Questions about 19' ft Chinook by Trail Wagons and other general questions

[adventureselsewhere]

Hello, wise and experienced Chinook people!

First, just to be clear, I won't be able to buy a Chinook for at least a year, so I am just researching now. What a great forum to learn on!

I came across this ad for a 19' Chinook, and I have questions.

https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2002-T ... 5009698942

But this is the only 19' I've seen so far. All the rest are 21' or more. Is this type of Chinook hard to find? I really like the fact that it is shorter. I'd love something in the 19' range, since I expect to drive from VA to NYC often and want to be able to park easier. (Don't worry. I drive in the city all the time because I teach there often during the school year.) I think the counter and storage space is less on this 19" and also there is only a 2 burner stove. Both are fine with me. But what else would be lost in order to get that 2 ft less?

And also, in general, I have a couple more questions.
1. I want to be able to take my (future) Chinook in snowy conditions to ski resorts. Do I need a 4x4? Do some Chinooks already come with front wheel drive, and that is enough? If not, what would the conversions cost me?
2. I eventually would like to do away with propane, since I do need to drive through tunnels. But I also want to be able to be off-grid as much as possible. I like the idea of solar. So, what should I be looking for in order to have the solar be able to power the whole rig?

I'm sure I'll have more questions as time goes on. Thanks so much for sharing what you know with me!

[SMan]

This is clearly a 21' Chinook. The 19' reference is incorrect.

[adventureselsewhere]

Thanks for the quick answer! I wondered if this was a mistake in the ad, but it kind of feels like false advertising . . .

In any case, I'll be happy with a 21' Chinook.

[Hea!]

1. I want to be able to take my (future) Chinook in snowy conditions to ski resorts. Do I need a 4x4? Do some Chinooks already come with front wheel drive, and that is enough? If not, what would the conversions cost me?

4x4 required? No!
Expect to spend at least $20k to convert...
http://www.ujointoffroad.com/4x4vanfaqs.html
Mine is only RWD, but I plan to spend a lot of time in the Tahoe area. Check out AutoSocks. I intend to carry 2 sets at all times as well as chains.

2. I eventually would like to do away with propane, since I do need to drive through tunnels. But I also want to be able to be off-grid as much as possible. I like the idea of solar. So, what should I be looking for in order to have the solar be able to power the whole rig?

I don't see the connection between tunnels and propane.
I'm unconvinced there's enough roof space to go all solar. Do the maths, your mileage may vary.

[adventureselsewhere]

Wow! The autosocks are cool! I've never heard of them before . . . And yes, if you think those and chains would be enough, then I won't worry about expensive conversions.

As to propane prohibitions and tunnels, on the east coast it's a thing--especially in VA, where I live and in NYC, where I have to go to work often.
https://www.rvtripwizard.com/rv-info/pr ... in-tunnels

So, okay, I see by your very helpful graphic that there's probably not enough room on top to be solar self-sufficient, but any other ideas? Maybe extra deep cycle batteries I can recharge when I can plug in at home?

[chin_k]

The numbers on car sale ad are often carelessly provided. It is mostly buyer-beware, so verify everything. You really need to give benefit of doubt to salesman since they do have a lot of different ones they are dealing with, so they may not know everything. This is why some people like to do private sale, since if he/she give you this car salesman attitude of "I don't know the history", you know something is fishy.

Anyway, on the propane, I read that you just have to shut off while traveling, and may have to stop for inspector. And the only prohibited tunnels are around New York City, and there are plenty of bridges that you can use as alternatives. Many people shut off the propane while traveling anyway for safety reason (fridge fire is one concern, esp. if yours is under the Dometric recall list), so it is not a major hassle.

Regarding the solar, one way that people can add the extra solar is with portable panels. permanently installed panels are good since you will be traveling and charging at the same time, but if you are on camp, you maybe able to charge using portable panels when you go near sunny spot.

[adventureselsewhere]

Good idea re the portable solar panels when boondocking. And yes, you are right that I can take the upper deck of the GW bridge into Manhattan no problem, so I guess I shouldn't be too worried about the propane.

Thanks all! Lots of great help here!

[Hea!]

If I hadn't just picked one up I'd be all over this one...

https://www.facebook.com/groups/140061510117/
I Love My Chinook is a pretty awesome group!

[adventureselsewhere]

Wow! That's an amazing one! And thanks for pointing me to the Facebook group!

[Brickyard]

Regarding figuring out how much solar to get, this is the most concise, realistic summary you'll find, from James at theFitRV. He's an ex-rocket scientist, technical but human.

https://www.thefitrv.com/rv-tips/how-mu ... -on-my-rv/