Driving Class C from NJ to WDW in August - help!

[MomTo3PrincessesInNJ]

We're headed down with another family (9 total, so a tight fit -- though the 5 kids are young and small so they don't take up too much room, lol) the last week in August. Right now we check in on Saturday with Sunday being out first park day. We're trying to figure out the best way to make to drive. Google maps says 15 hrs from our door to AoA (where we are dropping them off before we head to the Fort). I understand driving the Class C will add some time to that.

My initial plan was to leave around 6p on Friday and drive until midnight, then hit the road again around 7a and arrive around 7p.

We've never made this drive so I don't know how realistic that plan is. Will there be a place we can drive into and stay at midnight?

Our sleeping plan is either A) the other family gets a room at a hotel and we sleep in the RV at a cheap campsite, or B) we all stay at a campsite with H, 3 y/o, and me sleeping in the queen bed, my 6 & 10 yr old sleep over the cab, and the other family splits between the couch and dinette. It's only for a few hours, so I think we can make it work, but we'll leave the decision up to the other family as to where they would want to stay.

Thanks for any suggestions

 

[KristinU]

9 in a class C? We are big on everyone being belted in during motion (unless they get up to go potty with permission from the driver) and we have belted spots for 7. I just can't wrap my brain around that many people in the RV for that long of a ride. Any thoughts on caravaning with a second car? I'd also worry about weight with that many and all of the luggage and gear.

With Google Maps at 15 hours, I'd estimate a 20 hour trip with stops. 9 people using that potty, I'd encourage rest stop usage as much as possible so the tank doesn't fill up too quickly. I would split it into two 10 hour days and leave in the morning on Friday and call it a night early enough at a campground that offers cabins, and even a pool for the kids. I would guess that everyone will be tired and cranky enough, so why push it to late in the night? Arriving happy and refreshed will be a much better start to your vacation than arriving drained and frazzled.

 

[jbrostek]

I always found my drive time averages about 50mph. That includes stops for the drivers bathroom breaks, fuel stops, dog walking stops, etc. Unless you have two drivers, making that drive straight would wreck me for weeks.

However, if you think you can make it to SC there are a couple of good places to stop in the souther half leaving you at about 6 hours to Disney. If the other family wants to split into a Motel room, I would actually say look at Point South KOA as your stopping point. There is a motel just down the road from the RV Park that you have to pass on the way in and out. That would help with sleeping arrangements. Point south is about 45 for the night, 20 miles north of there is New Green Acres campground. It is not bad, full hookup sites and my last stay was 25 for the night. Not sure if there are any motels nearby if you wanted to split sleeping up.

 

[MomTo3PrincessesInNJ]

9 in a class C? We are big on everyone being belted in during motion (unless they get up to go potty with permission from the driver) and we have belted spots for 7. I just can't wrap my brain around that many people in the RV for that long of a ride.

Thanks for the suggestions. We do infact have 9 seat belts, so everyone will be belted in.

 

[KristinU]

Thanks for the suggestions. We do infact have 9 seat belts, so everyone will be belted in.

Cool beans!

 

[ruthies12]

I would recommend looking for a hotel for the overnight stop. I know that there are some that will allow a motorhome to be parked in their parking lot if a room is being rented so you may want to consider renting one room for the other family and just parking your camper in the lot to save time and money, unless you think you will need electricity for something. I doubt that you will get sleep trying to all squeeze in together in the class C overnight, especially since it's just for a few hours. That's my 2 cents!

 

[Teamubr]

I always found my drive time averages about 50mph.

I use a similar calculation. It used to be 50mph including everything. Since I've added an auxiliary fuel tank and have 100 gallon capacity, it seems to average about 55mph. It looks like 15 Google hrs from NJ is about a 1000 miles to WDW. That is the same trip I have from St Louis. It pretty consistently takes me 18 hrs total to make the trip. I'm pulling a 5th wheel so I have to stop for meals and BR breaks. The 2 times I have traveled in a motor home, we only stopped for fuel and driver changes.

Either way, your plan sounds manageable. 6 hours the first day and 12 the next, especially if you minimize the stops. As for getting a hotel for your friends, I'd leave that up to them. Sounds like the kids are little and the adults are young. If they are comfortable for a night cramming into your MH, go for it. There were a lot of places I'd sleep in my 20s that I'd think twice about now. (I'm not in my 20s. )

j

 

[91oldkeywest]

You didn't say how big a class C you have,but we have a 32 coachmen and make the trip twice a year to WDW.Yes we have done the large group with daughter and son in law,grand kids and friends.Leave the Jersey shore by 5pm and drive to N.C. exit 173 and stay in the Walmart parking lot.Leave by 8am in morning and arrive at the fort around 5 or 6 in evening.split driving between two people ever 3 hours.Get gas in Virginia just south of Richmond (.30 to .50 cents a gallon cheaper then in N.C.) and then again in S.C. around exit 73.(again cheaper then in George) then make it all the way to Hess station at WDW.We tow a car 4down traveling 63 mph and average 8.0mpg.

 

[rbork]

Hi NJ OP.
ADD time to your current estimate. I95 has been quite congested that last few runs we have taken. I used to be able to make it in 14.5- 15hrs with minimal stops from just north of DC. But the past 2 drives have taken me 18hrs. Plan on stop and go traffic in Qauntico VA... more stop than go. Also I4 gets quite congested through Orlando some days. Plan on more stops on the way home. You will need a vacation from your vacation. I must be getting old...because I am dog tired after keeping up with my kids.
We did stop once overnight in a campground. Basically pulled in quietly, paid on the honor system, and rolled out quietly in the morning. No hook up. No fuss. Just a shower and bed. Oh and I do pack picnic lunches/dinners for rest stops on the way. That way it doesn't take as long of a stop and the kids can run around literally. We have found ourselves tired or sick after eating some restaurant foods so fresh foods from home go a long way for us.
Good Luck and Do What's Right for you.

 

[MomTo3PrincessesInNJ]

Thanks everyone, lots of great suggestions! Our motorhome is a 32 ft Coachman (new to us). Our first trip ti th eFort will be in April, but we're taking our time getting there. Our August trip will be a littl more rushed, simply because we will have the RV full. We're getting together with the other family in a few weeks to iron out the details so we'll propose the options of sleeping at a Walmart, sleeping at a campground, and doing a hotel room.

 

[jbrostek]

I use a similar calculation. It used to be 50mph including everything. Since I've added an auxiliary fuel tank and have 100 gallon capacity, it seems to average about 55mph.

I did not go as big on the Aux tank since I did not want to loose my entire bed with a 5th wheel compatible tool box. So I have a 45 gallon with tool box, it still lets me run from NoVA to mid SC without stopping. What it really helps me do is skip the more expensive states and stop less often. But with myself and two dogs to walk its still works out to about 50mph average depending on traffic/weather.

 

[John VN]

Paramus/Teaneck, N.J. to Fayetteville, N.C.--camped--then to WDW. Left home at 5AM with 10+/- hours of driving each segment depending on construction delays and weather---i.e.---SNOW!

With a crew like what you will have, more power to you. Just the number of people could make time pass slowly since extra stops might be needed even though you will be self-contained.

Good luck with the new home on wheels and have fun on all your journeys.

 

[cadawson]

No experience with that drive, but as for hotels, you and/or your friends could try booking a room through Priceline. We always have luck with 3 or 4 star hotels in Atlanta, Macon, Valdosta, or Lake City. Oh, and we always seem to get there after midnight. No problem at all checking in late, though you might have trouble parking if it is a really busy time of year.

 

[Teamubr]

I did not go as big on the Aux tank since I did not want to loose my entire bed with a 5th wheel compatible tool box... But with myself and two dogs to walk its still works out to about 50mph average depending on traffic/weather.

I didn't get the tool box option. Just one big 60 gallon cell. We fab'd up a mount that lifts the tank about 6 inches off the bed so I can still slide 8ft sheets of whatever all the way in. The top sits flush with the bed rails so I can roll the tonneau cover over it. Works out pretty well.

I do notice I have to make more stops when the DS and DW are traveling vs the race team or just me. I've also noticed that I tend to complete the last 3rd of the trip a little faster than the 1st 3rd. Especially Fort trips. The excitement gets the best of my right foot, I guess.

j

 

[jbrostek]

My trailer is large enough to remind me when my foot gets into it. But I know what you mean. Thankfully I am lucky that so far the GF and the dogs can go at least as long as I do. But we shall see how the first long trip with her kids go. But I think they can handle the 3-4 hour between stops.

 

[Teamubr]

But we shall see how the first long trip with her kids go. But I think they can handle the 3-4 hour between stops.

Good luck with that. Depends on their ages I think. My DS is 17 now, but when he was under 12 or so, it was terrible. DW is as bad. 2-3 hours for her. I threatened to bring a catheter home from work one trip. I made one trip back from the Fort when I had my consulting company. I was working a conference at the Gaylord Palms for a client. DW and DS drove down with me and the camper. We stayed a week at the Fort before the conference and they flew home. After the conference, I drove home solo. Left the Gaylord about 9pm and stopped in Gainesville at a FlyingJ for the night. Then straight through home. 1 stop and 15 1/2 hrs total. It was great!

Race trips are much like that. Set the cruise on 73 and don't stop unless you need fuel or your there. Pulling 48 ft trailers makes you plan the stops a little more anyway.

Back to the OP, I've often considered looking for a MH now that I don't need a big truck for the race team. I always thought it would be great for my DW and DS to get up, go to the BR or make something to eat without pulling off the highway. A slightly crazy race friend said he and his DW used to do driver swaps in their 42 ft SportCoach without stopping. Doesn't sound the safest and I'd have to convince my DW to actually drive the thing first.

j

 

[KristinU]

Back to the OP, I've often considered looking for a MH now that I don't need a big truck for the race team. I always thought it would be great for my DW and DS to get up, go to the BR or make something to eat without pulling off the highway. A slightly crazy race friend said he and his DW used to do driver swaps in their 42 ft SportCoach without stopping. Doesn't sound the safest and I'd have to convince my DW to actually drive the thing first.

j

Having gone from a towable to a driveable, I have to say that it is sa-weet to be able to potty and grab snacks in motion! And that first time you jam on the parking break and say "honey, we're home!" without having to unhitch or anything is just golden!

And I have heard someone mention driver swaps in motion - I can't even imagine, nor would I ever try. It is certainly easy enough to pull over and just swap seats, not like you have to go outside or anything. I'll take the 3 minute hit in trip time!

 

[Teamubr]

Having gone from a towable to a driveable, I have to say that it is sa-weet to be able to potty and grab snacks in motion!

I really didn't have to hear that.

I plan on selling my 5'er after next season. It is 12 years old and I would like a different layout since my DS is 17 now. I wound't have a need for a truck at that point. I already have too many cars. I figure the $650 truck payment and the $250 camper payment would go a long way towards a MH payment. Then my wife reminds me that the camper is paid off in a year and the truck in 2...

j

 

[North of Mouse]

I've often considered looking for a MH now that I don't need a big truck for the race team. I always thought it would be great for my DW and DS to get up, go to the BR or make something to eat without pulling off the highway. A slightly crazy race friend said he and his DW used to do driver swaps in their 42 ft SportCoach without stopping. Doesn't sound the safest and I'd have to convince my DW to actually drive the thing firs
j

We've gone the trailer route (most types) plus 5th wheel - lovely when set up, hated the towing of it. Now it's Class A MH's - we love it! Snacks, bathroom breaks, etc. plus set up is all of 5-10 min.

As for switching drivers while riding - no way - never know what people are doing when they're beside you on the highway -
some people would risk their lives and others to try and save a minute.