LA to NE - First timer

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Originally Posted by nebound

In the process of reading about trips other families have made it is becoming evident that we may not be able to see a lot of the sights that we visit because we can't bring the dog and we don't want to, or in most cases can't, leave her alone by the cap site. I need to think that one through. Have you come accross any workarounds? I thought maybe use the local kennel or hire someone to sit with the dog for the day.

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Some tourist attractions have nearby boarding kennels for your pet. I think they're few and far between though. Those websites I gave you should give you info on that. Back when we travelled with a truck/camper combo or with our trailer, we just left the dog in the camper or trailer when we went into the various sights we wanted to see. The dog we had then was very quiet and would just sleep or sit and look out the window until we got back.

Of course, this depends on how your dog responds to this type of situation. If your dog will bark incessantly the whole time you're gone, it might not work for you. If you buy your own trailer, get your dog used to being in it. Maybe even leave her in it at home for long parts of the day to see how she does. When you're practicing driving, take the dog with you and put her in the trailer when you stop somewhere. Then disappear and see how the dog responds. Does the dog go crazy, bark, try to find a way out? Or does your dog do what mine did and just go to sleep?

Seeing how your dog responds will give you a good idea of what you can attempt to do on your trip.

No, you still won't be able to leave the dog unattended at the campground, however, if your dog can behave in the rig, you can leave the dog unattended in the parking area of the sight you want to explore.

Caveat: I live in the PNW. Most trips like this with my dog were up here and it just doesn't get all that hot. 70-80 deg is typical with a good breeze. So, as long as we opened some of the windows and roof vents, the dog had plenty of fresh air and was never in danger of being in a very hot place where heat stroke could be a problem. I'm really not clear how this would work in some parts of the country where it's quite hot, the sun is more intense, and there might not be a breeze. So you might need to experiment a bit with those situations. If your dog behaves in a way that you can leave her alone without her going bonkers, you might want to check on her on hot and still days to ensure she's not getting overheated to see how well your rig keeps cool in those conditions.

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Originally Posted by nebound

1. Looking at a 26' TrailManor to pull behind our Pathfinder. Does anyone have any good or bad input about this brand?

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I am not familiar with the brand, but I have serious doubts about the GVW for your vehicle and a 26' trailer of any brand. Are you sure that the towing package for your truck can accomodate a 26' trailer? Now, of couse, the TrailManor is a modified tent trailer -- actually -- a very clever pop-up travel trailer and therefore much lighter than a conventional travel trailer -- but you need to double check the tongue rating on your truck. Although September is a great month to roadtrip in North America -- it could get brisk at higher elevations. All that said, some of my best memories of family carcamping in my youth was in a tent trailer that wasn't nearly as spiffy as the one you are considering purchasing.

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Originally Posted by nebound

1a. Another option is renting an RV but I am concerned about reliability.

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It is a reasonable concern. I have commissioned an article that we will publish in August or September that examines this issue, but a few words of experience. The two major rental companies -- El Monte RV and CruiseAmerica have excellent reputations -- but keeping individual RV units working up to snuff is a hard, hard, proposition. By and larger rental customers of these companies either don't know or don't care about following suggested maintenance protocols and their casual errors can create huge maintenance issues. Often times the errors/problems only appear after a new rental customer has been on the road for a day or so. The #1 problem is refrigerators failing and suspension-related problems. All of the majors have replacement units available, but the only definite way to get a rental unit that is guaranteed to be OK, is to use the services of packagers like Tracks 'N Trails -- look at my review of their services here.

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2. We will need information on pet freindly camping sites. I have done quite a bid of research here but my method includes researching each stop on the route separately...very time consuming. Does anyone know of a travel site that caters to dog freindly planning? Would like some stops where we can let the dog really get some exercise.

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By this, do you mean free-running, off-leash? That would be much more problematic. What in particular are you looking for?

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3. My ideal route would be US RT 2 or 20 but with an infant I am worried about weather through the mountains and northern states. Time is not an issue as far as LA up the coast. Has anyone taken either of those routes this time of year?

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I have driven some of US-20 that time of year -- generally, like Bob says, it should be fine.

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4. Best way to stay in touch with emergency services?

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if you are on the interstates, Verizon has the largest footprint of interstate coverage in the USA. Carry a CB radio -- can be lifesavers. I know that many folks like AAA RV service -- but, in my view, the one run by Good Sam can't be beat. It used to be called ERS (but they were purchased by Good Sam about five years ago) I have had ERS-licensed providers respond in full-on blizzards, off-highway with no extra charge. The service is wonderful.

Also read the articles written by our RTA RV experts.

You are about to embark on a great adventure! Enjoy!

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Originally Posted by nebound

Do you carry some sort of generator for times when the unexpected weather stalls your trip? I am looking at the Honda super quiet models.

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If you were going to be using an enclosed rig or travel trailer -- I would say YES! But I am not sure what you will be powering on your trailer That being said, we have used generators extensively when the surrounding power grids were down and/or we were boondocking.

Mark

Thanks all. I think I enough information to chew on for a few weeks. I appriciate you input.

Take care and happy travels!!

Tom

I live in Quebec and I never encountered snow in September not even on the north shore. I don't know about the midwest, but in the east, chances are you'll be driving through magnificient colourful areas (autumn leaves) and the orchards will be in bloom or filled with bright red apples. Look for maple sugar apple pies:-)

Gen