MidMOTraveler

Hold on the next big spikes are coming. Spring Break and Easter

Drove through the National Sea Shore from Pensacola to Navarre Beach 5/14 Public use areas are open for day use but restrooms are closed and pay boxes are covered so no fee. Lots and lots of people out using the beaches.

Just keep in mind several campgrounds have closed all bathrooms and showers during this virus. Many are requiring “self contained only” .

Lloyd and Angie I suggest you look at RVing toAlaska 2020 FB page. They are Escapees ( Pau Hana Travels) Lots of information and very up to date! There are several of us sitting on the fence trying to decide if and when to leave. Alaska RVing is an expensive trip and not one to be rushed. We were planning 3 months in Alaska and 6 weeks travel to/from home base in Missouri. We have our fingers crossed but have plan B. A couple cruise lines have canceled all Alaska cruises so lots of tourist things aren’t going to be available. Good luck

I have the 2017 F 450 Insurance with National General. When I called the first person I talked with couldn’t even find such a truck, quoted F350 so I asked for a supervisor. She laughed and said yes they insure as a SEMI ! I had to go out and measure the length bumper to bumper and the quote was LESS than the F350 quote, go figure,

Effective 4/6 12:01am through 4/24 Missouri is on Stay at Home Order Governor issued this last night at 5:00 pm I personally think this will be a rolling order as needed. If you plan to travel through Missouri check as All State Parks are closed and COE parks ( southern district Table Rock Lake)

We received free admission to Yellowstone, Devils Tower and RMNP this summer. Never paid launch fees at COE ramps. Used America the Beautiful pass.

So you’re not planning on checking your tires for 8 months?

If you get your Class A something to consider would be seasonal driving. UPS,FEDEX put on lots of drivers for about 2 months. You can probably make half a years pay compared to shagging rv’s .

I crawled under and around everything on our camper. Found what size, drive, diameter, etc; could be used. Same with pex, pipe traps etc; in addition caulk, tape and bulbs. So had a pretty good idea of what wasn’t needed.

They can all be removed! Had 2 Ford Expeditions 5.7 v8 those things were beasts, could go anywhere. Sold the 2000 with 250k on it and never had a wrench on it except normal maintenance. Buddy bought an Excursion with the V10 and couldn’t afford to drive it.

Might I add something , a caulk gun. In addition a small roll of Eternabond tape and 1 each tube of Dicor self leveling and vertical caulk.

Something to keep in mind is how many miles a year you travel. The upfront cost plus higher maintenance of a diesel vs gas. The C’s on the Ford 350/450 chassis are a proven product. Easier to obtain service and cost less. Yes 8-10 mpg on the V10 but diesel fuel here is running 20% higher than gas. We bought a 5 year old 16k miles C last year and now a 2018 4K miles Jeep toad. We’ll have just over 60k in the entire rig when I pay the bill today for the Blue Ox 4 down towing set up. When we bought the C we decided to purchase an extended warranty. Wholesale Warranty sent an inspector that spent 3 hours going over the entire rig. Everything passed and we have peace of mind, yes everything can break but knowing we won’t have a huge expense on the road is nice.

Really! I have some ocean front property in Arizona! We need to get together!

I have no interest in a membership type deal it’s just not our style at this time. I can tell you that Escapees membership and Passport America have saved us a good deal. There are some limitations to how long you get a special rate but savings are there.

We met 2 couples from Lithuania this spring. They were traveling in 2 Class C 22’ or 24’ campers. They had bikes but no kiddos. Cruise America was the rental company. They had flown in to Orlando Florida and went to Disney for a week. Then picked up the campers and were headed to New Orleans. After that they were going somewhere in Texas? I think they were dropping the campers of there. Then flying to Las Vegas then home. They were doing it all in 3 weeks.

Don’t know what size or type RV your thinking about. Suggest trying to rent the biggest one you might be considering for full time. Then drive it not just to and from the campgrounds. Get in city traffic, 2 lane and 4 lane and a little interstate with semi trucks passing you. Then don’t just book a pull through site get a couple back in’s. You can practice set up and break down and dumping several times while in each campground, just fill your tanks with water and practice. Our first 5’er bought new last year is almost 40’ and it is a learning experience!

In 2 years everything will change anyway. What the rv manufacturer will install might be what you can buy today!

Before you get too deep in the planning I might suggest you check with your municipality. There are lots of places where just parking a camper can be an issue, much less dealing with utilities and sewer issues.

UPS is a first carrier, then pass along to USPS (known as “Surepost”) So UPS will bring it cross country then sort at the nearest facility then deliver to local post office for delivery. If your in really small towns it may add a day to delivery.

We have a 2017 F450 tailgate has camera and built in ladder. Unless dead on straight gate is closed when close. Wife has started doing the backing and I take care of the tailgate and hook up. Seems to be working really well.

We are planning to head to Alaska from Gulf Shores AL the end of May . Have an obligation in Little Rock June 6 Then plan to put some miles behind us the next week. Wanting to make Alaska border by July 1 Plan is 6-7 weeks then head home to Missouri. More obligations September 1 Maybe we’ll cross paths!

I fished Bass tournaments for 17 years. Always stay in motels, Always park with trailer backed to your room door. Always have a ball and receiver lock. Bass boats loaded with gear and electronics can easily top $150K Insurance for sure your best sleeping pill!

We have the Montana 2018 3731 FL TV F450 You are correct about a smaller front basement.We are in our 1st year of retirement and long time traveling. However I can’t see how weight wise we could possibly carry more. I’m sure lots of people have done what we did. “Might need that” take it ! Well after this season wife and I both agree there’s going to be a major downsizing. We have lots of inside storage and the back bedroom slide opposite the bed is all wardrobe plus under the king bed. Mickey there is a new / used 3 times Montana on the Montana Owners forum just listed today. Good luck on your search.