RV Trip

[CalDisneyMomof2]

So I've never RV'd before. I've kind of brought it up to family before and now we're getting kind of serious with it. It won't be until next summer but I'm the planner in the family and this is one thing I know NOTHING about! I bring it up in the Budget Board because I know nothing about cost or how it works. I've kind of peeked on a couple of RV websites but the information there is just so vague.

Our plan is to drive from Southern California (we're in North Orange County so we can work with starting in L.A. or Orange County) and finish in the Black Hills. We have family that just moved really close to Mt. Rushmore(A view from their front porch!) so we kind of want to finish with a family reunion of sorts of about 30 of us.

My mother in law has agreed to split costs associated with the RV. How much can we expect to pay for a comfortable RV?(There will be 4 adults and 2 children ages 5 and 7) What kind of gas do RV's take and how often(mileage wise) can we expect to fill up? (I am CLUELESS PEOPLE!) Are there companies that allow to drive one way?(That would be ideal) If not, what would a time frame be to drive THERE and BACK and stay say, two nights in SD?

Anyone take this trip before(or something similar) and what routes did you take? Trying to plan a fun, yet economical and not too time consuming of a route. Anyone have any reputable RV companies to look into?

Thanks!

 

[HM]

I looked into this once and I've just started researching again for next year.

What I found is that it's very expensive. You pay a per night rate (depends on size and type...but likely around $150-175 a night). Many places give you a small set amount of miles and then charge per mile as well. Also, if you use the generator over a certain amount of time, they charge by the hour for that. Gas will be a big expense too, as it eats up the gallons. And then you pay the nightly fee to stay in a campground. So, I hope you aren't looking at this an an inexpensive vacation. I've had to readjust my mindset on this.

What I've been trying to find out is if anyone I know actually owns an RV or knows someone that we can rent directly from them, to cut down on some of the extra costs associated with a rental group.

I will say that my parents bought a Winnebago when I was in junior high and our family of six traveled in it a lot for a few years, before they sold it. It is a great way to travel. We kids loved being able to move about during the drive and it was very comfortable.

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

I looked into this once and I've just started researching again for next year.

What I found is that it's very expensive. You pay a per night rate (depends on size and type...but likely around $150-175 a night). Many places give you a small set amount of miles and then charge per mile as well. Also, if you use the generator over a certain amount of time, they charge by the hour for that. Gas will be a big expense too, as it eats up the gallons. And then you pay the nightly fee to stay in a campground. So, I hope you aren't looking at this an an inexpensive vacation. I've had to readjust my mindset on this.

What I've been trying to find out is if anyone I know actually owns an RV or knows someone that we can rent directly from them, to cut down on some of the extra costs associated with a rental group.

I will say that my parents bought a Winnebago when I was in junior high and our family of six traveled in it a lot for a few years, before they sold it. It is a great way to travel. We kids loved being able to move about during the drive and it was very comfortable.

I certainly didn't think it would be cheap (as in a long weekend camping trip cheap) but also wasn't thinking Disney World expensive either- at least I hope not! Maybe something in between. Only thing is, I can't see us getting more than 8 days to vacation with work schedules. So I was hoping to fly back if we can do a one way with an RV. I just don't know if 8 days is enough to get there and back and spend at least 2 day days there as well.

 

[HM]

One of my friends has done a thing where they moved a camper from one place to another for a company (it was in CA), but they had to work their vacation around the time the camper needed to be where it was going and where it was going. It was very cheap for them to do that. I'd have to ask her what the company was again. I don't think this would work for you on this trip (it would be pure luck or magic if it did), but could maybe work for another vacation for you.

 

[CAFarmerGirl]

8 days? That would really be pushing it if you want to be able to spend time in various places! You can expect to drive about 9 hours per day (some more, some less).

Last summer, we drove from Sacramento to The Dells in Wisconsin. We spent just over 3 weeks driving and visiting various places. It took us a day to get to Jackpot, NV and 1/2 day (not including stops) to get to the Grand Tetons. From there, just a short drive to Yellowstone. We then went north, but if you go to Rushmore, that is a day's drive. Driving an RV means going 55-60 mph...not 75 mph.

So, our first few days looked like the following:

Day (Drive Time) City or Park Place
Monday, July 21, 2014 (8.5 hours) Jackpot, NV, Cactus Pete's Casino ($22/night)
Tuesday, July 22, 2014 (4.75 hours) Grand Tetons NP ($25 entry fee) Colter Bay RV (full hookups) ($65/night)
Wednesday, July 23, 2014 no drive day
Thursday, July 24, 2014 (1.5 hours) Yellowstone NP Fishing Bridge CG (full hookups)($56/night)
Friday, July 25, 2014 no drive day
Saturday, July 26, 2014 no drive day
Sunday, July 27, 2014 no drive day
Monday, July 28, 2014 (7.5 hours) Theodore Roosevelt NP ($10) Cottonwood CG (no hookups) ($10/night)

I budget 10 miles per gallon for gas. Plan on $30-$75 per night campground fees. State and county parks are cheaper than RV parks. KOA is most expensive but lots of kid's stuff (especially at Rushmore...that was about $70/night).

http://www.cruiseamerica.com/ rents RVs all over. They also have prices listed and number to call about one way trips.

Try to get an RV where you are not always folding down tables to make beds and then vice versa.

We love traveling with out travel trailer. We have even driven it to Disney World.

 

[manning]

Here's Disney fort wilderness rates

http://www.mousesavers.com/2015-ft-wilderness-campsites-rates-season-dates/

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I think I'd rather rent a van and stay in a nice cabin. You'll make better time on the road, use 1/4 the fuel, and probably spend less overall.

Rent the movie "RV".

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

8 days? That would really be pushing it if you want to be able to spend time in various places! You can expect to drive about 9 hours per day (some more, some less).

Last summer, we drove from Sacramento to The Dells in Wisconsin. We spent just over 3 weeks driving and visiting various places. It took us a day to get to Jackpot, NV and 1/2 day (not including stops) to get to the Grand Tetons. From there, just a short drive to Yellowstone. We then went north, but if you go to Rushmore, that is a day's drive. Driving an RV means going 55-60 mph...not 75 mph.

So, our first few days looked like the following:

Day (Drive Time) City or Park Place
Monday, July 21, 2014 (8.5 hours) Jackpot, NV, Cactus Pete's Casino ($22/night)
Tuesday, July 22, 2014 (4.75 hours) Grand Tetons NP ($25 entry fee) Colter Bay RV (full hookups) ($65/night)
Wednesday, July 23, 2014 no drive day
Thursday, July 24, 2014 (1.5 hours) Yellowstone NP Fishing Bridge CG (full hookups)($56/night)
Friday, July 25, 2014 no drive day
Saturday, July 26, 2014 no drive day
Sunday, July 27, 2014 no drive day
Monday, July 28, 2014 (7.5 hours) Theodore Roosevelt NP ($10) Cottonwood CG (no hookups) ($10/night)

I budget 10 miles per gallon for gas. Plan on $30-$75 per night campground fees. State and county parks are cheaper than RV parks. KOA is most expensive but lots of kid's stuff (especially at Rushmore...that was about $70/night).

http://www.cruiseamerica.com/ rents RVs all over. They also have prices listed and number to call about one way trips.

Try to get an RV where you are not always folding down tables to make beds and then vice versa.

We love traveling with out travel trailer. We have even driven it to Disney World.

Thank you SO much for that breakdown! That is exactly the information I wanted. It doesn't sound like 8 days even one way would be feasible. It might work if we can extend our trip which MIGHT be possible.

I think I'd rather rent a van and stay in a nice cabin. You'll make better time on the road, use 1/4 the fuel, and probably spend less overall.

Rent the movie "RV".

That's a great idea. I'll look into that as well!

 

[POOHsie]

I believe in Orlando there are places you can rent an RV when you arrive in town, instead of hauling the RV from your home. Perhaps because Mt Rushmore is a tourist area, they might also have RV rentals. Some KOA and other campgrounds might also have cabins to rent, and (as suggested above) this might be a better fit for your trip.

Google maps says your route will be 19.5 hours. That's 2 days minimum driving one way. 4-6 days out of your 8-day trip will be getting there and back. The RV rentals I've seen on the road are Class B RVs, which have a truck cab front and usually a sleeping loft above the driver's area. They mostly run on gas. Mileage 10/gal or less. The Class A RVs look like a bus. Many Class A RVs require a special driving license. Class A's tend to run on diesel.

Our family had a pull trailer for years and there's a lot to it. Figuring how far ahead to apply brakes when you have to stop the RV (like at a light). Using additional or special mirrors for blind spots. How to light the propane for refrig and stove. You have to empty the sanitary and grey water tanks. That's not a great thrill. Refill the water tank. Refill propane. You have to learn how to back into a campsite, then level your rig and make connections for electric, water and sewer (optional). Another big challenge is high altitude driving. It's a challenge for heavy vehicles such as RVs. Brakes, radiator can overheat. Steering over winding roads, while keeping in your driving lane, takes concentration, patience and muscles. I don't think your trip across challenging terrain is a rookie RV adventure. There's a learning curve to handling RVs and IMO you should start with a local trip, to experience handling an RV. Just my opinion.

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

I believe in Orlando there are places you can rent an RV when you arrive in town, instead of hauling the RV from your home. Perhaps because Mt Rushmore is a tourist area, they might also have RV rentals. Some KOA and other campgrounds might also have cabins to rent, and (as suggested above) this might be a better fit for your trip.

Google maps says your route will be 19.5 hours. That's 2 days minimum driving one way. 4-6 days out of your 8-day trip will be getting there and back. The RV rentals I've seen on the road are Class B RVs, which have a truck cab front and usually a sleeping loft above the driver's area. They mostly run on gas. Mileage 10/gal or less. The Class A RVs look like a bus. Many Class A RVs require a special driving license. Class A's tend to run on diesel.

Our family had a pull trailer for years and there's a lot to it. Figuring how far ahead to apply brakes when you have to stop the RV (like at a light). Using additional or special mirrors for blind spots. How to light the propane for refrig and stove. You have to empty the sanitary and grey water tanks. That's not a great thrill. Refill the water tank. Refill propane. You have to learn how to back into a campsite, then level your rig and make connections for electric, water and sewer (optional). Another big challenge is high altitude driving. It's a challenge for heavy vehicles such as RVs. Brakes, radiator can overheat. Steering over winding roads, while keeping in your driving lane, takes concentration, patience and muscles. I don't think your trip across challenging terrain is a rookie RV adventure. There's a learning curve to handling RVs and IMO you should start with a local trip, to experience handling an RV. Just my opinion.

Thanks for all of the insight! I appreciate it. I'm glad I asked. I knew I'd get great advice and information here. You've all been very helpful.

 

[POOHsie]

You should rent the movie "The Long, Long Trailer" with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. It's a comedy-romance and I bet anyone who's ever camped or RV'd has a relate-able story to compare to this movie. The movie couple (starry-eyed newlyweds) buy a pull trailer to be their home for Desi's work in the Midwest. They start out in California, go through Yosemite, then over the mountains, heading east. Lots of issues about inexperience, limitations of RVs, maintenance, funny little things you never think of when you just live in a regular house. Driving an RV today would result in similar issues/experiences as covered in the movie.

The DisBoards also has a Camping forum, with a Camping Community sub-forum, where questions can be answered from current, experienced RV-ers. Good luck.

DisBoards Camping Community sub-forum: http://www.disboards.com/forums/camping-community-board.165/

 

[hsmamato2]

I have looked at rv rentals too....they seem so cool... but overall too expensive.... it's always been cheaper for us to combine flying/car rental/cabins etc than to rent one of those..... for our income, it's always been a choice,invest in the rv/trailer thing for travel, or invest in other modes of travel..... we can't do both.

 

[Happyjen27]

I just read an article in Good Housekeeping, and it reported that renting an RV has lower costs than than driving and staying in mid-range hotels and eating at mid-range restaurants. Highest priced vacation was flight and renting a car and mid-range hotels and restaurants. I think the component that adds to the savings will be the ability to cook your own meals rather than going out to eat. If you're not going to take advantage of that much, then I agree that renting a van and staying at cabins might be an affordable way to do it. Or you could bring some common camping cooking gear and have the best of both worlds!

I didn't run those numbers myself, and I've never tried it, but just wanted to share that I just read that article yesterday comparing those 3 common vacation modes.

 

[CAFarmerGirl]

I just read an article in Good Housekeeping, and it reported that renting an RV has lower costs than than driving and staying in mid-range hotels and eating at mid-range restaurants. Highest priced vacation was flight and renting a car and mid-range hotels and restaurants. I think the component that adds to the savings will be the ability to cook your own meals rather than going out to eat. If you're not going to take advantage of that much, then I agree that renting a van and staying at cabins might be an affordable way to do it. Or you could bring some common camping cooking gear and have the best of both worlds!

I didn't run those numbers myself, and I've never tried it, but just wanted to share that I just read that article yesterday comparing those 3 common vacation modes.

We are going down to LA this summer for a week. After pricing out a hotel for a few days on the beach and a few days near Glendale ($2500), we decided to take our trailer. It will only be $500 and we get to eat in a lot more (which I prefer anyhow). We will also be right on the beach for a few of those days and can now easily bring our bikes, boogie boards and the kids' skateboards. I still prefer the Disney hotels when going to Disneyland, though.

 

[ajwolfe]

I'm going to agree with a pp and say that there is a huge learning curve to rv'ing and not something I would tackle for the first time on an actual time sensitive vacation. We have a pull behind camper that we love and use a lot, but it's not always the most economical choice - once you figure in gas and campground fees.
An example being WDW - for us it's cheaper to stay in a moderate than to drive our camper down and stay at the campground once you figure gas and the extra time on the road (and we usually drive anyways).
I think it's an awesome idea and in our area there are several places you can rent a camper from easy enough. But maybe you should try it for a weekend trip first and see what you think before investing in that for vacation.

 

[FairestOfThemAll37]

You should rent the movie "The Long, Long Trailer" with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. It's a comedy-romance and I bet anyone who's ever camped or RV'd has a relate-able story to compare to this movie. The movie couple (starry-eyed newlyweds) buy a pull trailer to be their home for Desi's work in the Midwest. They start out in California, go through Yosemite, then over the mountains, heading east. Lots of issues about inexperience, limitations of RVs, maintenance, funny little things you never think of when you just live in a regular house. Driving an RV today would result in similar issues/experiences as covered in the movie.

The DisBoards also has a Camping forum, with a Camping Community sub-forum, where questions can be answered from current, experienced RV-ers. Good luck.

DisBoards Camping Community sub-forum: http://www.disboards.com/forums/camping-community-board.165/

This is one of my favorite movies! I was thinking of it the whole time I was reading this thread.

"Trailer brakes first, trailer brakes first!"

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I believe in Orlando there are places you can rent an RV when you arrive in town, instead of hauling the RV from your home. Perhaps because Mt Rushmore is a tourist area, they might also have RV rentals. Some KOA and other campgrounds might also have cabins to rent, and (as suggested above) this might be a better fit for your trip.

Google maps says your route will be 19.5 hours. That's 2 days minimum driving one way. 4-6 days out of your 8-day trip will be getting there and back. The RV rentals I've seen on the road are Class B RVs, which have a truck cab front and usually a sleeping loft above the driver's area. They mostly run on gas. Mileage 10/gal or less. The Class A RVs look like a bus. Many Class A RVs require a special driving license. Class A's tend to run on diesel.

Our family had a pull trailer for years and there's a lot to it. Figuring how far ahead to apply brakes when you have to stop the RV (like at a light). Using additional or special mirrors for blind spots. How to light the propane for refrig and stove. You have to empty the sanitary and grey water tanks. That's not a great thrill. Refill the water tank. Refill propane. You have to learn how to back into a campsite, then level your rig and make connections for electric, water and sewer (optional). Another big challenge is high altitude driving. It's a challenge for heavy vehicles such as RVs. Brakes, radiator can overheat. Steering over winding roads, while keeping in your driving lane, takes concentration, patience and muscles. I don't think your trip across challenging terrain is a rookie RV adventure. There's a learning curve to handling RVs and IMO you should start with a local trip, to experience handling an RV. Just my opinion.

Good point about big vehicles & the roads around Mt Rushmore. On The Needles, there are places where it's too narrow for 2 cars to pass. If you meet, 1 will have to back up. I would not want to tackle that road with an RV - especially one with which I am not familiar.

 

[ZephyrHawk]

I have also looked into Cruise America for a trip I'm planning in 2016. We always assumed that renting an RV and staying in campsites would be an affordable way to visit a bunch of the national parks. However, RV rental is not as cheap as you might think, and some of the parks aren't as cheap as you might think either. My preliminary calculations determined that the RV route would not be that much cheaper than renting a car and staying in hotels (and I'm not talking cruddy motels, I'm talking national park lodges in many instances, which are not cheap). And that wasn't even taking gas into account. Plus, RVs are not what you might call maneuverable. I think about some of the twisty roads in Yellowstone or through the Rockies, and I'm really not sure how well DH would handle those with an RV (it's bad enough with just a car). So, I'm not totally against the RV line, but I'm strongly skeptical at this point.

 

[aprilgail]

I have also looked into Cruise America for a trip I'm planning in 2016. We always assumed that renting an RV and staying in campsites would be an affordable way to visit a bunch of the national parks. However, RV rental is not as cheap as you might think, and some of the parks aren't as cheap as you might think either. My preliminary calculations determined that the RV route would not be that much cheaper than renting a car and staying in hotels (and I'm not talking cruddy motels, I'm talking national park lodges in many instances, which are not cheap). And that wasn't even taking gas into account. Plus, RVs are not what you might call maneuverable. I think about some of the twisty roads in Yellowstone or through the Rockies, and I'm really not sure how well DH would handle those with an RV (it's bad enough with just a car). So, I'm not totally against the RV line, but I'm strongly skeptical at this point.

We had considered renting rv for our summer trip this year, it's just me and my 15 year old daughter so I will be doing all the driving. The cost of renting an rv for the 8 weeks we will be traveling was way to much. We ended up renting a mini van for 1799.00 and we will be staying in hotels, if we can't get one we can sleep in the van if we needed to (though we hope not to).

 

[Gumbo4x4]

We had considered renting rv for our summer trip this year, it's just me and my 15 year old daughter so I will be doing all the driving. The cost of renting an rv for the 8 weeks we will be traveling was way to much. We ended up renting a mini van for 1799.00 and we will be staying in hotels, if we can't get one we can sleep in the van if we needed to (though we hope not to).

DW's car is a fullsize crossover (GMC Acadia). When the middle & back row are folded, a twin mattress fits in there easily. I've camped in it before. You could throw a mattress in the van & pile all your stuff on top. And then if you need to sleep in it, you'll just have to shuffle the bags around

Edit: there are places out West in National Forests where primitive campsites are free