Using our TT to move cross-country.

[Jenpenm]

I apologize in advance, this might get long...

My husband and I recently purchased a used 2000 Coachmen Futura travel trailer to assist in moving our family (3 young kids and a dog) across the country from Alabama to Alaska. We thought this would be a great idea because we love camping, however, I'm getting more than a little nervous.

We've never owned an RV or trailer or anything before, only ever tent camped. My husband has practiced a ton with pulling our TT, backing it in to parking spots and whatnot. He also took it to a local dealer to have it checked out since we bought it used. It needed a few minor fixes (a missing cover for this or that, new sewer hose/water hose/etc, no biggie). It needs a little facelift on the interior but she is quite serviceable.

Our upcoming haul is going to be crazy long. We plotted our course (not too fast since we're newbies), made campground reservations (all pet-friendly), and are pretty much ready to go (we think). Only a couple of our campsites are without hookups, and those are just quick overnight stops to sleep before we get back on the road. Our route takes us west from Alabama to Southern California then north via the scenic route along the CA/OR/WA coast and on into Canada. We'll hop on the ALCAN up through BC to Haines Junction where we'll hop on the overnight ferry to Sitka, our new home.

I've scoured a ton of threads on this site, chock full of useful information, but I just thought I'd more or less introduce myself on this forum and ask if there is anything that you all think we should keep our eyes open for or anything we need to do ahead of time or while on the road? We're excited for the trip but now that we're just 30 days from hitting the road I'm getting pretty nervous about it. We've researched so much about RVing, but I really wish there was an in-person weekend class or something where you could learn the basics from someone who knows what they are doing.

[dan-nickie]

Welcome and good luck on your adventure.

One thing I'm surprised no one has mentioned yet is 'weight'.
Will you be packing all of your clothes, pictures, tools and other personal items in the trailer, or is a moving company taking those separate?
You mentioned making sure you take "everything you need".
I would just suggest you keep the weight you are adding to the trailer in mind.
A too heavy trailer could make the trip an adventure you don't want.
Have you been thinking that over and checked the specs of your trailer and tow vehicle?

[russellsawatsky]

Sounds like a great way to move to get into Canada pass port's may be required and if you are transporting any firearms you will need permits or find another way to get them to Alaska call Canada Costumes to see what you are able to do but don't just show up at the border with them 🙂

[danoren]

Sounds like a great adventure,our first RV experience was from Edmonton to Alaska and back it took us 4 months and we loved every minute.
Take with you This guide to help you long the way.
Good luck and enjoy the trip.

[limbery]

I'd say for the distance you're travelling that the time you're allowing would be not too much for sure...remember you probably won't cover as many miles as you would if you were just driving your TV alone...

[Jenpenm]

Thanks for the quick responses! We have our passports already (thanks to the Coast Guard that provided those for free for the whole family since we are moving as part of a PCS).

We plan on doing a "dry run" by camping in our driveway for a day and night as soon as we get a new battery and fill up the propane. I'm going to keep a running list of anything we have to run into the house or garage for. We are going to be living in the camper for 30 days, possibly more. Leaving one home on June 29 and getting to our new town on July 30. We're not sure if the base will have a house ready for us to move in to right away or if we'll need to stay in our camper for longer until housing is ready. I want to have everything we need, but since there will be 5 people and a big fat dog living in cramped quarters for so long there won't be a lot of extra space, I don't want to take anything that isn't absolutely necessary. I've found the FAQ for newbies and have bookmarked the really great thread about checklists. This forum is SO helpful, I hope we meet a bunch of folks just like you all on the road!

[bigcitypopo]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Don't be afraid to ASK for help at your stops........campers are friendly folks and are just looking for a reason to lend a helping hand/information/hands on training.

And relax......enjoy the trip.
Don't drive and drive and drive. Pace yourselves.....stop, stretch and check the vehicles over.
Great tool is an infrared thermometer (local auto store). Great fr getting a quick check on tire temps, brake/drum temps, hub temps etc. Look for any one that is out of whack from others.
Air tires up early morning on each travel day.

Relax.....enjoy and take lots of pictures with info. What a great trip for all!!
Ask for HELP.

Good sound advice.... If you can take a little 12v compressor.... Huge help

[owenssailor]

Passports are required to enter the US. That applies to Us citizens as well as all others.

[Old-Biscuit]

Don't be afraid to ASK for help at your stops........campers are friendly folks and are just looking for a reason to lend a helping hand/information/hands on training.

And relax......enjoy the trip.
Don't drive and drive and drive. Pace yourselves.....stop, stretch and check the vehicles over.
Great tool is an infrared thermometer (local auto store). Great fr getting a quick check on tire temps, brake/drum temps, hub temps etc. Look for any one that is out of whack from others.
Air tires up early morning on each travel day.

Relax.....enjoy and take lots of pictures with info. What a great trip for all!!
Ask for HELP.

[limbery]

Congratulations on your upcoming adventure....It will be in your memories for the rest of your life I'm sure!....You'll inevitably have at least the odd thing breaking down but don't sweat it, just expect it and have the credit card ready if you need it....if you're only going to have the occasional night without a hookup you should be fine, and in no time you'll develop a routine of how your setup/tear-down will work....
Actually it's those of us who infrequently use our TTs and go long periods of time between outings that forget things or how things work or our methodology...so if you're heading into an extended trip you'll likely get into the groove of things pretty quick and stay that way. Enjoy the ride!

[Bajahaha]

Canada is a foreign country and will require past ports and or visas to enter.
Good luck, Ya all
sdm