2019 Cross country RV trip planning

Road Phantom wrote:
Start removing as much weight as possible, especially from the truck, anything not necessary for the trip. Don't fill water tank in between CG. or only leave enough to wash up. Be honest with yourselves when dumping unneeded weight, like clothes, canned goods, etc.
Here's a link to routing your trip. Copy and paste in your browser.

https://www.flattestroute.com/

Surprisingly, buying less of a truck with a smaller engine doesn't save gas. Your truck will work harder and therefore suck up more gas than normal. Your brakes will be compromised, so keep plenty of space between cars (four second rule, maybe six or seven in your case) to make up the added stopping distance. Have your brakes and truck bearings checked often. They can burn out from the added weight they are carrying and not designed for. Another weak link are the truck tires which are not designed to carry the extra weight over and above factory recommendations.

X2-- BEST advice I have seen yet! also, MAKE SURE you bypass all the big cities you are going near by taking the I495 or I295 loop interstates that are available in many cities to GO AROUND them rather than right through the middle with it's huge congestion and too many lane changes. Purchase a NEW Road atlas to better plan the trip, buy a good RV 7"GPS for your dash from Amazon ( Garmin 750) that is specifically designed for RV's with gas stops, restaurants you can actually get into, and trailer height or propane gas restrictions built in. . Lots of planning and reservation making ahead for you. It is a lot of work but well worth it if you want a smooth, enjoyable trip. Don't try to wing it as far as overnights and forget trying to overnight at a WALMART or TRUCK STOP. neither are pleasant and can actually be big pain! Limit your travel miles to 200-300 max a day. Any more and you will be exhausted and arrive after dark which is no fun to set up in. Stay in as many State ( provincial in Ca.) parks as you can. Much nicer, bigger sites, and more private sites as well as half the price of private campgrounds. You can reserve most on line and they even have photos of each site so you can find a nice private one with the type of hookups you need. Don't worry if only electric and water. sewer hookup not needed as all have dump stations. GOOD LUCK!