Community Forums

Cactus Jack · 09-26-2012, 07:19 PM

Hi, my wife and I just purchased our 1st RV. We'll take delivery this Saturday. I am, at this point, considering a few short trips to more or less local state parks to "get the feel" prior to setting of on any long trips. I'm not expecting any real problems with the local jaunts as I am familier with areas I plan to use. The longer trips give me pause however. One of the trips I have in mind for next summer is southwest Ohio to the Pacific Northwest where my son and his family live on Whidbey Island. I would be grateful for any suggestions those more experienced might offer for trip planning etc. before we set off.

Benicia Tom · 09-26-2012, 08:01 PM

Welcome to the forum, we are fairly new to this also. Some one will be along shortly to give some answers to your questions. I will certainly be paying attention to the answers since we have a long trip we are planning for next year. Be safe in your travels and hope to run into you somewhere .

bluepill · 09-26-2012, 08:05 PM

To help taylor suggestions to your needs: What year, make, model, and miles on your new rig?

Cactus Jack · 09-26-2012, 08:14 PM

The rig is a 2012 Prime Time (Forest River) Tracer 2600RLS. 0 miles.

SarahW · 09-26-2012, 09:34 PM

Howdy and welcome!

Congrats on the new RV. Trip planning will be easier after you've made a few short ones. You'll get the feel of how long you feel comfortable driving in a day. Most of us like to arrive at campgrounds while it's still light outside since it's easier to setup in daylight. There are tons of tools at your disposal for trip planning, from RV GPS systems to iPhone apps. (Buying new toys for the RV is also lots of fun.

)

MSHappyCampers · 09-27-2012, 08:07 AM

Hi folks! Welcome to IRV2! It's great to have you join us! Congrats on the new rig! You're wise to get a little experience close to home before taking that long trip. There may be things you need to do to the rig that will show up at first. Good luck, have fun, and God bless!

John H... · 09-27-2012, 08:15 AM

Jack, welcome to the forum and congrats on your new RV. If you stay on this forum till next year, you'll pick up lots of advice and by then you'll be a seasoned veteran.

450Donn · 09-27-2012, 08:25 AM

Welcome. I would suggest your first camp trip be in your driveway. That way you will get a feel for things and if something goes horribly wrong you are not far from home. It also gives you a chance to learn things in a non threatening enviroment. As for your travel plans, that depends on how much time you are allotting and time of year. As an example we made the drive from Portland,OR to Lansing,MI in 70 hours. DW was in a big hurry to get there to visit with family one last time. Not a fun experience, but one we will not forget either. There are lots of things to see and do between OH and WA so planning, timing and allotted time are all important to know.

Cactus Jack · 09-27-2012, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 450Donn

Welcome. I would suggest your first camp trip be in your driveway. That way you will get a feel for things and if something goes horribly wrong you are not far from home. It also gives you a chance to learn things in a non threatening enviroment. As for your travel plans, that depends on how much time you are allotting and time of year. As an example we made the drive from Portland,OR to Lansing,MI in 70 hours. DW was in a big hurry to get there to visit with family one last time. Not a fun experience, but one we will not forget either. There are lots of things to see and do between OH and WA so planning, timing and allotted time are all important to know.

Thanks for the suggestion. As it happens I had already planned to do check out in my driveway before making even a local trip other than the approximately one hour drive frm the dealer home.

How many hours per day do you normally drive? Max? Min?

Drafter · 09-27-2012, 02:52 PM

Hey Jack,
Glad you joined the group. and congrads on the new rig. I'm new to irv2 as well but have owned some kind of RV for about 35 years. I'm a retired truck driver so traveling is in my blood. Anyway enjoy a few short trips and you will enjoy the first long one a lot more when the time is right. Happy travels to you!

Cactus Jack · 09-27-2012, 06:28 PM

Drafter,

"so traveling is in my blood" I get it. I'm a retired freight dog (pilot). I miss the flying, but not the bull that went with. Now I'll get to see some of the stuff I flew over for 30+ years and take my wife along as well.