Our new 2021 Ford 150 and 2022 Grand Design Imagine 17MKE. Are we ready to hit the road, or what! We are camped in Bend, Oregon as I write this blog. We came here to pick up our trailer from Blue Dog RV in Redmond, just north of Bend.
It’s not hard for Peggy and me to imagine a life of wandering. After all, we full-timed it for four years in our two Pleasure Way vans, Xanadu and Quivera. The first time we took a year off from work and travelled in Xanadu. The second time, we celebrated Peggy’s retirement with three years of exploring North America in Quivera. We are veterans of the open road, you might say, with a quarter of million miles crisscrossing the continent behind us.
But wandering with a trailer is a totally different kettle of fish, a virgin experience as our friend Leslie Lake would say. She also likes to note that virgin experiences are few and far between at our age and should be treasured.
I tend to agree but had serious second thoughts when Peggy and I mistakenly turned into a tiny parking lot yesterday and had to turn the trailer around while dodging parked cars. It quickly ramped up from virgin experience to Halloween nightmare. “Turn the other way!” my faithful traveling companion yelled at me from safely outside the truck as I was backing up. “No, the other way!” she yelled. Hmmm. After two or three times of that, pardon my French, I was beginning to wonder how many frigging ways a trailer can turn. And yes, I am well aware that the truck goes one direction and the trailer the other when you are backing up.
Aside from a very steep learning curve, we are really enjoying our new, tiny home and pickup. I decided to share a few photos of the Imagine 17 MKE. We haven’t named her yet, but the truck’s name is Iorik (pronounced Yorik). If you aren’t familiar with Iorik, he was the large, armored polar bear in the book/movie, The Golden Compass.
A Murphy bed was close to a requirement in our new trailer because it frees up valuable living space, which is at a premium in a small trailer. When not down, the bed morphs into a couch, perfect for entertaining guests.We decided to use one of Peggy’s quilts as a backdrop to add color and a personal touch. This is our ‘Alaskan quilt.’Peggy serves as my model. The kitchen’s counter top is on the right.Here is what the Murphy bed looks like when it is down. Here we are using Peggy’s African quilt as a comforter. It’s quite cozy. Note the small reading lights. They work quite well.The bed comes with blue, mood lighting. I don’t expect we will use it much but it is fun. I noticed that Peggy’s brown eyes turn golden under the light! A lioness, perhaps? One can only wonder. This is our other couch, the one Peggy and I will use most. It is housed in a small slide out that also adds space to the trailer. The middle section can be converted to a side table for snacks. A larger fold up table comes with the 2022 Imagine but will live in our truck unless we are entertaining or working on projects. We are also trying out our various quilts on the couch.Each unit of the couch can be turned into a recliner that goes all the way back if we want to take a nap. Note the lights on the drink cup. One of them simply lights up the cup holder. The one on the right turns the recliner into a massage chair. The one on the left heats the chair. This definitely isn’t a trailer of yore.A comfy chair deserves a good book. Baldacci can always be trusted to spin a good tale. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson.)What I wasn’t expecting in a small trailer was the counter space. A large, stainless steel sink is in the middle. Its cover is made of slotted steel and rolls out, doubling as a dish dryer. Beyond that is our stove and then more counter space. Off to the right is a humongous refrigerator. Solar power runs the refrigerator when we are boon docking. Our TV is above the window.Our three burner stove. A small oven is under the stove and a microwave above it. Add our Insta-Pot and air fryer and we will be able to cook just about anything on the road.One of our major concerns in picking out a new trailer was the amount of storage space. Now we are wondering how we are going to fill all of the space we have. (I’m sure we will mange. Grin.) Anyway, I just counted 28 drawers and cabinets. Most are very generous in space. The five you see here are mine. All mine. That’s mine, Peggy. You have your own five. There is also ample storage in the bathroom, but what really impressed me is that I fit easily into the shower!Now you’ve seen the inside of our trailer, imagine moving in. Again, think scary Halloween. It’s just like moving into anywhere else when faced with the severe challenge of downsizing. Fortunately our 20 years of traveling in Quivera and Xanadu prepared us for the experience. We simply unpacked Quivera into our truck and then loaded our trailer from that while camped in Bend. Bend has a lot to offer including great outdoor recreation… and beer. There are several brew pubs but the granddaddy of them all is Deschutes Brewery. Peggy snapped this photo of me at the brewpub celebrating time off from cramming for Trailer/Truck 101. A table of pirates sat next to us, but they had forgotten their parrot…In the spirit of the season, I decided that this black vulture from the Florida Everglades (photo taken several years ago) would make a good substitute. Happy Halloween!
Thanks, Manja. Actually, it seems spacious in comparison to our small travel van but in reality, it isn’t all that much bigger. It’s perfect for Peggy and me. Easy to pull and small enough to fit into most campgrounds. Its solar power will enable us to boondock in decent weather.:) –Curt
Thanks, Gerard! And that shower is a welcome addition. I’ve done more than my share of showering in campground showers, taking sponge baths and using wipes! –Curt
Laughing Rusha. Once we get it all hooked up, the truck comes with aides to help in backing up the trailer. Plus we put a back up camera on the trailer so we can see where we are going. Peggy and I will find a large vacant lot to practice. 🙂 Thanks! –Curt
Hahaha…. 😂 My late husband once got us in a big empty parking lot and tried to teach me how to maneuver a trailer. I think my lesson lasted maybe 15 minutes before I walked away saying “I DO NOT DO TRAILERS!” I still don’t! I generally prefer not to drive the pickup as well. (Though I might do that in a pinch.) Having been a devoted VW bug fan… trying to herd anything larger down a road or highway simply doesn’t cut it. I leave that to those braver or more coordinated than the likes of me. 🥺
Peggy is laughing at your response, Gunta. She always shared in driving Quivera, however. And when we re-drove my 10,000 mile bike route, she drove the whole time so I could take notes and photos. But we are looking for a large vacant lot— for both of us. 🙂 –Curt
Peggy is obviously a far better sport than I am/was! And easily more coordinated than me to boot! These days I can’t even thread a needle! 🥴
I get the needle part, Gunta. But I was never very good at that!
There are advantages and disadvantages to everything. Despite haven given up trailers for motels some time ago, I still get “trailer envy” when I see one. I hope you enjoy yours as much as we did ours.
The big one with motelling it is not having to deal with pulling the trailer plus set up/take down Ray. It is nice having your own ‘home’ on the road, however, plus considerably less expensive, especially considering we will be boon docking for free and using our Golden Age Passports at USFS and Corps of Engineer campgrounds. Our thoughts now when we are on the road for extended time is to drive to the next attractive spot, park it for a week, and explore the surrounding area in our pickup. Of course we will be able to move on sooner or extend our stay. 🙂 Anyway, it is going to be an interesting experience. Thanks. –Curt
🙂 We looked at lots of trailers, Alison. Other than Airstreams, this came the closest to matching Quivera in comfort. And we have so much more space. Thanks. –Curt
Curt, our vision of you as a frontiersman on your journeys will have to be revised 😀 What luxury! Wonder how long it will take the two of you to get used to this type of journeying…
It’s much better built than trailers of yore, Andrew, and of most modern trailers not counting Airstream. The proof will be in using it on the road for a few months, however. We’re excited. –Curt
Loved the tour… so comfy and spacious looking. Wishing you fun, safe travels, and blessings from the parking gods!
I think of Richmond as “trailer capital of the world”. I’ve always liked Bend and thought of moving there once. Great off road bike rides. The climate feels too dry for me, glad to be living by the ocean again!
It’s our tiny home, Arati. Except it travels. Kind of like a gypsy wagon. 🙂 Thanks.
Bend is high desert country, no doubt about that. But the Three Sister mountains are nearby (we’ve backpacked through them) and the Deschutes flows through the heart of the town. And if you like beer… 🙂 I’ve always loved the ocean as well, escaping to it whenever possible. But I’ve never lived on it. I expect our tiny, traveling home will allow us to spend much more time there. –Curt
I was like your husband, once, Lexi, disdainful of RVs. But persuading Peggy to take a year off from work and wander North America, caused me to upgrade my concept of camping. Grin. I’ve never looked back. We have kept our rigs small. And we have continued to backpack, kayak, hike, etc. as we travel. We really do think of our trailer as a tiny home. Thanks. –Curt
Glad to see your new digs. I know you’ll enjoy it — and share the stories with us! As for backing things, there can be equally great entertainment to be had down at the bait camps, watching people backing their boats down the ramps. Even when you want to go straight, there can be — complications.
I am soooooo excited for you all!!! Your new home looks awesome and you both look pretty happy – great to see. The quilts are gorgeous. I do hear the learning curve is kind of a drag as you have experienced! I have a friend who bought a boat and a trailer – their stories are hysterical. I’m sure you’ll have a few also. LOL. Happy trails! Looking forward to the stories. Cheers to you both!
It looks so roomy! And I love how Peggy’s quilts add color. I hope you enjoyed your stay in Bend and look forward to hearing more about your travels, Curt.
(And I remember the challenges with backing up during the short time we owned a boat. You’ll get better at it. 🙂 )
Thanks, D. We enjoyed our stay in Bend and have now added Pt. Reyes and the Fort Bragg area to our maiden voyage. 🙂 I know the backing up will get better. Practice, practice, practice. There will be blogs on both areas coming up… –Curt
what cozy new digs with your beautiful quilt and a good book.. The travel bugs continue their adventures.. good for you!
Take an after pic with all of your souvenirs filling up the place.. lol 🌷❤️
Iorik is a perfect name!! One of my favourite series of all time, too. These photos really show the inside of your new tiny home. It is an exciting new chapter of your life, and I can see that both of you are eagerly leaping toward it. You both make life a non-stop adventure, and that is wonderful. I think things like getting stuck in a tiny parking lot are what make the stories later on even better to tell! I am eager to follow your journey and watch the new home develop character and grow into its new role.
Wandering through Time and Place 
Thanks for the tour. Very deluxe.
You are welcome, Peggy. It is indeed a home away from home. –Curt
How exciting! Bon voyage!
Thanks, Cindy!
A most excellent and not so tiny home and lovely smiles. Happy Halloween and travels!
Thanks, Manja. Actually, it seems spacious in comparison to our small travel van but in reality, it isn’t all that much bigger. It’s perfect for Peggy and me. Easy to pull and small enough to fit into most campgrounds. Its solar power will enable us to boondock in decent weather.:) –Curt
Great home away from home. Glad you fit in the shower!
Thanks, Gerard! And that shower is a welcome addition. I’ve done more than my share of showering in campground showers, taking sponge baths and using wipes! –Curt
There’s got to be a special place in heaven for those who can buck up a truck with a trailer in tow. Nice work. And nice interior. Happy Halloween!
Laughing Rusha. Once we get it all hooked up, the truck comes with aides to help in backing up the trailer. Plus we put a back up camera on the trailer so we can see where we are going. Peggy and I will find a large vacant lot to practice. 🙂 Thanks! –Curt
I guess Peggy knows by now where to stand and where not to stand!!!
She leaned that from years of helping me back Quivera into tight space, Rusha. And she has all the signals down. 🙂
I meant to say “back up a truck,” but maybe bucking up is a quality you have to have anyway!!
Bucking up is good advice for most things in life, Rusha. 🙂
Hahaha…. 😂 My late husband once got us in a big empty parking lot and tried to teach me how to maneuver a trailer. I think my lesson lasted maybe 15 minutes before I walked away saying “I DO NOT DO TRAILERS!” I still don’t! I generally prefer not to drive the pickup as well. (Though I might do that in a pinch.) Having been a devoted VW bug fan… trying to herd anything larger down a road or highway simply doesn’t cut it. I leave that to those braver or more coordinated than the likes of me. 🥺
Peggy is laughing at your response, Gunta. She always shared in driving Quivera, however. And when we re-drove my 10,000 mile bike route, she drove the whole time so I could take notes and photos. But we are looking for a large vacant lot— for both of us. 🙂 –Curt
Peggy is obviously a far better sport than I am/was! And easily more coordinated than me to boot! These days I can’t even thread a needle! 🥴
I get the needle part, Gunta. But I was never very good at that!
There are advantages and disadvantages to everything. Despite haven given up trailers for motels some time ago, I still get “trailer envy” when I see one. I hope you enjoy yours as much as we did ours.
The big one with motelling it is not having to deal with pulling the trailer plus set up/take down Ray. It is nice having your own ‘home’ on the road, however, plus considerably less expensive, especially considering we will be boon docking for free and using our Golden Age Passports at USFS and Corps of Engineer campgrounds. Our thoughts now when we are on the road for extended time is to drive to the next attractive spot, park it for a week, and explore the surrounding area in our pickup. Of course we will be able to move on sooner or extend our stay. 🙂 Anyway, it is going to be an interesting experience. Thanks. –Curt
That is sooo cool! And fun!
Alison
🙂 We looked at lots of trailers, Alison. Other than Airstreams, this came the closest to matching Quivera in comfort. And we have so much more space. Thanks. –Curt
Curt, our vision of you as a frontiersman on your journeys will have to be revised 😀 What luxury! Wonder how long it will take the two of you to get used to this type of journeying…
It isn’t quite a conostoga wagon train, AC. And I think we already are. 🙂 –Curt
A great home!
Indeed, G. Thanks. –Curt
Looks wonderful, a real home from home!
It’s much better built than trailers of yore, Andrew, and of most modern trailers not counting Airstream. The proof will be in using it on the road for a few months, however. We’re excited. –Curt
Loved the tour… so comfy and spacious looking. Wishing you fun, safe travels, and blessings from the parking gods!
I think of Richmond as “trailer capital of the world”. I’ve always liked Bend and thought of moving there once. Great off road bike rides. The climate feels too dry for me, glad to be living by the ocean again!
It’s our tiny home, Arati. Except it travels. Kind of like a gypsy wagon. 🙂 Thanks.
Bend is high desert country, no doubt about that. But the Three Sister mountains are nearby (we’ve backpacked through them) and the Deschutes flows through the heart of the town. And if you like beer… 🙂 I’ve always loved the ocean as well, escaping to it whenever possible. But I’ve never lived on it. I expect our tiny, traveling home will allow us to spend much more time there. –Curt
Wow, do I ever have vehicle envy! My husband is anti-RV/trailer/sprinter, etc., so other people’s rigs have to sate me. This one is a winner!
I was like your husband, once, Lexi, disdainful of RVs. But persuading Peggy to take a year off from work and wander North America, caused me to upgrade my concept of camping. Grin. I’ve never looked back. We have kept our rigs small. And we have continued to backpack, kayak, hike, etc. as we travel. We really do think of our trailer as a tiny home. Thanks. –Curt
Wonderful you are back on the road. Cheers
Thanks, Kelly! 🙂
Glad to see your new digs. I know you’ll enjoy it — and share the stories with us! As for backing things, there can be equally great entertainment to be had down at the bait camps, watching people backing their boats down the ramps. Even when you want to go straight, there can be — complications.
There should be lots to share. 🙂 As for backing up, I remember being entertained by newbies backing up trailers. Now, it’s my turn. Karma….
Fancy digs you’ve got there. Nothing like roughing it while you’re on the road. 😉 Happy trails.
Thanks, Dave. Absolutely. We are carrying our kayak and backpacks, however. So there will be some roughing it. 🙂 –Curt
Love your new home! Peggy your quilts are amazing! Alaskan backdrop is just perfectly made for your new home! Congratulations and enjoy! 🙂
Thanks for commenting, Sharyn. Appreciated. –Curt
I am soooooo excited for you all!!! Your new home looks awesome and you both look pretty happy – great to see. The quilts are gorgeous. I do hear the learning curve is kind of a drag as you have experienced! I have a friend who bought a boat and a trailer – their stories are hysterical. I’m sure you’ll have a few also. LOL. Happy trails! Looking forward to the stories. Cheers to you both!
Thanks, Pam! So sorry that I took this long to get back to you. I’ll blame it on the learning curve. Stories are percolating. 🙂 Loved Bend, BTW. –Curt
It looks so roomy! And I love how Peggy’s quilts add color. I hope you enjoyed your stay in Bend and look forward to hearing more about your travels, Curt.
(And I remember the challenges with backing up during the short time we owned a boat. You’ll get better at it. 🙂 )
Thanks, D. We enjoyed our stay in Bend and have now added Pt. Reyes and the Fort Bragg area to our maiden voyage. 🙂 I know the backing up will get better. Practice, practice, practice. There will be blogs on both areas coming up… –Curt
what cozy new digs with your beautiful quilt and a good book.. The travel bugs continue their adventures.. good for you!
Take an after pic with all of your souvenirs filling up the place.. lol 🌷❤️
Laughing, Cindy. Not much space for souvenirs. Bone and Eeyore will have to do. Always space for good books. 🙂
Iorik is a perfect name!! One of my favourite series of all time, too. These photos really show the inside of your new tiny home. It is an exciting new chapter of your life, and I can see that both of you are eagerly leaping toward it. You both make life a non-stop adventure, and that is wonderful. I think things like getting stuck in a tiny parking lot are what make the stories later on even better to tell! I am eager to follow your journey and watch the new home develop character and grow into its new role.