Closure questions for planned trip out west

[Pcdendr]

Hello All,


A week from today, DW and I are heading from northern Michigan to Montana along us 2. Returning via Wyoming, South Dakota etc... We plan to be on the road the entire month of September.

I popped into our local AAA office to get maps and what not the other day. The woman I spoke with indicated I needed to be cognizant of road closures due to weather or seasonal issues and or campgrounds being closed for the season.

We have never traveled west like this at this time of year. Is there anything you can share with us that will make our Journey more pleasant.

We are towing a Sanibel 3050 and typically drive 200 to 400 miles, stop and check things out for a day or two then move on. On trips like this we never know where we are going to land thus we never make reservations in advance for campgrounds. Our intention is to always stay in a full hook up Campground.

We don't typically carry a generator on adventures like this do you recommend I do so? Any other gear I might wish I had? I should mention that I always carry tools and materials to fix issues I may have. I'm a good little Boy Scout, I try to always be prepared.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Pete and Cheryl

[youroo]

On (Long) trips we carry a Gen. Only have used it once. Be Prepared Boy Scout! Youroo!!

[F and E Damp]

For us, Montana is "back East".

[Lloydg]

I'm a registered Boy Scout and have been for over 30 years. Before buying our first RV in 2010 I was backpacking for most of my camping. I never tried to carry a generator on my back, but next time I backpack I will so no one will accuse my of not being prepared.

[coupevillefish]

A week from today is beginning the Labor Day weekend so finding a full hookup might be a challenge. Most travelers can go a day. Or two without hookups. House batteries should recharge as you drive.

We often travel without reservations and call ahead as we reach an area to see if sites are available. We use Allstays Camp & RV to find campgrounds in an area we want to stop.

[caper]

When we travel west (Canadian side) it is usually later in the season. I also try to limit my travel to 300 miles per day. I have start to plan my trip a month before we leave. I check out what CG are open along the way. If the next CG is only 150 miles away and the next is 500 miles, I will make it a short day of 150 miles so my next day is only 350 miles. Also I carry an extra 5 gal. of gas. We did run out of gas on a trip the first year because the gas station between the two points was at a tourist trap and they where closed for the season. You should not have a problem finding CG along the way in Sept. We usually do not head west till mid Oct. The odd night we cannot get a CG is spent at a motel. Have fun and do not worry. Life is too short.

[DXSMac]

Not sure about Wyoming. Montana campgrounds (some, not all) stay open through September to about October 15, at least those along the I-90 stretch. You will be on US2. Could be dicey.

[BigBaron]

How big is your generator? If it can't run A/C and you have good batteries, why bother? Not having it will add to the adventure!
I search Google maps to find if there are any closures of roads and stuff.
Have you searched the forum here for threads about similar trips? It helped when planning our America trip.

[Pcdendr]

Thank you all for your comments. We always travel with paper maps and books as well as the Internet. We do research as we drive about what's ahead for viewing or spending the night. Never had too much problem with this method. We have just never been to Montana in September. We have no experience with weather and seasonal closing's out there.

I do hope I didn't offend any Boy Scouts out there. It was not my intention. I apologize if I did.

We are quite excited to get on the road.

Over the years we have carried generators, but never used them. I would buy a new one for this rig if I thought there was a quality reason to lug it around. I don't really need to haul the extra weight if its not necessary though.

P

[Seneca SS]

in Wyoming ,they usually don't close any roads for the season till after November --they will close some hi mountain passes if there is good snow fall but plow them and re open them asap---no unusual to get snow anytime in the coming days and weeks but doesn't last long--plan your trip so you are no on the hi passes late day or you might spend the night in snow---Have seen a foot of snow on the Big Horns east fo Sheridan on Labor day weekend but we have been hot so far and calling for good warm weather for the next 10 days--good luck !!!!

[Badlands]

From my experience this time of year in those states, you should be fine with the campgrounds, though weekends may still be crowded at some. As you noted, pay attention to highway closures and detours. Each state DOT lists their highway work on-line, and it pays to check ahead. Lots of highway construction going on this year, and it will until the weather brings an end to the season.

It sounds like a wonderful adventure, and the pace you mentioned sounds perfect! Good advice on the spare fuel, especially in the mountainous areas. The peace of mind is well worth the effort of carrying a gas can around.

Have a safe and enjoyable journey!

[Blackrock]

Shouldn't be any problems along Hiway 2. What they call the Hi Line in Montana. There should still be plenty of RV Parks available. Beware of the oil boom though centered around Williston ND as every rv space within miles of there is jammed. Plan your trip and plan to stay 150 to 200 miles either side of there.

[Pcdendr]

Originally Posted by Blackrock

Shouldn't be any problems along Hiway 2. What they call the Hi Line in Montana. There should still be plenty of RV Parks available. Beware of the oil boom though centered around Williston ND as every rv space within miles of there is jammed. Plan your trip and plan to stay 150 to 200 miles either side of there.

Thanks for the tip. We will plan on getting past there before we call it a day.

P

[rockfordroo]

How big is your generator? If it can't run A/C and you have good batteries, why bother?

I doubt they'll need the A/C in September, given the concern raised appears to be rain/snow. I've seen snow in Yellowstone on June 15th, so I suspect snow could be a real possibility in Montana in Sept.