Hello everyone. I'm delighted to have found this forum and look forward to chatting with all of you. In a nutshell, here's my story (with a few questions at the end). I'm 35, married, live in Northern California (wine country) and have two very young children. My son is 2 yrs 9 months, and my daughter is all of 1 month old. I've always loved road trips, but for whatever reason the idea of vacationing via some kind of RV never occurred to me until about a week ago. Every night on my long commute home (a commute I've been doing for six years), I pass by a giant Camping World RV center that's right off the interstate. I caught myself looking at all the motor homes neatly lined up on the lot and then it sort of just slapped me in the face that something like that might be a perfect thing for my family. The neat thing about living where we do is that we're just about 3 hours away from a lot of really cool, different places: 3 hours to Yellowstone, 3 hours to Lake Tahoe, 2 hours to the Pacific Ocean, 3 hours to the Monterey peninsula, 3 hours to the coastal Redwoods, 4 hours to the Mount Shasta/Lassen area. With some kind of RV rig, there would be a ton of options for long weekend getaways. However, with a newborn I don't think RV'ing is right around the corner. But I want to start doing some serious research now to get a plan in place (save up for the right model, etc).Also, another reason I want to start thinking about it now as opposed to later is that we're probably going to trade in at least one of our cars in the next 3 to 6 months. Currently we have an '09 Honda CR-V and my old '06 Civic which I use just for commuting. Obviously neither of these are good options for towing. Now that we have 2 kids we're looking at swapping the CR-V for something larger. I'm kind of leaning toward a minivan (Sienna or Odyssey) but may also look at larger SUVs (Pilot, Highlander). I'd like the next car to be one that's fit to tow the trailer. With all that unnecessary backstory out of the way, here are a few things I'm wondering:1) I'm leaning toward travel trailers rather than RVs primarily because of the cost factor. RVs are so much more and it seems like overkill since we won't be using it full time. Is that reasonable logic or should I open myself up to something other than a travel trailer?2) CARS - How do the Siennas and Odysseys of the world do towing a trailer? Are there other cars I should consider? 3) Which brands and models are good intro units? I'd want something on the smaller side. It wouldn't necessarily need to comfortably sleep 4 adults. My guess is we'll end up using the car, the travel trailer, and a tent collectively to set up a traveling home. 4) What's the scoop on Aliners? I see a lot of them around the neighborhoods where we live. 5) What should I be reading up on and studying so that I can familiarize myself with how to own and operate a travel trailer? I've never used a tow hitch or anything like that before, and although I'm fairly handy around the house I don't know much about cars. I really appreciate any information that anyone shares. Thanks!!!

3 hours to Yellowstone,Interesting! How fast do you drive? You must have the fastest Sienna or Odyssey made. Or, perhaps you are on the wrong forum. This is an RV forum, not a LearJet forum.In your narrative you referred to Camping World; do a search and read everything you can on these forums about Camping World before you purchase anything from them.

Sorry, in my haste I typed Yellowstone instead of Yosemite.

I have camped in everything from a tent to a Motor Home at present. I would look for a new or used pick-up truck, with 4 doors. It would open up your camping possibilities to a wide range of travel trailers and even fifth wheels. Those vans that you mentioned will limit you to only a few travel trailers and no fifth wheels. Start looking now, to gain ideas and info, here is a good start.

I personally would not tow any high walled trailer with anything you listed - "(Sienna or Odyssey)...(Pilot, Highlander)". Durango Hemi, Grand Cherokee Hemi or diesel, Euro SUVs with diesels like Touareg, X5, ML. And unless you wnat a diesle, then I'd go for a full sized half ton. They offer far more performance and towing capability (and not specifically tow rating) than make towing pleasant.

Loved northern California, lived there for 4 years.As vet man said, look for a pickup truck or large SUV. I started with the one in my signature (though I'd get a lighter trailer or a bigger truck if I were starting now - even with the propride hitch I still wish I had a bigger truck. I would start with a 1/2 a ton or 3/4 ton pickup now).However, I did not do what my friends did: they started smaller and changed trailers 2x before settling down on a ~26 box.You can start small now though and change it later, it's up to you. Still, get a good TV first.ETA: Funny, when you said Yellowstone I actually thought that I read Yosemite. It's a common mistake when you're there :)

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wmoses
Explorer
Apr 19, 2014
I wonder where the OP is. We are up to 3 pages of discussions among ourselves and there is no more input or clues as to where his head might be in relation to all these suggestions. :h
Speedogomer
Explorer
Apr 19, 2014
Everyone on this forum is quick to suggest you buy a one ton truck so you have enough tow vehicle.... And yes that one ton truck will tow anything you want, but in reality a one ton, 3/4 ton, or even 1/2 ton truck isn't really practical for most people.

My advice would be to buy a cheap used pop-up. You could tow it with your CRV even if it's small enough.

I see pop-ups listed all the time for $2k or less. I grew up camping in tents and pop-ups. My family has had newborns camp in tents and pop-ups as well. We've all moved on to bigger travel trailers and Fifth Wheels, but the best memories I have are under canvas.

A used pop-up is a cheap investment, and can get you started. You may decide you hate camping, or your family may be hooked for life. If it's not for you, you don't have to try and sell your 3/4 ton truck and travel trailer. If you do love it, the pop-up can last for a year, or 10 years, until you're ready to trade up. My Aunt kept a pop-up towed with a Chrysler Concorde for nearly a decade.
Brett_K
Explorer
Apr 19, 2014
There are plenty of mid-size compact pickups like the Tacoma, Frontier, and Ridgeline capable of towing something like a 20 ft hybrid camper in the 3500lb range. You won't win any races, but they will get the job done and hold up well.
Caveman_Charlie
Explorer II
Apr 19, 2014
I agree that you should start used. On average it takes most of us 4 RV's to decide what works best . Best to start out with older used ones so you can decide what features and things you would like to have and what you don't really need. Plus, the older one is going to have more problems and you will learn how all the systems work as you repair them. Don't look at that as a failure ! Instead look at it as a learning experience. Then when you have learned what you do and don't like, and have learned how it all works. Then you will be prepared to purchase the correct new one for your family.
rfryer
Explorer
Apr 18, 2014
I think scbwr said it well. RV’s can be anything from a PU to a MH and they all have their pros and cons. And all are a bundle of compromises; you can’t have your cake and eat it too. I think you’re on the right track leaning toward tt’s per #1, but you need to do a lot of research and know how and where you want to camp, and look at a lot of units to decide what might work best for you.

For example, if you want a lot of space and amenities and will camp in FHU cg’s think big. The impact is a big TV, advance reservations in cg’s, planning for gas station and parking lot access, and so on. And restrictions on how far you can get from the pavement. On the other hand, if you want to get well back into national forests you’ll have to think a lot smaller. So you trade space for access.

I would write off any car entirely, and also mini-vans. A pickup or big SUV is likely the best option. But pay no attention to the mythical tow rating, it’s almost a sure bet you’ll run out of the vehicle payload before you get near it. And if you get close to the payload and want to do a lot of mountain driving it won’t be much of a fun tow. So as said, a lot of compromises and you need to educate yourself well before you commit to anything.

For someone new to RV’s it’s smart to buy a used one first because after you use one for awhile it begins to gell what you really want in an RV. And if bought new it’s an expensive exercise to change. Owning and operating a TT is a piece of cake that you’ll pick up fast. When I bought my F150 my thought was to get a small FW. Then as I got educated I realized the pin weight of a FW could be an issue and the deal breaker, it was too high to get down the forest roads I camp on. My suggestion would be to look at a lot of RV’s, read the “stickies” on the forum and ask a lot of questions as you go along and you’ll make a good selection.
campin_in_the_r
Explorer
Apr 18, 2014
scbwr wrote:
First of all, stop thinking about the tow vehicle. What I suggest is that you and your wife start looking at RVs and lots of them. You have to determine how you want to travel.

^^^X2

We had a Honda Pilot that we bought just after our son was born (our daughter was 2 at the time) and we started looking at trailers that we could tow with it. We were not impressed with anything that was within the tow range of the Pilot. After a year or two of shopping for trailers we could tow with the Pilot we finally decided that we needed a pickup instead.

We then bought a half-ton pickup and shopped off and on for about 3 years when we finally found and bought our current trailer last year. Our 1/2 ton was able to tow the trailer without any real trouble, but after taking it out on several weekend trips I realized that I wanted something with an even better towing capacity so we purchased our current 1-ton diesel.

Because we shopped for the right trailer I don't see us getting a different one for a long time, and now that we have the right tow vehicle for us we will likely keep this combination for a long time.
profdant139
Explorer II
Apr 18, 2014
Looking back on it, we did not enjoy traveling with infants -- lots of extra work for the parents. But that is a matter of personal choice.

On the other hand, don't do what we did -- we waited till the kids were grown and gone to start trailering. Bad mistake -- lots of missed opportunities. Do it as soon as you can afford it and as soon as the kids are just old enough, especially if you live in Northern Calif. That is camping heaven.
Merrykalia
Explorer
Apr 18, 2014
Both of our daughters started camping when they were 4 months old and still love it! They are now 10 and 7.

We have had a popup, hybrid, bunkhouse TT and now a fifth wheel. We loved all of them, but found that with each, they were so much trouble to get ready, we just needed to upgrade. I don't think we will be upgrading anymore, but a Class A will be in our future if we win the lottery.

Don't purchase new. Do your homework and plan to get an RV that is a few years old (2 or 3) so you don't have to take that big hit when you drive it or pull it off the lot. If you don't know much about the RV world, check around and find someone that does.

Someone gave you some advise about bikendan, he would be a great person to get some planning information from. PM him.

Rent whatever type of RV you are interested in and try it out for a week. See if your family is going to like it or absolutely detest it.

Just remember.....if Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.
mosseater
Explorer II
Apr 18, 2014
When we started looking, we had some friends who had pop ups and decided they weren't for us. Also considered hybrid tent trailers. Again, didn't want the hassle of dealing with the canvas interface. Fifth wheels seem to big for our needs, even now. So, the hardside TT was the way to go, and I believe, still is the biggest bang for the buck.

You'll also note trailers are pulled almost exclusively by trucks, not "trucks". There's a reason for that. Trucks are made to pull and haul things. Crossovers, minivans, even most small to midsized SUVs....not so much.

As far as the kids being so young, true, you'll be tied down to their care while camping the same as at home, but they are your family. I never considered it to be a burden, though it can be trying at times. I loved raising our kids, and if we could have camped when they were small, we surely would have. They will grow faster than you can now imagine, so plan ahead at least 5-8 years. Buy a floor plan in a decent quality camper you can afford and go for it. There's a lot to see out there and some longer, bigger trips may be beyond their comprehension at this point, so keep it close to home for a while. Save the big trips for when they can remember them. Build your memories while you have the chance. Your kids will be on to other things soon enough, so getting them into camping at this age will become second nature to them later. It's a great way to build and maintain a strong family.

Good luck and have fun!
scbwr
Explorer II
Apr 17, 2014
First of all, stop thinking about the tow vehicle. What I suggest is that you and your wife start looking at RVs and lots of them. You have to determine how you want to travel. With young kids, you are probably going to want an RV with at least a shower and toilet. There are pop-ups and hybrid trailers that could work. Pop-ups and some hybrids can be towed with larger SUVs or 1/2 ton truck. But with pop-ups and hybrids, the big question is do you want to deal with tent material that may need to dry out after you get home....and you can get a little wet if you have to pack up in rain.

Once you start looking at travel trailers, you have to decide what size unit will meet your needs. If you want bunks for the kids and space for everyone when the weather is bad, I think you may end up wanting a trailer that is at least 28 feet or so. But, you may find something smaller that would meet your needs.

Either way, get an idea of what you and your wife want, then you'll know what the unit weighs and can choose a tow vehicle that will be up to the job.

In the meantime, do your home work about tow ratings, especially the fact that most dry weights are not accurate as they don't usually include options such as awning, propane tanks, battery etc. Learn about GVWR and payloads...tons of posts here on the forums.

More than likely, you're going to need a 1/2 ton pick-up that can handle 8,500 lbs. or more. Then you can look at trailers that are around 28' and will weigh around 7-8K loaded, which will have to be a light weight trailer.

Take your time and you can avoid making the common mistake of buying a vehicle that you think is adequate, and then after towing your new trailer for a few trips, you discover you need a beefier tow vehicle!

And, a good used trailer can be a great buy, because after using it for a while, you will find out what you like and dislike about it and decide to buy a different trailer. If you've purchased one used, you won't much if any loss on the trade.