Mexstan

Seems like ages ago I sold the truck that I was going to use to tow an RV as the RV purchase was delayed. Things have changed and now I am looking again and have a bunch of questions. Hope some of you can guide me. Here are my questions today:
I do not want a very long RV as I intend to go off the beaten track such as here in Mexico and figure that a 25-29 foot would work OK as I don't want to drag the tail etc over speed bumps etc. It is only for my wife and I.
For that length, what are the pros and cons of 5th wheel, goose neck and travel trailer?
Is there any way to easily compare costs between owning a RV, truck etc and taking that on the road versus flying or driving and using hotels and restaurants. As the cost of fuel skyrockets, which is the best (IE most economical) way to travel on a vacation? Using ones own RV, or driving/flying to various destinations? I am ignoring the fun factor for this question, but if I factor that in, I could ask, why go by RV?
I think I already know the answers to these questions, but would like to hear from the rest of you.

justcampin

I have had camper for 20 years now,but we have a trip planed from Dallas to south padre, after I figured the price off fuel($500) and staying at a nice campside 3 days at south padre ($160) I found out it was $200 cheaper to take the wifes Toyota and rent a condo.
But camping is great, just have to take shorter trips this summer

cameroneod

When the cost of the RV is factored in its definitely cheaper to fly/rent. I still RV though. Much nicer having your own stuff and getting WAY off the beaten path. I'd much rather have my own space than rent someone else's.

Big T

There ar esome rv`s out there that will suit you. Cost i sthe x facture, I own a jayco baja 23 it is 14 inches off the ground came stock with muder tires on it. I can travel any where with it. when you consider food, and all other cost it is now almost even, including payment on trailer. The good thing is I can sell trailer and still come out ahead. When not if diesel gets to much higher then a motell will be cheaper. But you still can carry what you want stay where you want and know your stufff is clean and sanitary.

Bill1374

You will find that when you factor in all the costs, it's cheaper to fly/drive/rent. However, when was the last time you haad 3 o'clock coffee with your hotel neighbor. Or several had you getting your fishing gear cause they were biting in the surf. Or you put your golf clubs out and within an hour had an invitation to join someone to play. It's just a different lifestyle that suits me better than motel or condo living. At $4.50 a gallon diesel it's never going to be cost effective. But then, I'll be on an Adirondack mountain lake shore this summer for 3 weeks where there are no condos.
Strange, we traveled for many years with four daughters in a 24 foot trailer but now that there's only 2 of us we're in a 33 foot fifth. In your length range, I don't think you will find a fifth with a stand up bedroom but half the fun is looking at new floorplans anyway. Just find the floorplan that suits your needs.
Bill

Sprinter17

Bumppppppppppp

Sprinter17

I figured a 1200mile trip in my RV at 14mpg. was $200 cheaper than 20mpg taking my car and staying in hotels. Not sure about flying then renting a car, I'm sure that wouldn't be cost effective though, and more than the other options. I forgot too, that most , if not all meals will have to be ate out if in a hotel, that would be the clincher.

cdhd2001

My wife and I have been going through the same discussions. We are thinking of taking a two week vacation this summer. Total miles = 3000 miles. We are comparing our truck and 5th wheel against a 25 mpg car and motels. We also figured in the extra cost for eating out vs. cooking in the camper.

Total cost for RV trip = $2,565

Total cost for car/motel = $3,050

But, our RV payment eats up the difference in 1.5 months.

In a nutshell, we still haven't figured it out yet....

Burpl

Mexstan look at the Holiday Rambler savoy models I have one and it is great for me my wife and the three dogs , it is lightweight, well built, tows like a dream and is pretty tall off ground, Holiday rambler also will not void the warranty if you change the 5th wheel hitch over to gooseneck so you can keep your bed. I won't be around until next thursday but PM if you have any questions. No I dont work for HR I am just a really satisfied customer

Eric

Mexstan

Thanks folks for the answers so far. Good stuff.
It looks like I will be buying my old truck back, so will have something to tow it with. The truck at the moment only has a trailer hitch, so have to install a ball in the bed or a 5th wheel.
What are the pros and cons of a 5th wheel, gooseneck or tag-along for a light 25-30 foot trailer?
One thing I have to have is a fairly high RV with no low pipes etc as some of the places I would like to take it into would rip low hanging stuff right out. BTW, I like the off the beaten track places, no tourist traps for me. That is also the reason why I figure I can't go longer than 30'.

New question: It looks like I will be getting this soon. The best places for me are either Texas or Arizona. I have done some research and see that there are stacks of dealers there. PPL in Houston is not that far away. San Antonio is even closer. Does anybody know if any RV dealers will accept a SUV in trade on an RV? Any recommendations for the best place to buy?

05DodgeAz

For my momey I will only tow a 5er. Seen too many towables on their side. I live in Phoenix,Az and there is a dealer here that used to take cars ans trucks in on trade because they owned car dealers too. It's called earnhardt's rv. They have been bought out by campers world recently so I would call them to make sure they still take vehicles as trade.

woodperson

I also tried to "figure it out". My wife wanted a trailer, I wanted to fly out west and rent an apartment for the summers. Of course we got the trailer. I went with a "towable" on a equalizing hitch. I am sure the 5 th wheelers are better, but many a mile has been covered with the equalizing hitch tow also.

We are headed to Alaska leaving next month. 4 months and 13000 or so miles. Try to figure out that for a fly and rent cost at 200 a day rent for a RV. But my wife does not go if the dog can not go, so we pretty much have to drive anyway. I just look at the new truck and trailer as "an awful expensive dog house".

There is probably no "right way" to do the camper thing and it is expensive whatever you do. For just the 2 of us (and the dog) we decided the 5th wheels were just too big and heavy. Actually I was trying to buy something I could tow with a 150, but when it came time to buy a new truck I went with the 2500, so I guess we could have bought a light 5th wheel.

PaulDaisy

The $10,000 - 20,000 that an RV would cost would buy probably 3-5 years worth of vacations, and more if you count fuel costs.
But, nothing will buy you waking up in the morning by the creek side and being able to just sit down and be at home, away from home. I have vacations so infrequently that I don't want to spend time in town, eating out, looking for a motel etc. while I could just tow in my rig with all I need, and fish for a week.
Cost wise, RV is not efficient. But taking no trips at all is even more cost efficient. I choose camping.

RobG

Have you considered a truck camper? That eliminates the need to worry about dragging the tail-end over stuff, and you can go LOTS of places. The newer Lances (among others) have tons of ammenities.

Fifth wheels are great but if you're going to be off-road, you may want to get a flatbed for the truck. Otherwise you're more likely to crush your bed rails with the trailer when it pivots opposite of the truck. This is one place that a regular trailer has a bit advantage.

Rob

nkennedy

I could see the top sides of the bed coming in contact with the trialer only in severe cases, or if set up wrong. PPL in houston is a co-signment lot. They sell RV's for people, and don't take trades.