buying advice for family of 5 plus grandma

PawPaw_n_Gram wrote:

Tvov wrote:
A big TT would be better

Three adults, three kids - in a tow vehicle cab.

Not me!!!

That's a two vehicle trip.

Yea, I didn't think that through. I was thinking of just having room in the camper when at a campsite.

The RV trip is going to cost more than an AmTrak ticket for Grandma. A lot more than airfare. Even if you can do RV just one way, think 50 cents a mile for RV leg, at least 20 cents for carbor SUV, just for fuel. Not counting rental costs, excess mileage fees, enroute hotel and meals costs.

AmTrak would likely be lowest cost, even if you buy sleepers and eat inthe dining car. Don't kid yourself that you can save money road tripping, especially in a RV. The RV experience can be worth what it costs, for the experience, but it is not the ceap way to get across the country, especially renting.

We RV for the RV experience, it does not save money on travel. Buying a RV for a trip, with the idea of saving money, I have my doubts. Considering depreciation, cost of money, insurance, taxes and license fees, you can be looking at thousands of dollars per year, before you even use it. Mine cost about $8000 the first year, down to about half that afer 10 years.

If you must road trip Grandma to her destination, lowest cost will be whatever car that carries the people and luggage, for a road trip. But commercial transportation for one or two people, air or rail, will likely be less expensive.

rpmteacher
If you want to buy a travel trailer, class A, B, or C I would do it in California and use it when she gets there. You would save a ton of money and aggravation by just paying for her to come on Amtrack and go camping with her when she gets to California. If you take the RV you are looking at the following.
1. Fuel at 10 MPG and $3.05/gal round trip $1,830
2. Round trip camping / 14 nights at $20 av. $280
3. If you set up a tent by the RV you will be charged for a second site in most places.
Cost of fuel and RV parks will be $2110 plus food, repairs etc. You are taking on a lot and never having done it I would not start there. Just my thought

Being the mother of a 9 and 6 year old, and having been an RV'er for several years (have lots of experience), I am not sure that I would head out on an across-the country excursion and then pick up my mother to go with us on half the trip.

1. My mother is NOT a good traveler and does not appreciate outside activities like us or our kids.
2. Mom goes to bed about 8:30 or 9:00 EVERY night and gets up about 5:30 am. Us, not so much. (Is she going to take the bedroom?)
3. 4-5 hours is about as much as our kids can take and that's not even EVERY day, but EVERY other day. How long is it going to take you to get across the country both ways?

If there is a concern about her riding AMTRAK all the way across the country, I would suggest that either you or your wife fly and then accompany your mother on AMTRAK.

Then, if you feel the need, rent an RV and go on a one to two week family adventure. (That would be much, much cheaper and probably more enjoyable for everyone).

Just my $.02 worth.

I appreciate all of the responses and thoughtful advice. That's why I'm here. The financial reality check is valuable.

IF we do make the purchase of an RV then we would camp our way on the way to pick up my mom. If she is game we would also make a slower return across the country. Mayo30 brought up some good points about how much we would all enjoy the trip back (kids are 10, 6 and 6).

While I have given thought to buying an RV we would most likely re-sell this vehicle after the summer trip. Looked at renting but the costs add up quickly as well.

There's alot to be said for asking Grandma to take just one more Amtrak ride. Less of a family adventure but hey - we could always take her off the train in Denver and road trip back if that is fun for all.

What does Grandma think of being jammed into an RV(any) for days and days?
Us older folks have different wants and needs then younger folks.Bouncing around in a rv bathroom comes to mind,a little privacy so our snoring and other body issues aren't embarrassing,etc. get the picture?

Tvov wrote:
A big TT would be better

Three adults, three kids - in a tow vehicle cab.

Not me!!!

That's a two vehicle trip.

When looking at costs of driving that far, don't forget there is a probability of mechanical failure. Nothing like being stuck on the side of the road with a traveling circus.LOL

Add up the cost estimate of Amtrak plus meals against the price of the RV, gas, nightly lot rentals. Amtrak is going to be cheaper. Sorry.
And do two estimates of gas, one on what it is now and one with a dollar a gallon more expensive.
Ask Grandma if she really thinks she cannot fly considering the price.
The seats on the Amtrak train are nice for sleeping in so she would not need on of their tiny rooms. If she decides on Amtrak she should bring a blanket. They supply blankets but they are not much.An extra throw is nice.

old guy wrote:
are you sure that the cost of driving back east is cheaper than amtrak??

Amtrak would certainly be cheaper if just using coach seats. But, if they wanted sleepers of any kind the cost goes up quickly.