Bought first ever TT 1 year ago and have logged 1800 miles and 25 nights, all in the relative "flatlands" of Al, TN, and NC. Longest round trip 550 miles and 7 days. Using a new 5.7L Tundra with tow package, Forest river Cherokee 264 TT (31 feet, 7600 lbs), and Equalizer hitch. We are 2 months away from a 4,000 mile/28 day trip from Al to Utah and back. Being an engineer, OCD, closet survivalist, and resident conspiracy expert, I have endless spreadsheets planning every aspect of the trip. I'm down to 3 issues that I've found lots of discussion on but no real answers:1. This is mostly plains and desert travel and I anticipate winds will be a concern, but how much is too much wind? At what speed of sustained wind and gusts should I pull over and wait it out? What's the rule of thumb?2. I live at 550 feet above sea level and have never pulled above 1,800 feet. Easily half the miles of this trip will be above 5,000 and some at 7,500 feet. Will the truck engine computer compensate for the altitude, or will I truly have top-end power loss? (I asked Toyota corporate and got a non-answer). And if it really happens, will it be a major problem? 3. I've been told to shoot for 300 miles / day of travel. That seems short, but of course we have to put up/take down the trailer each night/morning and with a gasser there will be lots of gas stops, although at my age the gas tank is roughly in sync with the bladder.Any guidance on these issues based on your experience would be appreciated.

We've had a similar setup (same truck, similar-size/weight TT) for the last 6 years and did a lot of long trips with it, including in the mountains. Never had a problem towing in them; the truck could pull uphill all day. Yes, we went a bit slower uphill, but once it downshifted, we often found our speed increasing as we went up. :) Someone once described the Tundra as "more engine than truck," and I tend to agree. Disclaimer: we have not yet towed in Colorado, but I don't think I'd anticipate much of a problem. We certainly didn't notice any big loss of power between 650 feet (our old resident altitude) and 8000 feet (interior Yellowstone). As for winds, I don't know that there's a rule of thumb, but I'd go with my gut instinct (and usually have.) We have traveled in 35 mph headwinds (not pleasant and definitely requires more frequent gas stops) and crosswinds (distinctly unpleasant and disconcerting.) We drew the line at 35 mph sustained/50+ mph gusts one day, especially since they would have hit us broadside, and just spent an extra day in the CG where we were. No regrets about it. Distance per day also relates to your comfort level. We tend to like arriving in camp well before suppertime (the primary driver being the same as the cook supports this choice) so we aim for 200-250 miles a day, with 350 being absolute max. After 6 hours, my leg is ready for a rest!

1. Wind really isn't an issue unless it is really high. We have often traveled in 30-40 mph winds with no issue. Only problem is when it is a headwind--that will sure cut your MPG. I figure if you are going 60 on a two lane road and a semi passes you going the other way at 70--that's a lot of gust and is no big deal.2. We have often topped 10,000-12,000 ft in the Rockies and our truck has always done just fine. I'm sure there is a drop in efficiency but I could never feel it.3. The whole reason, for me, in RVing is enjoying the trip. 300 miles in a day is often too much. There is nothing like getting up in the morning, taking your time over a cup of joe, traveling a couple hours, taking a break, traveling a couple more hours, then stopping and setting up camp. Have a beer, read a book, enjoy the scenery, take a hike...that's what it is all about. RVing is all about the trip, not the destination. That's also why, when we travel, we often take the back roads and by-ways. Enjoy the trip!

It's good to worry. The more you worry, the less chance it will go wrong. :)Now the questions1) winds -- be like a bird and wing it. You'll know when the winds get too high. And it's always possible for a gust of wind to catch you off guard.2) altitude -- the only time I had a problem was on a motorcycle. Went from 900' (home) to 10,000' (mountain pass) and the bike didn't want to run too well up that high. Your Toyota should be fine, trust their engineers.3) miles -- 300 miles is a nice figure to shoot/plan for. Slow down and enjoy the trip. (300 miles is about one tank for me.)

1. Pull over when you feel the winds have compromised your safety. You'll know when.2. I've pulled through the mountains of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. New trucks are amazing. Never had an issue. Don't expect you will either.3. Can TOTALLY relate to the bladder/gas tank comparison. 300 is a fine rule-of-thumb. Give yourself the freedom to do more or less depending on your day, weather, how you feel, or any other variable. OCD wants to plan it out ahead of time but sometimes you just have to force yourself to live in the moment and make decisions as you go. Have fun! :)

1) High wind warnings are issued at 45 mph. High profile vehicles are recommended to pull off.2) Non-turbo gas engine looses roughly 4% of power per 1000' of elevation so at 10,000' you've lost 40% of engine power. Just means you will be going slower, gear down/rev up. It is what it is.3) We travel 250 miles per day.......but we are retired, have no destination plans. We just go.Don't get into analysis/paralysis. It's a FUN trip. Enjoy it! Be adventurous!

Long trip issues for Newbie | Good Sam Community

oughtsix
Explorer
Apr 01, 2014
ExxWhy wrote:
The computer will compensate for the altitude in that the truck will still run right. (not too rich) It can't compensate for the loss of power that comes with less air to burn, though I have always had enough to get me over the hill.

Spot on! Conventional carbureted engines run progressively richer the higher they get in altitude. A fuel injected engine constantly adjusts the amount of fuel to the amount of air the engine is taking in based on what the oxygen sensor is telling the engine control unit about the burnt air and fuel. So a fuel injected engine should pretty much always stay close to the ideal air to fuel mixture of 14.7 to 1.

The higher you get the less power you will get at WOT (wide open throttle {foot on the floor}). There is just less air the engine can suck in. But you are going to be way better than the old carburated days of having less air but the same amount of fuel causing the engine to run very rich and loose power at a much higher rate.
2littletime
Explorer
Apr 01, 2014
Now, if I were traveling I 10 from a Az. to Tx. I might have a fuel can in the bed. Stations are few and far between.
EcoBullet
Explorer
Mar 31, 2014
Great thread! I have browsed through it several times as it hits pretty close to home.

I retired January 3 of this year and we promptly took a 23 day trip to south Florida. I had prior reservations made every night except the last 2, on the way home through Louisiana. I learned that 340 miles is fine on the Interstate, but too danged far on 2 lane roads with traffic, and that 30 mph crosswinds with a long trailer are no fun. Upon return, we traded for a trailer that is 7 feet shorter, since the grandkids aren't living with us anymore and the quad bunks in back are now wasted space.

I'm planning a 3-4 week trip to southern Colorado for July. I am having a hard time letting go of making advance reservations the whole way, but I would like some flexibility. Next year, I hope to go up to the Yukon through Alberta and back down through British Columbia, and I sure don't want to make reservations for that whole trip. I'm planning to buy a pair of Honda 2000 generators prior to that one so camping off the grid would be more pleasant. I'm thinking maybe I should just go ahead and buy them now, before Colorado, to give me a little more independent attitude. What do you folks think?
Newbienac
Explorer
Mar 31, 2014
thanks for saying that about "more gas stations than you think".. My poor Toyota holds maybe ten gallons, period, and if I do the math, I won't even come close to much of nothing out west without having to stop almost every other hour. I'm getting excited -- I think...

Newbienac Beth
sgrizzle
Explorer
Mar 31, 2014
Being a relative rookie, our last two years, we have traveled b/n 3500-4000 mile trips, but in a little less than 2 wks. Unless there was a specific destination before the main one, we traveled pretty hard. To a fellow planner....
1. Traveling thru the west....never pass a gas station that is "easy" to pull into/exit. (I've got a 36 gallon tank, but 10mpgs sucks it quick.
2. I always have about 3 possible spots targeted for stopping for the night...if we are doing good, I can keep going to the "next" one.
3. Pack tools...I also threw in my car jack
4. Pack some snackies and stuff you would need on stops just inside the camper door...
5. Mountain driving isn't as bad...but take it easy...as my wife says "you drive, we look".
6. Wind...I hate it. Cross winds are the worst. We stopped one day at 2:30 in the afternoon, just 150 miles short of our planned stop because the winds were pushing 50 mph. Just not worth the stress.
7. Put just enough water in tank to allow you to use a little on the drive.
8. Don't over load the food if you're traveling great distances...stop at grocery store or walmart close to destination.
9. The drive is part of the fun. America is wonderful to see and enjoy.
10. I wanna go! Have fun!
lbrjet
Explorer
Mar 31, 2014
There will be more gas stations than you think. I almost brought a gas can and then didn't and never even came close to needing one. Gas up when you see a station. I was at 3/4 tank a few times and didn't care. Better than hauling gas in the pickup bed.
TundraTower
Explorer
Mar 30, 2014
"There's no D in OC". I agree - let's put the fun back in dysFUNctional.

"Don't carry extra gas - it's middle of America not Africa". Yes, but for the entire 1200 mile loop thru Utah we will NEVER be closer than 200 miles to a hospital, a Walmart, or a Lowes (the accepted measures of civilization here in the South).

"Be sure to carry extra fuses, light bulbs, ....and tools". This could be an entire thread by itself, and I've really disciplined myself on this due to weight. Believe me, this one is covered.

THERE'S LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL:
Like so many of you have admitted, I do get wrapped around the axle in preparing for any trip and this is the longest trip we've ever taken in any mode of transportation. But when we finally get to the camp site, set up & level, wife making dinner, checklists updated and filed, neighbors vetted, perimeter secure and the campfire built, I can really zone out. I don't know what it is about that campfire, maybe the fact that all the other stuff you need to be doing is back at home. The first time we took the camper out my wife actually came out to the fire that evening to see if I was still alive - said she had not seen me sit still that long in the whole 42 years of marriage.

Again, thanks for all the advice and thoughts. I have thoroughly enjoyed your comments and am encouraged to see that I'm unique, just like everyone else.
NashTT
Explorer
Mar 30, 2014
A few things not mentioned that I have learned from experience:
Carry at least 10 gallons (maybe more if diesel) of water in the fresh water tank in case you overheat at some point. I wouldn't carry more if you're not dry camping to save the weight.
Carry extra fuses and bulbs (it's a time saver to not have to find them on the road).
On long trips you should consider an oil change en route if your total exceeds 3000 miles. If so, if you use an oil that's not common, take it with you(hard to imagine but I had trouble finding Rotella once).
Take tools along to make repairs that you are comfortable with. (Tighten plumbing if leaks appear, tighten other things that might loosen, grease hitch balls, tire inflator, etc.)
The idea mentioned above about not fully unhitching is a great time and energy saver if it's possible.
You may have considered what I've mentioned already, but I learned some of these the hard way. We've made 12 trips of over 5000 miles over the years.
Leo_Smith
Explorer
Mar 30, 2014
There is no "D" in OC. I do detailed research and make a detailed list for each of my trips. There is peace of mind to knowing what options are ahead for gas and camping. It is also comforting to know that something important (like a passport) wasn't left on the kitchen counter after you hit the road.
aftermath
Explorer III
Mar 30, 2014
I am a mathematician, not an engineer, but I did get the OCD gene but I think mine is under control. Someone posted earlier that it is good to use this part of your make up when planning the trip but you should turn it off once you hit the road. Just too many unforeseen options are going to pop up to even get close to planning for all of them.

You have received some good advice. I will add two more.

Do NOT carry the extra gas cans. You are driving through the middle of America, not forging your way through the jungles of Africa. If you are concerned about gas stations being far apart just make sure you fill up when you see one.

As I get older I tend to drive less when on the road. We used to plan 300 miles or so now it is closer to 200-250 and the main reason is that we want to see things along the way. Being retired does change the plans for us. If I were on a schedule I would probably go 300-350 each day. Anything over 300 is tough for me these days.

Oh, by the way, I have a 5.7 Tundra and it runs great through the valleys, in the mountains and all places in between.