First trip to Mount Rushmore

[captnrick3]

Originally Posted by ndb767

thank you for all your replies, sounds like Driving the Rv is a must for the trip. I will take everyones advice though and rent a car while I am there. Is it okay to drive the rv to the monument or should I set up camp and drive the rental there? sounds like the monument is going to take a small amount of time to see (especially with my boys) and I will defiantly go see the crazy horse monument. I am not sure if I need to start another topic but I noticed that I seem to be the only one without a toad. Any suggestions on the cheapest toad to get and is it best to tow on all four or on a dolly. Is it true that if you are towing a vehicle is it correct that you cannot back up at all with the car attached.

I see you got outstanding advise on Mt. Rushmore. All is spot on, we have been there several times over the last 20 years. Entire area is motorhome friendly, however a toad is quite recommended. As to your question of 4 down or dolly, 4 down is the way to go. A dolly adds significant weight to the entire rig and is a pain at the campground. If you have a vehicle that cannot be towed 4 down there are a number of resources like driveline disconnect, etc. that can help but there are quite a few cars that can be towed with no issue. And for a fact, it is impossible to back up more than a few feet if at all with a toad. Just have to make sure you don't get into that situation, however, most of us have at some point by accident. Called unhook and start over.

[MrT]

Originally Posted by ndb767

...and I will defiantly go see the crazy horse monument.

No need to go defiantly. I recommend you go willingly and with joy in your heart!

[The Wandering Irishman]

We went last year, first time for all of us. We were there the week of Sturgis simply by timing, were not attending the rally. We were fortunate to get a campsite in Custer State Park, electric only but perfect location and very nice facilities. We did not have a tow vehicle at the time so drove the RV (all 36' of it) to both Rushmore and Crazy Horse. Both are accommodating to RV's. We did then miss out on the famous winding roads and tunnels, but were able to drive the RV on the south loop in Custer with no problems.

I hope to visit both places again but with our tow vehicle next time only to enjoy the parts we missed and to not have to break camp each day to drive the RV around.

Tom

[sherman12]

Four down is easier if you have a car that can be towed that way, many can't including most Fords. Check out Remco.com for a list of vehicles that can be towed or would need a transmission pump. I tow with a dolly, weighs 500lbs. and tow my wife's RAV4 without any problems at all, either on the road or at campgrounds. Enjoy the trip to Mt. Rushmore etc., I was planning on going this July from Buffalo, NY but my wife thought going to Ireland with her family would be fun. I asked her how will we get the RV there because that's what we do. She's going to Ireland in October and I'm going camping to Finger Lakes (NY) wine country while she's gone.