I'd like to hear what others have found to be the best solution to doing 3-6 week photography field trips in the USA.

Mission is to be able to camp as close to the topics of photo interest without having to back pack and deal with tents. At 59 year I'm no longer in the mood to sleep on the ground.

Pondering the logic of a SUV pulling a pop-top camper verse a VW Camper.
I've had two of the VW's in the past - enjoyed them but that in the late 70's and early 80s' - before the age of the SUV's and pop-top campers.

With the volitile cost of fuel, and I expect it only to get worse in the future, the MPG needs to be very reasonable. From what I've found, the 2001-2003 VW Eurovan Full Campers get a reported 18-21MPG on regular gas- anyone know if that's true?

Nissan Xterra, Toyota Highlander, etc. pulling a pop-top camper might work.

On the issue of campers, I want as light as possible but still giving decent protection from the elements. Thought the Aliner S-Type looked interesting at only 900 pounds. Suggestions are welcome.

Looking forward to learning what has worked well for others!