What would you take on a 2 year road trip?
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Topic: What would you take on a 2 year road trip?
Posted By: P&M
Subject: What would you take on a 2 year road trip?
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2013 at 10:21am
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Our goal in 5-6 years is to sell the house and take off for a couple of years to see the country, using that as a basis to figure out what area we want to settle down and retire in. So far we are on-track to do so and have started trying to look at exactly what it will entail. I know many of you have had other sizes of TT's and RV's and also that many of you have taken extended trips, so given your experiences I thought I'd ask here first to see what you would use on a trip of this magnitude. ------------- P & M ... and Comet too! 2012 171 -- The Monkey Pod 2018 Ram 2500 |
Replies:
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2013 at 1:03pm
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Lots of money. I would suggest that just about anything you need can be purchased wherever you are. I remember many years ago riding my then new Honda 750 4 cylinder motorcycle from Los Angeles to Pentictan Canada one summer. Came upon another rider that had about 50 lbs of canned goods in his saddle bags. Really slowed him down. Whenever you hit the larger cities I would suggest buying your perishables then. You may find at some of the smaller towns or villages, the selection may not be to your liking. Also might bring a Woodall's or other directory of campgrounds. Certainly a cell phone and charger. A laptop with a good mapping program would also be very helpful. WiFi is almost universal in most small towns and campgrounds. There are also some applications for your smartphone which may make travel easier. We use GasBuddy to find local fuel at the most competitive prices. I'm sure many others will also have suggestions. Have a great trip. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2013 at 1:21pm
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Start making lists of all the stuff you use on a daily basis - toiletries, clothes, utensils, cleaning supplies, food... if you touch it, write it down. Then make sure you have a reasonable amount of each item in your camper.
Go big, most full-timer blogs I've read say having room to hang out and not get in each other's way is essential. This is now your home and not a camping trip. They also usually spend days and weeks in one spot to check out the local area, so you won't be blowing $100 a day in gas. Often this also means finding places to boondock (easier in the west) to cut costs and improve the scenery.
Start searching online for fulltimer forums and blogs. From what I've seen the full timer community is very helpful to newbies. We hope to be there once we retire, too! I just did a mid-career checkup of our retirement outlook and things are looking very good at this point. Barring any more major economic downturns. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2013 at 1:34pm
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love my pod, but two years in it might be a little much; especially if you were going to enjoy some beautiful winter weather camping and activities (ice fishing, some good sled riding, etc) which would have to be a must if i was out for that long of a period; would not be looking for a 40 footer, but something a little more substantial. just my thoughts. hogone ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: Thinker
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2013 at 4:36pm
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I would bring:
1) a tablet or slate with Wifi AND Data (Verizon/Sprint) to use for navigation, communication with family, and management of your banking. On this tablet, I would have my Amazon Kindle account. I already have a library of 1500 free and paid books. 2) I would convert as much as possible to lightweight multifunction clothing -- camper pants that unzip to become shorts. Take all necessary linens, towels, etc.. but plan on frequent regular stops to wash clothes. 3)Food is easy and can be purchased at WalMart while you overnight in the parking lot. 4)If I planned to boondock, I would bring my generator. I also have a locking cable to secure the generator a bit, should it desire to take a walk in the night. 5) I would make sure I had a good basic set of tools, get as many multifunction tools, include a good digital multimeter. I use a power drill for my jacks, so I would include a set of bits to fit this drill. Include a tire inflation pump and tire patch canister. Make sure you have a lug wrench to fit your trailer lug nuts. I know the jack crank fits them, but I bought an 18" breaker bar with the correct socket. 5) Trim down the galley. Use collapsible bowls, kettles, coffee makers when possible. You know your cooking style, but forget specialty things like a waffle maker. A pancake tastes just as good and can be done in the same skillet used for scrambling eggs or frying bacon. I would include a hotplate. We never cook in our pod, except for that first cup of coffee on a brisk or rainy day. 6)Get a good first aid kit, make sure you have the basics covered - perhaps take a Red Cross first aid course. Remember the order: Bleeding, Breathing, Poisoning... 7) Talk to your doc about any needed prescriptions and how to manage medical needs, including insurance, on the road. 8) Connect your tablet to a cloud. I use Microsoft Sky Drive, it is free to start and super cheap to expand. I do not store any important or sensitive information on my tablet. It is all on my SkyDrive. I store all passwords there, but have coding system. For Example if my password is Hippopotamus1234 I record it as Animal1234. Only I know that Animal is Hippo... If you lose your tablet, they get nothing. You can go to any public library and downlosd these lists from your skydrive. Make sure you include all your contacts, family addresses etc. on the Skydrive. I also put all photos on the Skydrive.... I had a laptop stolen years ago and lost valuable digital photos. Never again. 9)Depending on where you plan to go, I would probably pack my Glock. Just don't go to New York. I don't want to become a victim changing a tire on a lonely road. 10) I have two batteries on my pod. I also carry three flashlights with LED bulbs. 11) Get some kind of campground polarity electrical pole polarity checker. Mine has some led lights that show a pattern with the correct voltage and grounding is in place. I have the service cord for the pod and I carry an extension 30A cord. 12) For a trip like this, please do some sort of Journal. We did the Lewis and Clark trail and still have that journal. While driving the trail, we listened to the Audio Book Version of Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose -- it is a narrative of the Lewis and Clark journal. 13) Of course you will have your telephone, but get Skype on your tablet, learn to use it, and teach your relatives how to use it. Even if phone goes out, if you have WiFi you can call anyone. 14) Bring a bucket (and a bucket list  ) can be used for emergency dumping when you cannot move the pod. ------------- Tow Vehicle: 2013 Pathfinder 4WD R-POD Model 171 
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Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2013 at 4:46pm
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Thinker, would you do it in your pod? ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: geelse
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2013 at 10:30pm
 Lots of good info already offered, but here's some additional thoughts.Be sure your health insurance will cover anything that happens to you, wherever you are, whenever you are there. Be sure your auto/rv insurance will cover anything that can happen, anywhere, any time. Try a 2 or 3 month trip in whatever you buy and see how you do, then, plan from there. GOOD LUCK AND SMOOTH ROADS! ------------- See America First 2013 R-POD 177 HRE 2005 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab George and Linda |
Posted By: dsmiths
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2013 at 10:42pm
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you have to think about outside air temps. the pod is not designed to function in very cold temps as the water tank and plumbing under the pod will freeze. you may have to limit your travels to warmer areas unless you spend the mega bucks for heated systems. In a perfect world it would be nice to have a functional unit that you could park and then take the t.v. around to look at properties, using the camper as a mobile motel room. ------------- Dane and Donna Smith 2011 RP-172 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4 lift kit prodigy wireless brake controller |
Posted By: TerryM
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2013 at 3:57am
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I would forget the Glock idea. You will need a way to have your mail forwarded to you. Either a relative or a mail forwarding service. Two people for 2 years in an R-Pod is asking for trouble. It could be done I guess, but if there is something the other person does that bugs you a little it will become bigger. My wife and I sold our house in PA and hit the road for 6 years in a 38' motor home. The storage space of the motor home came in handy for living full time on the road. Don't be in a hurry to get anywhere. We would leave about 9 in the morning, or later, and stop around 4PM. Don't travel at night! Campgrounds, in the summer, fill up fast after 4. For holidays be sure to make a reservation way ahead of time. In the winter months you will be pretty much forced to camp in the southern states. Remember, there are about 1 million full time RV's looking for a spot to spend the winter. Some place fill up fast. Terry ------------- RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4 Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565 |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2013 at 6:55am
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Terry: Just curious. Did you guys spend time in the northern states during the winter months during your 6 years, or hang south? You also mentioned the number of RV's wintering, does it get pretty chaotic finding spots in the southern states? I guess it just takes alot of planning ahead with wanted locations. As I mentioned in an earlier post, if I was venturing out for this length of time, I would definitely want to spend some time north during the winter. Also, did you find it difficult finding good available spots with a 38 footer. Thanks, hogone ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: P&M
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2013 at 8:32am
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Lots & Lots of great advice here ... way more than I was anticipating! Thanks so much!! ------------- P & M ... and Comet too! 2012 171 -- The Monkey Pod 2018 Ram 2500 |
Posted By: Thinker
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2013 at 1:52pm
No reason not to do it in your pod. Spend most time out of pod, see local attractions, meet friends -- they will invite you over. If you come by our two acres, we have full hookups.. Pod is for sleeping, and personal hygiene. Much better than a tent - especially in bear country. Disclaimer: Our pod is for sale. Wife's mother just moved in and needs medical care. Camping on hold for a few years. ------------- Tow Vehicle: 2013 Pathfinder 4WD R-POD Model 171
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Posted By: TerryM
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2013 at 3:04am
We headed south in the winter. Northern campgrounds close for the winter because they have to drain water lines. In Florida we get the "Snow Birds" in winter. Texas has "Winter Texans". They are people that are not full timers but they take their RV's south for the winter to escape the cold. Between the 2 types that is a lot of RV's. Most campgrounds get pretty full. Yep, a lot of planning. We never really had any problems with our length. Some of the older campgrounds in national forest etc. have smaller sites though. There are a couple of books that list campgrounds. One of the things they put in the books is site length. Terry ------------- RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4 Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565 |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2013 at 7:36am
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Thats sounds great!! We just got back from 37 days straight on our trip to Cape Hatteras, we lover it. The biggest issue was storage, mostly refrigerator space. Dry storage like cans of veggies etc was not bad. We did get hit with a small coastal storm, 45-50 mph winds, some flooding and rain. We were in the pod for 2 1/2 days straight, had plenty of videos etc and tv so it was not bad. It would help if your tow vehicle had plenty of storage also, we have a Grand Caravan so we had plenty of extra room for fishing equipment, tools, small air compressor, etc ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2013 at 2:18pm
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we are currently on the road-been traveling since Sept 6 and will return around the end of November. We left NC and traveled west-Rocky Mtn Np,Colorado, then Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and currently in Calif. we love traveling in the Pod. Certainly traveling for 2 1/2 months is not like 2 years-but here is what we have learned---- One of the main things that we have found beneficial is an auxillary ice chest-we bought a Engel high performance 65 quart unit.we keep veggies, drinks and fruits in it and it lives at the back of our Ford Expedition. buying 20 pound block ice lasts about 6 days if we drain the water off each morning. we also have a small ice chest that is available during the day for our lunch, drinks and snacks-it lives between the front and back seats and is easily accessible as we drive. I think one of the best thing we did was to increase our capacity for boondocking. There are lots of places in the west to free camp on gov't land (IF the gov't isn't shut down !!). We added a second battery, a 700 watt inverter (for cell phone and computers primarily)and changed all of the lights to LED. We also use an LED clamp-on desk light that is plugged into the inverter. I also added several 12 volt receptacles throughout the Pod-there is an amazing array of 12 v accessories and appliances available in both RV and boat/marine stores. we also use a small, Coleman gas cylinder powered grill almost every night. It is quite compact and stores easily. We definitely take our bikes with us on our trips. We also have binoculars, cameras, a small selection of bird books, travel guides and maps in a box. Day packs, hiking poles and shoes are a must for us. One of the hardest parts has been to control ourselves and NOT accumulate more stuff in our travels. there are lots of things to buy and take home if you want to. We have tried to pack the Expedition with as much as possible(small outside chairs, folding table, bike gear, cold/foul weather clothes, tools) and leave the Pod with only the necessary eating,cooking and sleeping equipment. We pack our food in the pod in square , lidded containers marked breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and staples-this helps in our organization. we find that between the cell phone(with apps) and our Garmin GPS we have plenty of info regarding camp sites, gas, directions, etc. The cell phone and computer are essential for communications, banking and email. A reliable internet access is important for bill payments. Records in digital format(and a paper backup) are essential. we try to boondock as much as possible. we usually stay at an RV park/resort about every 4 or 5 days for showers, laundry and refilling/dumping. sometimes more frequently depending on location, weather and how we feel. I think a major part of any long distance or long term endeavor would be a road side assistance plan. We have the Good Sam Club plan, have used it and wouldn't be without it. I think you will also need an assortment of electrical adapters(110, 30 amp/50 amp, etc), an electrical extension cord and 2 water hoses. some sites have the services further than the standard 25' cords/hoses will reach. Take several flashlights including the type that has an elastic band that goes around your head to make it hands-free. that's about all I can think of right now--good luck and safe travels Vann |
Posted By: dsmiths
Date Posted: 03 Nov 2013 at 10:48pm
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A lot of good info Van. also duct tape and a wine bottle cork screw. ------------- Dane and Donna Smith 2011 RP-172 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4 lift kit prodigy wireless brake controller |
Posted By: mtbmitch
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2013 at 10:27am
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Decked out class C Sprinter Van would be my choice. ------------- enjoy the fresh air |
Posted By: Kokopod
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2013 at 12:30pm
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A 12-volt cooler with the adapter (they come in an array of sizes and shapes) was invaluable for us. Ice is expensive, messy and a pain. We put all of our beverages and bottled items in that cooler in the Durango. ------------- 2017 Jayco Melbourne 24k 2013 Premier 19FBPR Formerly-2013 R-pod 177HRE 2011 Dodge Durango Love a good road trip |