Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 01-01-2017, 03:23 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
shrode's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 133
How far do you drive a day?

Happy New Year!

We pick up our new 31SL in a couple of months, and are excited about hittin' the road soon. We still work, so our time off is limited to a few weeks each until we retire.

My question is this, how far should we plan to travel in a day when we're just trying to get from point A to point B?

We share the driving, and typically plan an occasional 10-12 hour day mixed with shorter days when vacationing by car, so we're not adverse to burning some miles when we have to. I understand that we'll be driving slower, but will we tire out faster towing the 5er? Is a 650 mile day realistic or is that too much to expect?
__________________
Danny & Terri
2017 31SL
Silverado 3500 CC SRW 4x4 LWB Duramax
shrode is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2017, 03:35 PM   #2
Member
 
Iceman1777's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 70
You're probably going to get a lot of opinions here, but it really depends on how much time you have. I can tell you from our experience when we were working we drove further to maximize our camp time. Now that we are retired we enjoy the journey as much as the destination and are not in a hurry. We try to plan a maximum day at 4-5 hours drive time using Google maps. 6 to 7 hours easily turns into a 10-12 hour day on the road. I try to plan a 3:00-4:00 arrival time at the latest so I can be completely set up before dark.
__________________

Paul & Tracy
2015 Redwood 38RL
2016 Ford F-350 6.7L CCLB KR DRW
1958 Rainbow TT (1958rainbow.blogspot.com)
1924 Ford Model T
Iceman1777 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2017, 03:53 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
shrode's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 133
Quote:
Originally Posted by Iceman1777 View Post
You're probably going to get a lot of opinions here, but it really depends on how much time you have. I can tell you from our experience when we were working we drove further to maximize our camp time. Now that we are retired we enjoy the journey as much as the destination and are not in a hurry. We try to plan a maximum day at 4-5 hours drive time using Google maps. 6 to 7 hours easily turns into a 10-12 hour day on the road. I try to plan a 3:00-4:00 arrival time at the latest so I can be completely set up before dark.
Paul,

I'm definitely looking forward to the journey, but we're not quite there yet... How long does a 4-5 hour Google map trip take you to actually drive?
__________________
Danny & Terri
2017 31SL
Silverado 3500 CC SRW 4x4 LWB Duramax
shrode is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2017, 03:59 PM   #4
Member
 
Iceman1777's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 70
Generally about 6 to 7 hours. We try to be out of the campground between 8 and 9 am and a gas/bathroom/lunch stop will get us there by 3-4 pm. I tow at 65 routinely. Seems to be the sweet spot for the RW. The Ford will go as fast as I ask it to
__________________

Paul & Tracy
2015 Redwood 38RL
2016 Ford F-350 6.7L CCLB KR DRW
1958 Rainbow TT (1958rainbow.blogspot.com)
1924 Ford Model T
Iceman1777 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2017, 04:19 PM   #5
Member
 
Iceman1777's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 70
I should have added: a simple gas stop can turn into a one-hour delay pretty easily. You can find yourself number 2 or 3 in an RV lane, or fishing around for another station that is more RV friendly, or finding a place large enough to do a U-turn. You get the idea.
__________________

Paul & Tracy
2015 Redwood 38RL
2016 Ford F-350 6.7L CCLB KR DRW
1958 Rainbow TT (1958rainbow.blogspot.com)
1924 Ford Model T
Iceman1777 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2017, 04:25 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
travelin' texans's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,353
Fortunately these 5ers tow like a dream, you'll hardly know it's back there, but it's more tiring to me (DW doesn't drive while towing) so our typical day is 200-300miles & stop no later than 3pm so set up before dark. With both of you sharing the driving I could easily see you driving 10-12 days to reach you destination, but in those hours you won't make as many miles driving slower, more fuel stops, more potty stops, just average you'll actually drive about 50 miles in an, or at least that's what I figure from.
Enjoy your trip & safe travels.
__________________
Danny & Linda
Full-timed 10+ years
Former '13 FB owner
Traded '13 GMC Denali DRW D/A
Currently rv & truckless
Replacement undetermined
travelin' texans is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2017, 07:55 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 767
We have done 10 to 12 hours many times. But if I try that for thee days in row I am usually wiped out. I do this once a year going from Oregon to IL for a three weeks vacation to see family. Thinking I may skip it this year. Older I get less I want to drive.
__________________
2020 Newmar Baystar
RWJSIM2003 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2017, 07:59 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
atom ant's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 7,101
I try to avoid parking in the dark.
__________________
Brad & Dory - Lone Tree, CO
CURRENT - 2013 Itasca Meridian 42E/2013 Wrangler 4dr Sahara
SOLD - 2014 Redwood 36RL/2014 F350 DRW
atom ant is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2017, 08:18 PM   #9
Senior Member
 
Char & Steve's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,031
As AA said we always try to be at our next stop and set up before dark. I really don't want to end up with a back in site when dark. Not much fun when this long.
It all goes back to how much time you can spend on the road. When we head out on our longer vacations I will do about 13 hours the first day then less after that. Best part since adding the extra fuel tank is now I have 109 gallons onboard so we don't need fuel until we unhook that evening.

Steve
__________________
Retired 2014 Redwood 36FL and 2015 GMC Denali 3500 DW Duramax but Now a 2020 Tiffin Allegro Bus with a 2022 GMC Canyon Denali toad.
Char & Steve is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2017, 10:41 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 325
We now pull over before dark. In past years I have done the trip Montreal to Florida in 2 long days. This year we said let's try 4 days and you know what it was worth it. Not wiped out for 3 days after arriving. Also if we get up a 7am or 9am that is when we leave.
__________________
Meet Teddy Bear
Make Every Day Count
2016 Denali 3500 Diesel SRW
2015 38 GK
Cheryl & Wayne
ted 95 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2017, 01:52 AM   #11
Senior Member
 
mhs4771's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,807
I've done the long days pulling a TT and would be wiped out in several days. With a 5er they pull some much easier it will allow for longer days without being wiped out. And you have a good setup as the 31SL is a good match for a 3500 SRW TV.
Being retired now, we're generally on the road approx 8 AM, run at 60-62 MPH and generally setup and relaxing by 2 or 3 in the PM.
__________________
Michelle & Ann
2018 Chevy 3500HD Crew Cab High Country DRW, D/A, 2016 RW39MB, Dual ACs, Auto Level, Auto Sat Dish, Stack W/D, King Sleep #, 17.5" Sailuns w/Disc, MORryde IS & Pin, Comfort Ride Hitch, 5.5 Onan, Res Fridge & Induction Cook Top
mhs4771 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2017, 02:15 AM   #12
Senior Member
 
Ford truck guy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,285
For us, it all depends on our work schedule... With limited time off, sometimes we NEED to drive farther the first day to make things happen....

I have been know to tow from Sarasota FL, to Doswell VA ( just North of Richmond) on the first day home from vacation..
__________________
2020 F-350
2020 3991RD with-
17.5 Goodyear 114's , Titan Disc brakes, MorRyde 8K IS, Onan 6.5..
Ford truck guy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2017, 03:40 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
johnboytoo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,055
When we had the 350-redwood combo and still both working, we would regularly do the 8 or 9 hour run to get there !

But it depends on how you and your rig are set up

If your rv maxes out your tow vehicle, it can be a white knuckle, leave the ground every overpass transition, which will wear you out...

if your rig handles with two fingers and you are almost going to sleep it handles so well, you can go until a fuel or potty break is needed (usually the latter )

now in the motorhome, taking turns driving, and since one can potty underway, it makes it easier. But we still like to keep it at about 6 to 8 hours max and certainly be there before dark - just for the fact we will kill a gazillion bugs with the front if driving @ dusk or night !
__________________
Ours: '11 Monaco Diplomat 43DFT followed closely by '14 Jeep 4 dr Wrangler.
Hers: '13 Explorer Sport - AWD 365hp twin turbo scooter!
Previous: '13 Ford F350 CC Platinum and '13 38GK
johnboytoo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2017, 04:19 PM   #14
Senior Member
 
Shane Wood's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 2,032
Send a message via AIM to Shane Wood Send a message via MSN to Shane Wood Send a message via Yahoo to Shane Wood
I usually run 450 to 500 a day. Leave at 7am and park at 3pm. I find it relaxing to get setup before dark and rest with a cold one after the day of travel
__________________
2015 36RL pushing a 2015 Denali
Shane Wood is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2017, 06:17 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
Kaidocl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 215
I try my hardest to drive 500 miles a day that gives me enough time to find a good rv park in the day light.
__________________
Lorenz & Bailey + Karter J and Tristan Alexander and our German shepherd Capone in our 2013 36FL
Pulled by 2020 F350 SRW Curt 24K 🙄 stackable W/D vented- wet bolt kit + 17.5
Kaidocl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2017, 03:18 AM   #16
Senior Member
 
shrode's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 133
Thanks everyone for the feedback. I'm looking forward to rambling and smelling the roses, but as some have pointed out, when the days are limited, it can be all about minimizing the number of days on the road and maximizing the number of days with your feet in the sand. I am currently planning a trip from Texas to Key West, so there are definitely miles to be driven and sand to put my feet in.

What I've gathered so far is that a shared 10-12 hour day on good roads is not unreasonable, and I can expect to average 50-55 mph. I know from experience the one can only drive so many long days in a row, and I can also appreciate the desire to setup before dark. So, I'm planning a series of micro trips that consist of a long day (~500 miles), a short day (~200 miles), settle in early, stay awhile, then repeat. My stay awhile's are New Orleans, Disney World, and Key West.

Of course the best laid plans can be put asunder by any number of circumstances, but you have to start somewhere.
__________________
Danny & Terri
2017 31SL
Silverado 3500 CC SRW 4x4 LWB Duramax
shrode is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2017, 04:20 AM   #17
Senior Member
 
travelin' texans's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,353
Must have missed what part of Texas you're from?
Enjoy your trip & safe travels!
__________________
Danny & Linda
Full-timed 10+ years
Former '13 FB owner
Traded '13 GMC Denali DRW D/A
Currently rv & truckless
Replacement undetermined
travelin' texans is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2017, 10:20 AM   #18
Senior Member
 
rob_fla's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,674
Since I work fulltime and travel year round typically moving every few weeks I try to schedule my travel days at 250 to 350 miles.
I do some 500 mile days but prefer not to, I like to arrive around 2 to 3 in the afternoon, get setup and relax.
__________________
Robert & Sheryl
2014 Redwood 38FL
MoRyde 8K IS, Disc Brakes, MoRyde Pin Box
17.5 Goodyear G114's, RV Armor Roof
2018 RAM 3500 DRW, Curt Q24 Hitch

rob_fla is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2017, 03:49 PM   #19
Senior Member
 
Jim & Mary's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 721
Careful about staying in Key West........you may never want to leave.....
__________________


Jim & Mary 2013 36 RL with Titan Disc Brakes Residential Fridge Goodyear 17.5 H rated tires MORryde IS, MORryde pin box 2015 Ford F350 King Ranch DRW
Jim & Mary is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2017, 03:54 PM   #20
Senior Member
 
Ford truck guy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,285
Quote:
Originally Posted by shrode View Post
Thanks everyone for the feedback. I'm looking forward to rambling and smelling the roses, but as some have pointed out, when the days are limited, it can be all about minimizing the number of days on the road and maximizing the number of days with your feet in the sand. I am currently planning a trip from Texas to Key West, so there are definitely miles to be driven and sand to put my feet in.

What I've gathered so far is that a shared 10-12 hour day on good roads is not unreasonable, and I can expect to average 50-55 mph. I know from experience the one can only drive so many long days in a row, and I can also appreciate the desire to setup before dark. So, I'm planning a series of micro trips that consist of a long day (~500 miles), a short day (~200 miles), settle in early, stay awhile, then repeat. My stay awhile's are New Orleans, Disney World, and Key West.

Of course the best laid plans can be put asunder by any number of circumstances, but you have to start somewhere.
We have been to a couple of the campgrounds in the Keys . . last year was Point of View in Key Largo , and a few years back was Blue Water Key RV Resort.. That was the BEST ! ! a lot of the others looked like all the sites were too small for the RW's .

where wave you all stayed while down there ? - perhaps I will start a new thread, as the DW wants to visit there again this year ..
__________________
2020 F-350
2020 3991RD with-
17.5 Goodyear 114's , Titan Disc brakes, MorRyde 8K IS, Onan 6.5..
Ford truck guy is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Redwood RV or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:15 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
×