Family doing 3 month summer trip, Class C or Travel Trailer?

jplante4 wrote:
Nick - a lot of planners on this forum. IMO, you have plenty of time between now and the end of June to purchase a rig and put a loose plan together. Nothing spoils an RV vacation trip faster than needing to be in a certain place at a certain time.

When we looked at renting for a few trips over the summer, we came to the same conclusion. It made more sense to buy something used that probably wasn't exactly what we needed and sell it later when we figured it out.

Plenty of stuff out on Craigs List. Just be careful of the scammers.

Thats what I am thinking.

Yes, we love to camp. Been camping before kids, and now with kids.

We but are outgrowwing our current Marmot tent and want more comfort (restroom, dinnete, nicer beds)

So, we might keep what we buy for long term use.

Nick - a lot of planners on this forum. IMO, you have plenty of time between now and the end of June to purchase a rig and put a loose plan together. Nothing spoils an RV vacation trip faster than needing to be in a certain place at a certain time.

When we looked at renting for a few trips over the summer, we came to the same conclusion. It made more sense to buy something used that probably wasn't exactly what we needed and sell it later when we figured it out.

Plenty of stuff out on Craigs List. Just be careful of the scammers.

I do not think we can help much, you will need to decide. Is this a one time thing? Will you camp in the future?

The idea is to spend time at national parks, state parks, and nice campgrounds, not in a motel or hotel.
I have rented C-class multiple times.
C- class rentla for 90 days will run close to 20 grand.
I rather spend that money buying an RV and selling it later.

The way we used to do it, Was a tent. Camp for a while. Get hot and dirty, or if raining. then go stay in a motel for a while. Or maybe a small tent trailer? and do the same motel thing? Just a thought

Rent something. If you have a suitable vehicle to be towed already, a class C probably makes more sense to rent and tow your current vehicle. Better yet, hotel it. Renting offers a lot of risk mitigation when things go wrong and you are unfamiliar with RVing.

Purchasing a new tow vehicle and TT is $60k+. Same with a MH. Then you have running costs of fuel, campsites, etc. And I agree, it is quite late to learn everything you need to learn about RVing, plan the trip and campgrounds, assuming your family will be happy for 3 months in 250sf of living space.

Veik wrote:
We are a family of four (two small kids), we are planning to do a summer trip around the Northwest US.

Couple of points:

We do not own a tow vehicle, but can trade in/sell one of the two cars.

We need something reliable, to get us thru entire three month trip without giving us too much headache.

One thing I do not look forward to is unhooking/packing C-class everytime we want to go grocerry shopping or to a National park for half a day.

So, is travel trailer by best option?
Or is it?

Thanks!

Just some random thoughts and questions-
1. Do you see you and the family RVing in the future after your 3 month trip? The answer might affect what type of RV you choose for this trip and how much you want to spend?
2. With a class C you can always set up your RV so you tow a car behind it.
3. The size of your RV choice should consider and allow for the fact that your kids will require more space as they growth up.
4. Your choice of a 5th. wheel, TT or class A or Class C is really a personal decision based on what meets the needs and your family. Each model of RV has it's advantages and disadvantages or likes and dislikes. Make a list for each of the above models and discuss this with your total family. Then pick the one that our wife wants:):):):)
Personally and IMHO, I had a TT for 10 years but it started costing me too much money to maintain it each year. I then switched to a new 5th. wheel 34' based on the floor plans and storage. We spent a year looking at all kinds of 5th wheels with 3 slides and in the end our decision was based primarily on my wife's preference of kitchen floor plans. The 5th wheel is easier to hook and unhook up and tends to be more stable when driving down the road and not as subject to gusts of winds. Class A's was more money than I wanted to spend and then you have to set up so you can have a tow car. Class C's not as expensive but I wanted more living space. What ever you choose, I suggest you buy one that has at least with 2 slides, especially for a family of 4.
Let us know what you choose:) If you want more specific personal opinions, email me personally.

Didnt mean the kids. Planning is one thing. Making the purchases, making sure of everything you need, getting everything sorted out, packing could take months to prepare for an extended trip. How about bill paying? Mail forewording? Medical, perscriptions etc? Got that all sorted out yet?

donn0128 wrote:
Kind of late to get started this year isnt it? Yea a TT is probably your best option. Check out used full sized vans. Not the extended ones, but a standard passanger van. Most have decent towing ability.
Small kids can sleep about anywhere, so start searching the used market. There should be many decent ones available in your area. Keep the size short, under 25 feet, and you will have better camp site selections.

Kids are still in school ;-)