Pop-Up Camper versus Hotels
Emy
versus hotels. I am planning to purchase one and would like to know if
is worth it. We are a homeschool family that likes to travel on
weekends. Thanks, Emy
meldx
because you like the outdoors, family activities and meeting lots of new
friends...
If you are not sure... rent one for a few weeks.
Mel
Emy a écrit:
al...@nospam.net
Usually, RV's of any kind rarely come in cost wise lower than moteling
it does. So that can't be a consideration. They are one of the things
in life that can't be cost justified. Just like most things that are
worthwhile.
I didn't need, nor could I justify, a wife. I just wanted one.
Worth every penny.
Tom
Wayne Moses
<al...@nospam.net> wrote in message
news:8eslc11b9r749kksc...@4ax.com...
> Usually, RV's of any kind rarely come in cost wise lower than moteling
> it does. So that can't be a consideration.
I don't know about that.
I am just about to embark on a road trip to Canada and back. I checked out
the rates for some of these motels in Toronto and here in the US. I will be
gone for 18 nights. At an average of $100 per night, the lodgings alone
would cost $1800. With the average price for $30 per night in campgrounds, I
will spend about $540 -- a saving of $1260.
Even if you consider the additional cost of hauling the PuP as opposed to
driving motel to motel, it would take only a few such trips to pay for a new
PuP.
Now, "meldx" <me...@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:42CAE1F6...@sympatico.ca...
> You do not buy a PopUp because you want to save $ vs Hotel. You buy it
> because you like the outdoors, family activities and meeting lots of new
> friends...
... and that is the other part of my reason. I bought the PuP because I
wanted to go sightseeing on the cheap *and* because I also like camping --
in that order.
Oh I like hotels too ... my wife probably likes them even more. And they
don't need to be set up, and usually are way more comfortable. :-)
> I didn't need, nor could I justify, a wife. I just wanted one.
> Worth every penny.
Hehehe ... sometimes those can be expensive also. ;-)
I too have a wife. Right now she is making additional curtains for the PuP.
She too is worth every penny, not that I had to pay for her.
--
Regards,
Wayne Moses, Houston, Texas
Dutchmen Duck 801D
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.8l
al...@nospam.net
<wmo...@houston.rr.com> wrote:
><al...@nospam.net> wrote in message
>news:8eslc11b9r749kksc...@4ax.com...
>
>> Usually, RV's of any kind rarely come in cost wise lower than moteling
>> it does. So that can't be a consideration.
>
>I don't know about that.
>
>I am just about to embark on a road trip to Canada and back. I checked out
>the rates for some of these motels in Toronto and here in the US. I will be
>gone for 18 nights. At an average of $100 per night, the lodgings alone
>would cost $1800. With the average price for $30 per night in campgrounds, I
>will spend about $540 -- a saving of $1260.
>
>Even if you consider the additional cost of hauling the PuP as opposed to
>driving motel to motel, it would take only a few such trips to pay for a new
>PuP.
There are exceptions, of course. However, you have to factor into your
savings of $1260 two other items. One is the cost of the PuP. Anywhere
from 5 to 15k. That has to be a consideration. Second is the cost of
the extra petrol and the wear and tear on the tow vehicle. This can be
minimal for very small ones, or quite large for the 3000 pounders. The
advantages are many, including sleeping in your own bed every night,
but usually they aren't cost effective for the normal motel'er.
Tom
meldx
cost of my TT: 16000
Cost of my Ram: 38000
add taxes 15.025%
total amount: 62113$
If I would not do camping... I deduct 20 000 for a Car instead of the TT
and Pick up:
thus, savings in equipment if I don't camp: 42113$
The difference between a 100$ Motel and Campground 30$ is 70$
So for 42113 ... I could be staying at the motel for 421 nights
If I average 80 days of camping a year (and convert the same for motel
staying), I could be staying at the Motel for 5 1/4 Years... I guess
this would be my break even
But do I want to convert my camping to Motel/Hotel staying....
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Mel
Wayne Moses a écrit:
greers
sweating all day, wearing bug repellent, using camp showers
-....20/day. Enjoying the nightly campfire plus eggs and bacon cooked
outdoors every morning...... priceless.
mac davis
IMHO, you buy a popup because it's better (in some ways) and easier to use than
a tent..
You stay in a hotel because it's usually nicer than a motel... right??
OTOH, if you're spending a lot of money on weekend hotels, and you enjoy
camping/rv'ing... (it's NOT for everyone), then you might try renting a small
moter home or travel trailer.... YMMV
mac
Please remove splinters before emailing
mac davis
And if I can add 2 that, Tom... I love my wife and divorcing the last 2 was
worth every penny, too...
It just didn't seem like it at the time.. *g*
mac davis
>I am just about to embark on a road trip to Canada and back. I checked out
>the rates for some of these motels in Toronto and here in the US. I will be
>gone for 18 nights. At an average of $100 per night, the lodgings alone
>would cost $1800. With the average price for $30 per night in campgrounds, I
>will spend about $540 -- a saving of $1260.
>
>Even if you consider the additional cost of hauling the PuP as opposed to
>driving motel to motel, it would take only a few such trips to pay for a new
>PuP.
>
Those numbers might work, if it's a light popup and a tow vehicle that gets
about the same MPG empty or towing...
We have a travel trailer and Ram pickup with a 5.9 l gas sucker... *g*
Getting 15 MPG empty and 8 MPG towing, and factoring in the %&$&&$ 55 MPH speed
limit for towing in a lot of states, (including ours, Calif.), we've found that
if we're traveling over 500 miles or staying in one place less than 3 nights,
it's less expensive to stay in motels and hours faster to do the max. speed
limit and not slow down for hills... YMMV
Of course, we drag the sucker around on most trips, expense be damned... we
didn't buy it or the truck for fuel economy, we bought them for fun...
IMO, justifying an rv financially is like justifying the $1,000 I just spent on
a new lathe by pointing out that I've sold a few hundred bucks worth of bowls
this year.. lol
mac davis
Damn, I have to count the $17k for the trailer and the $14k for the truck??
That isn't fair.. *g*
Mac
03 Tahoe Widelite 26GT Travel Trailer
replaced 1958 Hilite tent trailer
99 Dodge Ram QQ 2wd - 5.9L, auto, 3:55 gears
mac davis
also, it's really difficult to get a hotel and the city around it to turn off
all the lights at night, so you can see what the sky is SUPPOSED to look like..
or, the look on the neighbors face when they're down wind of the fire and smell
the coffee and bacon...
and realize (just as their kids get a good wiff) that they didn't bring any
bacon.. we always bring a little extra, since it happens so often..
Bob L.
love it.
Bob
"greers" <gre...@scfworld.com> wrote in message
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The Dead Senator
hotel: "single serving" insulated prefab life - eck.
popup: actually living a way of life
Just compare the coffee and you'll see the light!
DS
AustinMN
> But do I want to convert my camping to Motel/Hotel staying....
> Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
PJay and I do quite a bit of traveling, and choose to stay where, when, and
how for each trip. We use the Taj MaHaul (a.k.a. pop-up), motels, B&B's,
mooch off relatives, or some combination thereof, depending on what's
appropriate and what we want. We have even left the Taj MaHaul attached to
the van while we (horrors) spent the night in a motel!
Austin
--
Coleman Bayside behind a Chevy Astro.
No, not without a Reese Mini-350 WDH!
There are no X characters in my address
ltri...@yahoo.com
A Pop-up vs hotel/motel and comparing $$$$$$....................
Dollar-wise, you would have to spend many years camping/rv'ing to break
even. But here's why we like it:
Campgrounds are as safe, if not safer than a motel/hotel....
People are more friendly...You can share a campfire with total
strangers and be safe, comfy and enjoy it. But you don't see people,
especially families inviting strangers to sit around their table in a
motel....
Campers are more willing to help you fix a flat tire, jump start your
auto, etc.
Your children are usually safer playing with others in a campground.
Campgrounds are equal to motels as far as scenery goes. Most are lot's
better.
If your camper bed is dirty, it's your dirt. No telling who slept in a
motel bed before you. Maid service is supposed to keep the rooms
squeaky clean, but I've seen some that didn't.
Outdoor living is healthy, physically and mentally.
A simple outing to a nearby campground can be an adventure.
You can join camping groups if you like...
The possibilites for fun and relaxation are endless..
But
In most cases, you can't justify the $$$ you spend for a camper,
clothing, toys, bedding, cookware, tableware, etc...
But in the end.....
Everything is expensive
Then you die.
Leon in Texas
Newt
>
If your camper bed is dirty, it's your dirt. No telling who slept in a
motel bed before you. Maid service is supposed to keep the rooms
squeaky clean, but I've seen some that didn't.
Outdoor living is healthy, physically and mentally.
I remember when I was a kid we were going cross country and stopped in a
motel. My brother stepped on a unusually large toe nail clipping, you
should have seen and herd him hopping around the room with the toe nail
still stuck in his foot. Still brings a chuckle to me when I remember
this incident, oh this happened around 1963.
Newt
Larry Gray
Even considering the extra gas, and wear and tear on the tow vehicle,
camping is cheaper than hotels. But the real benefit is the peace and quiet
at the campgrounds. Would you let your children ride their bikes in a hotel
parking lot? Not a problem at a campground.
Thanks,
Larry
"Emy" <Emy...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:1120588342....@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
Jim Redelfs
"AustinMN" <Aust...@comcast.net> wrote:
> We have even left the Taj MaHaul attached to
> the van while we (horrors) spent the night in a motel!
I would rather stay in a motel for one night than go through all the hassle of
a using a popup. In fact, we did - at least once.
Now, with a travel trailer, I am not so averse to "one nighters" and have only
done ONE since getting the camper in 2000.
:)
JR
David Allen
<ltri...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1120684122.7...@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>
>
> Outdoor living is healthy, physically and mentally.
> A simple outing to a nearby campground can be an adventure.
> You can join camping groups if you like...
> The possibilites for fun and relaxation are endless..
> But
> In most cases, you can't justify the $$$ you spend for a camper,
> clothing, toys, bedding, cookware, tableware, etc...
> But in the end.....
> Everything is expensive
> Then you die.
> Leon in Texas
that's expensive too
>
mac davis
Jim.. I don't know if this is the case for you, but since we went to the dark
side, we do very few 1 night trips..
I think that the main reason is that the tent trailer was at home, and the
travel trailer is in storage...
IMHO, it's a real PITA to put the hitch on the truck, go to the storage yard,
hook up the TT and bring it home.. then park it in the street and plug it in,
load what's not in it, etc...
With the tent trailer, we just threw some stuff in the truck, threw the hitch
over the ball and left... lot's less hassle..
For us, if we would have followed our original plan and went from tent trailer
to Pop-up, we still would have needed off site storage... the tent trailer was
only 50" wide and fit between the house and side fence... we're in an area where
they have to be off the street and behind a fence..
ltri...@yahoo.com
store it open in our driveway. We use the fridge for food storage when
expecting the children and grandchildren...and holidays. We're able to
keep "camping stuff" in the trailer, so little preparation and loading
for an outing. But I do agree that one-nighters are usually not worth
the effort, in most cases. Depends on the activity and location for a
one-nighter...
We live 10 miles from a COE campground and 15 miles from a very nice
state park. We've camped at both. We've also made a 4000 mile round
trip, a 2000 miler, and many in-between.
While our Trailmanor serves mostly as a motel on wheels, it's still a
"camper"...
The cost vs motels? We don't consider that. There's some things one
just does....
Jim Redelfs
mac davis <mac....@splinters.comcast.net> wrote:
> Jim.. I don't know if this is the case for you, but since we went to the dark
> side, we do very few 1 night trips..
>
> I think that the main reason is that the tent trailer was at home, and the
> travel trailer is in storage...
> IMHO, it's a real PITA to put the hitch on the truck, go to the storage yard,
> hook up the TT and bring it home.. then park it in the street and plug it in,
> load what's not in it, etc...
> With the tent trailer, we just threw some stuff in the truck, threw the hitch
> over the ball and left... lot's less hassle..
After MANY years of enduring the hassle of off-site storage, a few years ago I
borrowed against the equity I had (and almost have again) in our home and did
$8k-worth of concrete placement, tree removal and 9-gauge chainlink fencing.
We have an RV "dock" next to our home, the driveway extending full-width
(14-ft, actually) from the street to about 8-feet beyond the REAR of the home.
IOW, I'm ready for my $1.5M Newell. <big grin>
I installed an official, 30-amp RV outlet inches away from the trailer. A
couple of years ago I finally installed a water faucet. Now, with my Flojet
portable macerator pump and hoses, the RV can be fully functional
(self-contained) at FULL power - right beside the house. One of my three
daughters, all three married within 27 days in 2002, and her husband spent the
second half of their honeymoon there. (I was so proud!) <g>
> For us, if we would have followed our original plan and went
> from tent trailer to Pop-up, we still would have needed off site
> storage... the tent trailer was only 50" wide and fit between the
> house and side fence... we're in an area where
> they have to be off the street and behind a fence..
I am a bit confused by "tent trailer" and "Pop-up" but certainly sympathize
with your situation. BTDT...
I just got home from my last day at the phone company until a week from
Monday. We depart Saturday morning for our annual, 7-day family campout.
This will be our 24th gathering. My sister and brother (and I) have never
missed one. We started out when our kids were little and my Mom (and stepdad)
were the ones that started it. (funny story)
Camping, here we come! This is the BIG one where we HOMESTEAD, including
planting the north forty, digging the well and stringin' fence!
50-feet from a 2-1/2-year old for a week. Hmmmmm... :\
I can't wait. (This Grandpa is BEYOND "sappy" when it comes to grandkids.)
:)
JR
Jim Redelfs
ltri...@yahoo.com wrote:
> The cost vs motels? We don't consider that.
> There's some things one just does....
That says it all. (I agree.)
There's car racing, off-road, water vehicles, and a plethora of OTHER things
many fortunate Americans do for fun. I "RV".
Isn't it GRAND?
:)
JR
--
2000 Skamper Ultra 249 TT
2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
Vortec 8100 - Allison 1000
AustinMN
<snip>
> ...we're in an area where
> they have to be off the street and behind a fence..
I'm convinced these rules are made by those who are jealous of us, and don't
want to see the reminders...there's the Jones' pop-up...the Jones' pop-up is
gone, they must be enjoying another camping weekend...no, I don't want to
spend another week trapped in a motel with the kids...
mac davis
>After MANY years of enduring the hassle of off-site storage, a few years ago I
>borrowed against the equity I had (and almost have again) in our home and did
>$8k-worth of concrete placement, tree removal and 9-gauge chainlink fencing.
>
>We have an RV "dock" next to our home, the driveway extending full-width
>(14-ft, actually) from the street to about 8-feet beyond the REAR of the home.
>IOW, I'm ready for my $1.5M Newell. <big grin>
>
>I installed an official, 30-amp RV outlet inches away from the trailer. A
>couple of years ago I finally installed a water faucet. Now, with my Flojet
>portable macerator pump and hoses, the RV can be fully functional
>(self-contained) at FULL power - right beside the house. One of my three
>daughters, all three married within 27 days in 2002, and her husband spent the
>second half of their honeymoon there. (I was so proud!) <g>
>
Wow.. that's dedication! I hope you're getting other benefits from that $8k!!
We won't put any more money into our house, but the next one... lol
We're waiting for the builder's bid on our house in Baja.. the plans include a
55' x 12' "ramada" (rv car port attached to house) with full hookup and a patio
on the roof.. YES!!
mac davis
>mac davis wrote:
>
><snip>
>
>> ...we're in an area where
>> they have to be off the street and behind a fence..
>
>I'm convinced these rules are made by those who are jealous of us, and don't
>want to see the reminders...there's the Jones' pop-up...the Jones' pop-up is
>gone, they must be enjoying another camping weekend...no, I don't want to
>spend another week trapped in a motel with the kids...
>
>Austin
It really depends on the neighbors, Austin...
We used to get warning tickets all the time, but with a few "bad apples" moving
out, it's gotten pretty good..
The police don't patrol or anything, they only get involved if there is a
complaint... and since just about everyone in the neighborhood has SOMETHING
that they don't want noticed, (boats in driveway, rv's in street, etc.), nobody
calls... because as my next door neighbor found out the hard way, if they come
out, they check around while they're out.. lol
Our TT has been in storage for almost a year and is coming home this weekend...
I've been warning the neighbors that after July 4th, the trailer will be in
front of our house for a month or 2.. no one cared.. *g*
Jim Redelfs
mac davis <mac....@splinters.comcast.net> wrote:
> our house in Baja.. the plans include a 55' x 12' "ramada"
> (rv car port attached to house) with full hookup and a
> patio on the roof.. YES!!
Ahhhh! You'd BETTER expect visitors!
HA!
:)
JR
Mark Filice
>
>
>I'm convinced these rules are made by those who are jealous of us, and don't
>want to see the reminders...there's the Jones' pop-up...the Jones' pop-up is
>gone, they must be enjoying another camping weekend...no, I don't want to
>spend another week trapped in a motel with the kids...
>
zero lot line homes, and there is no storage. The streets are too narrow for
parking, so there is visitor parking at either end of the street.
My buddy who lives in a nearby town has a 25' boat and a 19' toy hauler. He
stores both away from home at a storage lot.
His neighbor a couple of doors down parks his 27' Class C on the street in front
of his house. He has a big sign in the window that states "This vehicle is not
illegally parked. It is moved every 72 hours per the City Vehicle Code
"-------". He moves it about 6" every 3 days. His Class C is starting to show
signs of aging (yellowing, striping is fading, etc.). It is becoming an eyesore.
He refused to do the right thing and store it in a lot.
It is RVers like him that get people mad enough to pass laws against storing RVs
in a residential area.
Mark
2004 Homestead Settler 255RS
1999 Chevrolet Suburban
mac davis
No problem, Jim.. already gave Mark an open invitation.. *g*
It will just be the 2 of us, in a 2 bd, 2ba, so we hope to have lots of guests..
Mark Jones
news:ebKdnfscdeY...@comcast.com...
> I'm convinced these rules are made by those who are jealous of us, and
don't
> want to see the reminders...there's the Jones' pop-up...the Jones' pop-up
is
> gone, they must be enjoying another camping weekend...no, I don't want to
> spend another week trapped in a motel with the kids...
Actually mine is back in my driveway after being gone for
3 days. I will be taking off next weekend for another
camping trip. I can put mine in my garage, but it is easier
to leave it outside and ready to go.
Fred Boer
it would be great for camping trips, but also perfect for our long summer
car trips across Canada. The thinking was, instead of a hotel, we'd camp,
pop up the tent trailer, sleep, take it down in the morning and Bob's your
uncle... We've done that for 3 years or so. I'm coming to believe that, for
us, that isn't working out so well. Although getting the trailer up and down
isn't difficult, the entire process of finding a campsite, popping it up,
making the beds, getting out the food, cooking, cleaning, and reversing the
process in the morning is too much work for an overnight stay. This year we
are considering two trips: in one we'll drive to a nice park, set up and
camp for a week or so; in the other, we'll leave the trailer at home, and
stay in hotels. I think it will work better and be a more sensible use of
the trailer.
Fred Boer
P.S. In addition, the almost constant noise issues in camping are a
deterrent. It seems inevitable that some idiot thinks having loud music
playing 24 hours a day should be an essential part of everyone's camping
experience... I get so tired of the hassle, and complaining, and losing
sleep.
Fred Boer
there are no hotel rooms to be had!
Fred
"Fred Boer" <fred...@NOyahooSPAM.com> wrote in message
news:_dlAe.59541$Ph4.1...@ursa-nb00s0.nbnet.nb.ca...
mac davis
>An interesting question! A few years ago we bought a Coleman Taos, thinking
>it would be great for camping trips, but also perfect for our long summer
>car trips across Canada. The thinking was, instead of a hotel, we'd camp,
>pop up the tent trailer, sleep, take it down in the morning and Bob's your
>uncle... We've done that for 3 years or so. I'm coming to believe that, for
>us, that isn't working out so well. Although getting the trailer up and down
>isn't difficult, the entire process of finding a campsite, popping it up,
>making the beds, getting out the food, cooking, cleaning, and reversing the
>process in the morning is too much work for an overnight stay. This year we
>are considering two trips: in one we'll drive to a nice park, set up and
>camp for a week or so; in the other, we'll leave the trailer at home, and
>stay in hotels. I think it will work better and be a more sensible use of
>the trailer.
>
>Fred Boer
>
One of the many reasons that my wife used in talking me into buying a TT instead
of a popup, Fred... no setup needed...
It's also really nice when the grand kids have to pee... they never have to go
during a rest stop and never at the same time, that's murphy's law... just pull
over and let them use the bathroom in the TT...
My big objections to a TT were towing, (I hated to give up being able to see
over the tent trailer in the mirror), and lack of places that we could take it..
Towing isn't as bad as I thought it would be, and with the monster popup that we
were going to get, (Coleman Niagara), we wouldn't be able to camp in a lot of
our favorite places anyway.. YMMV