LA - Miami

[tincancowboys]

Hey!

So we're planning a road trip arriving in LA on 29th November 2008 from London and leaving Miami on 12 December heading back to London.

We plan on renting an RV in LA and taking the Southern Pacific Route 10 ending up in Miami a couple of weeks later. If anyone can provide any advice/tips/must see's on our way that woud be great!!

This will be out first road trip so any advice appreciated.

Cheers,
James

[Midwest Michael]

Welcome to the RTA forum!

While Interstate 10 does run along roughly the same path as the old Southern Pacific Railroad, I don't know that I've ever heard it refered to as such.

Regardless, you should be able to have a very nice trip. There is quite a bit of information on the forum that should help you get going. We've got a thread has some great ideas for things to do along I-10 in the Western US, and here is one that focuses on the Miami area. You'll also find lots of information, like tips for renting an RV in the planning section of this website.

[tincancowboys]

Hey Michael, thanks for the reply!

Yeah I may have made that route name up, reading too many forums! ;-)

So we plan to rent the RV from December 1st 08 in LA and drop it off in Miami on 12th December 08. I know some places are going to be pretty much a fly by trip as we're going to have to cover some serious miles in 12 days. Has anyone done the Interstate 10 route all the way across in such a short period?

Cheers!
James

[Southwest Dave]

Hi James,

Quite an adventure to look forward to.

I see you plan to rent an R.V. [which, by the way is my favourite way to travel] but I was wondering how much you have looked into this and how many are travelling with you and whether it will be best suited for your needs.
The cost of renting one and the associated costs that go with it, extra fuel, campground fees e.t.c. start to break even [maybe even slightly more] when 4 people are sharing compared to hotel and car hire fees.
For a fairly quick jaunt across country it will also be slower going and less manoeuvrable if you are visiting lots of city's along the way.
If it's a "lifestyle" choice then you can't beat it, as I said earlier, it's my favourite way to travel but it isn't for everyone and it does have it's drawbacks as well as it's good points, I hope that helps.

Dave

[tincancowboys]

Hi Dave, thanks for your reply. Yes we look forward to it, we only have the flights booked so far into LA from London then out of miami back into lodnon 2 weeks later.

We've been looking at renting an RV as it seems the best suited for our needs but are open to suggestions. Fetch.com seem to be the cheapest for Rv rental which is booked through CruiseAmerica although if you have any other suggestions that would be great. I think the total cost was roughly $1600 but that didnt include mileage & of course gas. That is based on 4 of us sharing the RV, price is based on a 7 berth C30 Rv. We plan to visit a fair few cities on the way but not also very interested in the smaller towns on the way. So a couple of days in LA, then passing through San Diego, AZ, New Mexico, San Antonio onto new orleans and a couple of days in florida before we fly home.

Have you travelled in America in an RV before?

James

[Southwest Dave]

Hi James,

Have you travelled in America in an RV before?

Yes I have, and loved every moment of it.

I only asked as if there was just the two of you or it was for financial reasons it may not have been for you. I would suggest googling R.V. rental companies and see whats on offer and compare prices, Cruise America and El Monte are amongst the biggest, but there are others out there. The extra charges to watch out for are; One way drop of and preparation fees, kitchen and bedroom kits, Insurance waiver to reduce cost to you if any damage, and as you say, mileage fees that add up to quite a bit. Sometimes the cheapest qoutes can quickly turn out to be the dearest. Don't expect more than 10 m.p.g and allow $20- $30 a night camping fees.


They are so well equipped and pretty much have everything you need, and most sites have table and benches with a fire ring, ideal for sitting around at night and enjoying quality time.

[tincancowboys]

Hi Dave,

I'm only a few pages into your report and it looks quality!! Some great pics there looks like you had a great time. Yes I have noticed the extras they like to apply such as one way fees etc.

Are there many RV parking spots that don't charge? We're trying to minimize costs as much as possible. Also have you any suggestions as to the size of Rv we should be looking at? We have 4 lads staying on the trip and although space is not overly essential we'd like it to be comfortbale living in it for 2 weeks. We've been looking at a 7 berth C30 which is 30ft long, how tricky are they to drive do you know?

Sorry or the all the questions and thanks for your replies!

James

[bob]

James, if your looking for a good deal for an RV, speak to Jackie at cruiseamerica - she'll sort you out!!

[tincancowboys]

Ok Nick, will do ;-)

[Southwest Dave]

Hi Dave,

Are there many RV parking spots that don't charge? We're trying to minimize costs as much as possible. Also have you any suggestions as to the size of Rv we should be looking at? We have 4 lads staying on the trip and although space is not overly essential we'd like it to be comfortbale living in it for 2 weeks. We've been looking at a 7 berth C30 which is 30ft long, how tricky are they to drive do you know?

Sorry or the all the questions and thanks for your replies!

James

Hi James, No need for apologies, keep asking untill you have what you want.

I am unsure if you mean there are four in total, or 4 plus 4 lads?

The C30 will do 4 of you easily and feel quite spacious. You will have 2 double beds [ A fixed one at the rear and one above the cab] the other sleeping is made up in the dinette/lounge area. If you need this it may feel a bit cramped,especially in the morning and eves when you are all trying to get fed and washed, although the sites have shower blocks e.t.c.

The "how tricky to drive" question is hard to answer, a lot will depend on your driving experience and what you have driven before, however it shouldn't take to long to adapt but I wouldn't push to far in your first couple of days while you get the feel for it. I didn't feel that lenght was an issue on the driving side but you will need to adjust to the extra width of the back. Although the wing mirrors are a good guide, the rear wheels sit wider than the fronts. Also with the longer R.V's there is a lot of overhang from the rear wheels, so when moving from petrol pumps and parking spaces you have to ease out gently rather that turn sharply. [Think of Laurel and Hardy walking around with a plank of wood on there shoulder] or else you will side swipe everything close by. Of course, with the lenght you are not going to be able to turn it around so easily so a wrong turn could mean some extra miles before being able to turn.

As for "free" camping or otherwise "boondocking" there are certain places such as truck stops and some Walmarts, but you need to ask the manager at that store. If they allow it you would be expected to go to a quiet corner to sleep but not to set up camp as such, i.e. don't get the BBQ and chairs out.
To do this you will be relying on the water you have stored and possibly the generator [normally at extra cost] so you will need camp sites to fill and empty your tanks, a fairly straight forward task.