What is the best way to plan a road trip like this? i went on the good sam trip planer but not real sure how far I could travel in a normal day, last time I made this trip I was not towing and I drove until I could go no more this time I want to be smart and safe any sugg. on places to stop for over night?
2004 PS Ford F-350 DRW
2007 S.B. Bristol Bay 3420BH
Wife and I only try to go 8 hours of driving. We are in our 60's and want to see some of the world but we also need rest and not in a hurry. 8 to 10 hours is plenty in a day with all of the traffic. We average 60 MPH with a 30 minute stop every 2 1/2 hours or before the bladder fill up.
The best way is to plan to the minimum necessary. That said, anyone you are going to visit (or if you need reservations at a destination) will require you come up with dates. Being retired, and never in a rush, I basically plan on 200-250 miles every second day plus time for any more major stops such as Nashville or Memphis. Then looking at this on a map, I adjust up to 50 miles for places where I would like to stop (may be an attraction, a Passport America park, a military RV park, etc.). Rarely do we travel 2 days in a row and if we do we might well stay at a Wal*Mart. All this being said, I never travel over 300 miles in a day.
Harry
With wife Carole 10 yrs fulltiming
Retired U.S. Army
2002 Carriage LS 37' 5er; 2006 Lance 1181
2008 F-450 King Ranch 4x4 fully loaded
2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee toad
SKP # 54751
Geocacher "DosTortugas" Harry's BLOG
jeaelectric, I'm planning the reverse trip, to Tunica, MS...I usually use the GS Trip Planner as it posts mileage to the left and right, so I can figure mileage based on 60mph, to allow roughly 4 to 5 1/2 hours of driving per day, with 6 at the absolute most.
The problem comes in as we're going east and losing an hour when we cross time zones, so we're pushing for 5 hours driving time (since 6 will pass), and we still want to hit our CG while the offices are open.
You're on the advantage coming west, you'll get an extra hour as you cross each time zone, you can drive 5-6 hours and still get there early enough.
2008 Itasca Meridian 37H, All. 3000MH (6-auto), Freightliner XC Chass., Cummins 6.7L Turbo, (Sweet! Delivery 03/12/08). Tow: '07 Dodge Gr. Caravan, Me, Him; Sugarbear, Apr. Toy Poodle; Pepe, Blk Toy Poodle; Hero, fat Siam.-mix polydactyl cat/Alarm Clock.
We have traveled the 40 quite a few times these are some of the places we stop overnight. The one problem you may see about this is we don't travel far at all. We take our time and enjoy. Mississippi - Sam's Town Tunica - a little off the 40 but the best buffet and RV park Arkansas - North Little Rock KOA - or a little farther in Conway we love Toad Suck COE, about 7 miles off the 40 but you can sit and watch the barges down the river. Camp right on the river water and electric, no sewer but they have a dump. Oklahoma - Sallisaw Koa or at exit 178 Firelake Casino. Then we go to Council Road RV Park on the west side of Oklahoma City, very nice with large pull-thrus. Texas panhandle - we stay in Shamrock at the West 40 RV park. Quite park with nice long pull-thrus. We don't like to un-hook for one night. New Mexico - Tucumcari, Mountain Rd Rv Park - right off the 40 and good place to get gas or diesel. Then, one of our favorites and we always stay a few days is Albuquerque - We like the Enchanted Trails (C2C and PA) Here you can walk Old Town go up to Sandia Peak (wonderful) or gamble at the casinos. We always have a great time in Albuquerque. Arizona - Holbrook at the A-OK RV Park. Large pull-thrus, cable full-hook-ups and take a nice drive to Petrified Forest and Painted Desert -beautiful. You can also stop at Meteor crater for a break - very interesting. There is also Canyon Gateway on the 40 right befor you go p to Grand Canyon. We have stayed at the Trailer Village in the Grand Canyon and loved it. Big enough for us 40' with 4 slides. Not all sites are real level but you can manage. Take the shuttle around. Beautiful... I would suggest if you haven't already is to get Passport America. You save 50% at selected campgrounds for $44.00 per year. Any questions....Just ask.... Have fun, Janet
This is what I posted for another poster. Hope some of the suggestions help
Full-time and loving our life. Hubby and me and Buttons make three (our baby,poodle)
Monaco Diplomat 40' 4 slides
Honda Civic Tow
Made that trip out I-40 again about a month ago...took longer than we expected due to having to dodge storms.
Some of our favorite places...All pull-throughs:
Hazen, AR...T/Ricks...Passport America...Overnite ONLY...Behind a gas station...Cheap!
Lake Eufaula, OK State Park...Get a premium site waterfront...#91 is our choice...We always stop here & relax for awhile.
Amarillo, TX...Amarillo Ranch RV Park...Passport America...Very cordial folks with coffee/pastries every morning...Don't miss having a steak at the Big Texan.
ABQ...We have been to 3 different parks there & still prefer Enchanted Trails, even tho it's not paved...They have trees...Passport America.
If you don't have Passport America, suggest you get one...Half price camping! $44 a year. PM me for my member # before you sign up & I get extra months on my membership...Costs you nothing!
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