Hi! I am here for advice

[Spiko]

Hi everyone,


My name is Adam, and I am here for advice from people who know much more about the subject of RVs than I do.


Here's my story;


Firstly, I am British, and at time of writing my only experience with North America is a couple of business trips to the Detroit area.



Secondly; Fourteen years ago, in the summer of 2010, a 22-year-old me was taking a break from working on a Formula SAE racing car in the university Engineering department when I stumbled across a Youtube video called "Guy walks across America". In fact, here's a link to the original video;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36v_DtEhU68

In that moment, a dream was born; take a 4-5 month sabbatical, go to the USA, and spend those four months touring around the United States, all of it, every state, see all the natural beauty of the country, experience all the friendliness of the people, for four months. Hopefully by the time I am 40, because let's face it, the means to do all that is waaaay beyond a 22-year-old Engineering student.



But that was then. This is now. It's my 36th birthday tomorrow and financially I am starting to find myself in a position where this can happen. And I am remembering the bit about "by the time I am 40". So, it is time to start getting serious about how to do this.


I am here on this forum because my research has led me to a preliminary conclusion that I want to do this in an RV - it seems like that'd be cheaper (and nicer) overall than five months spent in hotels and motels. An open question is whether I buy an RV at the start of the trip and sell it at the end, or rent one for the duration. I will be doing some miles - I calculate about 15,000 miles over the course of the trip.


Advice from people familiar with $$ (rather than ££) on what the likely costs of these options are would be welcome.

There are other questions which have a bearing on the answer to the one above; I have read that whilst the Midwest and West are RV-friendly places, the East Coast is not so much. It sounds like I would benefit massively from towing a small car so that I have a runabout to take me into the cities, at least for the East Coast leg. So the RV would need modifying to do that, and I would need a car and a suitable towing rig for it too. The costs of acquiring this would have to be factored in, and I would need a LOT of advice about what car to acquire, and what gear I would need to hook it to the back of the RV.


I do know at the very least that I would want (very strongly) an automatic transmission on the car - whilst we all use manual in Europe and my current Ford Focus is a manual and I have spent my entire life driving manuals, my entire driving experience is also with right-hand-drive cars and the thought of trying to handle a left-hand-drive manual transmission equipped vehicle is truly terrifying. Especially since I expect that by the time this trip actually happens I will have graduated onto owning an EV and lost the skill of handling a clutch and gear shift. An automatic than can be towed is a rare thing, but, that's where I want to be!


There are probably a whole load more questions I SHOULD be asking and simply don't know that I should due to my total lack of experience with RVs (and North America). I appreciate questions from this community as much as I will appreciate answers to questions I ask. This trip I am planning is a few years away yet, I have plenty of time to take advice from you fine people - I look forward to anything you have for me.


There is very little I can offer in return except totally unrelated advice on EVs, as I am an automotive engineer specialising in high-voltage propulsion systems, i.e. electric vehicle drivetrains. Will happily answer questions on this to anyone interested.


Regards,


Spike

[oldenavy]

Spike,

Welcome to the forum! You will get plenty of opinions on your planned adventure!

First thing I’d say is don’t worry about the manual transmission. Those are becoming like unicorns over here. We like to drive a manual and struggle to find anything relatively new with one. Even the new Corvette is auto only!

I’ve been to the UK many times on business and find that it takes about a day to adjust to driving on the “wrong” side of the road. I even had a manual over there once and didn’t find it too difficult.

As to renting vs buying, that’s an “it depends”. We have come across many people from Europe and a few Aussies in our travels. Most tend to rent the class Cs from one of the major rental companies but I don’t think most stay as long as you plan or do as many miles. The mileage charges really add up quickly on the rental units. Of course, the problem with buying is that you have to sell it after your trip and doing the purchase and sale long distance can be a pain. RVTrader.com is a good place to research the cost of buying.

You don’t mention if you are by yourself or if you are bringing someone with you. If the former, a class B van could eliminate the need to tow a car.

There is a going green section on this forum that has a bunch of EV related info on it. I’m sure everyone will be interested to hear about what’s going on across the pond. I’ve worked in electrification of ships for decades and generally Europe is way ahead of North America with the various associated technologies.

There are no dumb questions, so ask away. The search function on this site is also extremely helpful in finding if your questions have already been answered.

Once again, Welcome!

[Tilted Kilt]

Originally Posted by Spiko

Hi everyone,


My name is Adam, and I am here for advice from people who know much more about the subject of RVs than I do.


Here's my story;


Firstly, I am British, and at time of writing my only experience with North America is a couple of business trips to the Detroit area.



Secondly; Fourteen years ago, in the summer of 2010, a 22-year-old me was taking a break from working on a Formula SAE racing car in the university Engineering department when I stumbled across a Youtube video called "Guy walks across America". In fact, here's a link to the original video;

In that moment, a dream was born; take a 4-5 month sabbatical, go to the USA, and spend those four months touring around the United States, all of it, every state, see all the natural beauty of the country, experience all the friendliness of the people, for four months. Hopefully by the time I am 40, because let's face it, the means to do all that is waaaay beyond a 22-year-old Engineering student.



But that was then. This is now. It's my 36th birthday tomorrow and financially I am starting to find myself in a position where this can happen. And I am remembering the bit about "by the time I am 40". So, it is time to start getting serious about how to do this.


I am here on this forum because my research has led me to a preliminary conclusion that I want to do this in an RV - it seems like that'd be cheaper (and nicer) overall than five months spent in hotels and motels. An open question is whether I buy an RV at the start of the trip and sell it at the end, or rent one for the duration. I will be doing some miles - I calculate about 15,000 miles over the course of the trip.


Advice from people familiar with $$ (rather than ££) on what the likely costs of these options are would be welcome.

There are other questions which have a bearing on the answer to the one above; I have read that whilst the Midwest and West are RV-friendly places, the East Coast is not so much. It sounds like I would benefit massively from towing a small car so that I have a runabout to take me into the cities, at least for the East Coast leg. So the RV would need modifying to do that, and I would need a car and a suitable towing rig for it too. The costs of acquiring this would have to be factored in, and I would need a LOT of advice about what car to acquire, and what gear I would need to hook it to the back of the RV.


I do know at the very least that I would want (very strongly) an automatic transmission on the car - whilst we all use manual in Europe and my current Ford Focus is a manual and I have spent my entire life driving manuals, my entire driving experience is also with right-hand-drive cars and the thought of trying to handle a left-hand-drive manual transmission equipped vehicle is truly terrifying. Especially since I expect that by the time this trip actually happens I will have graduated onto owning an EV and lost the skill of handling a clutch and gear shift. An automatic than can be towed is a rare thing, but, that's where I want to be!


There are probably a whole load more questions I SHOULD be asking and simply don't know that I should due to my total lack of experience with RVs (and North America). I appreciate questions from this community as much as I will appreciate answers to questions I ask. This trip I am planning is a few years away yet, I have plenty of time to take advice from you fine people - I look forward to anything you have for me.


There is very little I can offer in return except totally unrelated advice on EVs, as I am an automotive engineer specialising in high-voltage propulsion systems, i.e. electric vehicle drivetrains. Will happily answer questions on this to anyone interested.


Regards,


Spike

Spike, I admire your endeavor. This site doesn't require anything in return for the advise you receive, we are RV people and most are happy to help.

RV rentals in the US typically has lots of "rules" such as paying premiums for mileage exceeding a daily requirement, generator useage and number of days rented. This could get very expensive on a 15,000 mile trip. If you rent be very specific and detailed in your rental contract and agree on a price "Not to Exceed" a specific value. Don't rent a cluncker that will break down and leave you on the side of the road, usually that will be at your cost and burden and take time out of your travels. (have that discussion of responsibility before renting). Make certain!! any rig you rent or buy has good/new tires. Renting an RV gets complicated because of the variety to choose from, Class A: large motorhomes, Class C: medium to large and Class B: typically smaller. Then there the question do you want to tow a vehicle behind the rig? There are also TT or Travel Trailers that you connect to a truck and tow. I don't know how much time you plan on being in the US after your travel is complete. If you buy an RV and need to sell it, this might take some time to complete those tasks. Either way this is going to be a very expesive endeavor. The cost to rent or buy an RV, fuel expense, food expense, and campground expense*, and typically insurance expense.

* you will need to empty black and gray water tanks and keep the fresh water tank full. Full hook-ups at a campgound will provide that for you, plus you get to have long hot showers and an electrical connection to power the RV if it doesn't have a generator.

Class A has a double meaning: Not only is it a type of motorhome it also refers to capability as in "fully self contained" meaning is has everything needed in one package: hot and cold water, a generator, heating and cooling systems etc. This will allow you to boondock in remote areas for a few days, and still charge batteries etc. Boondocking can save money as BLM areas are free to stay. (BLM: Bureau of land management) Find more info on this.

This is just some info: There's lots more to learn and know, but by your schedule you have time. As a rule to the Pound Note has a value greater than the dollar by at least .50 cents sometimes more, this fluctuates daily so check it at the time.

hope this helps and best of luck to you.

[TerryD234]

This sounds like an epic adventure! Best of Luck!
I would think buying and selling an RV would be more sensible, as rentals are very expensive. Not sure about registration, insurance and other complications of non-residence.
I've driven manual transmission in both side drives and the pedals are still correct orientation - it only take a few minutes and a couple "grinders" to orient your left/right shifter hand. So dont let that steer you away from a Manual.

Most people recommend flat towing jeeps instead of anything on a tow dolly - there are few other cars that can be flat towed but jeeps seem to be preferred.

My last thought is that RV'ing is an excellent way to travel but it's not cheap! Gas is expensive and they get bad mileage, Insuring an RV and the tow car is getting very dear $$ as well. Campsites are often as much as hotel rooms per night. Of course, the campfire with a glass of wine is WAY better than a TV in a dumpy hotel, and you're more likely to meet lots of new friends RVing.



I think your pile of questions will be bigger than the pile of answers for some time yet.



Good Luck again! hope to see you on the road!

[YC1]

Perhaps buy a rather late model Class C. A small one so you can easily take it to any grocery parking lot.

You may be able to find some "free" camping along the way, especially with a smaller C.

We really miss those days of being able to get into any state park or small campground or just boondocking it for a few days.

With a small C you won't need a toad. Sure there will be times you would really like to have one but you may be able to rent one for those times.

If you complicate your setup you may find your precious time will be spent getting set up with a toad, selling the toad, selling an RV.

As for the RV, check around your last destination area to find a consignment place. Then you should be able to pack and go.

[sbleiweiss]

One quick thought not yet mentioned. If you buy, try to buy an RV and toad already set up, together. This could be from someone who is stopping RVing, or just wants a fresh start overall. The combo does exist.

[jacwjames]

You might consider a Class B type RV, these are on a Sprinter type chassis, relatively small, can be driven in the city, better fuel economy. Set up correctly they can be used to boondock stealthly. Most Walmarts allow for overnight parking, which opens up a lot of possibilities as to where you can travel and stay.


I travel in a ~40' Class A pulling a Jeep. Although very comfortable it can be difficult getting around in metropolitan areas. In most cases I'll find a place to camp and take the Jeep on excursions up to ~150 mile away. I'll stay in established campgrounds, state & national campground (where I can fit), and overnight stops at Walmarts and other businesses that allow parking. This reduces expenses quite a bit. I can go 2 weeks before having to find a place to dump my waste tanks and fill up with fresh water. Usually fuel costs are my biggest expense, I average ~7.5 mpg ( ~$0.50/mile at current prices). This works for me but not for everyone.

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We’re sure glad you joined the gang here!

I really can't add anything to what others have suggested. Hope it works out for you!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[Spiko]

Thanks to all who have posted with insightful advice.


To answer a couple of questions that were put in response;


Number of persons; I want to do this with a partner. In 2019 I went on a 3-week road trip around western Europe with a friend, and found that driving and arranging accommodation was just too much for one person. It'd be too stressful a trip, I think, if I tried it on my own. So I am expecting two people for the majority of the trip, and I might expect a few more for the West Coast section as that, I can imagine, would be the kind of thing my BFF would take a few weeks off to join me on with his family. I probably wouldn't be able to sleep them though.



Class; Kinda related to the previous question, I was thinking a small class C, <25ft , if I didn't have a towed car and only go for something bigger if I did. The idea from YC1 to rent for those times it is needed is a good one, not one I had considered. I think I need to do some research on rental car costs.


Sourcing; Thanks to sbleiweiss for soothing my concerns about finding a ready-to-go RV and toad combo, and to YC1 for mentioning the possibility of consignment lots. On sourcing a combo, are there any places on the Internet that users of the forum might recommend for searching for something like this?


Overnighting; How accepting people in North America are of overnighting in car parks was something I was wondering about. It sounds like it's frowned upon by most landowners from what I gather? In any case my intent would be where possible to stay on cheaper campgrounds, and name drops like the BLM sites that Tilted Kilt mentioned are very useful. If anyone has any information on where to go and where to avoid on this aspect, I would be very appreciative... and does it change from East to West or is it uniform across the continent?


Thanks; Thanks to all those who commented in the last couple of weeks, both for providing me with reams of useful information and insight and also for being so welcoming. I appreciate you all immensely!

[deandec]

If you are just one or two people for just a few months, you could consider a smaller travel trailer and tow it with a car or Suv. Buying used would reduce your capital commitment.

Motorhomes are convenient and many are super comfortable, but just for avoiding hotels and restaurants, a travel trailer can get it done for less money.

Every option has some trade-offs.

Class B motorhomes are nice and flexible, but confining and very capital intensive.

Travel trailers would be problematic for metro sightseeing as would a motorhome with/without a Towed.