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ricskinner's avatar
ricskinner
Explorer
Oct 05, 2014

First Long Trip for Newbie RVers

This week we'll be picking up our first 2011 Ford F150 extended cab truck and 2011 Coachman 24RBS travel trailer and starting a new and somewhat scarey retirement venture. We're planning to travel from MA to LA and return in first half of November. Any suggestions, tips, warnings, etc. will be most greatly appreciated. We're using the Good Sam Trip Planner and think we can cover the 1500+ miles in 5-6 days, averaging 250-300 miles per day.

10 Replies

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  • pitch's avatar
    pitch
    Explorer II
    Oct 07, 2014
    I think that it is a bit of an ambitious plan. That being said you will survive and learn.
    I hope you have some experience towing a trailer, it can be intimidating at first.
    You will have a great time,even if things do go wrong, remember sometimes the difference between adventure and disaster is attitude!
  • ricskinner's avatar
    ricskinner
    Explorer
    Oct 07, 2014
    We really appreciate all the great tips. Looks like we'll find some really helpful new RVing friends as we pursue this new venture. There's one thing that's a bit of a concern for us. Since we've never had a truck and camper before, and even after a few nights "orientation" at a couple local campgrounds, do you think we're overestimating our capabilities by trying to take a 1500 mile trip from MA to LA in November?
  • Matt_Colie's avatar
    Matt_Colie
    Explorer II
    Oct 06, 2014
    Three Things....

    As has been said above, Camp the first night in your own driveway.

    Every time you are above to fire up and travel, Do a complete walk around. (Check everything you can.)

    Get a copy of Street Atlas with the GPS, and an inverter (tiny) to run it in the cab. The big screen is easy on old eyes and when you learn to use it, it can tell you where to start looking for gas.

    Matt
  • Matt_Colie's avatar
    Matt_Colie
    Explorer II
    Oct 06, 2014
    Three Things....

    As has been said above, Camp the first night in your own driveway.

    Every time you are above to fire up and travel, Do a complete walk around. (Check everything you can.)

    Get a copy of Street Atlas with the GPS, and an inverter (tiny) to run it in the cab. The big screen is easy on old eyes and when you learn to use it, it can tell you where to start looking for gas.

    Matt
  • packpe89's avatar
    packpe89
    Explorer
    Oct 06, 2014
    Agree with soos, take the back roads and enjoy the trip. With the amount of time you have, I would travel a little slower. When we went across country, we tried to limit to 4 hours of travel a day. Get up, eat, pack up and leave, maybe stop at a welcome center for lunch and arrive at the next stop early enough to enjoy sites at wherever you are. I'd plan a couple of 2+ day stops at locations with lots to do.

    Best of Luck
  • soos's avatar
    soos
    Explorer II
    Oct 06, 2014
    Tips?
    stay south until spring.
    Just kidding, go slow and stop to smell the roses.
    take more back roads, fewer interstates.


    Sue
  • sdianel_-acct_c's avatar
    sdianel_-acct_c
    Explorer
    Oct 06, 2014
    just avoid Washington DC!!
    once you have our route nailed down, let us know and we can help with campgrounds.
  • rv2go's avatar
    rv2go
    Explorer II
    Oct 05, 2014
    Wishing you a pleasant and safe trip.
    Do you have plans for campgrounds in LA?
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Oct 05, 2014
    Tips?
    I like to use Roadside America when traveling.

    For quick overnight stops or a rest break:
    Free Campgrounds

    Free Campsites

    Casino Camper

    Check your tire pressure before leaving in the morning.

    I agree with CloudDriver. Spend a few nights in your driveway/yard or local CG, if possible, before you start the trip.

    Stop and see whatever interests you along the way.

    Enjoy your travels.
  • CloudDriver's avatar
    CloudDriver
    Explorer
    Oct 05, 2014
    Do some driveway or local camping before your trip to catch problems before you are hundreds of miles from home.

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