Cross Country

[Moonless]

Hi Everyone,

I have 5 days to drive from Boston to Phoenix in a 37 foot class A. I'm the only driver and it's roughly 500 miles a day. We'll be stopping each night along the way at campgrounds but I was wondering if 500 miles is too much or too little? First long trip we've ever taken and I'm really excited. Any suggestions are welcomed!

Thanks,
Moon

[inlineskater]

I have done 500 miles in a day and usually takes about 10 hours to do. You figure 50 miles an hour average depending on the road you are on. It is do-able, but doing it 5 days in a row may be tiring. There are a lot of factors to look at, weather, the speed you can handle safely, your Blatter, eating breaks, gas stops, the large cities and the times you will be going thru. Try to avoid rush hours in big cities if possible. I have done it in the past but would not like it now being retired I like to take my time. I generally do not like to do more than 400 a day.

[l1v3fr33ord1]

Moonless-

I started to compare what we did going cross-country to what you plan to do, but in the end figured I probably couldn't dissuade you from your plan.

Please drive safely.

[Moonless]

Originally Posted by l1v3fr33ord1

Moonless-

I started to compare what we did going cross-country to what you plan to do, but in the end figured I probably couldn't dissuade you from your plan.

Please drive safely.

I'm listening to all suggestions especially from folks who have experience driving these distances.

We won't be towing anything by the way...

[D in Davie]

The things I don't know about you but you can answer yourself are.
1. How old are you?
2. Do you take medications for anything?
3. Will you be towing a vehicle behind you?
4. Are you leaving soon?
The first two questions will help you answer if you will be getting a DVT from sitting in one position for extended periods. You need to stop every two hours and exercise even if you don't normally. You may want to ask your Dr. your question as well. The second two questions have to deal with the stress of driving under difficult situations. Driving out west in the spring will require you to keep both hands firmly on the wheel. The wind and the possible stress of towing the additional weight will be difficult. I strongly suggest you drive less each day and leave earlier.

[D in Davie]

I neglected to mention that a DVT is a Deep Vein Thrombosis which is most commonly a blood clot in the leg. It can kill you. Mine didn't but my Dr. thinks I was lucky. 5 Days in the hospital didn't feel lucky.

[Moonless]

Originally Posted by D in Davie

The things I don't know about you but you can answer yourself are.
1. How old are you?
2. Do you take medications for anything?
3. Will you be towing a vehicle behind you?
4. Are you leaving soon?
The first two questions will help you answer if you will be getting a DVT from sitting in one position for extended periods. You need to stop every two hours and exercise even if you don't normally. You may want to ask your Dr. your question as well. The second two questions have to deal with the stress of driving under difficult situations. Driving out west in the spring will require you to keep both hands firmly on the wheel. The wind and the possible stress of towing the additional weight will be difficult. I strongly suggest you drive less each day and leave earlier.

Thank you! No towing, I'm 60 and leaving April 15th... is that a bad time to go?

[BillL]

I know I can't do five 500 mile days in a row. We have done 500 miles for one day, but day two will be no more than 300 miles if at all possible. If day two has to be another 450-500 miles, I'd plan on either a very short day on day three, or preferably a rest day. Good luck. I hope you can work out a plan for shorter day.

[F76Marion]

As one that has done some hard traveling, I have some questions to ask:

Will you be alone?
* Having a navigator and co-pilot can unload a lot of the stress.

Do you have to have "campgrounds" for everystop?
* If the coach is adequately self contained, then highway rest stops are much more conveniently located.

Is the coach so comfortable that it is no issue?
* Back in the GMC days, we got spoiled. The Cayo/Dodge though newer will beat you up in spite of the "Orthopedic" seats.

Do you have your route all mapped, planned, charted and confirmed today?
* If it isn't it should be before departure.

Back in the GMC days, we did a number of 1100+ mile days. These were all with a 3 man crew and some meals underway. We don't do that anymore and never will again unless we are forced to do so.

Frank Marion

[jacwjames]

Question would be is what is the farthest you've driven your RV in one day, use this as a guideline.

Personally I have driven my coach +800 miles in one day solo without getting out of the drivers seat. One thing I do is not drink anything so I don't have to stop for bathroom breaks. I keep some snacks handy if I get hunger.

About 4 years ago I had also driven my jeep 1100 miles in ~14 hrs.

Driving doesn't seem to bother me, I don't get tired.

[nothermark]

You can do it but it will be a slog. Break it with rest stop naps and walks. I'd do two days on the road then hit a camp ground for a good nights sleep then do it again. If you are sitting around you might as well be driving. OTOH stop every 2 hours and at least do a walk around do get your legs moving while checking the coach.

[Mr_D]

I've driven 700+ miles in one day solo back in '04. Didn't plan it that way but it ended up that way due to a couple non English speaking people that thought my '02 DSDP was something they wanted a closer look at the interior and I didn't want them inside!

[twogypsies]

Any chance to utilize a second driver? That would certainly help. We could never drive without both of us sharing the duties. Good luck and don't push it. Can you work in some extra days?

[TonyDi]

No matter how you slice it you're looking at a 2400 mile trip. Assuming 600 miles a day, that's 4 days. Driving 9 hrs a day.

If you have 5 days that would be consecutive days of 480 miles a day, or 8 hrs a day. Start at 8:00 and stop at 4:00 and you have it done.

I've done Santa Fe NM to NJ in 4 days and Cheyenne WY in three days. You should be able to do it.

Happy Trails!!