Encouragement, Thoughts? Newbie is scared!

Nicco,
Go for it! This sounds like a great trip for all of you. You have nothing to worry about. Here are my suggestions to help make your RV trip pleasurable and memorable.
1. Rent a class C motor home from a reputable dealer. Have it throughly mechanically checked out especially make sure the tires are in xlt. shape. Take the Class C to your local trusted Tire store and have them check the tires.
2. With your husband, take the RV home and plug everything in, i.e.. elec. shore cord, shore water hose. Then go through the whole RV and turn every electrical appliance, device on to make sure they all work. Make sure the RV dealer fills the propane tanks before you leave. Turn everything on that runs on propane, i.e.. heater, refrig., stove. Make the dealer shows you how to light the pilot light on. Make sure you know how to turn everything on and off.
3. Buy a Emergency Roadside Service plan, i.e.. Good Sam Platinum plan. This ERS plan will take care of any situation you run into on your trip, i.e.. flat tires, mechanical breakdowns or towing. If you have a break down you just have to use your cell phone and get ERS. they will also tow your rig to the nearest RV service center who can fix the problem.:):) For additional security and peace of mind, you can buy Good Sam's "Travel assist" plan. If you are unable to complete the trip because of medical problems, Good Sam will arrange to have your RV driven back to your home:)
Bottom line, "Relax and enjoy the RV trip" and let Good Sam take care of any mechanical problems you might encounter:):):)
4. Check to make sure your own insurance covers the RV and ask if there are any exceptions. If not, then check with Good Sam for insurance or ask the dealer what he can offer but compare prices between Good Sam and the dealers insurance.
5. Take a map and plot out your trip into 4 to 5 hrs. per day driving. Locate a RV park and make reservations for the whole trip. Go to the application "Good Sam RV parks" to locate RV parks or just buy the Good Sam RV Travel Guide book which list all the rV parks. Try to end each day of driving by appox. 3:00PM. Trying to park and set a RV rig in the dark is not fun.
6. Now you have taken care of all possible RV issues to worry about------So jump in the RV and have a great trip:):) Let us know what you end up doing.

It looks like CA includes additional insurance and breakdown assistance. You might check with your insurance agent to see if it is adequate.

Cruise America FAQ

I think the biggest mistake folks make when just starting out with an RV is trying to drive it like a car. Just slow down, leave a nice buffer between you and the car in front of you, and take turns just a little wider than you would in a car. Apply your brakes a little sooner than you would with a car. I'll bet that within 20-30 miles, you will be quite comfortable with driving the unit.

When you get to some of those mountain grades, take your time going uphill, and use the gear shift lever to downshift when headed down.

You'll be confident, fine and have a great time.

The only thing you should be worried about is that you will become totaly addicted and want to sell your house and go full time!!

JUST DO TI!!!! I use to think like that and missed out of a lot of fun. Can't get that time back. Do it while the kids still like to go with you on trips. Don't be in a rush, have fun with the locals.
You'll get hooked...that's when there's a problem....which RV to purchase......a good problem.

Happy Camping, bye Dennis

Not a discouragement, but something to think about...

Have you priced the Class C yet? (don't forget to add mileage if it's more than the contract allows) Now add the price of fuel at 8 mpg. Are you prepared for those expenses?

If so, you may consider possibly purchasing a tow behind. (assumsing you have a vehicle that you can tow it with) This would allow you to get comfortable using the RV before you take the BIG trip, and when you return home you can always sell the trailer. (assuming you haven't become hooked by then, lol) This would give you a vehicle for sight seeing and other running where you may not want to take a Class C.

Either way, I say go for it. Good or bad it will be a family bonding experience that you will remember for the rest of your lives.


Doug

The part of your trip that concerns me is that you plan to FLY home. Pert of the beauty of an RV is being able to bring everything you could ever need, along with you...LOL! Does Cruise American supply linens and towels? Or do you have to bring all your own bedding? If so, then you might be just as well off by renting a van and tenting it - and shipping all your gear home. Of course, you're going to want to beat me to death the first time you are laying in a tent in a thunderstorm....

That being said - I (Deb) drive our 28' Class C (a popular size for rentals) all over. The most important thing to remember is the "swing": if you have to make a sharp right turn, for example, the left rear corner will swing out WIDER than the point where you started the turn. Otherwise, it's like driving a large cargo van: you can't really see out the sides behind the "B" pillar and probably can't see out the back window. You learn to monitor your mirrors a lot; and just do everything slowly and smoothly. If you have to back up - send one of the kids to guide you and watch out for obstacles (especially overhead ones). What you will gain by camping?? Staying in amazing places! They don't build hotels along the banks of a babbling brook or next to a beaver pond..

The only thing that should concern you is the cost. To rent an RV, drive across the country (and a one-way rental to boot!) is going to cost you dearly! If the cost doesn't scare you off, you should absolutely go for it!

Your off to a good start! You found this place, tons and tons of info. Do searches on everything you can think of. Ask questions about items you want to learn about on here, I've learned alot from the people on this site. Certainly do the weekend/week long trip. Every trip is experience to be gained! Good Luck!

Oh do it! If you are not afraid of driving just take your time and enjoy. Lot's of the planning advise in previous posts is excellent and I recommend good planning, but if you can drive a car you can drive a small motorhome. Enjoy before your kids are embarrassed to be within 50' of you.