Where to stay?

As you are new to the world of RVs, there are a LOT of things that you are going to find out. In this case, as RV, even one that seems like just a big van, is NOT just a bigger car or van. Your driving style needs to get over the fact that you have probably been driving a car all your life. We see too many sad happenings where someone gets in a van, loaded with heavy stuff or people, and then finds out that it doesn't handle like a light high powered car. Eight to ten hours driving in a car is bad, but people do it all the time. In an RV, plan on a lot less, slow down, and enjoy the trip. Don't push the RV, or more important, yourself. The abbreviation stands for Recreation Vehicle. Use it that way, and enjoy. A class B RV can be a wonderful way to travel, especially if you don't want or need the features of a bigger RV.

If you need A/C, the battery bank isn't going to run that, period. You will need to either run a generator or head for hookups if you want that. A 12 volt fan is a lot more doable, provided the weather isn't too hot/sticky.

Running a generator, you are likely going to be using 0.4 gallons of gasoline an hour, assuming half load. Eight hours, that is 3.2 gallons, and at $3.50 a gallon, that is $11.2. This is worse with a diesel rig and a LP gas generator, as the LP gas generator will guzzle the same amount, but you have a far smaller tank. After 12 hours, it might be far better to go hunt for a CG. If gas costs more in your neck of the woods, then finding a CG becomes a better bet.

As for apps, I use both Parky's app and Allstay's. Both are good, and each has places the other doesn't.

As for Wal-marts, I don't mind parking at them for a couple hours of shut-eye, but in the summer, I much rather either head to hookups (making the generator issue completely moot) or see about boondocking at a ranch or private property so the generator noise running overnight isn't going to cause problems.

Traveling year round, I've stayed overnight at many box stores, restaurants, truck stops, etc. with permission. But, with the heat and humidity, I feel reasonably sure you're going to want a/c in the south during the summer. With the price of fuel to run a generator, it's almost as cheap to stay in a government park with electric hook-up. This website may be helpful in locating those parks along the way.

Congratulations on the new grandchild! And your Roadtrek.

If you have a smartphone or iPad, get an Allstays app. You'll be able to see all the nearby possibile camping options. Just type in the town where you may want to stop. It shows Walmarts, too.

We've only stayed in actual campsites ...where we usually have electric hookups, whether in publc parks or private. Your RV may be different, but ours does not run the AC from the batteries...you either have to plug into electricity at a campground or run your generator, if you have one. I would not want to run the generator overnight and some places do not allow it beyond specified hours anyway.

Of course, it may be cool late in the evening, and we have used a 12-volt fan in no-hookup situations like Arches National Park (113 degrees.)

National Forests and Corps of Engineers have some very low priced campgrounds, but we mostly go to state and national parks.

At Walmart or Cracker Barrel, I've read on this forum that you should check on arrival with the manager and also remember to patronize the place. Buy something or eat there.

I was hoping the battery in the back of the van would keep us cool all night??? I think I have a lot to learn.

Thanks naturist. I'm used to getting as many hours as possible in one day. You are right. We do need to slow down and enjoy.

We are going next week from Raleigh, NC to NE Wisconsin to meet our new granddaughter, who is 3 weeks old.

Thanks so much for your response.

you planning on spending two nights without air conditioning?
bumpy

Some Walmarts, some Cracker Barrels, some Camping Worlds, some Bass Pro Shops, etc. do allow travelers to stay overnight on that basis, but you have to call ahead because some municipalities forbid it. Some rest areas and some truck stops, ditto, although the latter two are often somewhat noisy.

Whether a given stop is safe or not is another issue. Some are, some not so much. I'm sure others who use them will weigh in on this discussion, but you will need to develop a bit of street sense about it, and if it doesn't look safe, find another place.

I'd like to suggest yet another alternative, that being county, state, and national parks, which often have no-frills campgrounds that are pretty cheap, usually in the $15 to $20 price range. These are usually pretty safe, and some are only a couple miles off the interstate.

If you know your likely route, folks on here might have to suggestions of particular places.

One other thing: having an RV encourages folks to slow down a bit and enjoy the journey. If this planned trip calls for two hard days' travel, you might be able to change that into three easy days and make it a fun jaunt instead of a forced march. This also opens up the range of stopover places quite a bit, believe it or not.