Forum Discussion

Explorer

May 08, 2015

Avg length of travel? Not really a tow'd question

Couple questions for the full timer class A folks. I'm starting to see the reality of retirement and hopefully full timing. I have no type of RV yet and we have a new minivan. So when considering a class A, it would probably be a gasser due to cost and likely be financed (I simply do not have, or will have $100K cash). But I can afford the payments and still have a good budget for the adventure. But since I will have a payment on that, I sort of wanted to see if I can go without buying a car to tow.
So here is an idea of mine (they are not always very good). I was thinking one of us could drive the minivan and one will drive the RV. I realize this takes away from the whole co-pilot help/conversation thing, but a little separation may not be so bad.;) My question is, how far do you drive from place to place? 6 hrs? 8 hrs? I don't plan on camping in Fl, then Ma, then La, then Ohio. I was thinking a more orderly path and not bounce around.
Has anyone considered the separate vehicle option. The minivan is really nice around town and will only have about 50K on it when we start.
Did I make sense? Thanks for any input!!

Class A

23 Replies

Executive45
Explorer III
May 08, 2015
We are in our sixth year full timing and like Old Biscuit above, we do pretty much the same. We average about 20,000 miles a year. Driving two vehicles will get old quickly. Also, the added cost of driving that second vehicle will far outweigh what you'd pay for a decent car to tow, to say nothing of the extra wear and tear on the driver....sell the mini and get a toad...Dennis
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
May 08, 2015
We full timed for 7 yrs.

We traveled weekly.....sometimes every 2 weeks from one location to another.

Majority of travel days were 200-250 miles.

Leave at 10AM and then setting up in new location by 3PM--------15/20 min potty breaks plus stopping for lunch.

Separate vehicles would get old..........due to the 'single driver' aspect.
We hit the road to do it together.

Have you checked as to 'towability' of your minivan-----even with dolly etc.

Check at REMCO.COM about your particular make/model
1BryNelson
Explorer
May 08, 2015
If $ are a concern than the dual driving will work. A couple of radios and headssts would be a good investment for communication. I never travel more than 6 hrs in a day, I don't like setting up in the dark and at 37ft I like to know exactly where I'm going. You could also consider a tow dolly like I use. I have a very basic one, no brakes or anything, works great.
Hope this helps.