Fifteen year RV veterans Phil and Jo Ann Tullar recently downsized from a 40 foot Newmar motorhome to a much smaller motorhome by Leisure Travel. Curious, I asked what was the biggest factor in their decision to downsize and Phil said, "We just got burned out getting our other motorhomes fixed all the time." They also cited the price of fuel as a factor. "There are a lot of SUVs that don't get half the mileage as this," Phil said. His new RV gives him 22 miles per gallon with a little Mercedes diesel. They purchased the new rig in March 2007, traveled until October, then took a break from traveling at their Tucson condo. Now they're off again, exploring America.
Their biggest adjustment? Lost cargo capacity.With less storage, planning ahead has become more important. They miss the convenience of having a washer/dryer combo but Jo Ann added that you do meet some interesting people at the laundry room.
Jo Ann had to get used to a smaller kitchen and smaller sink. The stove has only two burners, but that hasn't mattered as she uses an electric skillet and grill for cooking. She also relies on the combo microwave/convection oven. Jo Ann says the RV bathroom is adequate but she uses campground shower facilities when available.
On the plus side, they feel more carefree now! They don't tow a car anymore because it's so easy to unhook and use the little motorhome for touring. They do more dry camping because this rig is so easy to move. It fits in state and national park campsites and when visiting relatives, they now fit in the driveway. They couldn't do that with their 40 footer. This little rig has a built-in generator so kitchen appliances are always available. Phil says the holding tanks are more than adequate. With a queen sized bed and a 32 inch television they have all the luxuries they want.
These pint sized RVs are catching on. I met a couple at a campground in Maine last year who made the switch for the same reasons. He pulled a small utility trailer behind his RV for some extra storage space. Perhaps one of these smaller RVs is in your future.
Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing
Read more of Jim's work at his blog "RV Now"
