X-Country late Aug-early Oct '04

[Wrigley]

My boyfriend and I are planning a road trip next year, from about late August till October, or however our trip progresses. As of right now we don't have many of the details down, but what I am asking for help on is supplies - what will we need?? We're thinking that Christmas could be perfect if we could get a few things for the trip and stash them away.
Any details that might be help:
1.We're planning on taking his Explorer as of right now. Unless a suggestion is to rent an RV? That would change our list completely, if we decide to do so.
2.The places we know we are going to hit along the way: leaving PA - going up to Boston - down thru Chicago - the California coast - and back.
3. We're poor college kids that will have graduated by the time we take this trip!

Any suggestions could help. We appreciate it!

This one will likely elicit some protests, but I can't see how renting an RV would save you any money. Any time I have checked into the possibilities of renting one, I have found the costs to be rather high, not only for the rental but for mileage charges. If costs weren't a consideration, they're a great way to travel, but you'll be able to go much cheaper in the Explorer. Other threads here can give you help on traveling expenses and how to save money -- basically, eat your own food, find cheap accommodations (reservations won't be needed most places that time of year), or search for hostels. Do some camping in the warmer places. Bob

I would forget about renting an RV if money is tight. They are VERY expensive to rent and they get terrible gas milage.

I would put sleeping bags, campstove and lantern on your Christmas wish lists and do a little camping and every so often spend a night in a motel.

I would highly recommend Yellowstone and the all the National Parks of Utah on your list of things to see.

Utahtea

[Wrigley]

Thanks for the input, I've been researching it a bit too and have found results that are exactly in line with what I have heard on here - RV's are very expensive.

I appreciate the help, thanks again!

Wrigley