catkins wrote:
Just to be certain, you cannot ride in a trailer while it is being towed. Also, when using an RV you will often have to follow truck speed limits (55-60mph most often) and will slow down some going up and down big hills/mountain passes. When going down passes and large hills NEVER ride the brake!! Gear down and brake hard occasionally to slow down. Slow = safe.
TV options, likely only over air or cable TV in some parks. Netflix and Hulu require you to have a subscription and a smart TV with internet access.
Your adventure sounds wonderful but I too would think less miles rather than more. Being overly tired and pressed for time is a vacation killer. With little ones, you will need to take breaks from the road. Popular NAtional Parks can be VERY busy in peak tourist months, causing the need for more time to see them and to drive to them.
Parking along the roads/highways is not allowed often. There is some boondocking(parking with out services) on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land out west but only in specified areas. Some find lots of boondocking sites but if getting from point to point is your goal, may not be reasonable to search them out often. Walmart stores have allowed overnighting at some but mnay are now saying NO to abuse or local laws.
I wish you luck with your planning. Sounds like an amazing adventure. Keep reading and asking questions - start a new thread of inquiry here that is very specific will get you the best answers! Good luck!
Again, thank you for the precious advice.
1. Re downhill: low gear - I am 54 and I learned to drive when brakes were not today's stopping marvels. Nevertheless, low gear : check! Added to the list.
2. Is it not customary to rent RVs with TV that can stream Netflix, etc.? Is it an add on option? We have Italian accounts but I doubt that they would work in the US...
3. Planning on taking it slowly: 2 weeks = 2 Parks. We want to rent mountain bikes or quads to move around the area and "consacrate" (as one forum member put it) time to one location. Maybe good advice would be on which Parks offer more things to do around them:
3/a. Rafting
3/b. Pic nics with BBQ fire allowed
3/c. Canoeing
3/d. Fishing
3/e. Trekking on mouuntain bike
3/f. Nearby attractions (Alamo style battle sites or american traditional landmarks
3/g. swimming (if we choose August - but doubtful as not enough time to plan Visa, renatals, flights, etc.)
3/h.
please advise and recommend ideas4. Parking/sleeping: yes, we need to plan that but we want to reach our destination and stay there, rather than hop to different locations
5. Trailer/riding in it: this kills tha trailer option as a big part of the fun/imagination of an RV is that the families can enjoy TV and other comforts during the long transfer hauls
6.
We plan to choose one or two spots and stay there for 4 to 5 days. Bed early (children at 7:30pm and adults around 10 after film on TV), up early. We look for a location that will allow to settle rather than drive.
Driving is a means to reach an enjoyable location, not the objective. The less we drive, the better.
Can you recommend mountain bikes rentals nearby the RV rentals in LAX (we will land there)?
Check list:
-------------------------
1. Check for hidden costs as cleaning fees, full tank fees, mileage, etc.
2. Remember to buy provisions before starting.
3. Remember snacks for little ones (we may not be able to stop when they are hungry).
4. Consider renting a car nearby or consider renting mountain bikes?
5. We should not go on US holidays: higher prices, lesser choice.
6. Ask for TV with Netflix/Hulu?Vudu
7. Class A rides nicer than C
8. Pots & pans, utensils, flat ware, bowls, etc.
9 How do we launder clothes? Camps have these facilities. Remember to plan for it
10. Grilling equipment
11. Ask for an RV with rack for bicycles
12. Plan for sleeping/parking (RVParky+AllstaysApp+ParkadvisorApp)
13. Check driving license requirements (https://www.motorhome-usa.com/driver-license-rv-rental-usa)
14. Downhill: use the driving cautions of my age (low gear, not brakes)
