tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post2245901879031768665..comments2024-03-14T03:43:02.583-04:00Comments on EPBOT: Planes, Pains, & AutomobilesJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.comBlogger247125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-9424028032972565212011-07-01T12:34:13.396-04:002011-07-01T12:34:13.396-04:00I HATE to fly as well, but not because I dislike t...I HATE to fly as well, but not because I dislike the groping policy . . . I'm tall so I find the limited space painful. And, I just hate crowds.<br /><br />Sooooo, we do road trips. I started with the family vacations as a kid and now my boyfriend and I take a major road trip every summer (on Tuesday, we're leaving from Dallas and driving to South Dakota). As a kid, we tented the first few years and then bought a used pop-up (my dad was a minister and my mom a teacher . . . we didn't have much money & you can still buy a decent used pop-up for around $2500). Now a days, we pull a 14ft tear drop (bright, shiny, red T@B) trailer with our Jeep. It's big enough for two to sleep comfortably w/ most of the comforts of home (even has TV/DVD), but still small enough for me to drive (and I am a CRAPPY driver). The best part: NO SET UP. Seriously. We pull in and that's it. And, most camp grounds have a flush toilets & showers, so icky "waste removal".<br /><br />In my entire life, all 38 years, I have never had any car trouble so bad that we were stranded. Crappy muffler: yes; bad brakes: yes; flat tire: yes. But all those are relatively easy fixes (especially if you are as handy and you and John seem to be). Your car insurance may even offer roadside assistance.<br /><br />Gas is pricey, but with a small trailer, you're not adding that much to the cost of the trip (well, not as much as a big RV).<br /><br />As for weather concerns, plan the road trip for the non-snowy months; fly or take the train for the snowy places/times.NinjaMickeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01109230177800200489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-56466083280975819582011-05-07T10:51:03.059-04:002011-05-07T10:51:03.059-04:00my parents are very happy with their RV, which is ...my parents are very happy with their RV, which is basically a converted van, complete with shower/toilet (ok, so the toilet is IN the shower, but there isn't a ton of available other space to put it!)<br /><br />Can't remember the company that makes it (it used to be a Ford van), but this may help, and then you could BOTH drive:<br />http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CampervanSylphhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15537129248860302445noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-91639907077239594342011-04-28T23:43:42.824-04:002011-04-28T23:43:42.824-04:00Cool! You're going to make it all the way to O...Cool! You're going to make it all the way to Oregon, right? RIGHT!?<br /><br />Anyway, if you're trying to save a little cash there's used RVs up on Craigslist all the time for barter. Or part-cash-part-trade. Get creative!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16438833336742698307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-76575439620639510832011-04-25T14:34:05.503-04:002011-04-25T14:34:05.503-04:00There's a book, "Queen of the Road",...There's a book, "Queen of the Road", I believe, that you should read. It won't solve any of your logistical problems, but it's a fun little memoir about a couple who bought a bus and traveled the US for a year. It would at least give you insight on the experience. :)Amelianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-3996623244486168752011-04-25T14:13:33.701-04:002011-04-25T14:13:33.701-04:00Road trips are awesome--you should totally go for ...Road trips are awesome--you should totally go for it. Realistically, it would probably be cheaper to drive a car and stay in hotels, so if money is the hugest issue, that might be your best bet. Also, I've heard that some RV dealerships will do some sort of trade because they need to move RVs from one location to another. So they'll pay for you to drive an RV to a dealer in another state. So that would take a ton of research and coordinating, but it would be pretty awesome if you could pull it off.Shelsyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15732689041697423664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-31217620004617854762011-04-24T16:39:46.931-04:002011-04-24T16:39:46.931-04:00i love road trips, i really hope you go on one. Th...i love road trips, i really hope you go on one. They are LOTS of fun :) When I went on road trips we usually drove our Surburban and camped, which was fun!!! I see that you are going in November though, so i would rent a cheap camper and save up your money. Roadtrips are expensive so make sure you save, save, save!<br />have fun and hope this helps :DBriannanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-61831363780793475152011-04-23T13:16:30.210-04:002011-04-23T13:16:30.210-04:00PLEEASE please please come to Canada? Pretty pleas...PLEEASE please please come to Canada? Pretty please with a cherry on top?<br /><br />That said, I hope you'll have a much more enjoyable [for you and John, at least!] tour than the last one :) I tend to try to avoid air travel like the plague, so I support your RV'ing idea. Whatever you do, do what you think will be most convenient and -dare I say- unstressful as possible for both of you.<br />Best wishes,<br />ClaireClaire Lynnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-64135499226123733652011-04-22T17:16:38.262-04:002011-04-22T17:16:38.262-04:00Hello! I have family who live in an RV full time....Hello! I have family who live in an RV full time. And she is even a <a href="http://dawnandjeffsblog.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>. I'm sure they would be more than happy to talk to you about pros/cons etc if you're still looking for information on the RV lifestyle. I can put you in touch, if you'd like!Monkeyhousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14328904424396744102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-40700645224209173242011-04-22T09:04:57.916-04:002011-04-22T09:04:57.916-04:00My family did an RV trip when I was young. I reme...My family did an RV trip when I was young. I remember driving into the Smokey Mountains. I remember being carsick as we wound around the Smokey Mountains. I remember getting a hotel the last night and skipping the last few days because we all wanted out of that RV. But mostly I remember being CARSICK in the Smokey Mountains. Blech.<br /><br />But if it means you might visit So. Illinois, or Western KY, or SE MO, then I can get behind the RV road trip!<br /><br />Shelley in So. IL<br /><br />WV: butdri--It rains a lot in the Smokey Mountains in the fall and you will have a hard time keeping your butdri.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-63503762366223154402011-04-21T13:44:58.101-04:002011-04-21T13:44:58.101-04:00My sister-in-law, who lives in FL, just sent this ...My sister-in-law, who lives in FL, just sent this link to us yesterday:<br />http://www.floridavwrentals.com/<br />She sent it because we love VW buses, but I thought of you immediately. Seems like it might be a great compromise between a big RV and just a car. The only thing I don't know is if they'd be warm enough once you got to the more northern states, if you're going in the fall.Kiraboodoghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10773636767201102039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-14403769243071300632011-04-20T22:44:26.143-04:002011-04-20T22:44:26.143-04:00my over 80 year old grandparents do the RV road tr...my over 80 year old grandparents do the RV road trip across America. They've been all over. I think you two can handle the set up and take down just fine if they can. But you definitely want to practice in order to get quick. Do a couple of dry runs at parks near your home. Figure out what your issues are going to be and look into specific solutions. Y'all should have alot of fun. It's a great way to see the country! But remember, if the short trips are no fun and stress you out, it only gets worse with time. As for driving an RV in the city... I wouldn't recommend it. My grandparents tow a car behind their RV. Or you could always rent a truck and use a tow RV: no unpacking and repacking, not as big so you can unhook and drive into the city and tow-behind RVs are MUCH cheaper! (and easier to maneuver) Hope this helps!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-58507999457274623322011-04-20T07:32:59.511-04:002011-04-20T07:32:59.511-04:00AUSTRALIA! AUSTRALIA! AUSTRALIA!AUSTRALIA! AUSTRALIA! AUSTRALIA!Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10580812912951833980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-50554128298517910262011-04-19T18:47:42.899-04:002011-04-19T18:47:42.899-04:00An aunt and uncle of mine actually traveled in the...An aunt and uncle of mine actually traveled in their mini van. Repurposed it for road trips. My aunt even started a blog so we could follow them: http://roadtripsusanow.blogspot.com/<br /><br />There's so many options!ADhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10910443097812768896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-8740519746832901652011-04-19T00:56:19.068-04:002011-04-19T00:56:19.068-04:00I like any of these ideas, especially if they incl...I like any of these ideas, especially if they included a stop near San Francisco!! And if you were going to come all the way to SF, it is a very short trip to Livermore :)<br /><br />We have exceptional wine..!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10946175153624733154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-59478670942724301172011-04-18T10:05:48.234-04:002011-04-18T10:05:48.234-04:00You've seen the movie RV with Robin Williams, ...You've seen the movie RV with Robin Williams, right?<br /><br />Right?Wendyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10122010407341817008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-42004774368537948022011-04-18T00:11:57.995-04:002011-04-18T00:11:57.995-04:00Hi, I've never commented before, but just thou...Hi, I've never commented before, but just thought I'd add my 2 cents... When I was a teenager my family took a month and road-tripped across the country, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. You don't get an appreciation for how big the country is and how drastic the changes in the landscape are when you fly. We had a conversion van, and we did a mix of camping and staying in smaller hotels and cabins. We managed to set it up so that we were not packing and unpacking every night, just rotating things and taking a bag or two into the hotels.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-7597244403077458302011-04-17T17:31:12.571-04:002011-04-17T17:31:12.571-04:00I spent one winter "snowbirding" with my...I spent one winter "snowbirding" with my grandparents. Best winter of my life, and there where 3 of us in the motorhome. If you can't find a place to stay you are allowed to park and sleep in any Walmart parking lot in the country. And just think of all of the extra room you have to store cold medicine, ginger ale, humidifiers, and big comfy robes and slippers. And you can take ALL of your shoes with you!Lis.https://www.blogger.com/profile/13041120169784554971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-72820398250034496162011-04-17T17:26:02.442-04:002011-04-17T17:26:02.442-04:00Can you go to S.F?
Please?Can you go to S.F?<br />Please?tardis13https://www.blogger.com/profile/02777505287961084883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-75073881112401410172011-04-17T12:37:39.879-04:002011-04-17T12:37:39.879-04:00I would definitely rent an SUV and stay in hotels....I would definitely rent an SUV and stay in hotels. It would end up being cheaper, and still avoid the airport. I'm 100% with you on avoiding flying, and I HATE car trips.Katiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10004965916328609819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-13043559675394956632011-04-17T09:37:37.078-04:002011-04-17T09:37:37.078-04:00What you could try is finding an old VW van. I kno...What you could try is finding an old VW van. I know of some people who took a road trip around the country in one, and they had a blast. Also, perhaps instead of staying in hotels, you could put a call out when you're about to head to a city on the tour and see if some dedicated readers would be willing to let you stay with them; kind of like a couch-surfing adventure. I hope you find a solution!Amy Conolynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-24871295811646387932011-04-17T00:49:38.279-04:002011-04-17T00:49:38.279-04:001: Look into trains definitely. Went on one from ...1: Look into trains definitely. Went on one from Tampa to Miami, it was inexpensive, comfortable and a great trip. AC for laptops and gadgets, big seats, and you can bring your own food and drink (no alcohol) :-( You can use the train to get close to your destination, then either use buses, or car rentals. Do the show then back on the train.<br /><br />2: Either rent a smaller van type camper, or look into either renting or purchasing a pop-up style. Easy to tow, leave it at a nearby campground, then drive to the showtravismanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-4106070507022754502011-04-16T23:55:46.250-04:002011-04-16T23:55:46.250-04:00I've been living in a little vintage trailer f...I've been living in a little vintage trailer for the past 7 months, so can offer some advice. You can see photos and stuff here http://sylvanspirit.wordpress.com/<br /><br />You probably would be better off buying something, then selling it afterwards. You'd probably get all your money back. Keep in mind that while the vintage ones are way cuter and better made, they're heavier, so you'd need a big-ass truck to pull it. You'd probably be better off with a motorhome type one, and they aren't really much more expensive. There are smaller ones, too, that wouldn't be bad to drive around town.<br /><br />Whatever you get, make sure you have it checked out thoroughly. There are a LOT of things that can go wrong with them. Believe me, I've had about all of them go wrong. Make sure the pipes aren't brittle old pvc that will shatter when it gets cold, and make sure it's been thoroughly sealed on the outside so it doesn't leak.<br /><br />If I can live in mine for 7 months with an insane cat and two 60 lb dogs, through the entire winter, you two can certainly do it for a month or two.<br /><br />I'm happy to answer any questions and offer any advice. I totally think you should do it! It would be a great adventure!Forest Creaturehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03483780542775449594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-62570267135507462312011-04-16T23:01:06.261-04:002011-04-16T23:01:06.261-04:00I think if you can find the RV Pete had in Goofy M...I think if you can find the RV Pete had in Goofy Movie you should go for it. ;)LaurenOpiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06152040826441673355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-62023168889166285282011-04-16T22:45:31.173-04:002011-04-16T22:45:31.173-04:00Speaking of balance: keep heavy items close to the...Speaking of balance: keep heavy items close to the floor in an RV. If electric jacks are offered, get them. You will be glad you did the first time it rains.<br /><br />The experience of flying can be duplicated for about the same money as flying by having someone in a security guard costume escort you to one of those whole-body scans that are advertised, prior to boarding a very popular roller coaster at a large amusement park. This gets you the same crowds and waits in long lines (not to mention the ride itself), but not the feeling of not knowing what is being done with the scan images. <br /><br />The all-important 'being regarded with suspicion by strangers' element is duplicated when other people in the roller coaster line wonder why you are being closely watched by a security guard.Craignoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-84571180879094911732011-04-16T20:43:32.638-04:002011-04-16T20:43:32.638-04:00Okay, so this has generated a TON of comments, so ...Okay, so this has generated a TON of comments, so if this has already been said I apologize. That said, do you have a vehicle that you could just hook a trailer or 5th wheel to? that way you could just unhook for in town driving, although the less said about backing those bad boys up the better. Also, Amarillo is smack dab on I-40, which is a pretty major traffic artery 'round here. And we have multiple places to hook up a trailer/RV for the night. I'm just sayin'. :-)Nowennoreply@blogger.com