Travel Trailer > Camper > Tent

We looked @ foldable trailers (http://www.chaletrv.com/); bigger in real life, but not much room, net, tho should be an easy tow for my V-6. Then campers (http://www.six-pac.com/); nicely set up, but one for my p-up is 100 lbs over Toyota specs, dry! A bit too close for comfort. And finally, a full-on travel trailer, but then we started cleared $10k, my wife said she'd stay home (coupled w/my job status), & get a good tent for the kids. Ha!

With that in mind, what are the thoughts on (ground) tenting? Having only a camper shell prior, my current bed-tent (http://www.sportztrucktent.com/index2.htm) is the most I've done in fabric. Should I spend the extra $ & get a 4-season tent (eh, mid-winter Mojave winds)? http://www.mountainhardwear.com/tents/4season/000166.html (note: they support the eco movement; I'm not crazy about that - no doubt the other makers do too.)

LT: the Mojave dez in the middle of the winter can get awfully cold, espeically if the wind comes up (does often) @ night - snow's not a concern but wind resistance is.

I know - tents aren't know for being particularly warm, but this type won't fly away with the kid's inside (gee; where did they go? :eek: ); I'd stay in the truck-bed tent.

Button: thanks for the insight. BTW, the tank is working out well.

Smitty: U can fit a bike but when loading/unloading need to wrestle the bars left & right. Then there are gasoline odors if spillage occurs; did in my old one once. Moreover, check your vehicle's rating; the one camper my wife likes is ~100 lbs over my p'up's rating, dry! After I add gear, kids, trailer for the bikes - can you say "help push me over this hill" or "V-8, anyone?" (mine has a v-6). So now U know whey the folding trailer is the most likely option of the three.

One bud said tent camping is not good - been there, tried that - as the club member's dogs will lift a leg & spray :eek: - now I would think that's enough to convince my wife we either spend $ (not too wise w/the job security the way it is these days) or most of the family stays home...