How far to travel in a day??

[fayliss]

On long cross country trips from Upstate New York to South Dakota or Arizona, what is a comfortable distance to travel in a day so I can make camp and set up around dinner time? I have never taken more than a two day trip before, but now want to go across country after I retire. I travel alone except for my two dogs. Any advice appreciated.

[ependydad]

Whatever is comfortable for you and your style. What time do you typically get up and out at? Do you travel interstates or side roads? Do you like to stop at things that strike your fancy/are you wanting to sight-see? Do you like a long break in the middle of the day?

I tend to average 45mph for my family once I factor in stops. Sometimes slower than that. And we are late risers. I've had cross-country days as short as 165 miles and as long as 600 miles. It's me, my wife, and 2 kids (no pets). I'm be primary driver, though my wife will also.

[AquaMan]

Travel to the point you feel comfortable. 4-6 hours seems to be the norm for a lot of folks. I try to keep it under 12 hours these days, but have been known to do 16-17 without much effort.

[Mr. Dan]

See this thread - many inputs here:
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ing-79805.html

[FordHauler]

We like to sleep in and drink our coffee before loading up for the day. We attempt to keep driving time to 5 hours each day. We try to never promise some one (usually kids or grandkids) at the destination, a set time that we will arrive. If we see something of interest we stop, detour, pull into Wally World for an afternoon nap, what ever suits us. We are retired, right? Suit yourself, unless you have an appointment, deadline or funeral to attend (although they won't miss you) don't drive until you are worn out. I prefer to set up in daylight. You will learn what suits you the best. Enjoy the ride.
Travel safe

[si camper]

400 miles in a day is the limit I set and that is a full day. And I won't do more than a couple of those in a row. We'll have a light breakfast, try to be on the road by 8:00, and be parked again by 5:00. We'll take several breaks along the way. Lunch is inside the RV. After setting up we go out to have a good dinner and refuel the truck.

[acadianbob]

I've done 500 miles in a day a couple of times. At 60 mph, that's a good 8 hours; plus a couple of stops; fuel, bathroom, break; walk the dogs. So, for us, 500 miles is just about 10 hours. That's a long day . . . . and it's been almost exclusively freeway travel. 400 miles is much easier on you.

[aceinspp]

350 miles is a reasonable distance to travel in a day without getting overly tired. Now that your retired why hurry. Take your time and enjoy the sites as you travel. Later RJD

[camper1999]

It is really what you feel comfortable with. On a 1000 mile trip we will travel 600 miles the first day when we are fresh and then finish it up the next day.

[Blacknchromehd]

To Sturgis and back twice...in order to spend more time riding my Harleys I made it out and such in 3 days...1700 miles...longest day 700 miles...

[Terier]

Some people can travel longer than others. My brother would have a shorter traveling day on every other day when he & his DW traveled across country. Set a reasonable goal and see how it works for you & adjust if need be. Arriving dead tired is not enjoyable - I did that once and ended up taking a nap before setting up camp.

[wana65stang]

Did the March break 24 hr mad dash from Toronto to Orlando back when I was young and stupid ( more then but still ! ) you would feel like crap for 2 days and then have to turn around and travel back home in time to get kids back to school. Now we take our time and stop when we want usually travel about 4-5 hrs per day.

[Canonman]

I recommend the Good Sam trip planner. Look at the distance you need to go. Figure the distance you can comfortably cover before you need a fuel stop. DW and I can do around 250 mi or so between breaks. That comes down to usually one break and one fuel stop. We try and plan our overnight for the second fuel stop. For example we are planning on another trip this summer to the OR coast. Total trip is 900 mi. We'll overnight about 1/2 way and take a fuel/break stop at about 1/4. We use the trip planner to see what that works out to for towns or places to stop and see the sights.
In short, 400 to 500 miles per day is about what we average with stops at 200 to 250 miles.

[Rudy]

^x2 I plan on about 500 miles per day if doing nothing but driving. If any sightseeing deduct that time from the 500. I like to drive and it doesn't bother me to drive that amount with a lunch and fuel stop and at the most a quick rest room break between if necessary. I use that as a guide and then look at possible overnight spots and adjust from there.

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[DiverDennis]

300 per day for us.

[locogk]

i have done 400 to 550 we like to leave 8 to 9 am and try and stop before dark on long hauls i like to see the spot i am pulling into or backing into

[Kels4g]

6-7 hours seems to be our comfort zone.

[talldiver]

For us it's 300 miles or 3:00 PM, whichever comes first. I also like to see the campsite, especially if I am backing in. We get out early and like to relax at the campsite

[Maggiewaggie]

We do 200-250 miles a day. That allows for daytime breaks, interesting stops, and possible nap. It depends on campgrounds too. Why hurry???

[DickiedooFlagman]

It depends on lots of variables:
Do you like to drive in the dark?
What is the range of your fuel tank?
Do you get stiff and need to take breaks?
Too much party the prior evening?
Back roads or freeway?
Leisurely or peddle down?
Caravaning with others?
Location: Northeast is slower, South and west of Mississippi River is faster.
Mountains could be slower.