Considering a 560 for cross-country trip with kids

I'm an Oregon native who settled in the Boston area to raise a family with my DH. Since I'm a SAHM, I have the flexibility to take my two sons (ages 3.5 and 7) "home" to the Pacific NW for a month or two every summer. Like many people, I'm absolutely fed up with the current state of air travel, so I'm thinking of outfitting myself with a vehicle (or vehicle+trailer) to make this annual trek by road.

I prefer the economy and flexibility of being self-contained as we drive (over hotels for overnight) since pre-booking hotel rooms is limiting when driving conditions change constantly, but having no reservation is too much to chance with cranky kids. I also love to imagine having our own portable guest room to stay near friends who don't have room for us in their homes. (We're often beholden to my parents' schedule since we usually stay with them.)

I believe we would also use a camper for family trips around New England, but DH and I have done significantly less camping since the boys were born. They're getting big enough now that we've been talking about it a lot, though!

I started by looking at Class B motorhomes. Hmm... Van size is good, but why are they all full of carpeting and cabinetry? Give me something I can at least sweep--if not hose!--clean. I'm still considering buying a full size passenger van and adding a platform bed/bunks that can be used with some of the seats removed. Most conversions are out as I don't trust aftermarket seats enough with my kids' precious lives, and I don't really want to buy a brand new van and spend tens of thousands more on customization. (I'm not a "car person.") It is really tough (and still $$$) to find a used Sprinter van, and that's the only full size van on the market with headrests and 3-point seatbelts as required to keep a kid in a booster seat safe in the vehicle.

So I find myself back to teardrop trailers--and the 560 with its bunk beds for the boys, in particular--which I was looking at a year or so ago. I drive a compact car now, but I am considering biting the bullet and sizing up to a minivan to serve our carpool needs. That would let me tow a small trailer, I believe.

I don't want to pull some behemoth box though I covet the on-board bathroom facilities, and I worry that a pop-up will be too hard to manage alone and/or at the end of a long day with those same little grumps ready to run around after being buckled up for 6-8 hours.

I would love to hear from people who travel with kids in a 560. Does everyone sleep well? Long trips would likely be myself and the boys. DH doesn't take that much time off, so he flies out to join us for a week or two and hurries back to work.

I would aim to stay at official campgrounds along the way (I do love hot running water!), but the self-containment of a trailer would leave me comfortable boondocking for a night if necessary, plus give us (okay--DH) a measure of security knowing we'd be well-equipped to wait it out if a breakdown occurred somewhere remote.

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE TRIP ITSELF:
We've done the trip via Amtrak once, and are heading westbound by train again this year, but this is very expensive when one demands a sleeping compartment for sanity. (I do--to keep the kids corralled and also because I want access to the shower facilities.)

I did the cross-country trip three times as a college student: once on I-90 (August); once through the mid-section (April) on I-80; and finally (December) down I-5 and across on I-40 since I had an internship in DC and it was winter up north. I add this to the discussion just to say that I have some history, albeit 15+ years ago, with driving such a long distance. Obviously, children will be very different travel companions than my dad or a buddy who shares the driving.

Thanks so much for tolerating this very long self-introduction, and thank you for whatever insight anyone has to offer.

--willo

 

Willo,
Welcome aboard. My wife and I have a 560 and live in poland maine if you would like to see one up close. We pull ours with a Subaru Forester and get around 22 MPG towing. You will want to check and see what the towing limit is on any vehicle you consider before you buy.
Bruce

 

Willo,
Welcome. Our children are grown. Any outing with the grandchildren also include their parents. They are in a tent, El and I are in the Camp-Inn. Wish we could help. You have found a good place for answers.
Steve

 

Welcome, Willo!

I think you have an excellent idea - certainly one that will create a lot of wonderful memories for your children. You may not need as large of a tow vehicle as you might think to pull a 560. We have a Honda CR-V (small SUV) with a 1,500 lb rating which does just fine, and quite a few members tow with a Subara Outback which is even smaller (more like a station wagon) but has a 2,000 lb rating.

We've got a 560 also (only one child) and spent two weeks on the road last winter. We all slept just fine and spent an average of 7 hours a day on the road. I'm not sure how quickly you will try to make the cross-country trip, but if you are driving until dark you may find it less and less important to stop at an actual campground. We did a lot of rest stops and even Wal-Marts.

There are several good solutions for a portable bathroom while boondocking - my favorite is the system by PETT. However, on a road trip, we found that the less gear we packed the better, because most of it went on the bed, and had to be moved off and stored in the car every night. We ended up hardly using any of the gear that we packed, because we never stayed anywhere long enough to make it worth setting all the junk up. There is a big difference between 'camping' and a road trip - even if both use a 560.

I would certainly recommend getting a look at a real live 560. And in the mean time, feel free to keep the questions coming.

 

Well, Evan, since you mention it... I might have registered on this forum after looking a couple of times when I noticed the thread where you mentioned renting out a different teardrop trailer you picked up in Canada or somesuch... LOL

We will be visiting Orcas Island (Washington State's San Juan Islands) this summer for sure. I've just booked a rental house. We travel into the Portland/Vancouver area to see family first (mid June) then head north a week or so later. Isn't Olympia in there somewhere?

Your point about too much stuff for a road trip is really well taken. I have 2 boys, too, so, truthfully, I'm the only one who would REALLY prefer a portapotty for a late night emergency. As a rule, I travel light. Kids do seem to be magnets for "stuff" however.

My plan would be to really allow ourselves to take our time on these trips. (I love sights like the world's largest frying pan, the "Oregon Vortex", giant dinosaur statues, and all that good wacky stuff.) I don't expect to linger much between Boston and Chicago, but I never seem to get my fill of the kind of western open space that I grew up with. I want my kids to know it is normal to be places where there is unincorporated land between the towns. If we find somewhere nice, I'd like to take a day or two. If a road sign calls to us, I'd like to follow its siren song.

DH still thinks I'll be fed up after the first day. He also prefers the idea of a big van where the boys and I sleep inside with the engine so we can drive away when that escaped guy with the hook for a hand comes scratching on the side of the vehicle late in the night... ROTFL

I lean toward the more practical daily driver with a small trailer, but I'm a bit more optimistic toward life and humanity than DH.

I did realize that a minivan + teardrop combo will cost me quite a lot (EXTRA $70 per round trip) more on the San Juan ferries than even an overheight van which costs double what a passenger car does. We're looking to buy vacant land in Washington for recreation use, and, if it is in the islands, I will have to factor that in. I'd need a shorter tow vehicle (or smaller trailer than a 560) if we buy up there, because I don't want to feel like I "can't" take the trailer back and forth from family to our property. Hmm...

 

The San Jauns are absolutely beautiful - we want to spend a couple of weeks up there sometime. And you're going to buy property up there? Seems like you'll be able to afford the the ferry over...

To help your husband feel better about your security, I'm sure you can have something put in the teardrop like an airhorn to frighten people or bears off, or perhaps the folks at Camp-Inn can run a wire from the battery to the door handles to give intruders a little jolt (just kidding).

If you stop at a reststop or campground overnight you probably won't need the portapotty, but it makes it easier to pull over and camp right off the road at a scenic outlook. Part of the appeal of the open road is knowing you can stop and stay overnight almost anyplace along the way - especially if it's extra beautiful and remote. A couple of times, I've backed the car to create a "V" with the trailer that gives us a private area for the portapotty without the hassle of setting up a tent.

If possible, I'd recommend a few practice trips before you do the big one.

 

I envy you guys up there--I went to Seattle University where I met my husband. We camped through the Olympic area and some of our first trips together were in the San Juans. Orcas Island is beautiful. Enjoy every moment--with or without a teardrop.

 

Yeah, the property purchase is in combination with my father-in-law, who has more cash at this stage of life than we have with our young kids. I am responsible for the research, and we will pay the property taxes.

My father-in-law says this is his insurance that, if I ever convince DH to move to the Pac NW (my ideal), he knows he and M-i-L will have room to join us.

If we buy in the islands, we might get an acre; if we buy in Lewis County, we can get 5-10 acres. I'm talking about vacant land, probably no utilities. I want to create a little "off the grid" camp and put up a yurt seasonally when we're there. I might try out "straw bale" construction to build a more permanent building to put a composting toilet and shower stall in, to be served by a portable propane system, most likely. I figure our trailer will be our first day(s) accommodation, plus act as extra bedroom to the yurt when the kids start to want privacy instead of preferring to all bunk in one room.

If we can find some land with potential for income (timber, leased as pastureland, hunting rights, or recreation), that is the ideal. The San Juans win for recreation use (I've looked, and would have to pay $75-125/night to stay in a rustic yurt up there) but timber land would require less (though no doubt benefit from) upkeep.

Anyway, I have a few months to iron all this out.

Spoke to DH last night about trailers again and he thinks the teardrop sounds perfect for our preferred level of camping, but he is far less confident about the long-distance driving (still.)

Are there places that rent teardrop trailers? It does seem like it would be ideal to try one out before making a commitment.

I have looked at specs vs traditional camper-trailers. Can you see somewhat over a teardrop (likely tow vehicle: minivan) or are you still only looking around the sides? For those who've pulled bigger campers, how does your visibility compare?

Finally, does anyone carry a kayak on top of a teardrop, and is it any easier than shoving the kayak up on top of an SUV? (DH hates wrestling the kayak on top of his SUV! We're not tall people...)

--willo

 

Willo,

Welcome to CI forum.

Renting teardrops: only place I have rented is from Camp Inn as an aid to making a decision on model to purchase.

You may be able to rent other brands, but nothing will equil a Camp Inn, except maybe a SoCal, which I believe do not have the bunk option.

Visibility around the side of a Camp Inn will be based upon your tow vehicle. Teardrops are narrower then traditional travel trailers. Previously have camped in a full sized 5th wheel.

I pull with a Dodge Dakota. Able to see the sides of Uff Da Inn. Has been put away since November, so don't recall being able to see over the top, which is not an issue because of using standard side mirrors on Dodge Dakota. WHile driving, the driver needs to see around the sides, not top.

Drafting is goind to be affected no matter what type of tow vehicle and trailer is pulled.

Just returned from Las Vegas area. Certainly can wait another two years before I am herded like cattle around the airport, cramped onto plan, starved and dehydrated, and locked into place for hours!!!

All forms of camping/hotel travel have pro's and con's.

Hotel: expensive, controlled temps, bathroom, TV, have to haul luggage in, controlled space for kids though.

Tent: cost effective, set up teardown time consuming, enjoy mother nature, camp fire, etc,.use parks bathroom facilities: able to take both kids at same time though. Sleep on ground


Teardrop: set/up teardown time much less then tents, cost effective sites, increased gas costs pulling a trailer, dry in rain, easy to use galley, on-board water, use parks bathroom facilities: able to take both kids at same time though. Sleep in your bed.

Personally I feel very secure in the teardrop having the hard sides and a small dog as an alarm.

Tiny travel trailer: set/up teardown time much less then tents, cost effective sites, increased gas costs pulling a trailer, dry in rain, easy to use galley, on-board water, use parks bathroom facilities: able to take both kids at same time though. Sleep in your bed.

As for self contained units: yes, very nice have own shower/bathroom. Requires additional set up/take down time if you dump black water daily. Also adds additional weight due to larger trailer.

One benefit of tiny travel trailers is the ability of having a porta potty stored in a designated space. I have never used onte of these so can't comment on use.

As for sleeping inside van with engine and quick get aways: true, but I have never had any issues camping during mylife time as a child or adult. I choose to realize that at anytime intruders can occur in my home or campsite or hotel. I am not a paranoid person. More important to be aware of your environment first.

Finding the ideal cost country traveling system comes down to you first. What do you feel is managable and comfortable for YOU. You will be responsible for yourself, kids, vehicle, and trailer. What makes YOUR life easier?

Spouse can provide his imput, yet the decision has to be YOURS.

Jean

 

Camp-Inn will rent their trailers out, and they also have a dealer in Maine. Perhaps he could work something out with you.
http://www.poplarhillrv.com/ If nothing else, you should at least hook up with an owner to see one. Seeing one is the next best thing to using one to help you figure things out.

 

Security concerns: I have camped HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS of times (with my parents, with youth groups, worked as a camp counselor, worked with an Outward-Bound type group in college, now with my own family), including plenty of LONG trips, and I have only TWICE been afraid for my safety:

Once was when I was a teen in Yellowstone National Park when we woke up to find a buffalo sitting RIGHT OUTSIDE the door of our tent, completely blocking the only way out. We were three shades of miserable needing to go to the bathroom, but we had to chalk this up as one of those "nothing we could've done" situations.

The other time was in a KOA campground outside Savannah, Georgia. The police came through the campground chasing a fleeing suspect, and it was pretty scary. Guns, dogs . . . I don't know if they got him or not. We have never again camped in an urban setting -- not that that's a complete guarantee.

Most campers are nice, friendly people and are much quicker to help you than to hurt you . . . but there are the few and far between exceptions. If I were you and was camping alone with kids, I would choose only established campsites and would choose a site near others -- that should be a reasonable amount of safety.

Savings on hotel rooms: I wouldn't buy a camper JUST for this reason. With Priceline and other websites, it's very easy to get a decent hotel room for $50-60/night -- and often that includes breakfast. If you buy a trailer for $10,0000, that's an awful lot of hotel rooms -- and then you still have to pay the campsite fee (usually $10-15/night) in addition. By the time you buy ice and firewood as you travel, you're a long way towards paying for a hotel room.

Buy a camper because you want the LIFESTYLE, not as a money-saver.

 

Theresa,

Camp Inn makes a great product, but thought about your needs while reading forums on TTT. Check out this like for another option of a small travel trailer that can include queen bed and possibly bunks and an inside potty.

Camp Inn, at least Betsy knows of this mans skill.

http://www.campingclassics.com/shopman05.html

Jean

Jean

 

Yep, Steve builds a beautiful teardrop & his workmanship is top-notch. Due to the nature of his business (building one teardrop at a time), he is able to do a lot of custom details. And he is a really nice guy, too!

 

Bear, you've expressed my opinion perhaps better than I did: A Camp Inn may enhance your life, but if your bottom line is to save money during travel, you can do it in better ways. If you use it frequently, it may be a great value and give your family years of enjoyment, but it'll cost more than Priceline hotel rooms during travel.

I haven't really heard anyone on this board saying that money is the bottom line for them.

Completely different topic: I've used Amtrak and have enjoyed it. Some people laugh, saying it's only slightly faster than traveling by covered wagon, but it's comfortable and affordable. You arrive at your destination well-rested. We've only traveled in coach, and the food is horrible (I understand it's better in the higher-priced portion of the train).

BUT you can't go everywhere conveniently on the train. Where I live, you can go North easily -- we've been to DC twice via train, and our travel hours were something like 7:30 - 5:00 -- but try to go South, and you'll find it a different story. Last summer we needed to go from the Carolinas to Miami (for a cruise). Buying the tickets well ahead of time, the six of us could've had round-trip tickets for less than $500 total -- quite a bargain! But we would've had to leave at something like 2:00 am, and we would've been on the train for 22 hours. If it'd been JUST my husband and me, we would've done it. We could've done it: I've have sat on my purse and gone to sleep. But with four teenaged girls, we felt that one of us would have to be awake at all times -- so we would've arrived exhausted. We drove.

I do recommend the train -- for the right circumstances.

 

My Mom and I took the train from Portland, OR to South Bend, IN for Christmas last year. We had the handicapped sleeper which is rather large compared to the other sleepers. I really enjoyed the train and would do it again.

 

I appreciate this qualification. I'm not a true cheapskate because I love to spend money, but I can be frugal in that I despise WASTING money.

I think my priorities are:
1) TO ENJOY THE RIDE!
More specifically, to have a travel experience with my kids that enriches our lives. This is job one in my life overall, actually. There is a reason I am a stay-at-home mom.
I think having a tiny camper will be an asset in this regard because it should make it easier for us to take advantage of good weather and get out of town quickly. (Packing up for camping requires a lot of trips to the attic and basement right now. It can be a hurdle, if only psychological.)

2) TO AVOID UNNECESSARY AIR TRAVEL
Unless treatment of passengers improves, I simply don't want to give the airlines my money. (I'll still spend money on other aspects of travel.) We will fly if air travel is the best fit for the trip we want to take, but the kids and I have all summer free and I believe there are better experiences to be had for crossing America than Delta or AirTran.

3) TO SPEND MY TRAVEL BUDGET WISELY
I've been looking at teardrops for several years now. We would use it for family camping (and maybe even Dad/Kid camp-outs in our backyard) for years, I think, not just for the x-country trips. I suppose I led with that in my self-introduction because that part is more different than the typical camping scenario which I've enjoyed reading about on these forums.
My biggest issue with hotels on the cross country trek was not the cost. Compared to the coasts where I've always lived, lodging is so CHEAP in the mid-section! Timing the stops properly is the hard part! Some days you hit traffic, or you see somewhere you'd love to stop, but the hotel reservation is still two hours away... I think the fact that a campground would be cheaper is a bonus.
If budget were higher on my list, Amtrak wouldn't be an option for me either, because we travel in a sleeper. (About $1800 one way.) The experience makes this worthwhile to do, but not enough to do it EVERY year and round-trip. We'll make the trip over each of the various routes, maybe even more than once on a route we enjoy or to see it at different times of year, but I want more options.

--willo

 

Good Morning Willo:

We have a 560 Ultra in Maynard MA west of Boston if you want to see one close up. You will also find that we have used it both for long haul camping (Yellowstone)and short hops (ME, NH & VT) here in New England. Our tow vehicle is a Toyota Highland Hybrid.
Send us a message if you would want to come out. Right now our Raindrop has been spending its winter in its own 12 x 20 foot shed.

Jim & Sue