California to WDW or Bust.

[madjohn]

In the planning stages of a possible 5 week road trip for June 2016, pulling my travel trailer, to WDW and staying for 2 weeks at the Fort. Will be visiting a few things going and coming but will spend most of our time in Florida. Will be touring the state, visiting Kennedy, the keys, the everglades and some beach days. Will also hit Universal for 2/3 days.

Looking for others who may have tried these long trips for any thoughts and pointers as I plan my way.

This is a duplicate posting. I posted on another thread and it was suggested I post here.

Thanks.

John

 

[Accident]

I used to do a lot of long distance road trip, only recommendation I have is AAA and if needed, most hotels offer a day rate if you find yourself needing sleep one morning/afternoon but don't need or want to stay overnight.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

I agree with AAA, also pack a spare trailer tire (how old are they), duct tape, don't laugh we had trim come loose and it kept us on the road. Gal of water.
But, what are you pulling it with. That many miles through southern heat I would recommend a towing package on your vehicle. The larger fan will keep the car from overheating and other issues.
How old are your belts? Do you have road package on your tires for a quick repair with out cost. I get my tires at SAMs and I can pull in any SAMs and they will throw one on with the road hazard protection. At least one day try to stay in a hotel to get a really rested sleep, shower and swimming pool. It can get close in a trailer all those days. For the extra $65 you can find a nice room.
Make sure the maps on your GPS are updated, that you have traffic alerts, and a good holder.
Just some issues we found driving to Disney and other vacations.
Have fun and be safe.

 

[OKW Lover]

I'd also suggest getting a Sunpass (electronic toll) before you go. Although I'm not sure how that works with cars towing trailers.

Coming from CA you'll enter FL on I-10 and then take I-75 south. So far no tolls. However once you get south of Ocala you'll want to get on the FL Turnpike, which does have tolls. In addition, while you are exploring other parts of FL like KSC, the keys, etc you'll run into tolls going there as well.

Oh, and consider using Waze on your smart phone for route guidance and traffic info.

 

[madjohn]

I agree with AAA, also pack a spare trailer tire (how old are they), duct tape, don't laugh we had trim come loose and it kept us on the road. Gal of water.
But, what are you pulling it with. That many miles through southern heat I would recommend a towing package on your vehicle. The larger fan will keep the car from overheating and other issues.
How old are your belts? Do you have road package on your tires for a quick repair with out cost. I get my tires at SAMs and I can pull in any SAMs and they will throw one on with the road hazard protection. At least one day try to stay in a hotel to get a really rested sleep, shower and swimming pool. It can get close in a trailer all those days. For the extra $65 you can find a nice room.
Make sure the maps on your GPS are updated, that you have traffic alerts, and a good holder.
Just some issues we found driving to Disney and other vacations.
Have fun and be safe.

I have a 2013 Airstream that I keep in tip top shape.(its my toy). I have a new Silverado 1500 with tow package and I purchase(this is my third trailer) new tires every 3 years if I need them or not. (once had a problem) I also run with a new spare. The hotel idea may not be bad but if I can find some places to stay the better. The Airstream has everything. We will be taking about 8 days to get to Florida and will be taking some breaks to see some stuff.

 

[PlutoPony]

Do you have reservations for Fort Wilderness yet? If not, do it NOW - it's possible you'll have trouble getting 2 straight weeks, even this far out.

 

[madjohn]

Do you have reservations for Fort Wilderness yet? If not, do it NOW - it's possible you'll have trouble getting 2 straight weeks, even this far out.

Yes first thing I did when I thought up this trip. Already have changed them once to better fit my plan.

John

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

You are a good husband, glad you maintain. I wish had a dh that was able to manage the equipment like you.
I have boys that are mechanically inclined and always took care of Mom's vehicles. I remember them doing those things for me I mentioned and so glad to hear you are already prepared.
If I hadn't had them to do those extra things I could have really been in trouble. Well we did have events; mutilated tire, broken belt (they actually packed an extra for me), The trim came off, someone changed the oil on the motor home and didn't put the stick in properly and we spurted oil all the way North on I-81 to Canada.

The next trip dh was driving across NY on 390 I think it was and hit a water puddle that washed over the motor home and shorted something out. We lost all rear lights and had no idea until a trooper pulled us over. Thank goodness Dad was with us (mechanic) and he had packed extra fuses, oh he also had extra oil for the dip stick event. My boys took after my Dad, my dh has no mechanical ability at all. (I suspect he didn't put the dip stick in properly).

Another time my husband parked the motor home in a rest area over night and we didn't have the inverter to recharge the battery, when it died he didn't wait for Dad to come out of the rest room, he jumped it and fried the linkage by reversing the poles. Dad hot wired jumped it for us to get home from Delaware.

Going to Disney as we entered FL we ran into a heavy downpour. My son had not wanted to put the stroller in the carrier so I put my dd and my suitcase up there, without a plastic bags over them. There was a red shirt that bled all over the white shorts and skirts.
We were like the National Lampoon Vacation gang with our campers, carriers and motor home.

After dad passed away, the drama and gas prices soaring I sold the pop up, the Motor home and started staying in hotels. Too much stress. I did miss the enjoyment of having everything from home I would like to take, and make meals as we drove. We had a full bathroom so no potty stops except when dh switch driving with me. It was only a matter he couldn't figure out a way to switch seats while driving or I swear he would have done that too!

I am glad that you are considering the hotel stops, as Mom being closed in for days on our week long trip I just wanted to get in a fresh bed without setting them up, and have someone else make them in the morning. Just to feel refreshed, walk around and get out of the tin can I was happy. Now my favorite vacation is a Mom Daughter Disney trip flying, and a week cruise to Bermuda.

 

[joelkfla]

My son had not wanted to put the stroller in the carrier so I put my dd and my suitcase up there,

You put your dear daughter on the roof?

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

You put your dear daughter on the roof?

lol no hers and my suitcases instead of the stroller.