Types of Camping Rigs—Why Not a Van?

As I was discovering, towing a trailer is a different experience from driving a van. In my lifetime, I had owned two VW pop-top camper vans that bring back wonderful memories. More recently, I owned a Ford E150 conversion van that I fashioned into a rolling living room and writing studio by taking out the center row of seats and installing a rug, car refrigerator, and portable toilet.

I had fantasized for years about someday getting a Roadtrek mini motorhome. Considering all that, it seems weird that I ended up with a trailer. But what a perfect choice for the nomad lifestyle!

Each type of rig has its pros and cons:

Vans are currently trending, and those who live in their vans are referred to as “vanlifers.” Vans are nimble and can generally be parked in a typical parking spot without hassle. Vans make it possible to “stealth camp,” which means staying overnight in places not designed for overnight stays, like city streets or parking lots. Vans can be parked on a bluff overlooking the ocean, or in a city during a festival, or in a friend’s driveway. The choices of where to park a van are endless. On the downside, there is not much room in a van. The biggest downside for me is the need to move my house every few days for shopping or sightseeing or whatever else I need transportation for. Though I’m a full-time traveler, I typically stay for two to three weeks at each campground, which gives me a settled feeling.

Read more in the book or listen to the audiobook—Travels With The Tiny: Getting Ready to Nomad