truck camper vs. popup trailer
i'm planning a 6 month coast to coast trip (CA to NY) from April to Sept next year. we are a couple, 55/45, planning a mixture of RV/camping and discount hotels when we can find them on groupon/pri...
Forum Discussion
I've ridden motorcycles around the country with a tent and sleeping bag strapped on the back, pulled a popup with a small van, pulled a TT with a large van, and now have a 5th wheel.
Popups are great for gas mileage and can be pulled by just about anything but I'm not sure about using one for a 6 month trip. Bathroom facilities are limited, especially if you want a shower, but the biggest drawback in my opinion is the lack of 'sitting around room'. There just isn't that much. Also, you are limited to a pretty small fridge.
I will echo all the others that suggested a smaller TT and a pickup. This is what I would do, no question. Easy setup in a campground and an excellent base if you decide to stay somewhere for a week or so. Can get a larger fridge, a real shower, also TV, and AC will work better. More sitting around space inside. And one thing that's real important I think is that you will also have a separate vehicle to use to go off and go exploring, to the grocery store, to Camping World for repair parts, etc.
I like the advantages of having a separate vehicle for all that. And the pickup (especially with a topper) would be real handy to carry grills, bikes, kayaks, etc. Imagine getting all set up at a campsite in a converted cargo van and then realizing you forgot to shop for dinner, or you're out of milk (or beer). You then have 2 options - either do without or pull up and head into town, then come back and set up again.
Best of luck to you.
Tim
Popups are great for gas mileage and can be pulled by just about anything but I'm not sure about using one for a 6 month trip. Bathroom facilities are limited, especially if you want a shower, but the biggest drawback in my opinion is the lack of 'sitting around room'. There just isn't that much. Also, you are limited to a pretty small fridge.
I will echo all the others that suggested a smaller TT and a pickup. This is what I would do, no question. Easy setup in a campground and an excellent base if you decide to stay somewhere for a week or so. Can get a larger fridge, a real shower, also TV, and AC will work better. More sitting around space inside. And one thing that's real important I think is that you will also have a separate vehicle to use to go off and go exploring, to the grocery store, to Camping World for repair parts, etc.
I like the advantages of having a separate vehicle for all that. And the pickup (especially with a topper) would be real handy to carry grills, bikes, kayaks, etc. Imagine getting all set up at a campsite in a converted cargo van and then realizing you forgot to shop for dinner, or you're out of milk (or beer). You then have 2 options - either do without or pull up and head into town, then come back and set up again.
Best of luck to you.
Tim
