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Old 03-19-2013, 11:07 AM   #1
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First RV trip

So to get our feet wet before making any large purchases we have rented a 2005 38' Coachmen Sportscoach 370DS to take on a 400 mile trip from Atlanta to Homosassa, FL in July (our first RV trip, as adults anyway). I am considering leaving in the evening and stopping at an RV spot along the way for an overnighter (get an extra experience setting up and tearing down). Any park suggestions between Macon and Valdosta (closer to Macon probably since it will be late/dark)? Since we are just passing through it can be basic but hookups would be needed. Or should I skip that part and leave ATL the next morning and go straight to Homosassa?
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Old 03-19-2013, 11:18 AM   #2
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Welcome to IRV2. There is a great website called rvparkreviews .
Here's a link to Macon Ga.
http://campgroundreviews.com/regions/Georgia/Macon.html
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Old 03-19-2013, 11:39 AM   #3
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Just a few points:

Many parks don't allow entry or set up too late, it disturbs everyone else. Most camp offices close by 9 pm. A diesel RV can be especially noisy rolling in late, not making friends among those already settled!

To do all 400 miles in one day is ambitious. Not impossible, but we have discovered we have dialed back our daily mileage to enjoy ourselves more. This from a person that in an auto thought nothing of 650-750 mile days for the past 40 years! Your distance would be best split into two days in my opinion.

In addition, I'm sure you know picking up a rental RV is not like picking up a car rental. You'll need time to have systems and equipment explained, stowing your personal gear, etc. You might get away from Atlanta later than you think.
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Old 03-19-2013, 12:04 PM   #4
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Thank you for the responses. BFlinn that is a great point about the late arrival. I certainly don't want to be "that guy". Do you think arrival prior to 9pm is the acceptable rule of thumb?

Yeah I have considered the problem with the timing of leaving ATL. Considering I can't do my pickup until 1pm and probably back to the house by 3pm at the earliest, by the time we get everything stowed I am already stuck in the ATL hot mess in a large rig that I have never attempted. To be near Macon before 9pm I have to be on the road before 6. It will be really tight.
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Old 03-19-2013, 12:20 PM   #5
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possible options: pre pack in reusable grocery bags. I usually have all our food and freezer stuff already sorted for a quick load and go. You could do the same with clothing.

For overnight, we stopped at Cracker Barrel - good dinner and breakfast - on our shakedown cruise from Memphis TN to Charleston SC. Just a thought.
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Old 03-19-2013, 02:43 PM   #6
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We would highly recommend that you leave the next morning. After the rental stuff, getting home and packing and dealing with traffic and nighttime, you just won't be in a 'safe' frame of mind to be driving a new, large vehicle. Get a good night's sleep and be refreshed for your new challenges ahead. Undoubtedly, you will have one or two! We all did on our first campground visit! Enjoy the trip.
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Old 03-21-2013, 09:42 PM   #7
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I would go so far a to recomend that you stay that first nite in your own driveway. You will be surprised how many times the question will be ask- Where did we put xxxxx?, Did we forget xxxxx? etc.
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Old 03-22-2013, 02:57 PM   #8
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Stay in a campground close to a Walmart. Stock up on necessary items. Then keep a running list when you run out of something and replace ASAP. You'll always be prepared to go!
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