To RV or not to RV, That Is The Question

[erwincm]

Hello folks. My wife and I are planning a once-in-a-lifetime two month long summer vacation with our two 12-year olds (twin boy & girl) next summer. We have been agonizing over our two basic options for shelter during our trip - hotels or travel trailer. We do not currently own a travel trailer and have never used one before. Aside from all the obvious questions like rent vs buy and the general economical implications of our decision, I am posting this message to solicit the answer or advice from members on the most fundamental question of all:

Given our options, which choice would likely yield the most pleasurable and memorable family trip possible?

I realize most folks in this forum already own an RV and enjoy the experience or you wouldn't have purchased one in the first place. Please try to answer the question from the perspective of someone who has never owned an RV and may choose not to keep the RV after the trip is over. Of course we will likely keep the RV if we enjoy the experience but I don't want this to cloud your otherwise impartial judgement.

Thanks in advance for your help guys!

Sincerely,
Charles
Madison, AL

[valhalla360]

Ivylog wrote:
Renting is a good idea and hopefully it does not rain all weekend...on the majority of your trip rain will NOT be a problem. I've been RVing for probably twice as long as you are old...makes me really old but I've been there and done it in about every type of RV made. I think/hope you decide to buy a RV as it's a great life style. I have some random thoughts:

13-15 is a good age to do this whirlwind trip and you will not be able to spend a week in one spot. We are NO reservations BUT we are fully self contained so not getting a CG site is not a big deal. Last summer I made the mistake of wanting to go to CA one last time and ended up doing 7000 miles and 20 states in 58 days requiring us to move every two days and putting in so really long days driving. After reading that trip report you'll understand where I'm going here...doubt your kids will enjoy 800 mile days in the back seat of hopefully a crew cab F150 where you have to stop to go pee.

My estimate is your plan is 10,000 miles and 28 states in 60 days...maybe enjoyable in 90 days, but not in 60. I would leave off the west coast for another trip and hightail it to northern NM and then AZ, UT, ID, WY, CO and then home. Save CA and the NW plus Glacier NP, Rushmore, and the Bad lands for another 60 day trip assuming you survive the first one":B I like the middle of the US as it keeps the left coast further away but there is not much I need to stop and see there, especially in the summer.

Actually, hopefully it does rain. The reason to test the waters is to see what might be a problem.

Also, be careful of weights, with 4 of you for 2 months, assume the RV will be loaded to the max weight rating with stuff. Your truck may be able to pull the rated weight but will it be able to support the hitch weight with all of you and all of your stuff piled in.

I definitely agree that it's a lot of miles in a short time. 10,000miles in 60 days is about 3.5hrs of driving per day plus another hour of setup/tear down. If you stay a few days, you get some 7-8hr travel days mixed in. That's a lot of driving.

[IAMICHABOD]

In most of these type of threads I see that renting first is always mentioned as a great way to start.

I have to agree with the others here that renting first to get a real feel and the experience of RVing,that way you will know if you will enjoy the RV Lifestyle.

The expense of this may be off set by the Rebate Program that both major rental companies offer.

If you choose to buy a Former Rental within 6 months of the rental.

This thread has more that 90 happy owners of former rentals,with the list growing.

Good luck on your first journey into the RV lifestyle and welcome to the Forum.

[Ivylog]

Renting is a good idea and hopefully it does not rain all weekend...on the majority of your trip rain will NOT be a problem. I've been RVing for probably twice as long as you are old...makes me really old but I've been there and done it in about every type of RV made. I think/hope you decide to buy a RV as it's a great life style. I have some random thoughts:

13-15 is a good age to do this whirlwind trip and you will not be able to spend a week in one spot. We are NO reservations BUT we are fully self contained so not getting a CG site is not a big deal. Last summer I made the mistake of wanting to go to CA one last time and ended up doing 7000 miles and 20 states in 58 days requiring us to move every two days and putting in so really long days driving. After reading that trip report you'll understand where I'm going here...doubt your kids will enjoy 800 mile days in the back seat of hopefully a crew cab F150 where you have to stop to go pee.

My estimate is your plan is 10,000 miles and 28 states in 60 days...maybe enjoyable in 90 days, but not in 60. I would leave off the west coast for another trip and hightail it to northern NM and then AZ, UT, ID, WY, CO and then home. Save CA and the NW plus Glacier NP, Rushmore, and the Bad lands for another 60 day trip assuming you survive the first one":B I like the middle of the US as it keeps the left coast further away but there is not much I need to stop and see there, especially in the summer.

Sorry for the "one and done" although you were still logged in for over 10 minutes after I asked which vehicle. Without knowing that we were just guessing. Hidden in the advanced search box above is a lot of info and in also in the "Jump To Forum" like Roads an Routes, Hybrid Travel Trailers, and Towing. Good Luck.

[NYCgrrl]

erwincm wrote:
I've posted questions in various forums throughout the internet over the years but never before have a I received such a overwhelming, diverse, and thoughtful response. You guys are amazing!

I think the jury is in. We're going to rent an RV perhaps as early as weekend after next and do a 2-3 day trip within 50 miles of our home. I'd like to share my experience with the group afterwards if you guys think I will learn enough from a single trip to be of interest. I'm hoping the trip will sway us in our decision. I must say I am intrigued about the "RV lifestyle" after reading all of your responses. There is an underlying passion there that I did not forsee. I always thought an RV was just another means to an end but honestly never considered the RV itself was part of the adventure. I sense it is a contagious past time for those properly wired to enjoy the journey. I can't wait to find out what kind of family we are - one that enjoys the destination or one that enjoys the journey.

Bless you guys for all your guidance. Talk to you again soon...

Sincerely,
Charles
Madison, AL

Haven't chimed in before but agree that it's perfectly fine to try a new experience such as most any form of camping with eyes open and a sense of adventure well in hand.

I've bicycle tented; solo camped and hiked parts of the Appalachian Trail, as well as car camped through out the NE. My next camping adventure will involve RVing in a small new trailer across the country for 2 years. In anticipation of that experience I joined this forum, rented RVs and sopped up (hopefully) enough information to know what I want in a TT.
In renting the RVs I found what I did and did not want. First rental was a Prowler bunk bed model. Fine unit for the average sized family but it was too large for us, had a bathrm tub I don't want to clean, too many exterior steps to walk in and out of with platters of food; carpeting instead of an easier to clean smooth floor, not enough space around the queen bed to walk with comfort, badly ducted for AC and a decided bounce in the middle of the floor that made me uneasy. Finally, the kitchen layout was extensive but not utilitarian - no counter space to speak of.

Next rental was the unit for us but I'd never had known for sure if I'd not done my research AND field test. Our Alto should be here this fall and the plans for our continental tour goes on:).
The man had never camp before meeting me and despite each new adventure and his necessary protestations comes back from each trip with a warm glow in his heart and a happy granddaughter who longs for our next outing.

Finally, I'll admonish you to not be swayed by a "pretty face". The mechanical systems and construction are even more important IMO. Take a tour of the factory if possible and if it isn't you tube can be useful. A well made RV will sell readily after the trip and with little loss of funds.

HTH and have fun out there.

[2gypsies1]

Please do return after your rental trip and let us know how it went. Keep in mind that every one of us have had some bad, funny, stressful times with RVing so if you encounter any of these on your trip you're an official member of the Club!

[erwincm]

I've posted questions in various forums throughout the internet over the years but never before have a I received such a overwhelming, diverse, and thoughtful response. You guys are amazing!

I think the jury is in. We're going to rent an RV perhaps as early as weekend after next and do a 2-3 day trip within 50 miles of our home. I'd like to share my experience with the group afterwards if you guys think I will learn enough from a single trip to be of interest. I'm hoping the trip will sway us in our decision. I must say I am intrigued about the "RV lifestyle" after reading all of your responses. There is an underlying passion there that I did not forsee. I always thought an RV was just another means to an end but honestly never considered the RV itself was part of the adventure. I sense it is a contagious past time for those properly wired to enjoy the journey. I can't wait to find out what kind of family we are - one that enjoys the destination or one that enjoys the journey.

Bless you guys for all your guidance. Talk to you again soon...

Sincerely,
Charles
Madison, AL

[Crowe]

Standing in line at the Airport, Hotels, is not fun.

Nor is sitting in traffic for hours or waiting at the campground check-in desk. Everything has a trade-off. Those breakdowns you mention can cancel a vacation as quickly as a cancelled flight.

OP, I touched a bit on this about what is most important, the journey or the destination. You do miss a huge amount when you fly. You get from Point A to Point B much more quickly and you can get to more destinations in a finite time frame but there's a lot to miss, like watching the rolling hills turn to what looks like never-ending fields, the bunny at the campsite, etc. Another aspect to consider-how social are you? Campgrounds offer much more opportunity for that.

You could see the gleam in their eyes and smiles. I don't see that at the airport when standing in line.

You apparently have never seen us in line! :B Even the worst drudgery can be fun if you try.

[Ivylog]

With a F150 I would buy a used TT that does not have any water leaks...good luck with that. I think you will keep the trailer after the two months trip.

[drmopar]

OK, after reading all these replies, here is my advice. Look at the financial side first. Purchase a pre owned Toy Hauler that can be towed with your truck. The reason I said Toy Hauler is 2 queen beds in the back, and a private stateroom for Mom and Dad in front. Kids will want things to do, take the bikes, fishing rods, golf clubs, etc and other stuff. Flying and staying at Hotels will cost a lot. Take that money and put it towards your trailer. Should you fly and stay at Hotels, you will have nothing to show for all the expenses. If RV life is not for you, sell the Trailer when your done and recoup you investment. Your kids will have more fun camping than staring at a smart phone all day in your Hotel room. Vacations are for exploring, experiences, having fun. Some replies on here seem to think that towing a trailer is a big deal and you need to work up to that. I say, bull****. Purchase a Trailer/Toy Hauler. Set up your hitch correctly, and spend a week driving slowly around your area. Find a parking lot and learn to back up, tight quarters turns, etc. After a week of this, you should be ready. Similar to getting your drivers license when you started driving as a teen. Most RVers start somewhere. Now the other side. Your kids at that age is priceless. Go Biking, Fishing, enjoy nature. Standing in line at the Airport, Hotels, is not fun. Kids need to have a place to call home while away. A Toy Hauler with all the room will give your kids that feeling. Hotels will not. Go on Vacation at your schedule and relax and have fun. It will be your choice to stay another day at a campground or move on. Not with the Airport, Hotel schedules. Sure the RV can break down, have problems, but so can the hassle of flights cancelled, plane problems, Hotels that lost your reservations and luggage.
When I walked around the Campgrounds last time we were out, I noticed new RV's and stopped to chat. You could see the gleam in their eyes and smiles. I don't see that at the airport when standing in line.

[Crowe]

Per the group (and my wife's) suggestion, I really like the idea of renting a similar size & style trailer soon and experiencing the lifestyle on a short local trip or two prior to our long-term trip next summer.

Great idea! Please let us know how you like it.

We enjoy hiking, biking, and sightseeing but are not particular fond of setting up and tearing down a campsite or sleeping on the ground. We've done a fair amount of this in the past. It's fun for a few days but I can't imagine sticking it out for 2 months.

Sounds like we have a lot in common! However, I agree this is one of the biggest disadvantages to constantly moving if you want to cover a lot of territory. The other is time, which is one of the main reasons as to why we've stopped RVing at the moment. How much time do you want to spend on the "journey" vs. the "vacationing". For many the journey is part of the adventure. For some, not so much. Have you calculated the actual travel time it would take to just do the driving? That may help make the decision.

If you do choose to drive have you considered doing something a little less ambitious? So many of us want to do as much as possible but in doing so may lose out on the actual "vacation" part. I my early 20s hubby and I drove 7500 miles in three weeks-from the Boston area all the way up to Banff and Jasper in Alberta. Went back by plane, spent 10 days enjoying, and realized how much we had missed by trying to do too much too fast. It's still a very fond memory but I would never do anything like that again.

I'm glad we were able to help. Please keep in mind even those who appear to be negative are doing so because they care and want you to make a good decision and are not being spiteful. A broad question such as yours does often come with the good, bad and the ugly type responses!

[Lantley]

THe fact that you are a mechanical engineer is a big plus. The idea that you prefer not to fix things along the way is a big minus.
Tinkering with the RV will always be part of the equation.
It's all so good that you have a truck, Although it is not the most capable truck when it comes to towing an RV I'm sure you can find a trailer to match your truck.
Read up on towing parameters and find out the payload rating on your truck.
The max tow rating is not the only criteria to consider.
Towing a trailer will make the drive a bit longer and tougher vs. not having a trailer however us RV'ers believe it is worth it.
RV'ing is a lifestyle and a mindset you will have to enjoy the adventurous part of RV'ing. The fixing stuff, tinkering and dealing with the unknowns is all a part of it.
If you want stress free no fixing stuff ,no hassles or unknowns go with hotels.
If you want to enjoy the outdoors and pure adventure go RV'ing.
I suggest you test the waters and rent something before jumping in with both feet.

[rockhillmanor]

You mentioned renting cabins. Not all need year in advance reservations like the ones in the state parks do. Think outside that box of just staying at state parks. you can stay at a CG nearby and still be able to explore the nearby parks.

Most of the KOA Campgrounds have cabins for rent also. Very nice ones I might add too. No prior reservations needed they seem to always have one available. they have a couple types. Rustic has a table chairs, a couple of beds, you bring your own linens, all the way up to completely furnished.

KOA is a franchise so that they are all the same from CG to CG, no nasty surprises. I exclusively use KOA CG's when ever possible when traveling. Real nice website to easily find what you need and also a real nice book of all the CG's in the US that you can take with you.
http://koa.com/koa-journey-campgrounds/

Also in my travels as a full time RV'er I found many other camp grounds have cabins also. Usually like little houses. When you do a search for CG's it will show up if they have cabins.

And again since they are in CG's your kids will be able to enjoy the experience, campground fires and activities and meeting some real nice campers during your stay.

Picture of one of the smaller rustic cabins that are available.

[erwincm]

Folks, I apologize for the delayed response but I often only have a chance to check my email and posts every 2nd or third day. Rockhillmanor, thank you for your compassion my friend 🙂 And thanks to all for investing your time and effort in trying to help out a newbie like me. I am overwhelmed by your responses! Now let me try to answer some of the major questions that have been asked:

- I own a 2008 Ford F150 truck with a 5.4L Triton engine with towing capacity of 8,600lbs. The plan would be to use my truck to haul the travel trailer around.

- Our plan would be to take our time traveling west (from North Alabama) to California, go north along the coastline perhaps as far as Washington state, go east to Yellowstone & Grand Tetons, then south east through Colorado and back home. Our primary destinations would be national parks. We might spend a few days in big cities but that is not our focus. We will stay anywhere from 2 nights to a week per stop depending on the grandeur of the destination.

- We enjoy hiking, biking, and sightseeing but are not particular fond of setting up and tearing down a campsite or sleeping on the ground. We've done a fair amount of this in the past. It's fun for a few days but I can't imagine sticking it out for 2 months.

- I am a mechanical engineer and it seems like I've spent half my life fixing things. That is to say I can do it but I sure would like to get away from it (mostly) if possible during our trip.

Per the group (and my wife's) suggestion, I really like the idea of renting a similar size & style trailer soon and experiencing the lifestyle on a short local trip or two prior to our long-term trip next summer. Hopefully that exposure will sway us one way or the other. I also like the suggestion by some members to go the CG to CG route perhaps renting cabins. However, the major problem with that approach is it requires us to plan our trip down to the day since long-term reservations would likely be required for national parks. To me, that adds the stress of having to be somewhere at a particular day for the entirety of the trip. I would like to keep our schedule semi-fluid if possible in case we choose to stay somewhere longer or shorter than initially anticipated.

I hope that answers most of the questions. I realize my initial question is not easy to answer but you guys have actually given me a lot to think about and have in fact answered my question in spades. Bless you for guidance. It is much appreciated.

Thank You,
Charles

[doxiemom11]

Instead of doing either that you have listed, why not rent a cabin or cottage wherever your destination is. You should be able to find some anywhere you want to travel. Make reservations for them. Find out if you need bedding, towels etc and then just drive from one to the other. You could be in a campground, on a lake shore, in the woods, in the mountains, on the gulf coast etc. A mixture to enjoy with whatever activities and sightseeing in the area.