I am planning on spending $2,000 for bike and gear..

I am still undecided on the bike but it's a toss up between the Surly LHT and the Trek 520. These 2 bikes appear to be the standard and most chosen touring bikes on the market.. Both bike are in the $1,300 range..

The rest of my budget about $700'ish, is going towards racks, fenders, panniers and camping gear..

I am planning a Los Angeles to Kansas City route and will camp 2 nights and stay in a hotel every 3 night..