first trip for newbies ? wintertime

[sean425]

hi guys, i just bit the bullet and purchased a 2016 412ts raptor 5th wheel toy hauler. i plan on doing some small weekend trips from september-november, but our first real trip will be the day after christmas.

we plan on going for two weeks, and are very open about where to, as its our first larger trip. ive done many trips towing vehicles, and im comfortable driving 14 hours a day.

is 2 weeks long enough to go out west? ca or ut? without feeling very rushed and overwhelmed?

just looking for opinions and suggestions here guys. we aren't set on one specific place for the first trip.

a little about us, we live in New jersey, both under 30, travel with 3 large dogs over 100 lbs. we enjoy hiking, cycling and i bring along the dirt bike. also, please understand two weeks off of work for us is a LONG LONG time.

thanks!

[Busskipper]

sean425 wrote:
Thanks guys, im starting to look at AR/AL. I live on the beach in nj, so i would like to change it up a bit.

A couple of really great spots in the SouthEast look at Williamsburg if that is something you think you might enjoy. Look over Lake Toxaway and Hilton Head Island - two spots that we have wintered in and are not that bad. The mountains will require heat but are usually not too bad in the first part of winter. The mountains are fun and the Island, while not warm is still good enough to allow you to ride a bike on the beach.

Just a thought.

[Matt_Colie]

Sean,

Before the depression forced retirement on us, we frequently traveled in the real winter and/or a month each side.

First lesson: If your fiver is capable of being self contained, be provisioned and ready to do so at least for the first two days out. This is assuming you will make for warm as fast as you can. When they get snow in the south, the world comes to a halt. You may end up "camped" on I-95 when you can see an exit ramp.

Second lesson: If you plan to stay at any campgrounds, call them now and find out if they will even be open those dates. If they are planning to be open (see above), confirm the winter facilities and capabilities. Many shut off the water and sewer.

Third lesson: If you have to make a reservation, get a VERY clear understanding of the owner's reservation policy. If you end up weathered in for a day (or two), can you get a refund for the time you are not there? Many more than you might think say no.

From experience - 14 hours is a long time behind the wheel. I a passcar or very comfortable coach, maybe, but in a PU towing a heavy fiver and with two massive dogs in the cab.... I used to tow a keel sloop all over the east coast. Places that were a couple of hours by car became three hours with the trailer and a boat.

Driving tired is one of the fastest ways I know of to end up dead.

Matt

[sean425]

Thanks guys, im starting to look at AR/AL. I live on the beach in nj, so i would like to change it up a bit.

[Merrykalia]

Look at Hunting Island, SC. We have gone down right after Christmas many times and had a blast. The weather was cool, but you are a Northerner, so you should be okay with the 60-70 degree weather during the day and 30s and 40s, maybe, during the night.

They have lots of bike trails, but several miles of undisturbed beach with millions of shells, starfish, sand dollars, sharks teeth and other ocean gems. You can get fresh shrimp about 1/4 mile from the state park most days - you can watch the boats go in and out and if you time it right, you can get the shrimp as it comes off the boat. They have a large pier about 1 1/2 miles from the campground to fish off of and a marshy area between the pier and campground where you can go crabbing.

We love it and try to go at least every other year. I think it is a pre-requisite to have a dog if you go to Hunting Island.

It is about halfway between Charleston and Savannah, (about 1 1/2 - 2 hrs) so day trips to each of these places is doable. It is about 30 miles north (on the roadway) from Hilton Head.

Another option is James Island County Park outside of Charleston. 12 minute drive into historic downtown (yes, I timed it and it was at 5 pm).

We also have gone to Gulf Shores, AL and we had good weather and 70 degree temps for a couple of days, but then it cooled off and it was in the high 50s and lower 60s.

These are our "go-to" places during the holiday seasons and don't want to have to drive forever. They are only 7-10 hour drives for us.

[Jayco-noslide]

Leaving in winter I assume you mean the Southwest? Any where very far north will be far too cold; especially when you add altitude. Straight South might be more realistic. Even getting there can present challenges in winter temps. From NJ, 2 weeks isn't long enough and driving 14 hours isn't safe.

[Lantley]

GOing west is way too ambitious that time of year. Consider east coast or South east destinations.
Driving 14 hour days pulling a large toy hauler is not fun/enjoyable. You will eventually figure that out yourself. While I'm sure you are anxious to get out,heading to Utah from NJ is not wise. Stay away from cold and snow. Think FL, LA, Carolinas, Texas,AL.
There are lots of great places to go that time of year however Utah is not one of them!

[profdant139]

Maybe the low coastal country of the Carolinas? Great barbecue, great seafood, great music, lots of history. And no mosquitoes at that time of year. Probably too cold for ocean swimming, but long walks on the beach can be pleasant, too. Charleston is only 700 miles, an easy two day drive (unless it is snowing).

[sean425]

Thanks guys. I appreciate all the input. I'll start looking in al,la or ar.

[rekoj71]

Finding something open that time of year would probably be where I would start looking. RV's don't do cold well and even if you do find a campground open it doesn't always mean the water will be turned on. I just wintered in Virginia Beach and the park turned the water off several times whenever the temps got down to 32. As others have stated I would probably go very south and try to find something closer to the east coast or south coast.
Personally I would not want the better half of my very rare two weeks off to be spent mostly driving. If you find something Very South, you will want to remember that that will also be prime snowbird season so you may want to consider reservations for area's south of I-10.
Hope you find something good though cause that first good trip is what sold my wife on wanting to do more camping, and now we are full timing.
If you do stay in cold area's be sure to search this site for winter tips like space heaters and heated hoses, and know you will probably need to refill your propane at least once.

[darsben]

from NJ I would go to Holly Beach, LA and park that 5ver on the beach get out the dirt bike and go for miles on the beach.
Alternative could be Kisatchie National forest in Louisiana has trails for motorized vehicles starting from one of the forest service CG but I cannot remember which one but i think
http://www.ohvtrails.net/trails/7731-camp-claiborne-woodward-trail

[2gypsies1]

Where do you plan to go in the West? Not much will be open. They get many, many feet of snow. In the mountains tire chains are required - even on the RV. Do you want to go through that?

14-hour days is unrealistic with a big RV in the winter.

Why not plan on Florida or Alabama at Gulf Shores? It will be a more relaxing trip for you.

[WyoTraveler]

Doesn't NJ have quite a bit of snow in the winter? As you get west UT can get nasty in the winter. Hopefully your plan doesn't include west on I-80 through WY where you may see 20 to 30 below zero and white out conditions. Never saw an RV that takes cold temps well. Driving on snow and ice for 14 hours a day? Driving through cold conditions you'll probably want to be winterized. I'm not sure it will be a vacation you will enjoy.

[Anmacc2]

DW and I both drive and sometimes cover big distances in short periods of time so that we have the maximum amount of time at our desired destination. I still think you are being too ambitious. There is no way to make really good time towing. We recently did 2100 miles in three days. It was tedious, monotonous, and frustrating that we were passing by interesting places to get where we were going. Plus the weather and traffic were uncooperative. We took four days returning and that made a big difference. Have you considered the Ashville/Blue Ridge/lPigeon Forge areas? OR Colorado? North to Niagra Falls? Other great choices? Two weeks 1200 to 2000 miles each way is ambitious IMVHO

[sean425]

Dr quick, I don't plan on doing the snow/neg temps for this trip. I'm realizing you guys are right with the SE idea.