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Family Vacation - Airstream or RV?

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by BlueBottle, Apr 19, 2017.

  1. Apr 19, 2017 at 4:08 PM
    #1
    BlueBottle

    BlueBottle [OP] not a PRO

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    Thinking of doing a family vacation this summer. We are in NorCal if it matters. Was looking at renting eithe an RV or Airstream. If RV, it would be easier to drive I think because no need to tow. If renting an Airstream, I would hitch it behind the Tundra.

    Any experience would be appreciated with which method is best. It seems that renting an RV is cheaper. But I haven't don't much research yet.

    Was thinking of doing a trip to Grand Canyon then maybe to San Diego then back. So it would be a week long trip. Of course I would have to pass by @dirtydeeds to pick up a Bammufler!
    :yay:
     
  2. Apr 19, 2017 at 4:44 PM
    #2
    RatPatrol

    RatPatrol New Member

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    Do the trailer. On the way to Grand Canyon South rim you could camp at Peach Springs (on the old route 66) and leave the trailer there and take the Tundra down the dirt road to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. The road is on the Hualapai Indian Reservation and you would have to pay to use it but it is the only road that you can drive to the bottom on. Make sure you have reservations at a camp grounds that you want to stay at. I like the trailer option because you can drop it off at the camp ground and then travel around in the truck. I went in a VW camper when I went and I wish I had a trailer to just drop off. Why rent an Airstream? I think there are cheaper trailers to rent.
     
  3. Apr 19, 2017 at 4:52 PM
    #3
    joonbug

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  4. Apr 20, 2017 at 1:36 PM
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    BlueBottle

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    Oh thanks I didn't think about that!!! About how much is it to camp there?

    Sweet much cheaper than airstream. How are these? Have you rented these? Just hope they are pretty clean.
     
  5. Apr 20, 2017 at 1:41 PM
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    dcsleeper408

    dcsleeper408 BASTRDS

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    Why not just use the tundra?
     
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  6. Apr 20, 2017 at 1:43 PM
    #6
    Viper3G

    Viper3G Why isn't work more like this?

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    My preference would be to tow a trailer. You can then leave it parked and drive the Tundra around. If you're headed into the city you can still park the Tundra anywhere. Not as easy to park an RV in the city.
     
  7. Apr 20, 2017 at 1:49 PM
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    joonbug

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    Nope, never rented but that's what I found when I was thinking about renting one. I would think they might not be the cleanest since they rent those to Burning Man. :notsure: But cheap as hell.
     
  8. Apr 20, 2017 at 1:53 PM
    #8
    BlueBottle

    BlueBottle [OP] not a PRO

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    Because we don't have a RTT! Jk. The wife needs something comfy with a bath etc... just thinking it would be more fun than getting hotels and we could save money this way too.

    Yup definitely a reason to tow something.

    Haha need to check them out with a black light first...
     
  9. Apr 20, 2017 at 2:07 PM
    #9
    dcsleeper408

    dcsleeper408 BASTRDS

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    well...
    https://www.tepuiadventurerentals.com/collections/frontpage/products/tepui-adventure-trailer

    https://www.tepuiadventurerentals.com/collections/frontpage/products/kukenam-3-person-tent-rental

    shower..
    https://www.amazon.com/Ivation-Port...id=1492721831&sr=8-5&keywords=portable+shower

    cooking
    https://www.amazon.com/Char-Broil-P...qid=1492721892&sr=8-6&keywords=portable+grill

    toilet(cheaper options, but this is my favorite)
    https://www.amazon.com/Bumper-Dumpe...955&sr=8-1&keywords=portable+toilet+tow+hitch


    I guess it's just what you guys plan to do.
    Grand canyon is fine. With just the tundra. Certain areas around the grand canyon you can't do any dispersed camping. There are campgrounds in-around north+south rims. They book up fast, especially peak season. @TRON sent me on a nice drive down to Sedona..

    I don't know much about San Diego but @Spvrtan has done some nice off-road tours- from moderate to family/baby friendly stuff. Definitely look into that, if that's what the game plan is. For the most part I only explored the city stuff and breweries the last time I was down there.
     
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  10. Apr 20, 2017 at 2:17 PM
    #10
    BlueBottle

    BlueBottle [OP] not a PRO

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    Thanks for the links @dcsleeper408 !!
    Didn't know they rented Tepui tents! Something to remember for some future trips. I think for this trip we want something a little more comfy. Gotta ease the wife in easily. Not really a wheeling trip, more of a family tourist trip we will be taking. I SD we are probably going to go to Lego land, sea world and dirtydeeds. (See what I did there?) =)
     
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  11. Apr 20, 2017 at 2:18 PM
    #11
    joonbug

    joonbug °°°°°°°°°°

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    3 person tent? o_O Mike alone takes up 1.5... wife and 2 kids. That's 3.5 people and 4.5 people in the future.
     
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  12. Apr 20, 2017 at 2:22 PM
    #12
    dcsleeper408

    dcsleeper408 BASTRDS

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    im sure they rent 4 person..
    even then Mike can stay on the ground and keep guard while babies and momma bear stay up top.
     
  13. Apr 20, 2017 at 2:25 PM
    #13
    dcsleeper408

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    I think hotels would be the better choice. everything you need. and some you get a free continental breakfast!
    if you are trying to camp out in AZ then bring a floor tent with an air mattress at the koa or other campgrounds. most of those still have bathrooms and showers.
     
  14. Apr 20, 2017 at 2:38 PM
    #14
    RatPatrol

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    Here is the link to the site that I camped at. Before there was Interstate 40 there was Route 66 which was the major east/west highway. So back in the day this was a major camping spot. I went on July 4 a couple a years ago and there was only 4 other campers there. I went there just to drive down the road the the bottom of the Grand Canyon. There is a cave there also that you can tour. On the way there you could check out Grand Canyon West. It has the skywalk, it is a glass bottomed walk way that extends out over the Grand Canyon plus that is where everyone goes for the air tours of the Grand Canyon.

    http://gccaverns.com
     
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  15. Apr 20, 2017 at 2:41 PM
    #15
    joonbug

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    Man, that long of a drive it sure would be nice for wife and daughter to walk around inside the RV while you're driving. Just won't have a vehicle when you get there.
     
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  16. Apr 20, 2017 at 2:41 PM
    #16
    dcsleeper408

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    Last edited: Apr 20, 2017
  17. Apr 20, 2017 at 2:44 PM
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    dcsleeper408

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    I haven't drove an RV, but is that legal or even safe to be around and about in it at highway speeds?
    Obviously we wouldn't be hauling ass in an RV..
     
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  18. Apr 20, 2017 at 2:50 PM
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    BlueBottle

    BlueBottle [OP] not a PRO

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    Yeah man. Haven't you watched breaking bad?
    :p
    That's one of the reasons I want an RV. But it will be hard to go around once we get to places. That just gave me an idea. I could always flat tow the jeep ?
     
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  19. Apr 20, 2017 at 4:08 PM
    #19
    BlueFalconActual

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    My family borrowed my grandparents RV when I was a kid once. What a pain. I specifically remember getting parked at our camp site and settled in when my mom realized that she forgot something trivial which required us to pack everything back up just to go to the nearest gas station. Air stream would be the way to go for sure. You can park it and still have the freedom to go somewhere if you wanted.
     
  20. Apr 20, 2017 at 5:51 PM
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    BlueBottle

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    Do I need a WD hitch to tow a 4-5 person trailer? Looks like they weigh anywhere from 4,000 - 7,000 lbs. depending on brand and model.
     
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  21. Apr 20, 2017 at 7:25 PM
    #21
    ColoradoTJ

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    Yes. 5000 lbs is the cut off. I highly recommend one. They should rent one at the rental place.
     
  22. Apr 20, 2017 at 7:26 PM
    #22
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    Amen to that. The only RV I would consider is a Class A and either a tote behind it with a vehicle or flat tow.
     
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  23. Apr 20, 2017 at 8:11 PM
    #23
    PaRunnerd

    PaRunnerd No N00B, No Pro.

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    Plenty planned thanks to all of you.
    Having grown up camping, I think there are a bunch of school's of thought. There are some who swear by a trailer of some sort because once you dock it, oops I mean park it, your tow vehicle gives you the freedom to move about as you wish. There are others who swear by a Class A, or drivable RV, because you're self-contained and it can be a little more convenient than having to park a trailer. There are still others who go that route and also pull a chase vehicle either by flat towing it or putting it on a dolly, depending on whether you care about racking up a few extra miles of wear and tear on the tow-behind.

    Personally, I went with the trailer because I wanted to have my Tundra to go wherever I wanted to go but it was a purchase decision. I'm pretty confident that I could have pulled off a Class A financially, but it's a huge commitment as I know you realize.

    Since you're renting, go with what gives you the comforts that you want with the mobility that you might need. Both options sound fun, it's just a matter of whether you want your Tundra along for the trip or if you're willing to either do without a secondary vehicle or you want to pull something a little smaller.

    FWIW, I have a college buddy who has a Class A and he's done 45 of the 50 states - from Pennsylvania - and never towed a secondary vehicle behind him. He's also shared some amazing photos so I don't think he was lacking in adventure or enjoyment at all.

    Hopefully this is helpful.
     
  24. Apr 20, 2017 at 8:22 PM
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    BlueBottle

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    Thanks @ColoradoTJ @PaRunnerd

    All very great points. We will look at where we are planning to go and make a decision based on that. But I do love the option of having a smaller vehicle to go around once we dock...
     
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  25. Apr 20, 2017 at 8:22 PM
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    gosolo

    gosolo You Don’t Know Who I Am But I Know Where You Live

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    Have had opportunities to do both and I have to say that driving through Yellowstone and glacier nat parks in a class A with that huge windshield is a memory I'll never forget. So spectacular and your right at the glass.
    On the other hand, being able to park a trailer and run excursions in your truck opens up a lot more options. I think it would depend a bit on how much family you have, their age, and what destinations you're planning on. Do you prefer Disneyland or the Rogue river rapids for example. Can't make the choice for you
     
  26. Apr 20, 2017 at 8:33 PM
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    Eclipsed & Floating

    Eclipsed & Floating Over it.........

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    If it's coming back from Burning Man you might find a few surprises someone dropped or forgot about.....might not be kid friendly
     
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  27. Apr 20, 2017 at 8:39 PM
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    PaRunnerd

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    Plenty planned thanks to all of you.
    Might not be anybody friendly. :sick:
     
  28. Apr 20, 2017 at 8:45 PM
    #28
    gosolo

    gosolo You Don’t Know Who I Am But I Know Where You Live

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    What's wrong with getting nekkid and dancing 'round a big fire while you're higher'n a kite?
     
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  29. Apr 20, 2017 at 8:54 PM
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    PaRunnerd

    PaRunnerd No N00B, No Pro.

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    Plenty planned thanks to all of you.
    Not a thing, as long as your family doesn't have to live in your RV after, or at least until you get it fully detailed, cleaned and fumigated.
     
  30. Apr 20, 2017 at 8:56 PM
    #30
    BlueBottle

    BlueBottle [OP] not a PRO

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    Dammit.. the Hilton is looking mighty good thanks to you guys!
     
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