Hello, first post here, long time reader.
I realize that this is more of a niche topic that might get me directed to RV forums and such but I wanted to ask the FI, financially focused group here to see if there were any pointers I could get before diving into other forums.
I've had a teardrop for a few years and have used it on summer roadtrips. It wasn't intended as a starter camper because I didn't want to "upgrade" from my 4cyl Honda Fit and its 40mpg (another reason I'm asking here instead of a camper/RV forum) for when I'm on the road.
After probably 2 cumulative months of sleeping/living in the teardrop over the last 2 years, I've realized it wouldn't meet all my needs outside of the scope of a roadtrip. Specifically, it'd be REALLY nice to be able to stand up (even if there isn't much walking room) and it's really nice to have indoor seating for when it rains for reading/eating/visiting.
There really isn't anything currently on the market that I've found that can be towed with my current vehicle (weight limitation is probably in the 1200#, <150# tongue weight range). The Casitas/Scamps are probably the closest match to what I was hoping for but I think they weigh too much. I recently discovered that there are some vintage options - Serro Scotty, for instance - that could fit the bill which would possibly still be roadtrip capable.
Recently, however, I've been seriously kicking the idea around of relocating into a camper for an extended period of time and renting out my house. This would not be a a pick up and go from campsite to campsite concept (I'd have a friend's vehicle to relocate a camper from the purchase site to it's semi-permanent resting spot). I'm thinking about getting a plot, installing permanent hookups/utility pole, OR parking a camper in the deep backyard of a rental property that I'm renovating and connecting it to that house's sewer and electrical.
I'm not opposed to building a permanent structure in the backyard like the one MMM built that could be used for living or as a workshop but my assumption has been that a camper would be better bang for the buck considering materials cost and not even bringing into account my time/effort/stress to build as well as permitting issues (which I would seek to work around/disregard with the camper option).
All that to say, for anyone here who has camper/RV living experience, I'm wondering what's the best bang for the buck in terms of practicality/efficiency/low maintenance/basic comfort when it comes to these things? My assumption is buying a "project" camper for renovation will be a money pit and I'd be better off finding a moderately used camper or someone else's renovation project that they've gotten their fun/use out of. Any tips or challenges to my plans appreciated here.