So, how much better is it....

[dtsaos]

to drive a long distance in an RV than a regular vehicle? Still trying to decide if we should rent one. Our kids'll be 5, 3, and baby (about 7 months old) when we go. I'm dreading the drive in our mini van with them, but is it really better in an RV? I'm assuming they still have to be strapped into their car seats, so I'm wondering if it will really make a difference or not? We have a portable TV/DVD player for our van and it does help somewhat, but we're driving all the way from New England, so it's a looong trip for kids. Last time we went we took the Auto train just so the kids would'nt be in car seats and could have some "freedom" and it worked out pretty good, but we were thinking about trying the RV route this time. Any thoughts are appreciated!

 

[John VN]

Kids still should be strapped into their seats. No one should be walking around when the unit is in motion. Watching movies is a great time killer and distraction for sure.

With a motorhome you do not have to use unfamiliar rest rooms and you can eat freshly fixed meals right there. When it is time to stop driving you have your beds with you and you know the linens are clean.

Because the environment is so much bigger it feels better while driving all those miles.

About the only negative is the lousy gas milage.

John

 

[campingcorgi]

We've taken motorhome trips with a 7 month old, a three year old, and a 5 year old--just never all at the same time! Yes, the kids will need to be strapped in and the two littlest ones for sure will have to be in a forward facing seat (even with the 7 month old rear-facing). This usually means they will be at the dinette with the table removed. That would probably put your 5 year old on the couch sideways which would mean no car seat and only a lap belt. We bought a $200 Britax Husky so our then 4 year old could ride at the dinette with a 5-point harness because most motorhomes do not have lap and shoulder belts at the dinette.

This is a pet peeve of mine--rv manufacturers build rv's for 'the family' without taking into account safe seating for all members of the family.

The drive is better in an rv for all the reasons John VN stated, and the stops are better because the kids can run around inside and play and the little one can play on the floor, which you can't do at a comfort station. I'm just not sure I'd want my first rv experience to be in a rental unit going that far. Maybe try it closer to home first, just for a short weekend.

If the autotrain is an option I think I'd try it again. If not, then the minivan is doable--just plan your stops to let the kids play at McDonalds and take lots of new videos!