Planning for The Grand Teton/Yellowstone Trip

We did a 7 week trip out west from Illinois to Seattle, jumped on a cruise to Alaska, then came back a different route.

I can't begin to list all the places you should try to see. Yosemite was unbelievable, Yellowstone was great, but 2 or 3 days would be plenty there IMHO. Don't forget to spend a day in Jackson Hole.

I don't take much emergency equipment, just some general tools. I know my fivers weight and run the correct rated tires. I utilize a TPMS so I always know the exact air pressure and temperature in each tire while running down the road. We probably passed 5 or 6 TT's or fivers pulled over with blown tires on that trip out west, and some with significant damage. Some of the roads you will be on don't have shoulders or room to pull over even if you realize you have a flat. The key is not to have an issue with your tires or any equipment in the first place.

Over time, I've created a data set containing links to "(state name) tourism" for the states that I'll be traveling through. BTW, South Dakota's is one of the best.
Every state has a vested interest in your visit, or rather your tourist dollars. As a supplement, as I go from one state to the next, I stop at the first rest area to stretch my legs. Inside, I ask the folks behind the desk if there are any reported road problems ahead. They also have a wall of brochures for things to see in the area. Skip the one for "Ripley's Believe It or Not". The answer is "Not".
As far as tools, there's no reason to take stuff you don't know how to use. Better to subscribe to Good Sam Road Service. They have the heavy equipment. Since I have a 'C' and pull a Jeep toad, I carry a mounted and inflated spare tire for each. Not many RVs ride on standard tires. I also carry a spare set of keys for the 'C' in the Jeep and a spare set for the Jeep in the 'C'. So far, I haven't locked my self out of both at the same time.
Unless you're comfortable driving on two lane roads that have pullouts every so often so you can check your brakes, you probably want to go around the Bighorn Mountains instead of over them. Going uphill is just slow. Going downhill is "an adventure".
Finally, give yourself enough time. One trip around the Grand Loop in Yellowstone is 140 miles. And they are slow miles. But lots of places to pull over and explore on foot. I give myself at least a day for each of the four quadrants. I'd expand that if it was my first visit.
BTW, don't skip the Tetons. They're just south of Yellowstone, but completely different. Two things not to miss. Drive to the top of Signal Mountain. There's a viewing platform at the top. I was up there one day and watched a hot air balloon float by below me. You can see for miles. Also, there's a small turnout off of the Jenny Lake loop road. Parking for about 6 cars. Walk over to the edge, sit down on a big rock overlooking Jenny Lake with the mountains so close you think you could reach out and touch them. And feel your blood pressure drop about 30 points. Just don't tell anybody about it. Its a secret. :)

1: Google. But, if you have a smart phone, get the passportamerica app, the gas buddy app, the flying j app, and the national parks app. They are all free.

2: good sam and the emergency assistance that is part of my car insurance.

3: that is way more than we carried. But, if you plan on doing laundry, a couple of rolls of quarters make it easier.

I could spend a week in badlands and have spent 3 days at a time there. But we like to wander around by foot or 4 wheel drive.

If you have the chance, traveling in either direction, you should stop at Teddy Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. Absolutely beautiful. And way less crowded than Custer, Yellowstone, Tetons, Rushmore, etc.

A week is about all I can handle of Yellowstone during season - it is way too crowded. A week or less for Grand Teton. I would take those extra 10 days or so and run up to Glacier. Definitely worth the trip, especially if you like hiking.

Your time in Tetons maybe more then most would spend.
Even three weeks at Yellowstone could be more then most.
Yes, we have been to both many times and see something new each trip.
Another location is Cody, WY. Good for overnight stay. Cody Museum and tourist souvenir shops.

We made almost the same trip 2 years ago, but from FL up to Rafter J Bar in Hill City, SD. Stopped on the way at Mitchell SD for about 2 hrs to see the Corn Palace(RV parking available) and overnighted at the Badlands KOA with a side trip to Wall Drug. When we were in Hill City, we took side trips to Rushmore, Crazy Horse & Devils Tower(about 2 hr drive). Then we moved on to Grizzly RV Park in West Yellowstone. After West Yellowstone we moved to the Grand Tetons stayed at Colter RV Park.
1) For guidebooks, we used Next Exit and Rand McNally Road Atlas as well as our Garmin RV760LMT.
2) Our favorite road service is Coach-Net. Unfortunately, we had to use them this trip, but they did a stellar job.
3) Not sure what you are driving, but if you have a critical part for your vehicle such as a turbo hose for our Ford we carried that as a spare. Not expensive, but an easy fix if you have the part. We also carry a Jumpstarter and a standard battery charger. We do carry and use a NOAA weather radio and an emergency lantern as well.
Have a great trip

Thanks all.

Chuck D. and Bud - We have the Corn Palace, Minuteman Missile Silo, Wall Drug, Mount Rushmore, and Devil's Tower as some of the "must-see" places to see.

The plan is roughly three weeks fro Yellowstone and two weeks for Grand Teton. This will be where most of the time will be spent.

enbleten - yes, I looked at the plan and the longest distances per day are: 395 miles, 383 miles, and 368 miles. All other days are under 325 miles. Those days were simply tough to get shorter. Those days are all crossing the great plains states, so it should not be too bad. In my current plan there are basically three travel days going out and then disrupted by stops; coming back there are six travel days, half of which are under 300 miles. I couldn't agree more about the distance driving - my wife says to do more, but I think she will change her mind as the trip goes. Thanks for the WalMart idea.

Thanks!

Welcome to RV.net!
Should add that you don't really need all the emergency equipment. Yes, lug wrenches and jacket that fit is important no matter where you go.
We have the Good Sam Road service but knock on wood have never had to use it.
Most of your trip will be on good roads and supplies are readily available.
We carry a Rand McNally Walmart atlas. This is very helpful for shopping information.
Big thing in all traveling is take your time. You will have less problems if you do not push yourself or your family. Much to see and do. We do not travel very far being retired. if you plan on say 250-300 miles a day you will enjoy it much more. Resting up after a days travel whether it is some type of activity or just camping, will be of great benefit.
You may want to do basic planning by making a list of states you will be traveling through. Then contact each state for tourist information. Plan on going on a different coming and going.

Don't forget Cody, WY and Devil's tower.
Take your time in Yellowstone. Figure some nice long days.

If you are mainly on the Interstates, the Next Exit is excellent.

Since you will be in SD and in the Badlands, don't miss Wall Drug, if for no other reason to say you were there. It's the epitome of cheesy road side attractions.

The Badlands are awesome but you really only need a half a day to see them. On the other hand spend as much time as you can in Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

Have fun!