Question:
I am a newbi to camping. I have an oportunity to get a decent travel
trailer for a good price. It would be more practical for me to get a
tent trailer though. My main vehicle couldn't haul the travel trailer,
although my 2nd car can. Both cars could pull a tent trailer though.
I'm looking for some folks who have used both to hopefully share their
opinions on both.
Answer:
-You are well on your way to making the decision. You have noted one of the
most popular elements for a purchase decision: Towing Vehicle Requirements.
However, here are some other questions that I think you should consider before
making the final decision:
1. Setup Time: In most cases, setup/breakdown of camp takes a bit longer with
a Fold-Down/Tent trailer.
2. Bathing Facilities: It is 7:00a. You have just awaken from a great nights
sleep. Of course, the first thing that you need to do is go to the bathroom.
Do you want to have to put on some clothes and walk a block to the bath house,
or do you want to just go to the bath in the TT?
3. Do you have children? BOTH of the above could be determined by them!!!
4. Storage: Do you have enough room to store the TT vs. Fold-Down?
Either way, you are bound to have a great time! I currently have a Fold-Down
camper, without the bath, and sometimes wish that I had one (and so does my
wife!). As a matter of fact, we are already considering a move to the next
level (after only 1 year), to a TT or even a small 5th Wheel, to get the added
living area and, of course, the bathroom/shower!
-We have been backpacking and tent camping for years and we just recently
bought a used Coleman tent trailer -- we love it! It's easy to pull, set
up, and sleep in. In short, it makes it so easy to go camping that we go
camping more often now.
My parents have been camping for years with a pickup camper. It's nice
but needs a dedicated vehicle. The tent trailer doesn't and it stores
easily in the back yard. If you plan on camping in grizzly country
however I'd choose a hard-sided trailer or camper, you'll sleep easier.
