AuthorMessageVeronica

Squirrel

Joined: Apr 22, 2003

Posts: 61

Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2003 11:43 pm Post subject: Cross-country trip in an Apache anyone?

We're thinking about going on a cross-country trip at some point in the future. We'd start in Virginia and head West, hitting most of the big parks and landmarks until we hit California...then turn around and head back. I was wondering how feasible it would be to take the Apache on a trip like that. Has anyone gone on a long trip...setting up and breaking down almost every night? How much of a PITA is it? Breaking down seems to take about 20 minutes or so, but I'm sure we'd find shortcuts if we had to do it every morning. Ideally, a small motorhome would be perfect for that type of trip, but we don't have one and we do have the Apache. Opinions anyone???

araden

Wolf

Joined: May 26, 2003

Posts: 154

Location: Florida

Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2003 6:48 am Post subject:

I think a trip like that is not only feasible, but sounds like fun! The longest trip I took was from southeast florida to San Antonio Texas. It's about 1500 miles each way. We were traveling with our 4 dachshunds, so we didn't want the days to be too long. We took 4 days to get there, and we set up and tore down every night coming and going. As with most things in life, it all depends on attitude - if you think of it as an adventure to be shared, then the daily set-up can be part of the fun. There will be days where you get in after dark, tired and irritable - then the set up will be a hassle. But, that's part of the ride. We took a similar trip in a small motorhome (about 25 feet), and that was a major PITA. Everywhere you went, you had to take the motorhome with you. If you needed to run to the store, it meant tearing down camp. I say 'Go for it!', keep a diary, and post about it so we can all share it with you. _________________ al r. '72 Yuma

79Mesa

Can't Back-up Straight

Joined: May 28, 2003

Posts: 5

Location: Lakeville, MN

Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2003 10:18 am Post subject:

Last year we took a trip from Minneapolis to Florida, up the East coast and home again - roughly about 4500mi total. We had a great time at Disney, but if rained for the rest of our vacation! We stayed very dry in our Mesa, and still had a good time, however, we did fry a gearbox the last time we set it up before heading home! A few adult beverages quickly helped my mood after that! Thanks again to Tim for the replacements!! _________________ '67 Rich '69 Deb '98 Addie '03 Spencer '79 Mesa '77 Cimarron

jtslj

Apache Master

Joined: Apr 20, 2003

Posts: 722

Location: Salt Lake City Utah

Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2003 12:01 pm Post subject:

good idea you gave me.. suggestion before taking on such a trip completely test and make sure your lift system is in good working order. _________________ Me -71 (Jeff) Wife ?? (Shauna) Thomas 97 Nicholas 01 '79 Ramada '95 GMC Z71 in Utah

DDLTEXAN

Ole' Elmer Like

Joined: Jul 23, 2003

Posts: 775

Location: Keene, Texas (Fort Worth Area)

Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2003 4:43 pm Post subject: Re: Cross-country trip in an Apache anyone?

Veronica wrote:We're thinking about going on a cross-country trip at some point in the future. We'd start in Virginia and head West, hitting most of the big parks and landmarks until we hit California...then turn around and head back. I was wondering how feasible it would be to take the Apache on a trip like that. Has anyone gone on a long trip...setting up and breaking down almost every night? How much of a PITA is it? Breaking down seems to take about 20 minutes or so, but I'm sure we'd find shortcuts if we had to do it every morning.

Ideally, a small motorhome would be perfect for that type of trip, but we don't have one and we do have the Apache. Opinions anyone???

Veronica,

If your trip out west includes Texas, let me know and if on a weekend I might be able to meet you at one of our local great state parks and camp for a night with you all. I will bring my 1973 Ramada and my twin daughters and it would be fun to go camping with someone else who camps in an Apache. As far back as I can remember, I don't ever recall seeing anyone else ever camping in an Apache. I wanted a popup and when I discovered a popup without canvas, I was hooked.

Well, let us know of your trip plans and if your trip comes near us, we can join you for a night as you pass through Texas.

Sounds like an interesting trip. In a couple of years, I am planning a trip to Alaska with my daughters and our Ramada. Should be an awesome trip. My last trip to Alaska was with a tent, and now with my Apache, it should be even more fun.

_________________

Alan

Restoring a 1973 Ramada

Veronica

Squirrel

Joined: Apr 22, 2003

Posts: 61

Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2003 8:40 pm Post subject: Re: Cross-country trip in an Apache anyone?

Alan, That sounds like fun...though I'm afraid to go too far into Texas...lol. I lived in Houston for a year and a half at the end of high school and didn't enjoy it even a little bit. This trip wouldn't be anytime terribly soon...just doing some very early planning (we're so broke we have to save far in advance to do things like that). I've been all over the country and want my kids and husband to see some of the great places this country has to offer. Now Alaska...that's one place I haven't been...sounds wonderful. Veronica

jtslj

Apache Master

Joined: Apr 20, 2003

Posts: 722

Location: Salt Lake City Utah

Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2003 11:59 pm Post subject:

if you are planning on getting into utah.. salt lake area or provo area let me know and I may venture out to meet you.and I can bring my ramada with me.. after I fix the radiator in my truck _________________ Me -71 (Jeff) Wife ?? (Shauna) Thomas 97 Nicholas 01 '79 Ramada '95 GMC Z71 in Utah

FitzFolly

Squirrel

Joined: Jul 27, 2003

Posts: 58

Location: Salem, OR

Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2003 8:51 am Post subject:

Hi Veronica, I agree with Araden that it is feasible and that it can be enjoyed as an adventure. We took a 1200 mile trip this summer, setting up in 6 different sites over 8 nights. That doesn't sound like much but it was all new to us. The Mesa, towing, the roads, the sights, trailer camping. It was fun, and stressful at times, but we have good memories. We had our motel with us so we just had to find a park to set up in. In your case it would be a 6000 mile round trip so I'd guess how much time you have available would determine how flexible your schedule could be. Some folks need a carefully planned and executed schedule and some are comfortable just heading out and making a plan as they go. As far as the PITA that you asked about, I'd think that on that long of a trip, you'd have days where you'd say I like this campground or site, or there is more to see in this area, or we're pooped from the stress of traveling, let's stay another night. If you do get to make the trip and it will include National Parks and monuments, I'd check into buying the annual entrance pass. It was $50-60 this summer, vs $10 per visit to each site, and is good for 1 yr from date of purchase. My compliments on a 20 minute breakdown time. That can be a goal for us

Good luck in your planning,

Fitz

_________________

79 Ramada

72 Mesa

DDLTEXAN

Ole' Elmer Like

Joined: Jul 23, 2003

Posts: 775

Location: Keene, Texas (Fort Worth Area)

Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2003 9:03 am Post subject: Re: Cross-country trip in an Apache anyone?

Veronica wrote:Alan,

That sounds like fun...though I'm afraid to go too far into Texas...lol. I lived in Houston for a year and a half at the end of high school and didn't enjoy it even a little bit.

This trip wouldn't be anytime terribly soon...just doing some very early planning (we're so broke we have to save far in advance to do things like that). I've been all over the country and want my kids and husband to see some of the great places this country has to offer.

Now Alaska...that's one place I haven't been...sounds wonderful.

Veronica

Yes, Houston is a challenge. Much humidity and hotter than north central Texas. I have a friend who lives in Galveston but only like to go and visit there in the winter. If it wasn't for air conditioning, I don't think Houston would have any people living there in the summer.

Come through the Dallas/Fort Worth area and I will try to join you camping with our Ramada.

_________________

Alan

Restoring a 1973 Ramada

DDLTEXAN

Ole' Elmer Like

Joined: Jul 23, 2003

Posts: 775

Location: Keene, Texas (Fort Worth Area)

Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2003 9:09 am Post subject: Re: Cross-country trip in an Apache anyone?

Veronica wrote:Breaking down seems to take about 20 minutes or so, but I'm sure we'd find shortcuts if we had to do it every morning.

Wow, you are fast. Oh course I have collapseable chairs to put in under the fold down cabinet, and sleeping bags to roll up, etc., etc. but the fastest I have closed up is about 45 minutes. I am not very efficient. Oh course I am new to my Apache and need to get better organized and need to learn what goes in each compartment so I am not having to guess where to put the life vests that go with our Porta-Bote, etc.

New goal -- see if I can break down in 20 minutes like Veronica can.

_________________

Alan

Restoring a 1973 Ramada

Veronica

Squirrel

Joined: Apr 22, 2003

Posts: 61

Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2003 10:08 am Post subject:

That 20 minute breakdown time is with almost no "extras"...no awning, no chairs outside...pretty much bedding and camper only. I figure on a long drive like that we wouldn't be too interested in much except sleep between destinations. I'm used to traveling...when I was younger, we made a cross-country drive every other year (well, Nevada to Virginia...close enough to cross-country). It wasn't so much for sight-seeing as it was the easiest way to get back East to visit the relatives. I'm a great passenger...rarely need to stop for anything. But, with my hubby and kids, I know this will be an ambitious project. Poor hubby thinks those exits off of the interestate are a mandatory thing...every time he sees one, he needs to get a drink or use the bathroom. The summer of 2005, the kids will be 8 & 13-1/2. That may be a good time because the little one will be old enough to remember the trip and the older one won't be quite as heavy into the teenage years yet. That would also give us next summer to do some closer, trial-runs before we head West. Thanks for the input everyone...keep it coming.

jtslj

Apache Master

Joined: Apr 20, 2003

Posts: 722

Location: Salt Lake City Utah

Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2003 10:31 am Post subject:

with my mesa I had it down to 5 minutes.. from when I put the handle to the crank to when it was done.. either up or down. now my Ramada takes a lot longer I think I have a gearbox / chain lift problem I need to work out. I have gotten tim's combo cd.. all 3 cd's in one (well worth the 29.95) and it makes it seem very simple to do.. nice picutres and very easy to follow directions for completeing the maintence and repair and it will come in very handy for when I tackle my gearbox and lift systems after the weather starts to warm up.. _________________ Me -71 (Jeff) Wife ?? (Shauna) Thomas 97 Nicholas 01 '79 Ramada '95 GMC Z71 in Utah

Ruth

Wolf

Joined: Apr 20, 2003

Posts: 128

Location: Northern California

Posted: Sat Nov 15, 2003 1:52 pm Post subject:

2005 is also my goal. Whether or not it's realistic is another thing. My [now] 13 year old daughter wants us to drive from Cali to the East Coast and back. Sounds fun, but time and $$$ may shut that down. Am planning on taking the Ranger to Oregon this summer tho, family reunion over the 4th of July, near Klamath Falls and then over to Cave Junction for a few days at Mom & Dad's place. The Chief is a long term project. No time nor money right now. And it's raining too, so I'd probably better get myself outside and see if the Ranger is leaking. Top is good, but one corner gets rain inside. _________________ Ruth 3 kids, 2 dogs, 1 cat '72 Apache Ranger '64 Apache Chief Nothern California

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