First, let me fill you in on why and what I am trying to accomplish.
My family went through living hell, I mean everything that bad things should not happen to a decent christian family has happen, such as lost of job, still born son, grandma passed away, wife was diagnosed with cancer, and many more and this all happened in 2007. For the last 2 years, I have been in college to obtain a BS degree in information system, and I will graduate this spring. I have been so focused in college that I neglected my family. So, I told my family that after graduation, we are going on a camping trips for two-three months, traveling all across west of USA to make up for the lost time between us and the hell we had to go through. The point of this is to give you an idea of what I am looking for in terms of the right camper rig to use. I may or may not sell the unit after the trip is over, so keep that in mind.
I am still not sure if we should get class A or TT. I have some questions. Our total budget will be around 25,000, which is 25,000 for class A or about 15,000 for TV and 10,000 for TT.
There are 5 of us, my wife and I, three kids from 7, 4, 2.
Class A will provide a very comfortable environment on long tips and camping as well. I will tow the family minivan on dolly trailer. I doubt we will ever go on long trips after the upcoming vacation, so that means the massive rig will be sitting at the land for a long time between uses.
Using TT and TV has it pros and cons as well.
Also, when is a good time to buy RV or TT? How far on stretching the payment is consider ok, in terms of staying ahead of the depreciation. I will be buying used, not new.
Any feedback is appreciated.
I keep switching between class A or TT, so I need to make up my mind and stick with it to make it easier to focus on the search.
Well, that's why they make chocolate and vanilla! Just a little input -- for the drive itself, your family of 5 would be MUCH more comfortable in a Class A than in a truck pulling a trailer. Sure, there are many other things to consider, but I think this should be #1 (or very close to it). Five people in a pickup truck (especially the 3 young ones) could end up being very claustrophobic by the end of the day. Good luck to you and your family.
Also in the stress category - it is much easier to setup/break down a MH than a TT. Altho your budget will severely limit your choices in MH, you just might get a bargain what with the economy, etc. Some friends of ours sold an older well-maintained MH just a couple of weeks ago for near that amount.
I would rethink the plan and purchase a pop up to tow behind the minivan. You will be hard pressed to find a reliable Class A within your budget. Your budget will allow for marginally acceptable tow vehicle and trailer.
Me...the class A... You you need to decide. Just gather your information and you and the wife decide. When you look at a TT you don't have to get a pick-up there are some good Buys in the 3500 series full size vans. They will allow you the luxury of the additional room while you are on the move.
Wish you the best on your choice and know you will have a great time.
Jack
2003 Flair R33
Land Rover Diso 4 down w/Blue Ox and Break Buddy
Saepe Expertus,Semper Fidelis , Fratres Aeterni
"Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever"
Renting is the best of the suggestions so far. Your rig will set in the open and collect mice, leaks, all kinds of bugs, battery will go down and you will probably need to buy new ones when and if you ever use it again. A 25000 coach that you could stand to ride in could easily loose 15000 or more if left unattended and neglected in the field. One sees many such units in the yards along the roads where they have just sit there and rotted away. Just take the 15000 and rent one that is in top shape.
Renting for a one time trip is your best solution. No maintenance issues, storage problems, and continuing expenses. No license or insurance expense. A two week trip may seem expensive but it's a one time expense and you won't spend all your money up front and may come away with a good trip and some money left over. It also may give you insight if RVing is something you would like to do in the future when your life has returned to normal. Rent a good Class A with a washer / dryer which will make life better with 3 small kids...
Also rent a tow dolly instead of modifying your vehicle if it is a front wheel drive. You will enjoy some places and want to explore and having a car is good.
Some folks go to places where rental cars are available which is an alternative to towing.
Being a TT fan, I agree with those who have been advising renting a MH. Traveling in comfort with those little kids will be easier in a MH than a TT, and you won't have the expense of buying. If you get the TT you'll need to make sure you have an adequate tow vehicle, both for towing and for carrying your family (tough to achieve on your limited budget). As pointed out, renting is expensive, but a lot less so than buying a camper, and you won't have the hassles of licensing (often pricey) & longterm insurance. Remember you'll also have campground fees to pay, which can also mount up on an extended trip - don't plan to boondock most of the time; kids your kids' age may be happier if they get to swim in a pool, play with other kids in a playground, etc., which most private campgrounds offer - and the private CGs are on average more expensive than state/national parks & forests. (A combination of both types of CGs is a nice way to offer your family a variety of experiences on a camping trip.) You'll need to factor that into the budget too.
I don't think it's necessary - though more convenient in some ways - to get a MH with washer/dryer. The ones that have them are much more expensive, not likely in a rental, and most private CGs (and even some state ones) have laundromats. Start saving those quarters, though! Anyway, for best results plan to spend a night or two per week at a CG with a laundry (make sure it's a coin-op; "laundry" sometimes - especially in state parks - means a utility sink where you can wash stuff by hand!)
If you opt for the TT you may want to check out a used Suburban or Expedition. They are more roomy than a pickup and can easily tow a good sized TT. We camped for many years with 4 children in a suburban and a popup and had a great time. The popup has the advantage of being able to camp just about anyplace you want while a larger TT or MH may be limiting in some state and federal campgrounds.
Offline
Online
