So, in about 2 years, we're doing a family trip (myself, DW, and 3 younger boys, in the 7-12 y.o. range at that point) from West Coast to East Coast and back again - up to 2 months in total (exact route plans haven't been decided, just the end points). We had originally been thinking about doing it as a train trip, but we just realized that it would be way more fun to go camping across the country. My DW and I are both fairly experienced campers (both tent and RVing), but we haven't owned our own RV before, so we're looking for some advice on getting started.We currently own a 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan Mainstreet, which has a towing capacity of 3600 lbs, but does not have the tow package, so no hitch or wiring at the moment.We were thinking we would like to get a small PUP trailer large enough to sleep 2 adults comfortably, and sleep all 5 of us occasionally (the boys'll be tenting it the majority of them time, with exceptions for bad weather and such), as that should be light enough to be towed by the minivan, allowing us to skip purchasing a dedicated TV for the time being. We could spend up to about $10,000 on the entire setup (and looking to buy around next April or so, which would give us a summer to get used to the setup before hauling off across the country with it).So, in summary, our current (newbie) plan: Purchase a used PUP and add aftermarket tow hitch and wiring hookup to the Grand Caravan, and take it across the country and back.Is this within the realm of sanity? :)If so, does anyone have recommendations on the PUP, the aftermarket hitch, the aftermarket wiring modifications, etc.?If it's not sane, does anyone have recommendations on an alternative solution that will total around $10,000 (maybe $15,000 if it's really compelling), sleep 2 adults comfortably, and can sleep an additional 3 mid-sized boys in a pinch?Thanks!-James

Have you thought about something like this?Jayco TrailerGood luck with your search and have a wonderful trip!This would eliminate the need for all the tents and make set up and tear down of camp so much easier

afraid of bears wrote:Have you thought about something like this?Jayco TrailerGood luck with your search and have a wonderful trip!This would eliminate the need for all the tents and make set up and tear down of camp so much easiermuch nicer of course but 3,000 over budgetbumpy

As long as your weights are in line go for it and have fun and make memories.

This is a very personal decision. What works for you may not work for someone else.When we first started RVing we went to Alaska, from Vermont, for 3 months in a small TT. Friends said we would come back wanting to get divorced and never RV again. We had a great time and in a few years switched to a larger TT then to our present class C.If you think it will work for you, go for it.Edit: Depending on the type of campgrounds you use there may be a concern about bears. :h

I used to pull our pop-up with a Windstar. Never had a single problem. Tow hitch and wiring was after market and loved it. On your trip, do you plan on spending a couple nights in each location. Setting up for a single night's stay only to tear down in the morning will get old real quick. My suggestion is make sure you plan to stay a couple nights at each stop to make it easier on everyone.We currently have a hybrid trailer and took a month long trip across the country two years ago with out 3 kids (12, 13 and 15 at the time). Highly recommend the trip! Your kids will LOVE it!

Starting RVing with a PUP behind a minivan - thoughts?

DwnSth
Explorer
Aug 26, 2014
We started out with a Jayco 1007 towed by a Dodge Caravan. I'm sure they've improved the mini vans towing in the 20 years since, but it was not a great vehicle even towing the light pop-up. Switched to a Grand Cherokee a year later and made a huge difference in our travel. We loved the pop-up and may well still have it if not for a perfectly dropped branch during a storm.

If weight is an issue, there are lighter weight brands of campers but generally a bit more expensive. Good luck!
Harvey51
Explorer
Aug 26, 2014
We used our popup for 20 years, the last few with a Toyota minivan. Ours had a longer pull out bed on one side so it was queen size - good separation for the kids. No fridge but it has a nice two burner gas hot plate that can be mounted inside or out. We got really fast at putting it up and down with the four of us working together - ten minutes if we hurried.

Recommend you grease the wheel hubs yourself so you know how. I changed the wheel bearings and kept the old ones aboard in case of an emergency on the road, which never happened. New tires every 5 or 6 years and check to see if they have large enough weight capacity. Take care of the tent, use waterproofing spray every spring. It is certainly the least expensive way to travel.

Having moved to a small motor home in our senior years I must say it is better when the neighbours are noisy but the popup is much closer to nature.
ddndoug
Explorer
Aug 22, 2014
As long as you're within weight standards... go for it. The only thing I would do differently would be to look for the PUP in the fall when you would typically get a better deal than in the spring when peoples thoughts turn to camping and the outdoors.

Doug
PAThwacker
Explorer
Aug 21, 2014
8 foot pups weigh in the 2000lb range. 5 passengers and thousands in gear. I'd rethink the plan
fithp
Explorer
Aug 20, 2014
Thanks for all the replies - a lot of good things to think about! I'll do some more looking around, and let you all know which way we go. :)

And, of course, if (when) I have any more questions, I'll let y'all know that too... ;)
wbwood
Explorer
Aug 19, 2014
camp-n-family wrote:
A used motor home for under $10k will probably be pretty old and pretty junky. I wouldn't want to chance a 20 year old moho for a long-distance trip that I'd been planning for 2 years

I never said buy a motor home for under $10K. I said an investment of $10K. Buy one for $30K and sell it a year later. Depreciation would likely be less than $10k.

Would lose less with a pop up. Plus less mechanical things to worry about. And then you have towing.
camp-n-family
Explorer
Aug 19, 2014
A used motor home for under $10k will probably be pretty old and pretty junky. I wouldn't want to chance a 20 year old moho for a long-distance trip that I'd been planning for 2 years

I never said buy a motor home for under $10K. I said an investment of $10K. Buy one for $30K and sell it a year later. Depreciation would likely be less than $10k.
rexlion
Explorer
Aug 19, 2014
A used motor home for under $10k will probably be pretty old and pretty junky. I wouldn't want to chance a 20 year old moho for a long-distance trip that I'd been planning for 2 years.
camp-n-family
Explorer
Aug 19, 2014
Sounds like a great trip. We started out with a 10' popup and a minivan as well. My only concern with a family of 5 and a trip that long would be the lack of storage and fridge size, constant set-up and take down, and minimal access to things in tt while on the road.

Have you considered purchasing a used motorhome and then re-selling it when you are done? More space and comfort while on the road and access to a bathroom. Kids can move around a bit and you'll have much more storage room. You can still use the kitchen while on the road and safe a ton on food costs.

It would likely cost less than the $10k you plan to invest. You could always buy the popup later.
TOOBOLD
Explorer
Aug 19, 2014
Still miss my pop up. It will be a great start for a family of 5. The most difficult part for me was the no bathroom, but there are models that have bathrooms just check your weights.