Newbie -- Considering Hybrid Purchase

You don't have to unhook if you choose not to. You can always "turtle" and then leave the next morning without disconnecting. Also, you can buy pop-up gizmo's to reduce both temperatures and light. As far as weather one or two electric heaters will keep the rig nice and warm. We have camped in all weather, including snow, but be prepared to keep snow limited on the tent ends. As far as brands, everyone has the picks. The best thing to do is find one that will fit your needs, both now and a few years ahead. Good luck on whatever you decide to do.

Dutchman speaks with much camping wisdom.

You are stepping a natural progression in your camping style that many of us have been through, going from tent to Pop-up / or / hybrid, to travel trailer / or / fifth wheel, to motor home.

For many of us, it was initially hard leaving the "tent" feeling, so a pop-up or hybrid was a good alternative. They both afford the luxury of having a solid bed, getting off the ground, and still be surrounded by a "tent".

However ... depending upon where you live, how you camp, and WHEN you like to camp, pop-up's and hybrids may NOT be all that good. Pop-up's and Hybrids still have tenting (soft) material that can (and is) a real pain to work with ... The biggest "pain" is having to close up the camper when the ends are wet. They can be wet from rain, or wet from dew. It doesn't matter, water is still water. And closing up a camper that has water is a "mold" just waiting to happen.

So, that often means waiting for the sun to get up and hot enough to dry everything off before packing up, or having the ability to open the camper up once home so it can dry out.

I think those who are most happy with both Pop-up's and Hybrids are those who can open them up at home and leave them open. If you cannot do this at home, because of where you live (like in a home-owners-association), or in a city zoned No RV's! Then you absolutely do not want a hybrid! You are destined to get caught in the rain sometime.

Another thing to consider about hybrids. If you plan on early Spring, late Fall, or even winter camp, you're going to find those tent ends VERY cold, and you'll be burning through a lot of propane and / or electricity for space heaters to just keep warm. You will loose a lot of heat (and air conditioning) through those soft sides.

On the other hand ... there are those who seem to really enjoy their hybrids. The biggest factor is they can have a shorter box to tow, and when opened up, creates more space. However, if you need to just park for an over night, while traveling, you'll have to unhook the tow vehicle, move it, then lower the tent ends. But then, you may never stop for just an over night. Still.... something to consider? You don't know how your camping style will change a year from now once you've started experiencing it.

I may sound like doom-and-gloom, but coming from experience, may I suggest you skip right over the hybrid and go directly to a conventional travel trailer, for all the reasons I stated above. Your life will be much more simple!