truck camper vs. popup trailer

SteveAE wrote:
Steve,

Here is a different twist for you to consider.
Since you plan to stay in motels (and I assume eat out) occasionally, I suggest that you save yourself a lot of time and money and just get a nice mid-size vehicle that gets good gas mileage (4x4 if interested in back road travel and camping). Then bring along a tent, sleeping bags, a small stove, some simple cooking supplies, and a small cooler. Maybe even toss a couple bikes on the back (on a hitch mounted rack), a canoe on the roof, and a couple backpacks in the truck. I suspect that traveling this way, you would find it a lot easier to explore the US and go where ever you want than if you were lugging a RV around.
My wife and I traveled this way for about nine months (I think we stayed in a motel twice) and it was the best trip ever.

However you do wind up making your trip, have fun.
Steve

when i lived in the bay area, i would drive my explorer up to Yosemite a couple of times a month for climbing trips and sleep in the back in some of the camp grounds outside the valley

it was ok for a weekend but 6 months! still at least i was sleeping inside something, not in a tent, which i'm not interested in at all.

the problem with SUVs for me is i'll be carrying around seats i don't need, when what i need is space, hence the cargo van idea

i'm not interested in a conversion van, i think too had to sell fast