first trip for newbies ? wintertime

Maybe the low coastal country of the Carolinas? Great barbecue, great seafood, great music, lots of history. And no mosquitoes at that time of year. Probably too cold for ocean swimming, but long walks on the beach can be pleasant, too. Charleston is only 700 miles, an easy two day drive (unless it is snowing).

GOing west is way too ambitious that time of year. Consider east coast or South east destinations.
Driving 14 hour days pulling a large toy hauler is not fun/enjoyable. You will eventually figure that out yourself. While I'm sure you are anxious to get out,heading to Utah from NJ is not wise. Stay away from cold and snow. Think FL, LA, Carolinas, Texas,AL.
There are lots of great places to go that time of year however Utah is not one of them!

Leaving in winter I assume you mean the Southwest? Any where very far north will be far too cold; especially when you add altitude. Straight South might be more realistic. Even getting there can present challenges in winter temps. From NJ, 2 weeks isn't long enough and driving 14 hours isn't safe.

Look at Hunting Island, SC. We have gone down right after Christmas many times and had a blast. The weather was cool, but you are a Northerner, so you should be okay with the 60-70 degree weather during the day and 30s and 40s, maybe, during the night.

They have lots of bike trails, but several miles of undisturbed beach with millions of shells, starfish, sand dollars, sharks teeth and other ocean gems. You can get fresh shrimp about 1/4 mile from the state park most days - you can watch the boats go in and out and if you time it right, you can get the shrimp as it comes off the boat. They have a large pier about 1 1/2 miles from the campground to fish off of and a marshy area between the pier and campground where you can go crabbing.

We love it and try to go at least every other year. I think it is a pre-requisite to have a dog if you go to Hunting Island.

It is about halfway between Charleston and Savannah, (about 1 1/2 - 2 hrs) so day trips to each of these places is doable. It is about 30 miles north (on the roadway) from Hilton Head.

Another option is James Island County Park outside of Charleston. 12 minute drive into historic downtown (yes, I timed it and it was at 5 pm).

We also have gone to Gulf Shores, AL and we had good weather and 70 degree temps for a couple of days, but then it cooled off and it was in the high 50s and lower 60s.

These are our "go-to" places during the holiday seasons and don't want to have to drive forever. They are only 7-10 hour drives for us.

Thanks guys, im starting to look at AR/AL. I live on the beach in nj, so i would like to change it up a bit.

Sean,

Before the depression forced retirement on us, we frequently traveled in the real winter and/or a month each side.

First lesson: If your fiver is capable of being self contained, be provisioned and ready to do so at least for the first two days out. This is assuming you will make for warm as fast as you can. When they get snow in the south, the world comes to a halt. You may end up "camped" on I-95 when you can see an exit ramp.

Second lesson: If you plan to stay at any campgrounds, call them now and find out if they will even be open those dates. If they are planning to be open (see above), confirm the winter facilities and capabilities. Many shut off the water and sewer.

Third lesson: If you have to make a reservation, get a VERY clear understanding of the owner's reservation policy. If you end up weathered in for a day (or two), can you get a refund for the time you are not there? Many more than you might think say no.

From experience - 14 hours is a long time behind the wheel. I a passcar or very comfortable coach, maybe, but in a PU towing a heavy fiver and with two massive dogs in the cab.... I used to tow a keel sloop all over the east coast. Places that were a couple of hours by car became three hours with the trailer and a boat.

Driving tired is one of the fastest ways I know of to end up dead.

Matt

sean425 wrote:
Thanks guys, im starting to look at AR/AL. I live on the beach in nj, so i would like to change it up a bit.

A couple of really great spots in the SouthEast look at Williamsburg if that is something you think you might enjoy. Look over Lake Toxaway and Hilton Head Island - two spots that we have wintered in and are not that bad. The mountains will require heat but are usually not too bad in the first part of winter. The mountains are fun and the Island, while not warm is still good enough to allow you to ride a bike on the beach.

Just a thought.