First Class C trip from NJ....

[byejou]

We will be down for Easter break and its our first long trip in our Class C. Previous Fort trips were with our Pop-Up. Few questions.....

1. Which route from NJ through the tunnels since we will have filled propane tanks?

2. This is our first time sleeping overnight (turtleing) in a lot. Any suggestions on best places and rules we should know? Probably just past DC area will be our stop. Hopefully midnight to 8am then straight through rest of trip. I always drove our other camper through night while everyone slept but never drove this one yet so I'm planning ahead. Not sure how I feel about everyone in beds while I drive.

3. No golf cart rental for us, just too $$$ through WDW, we used Kenny in the past but seems things have changed. So best premium loop suggestion to be close to all the action.

4. Also, no car to run to store so what have others done if a quick shopping run is needed.

Thanks for any info!!!

 

[KristinU]

We just took our class C down from CT, great time!

Our timing, route and stop schedule is a bit different since we swing out into PA and drop into 95 just north of Richmond (84 to 81 to 17 to 95). We usually get a overnight campsites along the way, but we did successfully try our first "boondocking" overnight at a casino last weekend! I found it on the All Stays Camp & RV app. We thought about pushing through, but decided to just bed down for the night and campgrounds were all pretty much closed for the season in the area of Harrisburg and Scranton. So I'm no help with major experience boondocking, but we've stayed at the Americamp north of Richmond and found it to be easy on and off and easy to get a pull-through after dark.

Premium loop suggestions, we've stayed in 400 and 500 and we liked them both. Are you taking bikes? That's a sweet way to get around the Fort. We have never felt the need for a golf cart, but love having bikes along.

We also don't dinghy tow. By the time we are close to FL we've determined what we've forgotten and hit up a Walmart or KMart along the way (there's a KMart in Kingsland GA that we like to hit for some reason) so we haven't had the need to dash out for something. I'm guesisng your C is relatively new to you, but the planning ahead is just something you'll get used to. You'll realize that there is very little that you don't have along or can't live without. Plus the Trading Post has a lot if you heed something like milk or eggs or anything. Of course you could always call a cab or rent a car, but you won't need to.

Happy planning!

 

[parrothead64]

To get around tunnels in Baltimore, go I-695 East, Francis Scott Key Bridge, and it will take you around the tunnels and back to 95.

 

[byejou]

Thanks everyone. I've been taking notes.

We bought the RV last March and loved using it locally all spring and summer. Finding things we did and didn't need each trip. I think I have most of our things for the Fort stored away for now so come spring its a quick dewinterize and load & go. I am filled the gas tank now with gas prices so low and wish I could store my own fuel to save money in case prices hike!!!

My two boys have bikes but not my hubby & I. We need a different bike rack, ours is over the ladder but we aren't comfortable with that long a drive and bike hanging off back. So that may be something we purchase.

I have been looking at KOA's along 95S to stay overnight so we can plug in and charger everything overnight and turn on fridge to cool for next day. I'm scared to run in on propane, not sure why but it just makes me nervous.

I'm also good at under-packing with food and clothes. I plan my meals and pack most of the non perishable I can. We always get perishable and drink stuff at Walmart before check-in. But with no car this trip I am planning to a T!!!! This trip with kitchen available I may stock fridge with quick meals and drinks.

I think I narrowed it down to asking for loops 400, 500 or 1400

 

[North of Mouse]

You should have no problems running your refrigerator while you are driving - that's sort of the 'point' isin't it of having one in the RV?? At least, it is for us. We have run the fridge in various trailers, rvs, mh's, etc. for a total of 46 years, usually several trips a year, and have never had an issue, or worried about it at all.

When it's hot down here (south), there would be no way to keep a refrigerator at safe temps during the day, from just plugging it in at night!! Things can ruin fast!! Might want to 'rethink' 'why' you have a problem with it running!!

 

[byejou]

You should have no problems running your refrigerator while you are driving - that's sort of the 'point' isin't it of having one in the RV?? At least, it is for us. We have run the fridge in various trailers, rvs, mh's, etc. for a total of 46 years, usually several trips a year, and have never had an issue, or worried about it at all.

When it's hot down here (south), there would be no way to keep a refrigerator at safe temps during the day, from just plugging it in at night!! Things can ruin fast!! Might want to 'rethink' 'why' you have a problem with it running!!

Just my nerves I guess. We have never ran it while driving. Once we hook up it is never off. I run it 24hrs before a trip at home then turn it back on at our site. But the Class C is new to us still and we only did local NJ/PA trips over the spring and summer so it was no big deal. My husband has no problems doing it at all. Not sure why, I love RVing, but I have anxiety about fires in small places. I'll get over it, I'll be in WDW anyway!!!!!

 

[North of Mouse]

Just my nerves I guess. We have never ran it while driving. Once we hook up it is never off. I run it 24hrs before a trip at home then turn it back on at our site. But the Class C is new to us still and we only did local NJ/PA trips over the spring and summer so it was no big deal. My husband has no problems doing it at all. Not sure why, I love RVing, but I have anxiety about fires in small places. I'll get over it, I'll be in WDW anyway!!!!!

 

[Maligator]

We drove our 31' C from MA last August. We did 95 all the way down and I would advise against it due to unpredictable traffic. I'd also avoid the Yessamme KOA off of 95 at all cost. It was dingy and all sand. Our camper was filthy the first few minutes we were there. The owners were nice and all but I'd never go back.

This April, I have mapped a route that uses 81 to 77 and then 26 back to 95 all the way to FL. That is the route we took coming home in August and it was great. No traffic and the views through the VA hills was AMAZING!

I'd also recommend running the fridge on propane. This is an age old discussion that will rage forever but the propane feature is safe and designed to be used while on the road. They are electronically ignited and have no pilot so don't worry!

 

[North of Mouse]

Uh, Maligator, RV refrigerators running on propane 'do' have pilots!!

 

[Maligator]

Uh, Maligator, RV refrigerators running on propane 'do' have pilots!!

Mine is electronically ignited (sparked) so if the flame goes out and it can't re-ignite, it will shut itself off and not keep building up gas. Very similar to the way the water heater works.

 

[North of Mouse]

Mine is electronically ignited (sparked) so if the flame goes out and it can't re-ignite, it will shut itself off and not keep building up gas. Very similar to the way the water heater works.

OK, I understand what you are talking about now - on your pp you said it had 'no' pilot - that's what I responded to! Ours will also not reignite, but shut off if it goes out.

 

[KristinU]

For a bike rack, you might want to consider a hitch mount. We really like ours, and we've come up with a great way to use it as a laundry drying rack using some lengths of PVC pipe that we store in the bumper:

And here's another option for stopping en route: http://winnieadventures.blogspot.com/2015/01/nc-rv-resort-at-carolina-crossroads.html

On the fridge - don't be scared to run it on propane, they're designed to do it! I know there are a lot of horror stories, but there are thousands of RVs out there that haven't had problems. Just double check your model that it isn't one that is recalled.

We always overpack food! One tip is to make double batches of easily freezable meals in the weeks leading to your trip then freeze in a big Ziploc. Then throw it in the fridge the day before you plan to eat it. So nice to be able to throw something familiar and healthy in the microwave after a day on the road. I also like to have easy sandwich fixings and pre-sliced rolls or easy to hold wraps for quick and easy lunches. And believe me, don't get delusions of pulling out the grill for dinner when you're on the road...I've always thought we would and have yet to do it!

 

[byejou]

For a bike rack, you might want to consider a hitch mount. We really like ours, and we've come up with a great way to use it as a laundry drying rack using some lengths of PVC pipe that we store in the bumper:

And here's another option for stopping en route: http://winnieadventures.blogspot.com/2015/01/nc-rv-resort-at-carolina-crossroads.html

On the fridge - don't be scared to run it on propane, they're designed to do it! I know there are a lot of horror stories, but there are thousands of RVs out there that haven't had problems. Just double check your model that it isn't one that is recalled.

We always overpack food! One tip is to make double batches of easily freezable meals in the weeks leading to your trip then freeze in a big Ziploc. Then throw it in the fridge the day before you plan to eat it. So nice to be able to throw something familiar and healthy in the microwave after a day on the road. I also like to have easy sandwich fixings and pre-sliced rolls or easy to hold wraps for quick and easy lunches. And believe me, don't get delusions of pulling out the grill for dinner when you're on the road...I've always thought we would and have yet to do it!

Awesome!!!! Thanks!!! That is the bike rack I've checking out just never thought of making a laundry set-up, that is great!!!

I checked that website out!! This maybe the spot for the ride home. I'm hoping to get to Savannah or Brunswick GA on way down. If we leave around 6am and drive til dinnertime that will be a short drive day of check-in.

I'll do my best with my fridge-anxiety

 

[byejou]

Another question.....if we bring our bikes I can't remember if there is a place to lock them up if we leave them to get on boats, buses or have dinner. If so, what locks do you use.

 

[KristinU]

Another question.....if we bring our bikes I can't remember if there is a place to lock them up if we leave them to get on boats, buses or have dinner. If so, what locks do you use.

Yep, there are bike racks everywhere. We don't lock when we're just doing random stuff around the Fort, but we do lock them when going to the parks. And we just bring a single cable lock and thread it through all three of our frames...DH gets to be the lock carrier We prefer one with a combination so we don't have to mess with keys. And we just hang our helmets from the handlebars...never have had an issue.

 

[byejou]

Yep, there are bike racks everywhere. We don't lock when we're just doing random stuff around the Fort, but we do lock them when going to the parks. And we just bring a single cable lock and thread it through all three of our frames...DH gets to be the lock carrier We prefer one with a combination so we don't have to mess with keys. And we just hang our helmets from the handlebars...never have had an issue.

Thanks!!

 

[parrothead64]

Here is a place in Brunswick that I think we are going to stop at on the way down in November. Gets good reviews and I have heard good things about it.

http://coastalgarvresort.com/

 

[byejou]

Here is a place in Brunswick that I think we are going to stop at on the way down in November. Gets good reviews and I have heard good things about it.

http://coastalgarvresort.com/

That is perfect!!! On the list just need to reserve overnight stay next!!! Thanks

 

[jamescorey]

Here is a place in Brunswick that I think we are going to stop at on the way down in November. Gets good reviews and I have heard good things about it.

http://coastalgarvresort.com/

This is a nice campground. We live in Georgia near Macon and do regular trips to the Georgia coast. Another park you may want to consider is Fort McCallister State Park in Richmond Hill. It is not quite halfway between Savannah and Brunswick, but it is really nice. No sewer hookups, but if you are just going to be "stop and go" then this would be fine. It isn't too far off of I-95, and a good bit cheaper (~$25).

 

[PrincessMom98]

We never make it as far as we expect to when we are heading south. Sometimes its last minute packing and sometimes its I95 traffic so I usually choose a couple options and call ahead for a spot while we are on the road. We have found www.rvacation.us/ to be a good easy spot for an overnight. It is level enough that we don't need to unhook and costs about $25. We have also camped at South of the Border, but it has been several years.