Here I go soon leaving RI with wife, two children, and dog (sheltie 15 lbs) for a 36 day road trip. We are taking 6 days to get to Mt. Rushmore (2 nights Horse Thief campground), Buffalo WY (1 night Deer Park campground), Cody WY (2 nights Cody KOA), Yellowstone NP (4 nights Fishing Bridge campground), Jackson Hole ( 1 night The Virginian RV resort. I figure so far 14 days into the trip. I have nothing reserved after that but speculate Dinosaur NP will be next, followed by (Bryce, Zion, Canyonlands, Arches NP) The last few parks I'm not sure what order or if all be be visited. After that I hope to see the Grand Canyon and maybe Las Vegas before that, time permitting. Nothing is carved in stone after Jackson Hole but plan to head home (eastbound) giving myself 10 days to do so.
My concerns and questions are concerning my truck capabilities (even though I'll be under the 10,088 total weight and have the factory tow package... unfortuantly the truck came first and is staying for now..., Prefered Routes to take and avoid, and I'm considering purchasing two Honda EU2000i generators before I leave.
Any helpful suggestions welcomed!
2007 R-Vision Trail Cruiser TC21RBH UVW 3345
2007 Honda Ridgeline RTX 247 HP 3.5 Liter V6
Reese weight Distribution Hitch W/Friction Sway Control
Tekonsha P3 Electric Brake Control
If I were worried about weight I guess the last thing I would do is add two generators to the mix. They aren't exactly light. The trip you are planning sounds great, but remember that distances here in the west can be deciving. Allow pleanty of time to get from place to place. Also, you are trying to do a lot in one trip and the clan may get burned out. All that being said, you will be in beautiful country and may never want to go back east again.
Be aware that the DNM visitor center is closed due to structural issues (see the link).
First of all we have no idea what truck you have and what you are towing so tell us and better yet fill out your signature. If you don't have a trans temp gauge with numerical indicators install one before your trip. This is a must for all TV's with a auto trans.
NCH
2000 Ford F350 4X4 PSD,CC, DRW
4:10's, BTM Muffler, Isspro Gauges,
Coolant Filter,CCV Mod
FTVB , Ford AIS
6.0 Cooler,SCT2 W/DP's 40 tow & 80 econo,Zoodad mod
2005 Keystone Hornet 30BHSS
Reese Dual Cam
Family of 4 saved by Grace!!! MY TRUCK OUR TRAILER
I just went and looked into your profile and saw what you were toting. I am not familiar with Hondas as TV's but as I said a trans temp gauge would be a must especially for the mountains you are fix'in the climb!!! The trans will likely be your weak link in the powertrain so you need that gauge. Otherwise as long as you are well withing your tow limits you should be fine and I hope you have a wonderful trip.
The longest trip we've taken is 18 days, but here's a few tips. I like having a generator.
Only pack clothes for about 5-6 days and plan to do laundry. Only pack enough food for 3-4 days. Grocery stores are everywhere. If weights an issue, limit the amount of water you carry. Go through your storage compartments. Remove the stuff you know you won't need. Don't haul fire wood.
Have fun.
Camping Family Me, Mom, 3 Boyz & Toyz
2004 GMC 2500HD D/A CC 2005 Ameri-Camp 321QBS
I also took a peek at your profile and seeing what your towing and towing with, generators would be the last thing I would be thinking about. If you run into any wind you will be stationary until the wind dies down. My recommendation is take on as little water as will get you between stops and take only what's necessary. Oh, and also be very careful you have some precious cargo, your family.
* This post was
edited 06/26/08 06:06pm by 1mtnman *
Your truck will be fine. Don't race up the hills just keep the rpm up 3000/4500 with a steady speed and you will do great. Don't worry about slowing down just allow some extra time. Stay on the paved main highways and enjoy. Don't let your speed climb too much when decending.
Are you sure you need two generators? Most of the stops seem like camping with electric. It will be hot so if you will be without electric for several nights and need the air then that makes sense.
2001 F150 SuperCrew 5.4 Lariat Offroad 4x4 Tow Package 4.10 Truetrac
2006 Keystone Springdale 249FWBHLS
12K SuperGlide, KGE3000Ti 2.3kw rated 2.6kw max
Frank's voltage booster, Prosine 1800 powered by 4 GC2 batteries
Plenty of good advice so far but let me add some more hints and observations.
First of all, the Trail Cruiser TC21RBH is an excellent match to your TV IMHO. The low ceiling height combined with no integral ceiling or floor vents makes for a fairly low overall height of the TT. The Ridgeline should handle the weight okay but remember that "out west" the altitude will rob you of some of the power that the engine produces. But it is the TORQUE that gets you down the road. And don't be afraid of reving that V-6 up since Honda is known for making a very dependable engine. However those revs will cost you mileage.
When the summer heat hits you out west, remember that the low humidity is your friend. Example: June 19th at Virgin River Gorge Campground between Mesquite, NV and St. George, UT, when the wife and I arrived at 6:30PM the temperature was 108 degrees but the humidity was 7 percent (I have a portable weather gauge). After using our outside shower to wet our clothing, the slight breeze cooled us almost too much. But it soon passes unless you keep your clothing wet/damp for the evaporation/cooling effect.
I know that you will enjoy the incredible scenic wonders of the four National Parks you mentioned that are in Southern Utah. For more info, please feel free to MP me for additional info.
Thank all of you for your input...much appreciated. This is my first post and I'm not quite sure what the proper response is i.e. do I respond to each in a private message, or use someting where it says like, edit, quote etc. anyway I'll be back tommorow to learn more....
Offline
 (3).jpg)
Online
