experiences and thoughts for a new guy in training

[travellandmark]

10 year/40th birthday is coming up. Wife and I had been saving a while for a month on some island. However, about a month ago we decided on a 40 day trip back and forth across America with our two kids(10 and 6).
Montgomery-Dallas(6flags)- Sanantonio(Schlitterbaun), Colorado (great sand dunes), Arizona(Petrified Forest/Grand Canyon), Las Vegas, Southern CA(disney), San Fran(bridge/alcatraz red wood), Yosemite, Salt Lake, WY (Teton/yellowstone), SD (Rushmore), Omaha, Chicago, OH (cedar park), PA (Hershey Park), Bayonne, NJ(family), VA(king's Dominion), GA(savanna) Orlando(disney), home to Montgomery.
Topics I am thinking but would like discussion....
1.Starting in June are 2 A/Cs a must for that itinerary?
2.I have driven buses and firetrucks for a living, but wife hasn't. is a 31 footer going to be a pain to drive? searching 27-31 footers in $35k and under range. Not planning on keeping it, just buying it and selling when finished.
3. Should tail clearance be a real thought?
4. slide outs? are they worth it if we aren't living on it?
5. fuel consumption of the generator? is it relevant on a highway trip?
6. I have 36 days with only four long days (10, 10, 11 and 11 hrs) and four extra days for unexpected. Is this trip possible or am I going to be sitting in maintenance shops for half of it?
7. I will ask for tricks of the trade the closer I get, but if anyone has personal experiences about the places I listed please feel free to share.
I am sure I will edit this post as I proof read it and check for answers. Sorry it may sound like I am illiterate, but my son asked to go to Waffle House and need to make that happen!

Due to the responses we have moved it to a Western states itinerary. It cuts/gives us 15 days to gypsy about out West. Any must does at the sites listed are appreciated.

[toedtoes]

Great. So you're going to re-work your schedule to increase time in each spot and decrease the amount of time driving at any given time. I agree with a 5 hr maximum for driving time - and that's a long day. You mention your wife is a "beach chair" type person. In that case, I think this could be the difference between enjoying RVing and hating it.

From all the posts, it looks like:

1. One A/C is fine.

2. Most say keep it to the smaller size for maneuverability, ability to handle more weight for stuff, etc. But, if your goal is to convince your wife to keep it and continue RVing, then really - get the one that she is happiest with.

3. no.

4. Depends on the individual. If you do go with slide(s), make sure you have access to fridge, bathroom, etc. with the slides in. Otherwise you'll be back to having to find a public restroom when you're driving.

5. Not a big impact.

6. Be thorough in your pre-purchase inspection, be thorough in your post-purchase testing, etc., and you should be OK during the trip.

7. Plenty to say on that. 🙂

I would recommend taking your wife to some dealers and test driving a few RVs of various length. Let her feel how they handle, how responsive they are, etc. Also, take the kids and "play house" - get a feel for your preferred layout by acting out dinner time, being on the road and needing facilities, etc.

[Fishinghat]

We took a similar 40 day trip in 1995 with our two children, then 11 & 16, in a 28 ft Class C. It went perfectly. We stayed in campgrounds with pools each night so the kids could get some exercise. They especially enjoyed the theme parks, so don't pass those up.

Since we started from Washington State, we drove across the US to Niagara Falls, then New York, Philadelphia, Gettysburg, Washington, Kentucky (Grand Ole Opry), then back west across the US to Los Vegas, Grand Canyon, and up the coast back to Washington State. We stopped at every tourist trap and scenic outlook we saw, as well as National Monuments, Parks, etc. We didn't see "everything", but we didn't miss a whole lot either.

[pianotuna]

Hi travellandmark,

She will not enjoy it unless the distances covered are broken up by lots of two night stops. Example. Drive to a campground (Mount Rushmore), stay the night, do the tourist things, stay a 2nd night.

Plan on one night per week in a hotel and one day per week where no one cooks!

Make sure you do a "back yard" trip first. i.e. camp on your own driveway.

Make sure you do a long weekend trip to a near by campground where you can get all the systems under your belt.

I would not make reservations--that way if the trip becomes to onerous you can trim it to fit. Remember, it is an RV, and is self contained. All you need is a place to park where it is safe.

travellandmark wrote:
The amount of miles and days of travel are a sticking point with the Rental companies I have talked to. Plus, I would love to keep the RV. I am an RV type person. My wife is a beach chair type. I am secretly hoping that my wife enjoys the trip enough to keep it.

[travellandmark]

Thanks for all the great answers. Hopefully when I have done this I can help some other idiot get started with a family. Basically already changed modes to a West and Home trip. We put 40k miles a year on our minivan with the kids so I was just thinking that using an RV would be simple. I get in the car and go 1200 miles in a day about 6 times a year. We have been everywhere on the East except Cedar Point and Chicago. I threw in all the theme parks to sell it to my wife, since it is our 10 year anniversary as well. We are not a rich family, but we have been saving for our month long 10 year anniversary for a while so the trip will not be a financial hardship as far as cost per day. The cost of the RV is the thing! In an English acting voice..."To buy.......... or not to buy......... that is the question."

[PghBob]

Hi and Welcome. I take it from your itinerary that you are amusement park junkies??? I offer the following comments for your consideration. Our family has traveled cross country at least 4 times in a car, and twice in our 27 foot RV. This has formed the basis for this response. First to your questions.
1. One AC should be fine
2. A shorter RV will be lighter, thus allowing you to carry more weight (people and stuff. A shorter RV will be easier to move around in gas stations with less tail end swing, easier to park at stores, restaurants, and campgrounds. A shorter RV is easier to drive in somewhat congested areas like cities, and some small towns like Jackson, WY.
3. Tail swing is more likely the issue. You may be used to it given your driving experience with larger vehicles, but it can be a problem for your wife
4. Slideouts are a personal choice. You can't have them out while driving LOL, and you are driving a bunch. If you do chose slideouts, make sure you can access necessary items when they are closed-in, and remember that slideouts add weight which subtracts from the amount of people and stuff you can carry.
5. Genset fuel consumption is negligible.
6. You hopefully won't have to sit in repair shops much on your trip, but frankly it depends on the quality of the unit you buy and how it was maintained.

Comments: To each their own. But, you are planning to travel through and in some of the most beautiful and historic areas in the country. Do you really want to spent that much time in amusement parks? In San Antonio, I suggest adding the Alamo to your list, and the River Walk. There are a also a number of historic Missions there. You can "do" Great Sand Dunes in a relative short amount of time, then consider driving west to Durango and take a one-way train ride on the Durango and Silverton narrow guage RR. Take the bus to return, saves time. I think the Grand Canyon should take a couple of days to view from different points. From there to Anaheim is a full-day drive. Disneyland will require at least two days. I would spend more time in San Fran that you have planned, but it's your plan. As I remember, it will take 4-6 hours to get to Yosemite from SF, and I think there is only one or two routes into the Park for RVs. A visit in the park can take 2 or more days. If you plan on staying in SLC, consider the SL KOA. It is right on the light-rail line between the Airport and Downtown, easy to come and go. Gran Teton can take a couple of days at least, one for multiple views of the mts., part of one to tube down the Snake River, one to boat across the lake and hike to the hidden falls, and more. Yellowstone is bigger than a couple of New England states combined. If you want to see a good part of that magical place, you will need several days. You can spend a fair amount of driving place to place. In South Dakota, I would suggest you consider the Crazy Horse sculpture in addition to Rushmore (not too far), and just east of Rapid City is the Badlands National Park which is well worth the visit. Avoid Chicago area to any degree you can. You can spend hours tied up in traffic. Ohio should be a straight shot, but take the ring-road around Columbus. Once in PA if you are taking the turnpike, be careful from Donegal to Carlisle exits. Very windy with steep grades over the mountains. Also, keep in mind that there are four tunnels along the turnpike in this stretch, with two back to back. Hershey Park is a nice family amusement park, but it is not Disney! It will take you about 18 hours driving time on very busy I95 to WDW from NJ. Be especially alert as you travel through Phili, Baltimore, and the DC metro areas. Avoid rush hour in all three cities to the degree you can. DC area is always bad, avoid if you can. WDW will take four days to see the four parks unless you are already familiar.

Best wishes on a safe and sane trip.

[travellandmark]

CloudDriver wrote:
IMO way too many destinations in your list for a 6 week trip. Consider heading home after Mt. Rushmore so that you can have some actual time to enjoy the destinations in the west. Save the amusement parks in the eastern part of the country for another trip.

We are totally open to change of plans during our planning stage. There seems to be a resounding "too many places" theme. So we are already from this discussion probably going to go a little easier on the west if needed come home for a while then go up to see her family and finish the eastern portion. We are season pass holders at Disney World in Orlando so I promise, as the man of the house would have no problem not going. We went 6 times last year.

[Vacay_Wheels]

Great idea, getting out and seeing the country before the little ones get sick of the parents 🙂

Ditto all the feedback above. Way too much miles/day, IMO. I have kids nearly the same age. The most we ever travel is 5 hours and that is a LONG day, 3-4 is our target. And we usually travel 1/2 our days, max. Even then, the kids wouldn't mind a little less traveling.

Renting is my advice too. You should be able to get away with 200/night x40, it's only 8,000. It will include breakdown insurance, and if something goes wrong, it's the rental agency's problem. I'd expect the whole buy/sell transaction will cost that or more, especially if you want to get rid of it fast, and not store it for months while waiting for it to sell.

[travellandmark]

WyoTraveler wrote:
Shopping for a used RV takes time to find a clean one. If this your first RV and you plan to sell after the trip why not just rent one?

The amount of miles and days of travel are a sticking point with the Rental companies I have talked to. Plus, I would love to keep the RV. I am an RV type person. My wife is a beach chair type. I am secretly hoping that my wife enjoys the trip enough to keep it.

[CloudDriver]

IMO way too many destinations in your list for a 6 week trip. Consider heading home after Mt. Rushmore so that you can have some actual time to enjoy the destinations in the west. Save the amusement parks in the eastern part of the country for another trip.

[time2roll]

10 or 11 hours? I hope that is only 400 to 500 miles max.

[Markiemark32]

Harvard wrote:
"Are we there yet?" 🙂

Wafle House?


Topics I am thinking but would like discussion....
1.Starting in June are 2 A/Cs a must for that itinerary? Nope, most C’s setup with one & fans, reducing light in are tricks during really hot times.

2.I have driven buses and firetrucks for a living, but wife hasn't. is a 31 footer going to be a pain to drive? If she is a competent driver, she would certainly be able to learn.searching 27-31 footers in $35k and under range. Not planning on keeping it, just buying it and selling when finished.

3. Should tail clearance be a real thought? Nope

4. slide outs? are they worth it if we aren't living on it? Yes, with four of you, will help

5. fuel consumption of the generator? is it relevant on a highway trip? Minmimal, ½ gal per hr.

6. I have 36 days with only four long days (10, 10, 11 and 11 hrs) and four extra days for unexpected. Is this trip possible or am I going to be sitting in maintenance shops for half of it? Depends on the condition of the unit. Travel in a RV is lower than expected.

7. I will ask for tricks of the trade the closer I get, but if anyone has personal experiences about the places I listed please feel free to share. Lots of great info, try the search function, many of the locations will have information in the forums.


Why not figure out (rental try a motorhome), if this style of traveling is your family’s thing. Invest in a Motorhome, for a longer period, and work in all the adventures over time.

Costly venture,& lot of variables, going into a 40 day plan.


Markiemark:C

[littlemo]

For a positive: An RV road trip across America would be "memories untold". You and the kids would love it.

Now the negative (I hate to be the first, but here goes):

If you should find a decent used RV that would hold up for this trip it would be great but the miracle would be being able to sell it when you're finished. Very unlikely to get your money back.

This is a very aggressive trip you have planned and YOU won't have much time to enjoy it. It would be much more enjoyable to see less and spend more time in some of the more awesome spots.
Why go to Disney in CA AND Disney in FLA?

The kids may not have much fun in Vegas so you might want to reconsider that.

Yellowstone/Tetons are an awesome place to spend more than a couple of day.

Yosemite would be good.

Salt Lake not much to see there but the Canyons in Utah are awesome.

Durango/Silverton, CO is nice and you can ride the train. The kids would love that.

Rushmore, Custer State Park, Badlands Y'all would enjoy!

For real enjoyment I would eliminate about half your stops and plan some of them for another time.

I rarely recommend RENTING an RV because it is so expensive but it is better than being stuck with one you don't want after the fun is over and if it breaks down they come and help you out!

Anyway GO and enjoy those kids!

[Mike_Leslie]

I agree. A rental may be your best bet. Another thought is not to go across the Rockies. You have plenty to see and do from Alabama to Colorado, north through to Yellowstone then start east. We spent almost two weeks on just Yellowstone and the North Dakota Badlands-T Roosevelt Park. National Parks have wonderful programs for all ages. Your children are only 6 and 10. That is a lot of drive time. Most children (me, too) appreciate 'down' time to play, explore and appreciate the unique area rather than other exhausting amusement park (that can be done on short from home trips). IMOHO
Mike Leslie

[toedtoes]

I'm going to go straight to #6. Think of your trip as if you were going to do it with hotels/motels and a car - would you consider that many places in that amount of time? You're looking at a "7 countries in 10 days" type of trip. You'll be reading the cliff notes rather than reading the book. That is fine if all you want to do is check off a list. But if you really want to enjoy the places you visit, you need more time at each place.

You've got 20 places on your list for a 40 day trip. You'll be driving more than you'll be exploring.

I would consider each planned stop. What exactly do you want to do at each location? Guesstimate that you can do 2 activities per day IF the activities are less than 4 hours in duration. For any activity that takes 4 hours or longer, guesstimate a full day for that one activity all by itself. This will give you time to eat, rest, add in an unexpected activity, and allow for re-arranging if needed.

If you are planning a one-day trip for San Francisco to see Alcatraz, the Redwoods, and the Golden Gate Bridge, you will basically - arrive at Pier 39, walk past all the shops, etc., get on the boat, ride to Alcatraz, take the tour, get on the boat, ride back to Pier 39, get in the RV**, drive over the Golden Gate bridge, stop at Muir Woods, take the short trail through the redwoods, then get back into the RV and head to your campground.

You're missing an awful lot of San Francisco that way. Cable cars, Pier 39, Ghiradhelli Square, Fisherman's Wharf, Lombard Street, Golden Gate Bridge, the Cliff House, and on and on.

Rather than trying to get one big thing at each quickie stop, I'd try more to get an experience out of each longer stop (stopping in fewer places). Maybe have each family member pick their #1 choice, then work out the trip to spend quality time in those places and add additional stops as needed to get from one to the next. Plan for at least 2 nights at any location that is other than "have to stop to rest before driving further".

**You are going to have a difficult time driving/parking a 31ft RV around Pier 39. You don't mention towing a car behind the RV - depending on what car you currently have and what C you buy, they may not be "compatible". That means you might end up having to buy a car that can be towed OR rent a car at all your stops.

[Harvard]

"Are we there yet?" 🙂