Considering a new RV

[Recumbentman]

A lot of us have had our current camper for awhile. Some may be thinking of upgrading and others are completely happy with their current RV. So my question is two-fold.
1.   If you are considering upgrading your camper. What are you thinking or dreaming about. What are you looking for in the new camper that you do not have already. What are the pros & cons on upgrading ?
2.   If you are happy with your current camper. Tells us about what you like about it and how it fits your needs.

Hopefully the ideas and thoughts here will help others in making a more inform decision on buying there next RV camper.

[Recumbentman]

I'll start, after camping in a PU for the last 20 some years. I am thinking about upgrading to a Toy hauler/5Th wheel RV. We want the amenities found in a hard-side RV (bathroom, bedroom, kitchen) and we love the openness of the PU so I am thinking that my choice will gives us the best of best worlds. Our plan is to get the outside patio cover that covers the back ramp and turns it into a livable section of the trailer. With the back side open all the openness is there for our liking.
Now we are looking to do this in the next 2 to 3years. So I have plenty of time to find the right camper at the right price.

[CajunCamper]

I grew up tent camping and when I got married I introduced my wife to tent camping and then when our boys came along they began tent camping while they were in diapers. We purchased our 1997 Coleman Santa Fe new and the biggest reason for the purchase was for the A/C. We live in the deep south and tent camping can be rather uncomfortable here in the summer. The added plus of the pop up was that we could keep our gear loaded in the pop up ready to go for a quick weekend getaway and sleeping off the ground was also a plus.

Since our 1997 purchase we have never even entertained the idea of getting rid of our Santa Fe and purchasing anything different. We love our pop up and wouldn't trade it for the world.

[Hoagie]

I went with the 5th wheel and toy hauler for all the same reasons Recumbentman stated. Then again, he and I have discussed this a couple of times. I want the 5th wheel because from what I've read they tow much easier than the standard ball hitch. Also read it puts less strain on the TV if properly configured and outfitted.
 
Of course, DW may have different ideas. She is adamant that she does not want us to become one of those camping families that pulls in, hooks up, and is not seen again until they break camp and leave. I don't see that happening, especially if we continue camping with SCCampers.
 
Although we are several years away from upgrading we too are going to start looking at what is out there. Probably be at the Pomona RV show this fall to look around.

[dkutz]

Well Dawnne and I Love to LOOK, and the kids like to check them out too.  But for our situation with five people a PUP is the most economical solution.  To up grade to a TT would be expensive, and we would need a new TV, (somehow I don't think the Sienna will pull a TT)
 
We like the views from the PUP and haven't seen anything that comes close to the windows in a PUP in a TT.  Why don't they put bigger windows in those things?
 
WHEN the kids are older and don't go with us anymore we will probably look into a TT, something small.  No hybrid, they seem to be almost MORE work to set up and take down then a PUP.
 
We'll probably have to wait to buy Wayne's used TT when he is done with it...:p

[OC Campers]

I didn't vote because we just upgraded to our hybrid about 2 years ago.  For right now I have no desire to upgrade to anything bigger.  I love the space the hybrid affords and I still get to sleep under canvas.  Plus the beds do not take up any space in the "foot print" of the camper.  Which gives you a lot more move around space.

The main thing I do not like about the hybrid is the loss of gas mileage.  When we pulled the popup  with our truck we normally got 16 mpg.  Now pulling the hybrid we are lucky to get 9.  Other than that I wouldn't change a thing.  

Randy wanted a toy hauler but luckily our truck wouldn't pull it.  I just think they are too stark and commercial inside.  We don't spend a lot of time in the camper but the time we do spend in there I want to be comfortable.  

Jacqui

[copcarguy]

Having changed campers many, many times (see my signature below lol) I can certainly say that each type of rv has it pros and cons.  Whatever you decide to upgrade to will open some windows and close others.  It's all a cool trip!

[Jim K in PA]

This subject comes up a lot, and it's always interesting to see the different takes.  I did not respond to the poll, as our "upgrade" path appears to be going in a different direction.

We still love our pup, and will continue to use it for years to come.  However, we are currently planning for some very different excursions, and are looking at options.  We need something small, light, durable, quick to set up, and large enough to sleep two adults, with a small galley.  We have been all over the web looking at different small TTs, "adventure" trailers, and lightweight pups.  We will probably go from our 10' Viking to a small 8' pup with the bunk ends removed, or to a Livin' Lite quicksilver 6.0.  

Moving "up" to a larger TT or even a bigger pup will prevent us from taking it where we want to go, or at least severely limit where and how far we go.

To each his own, as always.

[sacrawf]

If shopping today, first choice would be a high-wall popup for the additional living/storage space and ameneties that they offer.

[Dee4j]

I voted Traveler trailer know which one I want ..just don't have the money...I need something I can just back in an un-hitch and be done...

[wavery]

We are very happy with our TrailManor. Couldn't imagine getting anything else except maybe a larger Trailmanor with the slide out living room.

If we ever do "Trade up" it will be to a fairly small/light weight travel trailer. At some point it might be nice not to have to climb up into bed and have a fridge that you don't have to bend down to get into. That may be 10 years off though................we'll be in our 70's.......:yikes:

[JohnandLeann]

I voted travel trailer.  We want the walk around queen bed so we don't have to climb and crawl over each other getting in and out of bed.  Wife wants the convenience of a full bath.  I expect the drop in mileage to be significant but we want to try to get the shortest TT with amenities we desire in a light as possible package.

[wavery]

I voted travel trailer.  We want the walk around queen bed so [COLOR="Red"]we don't have to climb and crawl over each other getting in and out of bed[/COLOR].  Wife wants the convenience of a full bath.  I expect the drop in mileage to be significant but we want to try to get the shortest TT with amenities we desire in a light as possible package.

That's our favorite part..........:sombraro:

[dkutz]

that's our favorite part..........:sombraro:

tmi!!  Moderator!!!

[cyclone]

I voted "other" but only because we just moved from a pop-up to a hybrid.  First trip out is next week, and I can't wait.