Go with a used pop-up or hybrid....something that can be towed with your vehicle you currently own. Don't over spend on gear...use the money for camping and trips. We did all our camping with our two sons in pop-ups. Last pop-up was a 12' box Starcraft Starstream and we used it for ten years. All you need is high and dry bunks and a place for the gear. Carry a dining fly and/or portable screen room to expand your useable space. Another option, if your kids like the idea, bring along a tent for them to use as sleeping quarters. If it rains, they can move inside the camper.
Even now....retired...I'd rather have my smaller trailer which is paid for, and my used truck...soon to be paid off, and have my disposable income to use for traveling. I look at bigger rigs on the road and thing...great for them, but not what I want to have to haul around or maintain.
So, work out a solution for what works for you and your budget...then, take the kids and go, go, go! All too soon, they'll be grown up and off to college, work or whatever. Then, you and the Mrs. can upgrade to something for two!
