trucks...

[BarbaraRose]

Ok, from my experience, trucks ride like trucks, rough and uncomfortable. Not something I could imagine traveling across the country in. They also are gas hogs. I have never been a big fan of trucks...

With that said...please enlighten me on your experience/knowledge with trucks. Are they more comfortable now? I wouldn't need something that can pull 20K pounds, just 5K pounds or so. What types of trucks are better than others? I also don't want to have to spend $20K or more on a truck.

Also, are there SUV's that would work just as well or better than a truck?

I don't want this to turn into a major investment just for camping.

[RitaMc]

Hi Barbie.
We have a Chevy Silverado. It rides much better than the jeep Cherokee. It is just as comfortable as riding in a ca and It tows the Micro lite flawlessly. We do use a sway bar. Years ago we looked at hybrids and packing up would be just as physically demanding as the pop up.

[Azusateach]

Also, are there SUV's that would work just as well or better than a truck?

I don't want this to turn into a major investment just for camping.

Barbie, RVing is NOT cheap. It IS a major investment. You are purchasing a piece of equipment that needs to be regularly maintained and repaired, and in CA often stored off-site from your home, all of which costs money. Sometimes lots of it. People have the misconception that they can vacation much less expensively than by hoteling it. Well, that might be true if you're just comparing the costs of a 2-week hotel vacation vs. a 2-week RV vacation. But they forget that there's the monthly payments on the RV (unless you're able to pay cash for your rig), insurance, maintenance, and storage. We just paid the registration on our motorhome and it was almost $600. We pay $115/mo. for storage, and that's cheap. Changing the oil is about $75, and tires are over $250 each, and to fill the tank costs over $200. Insurance is close to $900/year. Factor all that in, and you'd probably find that a hotel vacation is about the same cost as owning an RV. Yes, a trailer is less expensive, but you'll still have additional insurance, registration, storage, and maintenance to factor in.

Anything you're thinking of doing will be a major investment.

Now, about a tow vehicle. I've never had a truck because I have dogs and they've needed a place to ride, so I've owned Explorers and Expeditions. Finding a used one with low mileage and the appropriate tow package might be a challenge, but it can be done. Chances are they'll be high-mileage cars, though. I towed my pop-up with an Explorer V-6, then moved up to a V-8 to tow my 19' hardside trailer because I didn't like how the V-6 towed, and lastly an Expedition because I STILL didn't like how the V-8 towed. When we got our 26' trailer I was STILL nervous about towing with the Expedition because the wheelbase was a little short for that size trailer. Every trade I made was because I needed more car for my trailer -- NOT for a daily driver. It was a luxury. I had a VW as my daily driver. And you know how expensive gas is in CA -- and it's going up. Figure on about $75 to fill your tank on any kind of truck/SUV that's capable of towing what you're looking at.

So, if you're planning on paying cash for everything -- tow vehicle and trailer, you might be okay. But you're going to need to figure in everything I've mentioned above. And in California you might be able to use it year-round, but it's going to be expensive.

Am I trying to pop your bubble? Maybe. But Barbie, you need a reality check. RVing isn't an inexpensive pastime. Especially if you're planning to come back to California.

[Bethers]

Just commenting that I've only once paid that much for an oil change... In California a Ford dealer did my rv for $30 something dollars. Same price in Texas this winter.

This lifestyle has been way more inexpensive for me or I couldn't have been a full-timer all these years. But, yes, there are expenses that have to be taken into consideration. It's also one reason I have a Class C and cheap toad.

But I do believe, Barbie, you can find a less expensive truck and trailer... But paying less on the truck could mean more expenses on the road with it.

[snowball]

like anything you get used to the way a vehicle rides...would a car be better to ride in yep but I don't ride in a car
so am used to the truck
we towed a 24ft tt with a van as I recall Kansas was very long it didn't have the ump one likes...never have had an
SUV yes you can get something else to tow with just apparently not the jeep...do your research see what works best.
for you I think it would be best to find the tow vehicle first then the trailer..oh my truck cost me around 13000 but it's a 2004 I
think the newer the more they cost but newer doesn't always mean best either..again talk with someone you feel knows what they
are talking about ...in my case it was my nephew my mechanic..test drive see how it feels to drive...what Laura said a tow vehicle and
another for driving about the city... or just the one but know that the mpg might not be as good as could be
good luck in finding what will suit your needs
sheila

[Colliemom]

I have been driving trucks for about 38 years now. Wouldn't own a car for anything. I love the highr off road view, the safety in the steel frame work and the comfort.ntoday's trucks are way different than back when. There are a lot of models out and of course, the more bells and whistles, the higher the price tag. A half ton truck is fine for towing the type of trailer you are looking at. Just make sure you have at least a V-8 engine and what is called a trailer towing package. I have pulled both 4500 and 3500 GVWR trailers with my trucks and no problem as most half tons can tow 9-10,000 pounds depending on how they are equipped. Heavier trailers and 5th wheels need 3/4 or maybe 1 tons if you are going really big. Today's trucks have either extended or crew cabs which are great for dogs, people or stuff. As to mileage, I get between 16-24 depending on where I'm driving and between 11-15 with the trailer, here again, depending on driving conditions. I only need oil changes when the truck tells me it's time, which is about every 7,000 miles or so. And I have never paid more rhan $60 for one. That's oil, lube and filter. There are a lot of options out there now and many times you can get a good used truck especially those coming off a lease, as they are usually low miles and dealer maintained. You don't have to have tow mirrors, back up cameras etc., as you can get them after market. Saves money on truck costs. But you do need trailer towing package, which is usuall the suspension for towing, light connector, some have oil coolers and integrated brake controllers etc. if no brake controller, one can be installed. 95 percent of trailers here in MI are pulled with trucks. I am fortunate in that we have permanent trailer plates here in MI, meanig we pay a one time fee based on purchase price of the trailer and never have to renew again. Also I keep my trailer in my yard, so no storage fees and my insurance is a little under $200 a year.


Azuteach, I suggest you look at a crew cab truck. They are better than the Explorer (too short wheel base), Expeditions etc. and dogs can ride in the back seat. Mine just stretch out across the seat and I have two collies. I think you will find towing much easier and stable. Those vehicles are made for a different purpose and hauling trailers isn't really their thing. Differnt suspension for one thing. Truck suspensions are stiffer and more able to support the weight of the hitches and their related equipment. The trucks have varying axle ratios and that plays an important part in towing trailers. More stable and also makes a difference in gas mileage. Trucks are built for towing and hauling, that why you see more of them pulling trailers than anything else. My truck is my oersonal vehicle, it's the only one I own. So filling ng up with gas is a given, no matter what the vehicle and depends on the gas prices. When I pull my trailer, that is figured in my trip budget as would be in any trip. Sure RVing isn't cheap, but neither is the cost of today's motel/hotel rooms plus gas to go to and from, costs of eating out etc. Tires are a one time thing, unless you drive your vehicles to the ground, you only buy a new set of tires probably once depending on how many miles you drive a year. That cost goes with any vehicle. The more yo drive, then you may have to replace again. But they are not yearly expenss. But added all up, it's one reason I have one vehicle and a trailer. My expenses are small compared to iwning a MH and toad. Other than paying for winterizing and dewinterizing each year, which I could do myself if I want, and my insurance, my trailer costs me nothing. I have been fortunate in that I have not had any trouble which means no repairs. And I need a vehicle anyway.

[Cougarfan]

Azuteach, I suggest you look at a crew cab truck. They are better than the Explorer (too short wheel base), Expeditions etc. and dogs can ride in the back seat.

She has a Class A now.

[gingerK]

Never towed a TT with my truck but have hauled many horse trailers. My 3/4 T Dodge rides just as nice as my Durango. I second Sue's vote for a crew cab, I have the extended cab with suicide doors and my hubby's truck has the full rear doors. When hauling around my pop up truck camper, my mileage didn't significantly decrease. As for the MH, it rides rougher than either the truck or Durango, even with the airbags. I don't think I paid that much for my last oil change, either; more like $30.

[Pooker]

Barbie - Another suggestion is to check into combinations for sale: We seniors have to give up RVing at some point for whatever reason (one spouse dies or becomes infirm, etc) and often they sell the tt or fiver AND the tow vehicle together. Usually, you can then know they are sized right, have been used without too many problems, and any add-ons are already added on (sway bars, stabilizers, whatever). Do on line searches, check want ads, RV publications, etc. Even if you find something at a distance you could make a mini vacation to go check it out. Also, snowbirds might unload their units around this time of year when they decide to stop the migration.

Evie

[Azusateach]

I imagine that Barbie is going to do what she wants, regardless of what people say.

She wants to move back to Southern California. This state is expensive. I hear people complain about it all the time on this forum. So, unless she finds a situation like Sharon Meekins has, where she's got lots of property to store an RV, she's going to have to pay to have it stored, and it won't be cheap. Labor costs on RV repairs are quite pricey, and canNOT be compared to other places in the country. And gas is more expensive here than just about anywhere else in the lower 48 states.

People who have weighed in and told her that she can do it inexpensively don't live here. Yes, it can be less expensive if she pays cash for a trailer and tow vehicle. If she does, good for her. But there are still other costs that she can't control.

I get frustrated reading contradictory opinions from folks who don't have a realistic concept of expenses here. I just wish folks would consider what she's trying to do and where she wants to do it.

[Azusateach]

Azuteach, I suggest you look at a crew cab truck. They are better than the Explorer (too short wheel base), Expeditions etc. and dogs can ride in the back seat. Mine just stretch out across the seat and I have two collies.

Sue, you like trucks. I liked my Explorers and Expedition. "Better" is a matter of preference.

[Acadianmom]

At one time, when I was in the accounting mode, I figured it was costing me $500 a month to have a motorhome. It would have been more than that if I had been paying interest on a note. Having any kind of RV is not cheap. I wouldn't be surprised if I have a $1,500 bill when I go to pick up my motorhome. I would like to have a newer motorhome but do I spend $50,000 for a newer one or just keep repairing the one I have.

It seems to me that trucks have gotten ridiculously expensive. I guess because of all the bells and whistles they put on some.

Martha

[Cudedog]

People who have weighed in and told her that she can do it inexpensively don't live here. Yes, it can be less expensive if she pays cash for a trailer and tow vehicle. If she does, good for her. But there are still other costs that she can't control.

I get frustrated reading contradictory opinions from folks who don't have a realistic concept of expenses here. I just wish folks would consider what she's trying to do and where she wants to do it.

This is correct. I agree with Azusateach 100%. I live in a semi-rural small town in northern California (Yuba City) and RV storage fees here hover at around $100/125 + mo. In large cities this fee can easily double, or triple - that is, if a storage facility can be found. San Diego, in southern California - where I think Barbie said she would like to eventually settle - is one of the largest (and most expensive) cities in the United States. In California, it is only second in size to Los Angeles.

The cost of gasoline is higher in California than anywhere else in the US that I can think of.

There are yearly license fees in California on both the tow vehicle and the TT. Think $100/year for a license on a 30-year-old beater trailer (I had one) maybe $200/$300+ year (or more) for a nice, late-model TT. $200+ per year for license on tow vehicle. $50/100 mo. insurance on the TT. $100+/mo insurance on the tow vehicle.

Etc.

Add everything up, and one can easily end up paying $150 - $200 mo (or more - some places a LOT more) for one's RV rig - even when it never gets out of the driveway (or out of the storage facility).

This is not counting any payments on a purchase contract of tow vehicle and TT.

Um. . . Think about it. These are VERY good reasons that full-timers never declare their "residence state" to be California.

One option for Barbie is to (ahem! ) get a van and convert it to a camper. Easily done - all the way from throwing a sleeping bag and an ice chest in the back, up to and including a DIY camper conversion (see my van link below).

And use the van for her primary vehicle.

My van rides better than my Nissan Versa. I am thinking that I don't really need two vehicles anymore, and may sell the Versa.

1. My van gets about 19mpg highway, fully loaded for camping.
2. Insurance on only one vehicle
3. It's not a tent, a trailer or a pop-up. When I get to where I am going, I park it and set up is done.
4. It is hard-sided, I feel safe. A weirdo with a pocket knife isn't gonna slit any tent canvas for a middle-of-the-night surprise
5. License on only one vehicle
6. Decide I need to make a quick get-away (see #4 above). Get out of the sleeping bag, get in the driver's seat - and drive.

Etc.

I have gone on and on about the virtues of van camping in general, and my own van specifically, in previous posts. Not gonna bore everyone here with it all again. If interested, look up the thread.

A van is perfect for me. Didn't cost an arm and a leg. Doesn't cost an arm and a leg to maintain.

Tires are a one time thing, unless you drive your vehicles to the ground, you only buy a new set of tires probably once depending on how many miles you drive a year. That cost goes with any vehicle. The more yo drive, then you may have to replace again.

Will slightly disagree with Sue - tires are not forever. I replaced my van tires a few months ago, they basically looked fine - but the sidewalls had small cracks in them. After six years in the California sun - Yuba City can, and does, hit 115 degrees F in the summertime - it was time for them to go. Expensive, yes. My van - a converted cargo van - requires truck tires. On the other hand, cheap as compared to a blowout at an high-speed, inopportune moment on the interstate.

Also keep in mind that trailer tires will need to be replaced at some point for the exact same reason.

Barbie, at least consider a van. I think you'll be glad you did.

Anne

[MandysMom]

Anne didn't mention, our legislature is in process of raising CA gas tax another 13 to 20 cents a gallon!
As to tires, agree with Anne. Our little PT Cruiser, purchased new in 2010, had only 20,000 miles on it in January 2016, when we discovered the tires were dangerously deteriorated on the inside where you may not normally stick your head and look! California sunshine/ heat at work. $200 each for 4 installed to get better quality tires and yet they may need replacing in 5 years if we keep it! That said, the poorly engineered, efficiency wise, PT gets at its very best 20 mpg, mostly 16-17 around town, while my 8000 lb 22 ft Sprinter van conversion, a 2005, gets 15 around town and as high as 27 mpg diesel on the road!!! I'm sold on vans and would use mine as daily driver if I had to. It would only require parking planning in a few,places such as my bank and two buildings at UCD hospital.
Velda

[MelissaD]

For a trailer in the 3,500 to 5,000# range there are options other than the standard pickup truck; although a nice crew cab with a covered bed would serve you well. There is a class of trucks like the Suburban by Chevy which is built on a pickup truck frame which would also make a good tow vehicle if spec'd for towing. Honda has the Pilot, Ford has the Expedition and GMC the Yukon. You are looking for a full frame and a low center of gravity in a tow vehicle. While I have a GMC Jimmy, I would newer tow with it. I bought F350 to tow the camper and it pretty much sits except for trips to the camper. Not very cost effective Pickups are stupid expensive these days.

Adding California into the equation you sound like you really have more to think about. I was offered a job years ago in the LA area and I found the cost of living to be cost prohibitive for me. Camping is not a cheap hobby. There is some truth to the joke about spending lots of money to live like a hobo. Expense wise I view my camper as a 2nd house or a lake cabin. While I paid cash for my pickup, I still make payment on my camper and annual payments on my site which includes off-season storage. I easily spend over $6,000 a year to go camping and that's before food and alcohol. So when you are doing your math, make sure you are looking at storage, insurance, actual site fees (private CG's can be up to $70 a night, as much as a hotel)

Maybe a tent in the back of your Jeep is good enough for 1 or 2 trips a year with friends.