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08-30-2015, 09:10 PM
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#1
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Richard
2015 27' Flying Cloud
Midland
, Texas
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 13
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Safe on the road?
Been traveling in Texas, NM, and AZ, and always felt safe. We are thinking of taking our Airstream from Texas to Maryland via interstate 40 thru Little Rock, Memphis, Nashville, and Virginia, skirting Washington, DC., and staying in commercial campgrounds. The world is getting a little crazy, it seems, and we were wondering if anyone has had any troubles with safety along that general route? Thanks in advance for your experiences!
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08-30-2015, 10:42 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2016 28' Pendleton
Currently Looking...
Scottsdale
, Arizona
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 840
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We have traveled from PHX to ATL along I-40 &/or I-20, and have had no problems. We have a tendency to avoid the big urban areas & try to get past them before stopping for the night. That can take a little planning, but very doable. be safe out there, Regards, Craig
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WBCCI 2851,4CU
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08-31-2015, 03:57 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2012 25' FB Eddie Bauer
Vintage Kin Owner
Virginia Beach
, Virginia
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,801
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Internet LOVE
A new habit I have acquired is using the internet and Google Earth in particular to preview routes and camping spots. When you see a sign that says "campground 3 miles" with a right arrow and that's how you choose, results will be unpredictable. (Keep paddling, I hear banjos!)
Read the reviews, look over the campground (and if you're 50 feet from an active railroad or an interstate... Well it's all in what you want. If speed is your goal, the KOA right off the interstate might be fine.
One thing I'm leery of is campgrounds that offer annual rates - quite often these are run down, and people who are basically barely above homeless can congregate there. But again, read the reviews and look at the campground on Google Earth.
Paula
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Today is a gift, that's why they call it the present.
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08-31-2015, 05:35 AM
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#4
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Moderator
Vintage Kin Owner
...
, ...
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 11,696
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<<Mod Mode>>
We performed a bit of housekeeping on this thread this morning and now is a good opportunity to post a reminder.
The OP is seeking advice on specific experiences on a specific route. If you can share experiences related to the inquiry, or common sense travel precautions please do so, but unless weapons questions are asked, and it relates specifically to RV's then the topic should be saved for another thread, and the CR's should be considered before weighing into that subject. We are not anti self defense, OC (open carry) or CC (conceal carry), however subject such as politics and weapons historically turn vitriolic and do not end well.
__________________
"One of the best lessons I've learned is that you don't worry about criticism from people you wouldn't seek advice from."
William C. Swinney
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08-31-2015, 05:58 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
1995 30' Excella
Bowie
, Maryland
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,345
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You'll be fine.
I know the media loves to act like highway bandits are out there all the time, just waiting to prey on folk from out of town, but the fact is that thousands (or more) of people use all of those roads every day and do not have a problem.
For the campgrounds, check out campground review websites if you're really nervous, or do like Foiled Again said and look at the overhead imagery, or do both. You have to watch the reviews, because people have very different experiences, but if there are enough you'll start to get a good flavor.
__________________
1995 Airstream Classic 30' Excella 1000
2014 Ram 2500 Crew Cab with Cummins 6.7L Diesel
Sold but not forgotten: 1991 Airstream B190
Sold: 2006 F-250 6.0L Powerstroke Supercab
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08-31-2015, 06:03 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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We traveled much of that route at different times in the past two years. Camped near Memphis and in Washington DC at military campgrounds as retirees, commercial campgrounds, and a couple of WalMarts.
Spent much time in those cities as well as the countryside between. Very interesting history, architecture and people. Music and ribs great in Memphis. The eastern population is dense but much to see and do. Avoid areas and that don't look right to you and enjoy yourselves. Perhaps the most dangerous part of the trip is the city interstates, congestion and rudeness are plentiful.
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Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles
The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
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08-31-2015, 06:26 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Berlin
, Maryland
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,786
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I would recommend that if you decide to review campgrounds on the web be sure to check multiple sites to include trip advisor, Good Sam and Yelps. I recently did a search and found many varying opinions from one site to the next.
As to Maryland, there are some great state campgrounds depending on where you are going. If you decide to visit the Eastern Shore of MD I would also look at sites in DE. As they also have some great state campgrounds.
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08-31-2015, 11:59 AM
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#8
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2 Rivet Member
1977 25' Tradewind
Cibolo
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 50
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Went from San Antonio, TX to Parkersburg, WV years ago and stayed in State Parks and US Army Corps of Engineers Parks and had a great trip. Give it a try.
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08-31-2015, 12:09 PM
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#9
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4 Rivet Member
2011 30' Flying Cloud
Greenback
, Tennessee
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 294
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We live in East Tennessee and have traveled that route many times with no problems. Don't omit state parks as possibilities, as Tennesee and Virginia have numerous state parks that are often convenient to I 40 and I 81. Corps Of Engineers have excellent campgrounds as well, and the price is right, especially for seniors. You will find that route is lovely to look at as well, and the roads generally excellent.
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08-31-2015, 12:14 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
1981 27' Excella II
mays landing
, South Jersey
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,179
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Md. State parks offer a Golden Age Pass good for half price camping Sunday to Thursday. As stated before they are very nice. Sal
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Sal & Nora
Let us live so that when we die even the undertaker will be sorry. Mark Twain
AIR 42483
TAC N.J. 17
WBCCI 24740
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08-31-2015, 12:46 PM
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#11
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2 Rivet Member
1976 Argosy 30
Annapolis
, Maryland
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 38
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Safe in the Mid Atlantic
The world has always been a little crazy. Get out of your comfort zone and see a little of it. I think you'll like it!
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08-31-2015, 01:20 PM
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#12
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3 Rivet Member
2014 25' FB Flying Cloud
Palestine
, Texas
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 106
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If you are just passing through a city and the weather is cool enough, try a WalMart. When passing through I use them often and have never had a problem. I have spent several nights at the one at 2700 S. Shackleford Rd in Little Rock. It is about 5 minutes south of I-40 and just off I-430 loop. Plenty of space, open 24 hrs. and 24 hr. security around the parking lot. Pros: Free, groceries, supplies and often fuel. Cons: No hook-ups.
__________________
Will ~ "Blue Skies"
WBCCI #31443
"Don't follow me.
I've spent my life leading folks astray."
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08-31-2015, 02:20 PM
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#13
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1 Rivet Member
2015 Interstate Ext. Coach
Nashville
, Tennessee
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 17
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We had a great stay at the KOA at Graceland. You can walk to Graceland and there is 24hr security. We took Uber into town and did a food tour that included a ton of history.
Davey Crocket Birthplace State Park in east TN is off the beaten path with great facilities and more great history.
Lots of Nashville options have been discussed before.
We are from Nashville and love for all to visit the city.
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08-31-2015, 11:25 PM
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#14
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3 Rivet Member
2016 30' Classic
Santa Rosa
, California
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 145
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We are currently on that route right now, heading the opposite direction from Virginia through the cities you mentioned. No safety issues encountered over 9 weeks of travel. Weve stayed mostly at commercial RV parks, and some nice state parks, away from the big cities. Before each travel leg, we check the reviews from 2-3 websites before focusing on several options within our desired range. We usually dont make reservations - we call ahead when we are about an hour away, ask if they have openings, and check out the area before heading into the campground. In two instances, we kept going because we didnt like the area our initial choice was in. We have felt very safe during the trip so far.
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09-01-2015, 05:24 AM
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#15
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Rivet Master
2020 28' Flying Cloud
Upper St Clair
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,943
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We traveled the route you are asking about last year in late fall. From Las Vegas to Ashville, NC via I 40. We stopped in KOA campgrounds the entire way and had nothing but good experiences. Only issue was heavy traffic in metro areas, so we left before rush hour or after and stopped before rush hour. As we travel more and more we are gradually taking on the 2-2 rule and actually moving to the 2-2-2 rule. The rule is, 200 miles - stop by 2 O'clock and stay 2 days.
Good Journey.
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2020 28' Twin Flying Cloud
2021 F350 6.7 King Ranch
USAF Master Training Instructor (TI) & (MTI)- 68-72
Volunteer K9 Rehabilitator & Trainer
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09-01-2015, 05:45 AM
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#16
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Rivet Master
2007 Interstate
Normal
, Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 18,066
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What everyone else said.
Get out there and enjoy, use reasonable precautions.....and don't be afraid.
167,000+ miles, now all of the lower 48 states, and have never been accosted once.
Have a great trip!
Maggie
__________________
🏡 🚐 Cherish and appreciate those you love. This moment could be your last.🌹🐚
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