Forgive my long windedness...
I lost my wife nearly three years ago. Our plan was to buy an RV and see the USA. A dual bucket list as it were.
To honor her memory I imparted on the USA tour around April 15th. I just found this forum but would have
started this thread sooner had I known.
I bought a 21 RBS on April 5th and about two weeks later began my journey from North Georgia (Cumming, GA.)
First stop was the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, NM. If you are a shooting enthusiast, this is your place.
Everything from trap, skeet, clays, small bore, big bore, black powder, practical range, you name it they have a range for it.
Stayed for a week and shot probably 5000 rounds. Beautiful scenery, deer, antelope, bear were all over. Extremely clean with
a very helpful staff.
On to the South side of the Grand Canyon. I stayed two days. What can I say or do but wonder about creation and awe at
the visual results.
Over and through Colorado stopped and saw friends in Fort Collins. Beautiful but have been there many, many times and
I wanted to get back to Wyoming. I'm also into genealogy, I have a branch of the family that moved from Western PA
to Themopolis WY during the depression so I stopped in Thermopolis and looked around. Again the visuals were outstanding
I can see why those relatives loved the area. On to Yellowstone with mini stops on the way. Cody WY was first with the
Buffalo Bill Center, Irma Hotel/Restaurant. The city of Cody a cowboy mecca. Great tourist trap stores. But set aside
two days to visit the Buffalo Bill Center you dont want to miss anything.
Next up a week in Yellowstone. I seemed to be a week early the East entrance wasnt open until the 8th of May. I drove
up into Montana and came in through the North entrance. Glad I did the the camp grounds I stayed at was 1/4 mile from the Yellowstone
gate. Buffalo, Elk, Deer everywhere. One bear did cross our path but I wasnt quick enough with the camera. My travelling companion
a 28 lb French Bulldog (Bella) definitely saw the bear. Once more creation sights amazed me. Geysers, mud pots, hot springs you
need 3-5 days to see it all. I have to go back some day as a few areas were still closed to the public. Snow fall kept a few roads
impassable. All the more reason to go back. Sadly we left Yellowstone.
The area around Little Big Horn had a genuine solemn feeling. I had an images of a hill where Custer and his troop fought to the
end. When I looked around and saw tombstones scattered everywhere it became apparent to me the battle was from all sides
and chaos was the order of the day. On a side note again with the genealogy George Armstrong Custer was my second cousin
four times removed.
The Devils Tower is our next visit. I loved "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" We parked at the KOA with the Tower directly in front of us.
They play the movie during summer months. We stayed a day in the area. Wish I were younger to handle hiking and climbing around there.
We drove to Mt Rushmore. A patriotic feeling and also an wonder of how they could possibly carve this beautiful sight out of a mountain.
The area is full of wildlife, tons of "Kodak Moments" Driving around the Black Hills National Forest, Custer State Park, Crazyhorse mountain.
will give your camera a true workout. Speaking of which I opened a Facebook account to post the many snap shots. I say snap shots
because I'm no photographer nor do I have a very good camera.
We then went to Wall Drug for a day. Nice breakfast, some souvenirs, 5 cent coffee. A nice visit and we are off to the Badlands for two days.
Nature is full of wonders and the Badlands are tops on my list. As I was driving through the area I could just see bands of Indians chasing
bison, or more to my childhood the Lone Ranger and Tonto, chasing the bad guys through the ravines, and canyons. I hate to keep using the
same word but it is a beautiful area.
Next stop, Washington Iowa to visit my sister and niece. What can I say about Iowa.... ? Flat, corn, pigs, rain... that about covers it.
A stop at the KOA Richmond, IN. Cold and wet nasty rain. One night and I'm now at my sons farm in Western PA. Near Pittsburgh and my
hometown of Dunbar, PA. Planning a couple week stay to visit all the family. Especially my 2 Grand Daughters. Maybe a short camping trip
in the new 21RBS for Memorial Day weekend.
I plan to visit Gettysburg, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Petersburg, VA and then back home to Georgia.
So far I have logged 5900 miles , averaged 10 MPG (HEMI Dodge PU) average $25 a night for campsite stays.
I did stay in two Cabelas very nice of them to allow free camping (No hookups) They do have dog kennels, a dump station.
Stayed mostly in KOA's. Since I'm a week or so early in the season many cut me a price break as the amenities werent open
yet. A KOA in WY was only $15 a night with full hookup services.
So far the 21RBS, it has been a dream to tow, and not many problems. I have decided on a few mods and upgrades. The aluminum
floor was a killer at low temps in the Rockies. I was worried my bare feet would freeze to it. I'm thinking of rubber tile flooring
in a cherry wood design. A better shower head, a clock on the wall somewhere, better storage plans.
I would have preferred "drawers" to open cabinetry. Anything it the cabinets just roll around and become a giant mess while driving and hitting
WV potholes. Drawers and closed shelves would be great. Rigging for the road was much like rigging for rough seas in the submarine service.
If it isnt tied down it becomes a missile.
The two rear overhead vents have small leaks and the one just outside the head wont fully close nor open
the drive shaft feels stripped. The VESA swing arm for the TV broke. The detent pin fell apart now I bungy cord it together.
Finally a real design issue that I dont see as a big one but who the heck put the fresh water intake
on the opposite side of all the other external connections? Like I said no real biggie but it even looks bad.
If anyone wants to see some pictures friend me on Facebook. Dave Tressler.
Ride Safe
Great trip report and a wonderful trip. What is your tow vehicle and how has it handled the mountains?
Thanks for the report.
One of the reasons I bought the Campin Lite was I had already bought a new RAM1500 and didnt feel I could tow heavier trailers. Plus I had no plans to fork out $60K +++ for a diesel truck. ::)
In the flat lands I get about 12.8 MPG towing up the Rockies anywhere from 8.7 to 9.5 MPG. One thing I did notice out West was the octane of 85 really ate into my mileage usually 9 or slightly less.
If I put in 89 or 91 it would go back up to just shy of 12MPG. The 21RBS tows very easy. I have no stabilizer but I had a brake controller installed fearing the Rockies. About 6200 miles and I estimate
another 1500 before I'm home. Fuel has been the highest expense. Gas thru the South and upper West ranged $3.29-$3. 35 per gallon. Once I hit I-70 Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, PA that all change to upwards
of $4.10 - $4.29 per gallon. At average 10 MPG my trip fuel cost should come in at about $3K. :-S
I tow my 21BHS with a 2009 Ram 1500. I agree it is a very nice match, and tows really well.
Back home in North GA. The 21RBS functioned very well. I had a few minor failures. The roof vent outside the bathroom is slightly open and will not close or open, seems stripped. The TV release detent broke and I started using a plastic cable tie which worked fine. The furnace thermostat screws worked their way out and the thermostat was just hanging there. As to the fan I would like to get all three replaced. No I cant do it myself I get dizzy on a step ladder. Any suggestions?
Some stats.
Total miles 8104
Gas 787.6 gallons average 10.3 MPG tow rig RAM 1500 HEMI 3.92 rear gears.
Average gas cost 3.41 @ gallon
Highest gas by state PA $ 3.87 Lowest WY $3.16
Travel through 23 states.
Best meal Irma Hotel in Cody, WY "Prime Rib Buffet" Worse was a BBQ dive that I cant remember the name in Texas.
Best campground KOA in Hill City, SD
Best Free camp site Cabelas Rapid City SD
Would I do it again? Yes if I had a traveling companion other then my dog. More fun with others to enjoy the sights and someone to take pictures
I'm a horrible photographer. However, I would repeat a few individual sights. Like Yellowstone and the Whittington Center.
What would I do different? I left on April 16, 2014 I'd delay that by maybe 2-3 weeks. It was still a bit cold especially in Yellowstone. I needed the floor covered there. It was cold.
Next trip is slightly closer and warmer. I plan a 2 week circle of Florida.
I really enjoyed reading about your trip. Thanks for sharing. I am not too far away from retirement, and hope to see the country, either towing or driving an RV. Have a great time in Florida.
Dave,
Sorry about the loss of your Wife.
My Wife & I plan to make a trip out west, too. Will visit some places you visited on your trip.
Thanks for posting the report,
Bill, I'm not sure what your exact plans are. My only issue was the firearm laws in Kalifornia kept me out of that state. I would have loved to visit Yosemite and Death Valley. However, I was "packing iron". I had 6 pistols and 18 rifles for my nearly week stay at the NRA Whittington Center. I could just see me getting pulled over by a CHP and try to explain the arsenal. Some of which do not meet the Kalifornia firearms laws. Other then that the trip was fantastic. I want to do 90% of it again. No need to hit the Badlands, Mt Rushmore, Devils Tower, and the Little Big Horn. But the entire states of Wyoming and Montana could take a month or two for me.
A month in Wyoming or Montana sounds great (provided it is not January). :)
We are currently making plans for the first trip. Will need to make three trips during the next couple years to see everything we want to see in the lower 48. During the first trip my Wife wants to see Yellowstone & Grand Tetons. That will be as far west as we will go on the first trip. Trying to come up with routes to & from North Carolina staying @ State Parks, National Parks, and Private campgrounds. We flew out West once, rented a car & visited Death Valley, North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Zion NP during September. Will go back there probably during the third trip.
Always open to suggestions about routes & places to stay between North Carolina & the Grand Tetons during the first trip. Also interested in spending time in Wyoming & Montana, too.
Is early fall a good time to go to Wyoming & Montana? We have stayed in the CampLite in temps down to mid 20F at night, so far.
Thanks,
Bill:
September/October is not too late to do Wyoming and Montana. In fact it may be the best time.
A dozen or so years ago we did a camping holiday in a fifth wheel all over the western states. Started in Oregon and worked our way up to Washington, Montana and Wyoming in early to mid October.
There were some freezing nights down to the mid 20s, but tolerable. A couple of mornings we waited until 9 or 10:00 for the temps to get above freezing before we left because I was sure that the pipes underneath would freeze at 60 mph. But on those mornings daytime temps got up to 60 so all was good.
We were in northern Montana a few miles from the border in early October and Glacier National Park a week or so later. So we were where it does get really cold, but no problems.
For the Camplite I sure would put down 3/4" or so of rubber tile insulation on the floor. Otherwise the Camplite is insulated ok for those conditions. But it is not set up for winter camping where the temps don't get above freezing during the day. The tanks and plumbing will freeze in those conditions.
David
[quote source="/post/2007/thread" timestamp="1405454070" author="@djsamuel"]A month in Wyoming or Montana sounds great (provided it is not January). :)[/quote]Agreed, getting my feet thawed off that LL aluminum floor would be an issue. I was in Yellowstone early May and the temps never got above 65 nor below 20.
Dave & David,
Yep, have rugs on the CampLite floor so we don't have "cold feet", pun intended. 8-)
Temps mentioned are Ok for us, too.
Appreciate the info!!!!!
[quote source="/post/2008/thread" timestamp="1405459527" author="@exploringcarolina"]We are currently making plans for the first trip. Will need to make three trips during the next couple years to see everything we want to see in the lower 48. During the first trip my Wife wants to see Yellowstone & Grand Tetons. That will be as far west as we will go on the first trip. Trying to come up with routes to & from North Carolina staying @ State Parks, National Parks, and Private campgrounds. We flew out West once, rented a car & visited Death Valley, North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Zion NP during September. Will go back there probably during the third trip.
Always open to suggestions about routes & places to stay between North Carolina & the Grand Tetons during the first trip. Also interested in spending time in Wyoming & Montana, too.
Is it too late in the season to go during early fall to Wyoming & Montana? We have stayed in the CampLite in temps down to mid 20F at night, so far.
Thanks,
[/quote]
We did a similar trip in September a few years ago, driving from Orlando to Mesa Verde, Arches, Bryce, Zion, North Rim of the Grand Canyon, and finally Carlsbad Caverns (hotels, no camper at the time). If you return to that area, be sure to stop at Arches National Park. This September, we are taking the camper to return to the south rim of the Grand Canyon (trailer village) and then to Moab, UT to see Arches National Park (been there before and it is great) as well as Canyonlands National Park.
During your Yellowstone trip, how close will you be coming to Mesa Verde, or Rocky Mountain National Parks? When we went to Yellowstone, we took the train to Denver and then drove up. Places like Jackson, Laramie, Casper, etc., were stops we made. Durango, CO would also be a great stop, but that, along with Mesa Verde may not be to convenient to your route.
These are only some of the places we want to visit, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain NP, Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Grand Canyon, Sequoia, Bryce, Zion, Mesa Verde, Durango, and Arches during three trips.
Will probably see the Rocky Mountain NP during the first trip on the way back from Yellowstone.
Will stay several days at the western part of each trips to visit the sights. Thinking about traveling around 200 miles every one or two days on the way out and back camping at State Parks, National Parks, and Army Corp Engineer parks along the way.