So my boyfriend and I decided we want to move to California (better pay) in a camper (beat the cost of living) from Oklahoma. I've been lurking around the forums for a few months now, and it seems as if everything has fallen into place thus far. New job, camper found and getting ready to purge some housewares.We are probably getting an outback 2008 toy hauler. One owner, two slide-outs one out of the rear, and the toy hauler room in the tongue of this bumper pull. I drive a ford f-250 diesel and we will have our other rig toyota 4runner on the road hauling a jet ski. And we are dog owners. As we are planning to head out early to mid-July, I would love to hear ideas of how and what we should be prepared for. So..... Without further ado, what is your single, most important piece of advice you can give this newbie?

Single most important: drive slow, take your time. Rather than plan on going 500-600 miles a day on the journey, make it 300. Max. And NEVER be anything but the slowest rig on the road. Make THEM pass you, not the other way around.And NEVER tow into a big headwind. I got into a couple days like that going west across Montana, and it was rough going, but I had no choice. I foolishly did it again eastbound across Oklahoma. Never again. Hang out for a day and let the winds change. You can use the rest and you'll save a bunch of fuel.You are starting a new adventure, welcome aboard and enjoy yourself.

Definitely take your time. And don't skimp on the hitch. At least a Reese Dual Cam.

Make sure to pull into a campground before dark. More mistakes and damage is probably done in the dark.

What area of Calif. are you planning to head to? So. Calif. has a lot of traffic--especially between the hours of 3-7 p.m.--also 6-9 a.m. Try to be at your campground in early afternoon--gives you time to set up, kick back a bit. Know where the rest stops will be as well as fuel stops and if possible any road work or detours. Good idea to join Good Sam--they can set up an itinerary for you. Practice backing into tight spots--many times I find myself backing into a site that has a camper on either side and trucks parked in front--I always try to get a pull thru site but not always available. Good Luck, Lars

We found a camper!! | Good Sam Community

TOOBOLD
Explorer
Jun 16, 2013
California schools are not in good shape either. You are looking at 35 kids in a classroom unless you took a job at a private school. What part of California are you heading to so we can give more info? If LA not very RV friendly.
Crowe
Explorer
Jun 16, 2013
Have you checked into how long each campground will allow you to stay? If you plan on camping only and never taking up a permanent residence, you must be prepared to move around. You'll need to secure a place to receive your mail. Judging by your post, you are on the younger side. Although you may be able to handle driving more than 300 miles in a day (500 was the norm when hubby and I were in our 20s/30s), in retrospect I have to agree with those suggesting you keep your driving scaled back. Make the journey part of the adventure and try to enjoy yourselves along the way.
hitchup
Explorer
Jun 10, 2013
Personally, I think you're heading in the wrong direction. We left the West Coast (lived in CA, WA & OR) in the 80's and headed to Georgia. Even today, nearly 30 years later, we're so glad we never moved back to the PacNW.

Jobs for myself, DH and our children have been so much easier to find and keep here in the southern states. CG rents are also much lower...

But definitely take the route slow. We typically travel 4-6 hrs to enable us to park and set up before 2pm when the mad rush for spaces from other RV travelers fills up the remaining sites.
Cowgal_brooke
Explorer
Jun 09, 2013
Thank you, all. I've towed a uhaul cross country behind a 6" lifted jeep. Winds and speed control check. I have actually chkd into rates to camp and they are pricey, but compared to the rent in the area, way more doable in a paid for rv. And finally to the poster who suggested I stay in ok: if the legislators and state board of education knew how to take care of their teachers and aspiring youth, I would have no desire to leave this state. Mis managed funds and excessive testing (including test prep) ensure the dim future in Oklahoma for educators. Ok, stepping off soap box lol

Keep those tidbits coming!
Jim-Linda
Explorer II
Jun 09, 2013
You might also check RV parks/campgrounds in the area you are planning to go to for rates/availability. Most posts I've seen regarding rates, they are very high.

Jim
doxiemom11
Explorer II
Jun 09, 2013
Higher pay, but also a much higher cost of living and from reading these forums, I'd say taxes and insurance cost a lot more too.
Thumperpull
Explorer
Jun 09, 2013
Stay in Oklahoma. :o)
lhenry8113
Explorer
Jun 09, 2013
What area of Calif. are you planning to head to? So. Calif. has a lot of traffic--especially between the hours of 3-7 p.m.--also 6-9 a.m. Try to be at your campground in early afternoon--gives you time to set up, kick back a bit. Know where the rest stops will be as well as fuel stops and if possible any road work or detours. Good idea to join Good Sam--they can set up an itinerary for you. Practice backing into tight spots--many times I find myself backing into a site that has a camper on either side and trucks parked in front--I always try to get a pull thru site but not always available. Good Luck, Lars
folivier
Explorer
Jun 09, 2013
Make sure to pull into a campground before dark. More mistakes and damage is probably done in the dark.
GMT830
Explorer
Jun 09, 2013
Definitely take your time. And don't skimp on the hitch. At least a Reese Dual Cam.

Forum Discussion

We found a camper!!

About Full Time RVers

Related Content

Found my new truck for next Truck Camper!

Found my C!

Finally found a Bigfoot

Found a small TT,,

found a new website