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holstein13's avatar
holstein13
Explorer
Dec 05, 2014

Taking off while the other occupants sleep

I'm an early riser and my family is not. In the past, our travel days would consist of me waking up between 6:00 and 6:30 and waiting for the family to arise at 8:30. Then we would have breakfast, pack up the motorhome, hook up the toad, etc. and finally get going between 10:15 and 10:30.

Recently, I tried something new. The day before we left from San Antonio, I hooked up the toad in our pull through spot, and I pulled in two of our four slides. I emptied the tanks, disconnected the water and sewer and made sure most of the coach was ready for travel before we went to bed.

At 5:15 in the morning, I couldn't sleep and woke up and checked on the toad, disconnected the electric, pulled in the remaining slides, retracted the jacks and took off at a leisurely pace. Since there was no traffic at 5:45, I easily cruised through downtown San Antonio on our way to the next destination. We arrived at the next stop early in the afternoon with my family well rested and ready to go. I, on the other hand, was a bit tired from getting up earlier than I normally do and being stressed driving in the dark and fog for 7 hours.

So here's my question. Is this really such a great idea? Obviously there are safety concerns with occupants sleeping while traveling, then there is the concern I have about taking off in the dark and finally, what if I miss something in my solo attempt to prepare for the trip? Anyone have any suggestions to offer to make this easier, safer, or less stressful?
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  • Nutinelse2do's avatar
    Nutinelse2do
    Explorer
    Dec 05, 2014
    For us, it's just me and DH. No children, so I may have a little different perspective.
    I have driven while DH was in the back sleeping, and visa versa. As long as you are diligent with your break down routine, I don't see a problem.
    That's the beauty of an RV. Getting up, stretching, making a sandwich, using the bathroom, sleeping, switching drivers, all while in transit.
    As kids, we survived many a family vacaction sitting in the back of a station wagon, with no seat belt. We rode bikes with no helmet, houses with no child proofing, and actually lived to tell about it.
    JMO
  • just_me's avatar
    just_me
    Explorer
    Dec 05, 2014
    One thing to ponder, and a "what If", If you had an on board fire start while traveling down the road, everyone asleep but you, could you get stopped and everyone out of the rig in time, before they were over come with smoke or death? There have been reports of Motor homes burning to the ground in less than 5 minutes. Something to think about.
  • jfkmk's avatar
    jfkmk
    Explorer
    Dec 05, 2014
    Most, if not all, states have seatbelt laws for a good reason. If you got into a crash and one or more of your family members were injured because they were sleeping in bed instead of properly wearing their seatbelt, would you think the extra couple of hours on the road were worth it?
  • SkiingSixPack's avatar
    SkiingSixPack
    Explorer
    Dec 05, 2014
    Here we are traveling from Park City RV Park to the Park City ski resort. Our then 6 year old snug and sleeping while I drove up to the parking lot. Got a great spot and he was a little more rested. It is a good way to travel...

  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Dec 05, 2014
    holstein13 wrote:

    So here's my question. Is this really such a great idea? Obviously there are safety concerns with occupants sleeping while traveling, then there is the concern I have about taking off in the dark and finally, what if I miss something in my solo attempt to prepare for the trip? Anyone have any suggestions to offer to make this easier, safer, or less stressful?

    All of the above are legitimate concerns. When we are RVing/camping we are on a very leisurely schedule and pace.

    Not to be glib, but to answer your question on how to be safer and less stressful, slow down and leave later.

    Then there is always the controversy about bothering your neighbors and quiet hours...
  • DiskDoctr's avatar
    DiskDoctr
    Explorer
    Dec 05, 2014
    Sounds like you found a good way to take advantage of your family's different sleeping habits, AND offer a very kind gesture to your family for their comfort.

    Unless they get up cranky and frustrated with the early move, it sounds like you found a good routine.

    Kudos to you for going the extra mile (literally!)
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Dec 05, 2014
    If you use a WRITTEN checklist, there is no problem doing a solo pre-trip inspection. I prefer to do it that way.
    As far as leaving early, both the DW and I are both early risers and it is not unusual for us to leave the RV park before sunrise. Since my current coach is a gasser, I do not worry about my noise disturbing others and we just idle out of the park and on to the highways. As you found out, traffic in the major cities will be less and it means less stress on you.
    I do not think it is a good idea to travel with anyone still in their bunk. Just discuss this with them the night before and have them up and belted in for the early trip. After a few YEARS of this routine, your passengers will get used to it.

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