a regular double bed, with the frame elevated just enough for some storage under it. The "fridge" will be a quality cooler that will keep a couple of ice blocks frozen for a few days, which I can do now in the back of the pick-up. A couple of comfortable chairs. A small folding table (portable, but stable when put up) for eating, reading, and tying flies. Portable storage boxes for everything else. A water jug on a shelf (as seen on this site somewhere!) also works fine for me. Cooking will be done
outside to keep the odors and grease out there, with the possible exception of boiling a pot of water inside on cool mornings. I have a porta-potty I carry on my drift boat for overnight trips, so that would do in a pinch for a middle-of-the-night urge.
I'll still "camp" in less-developed areas, spend most of my time outside around the river or camp fire, and still carry my screen tent.
Some 12-volt LED lights inside, a screened window on each side for light, fresh air, and some view. An RV door in addition to rear door. That's about it for now.
Some kind of shower arrangement would be handy, but not sure how simple I could keep that. Was thinking of maybe using the "solar shower" bag I have now, and creating a corner to hang it in. Drainage would be the only issue, and I think I saw a solution or two on here already.
I don't want/need a stereo, tv, stove, water faucets, sinks, or any of that. (That's what motels are for!
)
My thought on aluminum was for the weight issue. However, I may be jumping the gun on that one. V-nose for towing efficiency in windy Wyoming. Two axles/wheels for peace of mind.
I just need a place to sleep comfortably, get out of the weather when it gets nasty, and securely store all the camping and fishing goodies that get brought along on the trips.
Heat would be nice to extend the season, but I'm not yet sure about burning propane in such an enclosed area. I'm sure it can be done, and safely, but I have to learn that first and then leave that to a pro. Carbon Monoxide I have no use for!
I'm going to take a hands-on look at a few on Monday to get a feel of what I want to start with . . . Its gonna be fun, especially with all the ideas tossed around on this site.
