by Mojave Bob » Tue Jun 01, 2021 8:07 am
Thank you. This camper was intended to be somewhat of a study in "luxury minimalism". I intentionally pushed a few limits, to help us decide what is the minimum we will be happy with after retirement. After using it for several years, I can always build another one if we decide there is something we don't like. So far, we like it. We might not prefer to LIVE in it, but actually, we could -- and be fairly comfortable.
One thing we left off is a pressurized water system and hot water. We heat water on the stove or, if we have power, in a hot pot. That decision would not be for everyone, but I realized that hot water is a game-changer in the camper design. Hot water and a shower requires a propane system, with a propane tank, a larger fresh tank, and a larger grey tank, and a place for the water heater itself. It requires space and introduces a lot of potential issues with humidity and water damage. So, for best bang for our pound and square foot, we omitted that, and either use the facility showers, or sponge bathe. Or, I sometimes take a pop-up shower shelter and a Zodi shower.
I also realize that porta-potties are not for everyone. I have been camping for decades, and have used every conceivable camp toilet type, and my personal opinion is that it just comes down to preference. None of them are "flush and it's gone" like at home. Whether it is held in a tank just below the seat, or in a tank just below the floor makes no difference to me. Each has it's advantages, and its disadvantages. I can live happily with any of them, and am just glad to have it at 3am!
I would love to have a rooftop air conditioner, but not at the cost of giving up the Fantastic Fan. And, even the smallest rooftop units are too big for a camper this size. 5,000-6,000 BTU is all it wants. Plus, a rooftop unit would require additional wall height to save me from head-butting it. Those things tipped the scales in favor of the portable unit. The doghouse A/C works really well, but it does add a degree of inconvenience.