Rig Tour: Our 2017 Winnebago Minnie 2401RG Specs
If you are curious about the setup that makes our full-time North American road trip possible, here is a detailed look at our travel trailer. We travel in a 2017 Winnebago Minnie 2401RG. Measuring 28 feet (8.3 m) in length, it features a single slide-out utilizing the Schwintek system.
Floor Plan, Living Space & Storage
The layout of our Minnie is highly functional for full-time living. It features two separate exterior entry doors and a massive pass-through storage compartment that spans the entire width of the rig—ideal for organizing our outdoor gear. Inside, the main living area is expanded by a single Schwintek slide-out, creating a remarkably roomy interior. The front bedroom is a completely private, separate room, while the centrally located bathroom features dual access from both the bedroom and the main hallway. If we have guests, both the couch and the dinette easily convert into additional beds. On the outside, a large power awning instantly expands our living area and provides a shaded patio.
The Weights & Tow Vehicle
With a dry weight of 5,200 lbs (2360 kg) and a 1,700 lb (770 kg) payload capacity, this model hits a sweet spot. It is lightweight enough to be comfortably towed by a half-ton truck, such as a Ford F-150 or a Ram 1500. (Note: We cover a detailed breakdown of towing capacity and how to select the appropriate tow vehicle in a separate post!)
Tank Capacities
Our factory tank capacities are as follows:
Fresh Water: 40 gallons
Gray Water: 50 gallons (2 × 25-gallon tanks)
Black Water: 25 gallons
To push our off-grid capabilities further, we installed an additional 40-gallon fresh water tank directly over the front axles to maintain proper weight distribution. The reason for the upgrade was simple: to extend our time off-grid. With 80 gallons of fresh water, two adults can comfortably boondock for seven days without refilling, even with daily showers.
Heating & Cooling Systems
Our trailer utilizes propane for heating and cooking, drawing from two 30 lb tanks that we can occasionally refill at certain gas stations, U-Haul centers, or dedicated propane services. While our kitchen stove operates exclusively on propane, both the water heater and refrigerator utilize a flexible two-way system, allowing us to manually select between propane or electricity depending on our setup. When connected to shore power at a campsite, we simply switch the water heater and fridge over to electricity to conserve our propane. For interior heating on shore power, we bypass the propane furnace entirely by using an electric oil-filled radiator. For quicker heat distribution, we supplement it with a space heater fan, though it is significantly noisier.
For climate control when the weather heats up, we rely on our ducted rooftop air conditioner, which runs on 110V power supplied either by a campground shore connection or our standalone solar generator setup.
Our Portable Solar Setup
Our 30-amp electrical system connects to a standalone solar generator setup featuring a 3,600-watt power station charged by two 240-watt solar panels. This portable configuration avoided the cost of a fixed rooftop solar installation.
With consistent daily sunlight, the system provides continuous power and can even run the air conditioner on hot days. Without any sunlight, the battery capacity lasts two to three days.
The Financial Reality: Renting vs. Buying
Having a fully equipped rig is essential for a long-term trip, which brings up a common question: Why not just rent?
For anyone planning to RV in the United States for longer than five months, purchasing a rig is significantly more cost-effective than renting. Consider this basic cost comparison:
RV Rental: $200/day × 150 days (5 months) = $30,000
For $30,000, you can purchase a high-quality pre-owned rig. That financial reality is exactly why we chose to purchase our own travel trailer and tow vehicle to make this journey happen.
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