Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 02-12-2019, 01:56 PM   #1
1 Rivet Member
 
2019 33' Classic
Babylon , New York
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 5
Newbie trying to plan cross country trip

We are newbies and after a couple local trips (being planned), we want to head to see family in Wyoming. I am in charge of scouting out the route. There are so many sites, clubs & organizations to join, that i'd like to narrow down the choices. Suggestions as to the best ones?

Second thing we need to research is storage when we're home, but not using. Current property laws do not allow to place in driveway in front of house. Local storage searches have come up empty- only 10' by 30' max. Any suggestions on where you store your Airstream when not using would be appreciated.
MADAirs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-12-2019, 02:40 PM   #2
Rivet Master
 
HowieE's Avatar
 
1991 34' Excella
Princeton , New Jersey
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,070
Images: 12
Look for a farmer close by. They generally have more space than they need.


Get the All Stay app for your phone. It can answer a lot of questions while on the road.
__________________
WBCCI 12156 AIR 3144 WACHUNG TAC NJ6
2004 Excursion 4x4
1991 34 ft. Excella +220,000 miles, new laminated flooring, new upholstery, new 3200 lbs axles

HowieE is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-12-2019, 02:55 PM   #3
Rivet Master
 
2007 27' Classic FB
Ridgefield , Washington
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 580
Images: 11
Hi there. Welcome to the forums. Everyone seems to have a favorite for planning. The Allstays app seems to be the preferred. I must admit that we haven’t been using it that long but there is a ton of good information on it. For advance planning I like the Good Sam trip planner. I relay like the oddities tab which has led us to some neat things like the Jolly Green Giant in Minnesota and the RV museum in Indiana. Good luck!
__________________
John
Woosch is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-12-2019, 03:08 PM   #4
Trailer Sold, Waving
 
Acheron2010's Avatar
 
2019 26' Flying Cloud
Stettler , Alberta
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,032
I just did that trip. As a newbie breaking in the new trailer, I picked mostly KOA camps. They can be relied on to have room for a new guy to pull through, reliable utilities, and a painless reservation system. But costly. I averaged $41 a night coming from New Jersey to Tennessee to California. If I had to do it again, I would stay at more state and county parks, which I found usually more spacious and much less expensive. I used custom Google Maps to identify my "tourist" destinations, then RV TripWizard and RV Parky for campgrounds and fuel stations. Book farther in advance if you are traveling during any holiday. Stay safe.
__________________
2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
2019 Airstream Flying Cloud 26RBQ
WBCCI #6679
Acheron2010 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-2019, 10:28 AM   #5
Mike from Canmore
 
Mike G's Avatar
 
2018 27' Flying Cloud
Calgary , Alberta
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 233
Images: 2
I like to use www.campgroundreviews.com in conjunction with Google maps. I lay out each potential leg, choosing a length that matches my preferred estimated distance or time, and then look on Campground Reviews for the highest rated RV Parks near that day's destination. Works for me, but I like planning . . .
Mike G is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-2019, 10:42 AM   #6
Rivet Master
 
Rgentum's Avatar
 
2016 27' Flying Cloud
Olympia , Washington
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 618
When we drove from Seattle to the 2016 Internat'l Rally in West Virginia, we drove 14-15 or so hours/day just to get there, so we were not looking for amenities in any RV park. Typically, we stayed overnight in either WalMart parking lots or public rest stops along a highway. No charge, it worked for us, and we drove over 2500 miles & got there in less than five days. When we came back, we spent six weeks and used our Passport America card as much as we could, typically paying around $20-25/night.
__________________
Richard Wills, Olympia, WA --- WBCCI 8873, WL7Z
"Aurum": 2018 Ram/Cummins 3500
"Argentum": 2016 AS FC 27 FB
RIP "BigDog": M Harlequin Great Dane, 150 lb
"St. Rocco": M Black Great Dane, 150 lb
Rgentum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-2019, 11:12 AM   #7
Rivet Master
 
Al and Missy's Avatar
 
2002 30' Classic S/O
Fleming Island , Florida
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,668
We belong to Good Sam and are considering PA and Escapees for discounts. We mostly stay in improved sites. The only time we have not was when I couldn't get into any of the three sites the park tried to give us. We left and stayed at a Cracker Barrel - highly recommended! We ate dinner and breakfast there. For planning I use the RV Trip Wizard web site. It is $39 a year, and is web-based meaning you can get it on anything, a laptop, phone iPad, etc. Disadvantage is you have to have internet access. If you anticipate no access you can download a trip's itinerary in the form of a set of turn by turn directions. It has features to show you campgrounds (not just the ones that pay to be on there, but private, state, county, COE parks, etc. You can get a free trial version for a week or so.

Al
__________________
“You cannot reason someone out of a position they have not been reasoned into"
Al, K5TAN and Missy, N4RGO WBCCI 1322
2002 Classic 30 Slideout -S/OS #004
2013 Dodge 2500 Laramie 4x4 Megacab Cummins
Al and Missy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-2019, 11:17 AM   #8
PKI
Rivet Master
 
PKI's Avatar
 
Currently Looking...
Walnut Creek , California
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 3,952
Madairs - I would think that you will need to get real creative to find a place to store on Long Island. Ideas - talk to the closest AS dealer for ideas - consider offering to build a two stall garage on someone elses lot for an extended lease arrangement to store their coach and yours - check boat storage facilities - a warehouse business may have unused space you can lease - consider a location in the general direction you want to travel so getting the coach is a headstart on the trip, a 100 miles is a long way, but not if you want to go there - AS only parks can be an alternative.

Jackson Center has a lot of coaches on site - maybe you need to have service or modifications to make your coach perfect.

We saw an RV that interested us in a local RV park. We suspect it was being stored there. You might check out that type of storage.

Good luck with your research. Pat
PKI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-2019, 11:32 AM   #9
2 Rivet Member
 
2017 25' International
Currently Looking...
Kirkland , Washington
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 38
For storage see if a local airfield has hanger space for rent. That has worked well for me, fully protected and with an electrical outlet.
ratch is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-2019, 12:04 PM   #10
3 Rivet Member
 
2017 27' Flying Cloud
Fernandina Beach , FL
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 172
Finding campsites

We've done the trip to Wyoming from the east coast. Our routine is to select spots along the way to spend 2-4 days either touring, relaxing or visiting friends. We prefer government campgrounds as they offer nicer sites.

We "book it" between those spots, which for us are 6-7 hour drives, using KOAs along the way. For Wyoming, we booked it to Minnesota, stayed there a few days, booked it to the Black Hills for a few days, then on to Wyoming.

Sam's, KOA club and RV Park Reviews are our references. When uncertain, we've had great luck posting the AirForum for specific campground advice.
Bob Peahl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-2019, 12:25 PM   #11
4 Rivet Member
 
Napa , California
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 464
Welve learned over the years, be flexible! A solid itinerary with reservations every night sounds wonderful -but may be horrible in the long run. Traffic may be unpredictable -we live in Napa and it can take 4 hours to get to San Francisco...not recommended when you plan on driving 600 miles that day! Weather can come up -in Wyoming we were threatened by a dust storm/tornado warning and finally got smart and hid out in a Walmart parking lot for 5 hours (still dangerous, we watched shopping carts doing about 35 mph damaging both cars and trailers and cause countless accidents). Personal comfort has to be considered -nothing can take the wind out of your sails like a migraine or back pain or something on your rig than needs fixing -like three tires blown out all in a single afternoon (and yes, we ran over something nasty!). And, don't forget you may discover someplace so pretty and peaceful you don't want to move on quite as quickly as you thought you would. AllStays, Campendium, RVParky, KOA app -all can give you a good idea of what is around the area you are in. Locals can usually point you to a good park or a good restaurant and those big name stops (Walmart, Cracker Barrel, Cabela's) are great in a pinch, too.
Atwebs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-2019, 12:52 PM   #12
4 Rivet Member
 
2014 27' Flying Cloud
Stowe , Vermont
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 338
We head west to the Rockies, Yellowstone, Tetons, etc. almost yearly. EZ Pass makes life easier on toll roads from NY to Wis. Day 1 - Destination - Travel Plaza Amherst, Ohio Turnpike (Middle Ridge Service Plaza it has RV parking with electric hookup - $20) Our Routes - I-87 south - I-90 NY Thruway west - I-80 west - Day 2 - Destination - Walmart Super Store, Exit 5, 3107 Market Pl, Onalaska, WI 54650 - Routes - I-80/90, I-80 west to avoid going thru heart of Chicago - I-39 north, I-90 west - Day 3 - Destination - Wall, SD, Sleepy Hallow Campground in the heart of Wall SD - fun tourist town - empty black and gray tanks - (options nearby - Badlands National Park and Mt. Rushmore are a must if you have never been there) Routes - I-90 West - Day 4 - Destination - Cody, WY - Absaroka Bay Campground - great town with lots to see - Western Museum a must - Rodeo every night - stock up on supplies before YS - Routes - I-90 West to Buffalo WY, Route 16 west over Big Horn Mountains - Day 5 - On to Yellowstone via Route 14 west. Any questions email me at: sgraner@aol.com
VT Wanderer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-2019, 01:12 PM   #13
Rivet Master
 
tjdonahoe's Avatar
 
2013 31' Classic
billings , Montana
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,576
We never plan ahead...I don’t have to be anywhere...I will get there when I get there...we went to Nova Scotia last fall....never hurried..good trip....couple weeks heading to California...don’t even know which way.....we will decide when we get to Idaho........kiss....keep it simple....
tjdonahoe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-2019, 01:36 PM   #14
Len and Jeanne
 
Len n Jeanne's Avatar
 
2005 16' International CCD
2015 19' Flying Cloud
Creston Valley , British Columbia
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,793
If you just want to get to Wyoming without detours along the way and are traveling in summer, I-80 is about as good as anything. It gets hugely congested around Chicago, but the heavy traffic there is hard to avoid.
Len n Jeanne is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-2019, 06:59 PM   #15
1 Rivet Member
 
2017 20' Flying Cloud
Omaha , Nebraska
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 14
RV trip planner (app and laptop) along with RVpark reviews. The trip planner allows you to accurately plan how far you can reasonably drive based on how fast you are comfortable driving. I start every trip with it. We do a few days planned and then “mystery-caravan” a few days, then plan a few days. We have also been known to have a hotel stay & a fancy dinner for a night after about two weeks on the road. It’s nice and refreshing after “camping” and makes a long toad trip seem more manageable.
wvann is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-14-2019, 08:56 AM   #16
New Member
 
2016 25' Flying Cloud
Richmond , Virginia
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 1
Hi, there and welcome!

My husband and I just returned from a trip to Wyoming (starting point was Virginia) this summer. I'm a planner and get a bit anxious if everything isn't planned out...untll this trip.

We planned the first few stops because we knew the route, but, once we got about three days out, we started "winging it" and it was very, very easy to do. Our routine was to drive until about noon, estimate how much longer we wanted to drive and then use Good Sams App and AllStays in conjunction to pick a place to stay for the night. I'd call from the car, (or use the internet if we were someplace where it was available) to make reservations.

Even in the summer, when everyone is traveling, it's very easy to find a place to stay out west. And, with this technique, we could better estimate when we'd be at the next stop. Some of the roads (and weather conditions) were terrible and we would have had to really push to make pre-arranged camping reservations. In addition, we got some great advice from locals in the campgrounds about different routes and where to stay next so it was easy to change our plans to adjust to the new information. We had a fantastic time and I didn't stress about making the next stop. (And remember, in a pinch, you can camp at Walmart or Cabela's.)

I would also suggest checking out Harvest Hosts (harvesthosts.com). For a very small annual fee, you can stay at vineyards and farms (and even golf courses) overnight for free. The caveat is that you have to contact the host prior to your visit and usually can stay for just one night, but it's a very inexpensive option.

Good luck and I hope this information helps!
Tweeds is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-14-2019, 05:44 PM   #17
3 Rivet Member
 
2016 27' International
Anacortes , Washington
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 103
We agree with "Tweeds" above

We live in far NW Washington near BC, and for our spring and fall roadtrips and if we have to use freeways around populated places, we may book the first two nights so we can put in longer hours and not have to worry where to stay and if they have spaces. After that, we like using Allstays from the road and around noon or so, when we stop for lunch, we decide how much further to go and call from the road if we have cell service.

Doing this on our fall road trip through western Colorado, and down the "Million Dollar Highway", we chose Pagosa Springs, CO as our stop. We had no idea we came into town when their annual Color Fest weekend was happening and we had a ball, and extended our stay for a couple more nights. If we had booked each night on our travels, we could not have had the impulse to extend our stay.

Not sure where in WY you have in mind, but there are lots of places like Devils Tower near the Black Hills, SD (Mt Rushmore) and scenery around there. Buffalo is a fun place with the historic Occidental Hotel and Bar which looks nearly the same as when all the cowboy outlaws and law at some point drew a whiskey before their guns and fists came out (bullet holes a many!). Have a great adventure!
Pat Pierce is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-14-2019, 05:51 PM   #18
Rivet Master
 
Mollysdad's Avatar

 
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Tampa , Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 7,638
Blog Entries: 1
You won't like this answer, but it's worked for me for 30 years. "Don't over plan, just go!"
That way, you're not stressed by having to get somewhere on time, you can always find a good campground, maybe not a state park or National park, but they're out there, even Walmart for a nite. (in middle America)
Have a decent GPS and kinda follow it, but not to the letter.
Mollysdad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-14-2019, 08:20 PM   #19
Rivet Master
 
CruizinDux's Avatar
 
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Washington , Missouri
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,589
I agree...loosely defined. From OR...headed for key west, atlanta, the carolina's Washington mo and home. Budget = 3 months. When we left, our only firm resies were key west (2 in fiesta key )))) and for at 4 at boyd's in key west...across the river actually). OTR we made resies at lake lanier (Suwanee, ga) as it is over pres day weekend. Otherwise winging it...pho, san antonio, new iberia, gulf shores etc and the panhandle...crap for weather so winging it was the ticket as we headed for that lost shaker of salt. However that wing it stratgey got us grand lake rv resort, ocala fl. Lets take the next FW sign...camping and call it good....or the next WM. A great place to rnr, laundry, explore ocala/gainsville and just relax...( Wish i had seen touringdans post on cedar key). It was a bit of a scramble as we hokey poked it s on the west coast of fl pending our FIRM resies in the keys.

Left the keys NB winging it and discovered overflow for 1 night was the last room at the inn in Fort pierce . Certainly our desire for 2-3 days in cocoa beach or st augistine after a dozen failed calls for...can you fit in a small 20 for a couple of nights? this section of coast may be less reservable at the last minute than KW.

Having said, it a combo of both. Research the night before, with off ramp #'s or blue highsay cross highways, and a phone number. Then hit the road, turn on the tunz and wing it. Just be reasonable re planned mileage and factor in that unexpected side trip in our case the the allman bro house in macon.
Happy trails
B
CruizinDux is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-14-2019, 10:46 PM   #20
Rivet Master
 
rowiebowie's Avatar
 
2012 Avenue Coach
Corpus Christi , Texas
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 1,719
Quote:
Originally Posted by MADAirs View Post
We are newbies and after a couple local trips (being planned), we want to head to see family in Wyoming. I am in charge of scouting out the route. There are so many sites, clubs & organizations to join, that i'd like to narrow down the choices. Suggestions as to the best ones?

Second thing we need to research is storage when we're home, but not using. Current property laws do not allow to place in driveway in front of house. Local storage searches have come up empty- only 10' by 30' max. Any suggestions on where you store your Airstream when not using would be appreciated.
Welcome to the forum MADAirs!

To your storage question. We stayed at Liberty RV Park in Jersey City for 3 days last October. They have a small amount of full hook-up sites that were naturally full, but they allowed us to boon dock in the gravel-topped boat yard behind it. A couple of dozen others did like us and stayed in their overflow lot.

They had plenty of space for more boats & RV's and I'd bet for a price, they would rent a slot in their boat yard on a long term basis (it sure looked like some of the boats had been there for a while).

It is located at the very south end of Marin Blvd. just across the Hudson from the Financial District. I believe you'd take the Holland Tunnel (we used the ferry). They have 24 "rent-a-guards" on premises for whatever security that provides. They also have some 120v outlets that some of the boats were plugged into. They allowed us to use them and it kept our batteries topped up during the time we camped there. Perhaps it is worth checking out.

Good luck.
.
rowiebowie is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Cross Country Trip Help mrchinup1 On The Road... 33 01-28-2024 12:24 PM
Gearing up for a cross country trip Golden Girl Member Introductions 11 06-22-2015 03:48 AM
Cross Country Trip with my '78 Argosy 24' aversenti All Argosy Trailers 13 03-17-2007 10:27 PM
Cross Country Trip MacInDaBox On The Road... 2 09-15-2003 04:24 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:32 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.