I like hearing about things you leaned or would do differently.
I have also been wondering if I would “need or want” a bathroom. At this point, I am leaning towards something simple and light weight.
Any downsides to a pop up? Part of me likes the simplicity of a hard side, but at what cost?
For me, the one downside would be when there are high winds. Not so good in a pop up as it can cause havoc on the fabric. I learned this after I got a tear in the screen fabric after one night of high winds.
With a pop up, you could sleep on the floor, or bench seat (some are designed to convert into a bed-mine is not) in a high wind situation, while leaving the top securely down.
You won’t be using your heater in this situation though if sleeping on the floor.
This is what really brings me back to a do over with a flat bed set up or an 8ft bed. My short bed 4-door gives me about 4” shy of being able to fully stretch out my legs if I choose to try sleeping on the floor.
I’ve done it, but it is not fun.
I’ve also tried sleeping in the drivers seat and wait out the winds, but that is even less fun!
Not sure how high winds feel in a hard side, but would imagine lowered legs would mitigate some rocking.
I love my lower profile while traveling on the road.
A hard side has to be a bit quieter when it comes to noise from the outside too. Can’t imagine it’s a significant difference though.
I use ear plugs if I’m in a rest area type situation or Walmart for the night.
I spent about 3 months around Tucson the winter before last, and it seemed about once a week a front would come through with very high winds.
I came to dread those fronts, knowing I wouldn’t be getting much sleep. Actually got a room twice when that happened.
I’ve often thought maybe I should have gone more simple and light weight, but I absolutely love the comforts of my more ‘decked out’ camper….heat, lites, water, sink/stove, ability to connect to shore power if available, very comfortable queen mattress. I’m around 1,800 - 2,000 lbs loaded.
One other thing.
I have a nice refrigerator but do not use it. Too much drain on batteries for me. I get by just fine with a high quality large cooler kept in the cab of truck.
No fridge would have lower cost, provided more storage space, and possibly head room for those nights sleeping on the floor.