Hello allI'm new to RV'ing and have so many questions that I would love to ask but my first one is probably the most important one…..Should I buy an RV or a travel trailer?I've NEVER owned an RV/TT before, neither did my parents or my in-laws; so we have NO experience with RV/TT.My wife and I have two boys and we've done several tent camping (with our SUV parked next to us) over the past few years. We’re definitely not experts but the one thing that we realized is our family loves being outdoors and enjoys camping so over the last couple of years we've done trips to Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Nova Scotia. As much as we could we tried staying in campgrounds (tent or cabins) as well as hotels. My wife and I decided that we wanted to get an RV/TT to travel more with the kids before they get too old and don't want to go on vacation with us anymore. Below are some of our reasons for buying a RV/TT 1. We don’t really like staying in cabins/hotels because we don’t like using (i.e. sleeping, etc.) other people’s things (i.e. blankets, sheets, etc.)2. Cost saving as we could eat some meals in the RV/TT, when staying in hotels we eat out EVERY meal 3. More comfortable (and safer) than tent camping4. We can take the dog with us (also a cost saving) We figured we try a TT first as it’s a cheaper investment and since we already have a full size SUV we don’t need to buy a tow vehicle. The one thing I love about RVs is the ability to walk go to the back and grab food/drinks/etc., where as in a TT you cannot. We are planning on several national park trips over the next few years (i.e. Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, etc.) and would love to do the trip with an RV/TT. We might also use it for trips to Disney, Hershey Park, etc. Sorry for the long message, but wanted to give you some background about my family.

My advise: Before purchasing anything you need to watch 2 movies. The old 1950's movie "The Long Long Trailer" with Desie Arnaz and Lucy Ball, and watch "RV the Movie" with Robin Williams.Although both are comedies and one is ancient, both movies have a very "serious" element of truth in them, things that should be avoided and things that should be considered when purchasing and using an RV or TT. I think it takes both movies together to see a full picture. So my advise, watch the movies first with the "eye" on purchasing one before making any other plans. You'll get some good laughs, but remember, behind all the humor is some "serious" stuff going on as far as RV's and campers are concerned. It's well worth watching.Considering a TT vs a MH with a family. Biggest factor to consider is the ability to separate your transportation vehicle from your camping vehicle. (TT) or if you want to take your camper with you everywhere. (MH - RV). If you decide to go MH - RV - you might want to consider a toad. If you do then you have another set of factors to consider for hitching and proper towing.I will not touch your comment about moving around in a MH when traveling. Although, in Indiana, it is 100% legal to ride in a trailer when traveling. Does anyone do it? If they do, no one admits it!Good luck! Enjoy the journey. Settling on the suitable camper is part of the fun too! Enjoy these days of anticipation.

Start used and cheap. Guaranteed you will always find dislikes in every RV. So use the first couple as a learning experience. Be sure to keep well within your vehicles towing capacity. Otherwise you will wind up as a very unhappy camper.BTW they are all RV's. There are different types but all RV'.

First off, welcome! Secondly, RV stands for Recreational Vehicle which includes Travel Trailers.We started tent camping. After a few years we went to a pop-up and a year later we upgraded to a 3 bed Hybrid Travel Trailer. With 4 of us, even the 12 foot box pop-up was just too small. We wanted the room of a trailer, but liked sleeping under the tented bed so the Hybrid was a logical choice. We used the Hybrid a lot and really enjoyed it.When we moved from NJ to GA we decided a Class C motorhome was the way to go because we traveled to NJ at least once a year with the camper. Having a motorhome made that trip a lot more enjoyable.Something to consider, if you are looking at large Travel trailers, your SUV may not be up to the task, especially if you will be traveling to/through the mountains. You don't want to tow at your SUV's maximum tow rating.-Michael

AGC wrote:1. We don’t really like staying in cabins/hotels because we don’t like using (i.e. sleeping, etc.) other people’s things (i.e. blankets, sheets, etc.)2. Cost saving as we could eat some meals in the RV/TT, when staying in hotels we eat out EVERY meal 3. More comfortable (and safer) than tent camping4. We can take the dog with us (also a cost saving) All good reasons to RV EXCEPT for your #2.Most of us have learned that overall, you will not save money by using an RV for your traveling. Factor in ALL the costs.Not trying to discourage you in any way. We RV for many reasons, but saving money is not one of them.Go for it, you and your family will not regret it.

Welcome! Considering and RV is a great choice. As I like to say, "it's just good ol' fashion family fun." A couple of things...*I think you should consider a trailer first. They are much cheaper to buy and maintain, although you might be limited in size and weight by your tow vehicle. With a couple of kids, you're probably going to want bunks and your SUV may or may not be able to handle the trailer. Yes, you can't go back to the fridge or use the bathroom while driving with a trailer, but it is still fairly convenient to pull over and jump in the rig to do those things. At least, depending on the layout of the trailer. We sometimes stop at a rest area and have a quick picnic or pull over to a safe area and grab something or use the bathroom. *As for your second point, don't count on saving money by camping. Yes, you can have a full kitchen and prepare all of your meals in the rig, but $20,000+ buys a lot of hotel stays and meals. Also, campground rates aren't as cheap as they used to be. Even some state parks are becoming a bit pricey. I'm sure I don't need to explain to you how expensive gas is. Factor in maintenance and insurance, and I think you'll find that you don't save money by traveling this way. Everyone is different, but saving money is not the reason we do it. Overall, you've started at the right place. I did the same thing and read these forums for over a year before we bought our TT. I learned a ton and often knew more than the salespeople when we would go to a dealer or RV show. That reminds me, an RV show is a great place to start. Check out all of the rigs and talk about how they would fit your family and your camping style. Try to picture doing all of the normal camping things in the rig. Unfortunately, it can rain, so think about whether that rig is something you would want to hang out in for a couple of days if you have to. Most importantly, have fun. Too many people get worked up about little things while they are camping. Remember, you're not at home, you're not at work, and you're out in nature. Sounds good to me. This is such a great hobby. I started doing it at six years old with my parents. I'm now 35 years old and we bought our trailer last year when our son was a year old. He's now 2 1/2 and is an old pro, having traveled thousands of miles and spent many nights in the rig. I hope one day he gets as into it as we are and keeps it going with his own family. Best of luck and safe travels!

Newbie looking to buy first....well I'm not sure

bikendan
Explorer
Sep 25, 2014
rfryer wrote:
Just a comment to correct a misstatement in packpe89’s post that most campgrounds in Yellowstone don’t allow PU’s. Only one campground there doesn’t allow canvas and that’s Fishing Bridge. You wouldn’t want to stay there anyway with a PU; it resembles an RV storage lot. But it’s the only campground with HU’s.

This is correct. Lots of misinformation out there regarding Yellowstone and popups and hybrid TT's. And if you have a hybrid, if you "turtle", you can stay at Fishing Bridge.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Sep 24, 2014
Either one if you buy used now In the fall/winter and shop around for a deal, will not depreciate really after a years use. So if you don't like it, sell it and you're not out much $.
Kids love the MH because they think they can run around while on the road. If you allow that it makes for easier road trips but it ain't legal. (Not saying it bothers me personally.)
My kids wish we had a MH for that reason alone.
A TT like you said will be cheaper and you have one less vehicle to maintain a drivetrain in.
wannavolunteerF
Explorer
Sep 23, 2014
OP, see a couple of folks on here recommending popups, and like them I had one when the kids were smaller. They are smaller and easier to tow, but my experience was both kids had to share a bed -- which was not their favorite thing. In fact, that was the cause of many arguments between them. Another thing was it seemed that we always had to pack up when it was wet-- either from heavy dew or rain and then open it back up at home to dry. another thing is you have to open it up to store anything in it for the trip. I love taking my clothes from house closet to TT without packing. throw my shorts and socks in a reusable shopping bag and I am ready to go. My bath supplies/towels/pots and pans stay in TT. With two small children, you might appreciate the ease of loading. I remember packing the PU late at night after the kids had gone to bed so I didn't have to deal with them while I was opening popup, loading and the closing it back up. And then someone had to entertain/keep an eye on the kids while trying to set up camp. Guess I am lazy, but I sure wouldn't want to do that again.
rfryer
Explorer
Sep 23, 2014
Just a comment to correct a misstatement in packpe89’s post that most campgrounds in Yellowstone don’t allow PU’s. Only one campground there doesn’t allow canvas and that’s Fishing Bridge. You wouldn’t want to stay there anyway with a PU; it resembles an RV storage lot. But it’s the only campground with HU’s.

I recommended a TT over an RV and still do, but I think a PU is a viable option. Many of us went from tents to a PU to a TT or other RV type. I used one for many years and camped all over the country with two and often three kids and have no complaints at all. If you think that might be an option do a lot of reading about the different types of RVs and the pros and cons of each.
Roy_Lynne
Explorer
Sep 22, 2014
Eliminate tent trailers if you would like to try out late fall, winter, or early spring camping which is really wonderful.
Personally if I would look at a Class C or an A with bunks. Craiglist or RV trader could be a friend. Also check out any up and coming RV shows in your area, they start about now thru winter.
packpe89
Explorer
Sep 22, 2014
We went from tent to pop-up to TT. My advice, since you already have a tow vehicle, go with a trailer and I'd say get a bunkhouse. It's great not having to convert beds every day. We have three boys, each has their own bed. A popup is a great start, but when we planned our cross country trip, we did not want to have to pop-up every day. Also, most campgrounds in Yellowstone do not allow pop-ups (bears). Don't trust what your vehicle is supposed to tow.

I'd stay at around 75% of that figure. Also get a good hitch, sway/leveling.

As far as being able to move around while traveling, we like to stop at rest stops and just take a little break and make a sandwich. May change our mind when it's just two of us in a few years though.
IndyCamp
Explorer
Sep 22, 2014
jplante4 wrote:

I don't think anyone replying is against buying new. IMHO, it just makes more sense for a newbie. I would qualify that by saying that if you're not a tinkerer or not mechanically inclined at all, then having something with a warranty and a good relationship with a dealer nearby is for you.

That was a lot of it for us.

We work all week at office jobs and my wife travels every week for work. We don't want to waste time tinkering with a used RV. Hell, we don't even clean our own house or mow our own lawn.

The convenience is worth the expense to us, as was buying a new RV with two years of warranty.
wbwood
Explorer
Sep 21, 2014
Mountain Mama wrote:
We went from a tent to a popup with grade school kids. We made it work and it was so much better than the tent! Went from TX to Washington, DC & then another trip to Yellosstone with teenagers plus weekend & shorter trips. We finally moved up to a used 5th wheel w/o slides after kids got in college . As our first self contained unit, it was a great one to figure out what we wanted . Find something u can pull safely, go & learn from it while making memories with your kids!

I agree about the pop up...it's where we started back in 2000. Even bought a used one that we were going to use last year (had TT stored at beach 4 hrs away), but we traded both in on the Motorhome. A lot of people on here will stick their nose up to the thought of one, but to those who have had them, most will tell you they had great experiences with them, especially with thier kids. It's a good step up from the tent and sleeping on the ground. The beds are comfy and they have fridges. stoves, sinks, etcWe lived in Georgia when we had ours and the A/C would freeze you. You literally can spend $5000 and get a decent used one. Or spend 2-3 times as much for a new one. It will be great for you for towing. With the SUV, you will have room for storing stuff. Give it a season or two to see how you like it. It will give you more time to decide what's important for you. You may be in a different situation then and need to make change to your ideas.
Mountain_Mama
Explorer
Sep 21, 2014
We went from a tent to a popup with grade school kids. We made it work and it was so much better than the tent! Went from TX to Washington, DC & then another trip to Yellosstone with teenagers plus weekend & shorter trips. We finally moved up to a used 5th wheel w/o slides after kids got in college . As our first self contained unit, it was a great one to figure out what we wanted . Find something u can pull safely, go & learn from it while making memories with your kids!
wbwood
Explorer
Sep 21, 2014
downtheroad wrote:
AGC wrote:

1. We don’t really like staying in cabins/hotels because we don’t like using (i.e. sleeping, etc.) other people’s things (i.e. blankets, sheets, etc.)
2. Cost saving as we could eat some meals in the RV/TT, when staying in hotels we eat out EVERY meal
3. More comfortable (and safer) than tent camping
4. We can take the dog with us (also a cost saving)

All good reasons to RV EXCEPT for your #2.

Most of us have learned that overall, you will not save money by using an RV for your traveling. Factor in ALL the costs.

Not trying to discourage you in any way. We RV for many reasons, but saving money is not one of them.

Go for it, you and your family will not regret it.

Agree....if you are thinking of purchasing an RV to save money, then think again. It will take a lot of usage over years to even start to try and break even. Unless you are living in it and you are not paying a mortgage on a real home. You will also find yourself eating out time to time while RVing. That's actually part of the fun.

Costs to think about with an RV....
1) Do you already have a tow vehicle? Yes? Great! Do you normally use it for travel for the whole family? If Yes, then get ready for your gas mileage to go down. Depending on the size of the towable you get will depend on the dip in gas mileage which equals more cost for gas when traveling. If getting a motorhome, plan on around 8mpg unless you can buy a small one with a diesel enging which will give you a little better, but they cost a bit more.
2) Inusurance...depends on RV...
3) Registration and taxes (if applicable where you live).
4) Upkeep....maintenance...stuff breaks
5) Stocking...while many use extra stuff from home, there will probably be stuff you will buy just for it...and it's non stop...was in Ikea yesterday and several times we thought of stuff for the motorhome.
6) campground costs...while cheaper than a hotel, they can not be overlooked.
7) Almost forgot about the actual cost of the unit you buy. Paying cash outright? Great, you can save on the interest. How much you plan on spending? Financing it?

RVing is great, but it's not a savings unless you do it full time...