RE: Family RV Trip around the world
I am also curious as to what "around the world" means. Taking literally, I would move this thread to General RVing Issues. (That may still be the best place.) If you are referring to the Western Hemisphere, then maybe this forum will do for now.
Let me know if you want the thread moved.
Tom
Thank you, Tom. Could you please move this thread to General RVing issues? It would be great to hear from those who've traveled to Europe & Asia as well.
Thanks again!
Mike
RE: Family RV Trip around the world
Forget about the Class A if you are serious about anything other than Canada, the US and maybe Mexico. If you insist on a Class A then stick to something smaller with NO slides. You have no idea what you are getting into if you seriously think you can drive a plastic bulgemobile through some of the places you listed. Maybe a 4WD with a truck camper would work but I don't think you really have a clue about what you are proposing to do.
We've looked at all types of RV for the last 2 years, including truck campers, but even the camper salesman (a seasoned RV'er) said campers may tip over (& detach from the dually bed due to higher C.G.) if you go through a prolonged stretch of rough roads. He recommended a short overhang (especially in rear) Class C or a non-slide Class A. Besides, how many hours a day do you think 2 toddlers will last inside a crewcab truck???
There is a reason why we took out Africa & Middle East. Even Jim Rogers (who has traveled all over the world in his custom M-B 4x4) personally told me that the rest of the world's roads are not as bad as you think, as long as you stay on the country's major highways.
What kind of RV do you have, and which countries have you been to?
RE: Family RV Trip around the world
I've seen more of the world than my own country. As much as I've enjoyed the experiences I still feel like there's no other place I'd rather be than right here in the US.
Good luck if you press ahead with this trip. It would be interesting to follow your journey if you create a blog.
I agree 100%. Every time we travel abroad, we gain a renewed sense of appreciation for our country. That is probably one of the reasons why we want to do this. Seeing how others in the world live will give us and our kids (subliminally I hope?) a sense of gratitude for what we have in the U.S.
We will create a blog for our trip, just to leave as many traces of us as possible. I'm sure other fellow RV'ers will give us plenty of tips for the places ahead of us. : )
RE: Family RV Trip around the world
Speaking of which, I'm curious about your comment on violence in Mexico, and your fear of it. Read more on this forum -- there are thousands of rv'ers driving into Mexico every year. Granted, most of them are Canadians, without guns, and perhaps a little more trust in our fellow man. That may be something you need to sort out for yourself and your family first.
Cheers
Having worked & lived in Mexico for a year (and speaking Spanish myself), I personally find Mexicans very hospitable. Back in my backpacking days, I wouldn't even blink about the gang violence news. But with 2 toddlers, I just don't want to take a chance of even being in the crossfire of the gang violence. Much rather be called a "chicken" than be called "what a moron, he got his wife and 2 toddlers killed!"
If these places seem safer by next year, we'll have no problem traveling there. From our perspective, there are way too many safe places to visit, that we don't have to take any more risk than we currently do. : )
RE: Family RV Trip around the world
Simple things like tires can become an issue... As far as engines, the most common that I can see are the Mitsubishi 4cyl turbo diesels.
Second, is definately size. I know there is one company that sets up a tour of the America's and they do have definate size requirements, due to ferries, road conditions, etc... Must be under 30', or smaller. They also recommend transporting a certain number of spare parts depending upon your make/model.
Third is the power sources. Most convert over to all diesel power for appliances, stoves, furnace, generators... In other words no propane.
This does not mean it is not possible, and honestly I admire your plan and I am jealous (although, personally I would wait until they are older so they can appreciate it more, as well as be more independent). I think the first step is stop thinking so "American", and start thinking more worldly. If you have a plan, start researching each country. In many South American countries you may not find nice rv parks, with full hookups, good water, paved roads, propane exchange centers, grocery stores, doctors, hospitals, radial tires, playgrounds, etc...
good luck and have fun
fred
Thank you for your insight, Fred. I've looked into buying an Italian RV called Rimor Catamarano for the exact same reasons, but my wife would like more living room space, so most likely we will go with either Ford V10 or GM 8.1L V8 powertrain, either of which seem like a reliable (if not fuel efficient) engine choice as long as plenty of regular preventive maintenance is performed.
Based on your recommendation, we might go with either a non-slide Class A (30-31 footer) or a long Class C (28-29 footer).
On the power source, I'm sure it won't be enough, but I do plan on covering most of the roof panel with 300kWh solar panels so supplement the power usage so at least the fridge can be on 24/7.
My parents told us the same thing about waiting until our kids can remember the trip, but we figured we wanted to just "stimulate" the kids by showing them all the things they will see on TV when they grow up. More of a fun educational trip rather than something they will remember. :)
Thanks again for your insight!
RE: Family RV Trip around the world
Have you ever been outside the US and experienced travel in less-developed countries? It's eye-opening. Forget about readily-available repair shops and convenient gas stations. What about illnesses with 2 toddlers. Will their digestive systems be able to handle odd foods you obtain on the road.
Our tour bus was attacked by an anti-American mob while we were in Egypt. We had armed guards with us but that didn't stop the haters. A lone American family traveling abroad for an extended period might be an easy target. Not saying it can't be done successfully, but are you ready for the worst case scenario?
There are so many things to consider when planning a trip like this.
I personally have traveled to about 70 countries, and my wife about 40, all backpacking. But with our toddlers, this will be the most challenging trip yet. That's why we'll get every vaccination before we go and take plenty of medicine with us. We also plan on living on lots canned food, fully stocked every time we stop in any decent size city.
Another thing I plan on doing to the RV is to install a whole-house reverse osmosis water-filtration system, so the kids don't get sick from even taking a shower.
Regarding safety, I hate to bring a handgun as a last resort. Have you seen many RV's carrying a gun in their RV as a security measure?
I've already let our friends & family that we will twitter of our whereabouts whenever possible, and plan on using a "SPOT" GPS unit so our family can track us real-time in case we are out of communication. Hopefully we can avoid most of the troubles ahead...
RE: Family RV Trip around the world
Hi,
What do you mean "around the world",Europe,S.America,North America,Australia,New Zealand???
In any case I love your idea.
:C
We are planning on hitting the following places:
Alaska
Canada
U.S.
Mexico (only if violence goes down)
Central America
South America (minus Colombia & Venezuela)
Europe
Asia
Basically, we want to avoid Africa, Middle East, and minimize shipping the RV as much as possible.
We'll also travel on main highways as much as possible, basically the same route most tour buses take. Once we get to a crowded city, we'll probably leave the RV outside the city and use public transportation.
RE: Family RV Trip around the world
Simple and smaller might be better. Things like multiple slides could mean a breakdown in a isolated place. How handy are you with doing repairs?
OK, we will look into either a non-slide or 1 slide max. I'm a mechanical engineer by trade, but I will bring plenty of spare parts / tires for preventive maintenance. Every time we're in a big city, we'll do RV check-ups with a local shop.
Family RV Trip around the world
Hi all,
As crazy as it may sound, my wife & I have decided to take our 2 & 3 year-old kids to an RV trip around the world for 1 year starting next May. We have never done RV'ing before, so we figured it would be a good thing to try full-timing at an RV park near my wife's work for about 10 months before we go on the road. Below are some questions we have, so any honest comments would be greatly appreciated:
1. Class A vs. Class C ?
At first, we thought that Class C would be better mainly due to the size & maneuverability, but with 2 toddlers with us, we are leaning towards Class A. Any thoughts?
2. Slide vs. Non-slide ?
At first, we thought non-slide would be better as we travel to Alaska, South America, and other countries with some rough roads, but again with 2 toddlers, we are leaning toward at least 1 slide in the living room so the kids have some room. Any comments?
3. RV length & width
Is there any width requirement in any of the countries you guys have traveled to? We'd like to go with 102" width, if possible. What was the longest length you felt comfortable with while traveling abroad?
Any of your honest feedback would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Mike
