Community Forums

edster65 · 07-26-2016, 01:52 PM

This is a first, hopefully won't be the last. We'll be heading out from the East Coast of Florida soon on our way to Denver visiting family. I rented this 29 footer A class and am confused as to which way to go. Mapquest tells me head North thru TN and that way, friends are telling me go South thru the Bayou
and Texas then head North. Not being familiar with either I am open to suggestions and why one course would be better than the other. I also put the KOA app on my phone, maybe someone knows of a better one. We have a whopping 2 weeks plus to do it all and my days of driving 12 hours straight are long gone. This will be a learning experience, I'm hoping for a lot of fun.
I appreciate all comments and suggestions!

mikelcan · 07-26-2016, 03:41 PM

Is this a round trip? If so take one route to Denver and the other back. The temps might be a bit cooler in TN then TX at this time of the year. Although it can be pretty hot in KS and MO as well.

Mike

twogypsies · 07-26-2016, 04:26 PM

I assume you want to travel the interstates to get there faster. It all depends what states you want to drive through and see some things. Either way is good and like the above post, go one way there and another returning. Basically, interstates don't show much scenery and they will go through big cities. We like to travel secondary roads but your timing isn't good for that.

KOAs typically are more expensive that a regular RV park. If you're just doing one-night stays back and forth and won't be using the pools, clubhouse, etc., get a cheaper park just to sleep.

campgroundreviews.com is a good site to find parks in a certain town. No RV park reference will have ALL the sites. If you know what town you want to stay just Google the town and RV parks and you'll get your information. Then if you want to get some reviews go to campgroundreviews.com and see if they're listed.

Have a good trip and hope it not too hot for your drive.

rambler62 · 07-26-2016, 04:44 PM

I know it is not your MH but if you want the fillings in your teeth to be there when you get home stay off I-10 thru Louisiana. It will shake every bolt and nut loose in the unit.

jacwjames · 07-26-2016, 05:06 PM

They just announced that I40 West from Asheville NC to Knoxville TN will have one lane closed in both directions for ~2 weeks. The advisory says to expect delays.

We traveled this route a couple weeks ago in a car, lots of traffic with some crazies thinking they were Mario Andretti weaving through traffic even on the windiest part of the road.

edster65 · 07-29-2016, 06:36 AM

Thanks all for the advice, sounds like a good plan going thru TN and heading back thru TX, I am concerned about supposedly bad loads on I10, why would an interstate be in bad shape? I also heard from others that KOA is expensive and they have a tendency to crowd you in there, if that's wrong I do apologize to KOA, just going by hearsay. I did download the app RV Parks, I've heard that's a good one. I contemplated hauling a car but this first trip just going to take it easy. Back in the day I had no problem navigating a deuce and a half with a full trailer thru the jungle, those days...and nights.... are long gone!

Gary RVRoamer · 07-29-2016, 08:56 AM

Others phone apps, and not specific to one chain like KOA:
RVParky
Allstays Camp & RV

Gas Buddy is good for fuel pricing and locations too.

twogypsies · 07-29-2016, 01:26 PM

I-10 through Louisiana runs across swamp land. That's why the highway is built differently and isn't a smooth-going ride. Just be thankful it's not a big state like Texas!

On occasion we've taken Hwy 12/190 out of Beaumont, Louisiana to I-12 at Baton Rouge. To us, it is a much better road with interesting towns to explore, such as Eunice, LA. There used to be a live Cajun music radio show that you could attend free and the local music store had a Saturday morning Cajun jam session to attend for some fine, fun music. The Cajuns know how to get your toes tappin'. Food is awesome and people very friendly. That's why we mainly traveled secondary roads throughout our 16 years of full-timing travel. You see and experience a lot more than on the interstates.

NRR · 07-29-2016, 01:39 PM

I drove I10 east from its junction with I55 this spring and it was not bad.

bruce91 · 07-29-2016, 02:30 PM

If your time is limited and just stopping for the night to sleep stop at a Cracker Barrel and get one of their maps that show all of their locations. Good stop and eats.
I did that going from east central Florida to Long Island. Took 3 days with 2 stopovers at Cracker B. Stopped early afternoon, had dinner then breakfast there and on the way again.

Cudntherd · 07-29-2016, 08:47 PM

We traveled in our motorhome from Fort Worth Tx to Sanford Fl and back Dec 2015. Our Route home was I-10/I-12 to I-49 to I-20. I-10 has some very nice rest areas for overnight stays in Fl, Ms (Moss Point) and La. The Welcome Center in La is very nice, it has dedicated RV parking. The location is Grand Annse , La is about 20 Miles East of Lafayette. I use Truck Master Fuel Finder to plan our travel. It has overnight locations, and Satellite views for each.

bruce91 · 07-30-2016, 05:22 AM

I found the truck master fuel finder at findfuelstops.com. Cool site with allot of useful information. Even tho i'm a gasser when i click on a location it lists all fuels. If i were to print out the stops of a trip looking at the difference in def fuel prices will give an indication of who's more or less for all. Thanks

edster65 · 08-13-2016, 05:44 PM

After a few delays doing well on the road. The rental place did a checklist but they didn't do anything like check lights, signals, et., all they're looking at are scratches. Come to find out after getting caught in a rainstorm on 75 the driver's wiper did absolutely nothing. A minor setback, the next morning it was promptly repaired. My next mistake was driving thru Atlanta, these friggin' people are the absolute worst!!!!
That wore me out, we're up here in some KOA park, these places rule, I'm pretty sure I could live here forever. The ride really beat me up, the Thor 27' class A was not what I expected ride wise. This is a 2015 and I feel every bump before I even go over them. Coming back from Denver I really want to consider a different route, but first we need to get to Denver.
......................to be continued!

hawkeye1995 · 08-13-2016, 06:31 PM

edster65 - You may want to check the roads. Heard I-10 and I-12 are closed in the state of LA, along the coast. You may want to check on traveling I-20 and little farther north. There has been a lot of rain the last few days and expecting more this weekend. I-20 is not to bad in Texas. Going through DFW area can be fun. Early morning or late evening for traveling through the area. Still not bad even during the day. Just real bad during rush hours to and from work. If you think Atlanta is bad, wait till you try San Antonio and Houston area. Enjoy the trip.