NC Penguin

If I had the time and money to travel across the US, I wouldn't do it in an RV. Like Rushman says, it's too much like a busman's holiday so I'd prefer to let the train take the strain and ride on one of those Amtrak routes that snakes its way across the US.


NC Penguin

AmerLisa

I think I'd take my chances on a leaky barge then take anything Amtrak had to offer - they're about as reliable as George Bush and his cronies. Actually I take that back, George Bush can be relied on to be an a$$

NC Penguin

I was thinking more of something like this-
http://www.highonadventure.com/Hoa98...rak/amtrak.htm


NC Penguin

Patrick

Given the choice between RVing across the country and circumcising myself with a rusty chainsaw then start the chainsaw!

AmerLisa

I've read about Amtrak trains travelling throughout the Pacific Northwest - they are highly unreliable. I'd seriously think twice before I thought about them as my means of travel.

Scouse Express

RVs start at about $60,000 for a small Ford effort, and can go upto $1m+ for the higher end models.

You're talking about 5-10mpg on the open road,

Upto $70 per night for lot rental in an RV resort

Cooking your own breakfast and other meals.

Hotels can work out cheaper than an RV Break + you don't have to worry about parking the things in a city.

Q:Would I R.V???

A: N.F.W

Jim.

Angry White Pyjamas

Why are you costing new? 2nd hand ones are a ton cheaper just like cars.

And $70 for an RV lot? Where at the Hilton?! We pay $25 a night standard for full hookups including leccy, water, Cable and Wireless internet.

Yorkieabroad

Yeah, I fancy that too - not cheap though!! Have you seen the book Strangers on a Train by??? an English woman working her way round the US on Amtrak....quite a good read..

Jaxbar

Aw come one I thought it could go in the category of try everything once except child abuse and Morris Dancing

AmerLisa

What do you have AWP? Isn't it a big RV trailer?

AmerLisa

I would definitely RV. I hate staying in hotels - unless they're 5 star and very superior - I hate them! I have a problem with crawling in a bed knowing thousands have probably crawled in there as well and the sheets may be questionable. I'd much rather stay in my own bed (don't care if I have to drag it along behind me) and eat my own food and such.

Scouse Express

Some of the more upscale RV Resorts charge that, depending on where you are.

I was merely providing an example of what they cost, new. Of course second hand ones are less. But, you have to ensure that the tyres are in good condition and the brakes aren't siezed due to lack of use, because the previous owner couldn't afford to take it anywhere.

Jim.

Yorkieabroad

Depends on the reason for travel though...if I wanted to get somewhdere quick and on time, I'd jump on a plane...I wouldn't travel anywhere by train "to get there" - just if the travel was part of the holiday if you get my drift...I'm not a train buff or anything like that, but we had some great inter-railing holidays in europe while we were students - if the train was late/broke down/we missed it, we just got on the next one and worked out where it was going afterwards! still enjoy trains, but a bit more comfort these days - last long one was the E&O from Bangkok to Singapore - took 3 days (instead of 1.5 hours on a plane) but boy was it nice!!

its the same with rv's/caravans/campervans - it adds a different element to the holiday - or not in the case of my mum who was heard to mutter (scream?) on more than one occasion "I've still got the washing and cooking to do - wheres my bl**dy holiday??"

Angry White Pyjamas

Yes. 32 foot TT. As towed by my Avalanche. Its a home from home and NOTHING like the poxy little UK caravans....two seperate double bedrooms, bathroom, microwave, 28inch TV with satellite, proper cooker, dining area and lounge.... the full monty.

ScousePete: We paid 12 grand for it as a year old and its in absolute mint condition. Of course you have to look out for ringers as in anything. And I think we most we've paid for a top of the line spot in a top run RV site in the Keys in the middle of high season was about $40.

As to why we RV: Well sure If I wanted to say go somewhere purely to spend time in that place then fine, get on a plane or train, but its the journey that counts to me not the arrival, and with RVing you can do pretty much as you please, go off on unplanned routes and simply see stuff you would otherwise miss. And with the kids you can just stop, have a piss, brew up some coffee, take a nap, eat lunch whatever whenever you please, or just stop and enjoy somewhere new...no looking for crappy fast food resturants and paying stupid prices for crap food.

Hell if we hadnt gone RVing we'd never have found the area we now live in which we love.

Infact this is ours:

http://www.fleetwoodrv.com/prowler/pr/default.aspx

Desdemona

You forgot to mention the washer, dryer and nice full size fridge. I Actually know a couple who are living in theirs for an year while he's in Portland, Oregon on assignment.