The Perfect Family Trip: West Coast Edition

TriumphGuy wrote:
Jumping in here, if only to subscribe and then copy your itinerary when we do this :)

My two cents:
- Like that you added TR NP, with our trip to Yellowstone next year I just had to plan a stop to experience some of Teddy Roosevelt. Call me sentimental, but guys like him and Mather were so instrumental, they deserve the time.

- Our meter for driving was 3 days of about 550 miles each. After that I had to stop for a pool day, hike day or something other than sitting in the motorhome and hammering down the interstate. Kids were the same. They were fine to hang out for a few days in anticipation of where we were going, but only so much of it.

- My most comfortable speed on straight interstate was 62mph. If there was a lot of wind, it was a toss up. Slow down and it's easier to maintain, but then the trucks blow by and mess you up - so sometimes I'd find a truck to follow and increase speed, just to reduce the differential to passing semis. That really only happened in OK and TX on I-40 last year (on the way out, not on the way back), maybe it was just a few days of high winds...

- Have you tried Roadtrippers? It's a great way to see what destinations are near your route.

- I may have missed it, but why not go around Chicago?

- Your Fit would be a great toad. Our VW is about as "heavy" as I'd like to go, and it's probably 1k lbs heavier than a Fit. True that a Jeep would be more fun, but are there places to rent a Jeep where you're going if you wanted? If you think you'd have a Jeep as well, I'd look into a setup that will move with the vehicle. For example, a base plate is needed for each vehicle and then an RVI3 can be moved between each.

All I can think of for now :)

Hey TriumphGuy! Glad to have you join in.

I hear good things about TRNP. Seems to be remote and quiet, which I like. :)

I've been wanting to read some essential National Park books when we aren't on the road. John Muir maybe. I really enjoy the excerpts and quotes I see in the parks. Any recommendations? If you could read just one?

I agree, 3 days at 550 is about it before a break. For the last two years, we've been able to average more like 2 days at 400 before a break. That feels MUCH better, but we don't see nearly as much.

I've only driven the coach on our Hwy 11, heading out to Lake Keowee. It's pretty steep rolling hills. I found I had more trouble keeping my speed down than keeping it up. If I stopped paying attention, at one point I was at 75 on a long downhill and didn't realize it. I always have mileage on my mind (and safety), so I tend to stay 60-65.

Have not tried Roadtrippers. I will look for it.

I was thinking Chicago base on the Less Junk More Journey videos. They boondocked in the city and enjoy many things within walking distance. I HATE BIG CITIES, but was willing to try it for a day or two. Wouldn't hurt me to go around.

The transition to a motorhome was born from our enjoyment of off-roading in Moab and the San Juans of Colorado. The plan all along was to sell the truck and get a Wrangler. We definitely will, but that can probably wait until summer 2020 before it happens. I don't see this particular trip as being a Jeep kind of trip. I agree, the Honda is probably the perfect Toad for us. We've LOVED that car. It's a 2011 with 95k on it now. Hoping we have it another 10 years.

For tow bars, I had been researching the RoadMaster Sterling All-Terrain. I will probably end up with base plates for both vehicles. I wonder if I even need braking for the Honda? What do you think?

Would be nice to discuss all of this in person. Somebody is too busy! ;)