Against my better judgment, I'm pulling our 30' FW from LA to Dayton OH. We normally pull it on 2 hour round trips to the beach in/around California. So, how should I prepare for the trip? I welcome any and all insider tips and tricks!One specific question: are there any resources out there that provide a list of RV-friendly fuel stops?Thank you.

I use Gas Buddy to find nearby stations, but back it up with Google Earth to make sure I can get in and out. Track stops such as Pilot, TA Flying J and Loves are all easy to get in and out of, but the truck lanes are pretty disgusting. If you're using gasoline, you can avoid this issue. Most of the Pilot stations have a big lane for trailers.AllStays app for your phone will find almost anything RV related, but I found it difficult to follow the directions given by this app. MyPilot finds Pilot and Flying Js and Truck Smart locates TA centers.Co-Pilot GPS app for RVs lists truck stops in the points of interest menu. Supposedly, this app will also keep you off roads with low clearances, although I haven't tested this feature yet.TIP: You should put a description of your rig in your signature so we'll be able to answer better.

2 cell phone sites that we have used a lot: GasBuddy and iExit-both are excellent to find gas/diesel, restaurants, next exit coming up and what it has available to the traveler. We use diesel fuel and have found most pumps are easily accessible. Usually, before we leave the campground I will have filled the truck up locally than go back and hook-up the 5'vr. Also, you can map out your trip with Good Sam and their routing will show everything you would need. Have pulled our 5'vr to northern B.C. and to Florida from So. Ca. with no problems. Lars

I did use iExit this winter specifically for distance to the next rest stop and found a few issues with it.1. It only works on interstates.2. It doesn't know about some interstates.3. The database is old and is missing some rest stops.Allstays has the same info for all roads and is more up to date.

- I put an extra diesel fuel tank in the bed of my truck so I never have to fuel-up with my TH attached. - plan your route and watch for low bridges. If you're on the interstate or a US route you got no worries. I use a Motor Carrier (truckers) Atlas- call ahead for reservations. I never pull into a park without one. Sometimes the parks could be booked-up especially later in the day.- Don't fill your water tank. No need to carry the extra weight.- get rid of the Made In China tires if you have them, put on LT truck tires. I've been coast-to-coast lots of times with no tire issues.Basically, I don't do anything different for a 2,000 mile trip than I do for a 200 mile trip.One other thing, RVing should always be an adventure we look forward to. A cross-country trip should never be against one's better judgement.

Here's my setup: 29.8' Thor Jazz pulled with a 2001 F250 with the 7.3L diesel.

First Long Trip -- What are the "must dos" and "must haves"?

Pat___Karen
Explorer
May 07, 2016
We use "Next Exit" for fuel and food stops. It will tell you if the stop is big rig friendly.It's never failed us in 10 years. I always travel with some water. (About half tank). I like using my own bathroom and you never know when you will need water. (Over heating vehicle,ETC) Make sure your tires are properly filled on the Tow vehicle and trailer. Don't forget the spares. I also heard of people taking an extra spare for the trailer. I've never done that but it couldn't hurt if you have the room. Last but not least. Enjoy the journey. Stop along the way and see the sights. Have fun and safe travels.

Pat
Steeljag
Explorer
May 06, 2016
Anmacc2 wrote:
You must have patience, a sense of humor, and an understanding that over a long distance and a long period of time your attention is best focused on the quality of the journey and less so on the schedule and the destination. If every unplanned stop or traffic delay is a source of aggravation it won't be fun. Also, stop when you need to. Pushing on is stressful then aggravating then torture. Stop before you put yourself and/or everyone else through that. That's the best advice that this 40yr veteran who's been all across the USA and Canada can offer. Good luck and enjoy it! Make it the trip of a lifetime until the next one!

X 2 !

Slow down and enjoy the adventure !
2gypsies1
Explorer III
May 06, 2016
You mentioned 'LA' to OH so I first thought you meant Louisiana but I think you meant Los Angeles. If so, you'll be crossing some hot desert. Try to start out early morning or start out around 4pm and drive through some darkness if you can.

Other than that you shouldn't have any different issues with driving a long trip. You might not want to drive long days continuously. Stop and rest up an extra day. It really helps. Have a good trip!
catkins
Explorer II
May 06, 2016
I second using truck stops for fueling up. Pull in and pull out without any concerns for difficult route. Pilot and Loves both have phone apps to find the closest to you as well as will Iexit. You may wait a bit for a trucker to finish up and move out but your stress will be less.

You will do fine! Enjoy your travels.
Lantley
Nomad
May 06, 2016
Base your ETA on 50 mph. For guaranteed easy of access use truck stop to refuel if you have a diesel. Stop early enough in the day to get a camp site and relax for the evening.
If you must drive long days due to time constaints don't be afraid to wally Dock if necessary.
Eating in the RV is a lot cheaper than using restarants the entire trip.
guidry
Explorer
May 06, 2016
Tire pressure monitor system, keep an eye on the weather and take your time to enjoy the trip. Don't drive past about 4 pm so you can set up and unwind.
K_Charles
Explorer
May 06, 2016
One resource I use is the sign one the interstate that says "gas this exit". With a 33' TT and the Excursion we were about 52' long and could fit in most all stations on the interstate.

If it isn't a holiday you don't need reservations if you stop early.
We have been across the U.S. a few times and spend about 4 or 5 months an the road a year and have never made reservations. If you aren't going to a destination park during in the peak of the season you will be fine

Relax and have fun.
tenbear
Explorer
May 06, 2016
We start out with a general plan but we are prepared to change the plan as we learn about more things to see and do. We usually get underway sometime between 9 and 10 and plan to stop between 3 and 4. We only have reservations if we are going to an event and have to be in a specific place on a specific date.

Enjoy your trip.
Anmacc2
Explorer
May 06, 2016
You must have patience, a sense of humor, and an understanding that over a long distance and a long period of time your attention is best focused on the quality of the journey and less so on the schedule and the destination. If every unplanned stop or traffic delay is a source of aggravation it won't be fun. Also, stop when you need to. Pushing on is stressful then aggravating then torture. Stop before you put yourself and/or everyone else through that. That's the best advice that this 40yr veteran who's been all across the USA and Canada can offer. Good luck and enjoy it! Make it the trip of a lifetime until the next one!
CMunrock
Explorer
May 06, 2016
Here's my setup: 29.8' Thor Jazz pulled with a 2001 F250 with the 7.3L diesel.