First "Real" Trip

[Ladyhawk]

You say a 14 hour drive with one stop? Driving 7 hours is waaaay too long to drive unless you absolutely have to. Its more tiring to drive/pull a rig than driving a car. Enjoy the trip - don't push yourself too hard.

Yeah, I am a bit worried about overextending myself on the driving. What hours do you suggest for a day of driving? More to think about I guess.

[BirdbyBird]

I think the amount of hours one can drive comfortably is very individual and may also differ on the type of rig one drives and the sort of breaks one takes. Eight hours is a long time. I When I have done it I usually have a couple of breaks in there and maybe even a nap It also means that I am just booking down the road and not allowing for the surprise interesting finds that make one just stop and explore. If you don't HAVE to travel that far that fast I wouldn't even try.

Regarding the dog's medical records. I always try to include them with me when I travel. I am so used to having them available when signing up for training classes and renewing the Therapy Dog certificates that it has never been a problem keeping them close. If there were any medical emergencies along the road, I would want the Vet to know my animals' medical/shot history.....it might not make a difference but then again it might help. Having sat on the other side of a reception desk at a vet clinic, believe me there is a definite positive impression when an owner immediately produces past shot records, etc....and rightly or wrongly it definitely increased the sense that an owner is knowledgeable, organized and serious about their animals....

Just another point of view.....

[Bethers]

I, too, have done 8 hours (or even longer) in a day - but that's when, like Tina just said, I'm just getting from place to place and not intending to stop anywhere. Also, when I do that - the 8 hours driving is usually a 12 hour day - as I stop and fix lunch, stop for potty breaks, just stop and not let myself drive forever. You'll find out what your comfort level is. Actually, my first time driving my rv other than in my parking lot, was over a 12 hour day - but I was getting it to it permanent home - and I did stop and take a nap - left at 3:30 in the afternoon - arrived at destination at 6:30 am - I don't recommend that - and do not travel that way.

I've needed to prove shots once in almost 5 years. Always have my pet papers, but don't expect to need them. If you are taking the dog in a hotel you might need them there - but that's unusual also. And make sure whatever hotel you're booked at has room for your rig - sometimes they do not.

I agree about the road service. I've had a blowout - damaged my rig which my insurance covered and I drove the rig off the road (interstate which I rarely travel) without a problem. I also had an awning deploy on an interstate - thank you road service - that was handled also.

Now, my question is - why do you care if there's a walmart?

[Ladyhawk]

Now, my question is - why do you care if there's a walmart?

I don't really care if there's a Walmart, but just something I'm familiar with (Target, Safeway...things that mean food and supplies that aren't overpriced).

I think I'll just have to try 7-8 hours and if it gets to be too much, well, then I'll know. If I burst into tears and refuse to get behind the wheel...that might be a sign.

[mitch5252]

..

From my experience, I've found the "you can average about 50 miles per hour" addage to be pretty much on the mark. That includes gas and potty stops, but no sightseeing. So, roughly figure about 400 miles in an 8-hour day.

..

[avalen]

back in the day....(the good young days) an 8 hour day behind the wheel was
nothing, and on a few occassions, I drove straight through but I was young and
fearless. I knew the day would come when a 6 hour day driving would seem long,
now of course, older and wiser, I'd just relish the opportunity after all these years
of staying put in one place. However, when I did drive those 8 hour days, I stopped
every couple hours to stretch my legs.

[Excel]

I agree that you can usually average 50 miles an hour if you don't stop anywhere, aren't going through towns where you have to slow down & the roads are level & in good condition & no traffic problems. However, it's been my experience that it also depends on what kind of roads you're traveling on. No way can you get that kind of mileage if you're on windy 's' curve roads or mountain roads or roads that the elevation changes rapidly. (I'm meaning, up a long climb & down & up a long climb, etc.)....Those kind of roads don't necessarily mean you're going to continue averaging that 50 MPH....

As far as how many hours one can drive....that depends on the person & circumstances (emergencies, etc.) I don't care to drive more than 5 hours a day...with stops in between. I usually start looking for a RV space by 2:00 to 3:00 PM as I do not care to drive when it's dark & I like to get hooked up & be able to relax, make dinner, etc., before its late. (Depends on time of the year too, how much daylight one has...) Many RVers stop early too, so sites can be gone if you wait till later (unless you've made reservations, which I don't always do).... Anyway, I've driven 12 hours a day & won't do that again...cause the next day is brutal if you have to get behind the wheel again....at least for me....Anyway, that's my 2 cents...for what it's worth.....

[Getupngo]

Oh Amy ... your first big trip. How exciting! I hope you and Bobby have a wonderful time. Are you going to visit family?

I agree with all of the advice given above. I've used AAA AND Good Sam ("used," as in "had to call them!") and I also urge you not "push" yourself to drive too many hours in a day. You never know what weather conditions might slow you -- I've pulled over and camped 50 miles into a trip because of strong head-winds. I've slowed to 45 because of cross-winds. Ive banged my head against the steering wheel out of frustration. It's important to allow enough time to be flexible.

For instance, I know from experience that Rand McNally tells me a 1,683 mile trip from my home to Monroe, LA takes 25 hours. If I'm in a hurry, that for me would be a four-day trip of 400+ miles, per day, which I know will take 7-8 hours, including lunches, refueling, dog-peeing, etc. I usually would extend that to a five-day trip for a more leisurely pace.

Also, check your tires every day before you head out. Know your proper psi. Do you have a good tire pressure gauge (not those little pen-like things)? If not, get one. Check the tires in the morning before you hit the road & also before the sun starts to warm them. When you go from colder to warmer weather, that will affect your tire pressure. Not a big deal cold-->warm -- which increases psi -- but warm-->cold decreases psi and you could end up running on under-inflated tires.

I assume your motor home has duallys -- do you have the dual tire inflator extensions that allow you to check the inside tire without gymnastics? I recommend those as well.

A small but comprehensive tool kit is a great thing to have. I've had my side mirror adjustments loosen and the mirror turned inward at 65 mph. Pulled over (oh, so carefully!), tightened it with an allen wrench and I was on my way.

Oh! And if you actually get into warm temps down south and need to turn on the air ... it's cheaper (and easier on the engine) to run your genny and cool the entire house using your roof air than to use your the dash air.

In any event, have a great trip! Take pictures and let us know how it went.

[snowball]

It seems that its all been said
pretty much slow down and smell the roses
don't do a marathon
and be prepared for what every
and take pictures
sheila