MudQueen22 wrote:
Thanks so much, everyone, for the replies.
We are a family of 4. It is dh & myself (in our 40s & both educators) and our two children (grade schooler and toddler).
We love to go different places. We have a minivan, and we love road trips. We've enjoyed various places in Texas (our home state), Colorado mountains, Grand Canyon, and Disney.
We would like to visit the Smokey Mountains and also the Northeast.
We went to an RV show recently. We liked the small ones, but noticed people (both sales and other shoppers) saying that people end up trading in the smaller ones for the larger ones.
We considered buying a pop-up camper (we could tow it with our minivan and start using it now), but we decided we wouldn't really be happy with it long-term, so we are waiting until we can buy a truck. At that point, we will start seriously looking for the TT.
We want to buy the appropriate truck/TV for the TT, so trying to plan it right.
From what most posters here say, I think we will be happy with one of the bunkhouse models I've been looking at. But wanted to get more opinions.
The poster that said getting a trailer that is short but with two axles made a great point; thank you.
We bought a pop up in 2000. Enjoyed it for a couple years. Life changed, we moved and we ended up not using the pop up for a year or so. Family of 4. We needed the money and sold it in 2003. Fast forward to 2010. Only one child left at home. We thought bigger would be better. Bought a 31' bunkhouse model (35' total length). Had to buy a 3/4 ton pickup (F250) to pull it. We bought the bunkhouse because we envisioned our daughter bringing friends with her. In 2013, we decided to trade it in on a Class C. Daughter never brought friends. We wanted something easier than towing the travel trailer and we traded in the truck on something smaller and more practical for my wife to drive daily. The class c ended up being a 31' model, but afforded us more living space. Plus its simpler to just get in and drive and go and set up. We now would like something smaller. Perhaps a Class B. We even have entertained the idea of a smaller (19') or less TT and a 1/2 ton truck. Over the years our camping style has changed. We went to only wanting to stay in full hook up resort type of places, to now enjoying dry camping on occasion, using some portable solar panels. Never did any of that with the big TT and it wasn't set up for that. Things change. Just don't hold yourself to one type. And don't be surprised if you change your style, wants or needs. My philosophy is to go with the smallest and simplest unit you can stand.