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downs's avatar
downs
Explorer
Feb 05, 2014

Newbie driving across Canada needs advice

Hello there,

Thanks for your help right off the bat, I have learned a lot of things over the years from all sorts of different forums just like this one. Truly the internet is great. :)

My family and I are going to be driving from Nova Scotia to British Columbia. My wife will be doing a book tour so its going to take us about a month stopping and visiting along the way.

This is a one way trip and we are going to be carrying really only clothes and a few personal effects.

So my first decision is around what to buy to do this trip.

I have been back and forth on buying a C Class Motorhome and towing our nearly paid off Mazda 5 or buying a pickup and getting either a 5th wheel or TT and ditching the Mazda 5 before we go.

I do have a motorcycle and have looked into toy hauler/camper combos but that seems to have been ruled out by the 'boss.'

I have budgeted 20K for the purchase of this vehicle( vehicle combo).

So I ask you, those who have come before for your advice.
  • The $10k trailer might make it to BC but I doubt the $10K truck will be pulling it when it gets there.

    Are you handy?
  • $20k might get you a OK used tow vehicle, BUT a other $20k for the RV.
    Not a lot of options
  • maybe though
    the more i think about it
    probably cost a lot less
    could tow my mazda i guess
    one way rental... its an idea for sure
  • Fair question mssmith

    Since we are moving, everything is all sort of mixed together.

    In that if we were to buy a truck and toy hauler, that truck would remain our primary vehicle.

    I don;t think renting is an option. Worth thinking on though.

    20K hey isn't a lot hey?
    I figured that if buying brand new but when I look on kijiji (think craigslist) I see plenty of trucks under 10K and plenty of travel trailers under 10K - that's how I came up with that number
  • You want an RV just for this one month long trip, or do you want an RV? If you just want something for the trip you should consider renting. $20k isn't going to buy you a lot of vehicle otherwise, but it's more than enough to rent for a month.