Long trip questions
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Camping Adventures
Forum Discription: Post your camping adventures here for all to share
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11314
Printed Date: 27 Apr 2024 at 4:47am
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Topic: Long trip questions
Posted By: Subzilla
Subject: Long trip questions
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2018 at 11:57am
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Planning a "wild west" trip leaving from NC a few years from now. Looking at a month or so on the road, planning to hit Grand Canyon, Moab, Mesa Verde, Bryce Canyon, Badlands, and others and not in that order. Most of the NP's and other campgrounds need very advanced reservations. With 2000 miles just to get out there and with the distances in between the destinations, how does an experienced RVer time those reservations? In other words, how much time do you plan for pure travel time in between the destinations? I know the biggest variable is how many miles each person is capable of logging every day. I know what I can do in a day but with continuous days of travel, I can see that capable distance decreasing due to fatigue. Do you plan an extra standby day in between destinations? Do you overlap reservations, then modify them at the last minute as you firm up your arrival time? So far, as a tenter, pop-up owner and Rpodder, I've mainly done single destination trips with maybe a one-night stay over along the way. This is very exciting for wife and I! If work permitted, I would do it next month! ------------- Mark Concord, NC 2017 RP 179 "Podzilla" 2011 Silverado 1500 4X4 |
Replies:
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2018 at 12:34pm
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As they say on cable talk shows, there’s a lot to unpack in your question. Being retired and loving the West we have made similar trips from FL many times. Now we live in CO so things are much closer. If you don’t have to hurry I suggest several rules. Plan for no more than 6 hours driving each day when in transit. With traffic and weather that can sometimes stretch to eight hours but that becomes a long day. A four hour drive is very nice, a ten hour drive is a no-no. Plan to drive at 60mph max. With slowdowns etc. that usually averages 50mph driving. Remember that your gas mileage will be 10-12 mpg towing so plan your gas/potty stops accordingly. Usually every 2-3 hours. Plan to arrive at a new CG early in the afternoon. Campsites fill up fast and the early bird sometimes gets a better choice of sites. Especially at NPs don’t plan any sightseeing on departure and arrival days. Take time in the mornings for coffee/breakfast. Start each day fresh. Don’t cut short a day of exploring to pack up the campsite. Reserve well in advance. NP CGs are booked early. Sometimes you can catch a cancellation but don’t count on it. Plan to take your time and relax. Your goal is to see the parks, not log highway miles. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2018 at 1:05pm
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I highly agree with Charlie. We usually do 55-60 and really try to stay within the 5-6 hour time frame. The travel does drain you, we do like stopping early and usually like CG's with a pool or hot tub to relax in. We also don't like to travel more than 3 days without a rest day. Plus we do stop for gas and to stretch every few hours. We also take lots of pictures!! Sounds like a great trip!! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Pete Brayton
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2018 at 1:53pm
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If you can't get space at national parks, there are usually state parks not far from the np's. For example, in Utah there is Dead Horse State Park, Green River SP, Goblin Valley SP and Kodachrome Basin SP that are just as great, if not better than the national park campgrounds that are nearby. You still need to make reservations ahead of time though. We also plan nights at hotels in between campgrounds to break things up. I agree with everything that the previous posters have suggested too. Enjoy your trip. ------------- 2021 Rpod 196 2013 Ford 150 V8 |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2018 at 4:07pm
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Pete great tip! I am going to add those parks to a state by stat campground list I have been accumulating from tips passed on by forum members! Thanks ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2018 at 7:24pm
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I'm not retired yet so I disagree with Charlie's 6 hour driving days. First, I think you need to know your own limits and stick to them within reason. For me, if I'm trying to get from Tennessee to the Grand Canyon, and don't care to dawdle or spend time at interim locations, I don't mind driving 14 hours or more in a day. I'll stop at a Walmart or truck stop at 8 or 10 pm and be gone by 7 or 8 the next morning. For my destination locations where reservations are at least highly desirable, I'll make those reservations and time my interim stops accordingly. Going from the Grand Canyon, to, say Rocky Mountain NP, I'll try schedule some soft time. Maybe I'll spend the next day at Mesa Verde, then Ouray, Aspen, then RMNP. If I figure it's a 4 day trip I'll plan on 5 days. I can spend extra time along the way if I want and I probably don't have to worry about getting to RMNP to make my reservation. When I stupidly realize that I'm driving right by the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, I'll probably have time to take a little detour. I won't have reservations at the interim places -- I'll be prepared to find a Walmart or even spend the night at a motel if necessary. There's a whole lot of personal preference involved on long trips. Charlie's suggestions are great for someone like Charlie. Some people can't imagine going down the road without a planned stopping point and a reservation. To me, that's one of the great freedoms of towing your motel room around with you. Some people would be totally uncomfortable spending the night at a Walmart or driving into a National Forest campground at 8 pm and I understand all that. This is just another point of view. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2018 at 7:32pm
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Having towed a couple 600 mile plus days a few times.. I try very hard to keep it at 350 or less if I need to drive the next day. Otherwise I start to HATE the trip. We have done rezis and no rezis, in route, just depends on how, where, and when. If I was starting from NC, and planning to hit the spots you listed, I would allow at least 2 months for the trip and be happier at 3 months. ------------- |
Posted By: Larry-D
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2018 at 7:59pm
| Picked up our pod in Panama City Beach last fall. Pulled it 454 miles back to middle TN. Stopped for gas (a lot) and once to eat fast food driving a Jeep Wrangler. I must admit we were worn out when we got home. Not pulling a TT no problems driving that far. Point being, pulling a TT does add to the stress. |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2018 at 9:09pm
I've made that round trip every year for the past 4 years. From where I am in Middle Tennessee to TH Stone State Park outside of Port St. Joe, FL. According to Google it's 532 miles. We go down in one day, leaving around 7 or 8, getting in maybe as late as 9 or 10. We stay about a week and come back in one day. We gain an hour coming back, so it's a little easier sort of. I try to make a it 10 day trip by taking a week off plus a holiday. No way I'd want to spend 40% of my days on the road. 20% is bad enough. And it's worth it to me to spend long days on the road coming and going. My wife won't drive at all with the Pod hooked up. I'm no superman -- I hope I don't sound like I'm bragging. My point is that just that one size does not necessarily fit all. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: Subzilla
Date Posted: 28 Mar 2018 at 7:26am
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All great info. Yes, pulling a trailer does add a stress factor compared to no trailer, for sure. We picked up our trailer in Ohio and dragged it back to NC but after driving for about 5 hours, we realized we didn't want to try to take it over the Smokeys at night and stopped in Knoxville. I use to drive many miles without flinching but it seems the older I get, the less I can tolerate....and I'm only 55. Not afraid to drive 450 or 500 miles at one time....but with a trailer is a different story. Have a trip planned to St. Augustine in 3 months (Anastasia SP) at 460 miles. We see how that goes. For the big trip, I agree with TT, I really don't want to spend too many days driving to get there. I realize the journey can also be the "experience" too and I do plan to hit some highlights en route. But I also don't want to be kaput when we get there either. I do like the 6 hour (350 mile) driving day concept as a planning tool. And if possible, pull some longer travel days. And furpod, I had preliminary planned about 1.5 months at a minimum. But, 2 or 3 months would be nice. I think planning some extra cushion days in between destinations is a must....breakdowns, weather, tiredness, the unknown attraction. Thanks y'all for the great advice. Tars Tarkas, we have made many a trip to the in-laws in Hendersonville, TN. Her kinfolk all grew up there. 450 miles from our doorstep. ------------- Mark Concord, NC 2017 RP 179 "Podzilla" 2011 Silverado 1500 4X4 |
Posted By: Richand Cindy
Date Posted: 28 Mar 2018 at 8:34am
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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 ------------- OLD 2017.5 RPOD 180 + 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk NEW: 2018 Passport Elite 23RB + 2017 Ram 1500 Diesel |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 28 Mar 2018 at 9:07am
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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. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Woody.1
Date Posted: 28 Mar 2018 at 9:43am
Great tip and there is plenty of BLM land in the west where you camp off grid camp. I know around Goblin Valley SP there are many camp spots where it’s no problem getting in and out with an rpod. Valley of the Gods outside of Mexican Hat Utah is another scenic area. One the the most scenic drives with plenty of off grid camping is from Blanding, Utah to Hanksville on highway 95, hundreds of Indian ruins to stop and explore, Natural Bridges National Monument, it’s an unbelievable area. From there you can hit Goblin Valley SP. I posted the below in another post “Durango, Silverton, and Ouray. Silverton and Ouray have some beautiful scenery. Up to Ridgeway, then over Dallas divide into Telluride, then over Lizard Head Pass down into Dolores and over to Mesa Verde in Cortez. Head over to Moab and if you want to do any off grid camping go into Canyonlands north of Moab, Newspaper Rock area. Plenty of off grid camping. All above areas have plenty on off grid camping or RV camping. The above could be a nice multi-day trip to enjoy it.” |
Posted By: texman
Date Posted: 28 Mar 2018 at 10:05am
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The "ultimate campground project" is a great app that shows BLM, state parks and federal camping areas. i think it is indispensable.
------------- TexMan 2015 182g 2018 Sequoia http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9122&title=texman-182g-mods - TexManMods |
Posted By: Woody.1
Date Posted: 28 Mar 2018 at 10:19am
Didn’t realize one was out there. I’ll have to download it. |
Posted By: HappyAdventuring
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2018 at 2:16pm
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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. We didn't anticipate how many excellent restaurants we would find on the Canadian side, even in small remote towns. So, that's why we had leftover food. Too much fun trying out new foods. Many interesting historical sites, the Bush Plane Museum in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, is great for all ages. Lots of hiking. We brought our bikes but too scary to bike on the highway with no shoulders and lots of big semis, so biked around the campground. On the Canadian side we stayed at Kakabeka Falls, Lake Superior, and Pancake Bay Provincial Parks, all excellent. On the US side we stayed at Grand Marais MN Municipal Campground at the beginning of our trip, and Baraga State Park MI (right on the highway so traffic noise, next time will stay at McClain State Park Campground) and then to the Bayfield Peninsula and stayed at the Herbster WI Municipal Campground. Reservations a must on the US side, we usually called the day before and got in. During the peak summer months this would not work, I expect. Walked onto the ferry for a day trip to the Apostle Islands. I'll do another post with our mods, and then another with camping tips we learned the hard way, mostly. We have lots of BWCAW camping, road trips and sailing experience, this was our first TT trip, still on the learning curve. ------------- LOB |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2018 at 2:44pm
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Welcome to the group! Sounds like a great trip!! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2018 at 3:29pm
Roadtripper is new to me! Pushing the heck out of it to test. Actually is showing a few more areas to camp than other programs I've looked at. Kind of quirky so far, but working through it. Nice add to the collection! Thank you for mentioning it! I'm undecided on Harvest Hosts, but if you like it and it works.. I will look into it again. ------------- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways 2017 Tacoma http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build 2004 F150 My Overlander |
Posted By: Richand Cindy
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2018 at 4:24pm
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Harvest Hosts is nice for one night stays. Unlike a Walmart you can open your slideout, pull out chairs and even grill. However with few exceptions you should arrive just before closing. So for many it is 5 PM. It is not for traveling late into the night and just pulling off for a no frills stop. For that you need the Walmarts. We prefer the Harvest Hosts for one night stays as we usually stop for the day driving around 4-5 PM. We do not drive into the evening (at least not yet). You should buy something so it is really not free, but then again Walmart would not offer free overnight if enough people did not go into the store and buy something either. Also there are not that many so you may not find one on your route. For example in NH there are only three The Washington Cog Railway, The Gould Hill Farm and the Red Hook Brewery in the entire state. But we did find enough on our trips to make the annual fee worth it. ------------- OLD 2017.5 RPOD 180 + 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk NEW: 2018 Passport Elite 23RB + 2017 Ram 1500 Diesel |
Posted By: DavMar
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2018 at 12:12pm
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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! ------------- Dave & Marlene J with Zoey the wonder dog. 2017 Rpod 180 2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 Lexington, NC |
Posted By: cosmo751
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2018 at 12:44am
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All very good advice. I like to hold the day lengths down to 250-350 miles> I travel at 55 because the mpg goes down rapidly from there. There are smartphone apps (and websites) for scouting rv parks, etc that are very useful. I like RVPARKY and use it both for plan ahead and same day reservations. It is most useful for the next-day to 5 day windows. On the 10 long trips I've made I only got burned twice. One where I got no answer in an area with no other choices and one where the camp host might well have been rabid. You're going to love long trips ! Plan down days now and then and don't fear side trips. I've been to some spectacular places that weren't on orginal plan ! Cheers, Ken ------------- "He not busy being born is busy dying." |
Posted By: Subzilla
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2018 at 6:39am
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Thanks for the great advice everyone. Took first trip of the season this past weekend and had the US map out plotting points of interest while relaxing in the pod. While explore the various apps for sure. Don't know if we can wait that long to take this super trip!! ------------- Mark Concord, NC 2017 RP 179 "Podzilla" 2011 Silverado 1500 4X4 |
Posted By: flash
Date Posted: 30 Apr 2018 at 2:32pm
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I live in Idaho Falls, a couple of hours outside of Yellowstone. When we do national parks, we try to stay 20 minutes or so outside of the parks (not so many rules to follow and more dog friendly), and get an annual pass. The line to get into Yellowstone can be several hours long, but there is an express lane for re-entry or season pass holders. Off season is also better if it fits your schedule--more animals and fewer traffic jams.
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Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 30 Apr 2018 at 4:10pm
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I will suggest, and it came from another member, Roadtrppiers.com I am liking this site! We are Lighthouse folks (as we live in the Nor'east) and it brings up many that are 'Listed' (meaning many are not that are 'out of service' and you have to search a bit for them..). What I see is it brings up quite a bit more! I will use this as we travel, especially as we head to the Sou'west. I don't know this area and it looks like a pretty good app to get me to places I wouldn't have. Another favorite of mine is http://www.geocaching.com/play - http://www.geocaching.com/play You want to find places that the 'locals' go to play.. I know no other better way! If you get hooked, as I did, you'll buy the app. Basic was free.. Hope it still is.. So much fun! Traveling into unknown places and finding great places to explore is a challenge. Far too many apps trying to sell there info and not coming close to what is 'really' out there. Enjoy your run! Hope something here helps. ------------- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways 2017 Tacoma http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build 2004 F150 My Overlander |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 30 Apr 2018 at 6:03pm
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You can spend a lot of time in the mitten (Michigan) locating and exploring the 129+ lighthouses along Michigan's shorelines. One that we have enjoyed bicycling to in the UP of Michigan is the Seul Choix lighthouse on Lake Michigan, it is east of Manistique near a town called Gulliver along US-2 and then south on a dirt road maybe 6 miles or so, pretty neat. ------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 30 Apr 2018 at 7:03pm
Every Michigan state park that I have visited was outstanding. Clean and well kept. Reasonsble rules and nice camp hosts. I love camping in Michigan! ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 30 Apr 2018 at 7:34pm
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We did have a bummer last weekend as we were ready to leave for our 1st outing of the year going to Fisherman's Island State Park just south of Charlevoix on Lake Michigan. The state DNR called us about 2 hours before we left and let us know our reservation was cancelled. Reason? Because of flooding and all the snow we had a week before. Now couldn't they have let us know a week before or at least a few days before instead of a couple hour notice? I feel bad for those who may have been travelling a long distance to get there as for us it was only a 35 minute drive so we went to Traverse City (Keith Charters State Park instead. The snow is finally beginning to fade away, Yahoo !!!
------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |