truck camper vs. popup trailer

Six months is a long time. You had better set yourself up to succeed with some amount of comfort. I know I am biased, but we are planning an around the outermost boundary states of the continental U.S. (clockwise; Sept. thru Dec.) and taking about 4 months. Every source I read says: "take something comfortable with you." Another admonishment is: "keep it simple". If I were in your shoes, I would look for an already attached truck and camper unit, preferably a big one with all the amenities. If you are not going to make a lot of miles per week. a gas engine should be fine, if not more expensive to operate than a diesel. This way, you will not even want to stay at a hotel/motel at all. Jeanie and I did a 5 week Alaska trip in 2003 and never stayed at a motel at all. We did some fed. campgrounds; some private campgrounds; and some boondocking/stealth camping along the way. It was the best trip we have ever made. Below is our stealth camping rig. It is one of the smallest, hard side truck campers on a shortbed pickup. You would want a large, older one for an extended time, plus you can probably park in a regular parking place..something that would be tough with a TT or camping trailer. You might peruse the TC section on RV.net to get more ideas. I can say it is very 'freeing' to travel in a truck camper (TC) as the only thing you must think ahead for is a low bridge (under 11 feet) Regards, as always, jefe