rexlion wrote:
There are a couple or a few folks on here who take their TTs off road. But I think the TTs are pretty small ones. Like Prof. Dan's Fun Finder, for example... something like 17' long, I think? You really need a short trailer to avoid bottoming out the rear end when going through swales and gullies. And the TT needs to be well built to take the pounding.
Yellowstone is pretty crowded. If I were you, I'd consider staying near the Tetons, maybe at one of the more remote NF possibilities (either boondock or CG), and drive into Yellowstone for a day or two. If I could put up with it that much.
There are all sorts of campers. Some expect the Ritz at the CG. Others don't mind if they do roll through some ruts or block up one side of the RV. I don't know if we can put a "TT culture" label onto TT owners as a whole.
I have to ask, what's the big deal about setting up/taking down a popup, or even loading/unloading a boat, when you have 2 teenagers to do the work for you? ;) Maybe you're looking at this all wrong... you will have free labor! And if it turns out (as some believe) that they will short-circuit your family camping plans, you will have saved some big bucks by using what you have. But on the other hand, if you are thinking that most of your trips will be minus the teens and you want something that will let you (emphasis on 'you') get out there much more often, then you don't need a large TT; shop for a small TT to use for the personal trips, and keep the popup (with the sleeping space) for the family trips. Or a small TT plus a tent for the kiddos... teens like to be by themselves at times.
This is the first time my kids will see the Jackson area and Yellowstone. I was raised in Jackson and did work in Yellowstone for a stint of time as well, so I am very familiar with the area, just maybe not the traffic that has increased since... On the Yellowstone leg, I have set up Fishing Bridge as a centralized base camp. I know it will be packed, and sites are on top of each other, but this site is just to get me in the park. Entering through the west end, or Jackson does have its own issues adding time delay's per traffic and distance which is why I did not consider that. I won't be basing my TT experience on anything outside of the comforts inside the TT; hopefully anyway since we will be up close and personal with the neighbors. But, I will only be sleeping there, and not all nights as we will be doing some backcountry camping as well. I just want to get the kids to some of the spots that have proven magical for me. So, I don't want to waste additional time entering and exiting the park just awaiting the traffic jams for Bison that you see everywhere...
As for setup time with a popup, there is no doubt my choice of sites often require more effort than normal in terms of leveling the popup. I will often get there very late at night, so this is the time where putting it up, extending beds, and getting it all ready can be an issue; especially when it rains. That coupled with preparation and packing of gear is an issue since there is zero storage in the popup. Even though we have grown quite efficient, with everyone knowing their job, you still have to unpack all to get it comfortable. If I were to do the TT, it would have all of its own supplies that are mostly in place, so it should be less work but also offer the ability to reach longer distances as overnight-ing on the way to the destination will be very easy.
The boat adds to the equation as well, though I have not worked out what I would do if I bought a TT. It's about 150lbs which does not sound bad, but manipulating it over vents is a struggle. So manipulating it, even for two teenagers is fun and could easily damage the camper. That issue was resolved however with a rack I designed. Prior to the rack it took at least 30 minutes to an hour not just to get it loaded, but also secured safely/ properly. My rack turns this into just a few minutes and best of all, it is auto loading so there is no lifting and I can do it by myself. In that regard, everything adds time, so efficiency is key. But yes, my dad was a very good teacher on delegating, so I have learned the art well...
As for the "TT culture", my intent was not to label all TT owners that way, hence posing the question here. I was just surprised in reading reviews on campgrounds that the vast majority complained about pot holes and other items that led me to wonder if there are in fact severe limitations here...
Anyway, thanks again for all your responses.
