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Old 09-06-2016, 09:08 PM   #1
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Trip report - the "Great American Roadtrip" - Summer 2016 edition

Hi all, we just got back from an amazing 3 week trip from Madison Wi to the giant redwoods in Humboldt county California and back. On the way we stopped in the Tahoe region of CA, San Francisco, Snake River canyon in UT, Yellowstone national park, Mount Rushmore monument, and the Badlands National park (for the 100th year birthday party!) to name a few. Not enough time in any of those places, but it is a trip we will remember forever. For an amazing 22 nights, 5000 miles, and _almost_ 10,000 feet of elevation (Bighorn Mtn. pass was 9940 feet), we had 5 people and a pug living in the 233s with enough room so each had their own bed and we all stayed sane. As a tow vehicle I can’t say enough good things about the Grand Cherokee with the eco diesel. Amazing pulling power (420 lb/feet of torque) and fuel mileage (calculated to 14.5 MPG over the entire trip) combined with good comfort and the ability to fit into our garage make it a winner for us!
Thanks to all the contributors on the forums, I’ve been stealthily learning from you-all for the last year in preparation for our trip. Thanks!
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Old 09-06-2016, 09:21 PM   #2
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Wow! Great trip! Thanks for sharing! I would love to go out for 3 weeks but my customers would hunt me down! I get out this weekend and the next!

Enjoy!
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Old 09-07-2016, 09:14 AM   #3
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Nice Trip!
What WD do you have?

Tks,
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Old 09-07-2016, 09:44 AM   #4
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We have the Equal-i-zer 4 point hitch. Works amazingly well, very stable pull and easy to use.
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Old 09-07-2016, 12:53 PM   #5
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Thank you for sharing, sounds like a great trip!
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Old 09-07-2016, 06:04 PM   #6
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Thanks for sharing!

And ditto what you said about all the contributions. We've been soaking up so much valuable information on this forum while waiting for our trailer to arrive - I am very grateful!

Go Badgers!
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Old 09-08-2016, 12:25 AM   #7
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What a great trip! We are in the planning stage for a big trip out that way next summer. We've never been in that part of the country and are really looking forward to it. Just my DH, me and possibly a puppy in our ROO21DK.
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Old 09-08-2016, 11:41 AM   #8
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I enjoy reading about everyone's RV adventures. I am planning my first 3-4 week trip in early November 2016 to the Ozark Mountains. My questions are: Is it important to have campsite reservations along the route or is there a lot of availability during the fall season, and does everyone buy groceries as needed along the way or stockpile before leaving?
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Old 09-08-2016, 11:57 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by Hector517 View Post
I enjoy reading about everyone's RV adventures. I am planning my first 3-4 week trip in early November 2016 to the Ozark Mountains. My questions are: Is it important to have campsite reservations along the route or is there a lot of availability during the fall season, and does everyone buy groceries as needed along the way or stockpile before leaving?
We tend to make reservations beforehand, but have been known to do it on the fly also. As for food, we have a large fridge and freezer, so we stock meat and everything we can prior, but will also make trips to local grocers for perishables. Pack what you can, buy the rest along the way.
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Old 09-08-2016, 12:05 PM   #10
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Glad you had a nice adventure ! More pics if you have them ?
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Old 09-08-2016, 02:21 PM   #11
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I always make reservations before leaving. I like the security of. Knowing we have a spot when we get to our destination. If it is a long trip with a night or 2 on the road to get there we have made use of Walmarts, Cracker Barrels or TA's along the route. As for food. I shop at home and pack right in the . Meats I have frozen I the deep freeze that I put in the tt freeze. I always turn on the tt refer a couple of days before we leave to be sure it is cold. Haven't had any problems, yet ( knock on wood ). When we get where we are going I will pick up fresh stuff as needed. Good luck on your your trip. The Ozarks should be beautiful in the fall.
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Old 09-08-2016, 08:02 PM   #12
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Thanks very much for the advice. I didn't get to travel very much growing up. Now that I am 57 and single, I look forward to seeing this beautiful country of ours three to four weeks at a time with my loyal Labrador puppy. I enjoy meeting new friends and learning from them. And I understand that a simple sandwich or bowl of chili next to a campfire under the stars can be scrumptious. I am getting excited!
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Old 09-08-2016, 08:45 PM   #13
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We make destination reservations and Fl winter reservations a year in advance. Never know how far I'll drive each day so will call ahead about an hour or 2 before stopping for the night. Never had a problem. If on the interstate just may stop in a road side rest area. Never have used Wally World and always prefer a CG.
I pack a cooler for the road. Can always find a restaurant on the road. At destination I find a grocery store and purchase all but staples that remain in the 5er. Always have snacks and easy stuff for until the day after arrival at destination.
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Old 09-08-2016, 11:54 PM   #14
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Thanks CaptnJohn. Sounds like a good plan.
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Old 09-08-2016, 11:56 PM   #15
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Do CG reservations require a non-refundable deposit?
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Old 09-09-2016, 12:21 AM   #16
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Do CG reservations require a non-refundable deposit?
Most have a cancellation fee.
Most state parks require full payment for reservations.
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Old 09-09-2016, 08:11 AM   #17
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For our trip we had a pretty strict schedule and timeframe. Because of this I made reservations well in advance. That being said, I think there were only one or two stops on the way that were completely full that night. If we had a more flexible schedule we could have easily played the reservations by ear.
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Old 09-10-2016, 03:22 PM   #18
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What is the payload on your TV, it's the yellow sticker on the drivers side door jam? Thanks!!!!!
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