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.

[CincyGus]

Plenty of good suggestions here, I'll add one more. Make sure you have internet access. Might be worth it to sign up for some wireless if you don't have any so you can come back here and ask for more advise if you, God forbid, have a problem on road.

Best of luck on your trip and major changes in your lifes and take the time to enjoy the journey. It may be one of the biggest of you life and hopefully a great start to a new portion of it.

[relliott75]

We are PCSing this summer too and will be living in our TT for 6 weeks! Make sure hubby checks on the DITY/PPM move requirements...for Army we must weigh the TV/TT empty, then again full - reimbursement will be the difference between the two weights times the miles driven.

Good luck and remember the key to having fun is a lot of flexibility.

[jrat]

Carry 2 spare tires if possible. The roads north of Quesnel in northern BC can get rough. BC is BIG so don't plan to cover it too fast. Plan for gas stops and enjoy the view...it is stunning.

Not much you can do but lots of rocks and debris come off the logging trucks too - you'll likely get a few windshield dings! I would cross into BC at Sumas/Huntington rather than Pacific Crossing - puts you closer to the part of Highway 1 you need. Birch Bay in Washington is a nice last US stop - only 45 mins from Sumas crossing.

You can PM me if you need more BC info.

[Road_Phantom]

It seems you will be traveling heavy for your trip. You'll need an equalizing hitch and sway control. Kids can't legally ride in the the trailer in all states.
Also, please weigh your loaded rig at a truck stop. You don't want to go over the "GVWR" of the trailer. Same goes for the truck. On the trailer it will be on either the A frame rail or the right side of the trailer. On the truck you'll find it inside the door jamb. Have a safe trip.

[routeforty]

I also have a Coachmen Futura(2790BH)the next size up from yours. One thing you MUST!! keep in mind is how low they are to the ground-lower than nearly every other TT. The back side is prone to drag over small dips in driveways, gas station entrances, etc. Just be careful!! We have used ours to move all our 'stuff' from Ohio to Florida when we snowbird. They do have a very high cargo carrying capacity. The spec sheet is in the cabinent above the sink, glued to the wall if someone hasn't removed it. Mine is about 2700lbs I think. I have weighed it with a lot of 'stuff' in it and wasn't even close to the gross weight. Folks here are right about the bearings and brakes. Mine had set for 2 or3 years before I bought it and one of the brake shoes had disintegrated and a piece had wedged between the drum and something else and caused the wheel to heat up. Since I check the wheel and tire for heat every stop I caught it. Thought it was a bearing going bad, so let it cool and drove to a repair place. there we found the problem. I would probably replace the bearings and brakes before a long trip like you are taking. If you have any questions about the Futura PM me. I've done several mods on mine. there is a guy in Michigan who like me has one and replaced his complete floor. I put an oak laminate in mine. Sounds like a great trip you are about to embark on. Gary

[sdianel_-acct_c]

Take as little in the camper as possible. Use paper plates, cups, bowls, etc. Buy food as you need it. Get each person a stackable bin with lid for their clothes and label it with their name. Less is more is a cramped RV due to weight. Remember liquids are heavy, like canned goods vs dried foods. Everything you put in the RV ask yourself do you really absolutely need it. You'd be surprised at what you can live without. With that many people, dumping the tanks often will be a must and if you have fresh water tank, check it often. We don't drink the water from the fresh water tank (our preference). We use bottled water. You can buy a couple of gallon bottles and refill them from the faucets at the campgrounds to use for coffee, etc. If you have internet on the road, keep us posted. Sounds like the adventure of a lifetime!

[dodgerdog]

Being a dog daddy... I would reccomend you have all you pets vacination records with you in a file folder when you go to enter Canada... It will make the crossing allot easier....

Mike C.

[RedRocket204]

Sitka?

<-- this guy is jealous. Beautiful country up there!

We did the "cross country" move in our TT last year...but only from OR to CO. I would personally recommend limiting travel to a maximum of 500 miles a day with TT in tow.

colliehauler wrote:
Make sure you check the brakes and bearings and tires before you leave.

With the age of their TT, I would say: Just do the brake job/bearings and go ahead and replace the TT tires unless they are already new. Don't just look at the TT tires and think you are good because they look new, check the date. At a minimum, do the bearing repack (brakes will be checked at that time). You want to keep those wheels as cool as possible for less chance of a blowout and a bearing repack will help with this.

Up the Pacific coast will be worth it but slow. In OR and WA, there are many coastal towns where speed limits are very low...make sure to respect those limits as I always saw people pulled over for speeding when I lived on the coast there.

Other than that, don't stress out about this trip/move. Make the best of it and enjoy your travels!

[bedell]

My only comment would be about your intended route: Southern California then north via the scenic route along the CA/OR/WA coast and on into Canada. If you mean CA 1 and US 101 along the coast, then I think that road will get "old" pretty fast when you are towing. It is beautiful but even driving just a car on this route is not much fun for the driver. You could probably take a couple of scenic stretches along CA1 and 101 but cover some distance on I-5..Just my opinion. Have a great adventure!

[coolestdude]

If there is a camp ground close I would go camp for a night or two. If that's not posable try this camp in your driveway or were ever you park your TT just like your really comping. Don't go in and out your house to get stuff, remember your camping. Make a list of everything you have forgot or think you need. Just remember your weight, don't over load!

Happy Trails!

[wannavolunteerF]

I agree with those that suggested you try out the TT at a campground before you head out. Not sure exactly where in AL you are, but since you mentioned CG I would assume near Mobile. Lots of campgrounds in the area, including several on military bases. check the MIlitary campground website for Keesler AFB and a navy site near Gulfport. You may want to use this website to find places to stay en-route. You can likely stay at the bases in California a lot cheaper than commercial parks. I have generally found AF FAMCAMPS to be very nice and a place that I was comfortable letting the kids ride bikes, play at the playground and burn off some energy. Not saying you have to stay at bases all the trip, but that option will save your travel dollars and allow you to take advantage of one of the benefits so many who serve aren't aware of.

[rockhillmanor]

Make sure you purchase a good "RV" Emergency Road Side Service before you head out. Shouldn't travel with out it.

Good Luck on your adventure.:C

[RoyB]

I think I would be looking at a few more local camping trips under my belt to learn the trailer.

I also would be looking at camping off the power grid and all the things you need to do this for several days. It takes a lot of planning to be successful camping off the power grid including having different systems to support this..

Pretty soon you will be at your point of no return and need to have everything you need to keep afloat on your own.

I just don't think you can jump into a stock camping trailer and do such a long trek like you are wanting to do. Try camping for three days off the power grid with your stock trailer and see how that works out for you...

To me everything works by having a lot of PLAN Bs... My three big items would be having smart mode charging technology, at least 450Ahs of batteries, a 2KW Honda generator, just to get started haha...

just my thoughts
Roy Ken

[colliehauler]

Do not overload the trailer or you will not have a pleasant trip. Make sure you check the brakes and bearings and tires before you leave.