Camping with family members is a great way to stay connected in this busy world. I suspect it’s the campfire—something about camping just beckons you to sit and visit. Family gatherings at the campground can include multiple RVs parking together on a chosen weekend for games and meals or, instead, one person hosts in a large RV while family members without RVs get a taste of the good life.
If you are researching RVs with the idea of using one for camping with kids and grandkids, you may want to think about each style available and its pros and cons. Ask yourself a few questions before you begin your search. Are you just wanting space to sleep? Will you be camping no matter what the weather? How important is privacy to you?
Travel trailers
Travel trailers are more affordable, have open floor plans, and can be towed by most large SUVs or half-ton trucks. Many have large booths great for game night and big pancake breakfasts. Travel trailers can accommodate a lot of people if you are not looking for privacy. A set of double bed bunks, a fold down booth, a pull-out sofa, and a queen-sized murphy bed can hold up to ten people. Most travel trailers also have a primary bedroom that is connected to the main living area and generally have one bathroom.
With so many models available, it’s a good idea to first determine what your family priorities are and then start the search online before heading to an RV show or dealership.
Fifth wheels
Fifth wheels feel like a home with rooms which is great when you’ve got all the troops in town. There are private spaces in fifth wheels if you need a moment to yourself. Most models have a primary bedroom away from the main living area.
They also offer bunk spaces that have their own door for privacy. This is a great bonus space for younger or teenage kids wanting to play video games or enjoy a movie. It’s also a great space to use as an office, napping room, or space for nursing moms to go. There are loads of storage in fifth wheels and most have kitchens with huge pantries and residential refrigerators. When on the road, a fifth wheel is pulled along by a larger tow vehicle.
While researching fifth wheels and their price tags, decide what’s best for you! This type comes in many shapes and sizes and there is bound to be one in your price range with all the bells and whistles that appeal to you and your family.
Toy hauler
Toy haulers are so versatile and a great choice for multigenerational camping. The garage can be used as a small apartment as many come with a full bath, separate entrance, loft storage/sleeping area, drop down bed, washer dryer hook-ups and flexible seating. Additionally, you can actually haul toys in it. Most toy hauler garages have a rear deck and screen doors to let air in or plexiglass panels for light on chillier days. The rear deck keeps small kids and pets off the ground on muddy days and makes for a great sunrise or sunset viewing spot.
This is before even entering the main living space with kitchen, entertainment center, and storage galore. Like the fifth wheel there is a private bedroom and full bath up a short flight of steps. The living space is likely to have the option of a pull-out sofa for added sleeping. Overall, toy haulers offer the most when it comes to camping with the generations.
These also will be more expensive than some other RV options and require a larger tow vehicle. If you're not a fan of towing, you can also buy a toy hauler and park it on a seasonal site where you can enjoy all the space and amenities without towing.
Whatever you decide, you won’t regret the decision to make time for making memories!
