Traveling with other RV'rs - Check list?

[1ciderdog]

We have friends who would like to accompany us in our travels in their RV for several months. I can visualize problems that should be discussed prior to traveling such as: some people get up early and want to leave early others want to sleep in and leave later; some want to eat breakfast out some fix there own; some want to go fast; some want to stop every hour to walk the dog, share or not share meals; etc.

So the question I have is does someone have a list of things things that should be discussed and agreed on prior to traveling? Is there a list that wagon masters use to help reduce problems?

Thanks
Safe Travels
Bob

[HoboPals]

We caravanned with friends one year and had a great time. Absolutely, put all expectations on the table way before beginning your trip. We would arrange to meet at a specific campground either that night or maybe three days or a week down the road depending upon what each couple wanted to do. They elected to get a later start than us most of the time, but it worked out great because we discussed our preferences beforehand. Just because you are planning a trip, together, does not mean you have to be joined at the hip. We did a lot together, but in one instance that I can remember, our friends wanted to go to South Dakota; we wanted to spend more time in Washington State. No problem. We wound up meeting at a campground in Washington. When we could, we ate together. They enjoyed eating lunch out while we preferred to pack a lunch so we didn't take time away from our exploring. That's not to say we never ate lunch, together. I think being flexible and relaxed is the key.

Many mornings we relaxed and had coffee, together, while we made plans and the guys mapped things out. Sometimes they played golf while Joan and I did our thing. They were a joy to travel with. I'm the only one left of the four of us, but I have very happy memories of that trip, and my husband did, too, until he died.

[Ray,IN]

Wow Hobopals, that is a great way for multiple rigs and people to travel. It solves our main reason we never travel in a caravan. Our second reason was the increased risk to all the rigs trying to stay together all the time while driving. Thanks to your reasoning and advice we may re-consider traveling with another rig.

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN Wow Hobopals, that is a great way for multiple rigs and people to travel. It solves our main reason we never travel in a caravan. Our second reason was the increased risk to all the rigs trying to stay together all the time while driving. Thanks to your reasoning and advice we may re-consider traveling with another rig.

"Increased risk"? I don't follow that reasoning.

[WheelingIt]

I totally agree with HoboPals. Staying flexible and relaxed is key.

We recently caravaned with some friends we met on the road for almost 2 months. It was great! We took it very easy. Sometimes we'd sightsee together, but not always. We ended up eating alot of dinners together simply because we enjoy cooking and like similar foods, but there were nights we didn't eat together too. We all like hiking so we planned some of that together, but I also like to hike solo so I planned for that too. We split up at one point because they wanted to go north to WA and we were set on the OR coast..we met back up a month later since it happened to work out.

I think if you talk about things upfront and stay relaxed about the whole thing it can be really fun.

[AL]

Hi All,

I have and still do travel with other RV friends, have done it where 2 or 3 rigs caravaned togeather aswell as saying I will meet you at the folowing location! Both ways worked just fine! As a matter of fact, I came from this years National Rally in VA to Fla caravaning with another rig! Like the others have said, it is very important to talk things out, and to remain flexible & relaxed!!!

Remember All: LIVE, LAUGH & ENJOY !!!

[Ray,IN]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D "Increased risk"? I don't follow that reasoning.

Often when multiple vehicles are trying to stay together through high-traffic areas the drivers are prone to take risks just to stay together, like whisking through a yellow light when they had time to stop, etc.

[Pigman1]

Been there--done that---WON'T EVER DO IT AGAIN. I love my cousin and her family dearly, but a trip to Alaska in formation with them will make it sure that I'll never do it again. Staying in the same park, or even right next to each other was fine, but the traveling part----NOPE. Too fast, too slow, to early, too late, need fuel, need snacks, need water, need to dump, need to use the convenience, well you get the idea. We go on our own time, and at our own pace. We don't expect others to have to do what we do, and they shouldn't expect it of us. Guess I've been independent too long.

[RustyJC]

The easiest way to handle the sleeping early/late, traveling at different speeds, etc. is just to agree where you're going to stop the next evening and have everyone meet there. That works fine for us if some of the group doesn't want to caravan together.

Rusty

[Wayne M]

Total agreement with HoboPals and RustyJC.

Thanks to both.

[ronspradley]

I caravaned with my brother in May and June of this year from Texas to California, Washington, N. Dakota and back home. We went in one motorhome! I usually get up at dawn, he goes to bed at 10 and reads for 4 hours. His normal get up is 10 to 11. We worked that out when he would get up when the diesel fired, usually around 9. He has a bad back and had to lay down after every 2 or 3 hours of traveling to stretch it out. Still had a great trip and would not have missed it for the world.

ronspradley