Driving non stop

[wbwood]

We are getting a new Class C motor home this weekend. Got the approval call today. We will put it to great use. With that being said, it got me wondering as to non stop driving. With it being a Class C, my wife won't have any issues driving it, especially on the highway. How far have you gone with switching off drivers and not stopping for the night? We would love to go out west as far as we could, but with only having a two week period. It's not really feasible to go too far out. I've driven between South Carolina and California 3 times. Each time taking me 3 days of 12 hr driving. So week to just drive out there and back is a bummer. But if we could get it done in half the time, then not as bad. Would go all the way to California, but maybe to the Rockies or Yellowstone.

Has anyone done the trade off driving to get somewhere in a shorter period? How far did you go?

[Jim_Shoe]

You're the one that asked the question. If you don't like the answers don't ask the question. It appears that you're going to do it anyway. Could you tell us the route and schedule so we can avoid you on the road?

[noe-place]

I have done ALL the driving from day one. DW is afraid to drive our MH because it's so "big" she says. We always plan our trips in advance and so I know how far I have to drive. I'm used to being behind the wheel for long hours so driving a long stretch doesn't bother me. DW lets me know when I'm tired and it's time to stop (or the fuel gauge). I have driven from Orlando to our home in Kentucky more than once without stopping (except to refuel/eat) more than once. I don't suggest it but if you're comfortable behind the wheel like me it should be OK.

[ddschuman]

Our limit for daily driving is about 9 hrs. After that I must unattach my rear from the seat. I do understand your want to get somewhere quicker as we usually only have a week or two at a time to vacation but riding in a vehicle just seems to lose it's luster after 9 hrs. Everyone is different though. If it's a trip you really want to make and both willing to drive it the way you describe, I say go for it! You won't know if it is doeable for you unless you try it. I myself can't rest in a vehicle so I would never make it but you may be different.

[Peg_Leg]

dup

[Peg_Leg]

When I was younger it was no problem to do 1100 mi. We still do more distance the first day of a trip. I would only try this if you both can agree and stick to stopping if you get tired. Drive to the farthest point and plan on resting for a whole day. Then do your sightseeing on the return trip. Last couple of days for getting home.

I'd suggest stopping at each states welcome center, once your a 1000 mi out, and gather brochures for anything that looks interesting. You can study them on your rest day and pick some stops for the return trip.

[Cecilt]

I love to drive. No issues going 12-14 hours per day and that includes towing. i would do this vs. having my wife drive for one hour . However, i would also think I would prioritize my destination first and foremost to minimize driving and more time to see different places. If Yellowstone is where you want to go and this is your only opportunity and 2 weeks is all you will ever have to make the trip i would do it. But like other posters have said there are many places to see between NC and Wyoming that will keep you out of the drivers seat longer. Another idea would be to fly. Have fun. Did you sell your TT?

[crabbin_cabin]

Wow - if you do not want opinions on your plans then do not post them here. This is where you get opinions/help!

[jeffcarp]

wbwood, we have a smaller Class C and I am the only driver. When we are coming back home from Florida to Iowa our schedules are such that we typically do the trip in a 2 days. It is about 23 hours on the road. If I watch my drink consumption I can do 23 hours on the road in two days, stopping only for gas every 325 miles or so plus the overnight stop. When I do long trips like that my only rule is that I do not travel at night. I am in my early 40's and healthy, so 12 hours behind a Class C is doable for me once in awhile. But I don't think I could do it without daylight. Never tried it and won't. A Class C is not the same as doing a trip like this in a car. It does take more out of you physically. Just ensure you can get a good night's sleep if you are going to attempt two 12's back to back. I've never done three 12's before. I am not sure I could do that.

[skipnchar]

Only YOU know how much "fun" you would find in that strategy 🙂
Good luck / Skip

[dwayneb236]

My wife and I have swapped off driving numerous times. We are driving to get somewhere, and then having our fun. Lots of people giving opinions that work for them. Not even taking into consideration what you are asking. I get it. Do what you want. We all know about opinions don't we. We all have them, among other things. Just drive within your abilities. Don't get too tired. We actually enjoy the drive. But that's just US... I'll not suggest you do anything other than what you want to do. Simple as that.

Guess I need to throw in that this was not towing. Just visiting family mainly..

[downtheroad]

wbwood wrote:
I'm talking about getting to a destination in a short period of time. Not wanting to stop overnight along the way. Not looking for opinions of "stopping and smelling the roses".

Sure, go for it. It's you choice to make, not ours..
But, if I wanted to get somewhere fast and didn't care about the all the adventures to be had along the way, I'd fly.

[garyhaupt]

Just an FYI..chances are, you are thinking of using the rear bed? I am betting that whoever get in there first while underway..will also be the last. As a rule..because the rear wheels are so far forward of the back of the RV, that the bounce effect is fierce. Maybe take a test drive, taking turns in the bed...see if it works or not.

However..if you can conquer that? go for it. The rolling galley and head make it a doable thing.


Gary Haupt

[GizmosMom]

I just plotted a little trip for you on my MS Streets and Trips. From Troutman to Yellowstone is 2,043 miles. You COULD do it if you began driving at 7:00 am and ended at 7:00 pm. We have driven like that before (when we were younger, in our 30's) but we were grouchy.

The trip is doable but that is a whole lot of miles. It would take you three days to get there @ about 650 miles a day. Stay in Yellowston/Grand Tetons for about nine days and then drive back for three days again at about 650 miles a day.

May I suggest that perhaps you go to Colorado instead? It would be a shorter trip and just as beautiful (IMHO) as going to Wyoming. I only say this because of the time frame you have given to us.

Just some food for thought...

[rvten]

I could not sleep with the DW driving. Would always have one eye open.

[DesertHawk]

When we had our C-Class, we would switch off drivers. (Still do!) When sleep would hit, change drivers. Even allowed our daughter & son to do some later on. Can't remember how far we did, miles or hours. Never had to do any short (time wise) trips (both teachers, 2 1/2 months to travel each summer).

Might give New Mexico a Look See, a lot of Cool Mountains to enjoy. Somewhat closer than California.

Best Value - NM State Parks ::::: $10 Without - $14 With Electric & No Entry Fee if Camping. Often with Free Showers (not all, most).

Bandelier Nat'l Mon't is off US 285. We were there in August last year. Not too hot at all. Cools off quickly after sundown each evening. I believe we were there years ago in July. Warmer during the day, but cool nights.

Los Alamos is a very neat small city in itself. Free bus system with very neat buses. Very pretty setting up in the high country. Somewhat of a gated community as well. We only drove through & stopped at a SuperMarket. A nice town. http://www.visit.losalamos.com/
http://www.losalamosnm.us/transit/Pages/default.aspx

More on Santa Fe an older post. Hope the links still work.

Some same but with some new (maybe) More New Mexico .

Might consider doing quick overnight stops as well as long hauls. These have been helpful in finding a place to overnight or stay (Help for the Budget as well):

FreeCampgrounds.Com

freecampsites.net/usa/

Boondocking Sites

Bob's Cheap & Free

Wal-Mart

OverNights Not Camping

Casino OverNighting Never used one yet, but many do.

COE Campgrounds

Senior Pass for Federal Parks & Camping (Free Entry to Nat'l Parks, 1/2 off camping @ Many Nat'l Forests & Nat'l Pks; Also BLM & COE) Not 62 yet, a Annual Pass for $80 might pay for itself & more for the Battle Fields, etc. But not 1/2 Camping, I believe. Might save a little $ if visiting many Nat'l Pks & Monuments. There is a Free Access Pass if one has permanent disabilities. Passes