WOW I am surprised with those who are naysayers to the trip. I hope I am not being unrealistic with thinking they will enjoy this trip. I shudder to think I will encourage someone to do something that is dangerous or even high risk. My first trip in my brand new TT was Orlando. I learned a lot and wouldn't repeat some things that I did but after reading on here about others I made my own plans and made it. I learned from here, trial and error and observing others mistakes. At least in the OP case they are asking BEFORE they make the trip.
I have rented MH and believe they made the best deal. I have rented locally from Camping World and drove to FL and flew to FL and rented from El Monte and both of their best deals are relocator deals where you move the MH for them and a much lower price. IF we counted pennies instead of the life long memories how could anyone justify the use of a motorhome (unless full-timers)? Hell if we counted pennies how could we justify many purchases?
I have made the trip to FL in 1 day and in 3 days and either way my kids saw and experienced something they never did. For those saying that it is dangerous probably never slept in the back of a tight station wagon while their parents drove there in a day as a kid (I did). A child riding in a comfortable, open motorhome (with seat belts) is having a much better and safer experience than I did but hey that is my own perspective.
Food breaks we would do fast food or I pull into a truck stop (or rest area) and pull out the slide and cook a quick meal while we relaxed and stretched and everyone got out and walked around some. For breakfast we had ready made frozen waffles/pancakes, frozen already cooked sausage and eggs/toast. I could whip that meal up almost as fast waiting in a long fast food line.
You don't need a toad with a 31' MH for a week trip. I drove it around to sight see and parked in parking lots much easier than I could with my travel trailer. I drove to Miami and parked on the main street next to the beach and walked around no problems. I can recall even backing into a McDonalds parking spot. I would just say when driving the MH be mindful and careful of the overhang in front up top, the overhang on the rear that will pivot the opposite way when turning and realize that this vehicle is much longer. Having someone step out and give you signals and watching will help if you are uncomfortable. Or just park way out were there is open space and don't worry about the above. Learn to use and appreciate the side view mirrors they are your new eyes to the road.
The mountains (or hills to those Westerners) I drove through the first time didn't notice them because it was dark. On the way back in daylight my wife was alarmed to see how high we were but the cliffs only matter if you plan on going off the road. When we drive over bridges do we think about swimming in the water below? Don't get me wrong negotiating the grade takes extra effort enough that I can see avoiding them (I did once for fuel considerations) but it is a simple reroute that adds some time to your trip but not much.
I hope that I am giving good advice to the OP but I think that with careful planning, some practice (driving) and making good decisions that this trip will be something great. If anything doesn't seem right just stop and rethink. If it is windy or a bad storm park the MH at a nice spot and wait it out. Don't push things into danger and don't worry about deadlines, my saying is I get there when I get there LOL!
