Request travel advice

[SkipLieder]

I will be taking a five month camping trip from Virginia, thru the northern states, Canada, Alaska, down thru wash/oreg/calif, then back to Virg thru the southern states. Would be most appreciative of any and all advice on travel, fuel capacity, modifacations needed, research that would help,etc etc, that would make the trip safe and pleasurable. Will be towing a 32' 5er and hope to park it in a central location, then travel out to sightsee like the spokes of a wheel. will be departing in late spring, and return early fall.





I own 2000 Dodge Ram 3500 diesal, 6 spd, 410, 4x4,lmtd slip, with Banks exhaust brake and monster 4" exhaust.

 

[Crazy Horse]

Put a good set of mud flaps on your truck, hung low to the ground so nothing gets by them. And Rancho 9000 shocks. Be sure to stop at the Laird River Hotsprings just after you get into the Yukon from Northern British Colunbia. "Enjoy The Ride", I did last year.

 

[Turbo Horseman]

Whoa... if you're up in these parts in winter time, she's going to be cold. Winterize the trailer and the truck. Make sure your block heater works and you have fuel melter. Don't leave the truck unplugged when off for too long and keep your cup full of hot chocolate.



If its summer when you're up here, bring a lot of bug spray.



If you require any assistance, contact me. Hay River is the major centre south of the lake in the Northwest Territories.

 

[richardcoxid]

Lieder



Log on to Flying J truck stops. www.flyingj.com



Then apply for a RV card. Gets you a . 01/gal discount as well as other things. Use their directory and go from “J” to “J” They are very RV friendly etc. all the info is on their web site.

 

[Joe G.]

When you get over to the coast in WA, OR, and CA take US101 where you can. I5 will bore you silly. Don't miss the redwood trees on the coast in northern CA.

 

[cwsoules]

Take your time, try to avoid a schedule, sleep in, depart late and stop early. Often a small town will offer all sorts of surprises.

 

[Pogodually]

Traveling

FYI



In the last 3 years have pulled over 20,000 miles. Two trips to Canada, one trip across the west. Go slow and take your time. Usually travel about 200 to 300 miles a day. Starting about 9AM and stopping about 2 to 3 PM. Many places I've stayed a week or longer with side trips. RV'ers usually, just like at this site, try to look out for other RV'ers. Like everything, plan you parks, and Flying J is a good place, with a dump station, parking and discount on fuel.

Join Good Sam. This will also get you discounts at another fueling station. Have a Good SAM, or Camping World RV Park Directory.



Have a great trip.

 

[richardcoxid]

Lieder



Just a quick rundown on Yellowstone NP, if you plan a early spring trip through Y’Stone NP



Mid Oct- closed to vehicular Traffic

Mid Nov, First of Dec- open to Snow machines, Snow Coaches, Xcountry skiers etc.

Mid March, First of April, Y’Stone closed to all traffic (so they can plow the roads)

First of May- Most roads open for vehicular traffic (most stores, hotels and gas stations still closed)

Mid May, Last of May- All facilities open.



I think that you could do a search for Y’Stone NP and get up to date information for the exact opening dates.



As for fuel capacity, I have the 60-gal replacement tank from AERO tanks. Love it! About 550 highway miles towing, 750 miles around town and 1000-1100 miles solo freeway driving between fillups. That makes it easy to go between “J” to “J” for fillups.

 

[BigFun]

Have Fun!

If you want to see Yellowstone in all it's glory, try to plan a visit after Labor Day. All the sites are open. School usually has started so most have returned home to start the school year. The Elk are bugling and very interesting. Buffalo are herding. Very easy to get around. We spent 12 days there in 2000 and had a ball!



Enjoy you trip!



BF

 

[illflem]

I read in the local paper last week that one of the Yellowstone roads was closing down from now until the snow for constuction. Better check first.

 

[Texas Diesel]

Originally posted by illflem

I read in the local paper last week that one of the Yellowstone roads was closing down from now until the snow for constuction. Better check first.

The road you are referring to is only closed between 10AM and 6PM, after that you can use it. We were there last week, awesome!!!

 

[redramnc]

If you have a laptop that you can haul along get Microsoft "Streets and Trips" for route planning. Make sure you update the road construction info off of their web site about once a month and it will provide you an easy way to figure miles between stops and other travel-related info.



While I hate lining Bill Gates pockets for any reason (after all, I do work for IBM) Streets and Trips is invaluable for traveling. This summer my wife and I have traveled the entire East Coast and Southern/Central California/Vegas guided by S&T. Mapquest and other online sites mean you have to find a landline and dial in. S&T is resident on the computer and can go where you go, even if there is no phone in 10 miles.



Enjoy the ride. Don't overschedule and take time to enjoy.



One of these days I plan on doing the same thing.

 

[Dane]

Don't miss the coast road (hwy 1) between Hearst Castle and Monterey in California. It's the most beautiful stretch of coast in CA if you catch it on a clear day. Look for a campground just north of Ragged Point called "Plaskette Creek" They may let you drop your 5er in one of the group camping areas if it's mid week. Across the street is a day use beach named "Sand Dollar" real nice...