Forum Discussion

walldigger's avatar
walldigger
Explorer
Apr 11, 2026

Miles per day?

We have been 5th wheel owners for years, but have never taken cross country trip before. In March 2027 were going to start from Minnesota to Arizona (1700 miles). I'm wondering what everybody feels comfortable driving everyday. I'm thinking I can do 500 miles per day, but that might be to much? Trying to get idea how long to get to Arizona.  Thank you for your replies.

18 Replies

  • I’d take I35 South from the Minneapolis area and then I40 WEST through the Land of Enchantment to Arizona.  

  • MORSNOW's avatar
    MORSNOW
    Navigator III

    Many RV travelers follow the rule of 3's.  300 miles per day, take a break at least every 3 hours, arrive by 3pm each day, and take a three-day break after 3 days of travel.

  • I can do 700 miles in a day. But I don’t. I leave NLT 9 a.m. and drive  200 to 250 miles per day. I’m a “stopper” too. If it looks interesting I stop and look. Are you in a rush? 

    • walldigger's avatar
      walldigger
      Explorer

      No rush really. I was just curious what other people thought was realistic. 

    • walldigger's avatar
      walldigger
      Explorer

      U must have alot of time to read these. Sorry if I offended you.

  • Depends on time of year and road conditions among other things.

    Winter travel has shorter days (I highly recommend arriving and setting up in daylight) and possible snow and ice on the roads. Are you confident driving RV (or towing 5th wheel) in those conditions?

    We travel from WA to AZ right after Christmas, returning in April (pickup towing 5th wheel). We are prepared to put chains on both truck and trailer if needed. We have tow strap and are prepared for cold. The first time we did this, we took 5 days, staying overnight at Baker City, Twin Falls, Ely and Kingman. We just came back and stopped in Las Vegas, Wells, Caldwell. Longer days than the first year, but comfortable for us.

    We don't dewinterize until we get to Kingman (earlier trips) or Las Vegas. We use the facilities at the campgrounds and don't hookup to water or sewer, only power until we get to warmer weather.

    We have had to cancel reservations (and most don't refund on one night stays) when we decided to stop sooner than expected. We usually don't make reservations now except Las Vegas (Oasis RV park or Nellis AFB). 

     

  • I make the round trip from AZ to WI at least once a year.   I've done it with every possible RV for many years now.   When I was younger I did about 700 per day.   Now I try to keep it to what I can do on 1 tank of gas (that's about 400) in my Cls A.     

    500 is ez in a car but it can be a lot towing.   If you go on the freeway the trucks and potholes will leave you fatigued.  Back roads (I35-US50/56) or US54 are draining too with the constant quartering winds going west and the buffeting by the cattle trucks.  The biggest issue though to me is refueling.   I dread it because of the length and access hassles.  

  • We go to the Texas Coast at least once a year, and it's about 400 miles away. Generally heading down we will stop about half-way or 2/3 of the way for the night. We pretty much always leave early when we head home (7:30 or 8:00) and drive all the way home, stopping for lunch, bathroom breaks and just to stretch and let the dogs stretch. 

    We stay off the Interstate highways, enjoy the scenery and usually we are home by 5 p.m. We've done this for years. At 76 years of age, hopefully we can continue to do it at least a few more  years.

    • Lwiddis's avatar
      Lwiddis
      Nomad II

      I’m 76 too….and we can keep going! Mind over matter.

  • We usually do about 350 miles a day. Always stop for a late breakfast around 10:30 for an hour or so. Once in a while we'll do 400 miles if we have to, although we find that's a bit too much for us. We like to be off the road and setup by 4 pm. Enough time to relax, have a beer, and then enjoy dinner. 

  • This is a pretty subjective question.  In that, only you know your capabilities or preferences. And you have presumably towed at least some decent distance to understand what you’re doing. 
    Are you gonna only go 250 miles/day or 800mi/day because someone on the internet said that’s what they do?

    • Grit_dog's avatar
      Grit_dog
      Trailblazer

      Dang!! I’m being targeted and bullied!! Lol

      Ole @IB8675309 up there slipped a post thru today like poop thru a goose!

      Yet my informative response from yesterday is still confined to a holding cell, pending going before the judge!!  Hahaha

       

      (PS, mods, I’m not offended. Just having fun w this!)

      • StirCrazy's avatar
        StirCrazy
        Moderator

        they still seam to work as normal, I was hoping this would cut out at least 60% of your posts 😉🤣

  • MORSNOW's avatar
    MORSNOW
    Navigator III

    My long distance travels have a longer first day and then less per day.  Some only travel 300 per day, others 500, it's up to you and what your plans are.  Just slowly wondering and enjoying the scenery or trying to get to a destination makes the difference for me.  Back highways are so much more relaxing than interstates but take more time due to going through small towns and less direct routes.  

    • Lwiddis's avatar
      Lwiddis
      Nomad II

      Can’t think of a small town where I didn’t stop. 

    • firstime_rver's avatar
      firstime_rver
      Explorer III

      We generally travel from 300 to 400 miles per day, depending on weather or traffic conditions or planned overnight stops. 

      Safe travels and all the best.