First big trip!

[curtiscapk]

We're taking the new Tracer from KC to Surfside Beach TX the first week of May.

Super excited! We're doing a 7 hour haul the first day and 6 the second. We normally do 4 to the daughters house so we should be ok. Stopping at cooper lake state park outside of Sulphur springs TX.

We found a rv park that had an available spot looking out at the gulf.

Here's the planned routes never been that way through OK or until 45 south of Dallas.

Wish us luck!

[dalford]

Have fun and have a safe trip.

Just remember those time calculations are based on non-stop Highway speeds. I’m not sure what speed you tow at but I see 470 miles on the map. I use an average of 50 mph when towing and that is pretty accurate. That includes fuel stops and stretch my legs stops. We usually stop about every 2 hours. You will know what your avg is after this trip. I’ve pulled over 50K miles and I find the 50 mph rule to ho;d pretty accurate.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by dalford

Have fun and have a safe trip.

Just remember those time calculations are based on non-stop Highway speeds. I’m not sure what speed you tow at but I see 470 miles on the map. I use an average of 50 mph when towing and that is pretty accurate. That includes fuel stops and stretch my legs stops. We usually stop about every 2 hours. You will know what your avg is after this trip. I’ve pulled over 50K miles and I find the 50 mph rule to ho;d pretty accurate.

X2

50 MPH is a good rule of thumb. A 300 mile trip (or segment) will take you 6 hours. In almost 50 years of R/Ving this is pretty accurate. As mentioned, it includes potty breaks, fuel stops and a bite to eat at lunch. Weather, heavy traffic and construction can add to the time needed to get from point A to point B. If you pee in a cup, have a 150 gallon fuel tank and wear diapers, you'll get a better average.

Best of luck and enjoy!

[cunninham]

Originally Posted by 5picker

X2

...If you pee in a cup, have a 150 gallon fuel tank and wear diapers, you'll get a better average.

Best of luck and enjoy!

Now that's what I'd call a commitment to meeting a time line

[curtiscapk]

Yep figured 9 hours total which is our normal time 600 miles without a camper

[kenandterry]

RV travel speeds and time are not the same as just driving a car.
If you do travel at 70mph or more……it will come back to bite you.

Most veteran travellers agree the travel speed is best between 62-65mph for safety and best fuel mileage. Add in rest stops, fuel or any sightseeing, and that’s why you’ll find the calculations for RV travel is

50 miles actually covered in an hour.

Your last statement of 9 hours for 600 miles isn’t the RV norm.

Good luck.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by curtiscapk

Yep figured 9 hours total which is our normal time 600 miles without a camper

I guess I don't understand your math? (or something)

Your photo shows 470 miles the first day and a drive time (without R/V) of 7 hours and 17 minutes for an average of 64.82 MPH.

The next photo shows (I think/partially cut off) 362 miles and a drive time of 6 hours and 16 minutes for an average of 57.92 MPH.

That's a total of 832 miles and 14 hours per Google with an average of 59.42 MPH. (without a R/V)

If you do that distance in 9 hours, you'd average 92.444 MPH!

Where are you coming up with the 600 miles and 9 hours?

Pulling an R/V, that trip (832 miles) will take you about 16.6 hours.
(470÷50=9.4 hours on day 1 and 362÷50=7.25 hours the second)

[dalford]

Originally Posted by curtiscapk

Yep figured 9 hours total which is our normal time 600 miles without a camper

Curtiscapk, I see you’re pretty new to the forum and I don’t want you to feel like the speed police (we do have weight police on here too..lol) are beating you up. Enjoy your trip and let us know how you made out. Just don’t be surprised if you find out it takes a little longer than it takes….

[curtiscapk]

Geez guys I meant the first day

[dalford]

Originally Posted by curtiscapk

Geez guys I meant the first day

I was only referring to the first day. 470 miles in 7 hours? Good luck, I think more like 9 hours but that’s just my experience in my 10 years of towing.
Like I said earlier you will know once you’ve done the first leg. Let us know..

[curtiscapk]

Originally Posted by curtiscapk

Yep figured 9 hours total which is our normal time 600 miles without a camper

Here is me stating we figured 9 hours.... which we normally do 600 miles WITHOUT A CAMPER . The times on the map are Google times NOT what we're planning on driving the actual time listed on our trip towing the camper.

[Reverse_snowbird]

Sounds like a great trip!

The loop (99) that you're taking around Houston is a toll road and very busy during rush hour, so try to time your trip accordingly.

I think you can drive on part of the beach with a permit. It's a hard sand beach. Oh and "Christmas trees and sand fences are for erosion control. DO NOT BURN THEM." from the Surfside Beach website
https://www.surfsidetx.org/page/city.beach_rules

[curtiscapk]

Yep thanks we've been there a lot. Just not with camper.

[5picker]

Have a great trip and enjoy!

[Beachbourbon]

All these experienced fellows that say it will take longer are correct in my experience. If it was me I would take an additional day to get there

[snoopinaround]

We have stayed on the Island farther down the beach at the KOA (outstanding resort btw) and loved it! Your first stop good choice as we have never camped at a bad Texas State Park. Stop at the Buc-cees before you hit the Island. If you want a break from the beach, I highly recommend a visit to the Houston Space Center. Enjoy!

[Theb2b]

For travel time I take google travel distance and put them into a spreadsheet that then calculates travel time at 65 MPH and fuel mileage over distance and for each tank of fuel used adds 20 minutes for refueling stops.

In addition it has an if statement that states if travel ends with a half tank or more add 20 minutes for DW potty break.

Been pretty damn accurate.

[moose074]

Originally Posted by 5picker

Have a great trip and enjoy!

X2. Learn as you go adjust to what you learned. Enjoy

[curtiscapk]

Thanks everyone starting to get closer!