Travelling back and forth

They have these new things out called cheap FL airline tickets (mostly out ofUS cities), cheap hotels/AirBnB/VRBO, and cheap FL car rentals. Works really well for short FL stays. Like I always said RVING is only cheap traveling when you turn the key off.

I’m guessing there is a need to travel (disability) in a MH this time of year for such a short time. If that’s the case then yes with hardship you can accomplish what you need to do.

swimmer_spe wrote:

pawatt wrote:
If you are only going for a week mid winter you will be lucky to get there before you have to turn around, hit ice and you are really in trouble.

2500km, 2 drivers. That is a full day's drive.

We used to do Myrtle Beach easily in 16 hours with multiple drivers back in the '70s when the routes were more convoluted. Now there are many more route options and that can save you time and miles. I think Florida is doable in 24 hours, if you cheat on the speed a little, stick to the interstates, change drivers regularly, don't hit any major problems (get caught speeding?) to slow you down, and don't stop too often for too long. Fuel/food/go.
Do a Google Maps route with traffic before you go and check the construction zones and other road conditions before you set out. Depending on whether you're coming via Michigan, or Buffalo, will affect your time. I-75 through Detroit, Toledo, and Atlanta can be problematic. Once you get south of Ohio I-75 is a better route, better road. I-95 can also be iffy in spots. Jacksonville for sure.
It's going to be a whirlwind adventure, if you're only gone for a week.
Good luck, have fun.

MDKMDK wrote:

swimmer_spe wrote:
There is a plan that we are working on to go from Sudbury, ON Canada to Florida for a week in the middle of next winter. There are several things I am wondering:

1) Unwinterizing and winterizing is going to have to be done along the way. Anyone have tips on making this a seamless thing?

Watch the weather on your return leg and winterize when you start getting close to freeze/sub-freeze temps. Once done, you're going to have to use public restrooms and so on. No more on board toilet use.

swimmer_spe wrote:
2) How annoying are the 2 border patrols? Have you seen them really search an RV or not?

Was stopped the first time we ever crossed into the USA at Buffalo. You'll be asked to vacate the RV and wait inside the secondary office area, usually near a large mirrored wall. I believe they are observing your demeanor while you're waiting for the "all clear, on your way". Stay cool, act normal (whatever that is), relax, and wait it out. If you've got nothing to hide, that is.

swimmer_spe wrote:
3)Buying food. Can I bring stuff from Canada without issues? Can I bring stuff back to Canada without issues?

Citrus going south is a no no. Search for lists of what's allowed on the CBP and/or CBSA websites before you go. There are usually no exceptions. You may also be asked if you "have anything to declare" or "anything coming in" with you. That usually means $10000 cash or equivalent/weapons/alcohol/tobacco. Don't forget the "no illegal drugs" warnings.

The citrus can be a problem even though it is labeled as grown in Florida.

Let me get this straight. Are you planing to drive to Florida in ONE DAY-24hrs ???? If so, YOU ARE CRAZY !!! For the safety of others on the road, please don't. :(

swimmer_spe wrote:

MDKMDK wrote:

swimmer_spe wrote:
There is a plan that we are working on to go from Sudbury, ON Canada to Florida for a week in the middle of next winter. There are several things I am wondering:

1) Unwinterizing and winterizing is going to have to be done along the way. Anyone have tips on making this a seamless thing?

Watch the weather on your return leg and winterize when you start getting close to freeze/sub-freeze temps. Once done, you're going to have to use public restrooms and so on. No more on board toilet use.

swimmer_spe wrote:
2) How annoying are the 2 border patrols? Have you seen them really search an RV or not?

Was stopped the first time we ever crossed into the USA at Buffalo. You'll be asked to vacate the RV and wait inside the secondary office area, usually near a large mirrored wall. I believe they are observing your demeanor while you're waiting for the "all clear, on your way". Stay cool, act normal (whatever that is), relax, and wait it out. If you've got nothing to hide, that is.

swimmer_spe wrote:
3)Buying food. Can I bring stuff from Canada without issues? Can I bring stuff back to Canada without issues?

Citrus going south is a no no. Search for lists of what's allowed on the CBP and/or CBSA websites before you go. There are usually no exceptions. You may also be asked if you "have anything to declare" or "anything coming in" with you. That usually means $10000 cash or equivalent/weapons/alcohol/tobacco. Don't forget the "no illegal drugs" warnings.

Thank you for the good information.

No problem. We live in a border town and cross regularly (weekly). I forgot to mention CBSA have pulled us in once or twice in 10 years of regular crossing, and they're the same as CBP, except you'll usually have to wait near the vehicle(s), sometimes in the heat/cold weather under the roof at CBSA secondary inspection. The questions from them are often more random and bizarre, so wait for them to ask, then respond appropriately as best you can. Always remain calm. They're looking for body language that implies something isn't quite right.
Honesty is the best policy in both directions. It's not always convenient, sometimes it's awkward, but you can't go wrong telling the truth. Following the rules is paramount, as well. Nexus cards help us immensely, but probably not worth it for occasional crossers.

MDKMDK wrote:

swimmer_spe wrote:
There is a plan that we are working on to go from Sudbury, ON Canada to Florida for a week in the middle of next winter. There are several things I am wondering:

1) Unwinterizing and winterizing is going to have to be done along the way. Anyone have tips on making this a seamless thing?

Watch the weather on your return leg and winterize when you start getting close to freeze/sub-freeze temps. Once done, you're going to have to use public restrooms and so on. No more on board toilet use.

swimmer_spe wrote:
2) How annoying are the 2 border patrols? Have you seen them really search an RV or not?

Was stopped the first time we ever crossed into the USA at Buffalo. You'll be asked to vacate the RV and wait inside the secondary office area, usually near a large mirrored wall. I believe they are observing your demeanor while you're waiting for the "all clear, on your way". Stay cool, act normal (whatever that is), relax, and wait it out. If you've got nothing to hide, that is.

swimmer_spe wrote:
3)Buying food. Can I bring stuff from Canada without issues? Can I bring stuff back to Canada without issues?

Citrus going south is a no no. Search for lists of what's allowed on the CBP and/or CBSA websites before you go. There are usually no exceptions. You may also be asked if you "have anything to declare" or "anything coming in" with you. That usually means $10000 cash or equivalent/weapons/alcohol/tobacco. Don't forget the "no illegal drugs" warnings.

Thank you for the good information.

pawatt wrote:
If you are only going for a week mid winter you will be lucky to get there before you have to turn around, hit ice and you are really in trouble.

2500km, 2 drivers. That is a full day's drive.

swimmer_spe wrote:
There is a plan that we are working on to go from Sudbury, ON Canada to Florida for a week in the middle of next winter. There are several things I am wondering:

1) Unwinterizing and winterizing is going to have to be done along the way. Anyone have tips on making this a seamless thing?

Watch the weather on your return leg and winterize when you start getting close to freeze/sub-freeze temps. Once done, you're going to have to use public restrooms and so on. No more on board toilet use.

swimmer_spe wrote:
2) How annoying are the 2 border patrols? Have you seen them really search an RV or not?

Was stopped the first time we ever crossed into the USA at Buffalo. You'll be asked to vacate the RV and wait inside the secondary office area, usually near a large mirrored wall. I believe they are observing your demeanor while you're waiting for the "all clear, on your way". Stay cool, act normal (whatever that is), relax, and wait it out. If you've got nothing to hide, that is.

swimmer_spe wrote:
3)Buying food. Can I bring stuff from Canada without issues? Can I bring stuff back to Canada without issues?

Citrus going south is a no no. Search for lists of what's allowed on the CBP and/or CBSA websites before you go. There are usually no exceptions. You may also be asked if you "have anything to declare" or "anything coming in" with you. That usually means $10000 cash or equivalent/weapons/alcohol/tobacco. Don't forget the "no illegal drugs" warnings.

If you are only going for a week mid winter you will be lucky to get there before you have to turn around, hit ice and you are really in trouble.

I've seen Ontario folks winterize in Monroe (south of Detroit) In March, it's pretty seamless if youv'e done it before and the RV is set up to winterize easily. Our RV uses the pump to run antifreeze through the hot and cold lines after the water heater is bypassed and drained, you need a socket wrench to take out the drain plug. You may need to do it further south in mid winter and carry water for your use.