Community Forums

outofdodge · 03-03-2014, 07:10 PM

I'm picking up my first RV near Phoenix, AZ, and driving it back to Annapolis, Maryland. I 'd be happy to hear some thoughts about the best route and nicest campground stops along the way, and any other travel tips you 'd like to pass along.
Linda

skigramp · 03-03-2014, 10:22 PM

When are you planning to make this trek?

How familiar are you with driving an RV?

How familiar are with driving in winter conditions?

chief02 · 03-03-2014, 10:30 PM

I-40 east to I-81 north. Check rv partky.com

outofdodge · 03-04-2014, 11:21 AM

Have driven 5th wheel horse trailers on icy roads over the years and I've driven a 5th wheel trailer and a motor home up and down the east coast.This is my first experience with one of my own.
When would be the best time to go? I was thinking May.

skigramp · 03-05-2014, 07:47 AM

The best route will depend on the weather ... if you go north from Phoenix on I-17 to catch I-40 that will take you to Flagstaff which is nearly 7000 feet ... winter storms are unlikely in May but are possible (I have never personally been caught in Flagstaff ... but I have been caught in Utah on I-70 in May) That time of year the roads will be clear in a day so pull off and wait.

You could also go east from Phoenix on I-10 and pick up I-20 in west Texas ... this would give you a more southern route in case there is a late storm across the I-40 route.

aschuh53 · 03-05-2014, 07:57 AM

welcome

Tom3205 · 03-09-2014, 07:43 AM

Some hints: do the 300/3Pm routine, thats where you drive 300 miles, or stop at 3:00 pm, whichever comes first.
Get some type of trip planner,[ streets/trips, or good sam], determine where you will be after 300 miles and look up the available campgrounds, or other things to see and do.
The Southern route will get warmer faster, so a Northern route may be desirable.
The further East you get, the more traffic you will have to contend with. Keep that in mind around the big cities.
Get a "trip check list", and do the walk-around. Be sure everything is secure before you take off, both inside and outside.
Be mindful that sometimes the "right lane", becomes an "EXIT ONLY" and you get caught, and traffic will not let you "move over.
MOST IMPORTANT....HAVE FUN. Don't make it a chore>>

outofdodge · 03-10-2014, 11:02 AM

Thanks Tom3205,
I'm receiving some excellent advice and yours is very welcome. Except for buying this RV(!), I'm usually pretty conservative in my life. So, the 300 mile/3pm agenda sounds good.
I've driven a large motor home before, so at least I'm not a rank beginner!
My decision today is whether or not to buy a warranty. I'm getting good ideas from the folks here on both sides of the issue. I'm thinking of making the purchase "just to be on the safe side", as is my nature.