Travel Dilemma, any thoughts?

[Western Traveler]

For the past 10 or so years we have been (tent) camping in a few Western States. Typically Arizona, Utah, Wyoming and Montana.
Without our trailer it is 23 hours driving between our northern base (Montana) and So Cal base as a straight shot on I-15. (Two days travel time for us).

This summer it will be south to north probably heading to somewhere around Four Corners with my bride and our TT. I have lots of time to travel, her not so much.
I expect to return to Western Colorado in the fall. This puts us roughly at a halfway point between bases.
In the past I have flown her out of distant city's and continued on my own.
I am thinking about leaving the trailer up around that area and returning home light haul then heading back and continuing my trip in the fall.
Any negative thoughts on this? Is it worth shaving around 1200 or so miles of towing this year? We limit our towing hours from 5 to 8 hrs per day.
It is a wear and tear concern with tires brakes and bearings more than anything.
Am I being too practical?
Have others done this and if so please share your experience.

[JRTJH]

Your plans are certainly "do-able" but I'd question several concepts that you may have already considered: Security? Storage? Preparation on the next leg?

As for tire wear, almost always travel trailer tires "time out" at the end of 4 or 5 years and need replacement with lots of tread remaining. It's very seldom that one would actually "wear them out" before they need replacement.

Fuel savings is a consideration, but I'd do the cost analysis of towing back home vs paying for storage in a secure area and see whether there's really any cost savings.

For me, I'd prefer to have mine "close by" so I could "tinker" rather than have it hours or days away wondering if it's OK or if it will be ready when I get a chance to return.

You may have different views, but I'd consider all the angles before making the decision to leave it behind.

[Western Traveler]

Originally Posted by JRTJH

For me, I'd prefer to have mine "close by" so I could "tinker" rather than have it hours or days away wondering if it's OK or if it will be ready when I get a chance to return.

John,
Yes I overlooked that. I almost always have some tinkering to do after a trip, especially a longer one.
I was thinking that stretch between San Diego and Mesquite Nevada is about a 7 hr ride one way and my least favorite part of our route. Heavy traffic so so desert views and Las Vegas to deal with. However now I think of it some casinos offer RV parking. That could put a better spin on things and break up that leg of the trip.

[hankaye]

Western Traveler, Howdy;

You'd be surprised at how many campgrounds have a storage area,
generally behind a locked gate.
Where I'm staying, we have several 'prospectors' that keep their RV's
here and travel lite to home and back.
Just something else to think about.

hankaye