renting vs buying dilemma

nucleuscracker · 10-16-2011, 05:06 PM

Next summer we are planning on a four week round the good ole USA camping trip and are going back and forth between renting a travel trailer and buying one. We have a pop up camper but with our tow vehicle - '08 Yukon, space will be kinda tight for the four of us which is why we are looking at a travel trailer as we'll be able to keep the majority of our stuff in the trailer. Plus the constant setting up and tearing down of the pop for every stop.

The question is - are we better off just buying a good used travel trailer, paying cash, and than selling it when we are done or should we just rent?

We can't store it at our property, so that is one issue..

thoughts?

thanks!

**norty1** · 10-16-2011, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nucleuscracker

Next summer we are planning on a four week round the good ole USA camping trip and are going back and forth between renting a travel trailer and buying one. We have a pop up camper but with our tow vehicle - '08 Yukon, space will be kinda tight for the four of us which is why we are looking at a travel trailer as we'll be able to keep the majority of our stuff in the trailer. Plus the constant setting up and tearing down of the pop for every stop.

The question is - are we better off just buying a good used travel trailer, paying cash, and than selling it when we are done or should we just rent?

We can't store it at our property, so that is one issue..

thoughts?

thanks!

I would rent a class C first choice or a TT 2nd choice. You may have a problem renting the trailer w/o spending some money on a weight distributing hitch.

NewToMeJF26BHS · 10-16-2011, 06:32 PM

I would rent. There is no guarantee you'll be able to sell one.

John

nucleuscracker · 10-17-2011, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by norty1

I would rent a class C first choice or a TT 2nd choice. You may have a problem renting the trailer w/o spending some money on a weight distributing hitch.

Had a total blast a few years ago renting a Class C for a week during the summer but as we're looking to be gone for a 4 weeks and not wanting to be tied to the vehicle as you are with a class C - thats why we're looking at a TT. The most I've heard we'd have to add to the vehicle is an electric brake set up. Would the WDH be a big help and if so, how much $$ we looking at?

thanks for your help!
nuke

**norty1** · 10-17-2011, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nucleuscracker

Had a total blast a few years ago renting a Class C for a week during the summer but as we're looking to be gone for a 4 weeks and not wanting to be tied to the vehicle as you are with a class C - thats why we're looking at a TT. The most I've heard we'd have to add to the vehicle is an electric brake set up. Would the WDH be a big help and if so, how much $$ we looking at?

thanks for your help!
nuke

Everything depends on what you are towing. My guess would be a brake controller and a WDH. Some input from who is renting the trailer may be more informative. If you have not towed a larger trailer there is a learning curve that you may have to get started on early.

clutch · 10-17-2011, 12:49 PM

Have you priced renting a travel trailer for a month? See what the rent is and then make your decision. I know in North Idaho a friend rented a 28' travel trailer for a week and he ended up paying $1200. That was the best deal he could get in the Spokane/Coeur d'Alene area.

nucleuscracker · 10-17-2011, 03:13 PM

@clutch: the price range we're seeing here in Michigan/metro D is around $500-$700/week for the 25/28ft range.

@norty: The biggest I've towed is our 23' Yamaha Jet Boat.

@newtome: that's my one concern based on the economy.

a big thank you for the great input everyone!

Still wondering a average price for a WDH.. anyone have any ideas or does it very widely based on vehicle?

clutch · 10-17-2011, 04:55 PM

If you are already towing with a 2" receiver all you will need would be the hitch head, ball, and bars. Check on Craigs List, or EBay.

nucleuscracker · 10-20-2011, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clutch

If you are already towing with a 2" receiver all you will need would be the hitch head, ball, and bars. Check on Craigs List, or EBay.

Yep, already using a 2", will check, thanks Clutch!

3'senough · 10-20-2011, 06:45 AM

Maybe I missed it, but did you ask the rental company if the trailer(s) are rigged with the WDH already? I wouldn't go out and invest in it ahead of checking. The setup could cost you as much as the rental depending on your level of handyness (if you need it installed and setup, reccommended) and WDH selection.
You will need one though.

**Snake Plissken** · 10-20-2011, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nucleuscracker

Next summer we are planning on a four week round the good ole USA camping trip and are going back and forth between renting a travel trailer and buying one. We have a pop up camper but with our tow vehicle - '08 Yukon, space will be kinda tight for the four of us which is why we are looking at a travel trailer as we'll be able to keep the majority of our stuff in the trailer. Plus the constant setting up and tearing down of the pop for every stop.

The question is - are we better off just buying a good used travel trailer, paying cash, and than selling it when we are done or should we just rent?

We can't store it at our property, so that is one issue..

thoughts?

thanks!

If that's the only time you're going to use it just rent.

clutch · 10-20-2011, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3'senough

Maybe I missed it, but did you ask the rental company if the trailer(s) are rigged with the WDH already? I wouldn't go out and invest in it ahead of checking. The setup could cost you as much as the rental depending on your level of handyness (if you need it installed and setup, reccommended) and WDH selection.
You will need one though.

Excellent point. I never thought about that possibility.

duraco · 10-21-2011, 08:28 PM

Rent a class C. Save the wear and tear on your vehicle.

nucleuscracker · 10-30-2011, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3'senough

Maybe I missed it, but did you ask the rental company if the trailer(s) are rigged with the WDH already? I wouldn't go out and invest in it ahead of checking. The setup could cost you as much as the rental depending on your level of handyness (if you need it installed and setup, reccommended) and WDH selection.
You will need one though.

great point as I have noticed quite a few on the places do offer rentals on the WDH or have it standard as part of the rental package. Looks like the only thing we'd have to "buy" is the brake controller which is no biggie. Have quite a few months to prepare, just doing some early research. Thank you all for your great ideas/responses!

Denise · 10-30-2011, 09:55 AM

Sounds like you made an informed decision. Now the fun part, planning the trip! Come back and let us know how the trip goes!

nucleuscracker · 10-31-2011, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by healthi

Sounds like you made an informed decision. Now the fun part, planning the trip! Come back and let us know how the trip goes!

heck yea! As we get closer I most likely will be back for some must see places beyond the typical grand canyon. yawn. 4 weeks. 2 adults. 2 kids (will be 12 and 14) one destination. san diego. in between? who knows! LOL

You may also like: