Planning A Big Trip Options

[rvmamabel]

Hi,

I was a newbie last summer with my 35' TT and 2 little girls. We went all over the NorthEast and had a great time. DH stayed home to refinish the basement. So, as a newbie and a solo-mom, I can tell you that the unhook and rehook time and energy should not be underestimated. Even with as much pre-packing at night as possible, it still took over an hour to hitch up to the car and pull out of the campground. I'd estimate the same or more time to check into the campground in the afternoon. Since you really don't want to be doing all of that in the dark, you will want to get to the campground by around 4:00 in the afternoon. I think so many days of hitching up, driving 400 miles, and hooking up in a new spot is going to exhaust you. Even with two helpers. I found that those became restaurant nights because I was so whipped! And as others say, towing miles do not equal driving miles. I can drive 600 miles a day in a car, sure....towing? no way! You have to be super-focused the whole time. Then there's the jerking around on your car from the TT, which will give you a super headache! A windy day? Oh boy.

So, not to rain on your big plans, but maybe you could get another week into your vacation or revise your destination. It sounds like work...not a vacation.

You've gotten a lot of good advice here about lists, double-checking your steps, living in the TT for a few nights to make sure you are well-packed. The only thing I can add is to be friendly with your campground neighbors. They will have lots of good advice and ideas for you....if you are willing to ask for help. I can't tell you how much I learned in six weeks and 1000 miles this summer thanks to all the friendly folk.

Happy travels!
Marisa