The Hunt for the Perfect Jayco First the truck. Of which I only had one must have, well two, I wanted a Hemi (yeah, I’m one of those girls – I like powerful cars) and I needed a tow package – I found both – in RED!

Then the hunt for the camper ensued. I knew how much I wanted to spend, and had a certain payment in mind that would make the truck and trailer a comfortable one together. I had decided I wanted to do this long before I actually took the plunge. But when it was time I started with a lot of research on companies, prices, options etc. – what I felt were must haves, and what I could do without – I searched for months, weeks, and hours on end online as well as visiting several RV lots to get an up close look. My ex-husband and I had had two fifth wheels we traveled in so there were a few key things I knew I would have to deal with which made the deciding process more informed.

My final list was this: I knew I wanted something small enough I could easily maneuver on my own and that would not limit where I could go or stay; I wanted a full bath (no wet baths – I wanted a separate shower, sink, and commode); I wanted a bed that was always a bed (not a fold up or hideaway) even if I had to give up space for it. I wanted something with a good amount of head room – I am tall and short ceilings in campers feel so claustrophobic, and I wanted a slide. From previous experience a few extra feet of floor space goes a long way. Now that I had my list and my research I felt it was best to connect with a trusted dealer and personal salesperson and let them assist in my getting the perfect fit.

I found the cutest travel trailer with everything on my list and more! It was a brand new design and just out on the market – but it was in another state! I sent the online listing to my salesman and said if you can get me this at that price, I’ll buy it. He did – and I did!

16 feet. Tallest in its class; widest in its class, and so cute!

This is how it looked new…it felt like a nice fifth wheel just compressed.

You’ve heard of a tiny house? This is my tiny RV. Now to make it mine. I was not naive enough to think I would love everything about the one I would finally choose, but I looked at the ‘don’t likes’ and decided if and how I could use that space to create a ‘do like.’ That’s what I did and I love it!

But, first things first… the motto – my motto! Once when I was struggling with what to do now I ask the Lord, “what do I have to give now, at this age and stage in my life” and He said, “you are fearless!” that’s enough. I never thought of myself that way, but I did know that my trust and faith in Him had grown to a place of unmeasurable confidence. Never discount the seemingly trivial personal growth in your spiritual and emotional life – it may just become your strength!

“But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty”

1 Cor 1:27

Our God is notorious for using the simple, the poor, the smallest and the youngest.

Let Him do His thing through whichever of your attributes He chooses – and don’t question it. The redesign, remodel, repurpose however you’d like to describe it started with the bed; then creating a closet; next the desk; and new chairs. Step by step I made it mine. I created a cozy, homey resting space for the road. A place to cook, eat, and sleep; a place to shower and a place to rest; but more importantly a space conducive to study, worship, and prayer. I cut the queen size bed back to a twin and gained a ton of floor space. I took out the jack knife couch; cut back the slide to gain even more floor space; built a desk and the created a center pull out console that acts as dining table, card table, end table; added the two small chairs for seating. This is my space now…