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by LouBuonomo on Tue Jan 08, 2013 5:01 pm
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Hey Gang,

Thinking of taking an RV trip for fun/photography sometine this year (Sprin/Fall).

My wife has been hinting about RVs for a while and have been ignoring her as I am not a super big camper (unless it is a tent on the Okavango Delta ;) ) but thought maybe a nice Class B+ or something I could deal with.

Maybe the Grand Canyon or something like that. Don't think I want to drive from LI to there so maybe renting in Vegas etc....

Open to suggestions, opinions ,rants etc. on the destination and the RV idea.

Thanks
Lou
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by CJ Hockett on Tue Jan 08, 2013 10:20 pm
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Have been doing it for the past few years.  Pm me at cj.hockett@gmail.com
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by Glenn NK on Tue Jan 08, 2013 11:12 pm
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The destination sounds great - haven't been there since 1976, and didn't spend enough time.

The RV - well I have a 31 ft Class A, so I'm biased a bit. For photography it beats the heck out of a tent or a motel.

120 volt power from the converter (when driving) to charge batteries (camera, phone, or laptop).

If you're going that far west, seriously consider the Oregon coast.

Glenn
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by LouBuonomo on Wed Jan 09, 2013 8:39 am
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Thanks guys.

CJ I'll drop you a PM, Glenn don't think I could handle a Class A on my first attempt !!!!

Lou
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by Kari Post on Wed Jan 09, 2013 12:06 pm
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Wherever you decide to go, make sure RVs are allowed on the roads you wish to drive on. In some of the national parks there are roads off limits to RVs and trailers (although you could drive a pickup or van on them).
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by Glenn NK on Wed Jan 09, 2013 12:41 pm
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LouBuonomo wrote:Thanks guys.

CJ I'll drop you a PM, Glenn don't think I could handle a Class A on my first attempt !!!!

Lou
Actually they are easier - the driving position on a Class A is much higher enabling one to see over most vehicles providing a far better view of the road and traffic ahead.  When I pass a semi, my head is at about the same height as the driver's.  The big rigs are about the only vehicle I can't see over (and other RVs of course).
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by penghai on Wed Jan 09, 2013 9:21 pm
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Consider the length too. In California, there are many state park RV sites limit the max vehicle length to 24 ft. It will be much easier to find reservations within that limit.

Eric
 

by Brian Stirling on Wed Jan 09, 2013 9:40 pm
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In 2004 into 2005 I traveled around the south west (USA) in an RV and towed a trailer with a motorcycle so that I could get around on the bike and not have to take the RV everywhere. I started in late April in the southern part of the country and as the weather warmed going towards summer I moved further north, then, as the weather cooled off in the fall I headed further south -- you can do that in an RV. So, if you can tow a small car or motorcycle you can drive the RV to an area then use the car/MC to get around the area without having to take the gas hungry RV.

If you have enough time you might consider the Grand Canyon through Yellowstone with Utah's parks and attractions in between.


Brian
 

by CJ Hockett on Thu Jan 10, 2013 10:08 am
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Lou
One thing I forgot to mention in my pm is that with the sprinter van class b type rig at 19.5 feet you do not have to worry about road width, tight corners, or length of parking/ camping space. I do need 10' of verticle clearance for the ac unit on top.   I have been on the narrow roads at meritt island nwr and can easily pass or pull over for other vehicles.  I do not make reservation at camp grounds but simply arrive and always get a one night spot or use overflow camping.  Less is more for me and mobility is important.  Example; while parked at a recent campground other campers were going out to dinner in their autos and we said we will meet you there to which they replied "but how will you get there?"  Answer: "In the sprinter of course"  Disconnect the shore power cord, throw it in the boot and off we go.  Best of luck.
CJ
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by LouBuonomo on Thu Jan 10, 2013 11:21 am
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CJ- Thanks but didn't get the PM
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by Jeff Zanin on Sat Jan 12, 2013 2:09 pm
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There is nothing wrong with communicating by PM, but I for one find this topic quite interesting and would like to read more about RV considerations for photo missions.

Jeff
 

by Larry Herbert on Sun Jan 13, 2013 5:35 am
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My wife and I did six months last year in a fifth wheel pulled by a GMC diesel truck. A word of caution, the RV thing is not for everyone,rent before you buy, there are things to learn that may not occur to you until you are on the road. Do not leave the driveway without Good Sam emergency road service. We traveled 23,000 miles, from FL, with stops in tn, mn, nd, mt, or. and ws. Most of our time was spent in yellowstone,spring and fall, we would do it again in a New York minute. IMHO you must tow something:(1) class A and towed car or diesel truck and 5-wheel, parking a RV in a photographic spot is a major PITA. (2) truck and 5- wheel will probably give you the most bang for your buck
(3) do your homework, go to RV shows, talk to full-timers.
I believe RV travel to be great for nature photography and the non-photographer is not likely to be bored out of her mind, you will be taking TV, computer, indoor plumbing and of course a ton of photo gear, it is the only way to go, but it is a life style change, with a learning curve.
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by LouBuonomo on Sun Jan 13, 2013 9:01 am
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Larry thanks for your thoughts. If we do this it would a 10-14 day thing
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by Carl Crumley on Sun Jan 13, 2013 10:56 am
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My wife and I drove from New York to California and back in October in 28 days, logging 9,000 miles. We couldn't find a Class B motorhome to rent in this area as it seems most are based in the midwest or west. We chose to travel in my SUV and stay at motels which got VERY pricey but on the other hand was comfortable and easy. While the Grand Canyon is wonderful and I've been there a number of times I would suggest Yellowstone first (it's the crown jewel of our park system and I've visited most of them), and then southern Utah with it's abundance of parks that could keep you busy for weeks.
 

by LouBuonomo on Sun Jan 13, 2013 3:42 pm
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Thanks Carl.. Not sure we would be married after the drive from NY ;)That is why I was thinking flying in the mid-west/west and renting a B or B+

She has always wanted to see the Canyon so it was a 2 birds with one stone thought.
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by Scott Fairbairn on Sun Jan 13, 2013 4:44 pm
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I didn't read all the posts here, but I did the yukon, dempster and alaska in an RV. You have to really, really look at those contracts as they nickel and dime you for EVERYTHING, including dishes! You really need to calculate everything out carefully, count on a flat, and maybe throw in a quick repair kit plus roadside service , but we found you pay through the nose for some things. We ended up buying some dishes versus having it included(since you will be charged for it if it's missing or broken).
Inspect the vehicle with a fine tooth comb, and photograph any marks(before AND after). We had a bit of a fight when we returned ours as there were "black" marks along the top, which they insisted were damage, luckily we realized that it was from the rubber hose at the car wash and they rubbed off, otherwise they were charging us $300 for damages, and yes, they charge you if it comes back dirty, at least the places we looked at. Maybe it's a north country thing, I don't know, but it is not as simple as renting a car, you need to do the math ahead of time.
 

by George DeCamp on Sun Jan 13, 2013 6:10 pm
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You could rent cousin eddie's rig

http://www.partyfleet.com/condor_vehicle.html

http://www.vehrcommunications.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Cousin-Eddie.jpg


:mrgreen:
 

by LouBuonomo on Sun Jan 13, 2013 9:53 pm
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Nice George... BTW, haven't discussed with the Mrs. yet?
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by LouBuonomo on Sun Jan 13, 2013 9:53 pm
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Nice George... BTW, haven't discussed with the Mrs. yet?
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by George DeCamp on Mon Jan 14, 2013 8:19 am
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Actually looks like it would be fun to me but she is a person who enjoys more comforts so we always opt for the hotels nearby. I think if LuLu liked it though she would go for it. lol

I think this wold be a great trip!!
 

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