Long trip questions

Our first trip with the R-Pod, I did not realize how long it would take to get from NC to Las Vegas. It did not help that we had a delay due to a refrigerator problem that caused us to backtrack from Charlotte to the dealer's shop in Lexington. After addressing the issue, we continued as we were trying to get out there to see some of our grandchildren in their Christmas program. We did not make it. I initially was trying to hit 65-70 mph Interstate speeds. Gas mileage was horrible, especially when we encountered headwinds. I ended up having to slow down as I did not feel comfortable towing at those speeds.

After we got the AeroPlus which specified a maximum towing speed of 60 mph, I slowed down and now tow no faster than that. Towing is more relaxed and I don't mind being passed by just about everyone else. I decided that the journey is part of the adventure. We now plan for more days than at first to get to a destination.

We have stayed at Walmarts, truck stops, and one gas station where there was no place for miles around and our daylight had disappeared. The oddest place we stayed was in the tow yard in Green River, Wyoming after our accident (Saturday) waiting for the insurance adjuster to arrive which he did Monday afternoon. That was dry camping in low single-digit temperatures. I like state parks and I like U.S. Forest Service where my Interagency Access Pass gets me in free with camping at a reduced rate.

The "ultimate campground project" is a great app that shows BLM, state parks and federal camping areas.  i think it is indispensable. 

We (2 adults) did the Lake Superior Great Circle tour September 2017 with our Rpod 178, TV is 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. This was our first big trip. We had a wonderful time - here are some details: 14-17 mpg at 55-60 mph. 1900 miles, 2 1/2 weeks. We live in northern MN, short travel the first day, only 2 1/2 hours for our shakedown cruise, spent our first night at the Grand Marais Municipal Campground (Minnesota) and walked along the lakeshore to a fine restaurant. Did not stock up fridge because of customs issues entering Canada and then again returning to US. Knew we would be grocery shopping in Thunder Bay and didn't want to go shopping twice, so just got everything we needed in Canada. Shopped along the way at some fun small grocery stores, a great way to get a sense of the local vibe. Last day in Canada we gave our uneaten fresh fruits, veggies and lunchmeat, cheese etc to nearby campers who happily accepted this windfall. Canadian Provincial Parks are beautiful, many right on the lakeshore, very nice laundry and shower facilities. After Sept 10 they do not take reservations, but we had no trouble finding a campsite. On travel days tried to arrive by 2-3 pm. Stayed at each campground 2-3 nights. Definitely book reservations as early as possible if traveling in Canada before Sept 10. Some campgrounds stop taking reservation even earlier.

Originally posted by Richand Cindy We saved our big trips for now that we are retired. A  three day drive to a destination no longer exists.  We research places to see on the way and stop over.  Thus a three day drive can take six days.  We use Roadtripper to map out our trips.  Roadtripper list off the beaten path places to see.  Roadside America is another source for unique stops.  We have found that there are many places to stop and sightsee and actually there are too many.  We aim for driving 4 hours (250 miles) on our trip planner.  And if there are no sights to see within 250 miles of our itinerary we will stop for a just a night.  We have not had to stop yet at a Walmart or equivalent.  We joined Harvest Hosts and stop at wineries. farms, museums etc for a night.  We prefer it to Walmart.  We also do most of our bigger travels during "shoulder" season June and Sept so no problem making a reservation a day before.  But we use private campgrounds (we try to use 50% off ones that accept Passport America) and not public parks. So far it is working nicely, but it is pricey doing it this way

Mark I have to give a +1 to CharlieM advice to you. Remember this you'll be retired when you take your trip so as they say plan on "smelling the roses" on your way out west. Which is exactly what I will do when we head out to Colorado and Wyoming this summer and return through the upper mid west and into PA before making our way back home to NC. I'm only about nine years older then you but I find that at most all I want to do is pull my Pod for five to six hours a day so I plan my trip accordingly. If you get someplace you really like then stay and extra day! There is no sense in beating yourself and your spouse to death hammering down the road just to get to someplace if you don't have to, hmmm? Most of the time I think of where I might be two to three days out from where I'm camping and make reservations accordingly. As in my recent trip to Edisto Island in SC I mixed it up between State and private campgrounds. Just kind of go with the flow and you'll have a much more enjoyable trip!