This week we will be finalizing our sale on a new to us 2003 Rexhall American Clipper. We are looking for a good first trip place. We are located in central Iowa with two ACTIVE boys 11-12. We don't want to go too far on our first trip (12 hours MAX). Looked at Badlands and saw the week we are going is the same as Sturgis so I have to assume that is an absolute no.
Where should we go? Here are some thoughts looking for others:
Visit in-laws in Niagara Falls Canada?
Badlands?
Rockies-Denver area?
Boundary waters
Smokey Mountains- been there tons of time -have family there
Ozarks
We love kayaking (don't have them yet)
hockey
hiking
wildlife
wife loves shopping
sports
History
Would LOVE some ideas and feedback.
2003 Rexhall American Clipper 315
Ford V10
Toad 2008 Toyota Matrix manual on a dolly
1 Wife
2 Kids
1 Boston Terrier
1 Boxer
What are your options no more than 2-3 hours away?
While a 10 year old MH is not broken down with age short of the engine and transmission most wear parts that have not been replaced are subject to failure as you have been reading on the when to replace water pump and alternator tread.
If you will just use it locally (50-75 mile range) to go to WM, McDonalds, movies, see relatives for the first 1000 miles over the next few weeks weak links may reveal themselves.
Getting the fluids changed out can take a while to schedule or do yourself.
Many short trips over the next few weeks will be helpful in making sure the MH is read for longer trips. Driving a different box on wheels can take some effort over time before it becomes second nature.
This post made me think about some things that I wished that I had done as a child but missed out on while I was growing up in Wisconsin. One of those things I missed was going to the Wisconsin Dells. Your children are the perfect age and they would love it.
Miles
Miles and Darcey
1989 Holiday Rambler Crown Imperial
Denver, CO
Good idea to make the maiden trip close to home. Gives you time to learn all the ins and outs of the new MH. Actually, many years ago we were at the KOA Rushmore right in the middle of Sturges. It was a blast. Wonderful people, lots of excitment, a really fun vacation. We did not experience crowds at Rushmore or at Custer National Park, which was fantastic with all the Buffalo. There was also a Bear park in the area, but I don't know if it is still there.
Go For It. Just find a basecamp outside of the Sturges area.
Enjoy.
If you go to Rushmore be sure you have reservations BEFORE you go. Sturgis really packs the whole area. I've been there twice the week before Sturgis and it was starting to fill up then. Neat to see though.
2004 Monaco La Palma 36DBD
Workhorse W22 8.1 Gas Allison 1000, 7.1 mpg
2000 LEXUS RX300 FWD 22MPG 4020 LBS
US Gear Brakes
Nothing is either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.
Work up to a big trip during Labor Day, make reservations now though. Very first trip should be your driveway. Get to know what you need to pack and how the coach works, water comservation, power management and such. Second weekend should be a short drive, less than an hour from home base. Keep moving further and further out so by Labor Day you know the coach, how to make due with what you pack, how to back into a narrow camp site in the dark, keeping kids entertained while on the road,,,,,
Niagara Falls sounds good as first big trip. Lots to do and see in route and not a hard drive. Chicago, Elkhart IN, Cedar Point OH, Lake Erie, Rock and Roll Hall of Frame, Finger Lakes in New York.
2006 Hurricane 31D aka 'Moby' the Whale
FCC(SW) US Navy Retired 1980-2003
Stella my Navigator
Bogart the All American RV Dog
and
Cocoui waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge
If it is your first time out with the new MH, I would stick closer to home. There are always some bugs to work out the first or second time you use the RV. Make a list and keep track of any issue with the MH. I have had mine for 9 months, made 5 trips and have just finished with my list of fixes and upgrades.
Turkey Run in Indiana is not bad for an extended weekend. Good hiking trails, large swimming pool. Horseback riding tours, and the best part is there is a decent go cart park just outside the state camp ground. Its just barely fast enough that you can slide in some of the corners, but not too fast for younger riders.
Dave
The Flying Fortress
FMCA F298817
'83 Revcon Prince 31' FWD
502 w/Howell/GM 16197427 ECM/Edelbrock MPFI,Thorley's & Magnaflows,
4L85E 4 speed, KoniFSD,
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