Re: WY itinerary

On 3/16/2025 10:07 AM, Ted Heise wrote:

On Sun, 16 Mar 2025 13:13:57 -0000 (UTC),
   George.Anthony <ganthony@gmail.net> wrote:

  bfh <redydog@rye.net> wrote:

sticks wrote:

 

  Just wondering Ted what you do for overnight stops and
parking when you're traveling between spots.  Do you find
campgrounds to stay at, hotels, sleep in the Acadia, or can
you sleep in the lance without pulling slide outs?

The trips we've done so far I've planned out ahead of time
in some detail--making reservations at campgrounds for each
night.  I'll make sure every second or third has at least a
dump station, if not sewer hookups.

>
That's I think how I proceed, just like when I'm working.
Everything gets planned out ahead of time so there aren't any
big surprises.

 I'm glad to know it's not just me.

I do think part of the difference between you and I, and guys like Bill and George is experience.  They certainly know the ropes better than we do.  But, I do think times have changed lately and things are much more crowded than they were in the past.  Even now, with planning an early April trip, Colorado sites I looked into don't open until May, and there were very few spots available at those in Utah in April.  I feel much better knowing I actually have a place to set up when I get there.

Just my opinion, but strict planning sucks. Back when the wife
and I travelcamped with a TT, we picked the places we wanted
to see, and then set out for the first one. The next day, we
decided to stay or go to the next one - or maybe even a
different one before the next one. Reservations? I don't
recall ever making one. Vacations are supposed to be loose -
not always worrying about hitting a schedule. Might see
something along the way that's looks interesting, and a
schedule or a reservation might make it difficult to check it
out.

 Yeah, that would be mu ideal, guess I'm too concerned about
surprises to go that way though.

I used to have no problem going cross country on a motorcycle without and plans, but this just seems different.  There are way fewer spots to park an RV than there are rooms in hotels.

However comma then is not now, and it may be crowded out there
these days, and reservations may be the only way to keep you
out of Walmart parking lots. If that's true, you have my
condolences. OTOH, even today I can't imagine it would be too
hard to find a flatspot out there in the Southwest where
you're usually on or near BLM land.

 Seems pretty crowded, but I'm still mostly a novice at this so I
could be looking at it too conservatively.

I have decided I will be looking at flat spotters during our trip, but I won't be doing it for a couple reasons.  First, I have no idea if I can keep my fridge running without shore power.  The book says not to do it for very long as it will quickly deplete the batteries.  Plus, it was 19F this morning where we will be in 2 weeks, so we also have to run the furnace fan off DC.  Since they frown on running generators during the evening hours, this bothers me.  I don't want to freeze.  I will be able to find out what is possible with the setup I have now on the trip out, as we are staying 2 nights in parking lots without service.  If I have to I can start up the generator I suppose, and see if the cops come and tell me I can't do that.
I will eventually like to get another 250 watts of solar panels on the roof and switch my wet batteries for lithiums.  First, I want to see how long these last.
Second, I have to admit I have serious concerns about the security of the vehicle while we are away.  No one will be sticking around our site and we will be gone most of the day.  I don't want to come back to a vandalized RV.  Staying in a campground at night might not be as nice as being out alone in the wilderness, but the security of it for now tips the scales.
---snip---

Can you just crash in the Lance without having to pull the
slide outs?

 Yes, the center aisle between the kitchen counters and the bench
seat on the other side is too narrow for any use of the kitchen,
but it's definitely passable.

Just wondering about this for parking lot stays like I am doing.  They won't allow you to open your slide outs, but we can turn the furnace on and have spots to sleep without doing so.  BTW, I think the Walmart option is not as good as it used to be.  The ones I called said no, and I saw many people saying the same thing.  We got approval from a Bass Pro, and a Cabelas.  They were nice and very helpful.  RVrs buy stuff from them, so it makes sense.

  Like you, I seldom plan beyond my first stop. These days with
  Internet and cell phones, we plan on the road. If one
  campground s full we call another. Very few overnights at
  Walmart, etc. Hey, it’s part of the adventure.

 So this suggests my caution is excessive.  Still, as I mentioned
above I would prefer to get a little more experience under my belt
before jumping into an unplanned trip.  That said, coming back
from Utah last year I did plan a stop in Colorado the night
before.  I'm thinking I might do the same for our whole trip back
from Wyoming in May/June.  We'll see how it goes.

Definitely easier once it warms up, and no problem for me if it is just overnight and not leaving the rig there alone.  As it is, don't let the old timers get ya.  They will have their fun with us greenhorns.  I certainly do appreciate their helpful advise!
sticks
--
Better Days Ahead!
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