First cross country road trip - HELP

[cr3ativegirl]

My parents literally just bought a new $100k 25' RV and are ready to hop in and drive cross country from SC to BC, Canada. (We will be there and they want to join us). My dad went to pick it up and already had an accident driving it off the parking lot and needed the whole side redone and a new door put on ($7k). I think they went and did some practice lessons, and they think they are ready to go. I've tried to explain to them that people spend months and months mapping out and planning these types of trips. They have two yorkies and plan on bringing them (that's a whole different story!)....Very nervous for the outcome.

[J-Rooster]

If your Dad has a back up camera in his coach, before making any turns if you can see any objects that you just passed in the back up camera, then it's O.K. to make a left or right hand turn and you won't hit or side swipe anything. If your Dad doesn't have a back up camera please disregard! When crossing at the Canadian Border you will need a enhanced drivers license or a passport, title of vehicle or current vehicle registration, proof of insurance and if you have pets you will need a current health report from your Vet on each animal that they are up to date on all shots. If anyone has had a DWI in there past they will not be allowed to enter into Canada and lastly, if you travel with a firearm on your person or in your coach you will not be allowed to enter into Canada. Hope this info will help you!

[tyaughton]

They will need passports entering and leaving Canada or the US

[jllarson3]

Kids...! They think us old parents are senile and incapable of rational thought or good sense. And that our thoughts wander, or that... ?

What was the question>

Oh yeah...

They'll be fine. They aren't your kids. In fact, they might even have already done such a trip in their youth - and never told you about it! YIKES!

Ask them to help you feel better with routine contact, not that you're worried or anything... Hahaha...

John L

[tyaughton]

We just returned from a 6 week trip, from west, to east, south, west and north again. Arrived home in BC on Saturday. My only suggestion is to avoid I-84 from New York to Pennsylvania (Scranton, specifically). That is the worst piece of road I've ever been on. Even the potholes in Cleveland were better. 55mph is a nice pace.

[John_Joey]

Hey, maybe it's just their time to be fun and reckless again, and it's your turn to watch the kids and to be responsible. 😉

Pass on my good wishes and happy travels. Nothing worst then sitting around in God's little waiting room. Hope to see them on the road.

[John_S_]

They will be fine. Good advice here. The RV is only a foot or two bigger then a long bed crew cab dually pickup. Watch for winds and go.

[cr3ativegirl]

Thanks for all the advice. I feel like I have a new group of parents who actually listen to me!!! LOL. Seriously, I'm taking all the advice to heart - I'm letting go and installing the tracker. 🙂

[ArchHoagland]

They should probably notify their credit card company and inform them that they will be traveling though many states and out of the country.

We have to notify ours because they shut it off, thinking someone has stolen it.

[Greyghost]

Well, our plans just changed. We left Fall City WA this morning just after we found out that my wife has shingles. The change in plans is that we will spend a few weeks in Blaine WA before resuming our trip to Alaska and we still do not know where we will be going in BC

It was mentioned that your parents are taking their two dogs into BC. Make sure that they have the dogs examined by a vet just before they leave. If they will be entering BC within 30 days have them get a health certificate from the vet. They also need to make sure all vaccinations are up to date and they must keep the shot records with them. We've never had to show the health certificate or shot records but they may ask for them.

They must have a current passport to enter back into the states. From what I understand there are other doc's that are less expensive but I only know about the passport.

As others have told you, they will be fine.

[msmith1199]

One of the nice things about an RV trip is it actually takes very little planning. They know where they want to go and the way to get there, just start driving. When you're tired, pull over and rest. If you can find an RV park to spend the night in that's always great, but if not a Walmart parking lot works great too on cross country trips.

I'm one of those RVer's who does very little planning. My last cross-country trip I wanted to make it to Oshkosh Wisconsin from California, but I had a pinched nerve in my back. So the plan was start driving and if the back started bothering me too bad we'd spend two weeks wherever it was I could make it too. Turns out we made all the way to Oshkosh and back.

[Executive45]

Four things they'll need if they are simply getting in and going:

1. Credit card with medium to high limits.
2. Good Sam or CoachNet subscription for road service.
3. Cell phone to call with in case of an emergency.
4. Directions to the nearest Wal*Mart, Home Depot, Lowe's or Cracker Barrel store in case they have no other place to go.

RVing, like life, is an adventure...let them live theirs.........Dennis

[Norm___Deb]

Tell them to NEVER EVER get in a hurry, no matter who or what is waiting for them. Most people are understanding. Never drive tired and until they get some experience, try to limit nighttime driving.

[Beacher]

They will be fine!

I just visited my local RV dealership for warranty work and there were three RVs in line this morning with very recent side body damage. Two Class A, and one big Class C.

[old_guy]

you father is not the only one who has made that very mistake. But in saying that a lot of people should not be driving let alone a big MH. can't tall you how many times I have been forced off the road, even on the freeways they just don't know their limits and don't look in the mirrors or what not. getting forced off the road at 75 MPH is not fun. Like the sign says about congressman. there are people in congress running this government that should not even be allowed to play with matches.