Hello, we are moving cross country and want to take our time and enjoy the country. We are leaving Phoenix, want to head up the California coast. Then across country to Maryland, with alot of stops in between. We looked at renting, and it just seems way to expensive with mileage. So the plan is to buy a nice class a or class c for the trip. Sell it when we get there. Seems like if I can find a good, reliable unit, I should be able make the trip and not take a huge loss. I know I will loose money, but at least I will have a asset and it seems like the market is higher on the east coast. Breakdowns can always happen. We will be towing a small suv behind. Any advice? What to look for? What to avoid? We have camped a ton in AZ in all different kids of trailers. So it will be me, the wife, 2 kids and a dog. Sounds like a terrible movie huh?

Rent the movie "RV" with Robin Williams.

Sounds like a great trip! Suggestions will vary, depending on how much time you are allowing for the trip. (I hope you're allowing at least a month!) I would suggest making a list of those sights in the U.S. you have always wanted to see but never have, and try to include them on the itinerary if possible. Plan your routes accordingly. When do you leave? If it's soon, be aware that many CGs in the northern tier won't be open until at least April 1st, and a good number not even until May. The idea of buying a camper (I'd go used, to minimize your loss) rather than renting, is a good one, IMO. And if you like it, you may just want to keep it & use it for camping trips in the East after you get settled. Good luck!

Only advice I can give is if you go that route get it a month or two before you plan on leaving and squeeze in as many outings as you can. Get familiar with all the electrical, mechanical, plumbing systems. Learn what every knob, button or switch is for.

Another option would be to determine what size of travel trailer your SUV can tow and get a low cost travel trailer to use for the trip. My family consisted of parents, 2 boys and a dog in a small SUV towing a 16 foot travel trailer.We made the trip across country several times in this setup for summer vacations. Always fun, very few problems and educational.

Depending on your budget, I would look for at least 30' Class A or C with bunk beds for the kids. Make sure the main bed is walk around queen. Make sure it will tow the SUV. We use mapquest or google maps to map the trip. I would stay on US highways rather than interstate highways. We use www.woodalls.com to locate campgrounds and then check them on www.rvparkreviews.com I think this is a great idea. Just be flexible and enjoy it!

Cross country travel plan | Good Sam Community

Gonzo42
Explorer
Mar 11, 2014
Rent the movie "RV" with Robin Williams.
kknowlton
Explorer II
Mar 11, 2014
Sounds like a great trip! Suggestions will vary, depending on how much time you are allowing for the trip. (I hope you're allowing at least a month!) I would suggest making a list of those sights in the U.S. you have always wanted to see but never have, and try to include them on the itinerary if possible. Plan your routes accordingly. When do you leave? If it's soon, be aware that many CGs in the northern tier won't be open until at least April 1st, and a good number not even until May. The idea of buying a camper (I'd go used, to minimize your loss) rather than renting, is a good one, IMO. And if you like it, you may just want to keep it & use it for camping trips in the East after you get settled. Good luck!
Fizz
Explorer
Mar 11, 2014
Only advice I can give is if you go that route get it a month or two before you plan on leaving and squeeze in as many outings as you can. Get familiar with all the electrical, mechanical, plumbing systems. Learn what every knob, button or switch is for.
the_bear_II
Explorer
Mar 11, 2014
Another option would be to determine what size of travel trailer your SUV can tow and get a low cost travel trailer to use for the trip. My family consisted of parents, 2 boys and a dog in a small SUV towing a 16 foot travel trailer.
We made the trip across country several times in this setup for summer vacations. Always fun, very few problems and educational.
sdianel_-acct_c
Explorer
Mar 11, 2014
Depending on your budget, I would look for at least 30' Class A or C with bunk beds for the kids. Make sure the main bed is walk around queen. Make sure it will tow the SUV. We use mapquest or google maps to map the trip. I would stay on US highways rather than interstate highways. We use www.woodalls.com to locate campgrounds and then check them on www.rvparkreviews.com
I think this is a great idea. Just be flexible and enjoy it!
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Mar 11, 2014
the bear II wrote:
Another option would be to determine what size of travel trailer your SUV can tow and get a low cost travel trailer to use for the trip. My family consisted of parents, 2 boys and a dog in a small SUV towing a 16 foot travel trailer.
We made the trip across country several times in this setup for summer vacations. Always fun, very few problems and educational.

I think I prefer this option if possible.
and as somebody said, if you buy a motorhome, be sure to test it out before your trip.
bumpy
Clay_L
Explorer
Mar 11, 2014
As stated above if you can allot enough time and time it so campgrounds are open it would be a great trip.

I don't want to discourage you but there are a couple of things you may not have considered.
The cost of adding the tow bar and base plates to the towed car along with the auxiliary braking system. It been 11 years since I did that but I think the cost was about $1800 but could have been more.
For us it costs about $200 per day when we are traveling. When stopped it is a lot less. We don't boondock (dry camp) in Walmart or Flying J parking lots but pay for a campground every night.

Two summers ago we went from Grand Junction CO to Concord NH, spent six weeks and returned. It cost us over $5000 for the trip and we already have everything we need to travel. Tow car setup, etc.
bikendan
Explorer
Mar 11, 2014
what time of the year would you be doing this?
if it's the summer, you may have issues getting any resevations for California coastal campgrounds.
kingbrutis
Explorer
Mar 12, 2014
Thanks for the replies and ideas. We are considering the trailer option. I think it would save us a ton of cash in gas alone. We have Nissan Murano so we can tow a nice light weight travel trailer. I really dont know what kind of weather we will hit, so I'm thinking of staying away from a pup up. We will be doing this in early June.
colliehauler
Explorer III
Mar 13, 2014
kingbrutis wrote:
Thanks for the replies and ideas. We are considering the trailer option. I think it would save us a ton of cash in gas alone. We have Nissan Murano so we can tow a nice light weight travel trailer. I really dont know what kind of weather we will hit, so I'm thinking of staying away from a pup up. We will be doing this in early June.
You could get a small trailer new for around $8995. Jayco Swift or KZ or several other 16' light weight trailers.