First of all, thanks for an informative sharing of 7 years of tiny camper travels! 598 overnights? Please post your 600th trip on this site! My 5 things are below, AND, as someone who purchased a fully contained driveable camper Thor Scope 18M last year I learned that tall vans catch wind and its SCARY to drive during wind, over high bridges and can't park in the garage. So, the reasonS I AM purchasing a Range Runner are ease of towing, less fear of wind impact, affordability, ability to customize completely to my needs and taste; and lastly, I get to be a part of this wonderful, sharing, creative community of campers!!!! OH, AND ONE OTHER THING about the van I owned last year and then sold. It had so many systems, Apps to be installed, manuals to read, things to know that I was so intimidated that it sat in my driveway off to the side for over 3 weeks once home as I was so afraid I'd get stuck on a drive and wouldn't know enough to continue. I was home for only 30 mins from picking it up new and an alarm went off! It took a week with Thor and we finally realized that the awning needed an App installed 'CAREFREE' and the sensor wasn't sensing the connection so the alarm went off. Thor wasn't even aware of this feature and alarm and kept telling me to change the batteries and reset. Wow, give me a blank slate tiny camper anyday!!!!!!!
Thanks for your feedback I have pined this comment to the top so people can see it. It’s not that we re down on big campers it just that for our needs we prefer tiny. Good idea for the 600th night we will be sure to do that.
I have a very small camper (not quite a tiny camper, but close), and I absolutely LOVE the fact that I can get into almost every parking lot, I can turn around in a very small space, and all I need to park it, is two normal parking spaces, one in front an another! And being able to tow it with my 4Runner is amazing! Hope to see you in Texas someday! I’d love to sit around a campfire and talk tiny campers with you! 😂😊
I have a RangeRunner and keep it in my garage at home. It was VERY important that it have AC, as I live in Texas where I wouldn't be able to use it much without AC. Due to some reconstruction work, I had to shut my air off in the house for a few days. I went out, cracked the garage door (for ventilation) and slept in the camper with the AC. My point is that it's not an issue to sleep in your camper if you have convenient access to it like I have. It can also serve as an extra bed if you have people over and you don't have enough beds.
Love my Runaway tiny camper! Another bonus is that it is a conversation starter! You will invariably have someone want to ask questions about it. I met the loveliest Korean family on my last Campout. They were so much fun!!
My 5 things of buying: 1. Affordable - no payments 2. I can move it without the car attached 3. Just the perfect size for the towns I drive through 4. Small enough to upgrade from a tent but small enough not to over load with stuff. 5. It is a great conversation starter.
I am absolutely a tiny camper person! My mantra is pull in, plug in, climb in! I am at the age where my physical abilities are compromised. #7 tiny campers allow those with some limitations to continue to camp. #8.I go thru drive thrus!! Not a big thing for some but it works for me! #9 They are so cute! Says no one ever "what an adorable 30 foot tank!". #10, I only use a 5 pound refillable propane tank every 8-10 month,. I'm not running a shower and oven and stove and heater and all the other large rig uses. It saves weight, space and money. This is a great series. Hope to see you at White Water Memorial again.
I agree with all your points - cost (both acquisition and ongoing) is huge for me... I love that we pull it with our minivan and get low 20's mpg.. One additional thing... it's just cool! You'd mentioned peoples' reactions in the "5 reasons not to" episode. I think we get even more positive reactions - everyone wants to see it, so many people say I wish I could do that. Well, guess what, they can! :-)
I bought my Range Runner in 2021 for a little over $7,000, with a spare tire and the roof rack. The _base price_ today is $7,645 (without the spare tire and roof rack).
You can tow with almost anything. AC and easy to heat I'm to old to sleep on the ground. No gray or black water to deal with. No payments, cheap enough to pay cash. Bonus: you meet great people to Runaway with.
For me, in my Range Runner purchase; I’d watched SO MANY videos of other owners like you guys, gotten precise interior measurements from fb owners group members, that I was able to ‘design’ my interior layout while I waited for it to be built… that said, I made Key purchases ( power bank/Solar setup, dehumidifier device, lighting, wall coverings, pop up shower tent/usb shower and portable toilet). But as far as organizational items, hanging hooks, bed… I waited till I got it home to start that. Even still, I’ve had a few regrettable purchases. Luckily, one I can repurpose, the other I returned to Amazon and will keep looking for something better. I agree with all your top 5’s btw!!
Great video as always. My 5. 1. Affordable, 2. Size, 3. Can tow with my Kia Soul, 4. Easy set up and break down at camp, 5. It reminds me of being a kid in a fort!
I'm so glad I found your channel. I've been trying to find the best camper for me, and this has been so informative. Mentioning to put in garage and turn sideways - wow - did not think of that and has been one of my sticking points - car will have to be in the drive. Problem solved!
I just found your channel. Spot on. All points. We have been looking at Runaway Capers for ten years. Guess that is a long enough time to see if they are worth. I like the Rouser, as you can stand up. I would also tow with a van. Thanks for the info.
Any more I hate tents! I want a tiny camper so badly that the old phrases of beg, borrow and steal; or something like that. I think my first choice would be a Runaway camper.
I see many comments about foam flooring, air conditioning leaks if facing rain storms and possible mold under the flooring. With 7 years experience what is your input? By the way…I tried a I haul…too heavy!
We have never had any mold problems we did have one slight leak around the door we had to fix. Personally we don’t like the pads on the floor but many do.
Unfortunately, Rustic Trails have gone way up in price. I recently looked at one that you can stand in and they wanted $23,000 for it. Their 5x10 with 60 inch height inside is close to $20,000.
One pro you didn't mention ( or I missed it), if cross country road tripping, hotels and meals cost a small fortune, and you get to sleep in your own bed. With that alone a small camper can pay for itself with just that. Now to go watch NOT to buy video and leave a comment there.
First of all, thanks for an informative sharing of 7 years of tiny camper travels! 598 overnights? Please post your 600th trip on this site! My 5 things are below, AND, as someone who purchased a fully contained driveable camper Thor Scope 18M last year I learned that tall vans catch wind and its SCARY to drive during wind, over high bridges and can't park in the garage. So, the reasonS I AM purchasing a Range Runner are ease of towing, less fear of wind impact, affordability, ability to customize completely to my needs and taste; and lastly, I get to be a part of this wonderful, sharing, creative community of campers!!!!
OH, AND ONE OTHER THING about the van I owned last year and then sold. It had so many systems, Apps to be installed, manuals to read, things to know that I was so intimidated that it sat in my driveway off to the side for over 3 weeks once home as I was so afraid I'd get stuck on a drive and wouldn't know enough to continue. I was home for only 30 mins from picking it up new and an alarm went off! It took a week with Thor and we finally realized that the awning needed an App installed 'CAREFREE' and the sensor wasn't sensing the connection so the alarm went off. Thor wasn't even aware of this feature and alarm and kept telling me to change the batteries and reset. Wow, give me a blank slate tiny camper anyday!!!!!!!
Thanks for your feedback I have pined this comment to the top so people can see it. It’s not that we re down on big campers it just that for our needs we prefer tiny. Good idea for the 600th night we will be sure to do that.
1. Price
2. Smaller tow vehicle
3. A/C
4. Maneuverability when unhooked
5. Less things to break.
Thanks for all the great videos!!
Great points
Good points. I only need one point to choose a runaway trailer. It can be towed by my current vehicle. The big ones need a truck. 73
I have a very small camper (not quite a tiny camper, but close), and I absolutely LOVE the fact that I can get into almost every parking lot, I can turn around in a very small space, and all I need to park it, is two normal parking spaces, one in front an another! And being able to tow it with my 4Runner is amazing! Hope to see you in Texas someday! I’d love to sit around a campfire and talk tiny campers with you! 😂😊
We love texas
The tiny Runaway Campers are so simple and affordable! We love our bedroom on wheels.
Agreed
I agree with all 5!!
If it wasn’t for you two, we wouldn’t have our Runaway!!
Me as well. I was researching for two years (since my 🚑ambulance engine went) 🤗
Glad you are with us
I have a RangeRunner and keep it in my garage at home. It was VERY important that it have AC, as I live in Texas where I wouldn't be able to use it much without AC. Due to some reconstruction work, I had to shut my air off in the house for a few days. I went out, cracked the garage door (for ventilation) and slept in the camper with the AC. My point is that it's not an issue to sleep in your camper if you have convenient access to it like I have. It can also serve as an extra bed if you have people over and you don't have enough beds.
It makes an excellent bedroom when our house is full of guests for sure
Love my Runaway tiny camper! Another bonus is that it is a conversation starter! You will invariably have someone want to ask questions about it. I met the loveliest Korean family on my last Campout. They were so much fun!!
You meet the greatest people
My 5 things of buying: 1. Affordable - no payments 2. I can move it without the car attached 3. Just the perfect size for the towns I drive through 4. Small enough to upgrade from a tent but small enough not to over load with stuff. 5. It is a great conversation starter.
Great tip!
Great list your 5 things
I am absolutely a tiny camper person! My mantra is pull in, plug in, climb in! I am at the age where my physical abilities are compromised. #7 tiny campers allow those with some limitations to continue to camp. #8.I go thru drive thrus!! Not a big thing for some but it works for me! #9 They are so cute! Says no one ever "what an adorable 30 foot tank!". #10, I only use a 5 pound refillable propane tank every 8-10 month,. I'm not running a shower and oven and stove and heater and all the other large rig uses. It saves weight, space and money. This is a great series. Hope to see you at White Water Memorial again.
We will look into being there.
I agree with all your points - cost (both acquisition and ongoing) is huge for me... I love that we pull it with our minivan and get low 20's mpg.. One additional thing... it's just cool! You'd mentioned peoples' reactions in the "5 reasons not to" episode. I think we get even more positive reactions - everyone wants to see it, so many people say I wish I could do that. Well, guess what, they can! :-)
We should have mentioned the cool factor. It’s not all negative
All good reasons. A big one for us is the trails that we like to explore in the backcountry, a bigger camper wouldn’t fit.
Good point
Thank you Waiting on my Range Runner now can't wait to get out there with it !
Hope you enjoy it!
I bought my Range Runner in 2021 for a little over $7,000, with a spare tire and the roof rack. The _base price_ today is $7,645 (without the spare tire and roof rack).
Prices have increased
You nailed all of my reasons for buying one. For anyone reading this is Arkansas, they titled it as an rv so I have to pay rv insurance rates (crazy).
Yes it’s different in every state
You can tow with almost anything.
AC and easy to heat
I'm to old to sleep on the ground.
No gray or black water to deal with.
No payments, cheap enough to pay cash.
Bonus: you meet great people to Runaway with.
Buy a tiny camper …..push the easy button
I agree with u 100% on a small campers thank you for the information !❤❤
You are so welcome!
For me, in my Range Runner purchase; I’d watched SO MANY videos of other owners like you guys, gotten precise interior measurements from fb owners group members, that I was able to ‘design’ my interior layout while I waited for it to be built… that said, I made Key purchases ( power bank/Solar setup, dehumidifier device, lighting, wall coverings, pop up shower tent/usb shower and portable toilet). But as far as organizational items, hanging hooks, bed… I waited till I got it home to start that.
Even still, I’ve had a few regrettable purchases. Luckily, one I can repurpose, the other I returned to Amazon and will keep looking for something better.
I agree with all your top 5’s btw!!
Welcome to the cult :)
You two are super cute. I can’t wait to get my tiny camper!
Thank you!! 😊
I love that at 63 I can push it around the site myself since I can't back it up myself with the car. LOL
What ever works LOL
Great to see you again! 😊
Great video as always. My 5. 1. Affordable, 2. Size, 3. Can tow with my Kia Soul, 4. Easy set up and break down at camp, 5. It reminds me of being a kid in a fort!
Right on
Thank you for all the great information.
Hope it helps
Never thought about the drive threw
Yes
I'm so glad I found your channel. I've been trying to find the best camper for me, and this has been so informative. Mentioning to put in garage and turn sideways - wow - did not think of that and has been one of my sticking points - car will have to be in the drive. Problem solved!
Welcome aboard!
Thanks for giving me an excuse for my awful backing up skills
Keep practicing you’ll get it
I will add I have a tiny vintage camper I bought for $2000 and it’s now worth $15000 plus. I agree with your list for sure !
Great investment
I love yall's videos.
Thanks
Another potential topic: 5 things you should do in bear country.
I just found your channel. Spot on. All points. We have been looking at Runaway Capers for ten years. Guess that is a long enough time to see if they are worth. I like the Rouser, as you can stand up. I would also tow with a van. Thanks for the info.
Your welcome
I guess the composite campers are supposed to be better, but I do think the wood interior looks warmer and homier.
We agree
Basically the affordability of all of the campers they seen online in UA-cam😊
Any more I hate tents! I want a tiny camper so badly that the old phrases of beg, borrow and steal; or something like that. I think my first choice would be a Runaway camper.
Good choice but there are several good brands
I see many comments about foam flooring, air conditioning leaks if facing rain storms and possible mold under the flooring. With 7 years experience what is your input? By the way…I tried a I haul…too heavy!
We have never had any mold problems we did have one slight leak around the door we had to fix. Personally we don’t like the pads on the floor but many do.
Plus you can unhook to go sightseeing and not have to tow it with you, vs a one piece RV type.
True
Add weight Wise because I have a very small car it's a four cylinder I need something that's very light
#6in case of emergency just evacuate your whole house😂
That also
Should we be waiting for the video where Ed teaches us backing up??
Something to consider
@@Hanginwithherky please, please....
Unfortunately, Rustic Trails have gone way up in price. I recently looked at one that you can stand in and they wanted $23,000 for it. Their 5x10 with 60 inch height inside is close to $20,000.
They make a good option for those wanting a 5 wide.
Would it be easy for some one to steal. Only one door concerns me
May not be a good fit for you
Do you get to colorado on trips
Not in recent years but we have in the past.
In general, it seems to me that tiny campers are built by small manufacturers who do a better job of building than the big RV companies do.
I would agree 👍 they are closer to the end user so they have to come face to face with their customers
I get a kick out of them calling this a Tiny Camper, that is the name of a camper manufacturer not that far from Run Away Camper.
Referring to size not brand
That’s Campers! Lol
True
One pro you didn't mention ( or I missed it), if cross country road tripping, hotels and meals cost a small fortune, and you get to sleep in your own bed.
With that alone a small camper can pay for itself with just that.
Now to go watch NOT to buy video and leave a comment there.
We hate hotel beds
You two have such great advice! I have stuff from my ambulance…I got too excited 😂👀🫣
Easy to do