Ping
Stay in motels that take dogs.
I would stick with the pop-up or maybe a newer one.
If you are going to a travel trailer you would be better off with at least a 3/4 ton.
We pull a less than 5,000 lb GVWR trailer with a Ford flex. Works beautifully. Been doing it for years
Rent first,
Go to an RV show (or a large dog show where there are hundreds of RVs) and just look at the options. How much room do you have at your house to park it, how often do you plan to use it, where do you want to go with it,,,,long vacations or weekend jaunts.
RVing is so much fun so take your time and look at what’s available.
At 5000 pounds or less, most newer half-ton pickup trucks should handle such a trailer reasonably well. But if you step up to a 3/4-ton, you will get a beefier suspension and - perhaps more importantly - bigger brakes.
We started out in an Eclipse 17ft Travel Trailer, but God was guiding us all the way because we would need it to spend that Winter in Virginia to take care of a family member. God provided a beautiful Class A for us to come back in, and a wonderful new home for the Eclipse with two people who had actually been praying for one.
For those not walking so closely with Jesus, I would recommend renting a Class C from one of the chains. Take it on the road for two weeks and see if the life is really for you.
I drive a ‘93 Lincoln TownCar and pull an RPod (2800lbs. dry). Many designs/specs., 30gal. fresh/gray/black. 2-7 day boon-docking.
My Lincoln is “rated” to pull 5000lbs. (rear-wheel drive, like the old Lucy and Desi movies)? NO PROBLEM!
rvtrader.com has info.
What fso301 said X 1000! Also, research, research, and research some more. Plenty of resources out there to read by full-timers on youtube and multiple forums.
My experience living in them for out of state work for years.
1. Get a bumper pull. Easiest to tow with smaller vehicles. Powered Rv’s are expensive to maintain.
2. There are many light weight options. My last slept 8 and dry weight was 4k lbs. Pulled fine with a half ton pick up.
3. Keep the waste tanks clean and serviced. The valves are notorious if not.
4. Buying used have it checked out.
5. If it’s a deal at camper world it’s junk.
I concur. Your truck is 1/2 ton payload at best. A small pop-up may destroy your tranny. (Are you going North or South?)
Seriously, find dog friendly hotels and hit the road.
Let those dogs sniff the wind!
Most Extended Stays will let dogs in.
Whatever you do, don’t buy a Gulfstream. New or used.
I’ve never seen anything so insanely wired and plumbed in my life. And they consider their wiring and plumbing diagrams trade secrets and will only release the information to factory authorized repair centers.
I took a top-end one (Diesel Pusher motor home) in a trade a few years ago... Probably the third biggest mistake I made in my life.
Google “traveling in an RV during a pandemic”. Sounds silly, I did it yesterday just to see what came up. Found a number of articles/blogs discussing how people are making it work. We have an RV...haven’t pulled it yet.
Also, if you’re gonna be visiting national parks, how to the national parks site and see if you qualify for the “elder park pass” I forget the age to qualify.
They give you just as much room and comfort as a 5th wheel without the headaches. There are a lot of travel trailers (Jayco makes some good ones) worth looking into. Travel trailers are the sweet spot.
If you don't want a tow-behind then get a Class C. Don't get a Class B, it's just not worth it and you might as well get a conversion van for less money and better fuel efficiency.
There are a couple of threads that are pretty long on FR regarding this subject. Not all that old.
The used RV market is very tight right now, at least in the West.
You can stay in lots of motels for what you’ll pay for an RV. If you like camping, then just get a tent.