R-pod Owners Forum : NC to WA http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Camping Adventures : NC to WA Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:35:24 +0000 Sat, 19 Apr 2014 00:47:32 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=4380 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ NC to WA : Just a few thoughts. We stayed... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44868#44868 Author: bodie55
Subject: 4380
Posted: 19 Apr 2014 at 12:47am

Just a few thoughts.  We stayed at the Oak Grove/KC KOA last year.  Pull thrus were perfect for not unhitching and the bathrooms were clean.  I've spent some time in SD - you should be fine in May for weather in terms of cold nights.  Consider the KOA in Hardin MT.  Not far from the freeway.  Less than an hour before Billings.  Easy stay.  We did a long distance trip last summer.  You can break up the long/short days.  Some states lend themselves to easy driving.  Save your extra time for the mountains.]]> Sat, 19 Apr 2014 00:47:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44868#44868 NC to WA : Thanks Dawg Pod! http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44808#44808 Author: P&M
Subject: 4380
Posted: 17 Apr 2014 at 10:59am

Thanks Dawg Pod!

]]> Thu, 17 Apr 2014 10:59:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44808#44808 NC to WA : Thanks for the suggestion and... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44807#44807 Author: P&M
Subject: 4380
Posted: 17 Apr 2014 at 10:58am

Thanks for the suggestion and link fwunder ... I will definitely be looking into this!

]]> Thu, 17 Apr 2014 10:58:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44807#44807 NC to WA : P&M, you might want to consider... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44800#44800 Author: fwunder
Subject: 4380
Posted: 16 Apr 2014 at 10:32pm

P&M, you might want to consider something like this:

http://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed-dc-12-converter-s8-machines.html

It's what I use sans the humidifier. Very little drain on your batteries. I've run my s8 two nights off a little 18ah battery. Pod 12v system will easily handle it.

Sleep well!

fred
]]> Wed, 16 Apr 2014 22:32:43 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44800#44800 NC to WA : Will be sending good thoughts... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44798#44798 Author: Dawg Pod
Subject: 4380
Posted: 16 Apr 2014 at 10:15pm

Will be sending good thoughts and prayers your way for travel blessings. Stay safe!]]> Wed, 16 Apr 2014 22:15:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44798#44798 NC to WA : Truck stops are safer than Walmarts... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44790#44790 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4380
Posted: 16 Apr 2014 at 8:15pm

Truck stops are safer than Walmarts - again, my personal experience.  Nobody messes with the truckers.  We've been messed with at Walmarts.

If your CPAP won't work from 12 volts, consider an inverter.  You can't use a preheater from a battery (either directly or via an inverter), but just the pump is ok.
]]> Wed, 16 Apr 2014 20:15:13 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44790#44790 NC to WA : Originally posted by Tars... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44764#44764 Author: P&M
Subject: 4380
Posted: 16 Apr 2014 at 8:44am

Originally posted by Tars Tarkas



KOAs and electricity etc are nice, but you might not need them every night.  Walmarts or truckstops can be mighty quick and easy.


I completely agree and had planned to do so in the first place.  However, I use a cpap for sleeping and if I don't then I really do not get good sleep, which is okay for a night or two but after 3-4 nights without it then I would be a real mess and, quite honestly, a danger behind the wheel.  Gotta have electricity to run it w/o getting into a whole 12v setup for it, which I don't have.  

Plus the wife will feel much better about me doing this than hitting the truck stops ... and that counts for a lot!  Smile
]]> Wed, 16 Apr 2014 08:44:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44764#44764 NC to WA : I disagree that the times are... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44754#44754 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4380
Posted: 15 Apr 2014 at 8:45pm

I disagree that the times are too short, based on the advice I gave on the prior page.  Google maps says Charlotte to Nashville KOA is 6.3 hours.  Multiply that by 1.25 and you get almost 8 hours.  That 1.25 multiplier is based on my own experience and includes gas stops, getting behind trucks, etc.  

I agree that that many days in a row of 10-11-12 hour days is a bit much.
]]> Tue, 15 Apr 2014 20:45:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44754#44754 NC to WA : 550 is pretty doable, depending... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44753#44753 Author: Tars Tarkas
Subject: 4380
Posted: 15 Apr 2014 at 8:40pm

550 is pretty doable, depending on your dedication, but I think you'd be a lot better off with a 6 day plan.  If it were me, I might map out some daily goals like you did but I'd keep going if I made a goal and felt like I had another hour or 2 or 3 or 4 in me and put those miles in the bank for a later day.  Aside from flat tires and stuff like that, there's no telling what you might want to linger over along the way.

KOAs and electricity etc are nice, but you might not need them every night.  Walmarts or truckstops can be mighty quick and easy.

TT
]]> Tue, 15 Apr 2014 20:40:11 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44753#44753 NC to WA : I agree with Goose, You need time... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44740#44740 Author: Hairy Podders
Subject: 4380
Posted: 15 Apr 2014 at 12:14pm

I agree with Goose, You need time to eat, get gas & other stuff along the way.]]> Tue, 15 Apr 2014 12:14:33 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44740#44740 NC to WA : Thanks Goose ... I think that... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44738#44738 Author: P&M
Subject: 4380
Posted: 15 Apr 2014 at 10:57am

Thanks Goose ... I think that is what I needed to hear, and those would be just too long of days for me 5 in a row.  I think I am going to go back to my original 6 day trip plan with @ 450 miles per day.]]> Tue, 15 Apr 2014 10:57:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44738#44738 NC to WA : I believe that I would add a couple... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44736#44736 Author: Goose
Subject: 4380
Posted: 15 Apr 2014 at 10:21am

I believe that I would add a couple of hours to your drive time each day, it generally takes us 13 plus hours to travel 550 miles all on pretty flat land. I stop about every 180 miles or when the gas gage gets 3/4 empty to fill up and to walk a little. Goose]]> Tue, 15 Apr 2014 10:21:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44736#44736 NC to WA : Would love some final thoughts... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44733#44733 Author: P&M
Subject: 4380
Posted: 15 Apr 2014 at 9:37am

Would love some final thoughts on my itinerary before I book reservations for my moving trip a month out from now -- too aggressive?  should be do-able?  Have decided to stay at KOA's that are located w/in what I think my driving range is for each day, and that are right off of the freeway for easy access (this way I have electricity for c-pap, laptop, coffee maker, etc).

Friday:  Charlotte to Nashville KOA -- 408 miles, @ 8 hrs road time
Saturday:  Nashville to KC/Oak Grove KOA -- 530 miles, @ 10.5 hrs road time
Sunday:  KC to Kennebec SD KOA -- 552 miles, @ 11 hrs road time
Monday:  Kennebec to Billings KOA --- 549 miles, @ 11 hrs road time
Tuesday:  Billings to Spokane -- 542 miles, @ 12 hrs road time (couple of passes to go over on this section) -- if tired at this point I have no problem with pulling over and spending another night somewhere, finishing up on Wednesday
]]> Tue, 15 Apr 2014 09:37:53 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44733#44733 NC to WA : I've seen snow in Missoula,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44284#44284 Author: Boomertype
Subject: 4380
Posted: 01 Apr 2014 at 12:01pm

I've seen snow in Missoula, MT the last day of May, 14 inches. You never know!]]> Tue, 01 Apr 2014 12:01:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44284#44284 NC to WA : I have confirmed dates now that... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44282#44282 Author: P&M
Subject: 4380
Posted: 01 Apr 2014 at 9:36am

I have confirmed dates now that have me leaving Charlotte on Friday 5/16 and hopefully getting into Spokane on Wednesday 5/21, which gives me 6 days travel time. I'm off the rest of that week just in case the going is slower for any reason.

Question: The route I'm driving takes me north to where I pickup I-90 at Sioux Falls, and then on I-90 across South Dakota and Montana and on into Spokane. Does anyone know what the weather is usually like in those 2 states at that time of the year (mid-May)? Does it stay cold enough that I should not be de-winterizing the Pod yet?]]> Tue, 01 Apr 2014 09:36:34 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=44282#44282 NC to WA : Thanks to everyone for the insight... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=42447#42447 Author: P&M
Subject: 4380
Posted: 05 Feb 2014 at 9:18pm

Thanks to everyone for the insight and tips. Since it will be just me driving up, along with my dog Comet, I'll be able to put in longer days on the road ... M gets a little antsy after about 6 hours and she starts to whine. With that in mind I'm thinking it will take 5 days with 9.5 to 10 hours on the road drive-time each day, and around 12 hours total with stops. I've done long trips before with longer days of driving, including when we moved down here from Seattle (4 days), but that was without towing something behind me and so 5 should do it. However, I also know that things can change at any point in a trip like this, and I'll plan on extra time just in case.

I'll be sticking to the interstates the whole way (safety first) and am most likely going to use the truck stop method of overnighting. There are a ton of Flying J's and Pilot Centers from here to there which are very friendly to RV's and trailer towers, with an ability to get a hot meal and a shower at the end of each day. Plus they have an app that tells you where all of them are, how far the next one is, what amenities it has, and so on.

Things are moving faster for us on the home fronts than I originally thought it would, and we have already made an offer that was accepted on our new home in Spokane which closes in 30 days. Our house here is going on the market in 2 weeks and should be priced well enough to get a quick sale. With that in mind I'm toying with the idea of packing and moving everything up except the Pod and Grand Cherokee, leaving them here for a bit longer either in storage or with friends, and flying back down on Memorial Day weekend for the drive back up. That would give me plenty of time and allow me to do some sight-seeing along the way, though it would be during a very busy travel week on the highways.

Of course, I'd have to take more time to drive it if I do it that week because M would want to make the trip with me!]]> Wed, 05 Feb 2014 21:18:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=42447#42447 NC to WA : Welcome back to Washington-in... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=42436#42436 Author: Dawg Pod
Subject: 4380
Posted: 05 Feb 2014 at 9:06am

Welcome back to Washington-in advance!]]> Wed, 05 Feb 2014 09:06:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=42436#42436 NC to WA : Using Google Maps it says 37 hours,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=42428#42428 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4380
Posted: 04 Feb 2014 at 8:16pm

Using Google Maps it says 37 hours, times 1.25 = 46 hours.  Driving no more than 10 hours a day I'd plan on 5 days.]]> Tue, 04 Feb 2014 20:16:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=42428#42428 NC to WA : If you are going 2600 miles figure... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=42400#42400 Author: Goose
Subject: 4380
Posted: 03 Feb 2014 at 10:10pm

If you are going 2600 miles figure 4 good days of driving, at 60 mph your average speed is 50 mph (stopping, starting, gas and potty stops)at 12 hours of driving will get about 600 miles. With the Jeep figure 10 to 11 mpg which has you stopping for fuel about every 3 hours or 150 to 180 miles, I don't like the fuel gauge get below 1/4 of a tank. I don't mind stopping so often as I get to stretch my legs, and check the rig out for any problems. With our Jeep (5.7 Hemi) it really does not matter if you travel 60 or 65, the mileage is about same. Traveling at 65 will get you closer to 600 miles a day in 12 hours or less.
For the type of trip you are taking I would drive the 12 hours and rest for 12 making sure that you get a good 8 hours of sleep, the other 4 hours will go by quick with meals, showers and wind down time. Drive it like a truck driver so that when you pull out in the morning you are refreshed and alert focused on the job of driving safely.
Hope that this helps.   Goose]]> Mon, 03 Feb 2014 22:10:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=42400#42400 NC to WA : Here's a recent post I made... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=42384#42384 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4380
Posted: 03 Feb 2014 at 12:19pm

Here's a recent post I made with more thoughts on staying at truck stops, Wal-Marts, etc.

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4342&PID=42124&title=us-tour-west-midwest-states-2014#42124


]]> Mon, 03 Feb 2014 12:19:13 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=42384#42384 NC to WA : To each his on regarding reservations,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=42362#42362 Author: Tars Tarkas
Subject: 4380
Posted: 02 Feb 2014 at 10:57pm

  To each his on regarding reservations, but Techntrek's point about campgrounds being 20 minutes off the interstate is well taken.  We took a long trip last summer and had a reservation at a state park.  We got there about 10pm in the pouring rain -- it was a good half hour out of the way -- and after about an hour of looking for the place and having to back out of a narrow wrong road we found the park.  It was locked for the night with no way to get in.  (They wouldn't refund our payment either.)  We ended up driving another hour and gave it up at a Walmart.  That's the only time we've overnighted at a Walmart, so far, but it saved us 30 bucks or so and made it easy to get on the road early in the morning.  For point to point travel, Walmarts or truck stops, etc, are well worth considering in my opinion.

  The points people have made about giving yourself plenty of extra time compared to Google Maps's estimates played into our little scenario, so learn from my experience and others' advice.  If your schedule is off one day it can be very difficult to meet your reservations on succeeding days. 

  I like frequent short stops.  The wife won't drive with the pod hooked up, but I'll go 12 or 14 hours from morning start to stop at the end of the day.  There might be one or two 10 or 20 minute cat naps along they way. How far or how long you can drive depends on you and potential co-drivers and is really pretty personal.  Just give yourself plenty of time, and take it.

  It's really too bad you won't be able to dawdle along the way.  There are a lot of places worth seeing between NC and WA!

  TT
]]> Sun, 02 Feb 2014 22:57:01 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=42362#42362 NC to WA : When we took our big trip in Sept-Oct,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=42350#42350 Author: Kokopod
Subject: 4380
Posted: 02 Feb 2014 at 4:35pm

When we took our big trip in Sept-Oct, we were usually pooped after 8 hours of driving, interstate or not. Much of your trip will be through open spaces, and it's a lot less tiring when there's not much traffic. We didn't make our plans for the night until about 2 hours before we planned to stop because we were off-season, as you will be. In the west, we've never had to worry about making any reservations at KOA's, etc. in March. Just be sure you know which are closed for the season. We loved Cracker Barrel - very camper-friendly. Didn't stay at any truck stops, but that's a great option, too (with the earplugs). We've seen some pretty sketchy Walmarts, so we're not that keen on them unless we're in a pretty high-end area. Sometimes in the high-end areas, we found that the Walmart didn't allow camping.]]> Sun, 02 Feb 2014 16:35:11 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=42350#42350 NC to WA : National Parks Camping | US-Parks.com... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=42349#42349 Author: jj
Subject: 4380
Posted: 02 Feb 2014 at 3:42pm

National Parks Camping | US-Parks.com :: Get Outdoors
click on camp. it shows camp grounds along your way.
we drive and decide at what time to stop driving and find a campground, call the campground to hold reservation during the day or just choose one along the way.
Weather is also an issue while traveling if it will be a long or short day.
would reccomend earplugs if you have to stay close to interstate overnight. 
Taking turns driving on the interstate would realy extent your driving range, one can rest while
the other drives.
do not forget indian casinos stay in the parking lot or casino camp ground.
stop every four hours or so at reststop to walk Comet and to strech your own legs.
Have a nice trip.



]]> Sun, 02 Feb 2014 15:42:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=42349#42349 NC to WA : Doug,From your post it seems like... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=42347#42347 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 4380
Posted: 02 Feb 2014 at 3:06pm

Doug,

From your post it seems like you've been there, done that, and got the Tee shirt. Big smile

Charlie
]]> Sun, 02 Feb 2014 15:06:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=42347#42347 NC to WA : Someone from our church just retired... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=42346#42346 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4380
Posted: 02 Feb 2014 at 3:02pm

Someone from our church just retired near Seattle, near where their child lives.  Seems to be a lot of coast-to-coast movement.

I would think more in terms of time than speed.  When we toured the southern US last summer I took Google Map's time estimation between each leg and multiplied it by 1.25 which turned out to be very accurate.  It takes into account extra fuel stops, getting caught behind slower trucks, and lunch & dinner stops on the longer hauls.

Personally I wouldn't want to do more than 10 hours a day of towing (plus meal stops).  I can do much more w/o a pod pushing from behind but the extra stress and concentration takes a toll.

Your situation is perfect for a truck stop or three.  Drive until you start to feel tired then pull in, ask where you can park, and go to bed.  No driving 20 minutes off the interstate and paying $30 for 12 hours.  Since it will be March you won't have to worry about a generator for A/C either.

]]> Sun, 02 Feb 2014 15:02:54 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=42346#42346 NC to WA : P&M,A few thoughts on your... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=42345#42345 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 4380
Posted: 02 Feb 2014 at 3:00pm

P&M,

A few thoughts on your planned trip:

  1. Stick to the interstates. Usually the fastest because fewer deviations.
  2. Stay at or under 60MPH and stay in the right lane. Easier driving, gas is available, and so is help if you need it.
  3. If you plan the route with Google Maps or MapQuest you won't achieve the listed times because they assume speeds close to the posted speed limits. Leave yourself time.
  4. Since you are driving at a maximum of 60MPH your average will be somewhat less depending on towns, gas/potty stops, etc.
  5. I usually like to plan 6 hours per day, but you might plan 8 if you have the stamina, plan your stops, and do minimal setups. Remember, however long you plan, it will always take longer.
  6. I like to plan stops and get reservations before I leave. That way I know a place will be waiting and I won't have to spend time looking.
  7. Some Podders stay at Walmart/CrackerBarrel/TruckStops, but I never have. To minimize time and hassle I would look to commercial sites such as KOA, etc. Then the sites are ready and supplies/hookups/dumps are available when you need them even if you're late.
  8. Plan on not uncoupling at night. If you carry some fresh water you can just stop and jump into the Pod, maybe hookup the electric if you want A/C or microwave. Otherwise the Pod can sustain you and your dog several days without hookups with an occasional waste dump every 3 days. Pull throughs are nice if available.
  9. I always travel with the fridge on propane to maintain a fully charged battery. There is some controversy on this, but I don't think there are any issues and every RV with a fridge bigger than 4 cu.ft. doesn't even have the DC option.

Good luck on your trip and let us know how you progress.

Charlie

]]> Sun, 02 Feb 2014 15:00:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=42345#42345 NC to WA : So the new year has brought a... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=42343#42343 Author: P&M
Subject: 4380
Posted: 02 Feb 2014 at 2:13pm

So the new year has brought a lot of changes for the two of us so far. We made the decision to move back up to Spokane to be closer to M's parents and help them out, got a new-to-us tow vehicle (2001 Grand Cherokee with the Hemi V-8) that will handle the job much better than our old Hyundai Veracruz, and I will be starting a new position with a new company March 1st.

I am planning on taking Comet with me and we will be making the trip up sometime in May with the Pod, and I've mapped out a route to get there that is around 2600 miles and keeps to the interstates. As much as I'd love to do some sight-seeing along the way, this trip will be a "get from point A to point B as quickly as possible" type of trip.

Since this will be the first time I've gone long-distance with the Pod I have some questions in my planning for the trip that those of you who have done it may be able to help out with.

1. What is an average MPH towing that can be figured on over the long-haul ... 50? 55? 60?

2. What have some of you done in terms of driving hours per day while towing ... 8 - 9 - 10? More? Less?

3. How did you handle where to stay overnight at ... plan it all out in advance, or just find a place once you got to the "I need to stop for the night" point?

Thanks in advance!

]]> Sun, 02 Feb 2014 14:13:45 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4380&PID=42343#42343