I've been doing a bit of research about camping with my 100 series and associated costs. This information is probably not specific about the 100 itself, but, this is what I've found so far.
All of these items assume you are already set up with the proper sleeping gear and supplies such as a sleeping bag, cook set, food, etc. This covers just the cost to provide a shelter and life for 3-4 people. In this case, it's myself, wife, and kiddo. It also assumes that you'll be somewhat off the paved roads. Please feel free to add to this post with your ideas and experience.
In conclusion, the least expensive camping option is to throw a tent in the truck and set it up when you get to the site. You can spend $1k on the best tent and still come in way below anything else. However, if you are willing to spend a little bit more, a rooftop tent is not a bad alternative.
Frankly, I like the idea of a small trailer that can be pulled behind my ride. Ideally the rooftop tent on a small gear trailer looks to be the best option for me. I like the idea of leaving my equipment and base camp in place if I have to make a run.
What are your ideas or findings ? Any of these better than the other?
All of these items assume you are already set up with the proper sleeping gear and supplies such as a sleeping bag, cook set, food, etc. This covers just the cost to provide a shelter and life for 3-4 people. In this case, it's myself, wife, and kiddo. It also assumes that you'll be somewhat off the paved roads. Please feel free to add to this post with your ideas and experience.
- Family Ground Tent = $300 - $1,000
This is your typical camping trip on the ground. You could get away with a lot less, but, I find that cheap tents are not worth the price when the wind or rain hits and pole break in the middle of the night.
This pricing represents a good quality tent from REI, along with a matching ground tarp (footprint), rain fly, as well as extras such as an annex, interior tent light, gear holder, etc. Other options are available such as a canvas tent or single people could get away with using a smaller tent or even BIVY sack. REI Family Tents
- Rooftop Tent = $1,500 - $4,000
This is a very common item I'm sure most of you know about. However, there may be additional costs involved such as installation labor or a new rack to hold the tent. Price may also include optional parts such as an annex on the ground, awnings, lighting, and or gear holders. Disadvantage to this option is that anytime you want to drive the truck somewhere, the tent must be packed up and folded. Examples: http://store.arbusa.com/ARB-Series-III-Simpson-Rooftop-Tent-ARB3101-P3658.aspx , http://www.bigfoottents.com/ , http://www.cascadiatents.com/
- Truck Sleeping = $500 - $2,500 (or gear trailer ~$3-4k)
This is a tough one to price because if you sleep inside the truck, you'll need to make sure your gear is put somewhere else. Probably not an option for 3-4 people, but, more like a single person. Price is to purchase additional items to hold gear such as a rooftop box or a small trailer. Edit: Additional options include installing a rear drawer system at the same level as the middle row seats. In this case, a mattress could be used to span the remaining area. Gear trailer or rooftop box may not be required for single or double campers as gear could be pushed to the front or to the side. Examples: http://www.tentrax.com/ , http://store.arbusa.com/Storage-Solutions-C75.aspx
- Tent Trailer or Teardrop = $7,500 - $20,0000
These vary in price depending on the options, of course. You could certainly get into one for the lesser price but it may not be prepared for off road. The tent itself is identical to the rooftop tent however it's installed on the trailer. Less expensive trailers might not allow you to sleep in the trailer without connecting it to the vehicle. While better units will allow self supporting jacks to let you sleep in it while disconnected, like a pop-up camper. Examples: http://www.adventuretrailers.com/ , http://www.golittleguy.com/ , http://www.forestriverinc.com/PopUpCampers/ , http://www.socalteardrops.com/, one of my favorites (but not in the US) although price is probably in the medium-size range below http://uev.com.au/
- Medium-Size Trailer = $10,000 - $20,000
As this trailer is larger in size, it's probably reaching the maximum weight capacity for the 100 series. These trailers typically include a VERY small bathroom and self contained kitchen inside. While not desired for off roading, they can be used as a good base-camp trailer. There are some models which can be used off road in the woods they cannot be pulled through rough rocks or steep hills. Examples: http://www.forestriverinc.com/rpod/ , http://www.urvusa.com/ , http://www.casitatraveltrailers.com/
- Medium to Large Trailer = $20,000 +
This is a tough area to be because the larger trailers are too much for my 100 to handle. However, I did find that a small Airstream (16'-20') fits this nicely behind the 100. At 5000lbs, the Airstream Sport can be pulled with the proper brake controls. In this zone, you're really looking at a lot more weight and less off roading other than standard gravel. And, of course, you'll have to decide if you want to take a 30k+ ride out with you in the woods. Examples: http://www.airstream.com/travel-trailers/sport/
- Large Trailers or 5th Wheels = N/A
Because there are both physical and weight limits here, I did not look at larger trailers.
In conclusion, the least expensive camping option is to throw a tent in the truck and set it up when you get to the site. You can spend $1k on the best tent and still come in way below anything else. However, if you are willing to spend a little bit more, a rooftop tent is not a bad alternative.
Frankly, I like the idea of a small trailer that can be pulled behind my ride. Ideally the rooftop tent on a small gear trailer looks to be the best option for me. I like the idea of leaving my equipment and base camp in place if I have to make a run.
What are your ideas or findings ? Any of these better than the other?
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The prices I have are including a rack purchase. I probably should have stated that in my OP, sorry. -- will go back and edit
