XC Trip with 12yo - TT or PUP? WWYD?

p220sigman wrote:
I have a Pup, but don't think I would want to do a cross-country, moving ever day or so, trip in it. I have set-up/take down procedures down pretty well. I can set-up in about 15 minutes (10 if I really hoof it) and can take down in slightly more time, but I agree with the comment above that it would get old pretty quickly. While not a super long time, it is slower than setting up a TT.

Taking down in the rain isn't that big of a deal, but it does take planning, especially if you are setting back up and using it later that day. If we have to take down in the rain, I have a couple of pieces of plastic that I cover the mattresses and bedding with, just in case, but I've never had even the plastic get wet. It has more to do with how you tuck the tenting material in than anything else. That said, you are going to get wet if it is raining while you are packing up. We've never had ours leak and we have been in some pretty sever thunderstorms with lots of wind and rain.

Given the choice of the Pup or a TT, I'd take the TT. Certainly you are less likely to have issues with a newer TT if you can swing it. If you take the '92 TT, I have the tires, brakes, and bearings checked before embarking on such a trip.

I don't think a truck camper is a realistic option for your truck for this type of trip. Certainly the Pup is going to be the easiest towing option, but the beauty of doing a long trip like this is that if you see you are getting tired from driving, just pick a point of interest and stay a few days to rest.

The most important part is to have fun. Your son will remember this trip for the rest of his life.