***Traveling out west*** Need Suggestions

[Juliecece]

Hi-
We have plans to take a two-week trip from Cincinnati out to Grand Tetons and Yellowstone next summer. We have a 31' travel trailer, 4 kids, 2 adults, and a dog... and an extended cab 2001 Chevrolet Silverado. We're a little nervous about having enough space to pull in and out/set up at the national parks. I have been researching RV rentals, mostly for the ease during a long trip with four kids, but husband doesn't think an RV is practical in that way because you have to take it and park it on our excursions. Can someone share their experience with me? Is it a pain to pack up an RV and drive to do the sight seeing we want to see? What are we up against? Pros/cons of each? preference? something else I'm not thinking of?
Thanks in advance,
Julie

[rbpru]

Like others I would question the two weeks. We have found that 250 to 300 miles makes for a full day, especially if you stop to sight see.

However, you have what you have. We often travel to an area and unhitch, than our TT is the hub and our trips are the spokes.

Two things to keep in mind, 1. It can be a long distance between sights. 2. You will be driving in mountains. Both of these are easier without the TT and both mean you would be wise to carry an extra five gallons of gas.

Good luck and let us know how you made out.

[Thom02099]

I've read previously (either here or another site) that some folks have rented a car from one of the places in West Yellowstone, thus leaving the RV at the campground and exploring in the rental car. Something to consider, perhaps.

[Johno02]

And remember that the loop road in Yellowstone is 142 miles around. And at 50 mph, that is over three hours driving time alone. No even considering curves, BIG hills and grades, and herds of elk, buffalo, tourists, and an occasional bear blocking the road for a good part of that. One single buffalo 100' from the road can back traffic up for miles and hours. One in the road can mess up most of a day. A restroom, and/or kitchen become a vital necessity, especially with kids and us older folks.

[Juliecece]

My husband thanks you for your comments; while he likes the idea of having a kitchen and bathroom handy at all times, you confirmed his concern about the length of a vehicle. We're looking at RVs that are 30' or less. Thanks again!

[Johno02]

In our case, parking the RV and driving it to sightsee would be a problem. But, we have seen a lot of people that do it. The advantage is in having a bathroom and kitchen handy, which for us would be extremely nice, and worth the hookup efforts. Especially at Yellowstone, where restrooms and resturants are few and far between. A lot depends on the size and length. About 30' would be the most I would consider due to parking and access limitations, but others may not feel that way. Just my limited experience. Also, remember that with a few exceptions, most National Park campgrounds do not have any hookups, and somehave no bathing facilities at all.

[mosseater]

We spent a month out west at the locations you mentioned, and quite a few others. We have a 34' TT and an F 150...and ZERO experience towing. We had no issues at all, other than the odd gas station where exit was a small issue. What you don't want to do it over think it, and NOT go. Just plan your plan. And go! Remember...it's supposed to be fun. Let it BE fun. Don't sweat the small stuff. Hit me off line if you have specific questions. Enjoy!

[Juliecece]

Thanks for the helpful comments-- I am glad you mentioned leaving the dog at home. Quite helpful. To the fellow Chicago White Sox fan, I'm not naive. Our trip is 17 days, which is do-able. I'll try not to take offense to your European reference, although I've traveled Europe plenty and also have extensive knowledge of the USA. I just don't know RVing, which is what I was wondering about. I appreciate your offering of the Mountain Directory West resource.

To my credit, I have made quite a few reservations under the assumption we'd be taking our trailer. In the meantime, I've convinced my husband that renting an RV might be worth mitigating any traveling frustrations we might have with four kids. Whoo hoo!

For anyone else wanting to weigh-in, is parking an RV worth the hassle, or should we rent a vehicle once we get out west to sightsee? Thanks in advance.

[Lwiddis]

I have a TT to park it in a CG and explore with my Tahoe. What pain?

[Dick_B]

These kind of trips remind me of the visitor from Europe that planned to have breakfast in New York, lunch in Chicago and dinner in Los Angeles. He, obviously, had no idea of how big was the U.S. as compared with Europe where in a day you can travel across several countries.

[Dick_B]

Mountain Directory West is a good resource for trips out west.

[afidel]

I'd make it 3 weeks if you can, much less stressful, did exactly that last Summer. Also from the linked thread, Fishing Bridge is going to be closed next year so with a 31' trailer you're going to be staying at a commercial park in West Yellowstone or maybe in Tetons at Colter Bay. Book as early as the window opens (probably next few weeks, it's 11 months out).

[troubledwaters]

Similar Post

[donn0128]

Two weeks is not enough time for an RV trip. Your looking at a week just in travel time. I would suggest flying to someplace like Boise or SLC and rent a car or SUV. Of your really wanting to rent, again fly to SLC and rent one there. Be sure to have reservations. BTY, board the dog.

[kerrlakeRoo]

Well, consider your looking at about 1600 miles each way, 2 adults, 4 kids, 2 dogs, so a minimum of 3 driving days each direction, more likely 4. Can all of you happily spend that much time within the confines of the truck cab just to get there and back?
Touring in the truck once you reach Montana/Wyoming likely wouldn't be as bad because your going to be getting in and out at the various things you wish to see, but those days travelling would wear on many.
If there is something you have an interest in that you could break the travel up, you would probably do better. Kids can take a long day, and most can stretch it to two, but that third and fourth are a strain.

[SoundGuy]

Juliecece wrote:
something else I'm not thinking of?

Trailer length can be an issue, especially in national parks. Last time were in Yellowstone we camped at Grant Village but friends who had a 30'+ TT had to go to Fishing Bridge about 40 minutes away. Second point - in a place like Yellowstone you want to make campsite reservations well in advance as even booking in January for a summertime visit can be too late. Third point - don't take the dog, it will restrict where you can go and in a lot of campgrounds there are rules about not leaving a dog unattended in the camper while you're off exploring. Fourth point - having done quite a few long distance trips such as you're planning I'm not sure I'd want to head out with an 18 yr old truck ... that in itself may be a good reason to rent a Class C and leave both the trailer & truck at home.