How does this "plan" seem to the experienced travelers?


I have taken it easy on the first couple of days as we have never driven an RV before.

I have put the longest day of travel on the actual Christmas Day, thinking that travel headaches would be minimal (traffic low, etc.)

The Cruise America 25' and 30' would have about the same MPG, I was told. We went with the 30' and between the three of us, the extra space was appreciated. You are not off base with the fuel costs.

Our RV could have *seriously* used a tire balancing. Do gel-palm driving gloves even exist? And a full brake fluid flush as well. Bet it was never done.

I'd look at State Parks as well but admittedly have more experience camping out of my truck and roughing it in out-of-the-way places.

Pay careful attention to mirrors while maneuvering because the back does not clear things the way cars do. It only takes a moments inattention to rack up a big repair bill. We managed to scuff one up leaving the pumps at a gas station in Homer, Alaska by forgetting just once so I speak from experience. Also be mindful that lost rental income charges may be assessed for the time spent waiting for parts and doing the repair.

Quick tip: Buy Wet Wipes for hand washing and your water will last a lot longer. You’d be surprised how often you wash your hands traveling and camping, especially when campfires are involved.

This is a really interesting thread. Someday, I would like to do the RV thing. Thanks to all the participants!

Are you missing where you will be staying on the nights of the 20th, 22nd, and 25th?

Disposable gloves are good for handling the sewer connections.

The 25th will be fun. I hope your RV drives better than the one we rented for our first trip. It was brand new, privately owned, Class C on E450 chassis, only 5,000 miles, and wandered as it drove.

Am I reading correctly that you will be charged $2.86/mile driven? Ouch!

Do you know if unit will he diesel or gas? I typically plan on 8 mpg at $4/gallon (gas). It builds a buffer in for just in case (detour, side trip, stuck in traffic etc.).

Using the above, I guesstimate your fuel cost to be around $940.00.

To me the food seems low, but we are a family of 4. We stock the fridge and eat out of it when possible.

Will rental location be open Saturday for return? If not and you have to pay until Monday, use it (spend another day vacationing or driving).

Did you add something in for taxes?

Go into the Walmart and talk to the manager before assuming you're good to go. Not all Wal Martd accept overnighters. Too many abused the courtesy.

Another option is casinos or truck stops for free/cheap night. Casinos might charge, but you can also dicker with them based on the idea you would spend money inside.

If you can/have drive/driven a large moving truck, you're good to go with the coach. Similar sizes, but coach is a bit lower to the ground.

Based on recent observation (screeeech!!) I would echo P210’s advice to carefully adjust the mirrors. Practice in an empty parking lot before you load up the family.

I just called another RV rental place here. They quoted $300 per day. Of course, this includes generator cost, propane, and no mileage cost. So, ten days with this outfit would be $3K. Plus gas. And I had better hurry to reserve! This week is a big week. Yikes!

Yes, I forgot some of my rental campground costs! That's why I hired you all to look at the spreadsheet!

I am also looking at driving in my POV + hotel. May be cheaper, but we would have to leave the dog here. And, no Eddie adventure!

This site may help you. It’s come in handy for us. Drive your car, take the dog, and save some money.

https://www.bringfido.com/lodging/hotels/

Found a rental RV!

https://www.outdoorsy.com/rv-r..._other_42382-listing