Considering buying a car-top (roof rack mounted) pop up camper that my family can fit in (2 adults 2 kids). Looking at $2k. Feels expensive, but I realize my wife (not raised frugal...) "needs" vacations. Hotels are expensive, even with discounted rates. $100/night is average "cheap" hotels for us, and a weekend is $250 with parking and all that, plus they kick you out at a certain time.
Considering a camper (because it's much more convenient than a tent, so it's going to be more likely used, I'd imagine?) because I can't convince my family to just sleep in the car. Fair enough, one kid is 8, might not feel safe.
Is there a cheaper alternative to this? Can I get a trailer for less, or is a roof-camper good because we can go off road and save $$ that camp-sites charge?
If we amortize this over 10 uses, we already saved money over hotels, but is it wiser to spend $1k and get normal camping gear? I'm worried that would be a waste because the cheaper we go, the less comfortable it is, and the more likely we are to get a hotel...
EDIT: I grew up as a scout and I can backpack and pitch a tent/tarp if I want to. Family (with an 8 year old) is a different story. This would be used for campground locations mostly, but could be used offroad or (in a pinch) in a walmart parking lot... Even at beaches there are usually campsites within 10min drive. Pack up the tent and drive to the beach, then go set up camp again wherever we want.
February 24, 2017 at 12:43PM
