Seattle Steve
Pacific NW
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Joined: 09/18/2010
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For me 400 miles is a very easy day. Normally it is closer to 500. I leave as close to 8 AM as possible, and normally get in about 5 PM. I don't need many breaks, and lunch is usually 15 minutes. For me 1700 miles would be 4 easy days.
I also disagree with the state parks suggestion. They are normally located a lot further off the Interstate and will add wasted time. Look for private CGs as close to the freeway as possible.
* This post was
edited 02/07/12 11:59pm by Seattle Steve *
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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Joined: 07/22/2007
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600
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gbopp
The Keystone State
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Joined: 08/03/2008
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rolnhome wrote:A good rule of thumb is 50 miles in distance for every hour on the road.
x2
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fla-gypsy
North Florida
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Joined: 04/19/2005
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I limit my trips to 300 miles a day but I don't really like driving.
09 SuperDuty Crew Cab 6.8L/4.10(The Black Pearl)
06 Keystone Hornet 29 RLS/(The Cracker Cabana)
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colliehauler
Mc Pherson KS USA
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Joined: 01/27/2004
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My opinion is to make it in 3 days. I would look for campgrounds with a pool or playground for the kids to burn off energy. I would leave early and pull off early and have a nice meal and relax. You don't want to make the drive a job but something to enjoy. If you had a little more time maybe find some sights along the way to break up the trip. For me half there fun of getting there is the trip. Only you know what works for you and your family.
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Tvov
CT
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Joined: 07/19/2003
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Give yourself more days to get there - plan on a couple short stops at tourist areas that might be interesting along the way. On the way back, you may just want to get home so plan on driving more and stopping less.
We've gone to Disney World twice (basically up and down most of the east coast), and both times the trip down was more "exciting" and relaxing. The return trip was just "let's get home".
With the family I wouldn't plan on overnighting in parking lots or highway rest stops. Find campgrounds along the way that have full hookups so you can shower and relax in the camper for a break.
I have found "books on CD" to be a Godsend for long distance driving. We have found that Non-fiction (history, science, etc) is better for us, as you don't have to keep track of plot points or main characters while driving. Kind of annoying when you miss a major event in a story because you had to avoid running over the econobox car that just cut you off - with non-fiction I just find it easier to pay attention to driving.
Do you have "electronics" for the drive? Hand held games, laptop computers for movies and games. Generally we don't use electronics much when at a campsite, but for the drive they are great.
I have figured out that for me, I plan on taking a break for stretching/coffee/bathroom about every 1 1/2 hours. Sometimes I'll go longer. Sometimes I'll stop more often... if you feel at all tired, just pull over for a bit!! My kids have learned to not complain at stopping if I think I need to.
Whoever sits in the front passenger seat on long trips HAS to be prepared to help the driver. Whether it is pouring coffee from the thermos, getting a snack, adjusting the radio, changing CDs, getting toll money, checking the map.
Do NOT depend on a GPS when towing!! Use a GPS in combination with a map. GPS is GREAT for warning of upcoming turns and exits. If the GPS wants to lead you somewhere that doesn't seem right, double check with a map.
You do have a spare tire for the camper, right? Have you actually tried to change a tire? I have found that my truck's jack works fine for changing a tire on my TT, BUT I needed to get a specific wrench for the trailer's lug nuts. A good thing to find out when I was at home, doing a "test change" of the tires. Trip insurance? Or at least double check that your existing insurance will cover towing and/or repairs while on the road if needed.
I find it fun to do long drives. Some advance planning certainly helps to make it more relaxing.
Good luck, and have fun!
(wrote a bit more there than I expected, must be the coffee kicking in this morning)
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2008 F-250 CrewCab 5.4L,
2004 21' Forest River Surveyor
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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5 or 6 days for me.
bumpy
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VintageRacer
Dundas, Ontario
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I limit myself to 12 hours of actual driving as a plan, which works out to around a 13 hour to 14 hour day on the road, and around 700 miles. I stay in truck stops or KOA's, since all I am going to do is eat, sleep, eat and leave again. That is a long day for me, but commercial drivers do 13 hour days as a matter of course. Your 1700 miles breaks down to three days at least, no matter what, and no one is going to be very happy at the end of it. Unless there is more to the story, like the course is three months long or more, I wouldn't do this.
Brian
2005 F250 Supercab, Powerstroke, 5 speed automatic, 3.73 gears.
20 ft race car hauler, Lola T440 Formula Ford, NTM MK4 Sports Racer
1980 MCI MC-5C highway coach conversion
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PackerBacker
Montreal Qc Adirondacks,NY
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My comfort zone is under 400 miles. I have done 750-800 miles stints in the past going to races on extended weekends but it is a real stretch.
Eric
2009 Holiday Rambler Admiral 33SFS (34' 3")
2008 Jeep Liberty - North Edition (4x4 auto)
FQCC/Camping Quebec, KOA, Good Sam, Coach-Net
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Pawz4me
North Carolina
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Joined: 06/05/2007
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How old are your kids, and how well do they travel?
Despite traveling in a Class A (only need rest stops for the driver) and our kids being older (13 and 16), we've rarely been able to average 50 mph over the course of a day's travel. There always seems to be road construction, slow traffic or a hunt for a suitable fuel stop that eats into our average. I think averaging 50 mph is only realistic if you drive above the posted speed limit (we don't) or are driving all day on an interstate that doesn't go through a major city or have any road construction going on.
Also, if your kids are younger I'd totally forget about WalMart for overnight stops. They're going to need to be able to stretch their legs and burn off some energy, so I'd say a campground or RV park is a necessity.
Now, having said all that, we try to keep our daily mileage less than 450. And even that is a bit much to do several days in a row.
Me and the DH 
Two boys and two dogs (and two cats who prefer to stay home)
2008 Forest River Georgetown 350DS (bunkhouse model)
2001 Honda CR-V
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