First Long Trip -- What are the "must dos" and "must haves"?

[CMunrock]

Against my better judgment, I'm pulling our 30' FW from LA to Dayton OH. We normally pull it on 2 hour round trips to the beach in/around California. So, how should I prepare for the trip? I welcome any and all insider tips and tricks!

One specific question: are there any resources out there that provide a list of RV-friendly fuel stops?

Thank you.

[Jbrowland]

I'll add a don't need item. Hard suitcases! They take up too much space and weight. Pack all your clothes and things in Ikea style bags. It will feel odd at first but once you unpack in your RV you will realize how much extra space you have without suitcases in the way.

[Matt_Colie]

CMunrock wrote:
Thanks everyone, awesome responses! I have a couple of follow on questions--is it better to start new topic or ask the questions in this thread? (I'm kind of a forum rookie)

tenbear wrote:
IMHO its better to start a new topic with a descriptive title.

And I Agree...
If you haven't figured out from the answers of your Original Post, Asking specific questions will get better answers. Be as specific as you can and if it is about a location, please include the state. Some time back, an individual asked about Charleston. I have lived in three Charlestons (a freak of circumstance) and visited four others (some on purpose).

Matt - a refugee of the east coast megopolis.

[time2roll]

Bring what you want but everything you need is available on the road.
Doubt you will ever be more than an hour from a walmart.

[opnspaces]

Most everything is covered so I'll just add.

Let your bank and credit card companies know where you are going and for how long. Otherwise you might find a rude surprise when you try to fill up and the card is denied. Sure it's just a phone call to get it reactivated, but it's just a lot more pleasant if it never happens in the first place.

[CMunrock]

Thanks everyone, awesome responses!

[bigred1cav]

The only places you will have gas finding problems and they are not great is on the Plains. Kansas is long between gas stations. Start looking at 1/2 full never will have a problem then. When in Dayton take a look at Wright Brothers Bike Shop replica.

Then your only an hour from Woody's Cathedral in Columbus. If you like football it may be worth a look. Dayton is fairly mundane as a tourist stop. 100 miles NE is Amish territory depending upon time you may want to visit Berlin. Scenic Hills is where we stay costs less and is 1 mile from traffic jam of Berlin.

Take snacks and water we never drink hookup water. We either stop at truck stop and eat or make a sandwich and stop at a roadside rest, walk the dogs eat and maybe take a nap. Take time and rest do not drive tired bad decisions are made whe n tired, stay safe and enjoy., Ohio will amaze you it is green and stuff grows here.

[tenbear]

IMHO its better to start a new topic with a descriptive title.

[CMunrock]

Thanks everyone, awesome responses! I have a couple of follow on questions--is it better to start new topic or ask the questions in this thread? (I'm kind of a forum rookie)

[Veebyes]

Must have at least one credit card in good shape, an attitude of what happens happens & can be dealt with & a running list of what was forgotten to be purchased at Wally or Lowes.

[turnkey2]

If you have a smart phone, I recommend the Allstays app. It has a wealth of information. Gas Buddy is also a good app.
Flying J stops have dedicated RV lanes for gas, water, dump station. I recommend applying for a Pilot RV Plus card. It is good at Flying J and Pilot truck stops. You save at least .04 per gallon of gas and there is savings on propane and dump stations also.

[Grit_dog]

stetwood wrote:

hotpepperkid wrote:
My rules are no more than 300 miles and stay no less than 2 day. The last few years it is more like 200-250 and stay several days. I don't care what little dinky town you stay in there is always something to do.

I figure on averaging 120 plus or minus miles per day on a trip. Stop after 5-6 hours of driving. Plan on seeing something everyday.

At 20-25mph avg for a total of 120mi/day, the OP better have left last month to get where he's going! Lol
120mi......lol. I'd say you spend more time making and breaking camp than driving, but sounds like you got that covered and you're one of the guys everybody flips off as they pass you doing 35mph on a flat road in the middle of nowhere!

[Rangerman40]

Get on I70 and go!! :).

I hope there really is something/someone good in Dayton waiting for you, because living here my whole life I can tell you that you aren't missing much.

[Nutinelse2do]

I use the Trucker Path Pro app. It has rest areas, fuel stations, etc.
We usually leave by 8-9:00 am, and are parked by 3-4:00 pm. We prefer casino parking lots, Cabela's, Lowes, and Home Depot. The app free campsites, and casino camper are the ones I use going cross country. Also, gas buddy, and Pilot are good for gas.
Have a great trip.

[stetwood]

hotpepperkid wrote:
My rules are no more than 300 miles and stay no less than 2 day. The last few years it is more like 200-250 and stay several days. I don't care what little dinky town you stay in there is always something to do.

I figure on averaging 120 plus or minus miles per day on a trip. Stop after 5-6 hours of driving. Plan on seeing something everyday.