In my opinion, there is no better way to travel with a family than in a motorhome. I doubt you will find many who have done so would say any different. The ones who say it isn't haven't tried it! :)
Our kids are generally on the iPads/Kindles/Gameboys/whatever when we are rolling, but if there is something to see, we make sure they stop and observe. Truth is, most superhighways don't have a lot of sights to see. On real long trips, I'll rig up the Wii U and they can all play together. It's a different world today then when I was a kid so I have no problem using the tools (and toys) available now. (Heck, we used to play a game called "My Dog". Every time you saw a dog you shouted out "My Dog" and we'd keep a tally. Between super-highways and leash laws, the scores wouldn't be too high now-a-days! :) )
One MAJOR advantage of traveling in a motorhome versus a trailer/fiver (aside from being crammed into a truck!) is when you come upon construction/traffic jam/accident/etc. and traffic crawls to a stop. In the motorhome you can capitalize on this and use the time for refreshments, meals, potty breaks, etc. If someone needs the potty, it's there. No pressure of trying to get to the exit/rest stop before an "oops" moment occurs. Then, when the traffic starts moving again, you just keep right on rolling along while most others are heading for the nearest restroom. And these days, traffic tie-ups happen WAY MORE than they used to, or at least it seems so.
TriumphGuy wrote:
I've wondered about going down the road in a MH with everyone still in bed.
When we want to get an early start, I have the rig all ready to go the night before and the kids go to sleep in the motorhome. On one trip to Niagara Falls, we left the house about 4:00 am and the kids didn't start waking up until 8:00 a.m.. For them, it was only about a 2 hour trip!
When we travel at night or leave early in the morning, the kids sleep in our bed in the back of the rig. I installed removable seat belts which go across the bed so that should I have to stomp on the brakes, the kids won't go rolling off the bed. (As humorous as that image might be, I know the reality would be much worse. :) ) Then when I need a rest, I pull over and just sack out on one of the sofas up front for a few hours.
TriumphGuy wrote:
Drifting off the original subject but any resources / tips for successful wally docking?
Find one which allows overnight parking, or just use a rest area along the highway. Super-Walmarts and other stores open 24 hours are another option. Who knows if you're spending the night or shopping? The problem is many newer shopping centers are designed to hinder large rigs from entering. An internet connection and GoogleMaps can often help you see if there is good access. Apps for your phone/tablet such as iExit and AroundMe are also helpful. Having internet access while rolling will also allow you to use the "Store Locator" for Walmart and call ahead to make sure that overnight parking is allowed. I usually go inside to verify this with someone in the store once we arrive. If they say "OK", I usually pick up breakfast items and any other supplies we might need. I usually drop at least $30+ in their store in exchange for the overnight.
Good Luck,
~Rick
