You might want to check with whomever you're renting from, what to do if there's problems with the motorhome? A brand new unit is un-tested and hopefully whatever goes wrong will be minor enough that you can ignore it until you turn it in. But, if not, who do you call?
See if they'll start the refer for you a day before you get there. It takes a while for them to cool down. The cold travels from the freezer (on top) to the bottom of the refer. It doesn't have cooling coils down the side and back like a household refer, so don't pack it so tight that the cold can't travel downwards.
Make sure they give you a good walk around to explain everything. And both of you should participate because there will be a lot to absorb and each of you will forget parts of what you're told.
NO, don't cook going down the road. If the (new) driver taps the brakes there goes the hot food all over the place and it may land on you or one of the kids. Nothing like spending the vacation in a burn hospital..... You can reheat solids in the microwave if the generator is running, but don't do liquids.
Use paper plates and plastic silver wear.
Use the gas buddy app on your phone to save on fuel costs.
Travel time will definitely be longer than what Google says. The kids are going to need to get out and run around some. And the driver will need rest breaks, especially if they're nervous to start with. There's an app called Rest Stops for breaks. Get the mirrors adjusted correctly.
Who do you call if you get a flat? Is there a spare and can you change it yourself? Take an air gauge to check the tire pressure - make sure the pressure is right before you take off. Check them at least once a day. If you get a flat on one of the rear duals and you don't catch it, it will cause all sorts of expensive damage when the tread comes off of the tire. There's lots of electrical lines, water lines and holding tanks near the rear wheels that are usually damaged if the tread comes off of the tire.
Find out if the refer runs off of three way power - 12 volt, 110 volt and propane. The important thing is to know if it will switch between propane and 110 volt automatically when you go from driving down the road on propane to plugging it in at an RV park.
Often the AC and the furnace run off of the same thermostat - make sure they show you how to operate it.
The hot water heater will run on propane and 110 volts. Usually if it's hot in the morning when you leave, it will stay at least warm enough to wash hands and faces all day. If it doesn't you can run it on propane while driving. If the main body of the MH gets too hot, you can run the generator and therefore run the roof air conditioner also while driving.
If you're going to travel with eight bags, make some of them duffle bags so they will fold up and use less space in the MH. Check if they'll provide hangers in the closet or if you have to take them.
As for bedding, you might consider only taking some sheets and then buying some cheap sleeping bags at Wal-Mart in Chicago.
Take a good map or road atlas with you, I'd also take a GPS. A lot of people like the GPS on their phones. I can't stand them because they're too small for me. Know how to use whatever you're taking.
And the most important thing - since it's a new RV, make sure they give you a sewer hose and show you how to use the valves. Remember, empty the black tank first, then the gray tank so that the gray water flushes the sewage out of the line. And a water hose.
Have fun.
Bill
