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I-75 in Kentucky and Ohio
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Tom,
In the 26 years we’ve been camping using 50 Amps, I’ve never had an issue with the voltage. Also, with all the “plastic” 45-footers that are every bit as tall as a Prevost, don’t you think a lot of the campgrounds take that into account as far as tree-trimming etc.? Yes, there were times we needed to disconnect the car, like with a back-in spot (Pleasant Harbor near Phoenix!), but disconnecting the car is not really a big deal. Camping out in Brookshire (Houston West) a couple months ago, I thought I’d have a problem with the trees, but with the sharp turning radius I had no problems. I think there are a lot more good campgrounds out there than you think, that will have no problem having space for a Prevost. -
Jimmy, we make the trip from Knoxville to Jamestown often, and in fact in the last two weeks I had 2 round trips at 650 miles per leg.
On those trips I had a purpose and did not break up the trip. On others when we have time we have gotten into the pabit of stopping northbound at Lodi Station Outlets, exit 204 on I-71 in Ohio, and finishing the trip the followin g morning. They allow parking if you call or email ahead, and they will have some forms to sign. They have overnight security, and we usually end up having something in the food court and doing a little shopping. Southbound if we break up the return trip we likely will stop at the KY welcome center south of exit 178 on I-71 / I-75.
Vonore to BUF is a long trip and even if you pound the ground at a high speed you are going to be worn out. BTW, if you opt to not stay at Lodi Station at the same exit there is a Pilot and Love’s, and at exit 196 there is a rest area we have stayed the night in. Rest areas are not my first choice unless I can stop early to get the end spot so we can extend slides, something we can do at Lodi Station.
Do a Google earth view and you will see what I mean.
BTW, fuel up in Conneaut OH, just before the PA state line. Fuel in NY and PA is staggering in price. It has a new Loves.
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No worries Peter!
I actually could go farther than the 500 a day, BUT, my copilot (Wife) does not permit that anymore LOL
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Jimmie,
I did Vonore to Fredonia in one leg last July, but that was a really long day. Parked in Aldi’s parking lot for the night then headed to Brockport next morning. I’ve tried several campgrounds over the years in OH on 71 and they all sucked. So I try to find someplace like Walmart, Sam’s, Cracker Barrel, etc. There’s not much on 90 either between the 271 split and the PA line either unless you want to roll the dice and stay at a truck stop. Jon doesn’t do that because the lot lizards worry him.:)
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No I don’t think they take that into consideration Per and most don’t spend a dime on tree work. You’re the luckiest guy I know not have 50 amp power issues, especially in the summer, in 26 years, I’ve had plenty.
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10-4 on the “Lot Lizards”
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Poor power has become a fact of life and I am amazed Per has gone 26 years with no issues.
Sometimes it is related to the power outlet and tightening the screws holding the wires to the circuit breaker cure the issue. But when an entire row or section is showing voltages down around 105 volts there is nothing that can be done except running the generator.
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Yep, that is what I had to do at Bella Terra. I was the end of the power row and as the temps climbed and everyone was turning on ACs my power went down, I had to start the Gen and run it from about 2:30 PM to 8 PM.
While Bella Terra offered to move me, they offered me a spot somewhere in the next county. I wanted to be where I could harrass Jon, so stayed and just cranked the Genny.
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We usually camp at a Good Sam’s or KOA, and have not had any issues with trees or power.
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You have been blessed. Now with your H3 you are in a new world and especially the type of RV parks listed are going to be an issue. You are about to learn all about power management as well as how to replace domes, antennas and busted AC covers.
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I agree with Tom and Jon about bad power especially in the summer. Also you might take a look at an app called iExit trucks, it allows you to select any state and Interstate your on and look at exits and what’s available for parking, fuel anything. I’ve used it several times and have been able to find stops that are suitable, hopes this helps.
Mark
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Jon,
As far as the camping part go, there is not that much difference from our last coach–everything needs to be monitored. For the last several years, whenever we camped, we always had an eye out for whether the campground could accommodate a 45-footer. Although the H3 is 4 feet longer and has a 3-foot longer wheelbase, the sharper turn radius more than makes up for it in maneuverability. Outside of a tight campground in Prunedale, CA, I can’t think of a campground we’ve stayed in the last 10 years where Preema wouldn’t fit. And height wise, she is only about 8″ taller.
We gave up WalMart camping years ago, and there is no way I would stay in a travel center, with trucks running their engines or refer generators.
Talked to a long-time Prevost owner (who switched to a “plastic” coach because he wanted more HP!) last year who related how he would stay at empty lumber yards, and anyplace where he could park his rig other than a campground. That may be OK for some, but we are a lot more comfortable in a regular campground.P.S. We learned our antenna lesson in our new ’91 Pace Arrow on our maiden trip to a nearby park. Ate, watched some TV on the tube TV, and when we drove off we hear a crunch from the roof. Sure enough, we forgot to put the batwing antenna down. Luckily, they were cheap and easy to replace.
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Maybe Tom and I are being too critical, but I don’t think so. Since we have run the route from Knoxville to western NY many times over the years with three different coaches, including our 40 footer we have learned it is futile loolimg for a campground that can accomodate us comfortably.
It is either the lack of reliable shore power, or excessively tight turns, or spaces too small, or the fact everyone else has a white 26 foot trailer and we are on display from the moment we arrive until dark.
When we break up a trip for an overnight rest I don’t want to unhook the toad. I want a quick in and out and all I want to do is plug into power. I don’t want to dodge trees, socialize, or be concerned about wiggling around low branches or big rocks in the dark when I leave in the morning. So I’ve stopped planning on an overnight in an RV park, and as mentioned previously I now stop along that route at the outlet mall that will not have a truck next to me, has overnight security, and wide open spaces. Plus we can get something to eat in the food court, and I can get jeans for around $10.
My best friend and source of overnight stopping places is Google earth. I plan the route and in the general area I want to stop I zoom in and see what is available. A good RV park shows up clearly. One with trees blocking the view of the sites doesn’t even get consideration. If no RV park is available with easy access then I start looking at rest areas, malls, or any place where I won’t be in the way. I then email ahead, such as I did with the outlet mall and almost always have permission to park. When we are in unfamiliar territory our guide is the Big Rigs book and so far that has worked very well, especially if we plan ahead early in the day we can almost always get a pull through that is easily accessed.
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For JIMBEAUX post.
A place that we always liked was an Amish cooking restaurant on SR 97 and Alexander Rd W, in Ohio East off I-71 at exit 165. About 1/4 mile off the interstate. There is a huge lot behind that is usually empty. Nice country setting. Never had a problem running the generator all night.
Sorry I can not remember the name. Look for yourself on Google Earth.
JIM
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That resturant is called the Der Dutchman and that parking lot behind it is huge. The 165 mile marker on I-71 is my stop almost every trip to Columbus or through it (which is pretty often).Time for coffee. Been stopping at the 165 for years- in car, truck, or coach. If you like Mcdonald’s coffee, they have a pull through lot. It only holds about 10 tractor trailers, but it’s never full. I became tired of the food a long time ago, but I love the coffee.
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