Welcome! Considering and RV is a great choice. As I like to say, "it's just good ol' fashion family fun."
A couple of things...
*I think you should consider a trailer first. They are much cheaper to buy and maintain, although you might be limited in size and weight by your tow vehicle. With a couple of kids, you're probably going to want bunks and your SUV may or may not be able to handle the trailer.
Yes, you can't go back to the fridge or use the bathroom while driving with a trailer, but it is still fairly convenient to pull over and jump in the rig to do those things. At least, depending on the layout of the trailer. We sometimes stop at a rest area and have a quick picnic or pull over to a safe area and grab something or use the bathroom.
*As for your second point, don't count on saving money by camping. Yes, you can have a full kitchen and prepare all of your meals in the rig, but $20,000+ buys a lot of hotel stays and meals. Also, campground rates aren't as cheap as they used to be. Even some state parks are becoming a bit pricey. I'm sure I don't need to explain to you how expensive gas is. Factor in maintenance and insurance, and I think you'll find that you don't save money by traveling this way. Everyone is different, but saving money is not the reason we do it.
Overall, you've started at the right place. I did the same thing and read these forums for over a year before we bought our TT. I learned a ton and often knew more than the salespeople when we would go to a dealer or RV show.
That reminds me, an RV show is a great place to start. Check out all of the rigs and talk about how they would fit your family and your camping style. Try to picture doing all of the normal camping things in the rig. Unfortunately, it can rain, so think about whether that rig is something you would want to hang out in for a couple of days if you have to.
Most importantly, have fun. Too many people get worked up about little things while they are camping. Remember, you're not at home, you're not at work, and you're out in nature. Sounds good to me.
This is such a great hobby. I started doing it at six years old with my parents. I'm now 35 years old and we bought our trailer last year when our son was a year old. He's now 2 1/2 and is an old pro, having traveled thousands of miles and spent many nights in the rig. I hope one day he gets as into it as we are and keeps it going with his own family.
Best of luck and safe travels!
