Interesting points. I have found that driving "solo" with out the RV in tow I can drive 1000 miles in a day with little to no issues. Add the RV on the back and 8 hours is about my limit, 10 is doable but starts to push it a little. One of my issues is I want to get there and get to the fun stuff but I miss out on the travel. My wife always says that getting there is sometimes the best part of the trip. Seeing things and places that you have never seen before. We are looking forward to traveling to the west someday but that trip will take 3 to 4 weeks for us, plenty to see and do on the way and while there and time spent there because we just traveled that far and want to see as much as possible while there.

Alaska should have taken you at least another week or 2 even.

Brian

Yoda
I found on last year's mega-trip that I was glad Alaska got cut from the itinerary and that in it's place each stop got lengthened (usually no less than a week in each location). When we were on the road, the longest day was in the high 300 mile range, but most of that day was interstate through North Dakota.

What the amended schedule allowed was impromptu stops and leisurely lunches. Some of our favorite memories were unplanned stops in unique locations to share a meal. In fact, my travel companion's DW loved the fact that I set the agenda as my friend was still in the "gotta get there" mode (he had just retired).

Howard

P.S. Don't worry about posting in this "non-technical" area, Keith. Only topics forbidden are the usual (religion, politics, etc).

First trailer first year we did the 400+ mile days, after that she said 300-350 miles a day. I try to stick to those limits when pulling. Just the truck and my limits increase but I plan for a few days before I leave. 500 miles solo is no problem, I did that last week (Home to DFW and back).

We try to break up our travel limits by time where I may vary speed from 62-65 mph depending on traffic conditions. We like to try for 4-5 hours. It really depends on the individual and the level of fatigue. When I worked, many times I would be in a vehicle for 10 hours with pretty intense testing. Throw in the desert heat and it gets worse from there. Those days are gone where I would never attempt this while towing at 66 years young. LOL.

Jim

We are in the “300 to 350 miles per day” club. This allows us to pack up and then set up in the daylight, particularly on short winter days. We stop mid-day for lunch and to exercise the dogs. This makes each travel day about 6 to 7 hours with one fuel fill, usually at the end of the day.

Rob

I'm in the 300 mile per day category. At 73 years old I'm just not in a hurry anymore. Even at only 300 miles per day I will spend an extra night every 3 days or so. Best of luck with your RV travels.

X2 on Rob's. Last year we travelled from Alberta to the East Coast and back and rarely traveled more than 6 hours a day - usually much less. But... that trip took 75 days.

The added benefit I find with that range, is that 300 miles (<500km) is within the range of my truck's fuel tank while towing - so most times I don't have the hassle of fuelling with the trailer attached. We can get to our site and set up then refuel without the RV. "One less thing..."

We are heading to Alaska this summer.. that trip (from Alberta) will take us just shy of two months.

Time is a luxury that retirement affords!

I think we're in the minority here as we hoof it places. It's normal for us to put in 500+ mile days. We have found that our limit is around 750 but we did 830 about a month ago on the way to Florida.

We have some obligations at home that require us to be home and therefore limit our travel windows to 2-3 weeks max, so although we do love to explore new places we're currently in a "hurry up and get there" mode with our trips. If we have 20 days for Grand Teton and Yellowstone NPs (scheduled this coming June! Hype!) you can be damn sure we want to spend as much as possible at those parks and I'll gladly sacrifice a random roadside stop along the way to get there quicker.

We also just know this is how we like to roadtrip. We pack and prepare meals for travel days so we can eat in the truck. We basically stop for fuel and stretch our legs every few hours and that's our break. We trade off driving, both of us like to tow, so it makes those long days easier when you know you have a good copilot that will also willingly take over for you when you're tired and want a nap.

As for hikes and time in parks, we're early birds and like to be on trails before the sun is up. We tend to get a good 6 hours on trails before it's lunchtime. By the time we are getting back to the trailhead with a decent day "done" we see plenty of families just arriving (and happy to take our parking spot) which is great, every one has their own itinerary. We like to go back to the RV and work/nap during the middle few hours of the day, and then go back out for sunset. That said, sometimes we leave the rig at 4am to start our day and don't get back until 9pm (and promptly crash!) We like to push ourselves to do what we are physically capable of doing because we know that one day we won't be able to go as far.

Adding this to let the few of us out there know that there is not one correct way to travel. Some people (not insinuating they're on here) will tell you to slow down and enjoy the ride... But you need to decide what is best for you and how you prefer to enjoy YOUR ride. I'm reinforcing that the best way to travel is the way that you like to travel.

That's an awesome story. Curious how old you are (old?) so I can be depressed. LOL. I abused (pushed) my body long ago as a diesel tech and today I thank the guy above that I went back to school to comfortably pay for rebuilding my body. Not sure if your still working where I felt the same way since we were running back then. But in retirement, I try not to push too hard, but many times I still do. Also your lucky the DW will drive. Some are just not comfortable doing this were my DW is still observing and tells me she will eventually drive. I believe its the confused folks coming up the on ramps that shakes her up the most. Then the crazy truckers in PA. Most likely she will never drive while towing and that's ok.

Jim

Exactly right!

Good morning David

You just described my current mode - get there now! I also run the speed limit, and possibly a bit more so not to get stuck in car/truck trains. I like having open space in front of me if at all possible, but on I 20 across LA that's almost impossible anymore. You are very lucky to have a willing capable copilot. Unfortunately I can't stand DW;s driving habits and would be a nervous wreck with her towing - she says she is willing to learn, but she is terrible of anticipating things and just concentrates on the car in front and not the mirrors. Me I am looking 4 or 5 ahead for issues (good to have a tall truck) and constantly eyeball both mirrors. But she is good at spotting the critters on the side of the road, or folks riding bikes at night in black clothing.

I am reading a lot of helpful tips here and will probably try a few the next trip - hopefully east to the rally, but we shall see. On the Alaska trip I got used to the 55 to 65 MPH speeds across Canada so will try that too and see if I can tolerate not getting run over on the 70 MPH interstates. I also might try actually sitting and eating lunch rather than grab something and eat while driving.

Thanks Folks
Keith

I'm in agreement that whatever you decide, is best! We bought our RV so as not to sleep in tents on the ground, walk to the toilets, and as my wife stated- have hot water showers! I am nearly 70 and stick to the 5-6 hour day driving plan which allows for a later start, couple of stops for potty breaks and stretching the legs. When we get to the campground it allows for an easy set-up pace followed by a cold beer! I use the RV Wizard Trip planning tool which makes it easy to set parameters. We are in year 5 of the "bucket list" for destinations. Our home is in Denver so we venture out East and West for a typical 3-5 week trip. We'll drive a day, then leave for the next stop and stay 2 days to "rest". Often the stops are a way to see local areas of interest. A trip to San Diego to see family allows us to stop in Utah (Zion, Bryce Canyon, Vegas, etc.). At the National Parks and other scenic places we are limited to the 1-3 mile "loop trails" as the longer trails of 3-9 miles are not doable. We miss them, and sometimes it feels like we've given up but alas the body parts are failing....and we are good with our life style now! I've said too much but have found this discussion educational to see how others are coping with, and planning around "aged" limitations!
Travel safely and enjoy life!

Mike & Linda
Reflection 337 RLS
Ram 3500 Diesel

Well now I don't want to say! I don't want to make anyone depressed!! I'm in my upper 30's. Deana and I both still work full-time and thankfully we can both do most of our jobs remote from the road (hence our boon-docking and mobile internet setup) but our tether to home is taking care of pets that can't travel, a family farm with livestock, and also part time caring for some family members that are getting up there in age and need a lot of medical and emotional support.

I love seeing people of various ages while out camping, from people far younger to those far older than us. It's awesome when you can find hobbies/lifestyles that don't need to conform to artificial boundaries and just let people be good to each other if they are willing. Community is a big reason we have fallen in love with RVing. The short time we have done it, we've traveled with well known friends, had solo time, and also met strangers who are no longer strangers.

A big part of why we are out there is seeing my father in law pass away in his 60s and my dad go through a lot of health issues as he ages. Both of them worked their tails off and retirement didn't allow for the shining dream it was made out to be for them. It's because of this that I try to work my tail off while not completely sacrificing time for us to do what we enjoy. This is a driving theme in my life and message to everyone to do what you can while you can and to value every day for what it is. I commend every one of us for getting out there and continuing the adventure, regardless of how big or small that age number is!

AND you have a co-driver? Not fair, David! My DW refuses to tow the camper.​

I suspect most of us here are at least a generation older than you (my oldest daughter is your age). It's no wonder you're friends with Neil and Deanna. At the rally it got past 10pm and I was headed to bed. The young whippersnappers next door were just getting their night started around the campfire...