As mentioned. It really depends on where, and how you camp, and what you want to do.
For us, We like to stay at an oceanfront CG in Myrtle beach. One week in the campground just steps away from the sand comes to around $600.00. The same week in an oceanfront Condo, or motel room for the same amount of people, is around $3000.00. So we are looking at a $2400.00 per week saving. Enough of a saving that in only 7 trips the TT has paid for itself, and that does not take into consideration the weekend trips to the mountains that save more than $200.00 per trip over motel rooms.
And for us, we don't have to count the TV into the equation, as we had a truck before we got the TT.
One the other hand. IF you plan on going long distances just for the weekend. A Motel can be more cost effective, IF you get a room with a small kitchen. Remember camping / RVing you have your kitchen along, and do not have to eat out every meal. Another huge saving. In fact. While camping. Food is not counted toward vacation costs. You have to eat at home as well, and in the TT the cost is the same.
Honestly. If not for the TT, there are many places we could not have gone, a week at the beach would only be a dream. Several trips to the mountains a summer would be a dream as well. The TT makes all that possible for us.
And should you want a to go without it. So what. Just go. You don't have to take it every time you leave the house.
As for gas. You will burn gas with out the TT, Just not as much. Insurance is the other main expense. and it is not all that much either. Mine is less than 600 per year. You will need to put tires on it every 4 years or so, and winterize it every winter. About $6.00 for that.
Wash and wax for me free, as I enjoy making my stuff look good. Not much else maintenance really. Grease the hubs once a year, and done.
Terry & Shay
Coachman Apex 288BH.
2013 F150 XLT Off Road
5.0, 3.73
Lazy Campers