Traveling across the US in a Taco

Hi,

Instead of paying for motel rooms... Do you guys use a popup camper? Planning a month long or longer road trip across the country.

Thanks for your help

 

I’d have to weight the fuel cost vs. the motel cost on a trip of that extent.

It sounds like a great idea if you have access to showers along the way but Tacos aren’t the most fuel efficient, especially when downing.

 

I would think a rtt would be a better purchase as it would be easier to use than a pop up.

 

I am looking for a 4 cylinder Taco. Most likely will be a 2nd Gen. Average motel is like $30-50.

 

Just went to AZ from NC and back, rv parks have tent sites, disbursed camping, and KOAs, in hammocks, tents, or a RTT.

 

Camper shell. Canopy. Topper. Bed cap. Whatever you call it. Throw a matress in there and call it a day. You can pick up used ones for a few hundred all the way up to new ones for 2k.

Edit: this is how I crossed canada in 3 weeks. Worked good. A little unorganized but with some prep you could have a great setup

 

That seems like wicked cheap

 

$1,500 in motel costs or buy a tent lol

 

That will help with fuel cost but the additional towing weight will make it work harder. I’m sure it’d be fine as long as the trailer isn’t too heavy. My 4.0 struggles towing our pop up on grades but I also drive like an ass so...

 

Thanks. A topper is a good idea, will need one when it rains so my luggage stays dry.

 

So the motel cost would increase if those numbers are cheap. I say it’ll be a fun trip. Wish I could afford to do it right now. My GF would love to travel like that.

 

I can't afford it yet, this will happen next year but I am gonna start preparing. Is the motel worth it for a month?

 

No, take motel cost and buy a setup that you can use well after those motel sleeps are done.

 

30 motel nights x $50 avg per night = $1500

Cheap topper = $300-$400 USD (I paid $700 CAD for mine)

$100 sleeping pad or matress

Now spend the 1k you saved in fuel....or truck mods

Edit: you can also resell everything you bought for the trip. Bonus

 

The topper idea is cool but is there enough room in there? Any pics of a setup? What about privacy ya know lol

 

I would say not. Maybe for a night here and there for a shower and such but I would stick to the camping plan.

I would also recommend the topper idea. Even if it’s just a Soft Topper or such, it’ll keep you belongings out of sight for wondering eyes and less tempting to people who pass if you’re away.

 

You can search Google for images. I don't have any. But two of us have slept in there. Privacy is fine if the windows are even a little tinted (most are). Otherwise hang curtains.

 

Nice view! Thanks for your help. Gotta look for a used topper.

 

If you have a gym membership to Planet Fitness that would take care of your showers in a lot of areas. $20/month and you can use any Planet Fitness location in the U.S.

 

Now that is a good tip

I'll think of that on my next cross country road trip