We've done Hawaii and Mexico. The Aloha state is a bit physically restricting out there in the Pacific, and Mexico has issues we'd rather avoid, so the southern U.S. is the go-to zone for the next decade. We don't want to stay in a condo or hotel for too long, certainly not for three months, so how does one travel around in comfort without spending $100,000+ on snazzy motorhomes?
We've now looked at a couple of hundred pull units and fifth wheels, and the best option we've found is a growing company called LivinLite that makes a number of interesting models. The one we really like, and the subject of this review, is the VRV line: versatile recreation vehicle.
COST: There are a number of points in favor of the LivinLite VRV, not the least being that they are more affordable than many other units out there, i.e. between $30,000-$40,000 for the 22-26 footers. The clincher is that these models actually give enough space inside so you don't feel claustrophobic after a few months travelling. More on this later and in the videos.
WEIGHT: Since they're all aluminum, they're light: the 26-foot unit weighs only 5,000 pounds dry, the 22-foot unit we're looking at is only 3,950 lb. so you can haul them with anything...that's very light if you know pull trailer weights. We have a Ford Sport Trac rated to tow 7,000 lb.; it's nearly new, and we really don't want to have to buy a new vehicle, so where else can we get 26 feet and still be good to go?
BULLET PROOF INTERIOR: I know some people like the nylon carpeting and plaid upholstery, and built in particle-board cabinetry, but we've been in enough campers to know that the newness doesn't last; things start to fray and wear. Even worse, things begin to smell from must and mold. You can take a hose to the inside of these VRVs; everything is aluminum, even the floor and the kitchen cupboards. And the fit and finish is excellent; they snap shut and tight like a military salute.
SPACIOUS! This really appeals to us given that we'll spend a lot of time in it. You can get 7-foot-wide models, but also ones that are 8.5-feet wide, and that's a big difference (see videos online). Even more impressive is the way they are designed. The kitchen and bathroom are all in the front end, so the back is all yours to play with. Sure, you can put a quad, or motorcycle or whatever in there, and there's still the separate front bedroom available in the larger 22 and 26-foot models, so you aren't sleeping in the same room as your friends or toys. LivinLite gives you the option to add in durable vinyl seats, and also seat/beds that electronically pull up tight to the ceiling, but those aren't for us.
We plan to buy our own nice, comfy furniture that doesn't have 90-degree seat backs that are only comfortable for the ten minutes you sit in them in a showroom. Try watching a movie in most trailer or fifth wheel couches or chairs...agony after an hour. Go crazy at a Home Depot, get your own stuff in there and then you can take it out when you aren't using the unit; this way, there is zippo to go moldy. You can have your captain's chair while you watch movies after dark. Ditto with carpeting: put your own end tables and throw rug in that can be easily taken out when the unit is idle. With the wide models, you get a LOT of space to play with, plus you can add to the spaciousness with two fold-out beds. With those out, the unit is 16-feet wide and even more long...that's a lot of space.
PICTURE WINDOW! Actually, it isn't a picture window, it's the backdoor/ramp that pulls down so you have an unobstructed view of everything from that end. This is a spectacular plus if you're in a nice campspot backed up to a nice creek or lake or view...no little windows and crampy side doors. You get eight-feet wide and seven feet tall of opening, plus a quality pull-down screen to keep out the critters. This really adds to the feel of being outdoors.
MISCELLANEOUS: The company has done a great job of differentiating itself from others in the travel trailer market, and it adds to the list with its dry shower option, air conditioning, dual axles, tough diamond plate rockguard exterior sheeting, Dexter independent suspension, and choices of interior finishings (though we like the basic black and silver).
TO TOP IT OFF -- RESALE VALUE: Though we might like it to, no one's retirement dream of travelling around carefree experiencing the pleasures of spots hitherto unseen, things change, i.e. we get too damn old! So, what now with that nice travel unit? Take a bath on depreciation because it now looks worn and has started to get that stale smell that trailers get...women hate that. As noted, this unit is aluminum throughout, nothing to show wear unless you throw really wild parties (invite me), and nothing to go moldy. It should literally last for a couple decades if not longer. And, what I like is the appeal is has to different potential buyers. Buy it as a toy hauler, buy it as a camper, buy it as a moving van with ample space for anything if you take your furniture out.
These units are usable year-round for almost any purpose.
Most travel trailers depreciate significantly because they quickly start to show their age. These models have a lot more durability, and they appeal to different buyers, so your chances of recovering more of your investment are improved. We're counting on that...
This review is a lot longer than I normally write, but it's an unusual product. See for yourself. Now, if utilitarian isn't your style, i.e. if you like soft and plush and cushy everywhere, this maybe isn't it. But if you can create that plushness when you want/need it, and then convert it to whatever else you need at other times, it's exactly what the company advertises:
VERSATILE!
See more for yourself at these links:
See this link for a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuuPLabRT6E
See the VRV website for specifications: http://www.livinlite.com/VRV-specs.php
Floorplans and pricing: http://www.vrvtoyhauler.com/advantage.aspx
Here are a bunch more VRV videos that let you live vicariously as you near retirement: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=LivinLite+VRV&oq=LivinLite+&gs_l=youtube.1.0.35i39j0l2.4218.6297.0.8859.10.9.0.0.0.0.328.1531.2-4j2.6.0...0.0...1ac.1._i2VzgDuM3k
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