Tomeejr

I want to build the uber dependable 18' Sunrader travelmobile but need it to be able to haul a few hundred pounds of tools. After looking at (and talking to the owner of) the F250 rv http://cosprings.craigslist.org/rvs/4313360034.html I began to wonder who else has grafted a rv body onto something else. I'm not looking for ideas really, just who has done what and on what. Thanks.

When I find someone with a similar Toyota, I ask them what the scale weight is. I'm always told "Gee, I never thought to have it weighed". I always find that a little hard to believe. I would gladly do without carrying 20 gallons of water, a water bed, a mahogany chestadrawers, a full sized refrigerator or whatever to shed weight. To me, tools are more important than home-style creature comforts.

I'm a mobile mechanic and plan to fund my travels around the good ole US of A by stopping at VW's that need TLC. That would mean me carrying around 500 pounds of tools, give or take. Lighter gvw weight is more attractive then more overall vehicle length. If the Americana is heavier then the Sunrader, I'll think I'll just pass that one by. Matter of fact, I think I might just pass on both of the 21 footers til I find an 18' Sunrader. I wouldn't mind finding one that needed to be gutted and rebuilt, thus I would be able to control the weight of the rebuild. My chihauhau and I don't need that many creature comforts in an RV. I spent 550,000 miles living in a tractor trailer, so anything bigger then a space 4'x7' will be like a mansion to me.

The Americana is a v6 with around 50k on it, the Sunrader is a 22re with 100k+ on it. The Sunrader appearance wise inside and out is cleaner while externally the Americana needs some sprucing up. Are the weights comparable ? I can't seem to find an accurate gvw of either. To be honest, I'd rather find an 18' Sunrader but haven't found one either not from the rust belt or one where I wouldn't have to rob a bank to pay for it.

If both are reasonably equal, what would the bigger bang for the buck be ? The '91 Americana buck will be about $9g's. Thanks for your thoughts.