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Maiden Trip

Yahoo Message Number: 83485
My dw and I are leaving on the 7th of Nov for our very 1st trip. I'm hoping that I've got everything together, but I'm sure we'll forget something.

We're making an overnight stop in Frankenmuth Mi and then headed for Sunset La.
How do I determine my overnight stops along the way. Do we select an RV park at random? If we get tired and pull into a rest stop, can we put our bedroom slide out? How long can we stop at a rest area? I know that we can't stay overnight. How come the truckers can? What's a good number of miles to log before calling it a day? Thanks, John/Jackie 2003 Allure 30951

Re: Maiden Trip

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83487
http://rvbookstore.com/shop/detail.aspx?p=1280&m=2
Hi John and Jackie,

Congratulations on your maiden voyage! We stop and stay in Walmart's overnight there are many that are just off the freeways. Above is a link to a book that shows their locations all over the country. We pick the ones in better areas that are open 24 hrs. You will be very surprised to see how many other RV's are there. We pick an out the way spot and open one of the bedroom slikdes. There is another book "The Next Exit" which is really good for planning fuel stops. Also use online souces and smartphone apps for that. http://www.findfuelstops.com/ is good too.
We decide how many miles we want to drive, the try to find a place to stay, picking fuel stops in between. We usually drive 700 miles a day which we have been told is NOT normal :-)

Feel free to email if you have questions.

Regards,
Marta

07 Allure 31501

Re: Maiden Trip

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83488
Marta,

700 miles a day? Seems almost impossible. I drive 58 to 63 miles an hour and find that I "average" about 48 when you factor in pit stops, fuel stops, etc.

This would mean you drive over 14.5 hours a day.

Does that sound right to you?

George

'04 Inspire 51061

Re: Maiden Trip

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83489
Hello John and Jackie and welcome to the wonderful world of RV'ing. I also use MS Streets and Trips AND the Atlas.
When traveling to my destination, I travel 200 - 250 miles p/day, 300 maximum on the boring Interstates. Always keeping in mind how boring it is for the DW. I do not use Walmarts. I use Rest Areas for my overnight stops, pulling into an RV Park every 3rd day or so for hook-ups, dump and usually a 2 night stay trying to land at the RV Park no later the 4pm.

Enjoy. Safe travels,

Michael

05 Inspire #51381

Re: Maiden Trip

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83490
Go Have A Blast!

Just understand that you will find you did not bring everything, just start a list of what is missing. (Though we found we had taken much more then we needed, and after each of the first 4 - 5 trips, pulled some things out.)
We also adopted a policy, especially as we are still rookies of 2 1/2 years in the CC, with earlier time in the saddle of 4 years with our little Bounder T28 - of just realizing we were going to make mistakes along the way. I kid to my friends, that 'Well, we hit nothing on that trip. So suppose we'll keep on going.'
Another Micrsoft Streets and Trips user, atlas, Garmin, and the all knowing DW:)!
If you are retired, and not pushing a dealine or short few weeks vacation - then take your time along the way. (We will be going into that phase in mid 2013.) I usually like to get up and get going early, as I wake up at the regular get up and go to work time. This way we have contigency time, and are usually pulled over parked by 2:00 - 3:00PM, to allow dog walking and unwinding. We usually stay in the same places mentioned. Many Rest Stops in some states are now closed due to budget reasons. In addition to the other places already mentioned, we also will use Casino's, and some of the bigger truck stops like TA or Love's also have places to pull over. )They can be loud, with traffic going and coming.).
Just go out and the two of you keep a smile, get your sea legs, and determine what works for you...

Have fun, be safe,
Smitty

04 Allure 31017
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: Maiden Trip

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83492
John & Jackie,

Best of luck and safe travels to you both during your 1st trip. Below are my opinions on your situation for whatever they are worth.
Step #1 is to make sure your vehicle is ready. This news group has a litany of items to check. Tires, brakes, PTO spline, hoses, radiator, slide mechanisms, refrigerator inspection, genset, inverter, batteries, hub lubricant, tire pressures, monitoring devices, fluids, fire extinguisher(s), etc. To name just a few. Also make sure everything is secure inside the vehicle. Lock sliding doors, secure cabinet doors, check bay slides, bay contents, etc. Think in terms of what if I make a sharp turn? What if I make a hard stop? It's your responsibility to prepare your vehicle. A few years back Jeannie was coming off an exit ramp somewhere in TN. Nicely curved and lined with trees. There ahead was a tracker trailer on its side in the middle of the road. She smoked the brakes and got us stopped. Chairs tipped over and cargo shifted but nothing got damaged. Around the curve and with the trees you just couldn't see far enough ahead. And we were slightly below the posted exit ramp speed. For road service we use Coach Net and I think they are a well respected service. Might be a good idea to have a resource like this in place before traveling. Hope for the best and plan for the worst.
Here's a YouTube video that's worth a look if anyone doubts what goes on while driving the highways: https://www.youtube.com/embed/oFkw5JFOmHk Warning! It's gruesome.
As for driving, I think using just enough speed to accomplish your purpose is best. Speed kills. Looking as far ahead as possible buys you time. See as much and as far as you can. In one word, THINK! Anticipating what might go wrong in a driving pattern helps you react rationally rather than panicky. Both of us find driving a large heavy vehicle very concentration intensive. We tease each other a bit by saying, "If you're enjoying your drive, relaxing and having fun, you're doing something wrong."
Step #2 is documentation. Others here have given you suggestions. Woodalls is good for campground information. Next Exit is also good. Trucker's Atlas is another for low clearance information. We like to see no less than 13' 6" clearance for comfort. Not sure about your vehicle. But do know that information. Also make sure you know (ahead of time) how to get into the campground. Some can be funky. We ended up in a pasture one time in W. Virginia. Teeth are optional in that state so................
Step #3 is travel distance per day. A good strong guideline to use is 400 miles. When all is said and done, figure your average speed to be around 50 MPH which means 400 miles is an 8 hour day. Maybe you do a little more or a little less but no matter how you slice it, that's a long day. Personally I think sharing the driving load is important for two reasons. It helps prevent fatigue and provides a back-up system. Also having both occupants with driving skills means the passenger's eyes work that much better. Jeannie and I always drive as a team and we watch out for one another. It's a good system.
Step #4 is road etiquette. Many truck drivers hate RVs. This comes from the general lack of driving skill associated with them. No wonder since minimal requirements exist to get a license to drive one. Texas requires a class B CDL for vehicles over 26K Lbs, written and behind the wheel testing. This helps but more needs to be done. Not sure about other states. Technically RVs aren't commercial vehicles even though some are as big or bigger than common motor freight. Truckers are professional drivers that need to move loads on a schedule. I try to yield to them, leave their areas alone and drive with respect for them. If I can help a trucker get into a lane, pass or jockey for position I do so. Their meter is running, ours isn't. And it's better (and safer) to diffuse driving confrontations rather than to create them.
Step #5 Set mileage windows for driver changes, a quick break and walk around inspections. We usually do this every 150 or so miles. Check tires, touch the rubber, smell, look in the engine compartment, inspect exhaust clamps, look under vehicle, inspect tow hitch, inspect tow vehicle, check hoses, etc. In short, look for anything that isn't right. As for stops, maybe it's a little less than 150 or more depending on where we find a safe stopping place. Make a 1/2 hour lunch stop and avoid high carb meals if you can. Jeannie took her written and behind the wheel tests and drives too. You see many professional women drivers and they are very good at it. Give careful consideration to developing the resources of your driving team and share the load. A joy shared is twice a joy and a grief shared is half a grief. And so it goes. Build team spirit and promote participation.
We've never stay overnight in Walmarts, truck stops, rest areas or along the roadside. We find campgrounds instead. It's an extension of our route planning style. Well in advance, Jeannie does the route planning and lays out a detailed syllabus that meets 400 miles or less per day and a campground stop at day's end. We call ahead to make a reservation when it's close. DO NOT USE A CELL PHONE WHEN DRIVING!!!!!!!! This is just our scene and many options will work for you. Choose what's comfortable. But make no compromises when it comes to safety. And remember that safety is no accident. Good luck and welcome to the fold.

At 03:26 AM 10/28/2012, you wrote:

Re: Maiden Trip

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83494
I drove from Oklahoma City to El Paso in the Allure one time, but I could average 62 mph. Another time from San Antonio to El Paso, where the speed Limit is 80 and I averaged 64 mph. But that was some time ago and I'll attempt it again. Virginia Beech to El Paso in 5 days is another stunt I'll not try again. TWI 2004 intrigue 11731

Re: Maiden Trip

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83495
Here's how we plan our trips:
1. use www.mapquest.com or www.googlemaps.com and enter the start and stop point.
2. on a trip that long I would schedule at least 3 stops at campgrounds. We don't stop at rest areas, walmarts or truck stops (personal preference) Look at the map and zoom to cities near where you want to stop. That's about every 400 miles for about 8 hours of trip time allowing stops. We've found that if we leave very early in the morning the trip doesn't seem as long and you can arrive early at the next stop, relax, enjoy dinner and get plenty of rest.
3. I use www.woodalls.com to locate campgrounds in the area, then I check them on www.rvparkreviews.com I like using the Woodalls site first, because you can search for "accommodates big rigs" if you select "show more search options" below the search area. It also gives you the actual town where the campground is located which helps when you hop over to the www.rvparkreviews.com site.
4. We don't make reservations unless it's a weekend or holiday. By arriving early we can usually get a site. When you arrive ask for a pull thru site if you're going to stay just one night. You don't have to hookup the water if you don't need it.

sounds complicated but it really isn't once you get the hang of it. There really is no "one place" you can do the entire thing. You'd think someone would create one where you could map, plan, find campgrounds and then download the whole thing to a GPS.
We also have a Rand McNally GPS that we input the data after we do all the planning above. I check the route against the atlas just to be sure it looks good. We prefer US Highways rather than freeways and interstates unless we're in a big hurry. More scenic and less stress. Some stop and go in towns, but we don't mind that.
FYI - There is a new RV park called EZ Daze RV Park in Southaven, MS. Just south of Memphis. I-55 exit 287.

Have a great trip!!

Lonny & Diane Livingston

Tampa, FL (now in Oklahoma City)
'04 Allure #31065

Re: Maiden Trip

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83496
Hello John & Jackie

Get the "Mega POI" file for MS. It has all the campgrounds, Walmarts, truckstops, Corps of Engineers, National Parks, etc., you could ever want to know about. We used to drive 10-12 hour days, but now just 4-6 hours, or shorter. There's a lot to see out there and a motorhome is the best way to see it. Take the time to enjoy the the trip and share the experience with your best friend, DW & DH! Take an extra day during your travels just to enjoy a place and each other. The time will make great memories!

Have a safe trip.

George & Terri
08 Affinity 6877

Re: Maiden Trip

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83497
Hi George,

That was not a misprint :-), Our longest day was from Odessa, TX to Palm Desert, CA (970 miles in 15 hrs, 4 stops - 2 for fuel, 2 for the dogs)! (We had a mechnical problem and were a day behind) Scott drives about 70 - 72 mph, most of our days are 11-12 hours. I think this is why almost no one wants to caravan with us!!

Marta

07 Allure 31501

Re: Maiden Trip

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83498
A day behind what? Sorry, but that kind of speed on a continuous basis is dangerous not only to you but to others on the road. In addition, two fuel stops in 970miles is certainly a result of driving at that speed.
Don't want to sound like rant but this is not my idea of RVing. The wife and I drive from 250 to 350 miles a day. We leave early in the AM to be able to stop early and relax for the rest of the day. Yes, on occasion we have driven 450 miles but I can't think of any occasion that we have driven further. Can't think of any reason we would want or have to.

Slow down, enjoy the scenery (and life).

George

'04 Inspire 51061

Re: Maiden Trip

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83504
Marta,

Jan and I once did 2,800 miles Tucson, AZ to NYC, NY via Grand Rapids and Detroit MI in three days. We could caravan with you and Scott.

George in Birmingham
'03 Magna 6298
George in Birmingham
2003 Magna 6298

Re: Maiden Trip

Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83511
Quote from: grandmajackiem"

> My dw and I are leaving on the 7th of Nov for our very 1st trip. I'm hoping that I've got everything together, but I'm sure we'll forget > something.

We're making an overnight stop in Frankenmuth Mi and then headed for Sunset La.
How do I determine my overnight stops along the way. Do we select an RV park at random? If we get tired and pull into a rest stop, can we put our bedroom slide out? How long can we stop at a rest area? I know that we can't stay overnight. How come the truckers can? > What's a good number of miles to log before calling it a day? > Thanks, John/Jackie 2003 Allure 30951 >
John and Jackie, we lived in Mi. most of our life and spent 3 mo. there in G.R.this Summer. We very seldom travel more than 200 miles in AM and 200 miles in PM. We start looking in one of camping books or on GPS for camp grounds ahead as well as Wal Marts etc but frequently if going out to eat pick a restaurant with a big parking area and ask if we can overnight and most of the time it is ok. If not in a hurry we will travel only 300 miles or less daily and often find interesting areas and stay over a day or two. Have a great trip and don't be in a hurry. Jim and Marilyn Veen, 36 ft '96 Intrigue, #10299.

Re: Maiden Trip

Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83544
You might as well plan your first night at the WalMart because you will have realized you've forgotten half or what you need and there is no sense making two stops if you don't have to!!
On our first trip from Flordia to Texas, I think we stopped in at least 4 WalMarts before we had enough stuff to finish the last day home!

Mike

97 Intrigue
10313

Re: Maiden Trip

Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83551
Thanks everyone for your input. Today it's snowing lightly. I just put the slides in, I didn't want snow on the top of the slides.
I think we've got all the bases covered, so we'll see how well my DW is at organizing.
If I stop at a Walmart or Sam's can I put one bedroom slide out? I'm going to go pick up the Walmart book. Again, Thanks for the help. John/Jackie 2003 Allure 30951