We realized a few things on the trip.
We enjoy doing 2 types of trips:
Type 1) Jeeping adventures which typically involve a particular destination, driving directly there, sleeping at rest stops and gas stations, and sometimes random food stops on the way.
Type 2) Hiking/exploring adventures which has a destination or area in mind, has spur of the moment roadside stops, sleeping at rest stops and campgrounds and just random places. The Jeeps and a tent work great for this during warm weather but not so much in the cold months.
We can not find a perfect one size fits all camper solution.
Various observations:
1) A lot of travel trailers under 20ft are made cheaply and wouldn't hold up to where we'd go. The NuCamp Teardrops and Logan Basecamp might be an exception.
2) Airstream wasn't the quality we were expecting. Lots of fitment issues with craftsmanship, cheap particle board construction, and frustrating to use cabinets and features. They also require full hookups to use basically everything.
3) If we want to unhook from the trailer to explore an area or town we'd need to pay for a campsite to "store" the trailer at. These can be pricey depending on the area and it'd take time away from our day. Plus when we're ready to move on to the next area we might have to backtrack on our route to go get our camper.
4) On the Type 2 trips when we're not sleeping we're outside. Even if it's raining we're likely to be outside doing some adventure or would rather just pack up and move on.
5) Sleep is important and sets up the entire day and sleeping in the front seats is uncomfortable and leads to bad sleep.
6) You can't pitch a tent at a rest area or gas station (at least in a socially accepted way).
7) Some campgrounds are designed for RVs only and tenting on top of sharp gravel sucks.
What we decided on:
Solution 1) We really like the idea of an enclosed gooseneck with living quarters for Jeep trips (type 1). The quality is excellent and will be something we can enjoy for possibly a lifetime. We'd sleep comfortably parked next to big rigs at gas stations and arrive well rested to our destination. Having the rear garage enclosed will also keep salt off the Jeep. More on this in another post.
Solution 2) Adventure Truck! Since we're looking at a truck for hauling a Jeep trailer anyway adding a simple topper and a mattress in the bed would likely meet our camping needs and wants perfectly. We already have a camping stove and cooler so we'd be set! Bathroom and shower at truck stops and campgrounds. We'll refine this idea as we start actually using it I'm sure.