RVing versus hotels for a trip out west fromVA

Many times I have entered the costs for a particular trip into a spreadsheet to get as near a comparison as possible. Some things I've noticed:

* The longer you stay in one place--or several days in a few places--the better the RV comes out.

* traveling long distances and moving each day, the better the automobile comes out.

These two results are determined by the fact that fuel costs more in the RV than in the auto, while lodging in motels costs more than staying in a campground.

* It is surprising how often the costs are not far apart, once the factors above is taken into account.

So, bottom line: The choice has usually been based on factors other than cost--which many have already commented on. These are usually highly subjective and personal. In our case the RV usually wins out!

I have been faced with the same situation. Sometimes momma doesn't see things through the same pair of glasses as you, and after a month long RV trip maybe she wants a change. Not every hotel is a high price bug infested dive. Maybe a non RV trip is in order. Remember, if the wife isn't happy, your going to be miserable.

Absolutely Truck Camper! I am so envious! Have a great time!

BTW, I want to stay at City of Rocks State Park
near Silver City next time I am out that way! Looks awesome!

Didn't read all the posts, all good advice, don't hurry, just have fun. Did anyone mention the National Park Golden Eagle pass? If not get one. Lots of stuff will be free if you have one. We did this trip twice, once motel/hotel next time in MH, I am planning to always do a trip in the MH, motel/hotels are not always as clean and fresh as we would like.

dukenurse wrote:
We just came back from a month long trip and I think that my #1 squeeze felt cramped as we stayed most of the month in 1 spot.

...but this trip is much different. Would she have felt any different if that one month was in a motel? It would have probably been worse. You'll be traveling constantly on this trip and to beautiful places. Here's another vote for taking the RV. If she wants to stay in a motel occasionally, then do it.

Hotels suck. As you go West there are many many nice RV parks and the price is frequently less than $30 a night. State and county parks are even cheaper. As for time/distance, I figure an average of 50mph which includes food and fuel stops, etc. You should be able to cover 300 miles in about 6 hours. As for places to see, every state will mail you free trip info. Google for their tourist info sites. Every state also has camping brochures. Check into it. Virginia hands theirs out free at Visitor centers. So do most states. Go to Camping World and see all the booklets they sell.

We prefer the RV usually prettier places to stay, no issues with motel cleanness, and we do not like to eat out so the RV is the way for us but to each his own.

Read this thread for a lot of suggestions of places to see in New Mexico.

RV. I hate hotels. Haul everything in, haul everything out. Never know what critters are in the beds! yuck!! Some areas hotels are way expensive. Find great places to stay and drive the camper! Once you have your route established we can help with places to stay.

With the truck camper, you can get away from the tourist traps and visit stte parks and small fed parks if you like a lot easier than with a trailer or MH IMO. We used to just drive see something that appeared to have interest and go for it. Some lakes will offer parking either in the woods or in prepared areas, or you just pull in and stop. Even with the TC we stayed at campgrounds as they really offered more security even if only in their over flow park area. And due to size you may get to stay at places others cant. We have taken advantage of overflow parking with both the TC and our TT and then been able to either stay in a spot or move on. With the kids we needed daily showers etc now just me and the wife but she like the convenience of the parks to walk in etc.

We generally go to KOA's as they do have standards to meet, however if selective some mom and pop are just as nice but then again......

Take your time enjoy the truck and camper, miss mine but wife wanted bigger so we now have a 29 ft CLass B+. Dont know if you have bike or motorcycle but they also could add to the adventure as they would allow for something diffeent at times.