grand road trip 2010

[squeeb]

Hi everyone I'm here in sunny scotland ! and husband and I are planning a road trip from new york to los angeles in a rv we have five weeks to do the trip and the only thing we must see is elvis house graceland. we have been coming to florida for years with the kids so we don't want to go there but if anyone has any suggestions or anything quirky or just plain weird to see in your states please let us know we want any advice more experienced rv'ers can give us. oh and husband wants to know if you can still drive on any of the route 66 road. thanks squeeb

[Southwest Dave]

Hello and welcome to the R.T.A forums.

That's quite some adventure you have to look forward to but plenty of time to do it in.
We rented an R.V for 3 weeks on our trip and loved every minute of it.
Your 2 main choices are an 'a' class or a 'c' class, the latter being the one we chose and the most popular choice. They feel more like driving a large van as opposed to a coach and it doesn't take to long to adapt to the size of it. Generally speaking all aspects of operating them, either on road or whilst 'camping' are straight forward. They are fully equipped and most come with generators for when there isn't a hook up available.
When checking for rates be sure to add on all the extra costs that are normally associated, such as; One way drop off and preparation fees, charges for kitchen and bedding kits, generator use, ins waivers and extra mileage charges. All these bits add up [to quite a lot]and sometimes the cheapest looking rental turns into the dearest. Also calculate into your cost a return of about 10 m.p.g for fuel.

Here's some info on Route '66 and although a lot of it is no more we travelled a short part of it between the Grand canyon and Vegas which was a good experience. Also here's a good report end to end '66.
And a lot of R.V tips to keep you busy.

That should help get you started, any other questions just ask away. :-)

[squeeb]

I think we've decided on a c22 because its just the two of us and it seems to have plenty of room inside. any advice on cruise america or el monte hire companies these seem to be the biggest renters.

[Rubberburner]

I would take a few visits to national parks and if you buy an annual pass for like $80 its makes it worth while as they are so beautiful and cool to hike.I would recommend Yosemite, Glacier, Yellowstone and Arches National Parks.

Also Texas I heard have a few Ghost towns that are cool that could break up the journey.
Also if you get worn down and need to relax I found a cute hotel for $46a night called the Caliente Tropics in Palm Springs as a nice refresher.

There are alot of quirky sights such as bubblegum alley!

I think you need to make it a good mix to get the full experience!

[Southwest Dave]

I think we've decided on a c22 because its just the two of us and it seems to have plenty of room inside. any advice on cruise america or el monte hire companies these seem to be the biggest renters.

Hi squeeb.
The c22 should be fine for you. I think you get very few benefits going bigger other than stepping up to a 28-29ft which would give you a full bedroom at the rear. If you are happy sleeping over the cab the sleeping space is very roomy up there.
Both those rental Co's mentioned are popular and amongst [if not] the largest in the States, but it's always worth googling to compare any deals that might be about. Most R.V's are of a similar make and lay out when you are talking a like for like option, where ever you can get them from.
If the prices are the same, then the only thing I noticed between the two you have mentioned is that Cruise America is a little bit like driving around in an advertising billboard with all the graphics on the side and El Monte's seemed to be much more discreet.

[ferrydreamer]

MPG wise is there any great differance??

Tony