Hi there folks, I am from the United Kingdom and have jsut signed up here and wanted to say hi. Before you all wonder what a Limey is doing in a forum that is about Camp Grounds etc, its because I am a serial Rv'er and have visted the US every year since 1992 and hired an RV and driven thousands and thousands of miles over the years all over the US. I have seen many changes over the years and started with a small basic Cruise America RV at first and then switched to El Monte 12 years ago and now enjoy one of there great 35ft Class 'A's with all the extras, I truly believe there is no better way to see the US and despite the improvements to the RVs etc one thing has remained constant, the wonderful and interesting folks met along the way and the great people keeping these sites running, it can be easy thats for sure. Next Septembers RV is booked and we look forward to seeing where the road takes us. The reviews on this forum are really useful and I have submitted some of my own I feel may be useful. Hope to chat to many folks here.
B) Welcome aboard Dementinator! Always great to have another RVer's insights to this way of life. Cheers!
We certainly need and appreciate Europeans coming to America and helping out our Rving community by spending money. We have wonderful Rving all over the country. I think now that there is a favorable rate between the Euro and the dollar, this would be a great time for others to do what you are doing. Please continue coming and bring some friends and associates. You might try putting up a British flag on your coach and I’ll bet you will meet more interesting people. We recently had a great talk with a couple from Holland overnighting in a Wal-Mart parking lot in Panama City, Florida. They had a Cruise America Class C.
QUOTE(Lindsay Richards @ Oct 15 2008, 09:34 AM) [snapback]13538[/snapback] We certainly need and appreciate Europeans coming to America and helping out our Rving community by spending money. We have wonderful Rving all over the country. I think now that there is a favorable rate between the Euro and the dollar, this would be a great time for others to do what you are doing. Please continue coming and bring some friends and associates. You might try putting up a British flag on your coach and I’ll bet you will meet more interesting people. We recently had a great talk with a couple from Holland overnighting in a Wal-Mart parking lot in Panama City, Florida. They had a Cruise America Class C. Funnily enough in 2004 when I Drove from NYC to LA, I had a "Union Jack" in the back of the coach and it was interesting to see the reactions (positive). The pound does have a favourable rate against the Dollar but not quite as good as a few months ago, same financial problems in the UK as everywhere it seems. As for my next trip, another Class A is booked courtesy of El Monte for Sept 15th 2009 and I am already looking forward to it as well. The only part of the trips I dislike is the 12 hours or so staring at the back of someones head on a plane to get there, but its worth it.
Talking to people from other countries and other areas of our countries is one of the fun parts of RV'ing. Lots of Americans can trace their heritage back to the UK.
QUOTE(Lindsay Richards @ Oct 15 2008, 06:48 PM) [snapback]13548[/snapback] Talking to people from other countries and other areas of our countries is one of the fun parts of RV'ing. Lots of Americans can trace their heritage back to the UK. Theres a lot of things I love about RV'ing... Like you said, you meet lots of interesting people you wouldnt meet otherwise FOr someone like myself who is comming from abroad it alows us to see how life is like in the USA, I have to organise things myself, use the roads, use taxis and public transport and buy our own food etc, its not all done for me like a planned "coach tour". If I dont like someplace, then its simple, right foot down and I am out of there. You dont get that sinking feeling when you are 60 miles from your hotel that something vital has been left behind. YOu have a wonderful view of the road and dont have to worry about "bathroom hunting" at the side of the highway. If the site you have stopped at for the night isnt so good, well, close the blinds, shut the door and all is still well 'inside' no horrid bed, no dirty bathroom...try that at a bad motel. Most of the folks you meet at the sires are in "vacation" mode so are relaxed and easy going, no stress. Overall there are very few downsides I feel, I have done the car / motel thing and had a great time (back in 1993) but it didnt compare to RV'ing. The only 2 downsides I find are as my RV is always a very large Gas Class A, getting fuel is a task that requires great forward planning and military precision as so many stations are hard to get into, often for me to reach the back end where the filler is, the front end of the RV is now in the shop and parked next to the soda fountains. Plus, as I rent I do not have a "toad" so smaller places are hard to visit, but hey, thats what my own two legs are for, walking, I enjoy it.
Dem, Two suggestions for your next trip. Get a listing of the Flying J's, Loves, and Pilot's (and there are a few others). These are truck stops that have fuel lanes for just RV's. Because they cater to 18 wheelers their parking lots are usually much easier to get around in. Also these places usually have the best priced fuel in the area. We usually use Flying J because we have their discount card which is also good for their store items. Where we stop still takes a little planning, but it usually works out very well. I'm sure you've thought of this one, but if you are going to be an area for a day or two you might consider renting a car. Sure beats having to unhook and drive the RV everywhere. I understand that can add quite a bit of expense to your trip, but then you'll save some on gas by not driving the RV. Just a thought. We met several Brits on our last trip, but they were all on bus tours, so I'm assuming it wasn't you. Glad you're enjoying your trips here. See you next year. In the meantime we'll be glad to help with any questions you have.
QUOTE(Texasrvers @ Oct 16 2008, 11:23 AM) [snapback]13554[/snapback] Dem, Two suggestions for your next trip. Get a listing of the Flying J's, Loves, and Pilot's (and there are a few others). These are truck stops that have fuel lanes for just RV's. Because they cater to 18 wheelers their parking lots are usually much easier to get around in. Also these places usually have the best priced fuel in the area. We usually use Flying J because we have their discount card which is also good for their store items. Where we stop still takes a little planning, but it usually works out very well. I'm sure you've thought of this one, but if you are going to be an area for a day or two you might consider renting a car. Sure beats having to unhook and drive the RV everywhere. I understand that can add quite a bit of expense to your trip, but then you'll save some on gas by not driving the RV. Just a thought. We met several Brits on our last trip, but they were all on bus tours, so I'm assuming it wasn't you. Glad you're enjoying your trips here. See you next year. In the meantime we'll be glad to help with any questions you have. Thanks for the heads up, I had wondered about flying Js as I wasnt sure if the truck plazas have Gas or Just diesel. The Car rental had occured to me and the next time I stay at the Oasis in Vegas I may indeed hire a small car to tool around in. I do have a question for all the Rvers out there... Here in the UK and Europe, when a long vehicle, such as a truck or an RV passes you, we often flash the headlights once the rear of the passing vehicle has gotten clear, to let the driver know he can pull back in safely, do you guys do that in the US? In all the years I have been driving over there I havent see it done. Overall I must say I find driving in the US much more relaxing than in europe.
We all have the same problems in getting fuel. You do get used it though, which probably doesn’t happen to you in a rental. One thing that should help you out is the book Next Exit. It can be picked up at Camping World or many book stores. It tells you what is at each Express Way exit in the whole USA. We love it when we are on Expressways and you can usually scope out the better places to get fuel. We have gotten very good at making immediate decisions on getting fuel. If it doesn’t look easy, we go on. We also try to never get down to where we have to fill up. We tend to use only the top half of the tank. We have found it is a lots more fun and scenic to try the back road. With confidence you can see a lots more and still feel secure in your driving. One thing that we really enjoy is eating at local places (mainly lunch). You can really get the flavor of an area by doing this and lunch is usually much cheaper. We like to go to the county seat and look for the men wearing suspenders (that’s the lawyers) and see where they eat. They will lead you right to the cheaper places with great food. People at thee places usually love to talk about their area and can give you great site seeing tips. Getting local knowledge about an area is the real trick of enjoying an RV vacation to the fullest.
QUOTE(dementinator @ Oct 16 2008, 02:41 PM) [snapback]13555[/snapback] I do have a question for all the Rvers out there... Here in the UK and Europe, when a long vehicle, such as a truck or an RV passes you, we often flash the headlights once the rear of the passing vehicle has gotten clear, to let the driver know he can pull back in safely, do you guys do that in the US? In all the years I have been driving over there I havent see it done. Overall I must say I find driving in the US much more relaxing than in europe. I do it, and I wish more did it when I pass.
We flash our lights, too. Many times the passing vehicle responds by blinking their tail lights. We are so slow we never pass anyone so I don't know if they would flash their lights for us or not. We also pull over any time we safely can when we get cars backed up behind us. AND we always wave at oncoming RV's (unless it is a divided 4 lane highway). Only about a fourth wave back. Sounds like Lin and Nancy sure have a great way of traveling. Like them we try to fill up when we get a little below half a tank. We also like to see the back country and eat at local cafes, too, but we just don't do it very much. Our problem is finding a place to park in the little towns, and we don't want to unhook the toad just to go to lunch. The next long trip we go on I am going to do what someone said (was it Lin?) and make it a point to stay in each place at least 2 nights and get to know the area. That sounds like a lot of fun.
QUOTE(dementinator @ Oct 16 2008, 08:50 AM) [snapback]13553[/snapback] Theres a lot of things I love about RV'ing... Plus, as I rent I do not have a "toad" so smaller places are hard to visit, but hey, thats what my own two legs are for, walking, I enjoy it. DEMENTINATOR, I'm doing a blog on "Toadless RVing" (see my signature). If you find any good ideas to add to my blog, please let me know! I sometimes rent a car from Enterprise, and I also carry a small scooter bike. JJ
QUOTE Our problem is finding a place to park in the little towns, and we don't want to unhook the toad just to go to lunch We have no problem unhooking in a parking lot for lunch and exploring. We have a Blue Ox tow bar with a Toad Stop braking system and it only takes a couple of minutes for unhooking and hooking back up. I can do this while my wife is primping. Many a time we have unhooked for lunch and seen such interesting stuff, we decided to spend the night or even two nights. This fits right in with our system of never making reservations.
Lin, We still see unhooking for lunch as too much trouble even though we have an easy system. Guess we need to adopt your frame of mind.
Setting up the braking system that utilizes the air ram that pushes on the brake peddle to me takes about as long as hooking up the tow bar. The Toad Stop and several others have everything under the hood of the toad and there is no hookup time. That’s why we love it. There is a cable that comes thru the firewall and attaches to the back of the brake peddle and is never seen or felt when you are driving the toad. Takes about 2 minutes to hook and unhook.
Some useful info there, thanks folks... After 18 years of visiting and some 100,000 miles or so travelled I feel I know most of the road rules by now and possibly better than some locals! :lol: but its always nice to know new things, I didnt want to be flashing my lights to passing big rigs etc if it meant something altogether different than it does in Blighty.
QUOTE(dementinator @ Oct 18 2008, 10:31 AM) [snapback]13569[/snapback] After 18 years of visiting and some 100,000 miles or so travelled I feel I know most of the road rules by now and possibly better than some locals! :lol: but its always nice to know new things. Good. So you have learned that we drive on the right side of the road. At least most of us do. :lol: :lol:
This year I visited a country that where one drives on the left side of the road. I made the remark to a local about driving on the wrong side of the road. His reply was “when I visit the US I also have to drive on the wrong side of the road.” Funny. With respect to the flashing lights issue, I’d suggest some common sense. If a truck has other traffic behind it when passing you, then they probably appreciate knowing that they can move over quicker. If it’s fairly wide open, then they don’t need the hint. We also like to do the mom and pop back roads restaurants. It might take a few extra minutes of looking around, but it’s rare that we can’t find a parking place somewhere close. Walking a few blocks has the added advantage of stretching the legs. Besides, if you haven’t gotten yourself into a place where you had to unhook to get out, then you haven’t enjoyed one of the finer pleasures of RVing.
Welcome I have driven extensively in both the US and UK and my 'impression' is that the 'blinking of lights' is percieved differently in each country. Driving on the M-4 or any other road lights are blinked to 'get me out of the way' if I stay too long in the fast lane....if that was done here in the US most American drivers would take this blinking as rude and pushy and would probably respond with their own rudeness....in the UK I do not take it as such...I take it that I am the 'rude' one as I am 'in the way'. Other times the blinking of lights is used is as a courtesy to let the other drive know that they may proceed and that I will wait..used primarily on narrower roads (think Cotswolds). Again here in the US this would probably not be 'understood'. However, the one consistent use of blinking lights is the one you mention, I always blink my lights when someone is wanting to get back in my lane after passing me. Truck drivers always seem to do this; I always blink my lights to 'thank' the person that 'blinks' me in.... Now where can I rent a Caravan in the UK?? LOL
QUOTE(bigredoes @ Oct 21 2008, 11:56 AM) [snapback]13611[/snapback] Welcome I have driven extensively in both the US and UK and my 'impression' is that the 'blinking of lights' is percieved differently in each country. Driving on the M-4 or any other road lights are blinked to 'get me out of the way' if I stay too long in the fast lane....if that was done here in the US most American drivers would take this blinking as rude and pushy and would probably respond with their own rudeness....in the UK I do not take it as such...I take it that I am the 'rude' one as I am 'in the way'. Other times the blinking of lights is used is as a courtesy to let the other drive know that they may proceed and that I will wait..used primarily on narrower roads (think Cotswolds). Again here in the US this would probably not be 'understood'. However, the one consistent use of blinking lights is the one you mention, I always blink my lights when someone is wanting to get back in my lane after passing me. Truck drivers always seem to do this; I always blink my lights to 'thank' the person that 'blinks' me in.... Now where can I rent a Caravan in the UK?? LOL Ah the M4!! how about the M25 'parking lot' eh? As far as lights being flashed because you are too slow and in the wrong lane, well it is kinda rude and typical of the standard of driving in the UK sometimes, plus its almost ALWAYS some idiot in a BMW who is being impatient. Usually here in the UK, to thank a driver who has flashed us back in we alternate left and right flashers for a few seconds. ALthough I love driving in the US the one thing that does kinda suprise me is the speed some of the trucks go, I usually travel in my RV at speeds between 60mph and 70 and they go by like I am in reverse and they hurtle past going downhill at speeds that would embarass the Starship Enterprise, now I am sorry but it doesnt matter how good a driver you are, an 80,000 pound plus truck travelling down a hill at over 80mph is NOT under control, you are merely going along for the ride and should there be any kind of trouble you will be making a very expensive visit into the scenery. Ours are all limited to 56mph, we have 45 ton trucks but they cannot use outside lanes of motorways and are limited to that speed, but too slow really, but damn its scary watching a huge truck barrelling past like that. Plus, what are your laws regarding driving RVs? in the UK a standard car licence allows you to drive vehicles, commercial or otherwise up to 7.5 Tons, therefore all the RVs I have rented would require me to have a LGV (Large Goods Vehicle) licence first, new drivers are now limited to 3.5 tons in fact. The RVs I have hired are usually around 22,000 to 24,000 pounds but obviously no special requirements are needed, what about these even bigger 40 footers etc? Rent a caravan in the UK. well motorhomes are often available, but these are much smaller than you would be used to, normally Ford Transit Van based (Bit like a Dodge Sprinter) etc, they will sleep 4 and do have some creature comforts but nothing like the US RVs, however that will return about 30mpg on Diesel so its not all bad. Thanks for the welcome everyone, typical good American hospitality!
