You need a truck with a good factory installed tow package. We only camped in the summer so I agree that winter camping is not a good idea although I think there are manufacturers who do make winterized campers. We bought our campers used but dh could handle any problems and knew what to look for. We preferred a larger camper with a separate bedroom. If we had gone 2 feet longer, the camper had a larger bathroom. I usually used the campground shower because the camper shower was so small. We also preferred a front kitchen (tow behind camper) so people didn't have to walk thru the kitchen to get to the bathroom or LR area. Our first camper was really too small for three people since our bed was the fold out couch that had to be made up every night. Our second camper was just the two of us and had a separate bedroom.

When you know the weight of your camper and calculated how much it will weigh loaded with water and supplies, you have an idea of how much truck you will need. This summer ds and his family traveled cross country. Because he tows a variety of trailers and truck mounted campers, he prefers a diesel. Some of his friends have Ford 350s because they tow so much weight (camper plus race car). Fifth wheels can be easier to tow. Anything with a slide out will provide extra room if you stay awhile some place but will also make the camper a lot heavier.

Even driving on good roads in good weather is not without warnings. You can't just swerve if there is something in the road when you're hitched to a camper. One time our first summer we arrived at a grocery store early and without thinking, parked near the front. Well, by the time we came out, people had parked on both sides of us. I think there was one empty space and dh was just able to drive out. In the future we parked at the rear of parking lots. Be aware of bumps and steep areas where things underneath can scrape (this is particular true if you ever go on a small ferry). Be aware of overhangs. Many are marked with the height. Coming back thru NY ds accidentally got on a highway that was supposed to be off limits to trucks and campers - reason was the low bridges. There was one they barely cleared before he was able to get off that road.

It really depends on how well you can drive in winter. We have friends who travel cross country in late January pulling a large enclosed trailer. They are careful about weather but have encountered snow and bad roads.

I agree that a lot of campgrounds are expensive and the smaller state parks might no have large sites for campers (some are tents only).

Wondering what "move around as and when we need to" means. It is the "need" part that has me puzzled.

I suspect they are trying to stay 1 step ahead of the fuzz

As usual, useful information from dfrostnh.

Thanks, Ackislander.

Gail, we did "move around as and when we need to", during a summer long camping trip. Sometimes we only stayed a night, other times we stayed longer, investigating an area. We headed south in July. Returned home for about a week due to a commitment, then headed north for the rest of the summer focusing on PEI and Nova Scotia. Perhaps they are pursuing a passion or study.

Since ds and his friends always buy used campers and trailers, usually off Craigslist, I know some people have the ability to know a good deal and/or deal with problems that are known or unknown at time of purchase. Sometimes they have even bought junkers to part out and help renovate a better candidate. Perhaps the OP and partner have some mechanical skills. A couple of times, ds has had to make some repairs on the side of the road. Usually, someone stops to offer help but he hasn't needed help. Here's hoping if the OP ever needs some roadside assistance, it comes along.