2gypsies

From Cortez it's all uphill. It's a good highway and many, many RVers drive it. Enjoy!!

We full-timed in a Newmar diesel (Cummins/Spartan) for 8 years with absolutely no repairs to anything. Diesels are known to run a long, long time if you do the necessary maintenance on them. We traveled mountains and gravel backroads all the time. Ours got a workout, for sure .... but no issues. Yes, you couldn't be that lucky. That's the chance you take. We've never bought extended warranties on anything we've owned and have never been sorry. Like Barb.... we've always made sure we have money set aside for emergencies and that money increases if not used.

In all our volunteer gigs we were ALWAYS made to feel appreciated. Dedicated volunteers don't compare the value of the position. They are there because they want to be there. They want to help out our parks. They just enjoy being in the surroundings. We've met some that put in a lot more hours on their own than was expected. If there weren't volunteers for those positions things wouldn't get done. The agencies don't have enough money to hire people. I think you have the incorrect idea of volunteering.

Tire pressure you're running also makes a difference. It should be based on the total weight.

Are you staying in New Zealand? Why buy a new one here and ship it over? I would assume they sell RVs there, also. RVs sold in other countries are better made than here, for the most part and you wouldn't have to spend extra money for 're-dos'.

On the top line is 'Guidelines' the closest thing to a tutorial, unfortunately. It's more about 'rules' rather than 'how to'.

Have her tell the grandbabies they'll get a special souvenier from the trip! Three months really isn't that long. They'll appreciate her more when she returns.!!

Congratulations! Very, very nice!! You sound just a 'little' excited. I like how the rear door leads into the bathroom in case you're wet or muddy. Convenient for taking off shoes before entering the living area. You'll have lots of fun!!

We got our insurance from Miller Insurance at that time http://www.millerrvinsurance.com/ and I believe we had National Interstate for our motorhome insurance.

Get the Milepost for maps and history. Get Mike and Terri Church's book 'Alaskan Camping' which includes Canada and the Yukon. They lived in Fairbanks and traveled to the lower 48 all the time so they know the highway stops. They give RV parks, campgrounds and great boondocking spot. If you have unlimited time I'd suggest you plan to spend at least 3 months once you cross into Canada. There's no particular crossing to begin the trip..... just depends where you're coming from and how you'll get to the beginning of the Alaska Highway. We crossed at Sumas, Washington and finished at the Roosville crossing near Glacier Nat'l Park. Try to incorporate stops at Banff and Jasper Nat'l Parks. Canada and the Yukon are just as beautiful as Alaska so plan to spend time. Many return via the Cassier Hwy. Both routes are great. Crossing around the third week of May is good. If you do so any earlier you may encounter things still closed and ice on the lakes. We enjoyed the Provincial Parks of Canada and the Yukon. Plan to sitesee as you travel. Don't go to one campground and backtrack 50 miles to see something. You're not going to go expressway speeds. Some places have a long section of frost heaves and you'll be going at 20-30mph., if that. Other places you'll encounter gravel construction areas. Others you'll have good roads and can go faster. Every day is different. Plan to stay IN Denali Nat'l Park for the best experience. The only two reservations we made for the whole trip was for the July 4 weekend and for 5 nights in Denali's Teklanika campground - the farthest you can drive. These were only made about 3 weeks prior when we could better judge when we'd be in the area. Don't load yourself down with reservations. It's not necessary. There are RVs of all sizes on the roads and people of all ages and marital status. You'll be just fine. It's not a difficult trip; it's just a long one. Break it down in your mind to small sections and it won't seem so overwhelming. Have a good one!

We sold through PPL in Houston. Our RV insurance company just added a rider for around $25, if I recall correctly.

We like Weather Underground ON EDIT: Oops.... thought you meant a web site!

Dishes are so minimal for two people. Plus, we grilled just about nightly. We can't see a need for it but everyone is different. I've never looked into them but we dry camped in public parks most of the time. Do you need hookups and electric to use them?

From reading reviews and looking at the photos, I get the impression that this isn't geared to big rigs and it's not one we would go to. Have you ever seen this web site? We used it all the time as we did a LOT of national forest camping. It's especially good for directions, easy in/out and site size. This couple personally visited all these campgrounds throughout the country. http://www.forestcamping.com/dow/pictures/pictures.htm

If we were to go there with our 40' motorhome and seeing these photos, we would have no hesitation. On some of the pictures you can even see the road for an idea. It looks like an excellent place!

We always enjoy Custer State Park and didn't have an issue with rusty water.

Here are some photos: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pipi-campground-pioneer

Here are photos of the campsites: https://www.campsitephotos.com/campground/ca/upper-billy-creek/

The state and national parks we've visited give you a post tag with the date out on it that can be viewed by someone who is wondering if the site is occupied or not. They shouldn't take your site while you're gone. If they do, just go to the office and they'll be kicked off because that site is yours.

Welcome to the forum! Here's a site that may help. https://www.ezbordercrossing.com/the-inspection-experience/clearing-customs/what-will-it-cost/

Just a thought..... traveling distance is no different than a short trip. Break the trip up in your mind as a couple short trips. It's 2 short days of driving - 650 miles total. Plenty of RV parks & gas stations along the way. The dogs will be fine on the trip if they're used to riding in the truck. Just stop & walk them every couple hours. It would be good for you, also, to get out and take a walk. Take 84 out of Lubbock to I-40 west at Santa Rosa, NM. Continue on I-40 to Holbrook, AZ. Take 377 to Heber, AZ & 260 to Payson, AZ. Have a good trip!

for the future.... don't rule out a bigger RV. We used forest service roads and BLM roads all the time to find our boondocking spot.... with a 40' motorhome.

An outside shade keeps the glass cool. It really makes a difference.

Late Sept. is the time when many full-timers or snowbirders begin their southbound trek to AZ, CA or TX for the winter season. They hit all those parks on the way down when it's cool temps. Also, foreigners do their trips of all the national parks at that time. Toward the end of Sept is also a skydive festival, road bike tour and 'Pride' festival. There's always something going on in Moab!

If you live in the RV you're in a single family residence.