RV conundrum

[Kevin D Pem]

• #1/1

We are in the planning stages of a cross country road trip this summer, camping, enjoying many of the state and national parks across the country, including places like Yosemite and Glacier, some time in Utah, a few other places. Probably about 2 solid months. Our conundrum is, for a $45k vehicle budget, do we a.) buy a 2007-2010 Class C rv, and pull one of our cars for mobility when we are there, or maybe do the same but not pull one of our cars and be stuck where the Class C can go and park, OR b.) buy a used pickup truck and travel trailer to do the trip. The 45k is only the vehicle budget, not the rest of the spending budget. Either way, the camper unit will be used quite a lot, not just for this one trip, but we are huge campers and tent camp multiple times a year so whatever we get will get used for years to come. We thought about renting one but 10k+ for renting an RV seems like a waste. At some point, the camper may end up on a piece of land as a vacation unit for us, between camping trips. Opinions on which option?

I am a huge fan of hitch pull trailers. I am of the mindset that less is more. I think 4 on the ground is better than 6.
Half ton trucks get better mileage numbers but have there limits. I would rather spend my discretionary income on attractions than on vanity items or fuel.

Make your pick according to your mindset, not others opinion. You know what they say about opinions. Matters little what others think about your choices only your happiness matters.

 

[RKins]

If you do your research you can find a brand new crew cab 3500 Dodge Diesel for about $40k with a small trade-in.
I agree 8-10 hours in any vehicle, including a Class A, is intolerable, especially with a large dog. They need to get out every few hours, which gives the driver a break.
I think you were right to get a Class A - a lot nicer to cruise in and people can get into the bathroom while driving, etc. Just be careful that you stay within the max weight for combined vehicles and also make sure the hitch can handle what you are trying to tow.

 

[Rbjewell]

• #1/1

We are in the planning stages of a cross country road trip this summer, camping, enjoying many of the state and national parks across the country, including places like Yosemite and Glacier, some time in Utah, a few other places. Probably about 2 solid months. Our conundrum is, for a $45k vehicle budget, do we a.) buy a 2007-2010 Class C rv, and pull one of our cars for mobility when we are there, or maybe do the same but not pull one of our cars and be stuck where the Class C can go and park, OR b.) buy a used pickup truck and travel trailer to do the trip. The 45k is only the vehicle budget, not the rest of the spending budget. Either way, the camper unit will be used quite a lot, not just for this one trip, but we are huge campers and tent camp multiple times a year so whatever we get will get used for years to come. We thought about renting one but 10k+ for renting an RV seems like a waste. At some point, the camper may end up on a piece of land as a vacation unit for us, between camping trips. Opinions on which option?

If I had to do it over again I would have bought a truck and a tow along. I have a Newmar BayStar 37' and fell in love with the luxury but have to rent a car or tow for transportation. When you buy there is an inspection group that is certified and they will tell you if it's in good shape or not. I can't remember the name of the certified inspectors or the link but someone here will I am sure. Would be the best money spent before buying your unit. Hope this helps!