This post is the first in a series on Camping & contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.
If your family loves camping and road-tripping, a camper or RV might be a great investment for you. It is just that, though – an investment. You’ll definitely want to plan your purchase carefully, to make sure you get the one that you and your family will be most comfortable in. Once you find the perfect camper, you’ll never want to go home! Here are some things to think about when it comes to buying a camper/RV to be your “home on the road” for years to come.
Types of Campers
Motorhome – We’ve all seen these driving down the highway, right? A motorhome is a RV (recreational vehicle) you can drive and sleep (or even live) in. There are different classes of motorhomes graded by size – the biggest ones you’ll see on the road are Class A motorhomes. You’ll need to make sure you have the right driver’s license to drive one of these. Motorhomes are very convenient. You can usually pull your car with one, so that you have a “runner” vehicle with you as you camp, too.
Trailer Camper – Travel trailer campers can come in the form of a fifth wheel or a bumper-pull trailer. A fifth wheel hooks onto a pickup truck over the bed to create a “two-story” effect inside the unit. They’re said to be easier to maneuver than bumper-pull trailers. Bumper pull trailers are generally a bit shorter and give you more options for towing. They come in a variety of sizes.
Pop Up Camper – Pop up campers are lightweight campers that are incredibly easy to set up. Because they’re smaller, they can often be towed with a minivan or SUV, giving you a lot more options. They might have soft pop outs, or hard sides which give you more protection from the elements.
Amenities
There are a variety of amenities available in campers, especially when you look at the newest models. You’ll have to decide what is a “must-have” for you, and what you could go without if you find a great deal.
Toilet – So much nicer than an outhouse! I need to have a toilet in my camper.
Kitchen appliances – Most campers come equipped with at least a refrigerator and sink. Many will also have a stove & microwave.
Washer/Dryer Combo – While not up to the task of keeping up with the washer and dryer you have at home; some people do have hookups for a small washer/dryer combo in their RV. You might find this worthwhile if you camp for long periods of time.
Shower/bathtub – Since these come in a variety of sizes, you’ll want to consider what your family needs.
Hotspot internet connection – Most RV parks advertise a free internet connection, but experienced RV’ers agree that it’s not very reliable. If you need an internet connection, especially for work, it’s a good idea to bring your own!
The Costs of Traveling with A Camper
It’s important to consider the cost of traveling with a camper, so you can budget your trip accordingly. The price of fuel is one obvious cost, but there are a few “hidden” costs to think about as well – plus the basic expenses of traveling in general.
Fuel for travel
Maintenance/repairs
Campsite and hookup costs
Firewood
Food and personal supplies
Laundry fees for extended travel
Emergency repair money
Questions to Consider
As you decide which camper to buy, here are some questions to consider. Your answers to these questions should help you gain clarity about which one will serve you and your family best.
What’s our budget for this purchase?
How often will we (realistically) travel in our camper?
Family growth: will this camper still fit our family well in a year or two?
What kind of resale value might I expect if the answer to that is “no?”
An excellent way to figure out which camper is the right fit for your family, is to rent a few different ones & try them out. We did just that recently! We rented a 19′ Grey Wolf Travel Trailer Camper from Tahoe RV Rentals, in South Lake Tahoe. They delivered it to our campsite, set it up & then picked it up when it was time for us to leave. I’ll be telling you all about our Tahoe adventure in our Tahoe RV Rental in my next post… for now, use code “MommyPowers” for $25 off your camper rental with Tahoe RV Rental!
When it comes to buying a camper, remember to be patient and slow to buy. If you’re willing to look at a number of different campers, you’ll be able to figure out what you do and do not like – plus you’ll have a much better chance of finding a great bargain.
