1 Month into 12 month USA road trip - Late Gap Year

[Jez1966]

So 1 month into 12 month US road trip and what have we learnt.
Preparation is key, plan for the worst hope for the best.

You can track our misadventures @ https://www.polarsteps.com/JezAng/7186963-gap-year
so this is strictly a geek prep document.

Night One: Bathroom tap started to leak and our Kon-Tiki 599 Sport has a pressurised system so if not noticed, pump going on and off when not in use, it would have pumped the entire 90 litres onto the floor. Swift either employ very sadistic or stupid designers. Swift clearly designed the unit to be fully assembled and then installed into the bathroom with absolutely no thought or consideration for future repair as the fixing screw is at the back less than 1 cm from the wall/mirror.

Email to dealer and they suggested either a failed mixer tap cartridge or seals.
Worryingly the dealer was not able to identify the make or model installed in our Kon-Tiki 599 Sport without seeing an image and measurements of the installed cartridge.
So their suggested cartridge was just a random guess and wrong.
A quick google and I identified it as a Reich Vector E5 as pictured.

I highly recommend you check any taps you have in your motorhome for accessibility to repair. Especially if you have Reich Vector E5 because with the fixing screw less than 1 cm from the wall or mirror it is impossible to undo with any standard T6 bit or key. Fortunately our host had a workshop and we were able to grind down a T6 bit and weld a short bar to it to make a key. Once the screw is removed it would be impossible to reinstall, at the back, as the screw went into a loose piece of plastic that you could not controlled when refitting. We relocated the screw to the front where there is plenty of solid plastic to put it into.

Week 3 Habitation door external handle “stops working”: Email to dealer and after many, we can’t be held responsible yad, yad, yad and google searches I get some guidance to removing internal panel and having a look.
I suspected it was another failed spring but upon inspection all looked ok. Pocked a few things and “clung”, the door is working. Seems to be another example of Swift habitation door locking itself but neither the remote nor key would unlock it. Hopefully the pocking has “fixed” it. The habitation door handle seems very fragile, using a proven robust handle like the Ducato door handle or similar would be a much better idea, in my opinion.

Now to the planning and some random thoughts:

• Book your B2 visa appointment as soon as you decide you're going to ship van to USA, we waited 6 months, wait will vary and lasts 10 years.
• Shipping with Seabridge you can only be booked a max 3 months in advance. https://www.seabridge-tours.de/en/home/
• We had 2 coats stolen from within the van but others we know of have lost more, so be mindful of what you pack inside.
• Step up transformer: very much worth having [T-B-WTI-5000] Bronson WTI 5000 from Amazon. Along with 30 amp surge protector, Camco cables and adaptor dog bones ordered on Amazon.com
• Generator: Hyundai P1 Petrol Inverter Generator, 3.8kW 53db. Only used for an hour or so so far but sure when we get out west we’ll use t more
• Induction hob proving useful when we have electrical hook-up, even before we got out here: Induction Hob
• Thetford cassettes are installed in some US made PVC’s so investigate if a match for yours.
• We have a Gaslow system, the majority of filling stations in the US fill bottles so do not have “long hose”. If you have loose bottle(s) best to buy in US, you’ll need an adaptor for US thread to UK van connection. If fixed, don't let the gas run too low as it may take a little searching to find filling station, need a German, large threaded adapter.
• Diesel readily available but not all stations. Currently average 0.90p a litre. As is Adblue aka DEF (Diesel Engine Fluid). Keep a few empty bottle as it is sold from pump at some stations and is much cheaper.
• Ducato van not sold in US, Dodge RAM sell a petrol rebranded version. However the Ducato diesel engine is SOFIM so IVECO/Fiat and is installed in other US vehicles so parts may be available. Hoping we don’t need to find out. Bought brake pads, oil filters, fuel pump and air filter with use. Spare internal water pump as well.
• Water Hose US connections & Clear2O® Water filters

Garden Hose Extension Adapter
US 3/4 thread quick release hose connectors
Clear2O® inline water filter & Dirtguard

• 10l Water bags, great space saving vs rigid water roll

6 x 10l water bags

• Google Fi ($60 per month). US mobile contracts are expensive and generally have very limited hotspot usage.

Google Fi sim card

• Check availability of tyre/tires 225x70x16 available for our Kon-Tiki 599 sport check your specifically. We estimate we’ll be driving 5,000 miles so will probably need to replace, ignoring possible damage/puncture.

I think that covers the basics for now.

 

[Jez1966]

So month 2 completed of 12 touring mostly USA but some of Canada.
22 US State Capitols visited.
Ferry to Juneau booked for 4th July, ironically.
Seen several German, Swiss, Italian, French and Belgian vehicle. 5 huge MAN/Merc overland 4/6 wheel trucks.
A British couple touring on a Triumph motorbike, though bought in Vancouver so not UK plate.

1st issue for this brain dump our Michelin Aglis Camper tyres down to 3mm after just 16,000 miles, 8,000 in UK/Europe and 8,000 in USA.
Never mind the posts on them cracking they simply are worn out after 16,000 miles, no time for cracking.
Fitted Cooper Tires Discoverer HT3 an all weather (M+S) tyre and see they do as we have an estimated 24,000 miles still to do.
Being all season M+S (Mud + Snow) blocks “flex” for a “smoother” ride.

Having completed 3,000 miles in first month I thought that was a lot, month 2 we've done 9,000.
Some States have nothing of interest, to us, but the State Capitol but it’s 100’s of miles just to get out of it.

Out of interest, as my post on installing a generator prompted questions of gvwr, I have the van weighed on certified truck scales, came in at 4,000kg.
Kon-Tiki 599 has gvwr 4,250.
To caveat this, when weighed the van contained:
Angie, myself, clothing and general items required for living in a van.
And extras:
50kg generator, slide rails and wood mounting
12l petrol in generator
20l petrol in metal gerry can
40l diesel in gerry can
19kg stepdown transformer
US 30 amp 20” fly lead (a good 10kgs there)
50kg of adblue (5 x 9.46l containers in cardboard protective box)
Full fuel tank, 90l Diesel
Full fresh water tank 90l
40l water in storage bags
So if you have a 4,250 gvwr van there is plenty of headroom for carrying extra stuff for wild camping, lesser gvwr van you’ll struggle.

Getting 26 mpg using ECO setting 2.3 Diesel Turbo (9 speed auto)
In the US speed limits vary State to State, mostly 70 on freeways but many 80 and unlike UK/Europe trucks generally have the same speed
limits as other vehicles.
This means unless you want to be a mobile chicane for the MANY, MANY 70” trucks you have to drive to the limit/match them.

They're not big on courtesy when driving here, one of many examples we sat waiting for a car to turn left, the on coming traffic was bumper to
bumper doing 20 mph but 40 cars passed before a "natural" gap for them to turn.

Driven whole of Alaska Highway 95% paved, some grave/road works, some very large randomly located potholes and some short very washboard patches.

Stopping in Walmart and other stores is working ok, especially in the less populated States

Running fridge 24/7 on gas and we’ve probably used 1 complete refill of twin 16kg bottles.
Cooking all gas, not needed to use heating.
Maths is difficult as we’ve topped, when ½ way through green, twice in lbs of propane in US and twice in Litres in Canada.

Not using onboard water for drinking so using Walmart refilling stations for drinking water. Generally $0.39 but Canada and Alaska more.

Stopping in Walmart and other stores is working ok, aps as listed are very useful. Yukon & Alaska you can park up anywhere 45" from the centre of the road.

Running fridge 24/7 on gas and we’ve probably used 1 complete refill of twin 16kg bottles.
Maths is difficult as we’ve topped, when ½ way through green, up 4 times twice in LBS of propane in US and twice in Litres in Canada.

No issue using just 110ah leisure battery.
Small inverter recharging laptops while driving and there's been a lot of that.

Not using onboard water for drinking so using Walmart refilling stations for drinking water. Generally $0.39 but Canada and Alaska more.

As for life with the Kon-Tiki Sport.
In bedroom and bathroom the strip lights are just a total waste of energy, they can be avoided in bedroom but not in bathroom.
The overhead cupboards in the bedroom and dining area could easily be deeper/bigger.
The corner mirror in the bedroom is pointless, 2 mirrors would be of use in the bathroom.
I don't understand why there are low storage cupboards in the bedroom next to shower and toilet? Why not full height? It's not as if you can put things out on display.

One think I have noticed in the 2 months is the all the international vans we have meet have been sub 40 and living a dream.
Of the US based travellers we have spoken to there are the big RV's owners "older" vacationing and the PVC's on 4x4 Transit or Sprinter who are also living a dream.

You can follow our misadventures : https://www.polarsteps.com/JezAng/7186963-late-gap-year

 

[Hymeractive]

So month 2 completed of 12 touring mostly USA but some of Canada.
22 US State Capitols visited.
Ferry to Juneau booked for 4th July, ironically.
Seen several German, Swiss, Italian, French and Belgian vehicle. 5 huge MAN/Merc overland 4/6 wheel trucks.
A British couple touring on a Triumph motorbike, though bought in Vancouver so not UK plate.

1st issue for this brain dump our Michelin Aglis Camper tyres down to 3mm after just 16,000 miles, 8,000 in UK/Europe and 8,000 in USA.
Never mind the posts on them cracking they simply are worn out after 16,000 miles, no time for cracking.
Fitted Cooper Tires Discoverer HT3 an all weather (M+S) tyre and see they do as we have an estimated 24,000 miles still to do.
Being all season M+S (Mud + Snow) blocks “flex” for a “smoother” ride.

Having completed 3,000 miles in first month I thought that was a lot, month 2 we've done 9,000.
Some States have nothing of interest, to us, but the State Capitol but it’s 100’s of miles just to get out of it.

Out of interest, as my post on installing a generator prompted questions of gvwr, I have the van weighed on certified truck scales, came in at 4,000kg.
Kon-Tiki 599 has gvwr 4,250.
To caveat this, when weighed the van contained:
Angie, myself, clothing and general items required for living in a van.
And extras:
50kg generator, slide rails and wood mounting
12l petrol in generator
20l petrol in metal gerry can
40l diesel in gerry can
19kg stepdown transformer
US 30 amp 20” fly lead (a good 10kgs there)
50kg of adblue (5 x 9.46l containers in cardboard protective box)
Full fuel tank, 90l Diesel
Full fresh water tank 90l
40l water in storage bags
So if you have a 4,250 gvwr van there is plenty of headroom for carrying extra stuff for wild camping, lesser gvwr van you’ll struggle.

Getting 26 mpg using ECO setting 2.3 Diesel Turbo (9 speed auto)
In the US speed limits vary State to State, mostly 70 on freeways but many 80 and unlike UK/Europe trucks generally have the same speed
limits as other vehicles.
This means unless you want to be a mobile chicane for the MANY, MANY 70” trucks you have to drive to the limit/match them.

They're not big on courtesy when driving here, one of many examples we sat waiting for a car to turn left, the on coming traffic was bumper to
bumper doing 20 mph but 40 cars passed before a "natural" gap for them to turn.

Driven whole of Alaska Highway 95% paved, some grave/road works, some very large randomly located potholes and some short very washboard patches.

Stopping in Walmart and other stores is working ok, especially in the less populated States

Running fridge 24/7 on gas and we’ve probably used 1 complete refill of twin 16kg bottles.
Cooking all gas, not needed to use heating.
Maths is difficult as we’ve topped, when ½ way through green, twice in lbs of propane in US and twice in Litres in Canada.

Not using onboard water for drinking so using Walmart refilling stations for drinking water. Generally $0.39 but Canada and Alaska more.

Stopping in Walmart and other stores is working ok, aps as listed are very useful. Yukon & Alaska you can park up anywhere 45" from the centre of the road.

Running fridge 24/7 on gas and we’ve probably used 1 complete refill of twin 16kg bottles.
Maths is difficult as we’ve topped, when ½ way through green, up 4 times twice in LBS of propane in US and twice in Litres in Canada.

No issue using just 110ah leisure battery.
Small inverter recharging laptops while driving and there's been a lot of that.

Not using onboard water for drinking so using Walmart refilling stations for drinking water. Generally $0.39 but Canada and Alaska more.

As for life with the Kon-Tiki Sport.
In bedroom and bathroom the strip lights are just a total waste of energy, they can be avoided in bedroom but not in bathroom.
The overhead cupboards in the bedroom and dining area could easily be deeper/bigger.
The corner mirror in the bedroom is pointless, 2 mirrors would be of use in the bathroom.
I don't understand why there are low storage cupboards in the bedroom next to shower and toilet? Why not full height? It's not as if you can put things out on display.

One think I have noticed in the 2 months is the all the international vans we have meet have been sub 40 and living a dream.
Of the US based travellers we have spoken to there are the big RV's owners "older" vacationing and the PVC's on 4x4 Transit or Sprinter who are also living a dream.

You can follow our misadventures : https://www.polarsteps.com/JezAng/7186963-late-gap-year

View attachment 777259 View attachment 777260

Hi, can't find you on Polar steps??

 

[Jez1966]

Hi, can't find you on Polar steps??

The link in the post should take you directly to trip.
You can follow our misadventures : https://www.polarsteps.com/JezAng/7186963-late-gap-year

Not sure how the search works I think you'd search for JezAng

 

[Jez1966]

Probably need factor in a new Windscreen during trip or before MOT on return as sell if you going to do the Alaska Highway.
We normally avoid finding/being British abroad but as we're here a year we've looked for Baked Beans, US ones have lots
of added brown sugar and cooking sauces, US only have pasta sauces.
We have only found Hienz Original baked beans and any sort of cooking sauce that is not a pasta cooking sauce readily available
in Canada, so stock.

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[Jez1966]

So just started 4th month 20,000 miles covered 26 States but this will slow as Colorado and Utah have some many places to visit but not a lot new learning/advise to add, but.

Saw our first other UK van in Yellowstone a 72 plate Chausson, but no one "at home".

• If your a recycling fanatic then you'll either have to become lapsed or keep hold of recyclables for a few days. National Parks have good recycling facilities but things vary greatly from town/city/state to state. Most Walmart have bins for "flexible" plastic but generally not glass/aluminium or paper/cardboard.
• Oil change after 16,000 miles and "interesting" to note that while the "same" Sofim 2.3 turbo Diesel is fitted in the Jeep Cherokee the oil filter for the Jeep has a US connecting thread, so will not fit Fiat, good job we shipped 3 then.
• We have looked at 4G booster systems but for the limited time we don't have connections the <$500 for the market leader and needing installation does not seem best value. If your trip is to be more offgrid then one may be a good idea. They should work in Europe as well as they are just a more powerful antenna than you phone has and act as a middleman between your phone and the mast in can connect to.
• Monzo & Starling card proving useful for getting "cashback" when/if needed.

https://dollarsprout.com/cash-back-stores-debit-card/#:~:text=In addition to grocery stores,minimum purchase requirement to consider.

• Walmart cash self-service checkouts good for getting rid of coins, they take 1 cent upwards.
• You'll discover frequently "Americans" will fuel their vehicle and then go into the shop for several minutes or as we had they bought some ice and then proceeded to empty the trunk/boot to get the ice box out to put it in. Stopping overnight at multiple petrol stations the longest I noticed was 20 minutes from filling up, going into shop and driving off.
• ELK Lodge is another option for "free" overnight, approx $100 to join, anyone can but you'll have to sort out how, and you can stop at any lodge overnight and use facilities according to several US full time RV's we've spoken to.
• Canadian "curry" sauces are not to our taste.
• Tom Tom or other dedicated Sat Nav's are available proving useful when no 4G to use Google Maps/ Waze but apps have the advantage of providing live feedback.
• No other issues with the Swift part of the van, though I'm still bugged by the excessive and totally unnecessary lighting.
• Still getting 26.8 mpg. 9 Speed auto, Eco setting 99% of the time.
• Ad-Blue usage seems to be greater in the higher temperatures, we've had <28c for several weeks and only getting 700 miles per 5l.

Google Maps is very useful for planning multiple steps and sharing:

Dodge City to Albuquerque

www.google.com

You can see out current list of "to visit" here:

Sign in - Google Accounts

We do review/update as we approach each State using: https://www.attractionsofamerica.com/
Or City: https://www.attractionsofamerica.com/destinations.php

You can follow our misadventures and keeping everyone up to date if we go missing @: https://www.polarsteps.com/JezAng/7186963-late-gap-year

 

[Jez1966]

Another thought, if your van has other media input, bring it, surprisingly or maybe not big gaps in FM coverage.

 

[Jez1966]

Total mileage (8,000 when we arrived) 35,000 now 27.2 MPG - 2.3 9 Speed Auto ECO selected 95% of the time.
Putting socks onto the plastic arm rests tops arm sweating.
It has been sunny virtually the whole time we've been here, the odd thunderstorm and with 27,000 miles covered the Leisure and Starter batteries have
been 100% charged all the time.

Average diesel price $4.25 (3.79 litre US Gallon) = $1.12 per litre @ 1.23 USD to GBP £0.91 per Litre

The REAL saving though is FREE overnight parking stores/blm/USfs/Harvesthosts Boondockers:/Truck stops - N.B. We always ask permission
even if app says not required.
We've paid for 15 nights in RV parks due to either suitable free location or needing multiple nights, leaving the van unoccupied to visit a city.
That means 131 FREE nights, if paid @ £45 per night as an avg UK price
that is a saving of £5,895 in UK cost so far. US RV Parks are more expensive than we've paid in UK/Europe.
By the end of the year we'll have save far more than the cost to ship the van over to USA and back and had a very fun year.
We always

Using Apps to find free overnight parking is working well.
https://www.ioverlander.com - Free
https://maps.overnightrvparking.com - $59.99 That's basically a night in an RV park in USA
https://membership.harvesthosts.com - $99 gets you list of wineries/breweries/restaurant etc but your expected to make a purchase. Add on of $49
for Boondockers which give you list of people who'll let you park on their land overnight, many 2+ nights no charge. So offer free/charge for electrical
hook-up but with such low power usage we only us if free.
https://www.blm.gov/ - Bureau of Land Management - This has been a little hit and miss. They are listed on ioverlander.com of via the blm site but
of the 8 sites we've used 2 were signed as site closed.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/ - US Forestry Service provide some "developed sites" long drop toilets/water for $20 or less and "undeveloped sites" that are free.
So far New Mexico has had the worst condition "motorways", picked our daughter up from Albuquerque airport @ 23:30 and a 100 mile drive to overnight stop.
There was a stop listed at the airport but is was just an area where a building had been demolished and there was no one to confirm it was OK to park overninght.
Driving out I put myself 100' behind a truck and trailer, if he swerved I followed, also by watching the trailer I could see if it hit any potholes and there where many.
Just after one there where 2 cars and a lorry on the hard shoulder with flats.

Adblue consumption has reduced as the temperatures came down, getting back to nearly 1000 miles per 5 litres rather than 1/2 that @ over 40C

Rear tyres are hanging in there, replacement fronts (Cooper Tires HT Discovery) I'm guessing have another 10,000 in them give the wear so far (30,000 total)

I did an interview with a Youtuber who is planning a nomad lifestyle and thought our van was "cool"


You can follow our misadventures and keeping everyone up to date if we go missing @: https://www.polarsteps.com/JezAng/7186963-late-gap-year

 

[Jez1966]

Take spare manual drain taps.
After the electronic freshwater valve was lost to a truck packing strap on the motorway it was replaced with a manual tap.
Because of it location this was damaged by stones on Alaska Highway so it leaked, just slow drip.
When our daughter visited she brought with her 2 replacement taps.
So it would be an idea to have spares at the start, US different pipe dimensions so no instant local replacement.

 

[ChrisL]

I ran those Cooper discover tyres on my Mitsubishi Delica 4x4 mpv they were very good both on and off road, enjoy your travels.

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[RowleyBirkinQC]

Whilst I‘ve only got up to Mount Rushmore (Day 43?) so far, great record and pics of your journey on that ‘polarsteps’ site.
Thanks for sharing!

 

[WESTY66]

Wow, what a trip, I’ve only done 3 weeks from Milwaukee down to Sturgis bike rally on 2006 on my Harley, and for me that was the trip of my life so far, to do 12 months US and Canada must be off the scale. I will catch up with your polar steps later this week. Enjoy the rest of your trip

 

[martin2603]

Great post, thanks for sharing your travels. Totally agree the bathroom sink tap was designed by muppets.
We had a four week trip from Vancouver with a Sprinter Winnebago. Great fun.
Enjoy your trip and keep posting.

 

[Jez1966]

Only a few new things to add...
34,000 miles travelled
40 States/ State Capitols visited
28 mpg

Propane Refill:
Tractor Supplies
Love's
Just keep an eye out as it's random which local petrol station have propane

Van update:
Going to need a full set of tyres in the next couple of weeks.
Cooper Discoverer HT3 installed on front will have done 30,000 ish by the time they're replaced.
Michelin Aglis Camper installed rear will have done the whole 46,000.
An item I did not consider when planning are the valve stems, they are metal on our van and not available in US.

The large screw cap on the waste/gray tank has split round the thread. From the amount of sealant on/in it may well have been break at construction.
Or the sealant is very spongy so may have expanded and cracked the cap. Same issue on other 2021 Kon-Tiki apparently

Wiper blades "failed" at the same time - we bought 2 spare sets and suspect RAM Promaster 2023 blades would fit. Image attached.

Finally been able to identify where/how water ingress into garage Image of water/dirt marks and the not/poorly installed seal.
The piece hanging down had been stuck to the underside of the van, by clearly visible. There seems to be no seal/gasket installed in most of the joint.
Bad construction, "missed" by Swift QC, "missed" in dealer pre-delivery check, not noticed by dealer when tow bracket installed.

Route:
With the weather being unseasonable warm in the southern States we change route to cover them off now rather and colder Jan/Feb 2024.
Means we'll have to drive all the way back west but Autumn in these States is worth seeing.

You can see route @ https://www.polarsteps.com/JezAng/7186963-gap-year

Food Update
Wegmans (Grocery Store): https://www.wegmans.com/
Stock:
Heinz Backed Beans - $4.25 a tin
Heinz Salad Cream - $11.00
Both UK production imported, pricey but worth it.
I know of Wegmans from my many trips to Rochester NY, and over years they have expanded down the East Coast as far as NC so you'll need to plan & stock-up
More Waitrose than Tesco.

In a few Walmart's we have found "International" section stocking jars of Patak's Butter Chicken, Korma, Tikka Masala

App: GasBuddy
Finally found an app that is generally reliable for finding Diesel price in the area, relies on app users/garage owner to update prices.
You may need to change your phones region to get download and use.

CyberGhost VPN: Subscription : Allows you to select host country, meaning you can access UK exclusive content while outside UK, or country of your choice.

Driving in general:
Other than the lack of courtesy, potholes I've noticed the varying designs of motorway junctions.
From vast multi lane, left & right on/off ramps to single lane on ramp that after as little as 200 yards is the off ramp.
@ 70 mph, the lack of courtesy forward plan by other drivers these can be very challenging. It is not uncommon to see both an entering & exiting vehicle braking
heavily to join/exit. There seems to be no protocol like exiting vehicle slows to go behind entering vehicle that accelerates.

Other things:
Clear H20 filters available in Walmart & RV sales shops.
We have had to buy a new dirt filter and have added a pressure gauge as at our last RV site stop the dirt filter burst due to very high water pressure.
Spoken with several Police officers, wondering what info they have on foreign vans and it's nothing. There is no database they can check.
General view was that provided you not doing something very dangerous you're unlikely to get stopped as none had any idea how to ticket a foreign van.

Future plans:
Working our way back west mid/top of southern states, then back along the gulf coast - we have 6 months to do it, last month will be getting van to docks Brunswick
and a holiday in Hawaii to complete the 50th State.
Christmas in Las Vegas - Hotel cheaper than RV park.
9th - 14th Feb booked in New Orleans RV park 15 minutes walk from French Quarter so in New Orleans for a few days/nights of Mardi Gras including
Fat Tuesday (Last day/night)

 

[Fat Albert]

You don't need to replace the metal valve stems just the valve cores. I have replaced my Agilis campers last week and that's what the mobile fitter did.
Enjoying the trip with you

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[Jez1966]

You don't need to replace the metal valve stems just the valve cores. I have replaced my Agilis campers last week and that's what the mobile fitter did.
Enjoying the trip with you

More planning if one or more is damaged as neither the stem is nor core (different thread) are available in USA.
Worst case solution would be fitting standard Ducato wheels as used on Promaster.

 

[JMHerts]

Really useful and practical thread as we're planning a similar trip in a few years time. Have fun! I'll try and find you on Polarsteps.

 

[Jez1966]

Really useful and practical thread as we're planning a similar trip in a few years time. Have fun! I'll try and find you on Polarsteps.

You can track our misadventures @ https://www.polarsteps.com/JezAng/7186963-gap-year
Will take you straight to trip.

 

[Jez1966]

Forgot to mention, we popped into Costco in Augusta Georgia for cheese and came out with cheese, Flu & Covid jabs.
Rounded Flu £18 & Covid £130, Cheese £5. Probably other walk-in options but the only other we looked at was Walmart.
Flu £85 & Covid £180 only rubber cheese.

 

[DT]

Watch out for love bugs if you go south.

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[Jez1966]

Watch out for love bugs if you go south.

We've seen quite a lot already, back to having to clean the windscreen every fill-up.
We're in Boca Chica waiting/hoping for Space X Starship launch 17th Nov.
Heavy/moderate rain all day so far so guessing the little lovies will be hiding out somewhere dry.
From tomorrow we have a campsite right on the southern tip of South Padre Island for the week, if delayed we can hopefully
extend as it is very low season though the Launch will attract a lot of interest.
Walmart Port Isabel tonight.
You can track our misadventures @ https://www.polarsteps.com/JezAng/7186963-gap-year

You can view Space X Launch Facility @
Or NasaSpaceFlight @

 

[DT]

We've seen quite a lot already, back to having to clean the windscreen every fill-up.
We're in Boca Chica waiting/hoping for Space X Starship launch 17th Nov.
Heavy/moderate rain all day so far so guessing the little lovies will be hiding out somewhere dry.
From tomorrow we have a campsite right on the southern tip of South Padre Island for the week, if delayed we can hopefully
extend as it is very low season though the Launch will attract a lot of interest.
Walmart Port Isabel tonight.
You can track our misadventures @ https://www.polarsteps.com/JezAng/7186963-gap-year

You can view Space X Launch Facility @
Or NasaSpaceFlight @

Super trip you are seeing so much sometime answer the obvious questions maybe ?
Shipping cost for the MH as opposed to buying and reselling in the US.
How did you get vehicle insurance and cost ?
How did you get health insurance and cost ?
We lived and worked in Florida for seven years but saw very little of the northern states as the work you hard.

 

[Jez1966]

Super trip you are seeing so much sometime answer the obvious questions maybe ?
Shipping cost for the MH as opposed to buying and reselling in the US.
How did you get vehicle insurance and cost ?
How did you get health insurance and cost ?
We lived and worked in Florida for seven years but saw very little of the northern states as the work you hard.

Shipping cost for the MH as opposed to buying and reselling in the US.
£4,000 (to ship out (Liverpool - Halifax NS) https://www.seabridge-tours.de/en/motorhome-shipping/ same cost to any of their East coast destinations. Website gives SQM cost but there will be a Diesel surcharge applied when booked. It was 32% of SQM when we shipped in May 23.
There is also https://ivssuk.com/ I spoken to other non UK who used them.
Current Est back is £3,500 but SQM reviewed annually Jan so will change and diesel surcharge reviewed/changed quarterly.
Plan to book 3 month in advance a soon as booking window opens, you can cancel up until you delivery van to port so 7 days before booking.
US RV's generally do less than 12 mpg's to UK gallon, we're getting 28 so another saving on fuel consumption.

Buying/Reselling: There are 1000's of RV's for sale in USA, Broken Link Removed key issue for us was a 20/21 RV similar spec to our
Kon-Tiki 599 was approx the same converted £ price as we paid in UK and you have NOTHING inside.
You can ship fully equipped but "appearing empty" so everything in cupboards/garage.
How long will it take to resell?

How did you get vehicle insurance and cost ? Having opted to ship we did not look at the purchase process or insurance for a UK resident owning a USA RV.
www.progressive.com were the only company to quote noting US insurance is State dependant, so progressive in NY will not insure international drivers. You have to have a US "home" address. We got quotes for friends addresses in CA & PA, less than $1,000 but when reviewed by underwriters they were cancelled a week later, no reason given. We know a couple that used a friends address in OR on a Citroen Panel Van that was not rejected so seems potluck/
As you can only get a progressive quote 1 month before policy starts and you has
We used https://thuminsurance.com/ @ $4,000 as the only option to keep plan alive.

How did you get health insurance and cost ? We have a annual "backpacker" policy (https://www.truetraveller.com/) £2,200.
There a many, many companies and your personally circumstances will naturally influence price to research, research, research.

Getting a B2 visa is very important, on the waiver program you can only stay 3 months B2 allows 6 and as we did if you "ask nicely"
(sufficient fund, show you a genuine tourist and you will go home) a supervisor can give you a year. If you only get 6 months then you need
to take a day trip into Canada or Mexico and re-enter for another 6 months.

Bottom-line this is not a "cheap" trip but given we have only paid for 30 night in RV parks, mostly to visit cities for multiple days, I believe
we will save more in the year using free overnights (https://maps.overnightrvparking.com/) and diesel averaging £0.90 ltr than than it has
cost in shipping and insurance.

That said everyone needs to do there own research, we chose then options that fitted our needs after very very extensive research/comparisons.

 

[Jez1966]

Month 7 completed

4 new tyres fitted Front Coopper Discoverer HT3 fitted 25,000 miles ago, in Canada and original rear Michelin Agilis after 43,000 miles both down to minimum marker.
4 Kenda Klever H/T 2 @ 4,250kgs and inflated to 80 psi US regulation requires the van is fitted with LT - Light Truck tyre load rating 115/116



$225 (£185 @ 1.21) each fitted

Brake Pad wear warning light came on @ 43,256 so we had all pads replaced $125 (£103 @ 1.21) per hr 3 hrs.

I fully understand that the vast majority of the breaking is done by the front brakes but surprised to see rear pads only 5% worn, kept
to be refitted when needed.

Significant water ingress into garage, garage door seals replaced when issue 1st noted last year, not driven on on wet roads since.
There are clear dirt marks showing where the water have come in.
There seems to be gasket material hanging down, plan is to remove and put sealant along all joints.
Wrote to Swift and have approval to effect DIY repair pending taking to dealer/authorised agent upon return in April 24


Garage temporary fix:
Removed redundant gasket/seal and cleaned with solvent

Used very generous application of roofing joint sealant:

Here's hoping...

Key to a successful trip is preparation and that means research, research, research.

Talking with a Swiss couple who have a 2019 Ducato based van, they got an oil change at a US Fiat dealership that was able to provide companionable
oil filter. Personally best to plan and bring part though.
If your van is based on a vehicle available in USA, such as Mercedes Sprinter, you may be more likely to fine part but I plan for the worst bit hope for the best.

Visiting Planning
As a head-up many/most popular US attractions, National Parks/Monuments have a "timed entry process" meaning you have to book an entry time.
They may be year round or seasonal, they can be free or a couple of dollars it is simply "crowd management" system.
Our experience is they are available online 24 hrs in advance, usually vehicular or same day in person for buildings.
The timed entry process for some National Park can be by-passed if you enter the park before a specific time,, usually predawn.
Note you have to enter the park before the specified time, if you join a queue @ 04:00 but arrive at the entry booth 05:01 you don't get in.

You'll need to look at each locations website for information on this.

There may also be restrictions on vehicle type for certain attractions, Example: Glacier National Park our 8.1m/26.6" motorhome was classified too long
for most roads.
Mount Evans: is the highest mountain you can drive up and @ 26.5" we were permitted. The road is narrow, multiple very, very sharp hairpins and >1000"
drop off road but we did it. I would NOT do it again, but once started the only place to turn around is at the top.
Pike Peak: @ 26.5" we were too long, to we, or more correctly I chose to rent a Tesla 2, not driven an electric car before and not knowing the 2 has
nearly a outrageous acceleration as S & X. Tesla 3 is 2.1s to 60 so I loved the drive up Pikes Peak, Angie DID NOT.

As said before such a trip requires research, research, research to find what is best for your requirements.
DO NOT copy someone else's, us it as a guide but triple check.
You will/should have a wonderful time we have.

Talking with a Swiss couple on South Padre RV Park, the bought no spare parts for their 2019 Ducato Knaus Motorhome, but a Fiat dealer was able to source
an oil filter. Guessing Fiat 500/500X/Spider have the same filter? Better to come prepared though me thinks.

Phone, Samsung S21, cabled charging playing up, not charging or damp/foreign body warning.
Bought: Pocket Juice 10K Plus, 3-in-1 10,000mAh Portable Charger with High-Speed Wireless Charging, Black $17.88 + tax Approx £16.00
Robot or human?
Naturally available elsewhere but a good solution if cabled charging not working.

Back home preparation:
Installed CCTV system to cover house stores 3 months and accessible, anywhere we have internet access.
Put a small 40w bedside light in every room controlled by smart plug time to come on/off.
Installed Hive heating controller so we can monitor house temperature and turned up in advance of our daughters visits.
Rented 2 garages from local council to store cars, took a few viewing to find 2 that were truly dry and secure. The forecourt has cctv coverage as it's secluded
nature was used for drug dealing so cctv installed to stop that but bonus for us. Ran cars to near empty so when refilled should be 95% fresh fuel, over inflated
50psi to try and prevent flat spots. Batteries removed and on charger at home. MOT garage within 100 yards

Food update:
Bush Zero Added Sugar Beans: Heinz are 7% added so, it's in the sauce.
Stand alone the sauce is "watery" and the beans taste oddly sweet but within a meal not really noticed so an acceptable substitute.


Dinty Moor Beef Stew:

A very acceptable stew.

Latest Diesel price $3.29 - £0.66 per liter @ 1.24

Swift Kon-Tiki driver side side garage.
The original pathetic piece of plywood was replaced with a few weeks of taking ownership, it just was not strong enough to support much weight.
Replaced with leftover shelving material.



The issue now is the 3 air gun installed nails and sparse glue gave out.
Batons too thin to fix with screws so refitted using Expanding Gorilla glue and 3 screw below, hopefully it will last.


Saw 3rd incident of driver pulling away from fuel pump with nozzle still in filler.
All 3 were drivers who put nozzle in, engaged lock (we don't have them in UK/Europe,but you can see on the handle where is "should" be) and went into shop.
Came out got in their vehicle and pulled away. Fortunately hoses are fitted with quick release and fuel cut off so no significant spillage.
Not a UK/European issue as you you can't "lock the handle", AND you can't drive off as your keys are most likely "in the filler cap lock".
I've not seen a vehicle with a locking filler cap despite, what Americans view and very high fuel prices.

Could have "sold" the van several times during trip, 24 mpg (US gallon) 4x US motorhome mpg, even the small ones.
Lack of AC and 20 litre black tank and issue but AC can be added black tank benefit of emptying into toilet if more often noted.

Possible going to regret choice to go East and then come back to Zion & Bryce Canyon as it's seriously sub 0c overnight, but topped up LPG and only for a few days.
Journal: https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/journals/month-7-of-late-gap-year-usa-road-trip.413/
You can follow our misadventures @ https://www.polarsteps.com/JezAng/7186963-gap-year

 

[DT]

Glad you are enjoying your fantastic trip, I guess the issues with Swift could also have happened back home. Swift should be using your trip for marketing and making sure you have assistance and great back-up when needed.

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[Jez1966]

Glad you are enjoying your fantastic trip, I guess the issues with Swift could also have happened back home. Swift should be using your trip for marketing and making sure you have assistance and great back-up when needed.

Yes the issue of the grey drain cap could have happened will in UK, but geography does not change the fact that eta is still unknown.
Having had direct communication with Swift last year it seems they do not stock/order parts unique to the vehicle to supply to existing
customers. They only order sufficient for planned manufacture. I you need a unique part you need to wait until they next order for
manufacture and additional required parts will be added. This could mean months waiting.
Not a clue to how Swift evaluate designs, take the bathroom tap as documented above as an example.
I've been trying to find a supplier for the cassette that is inside the bathroom and kitchen tap, to order spares, but only complete taps
listed and because of the installation you can't get access to replace the whole tap any. So I only want the cassettes.
Overall we're happy with the Kon-tiki 599, our 1st motorhome, but there are several things that could be designed much better or simplified.
The Swift command unit is a disaster waiting to happen, toggle switches and dials work perfectly fine, why over complicated resulting in
someone miles from home unable to do the basics when the panel fails.
Being able to connect to the command panel via bluetooth is such a useful feature NOT.

 

[gus-lopez]

engaged lock (we don't have them in UK/Europe,

Everywhere here in spain.Unusual to find a pump without one. I only used one this morning.
Additionally with attended service here they have to have locks for the one person to be able to fill multiple vehicles at once.

Not a UK/European issue as you you can't "lock the handle",

I now carry a pop rivet to use in the Uk or anywhere they have no pump lock.

 

[Jez1966]

Total mileage (8,000 when we arrived) 51,000 now 26.6 MPG

Just left California, highest price seen $6.79
Using gasbuddy found a petrol station a little off our route @ $4.59 and near enough to Death Valley to mean we entered 90% full.

4 new tyres fitted Front Coopper Discoverer HT3 fitted 25,000 miles ago, in Canada and original rear Michelin Agilis after 43,000 miles both down to minimum marker.
4 Kenda Klever H/T 2 @ 4,250kgs and inflated to 80 psi US regulation requires the van is fitted with LT - Light Truck tyre load rating 115/116



$225 (£185 @ 1.21) each fitted

Brake Pad wear warning light came on @ 43,256 so we had all pads replaced $125 (£103 @ 1.21) per hr 3 hrs.

I fully understand that the vast majority of the breaking is done by the front brakes but surprised to see rear pads only 5% worn, kept
to be refitted when needed.

Significant water ingress into garage, garage door seals replaced when issue 1st noted last year, not driven on on wet roads since.
There are clear dirt marks showing where the water have come in.
There seems to be gasket material hanging down, plan is to remove and put sealant along all joints.
Wrote to Swift and have approval to effect DIY repair pending taking to dealer/authorised agent upon return in April 24


Garage temporary fix:
Removed redundant gasket/seal and cleaned with solvent

Used very generous application of roofing joint sealant:

Here's hoping...

Key to a successful trip is preparation and that means research, research, research.

Talking with a Swiss couple who have a 2019 Ducato based van, they got an oil change at a US Fiat dealership that was able to provide companionable
oil filter. Personally best to plan and bring part though.
If your van is based on a vehicle available in USA, such as Mercedes Sprinter, you may be more likely to fine part but I plan for the worst bit hope for the best.

Visiting Planning
As a head-up many/most popular US attractions, National Parks/Monuments have a "timed entry process" meaning you have to book an entry time.
They may be year round or seasonal, they can be free or a couple of dollars it is simply "crowd management" system.
Our experience is they are available online 24 hrs in advance, usually vehicular or same day in person for buildings.
The timed entry process for some National Park can be by-passed if you enter the park before a specific time,, usually predawn.
Note you have to enter the park before the specified time, if you join a queue @ 04:00 but arrive at the entry booth 05:01 you don't get in.

You'll need to look at each locations website for information on this.

There may also be restrictions on vehicle type for certain attractions, Example: Glacier National Park our 8.1m/26.6" motorhome was classified too long
for most roads.
Mount Evans: is the highest mountain you can drive up and @ 26.5" we were permitted. The road is narrow, multiple very, very sharp hairpins and >1000"
drop off road but we did it. I would NOT do it again, but once started the only place to turn around is at the top.
Pike Peak: @ 26.5" we were too long, to we, or more correctly I chose to rent a Tesla 2, not driven an electric car before and not knowing the 2 has
nearly a outrageous acceleration as S & X. Tesla 3 is 2.1s to 60 so I loved the drive up Pikes Peak, Angie DID NOT.

As said before such a trip requires research, research, research to find what is best for your requirements.
DO NOT copy someone else's, us it as a guide but triple check.
You will/should have a wonderful time we have.

Talking with a Swiss couple on South Padre RV Park, the bought no spare parts for their 2019 Ducato Knaus Motorhome, but a Fiat dealer was able to source
an oil filter. Guessing Fiat 500/500X/Spider have the same filter? Better to come prepared though me thinks.

Phone, Samsung S21, cabled charging playing up, not charging or damp/foreign body warning.
Bought: Pocket Juice 10K Plus, 3-in-1 10,000mAh Portable Charger with High-Speed Wireless Charging, Black $17.88 + tax Approx £16.00
Robot or human?
Naturally available elsewhere but a good solution if cabled charging not working.

Back home preparation:
Installed CCTV system to cover house stores 3 months and accessible, anywhere we have internet access.
Put a small 40w bedside light in every room controlled by smart plug time to come on/off.
Installed Hive heating controller so we can monitor house temperature and turned up in advance of our daughters visits.
Rented 2 garages from local council to store cars, took a few viewing to find 2 that were truly dry and secure. The forecourt has cctv coverage as it's secluded
nature was used for drug dealing so cctv installed to stop that but bonus for us. Ran cars to near empty so when refilled should be 95% fresh fuel, over inflated
50psi to try and prevent flat spots. Batteries removed and on charger at home. MOT garage within 100 yards

Food update:
Bush Zero Added Sugar Beans: Heinz are 7% added so, it's in the sauce.
Stand alone the sauce is "watery" and the beans taste oddly sweet but within a meal not really noticed so an acceptable substitute.


Dinty Moor Beef Stew:

A very acceptable stew.

Latest Diesel price $3.29 - £0.66 per liter @ 1.24

Swift Kon-Tiki driver side side garage.
The original pathetic piece of plywood was replaced with a few weeks of taking ownership, it just was not strong enough to support much weight.
Replaced with leftover shelving material.



The issue now is the 3 air gun installed nails and sparse glue gave out.
Batons too thin to fix with screws so refitted using Expanding Gorilla glue and 3 screw below, hopefully it will last.


Saw 3rd incident of driver pulling away from fuel pump with nozzle still in filler.
All 3 were drivers who put nozzle in, engaged lock (we don't have them in UK/Europe,but you can see on the handle where is "should" be) and went into shop.
Came out got in their vehicle and pulled away. Fortunately hoses are fitted with quick release and fuel cut off so no significant spillage.
Not a UK/European issue as you you can't "lock the handle", AND you can't drive off as your keys are most likely "in the filler cap lock".
I've not seen a vehicle with a locking filler cap despite, what Americans view and very high fuel prices.

Could have "sold" the van several times during trip, 24 mpg (US gallon) 4x US motorhome mpg, even the small ones.
Lack of AC and 20 litre black tank and issue but AC can be added black tank benefit of emptying into toilet if more often noted.

Possible going to regret choice to go East and then come back to Zion & Bryce Canyon as it's seriously sub 0c overnight, but topped up LPG and only for a few days.

Planning our return trip and discovered Jacksonville & Brunswick require gas certificate and they can only be issued for tanks with purge valve.
Bottles can't be shipped from either port. Baltimore & Halifax do not require certificates bottles just have to show as empty.
A little odd there are different requirements for ports in USA and the van will be going back on a ship that has picked up in the ports.
So additional an additional 1,850 miles and 30 hours of driving.

Had a slow puncture a week ago, pressure monitor alarmed, got a plug glued in at @ truck tyre centre, they did not have equipment to remove tyre and patch from the inside. Following morning had the puncture patched from the inside.

Some damage from a rock knocked into the road by the semi in front of us



All 3 panels damaged with draw and left hand panel being pushed backwards an inch or so.
Submitted claim on US motor insurance and things work a little differently. The insurance company have estimated the repair cost
and made payment $1,192 less $1,000 deductible.
Then when repair is completed I submit invoices and balance payed or returned.

I can't recall if I mentioned the additional locks & protective plate we had fitted.
Locks hook into side panel and plates prevent "harpooning", which is thieves shoving a screwdriver through door
panel and activating central locking mechanism behind key hole. It's a common issue with vans, for the tools, thought being it would
make the thieves move onto an easier target.

Journal: https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/journals/month-7-of-late-gap-year-usa-road-trip.413/
You can follow our misadventures @ https://www.polarsteps.com/JezAng/7186963-gap-year
Broken Link Removed Broken Link Removed

 

[Jez1966]

Forgot to include, AdBlue/DEF miles covered for a 2.5 USG (9.46 ltr) has been "erratic"!!
We've recorded the mileage after using each complete container and mileage covered has been between 600 - 1400
miles.

Had glasses fixed in Walmart, arm fell off after loosing fixing screw. They used a "universal" screw. Softer thread than
normal screw and tapered. Once installed the excess it trimmed so "flaring" then end so it will not come loose.
They replaced the missing screw and the remaining one, FOC and I was shopping in store.
Chatting while work being done, I asked if they could produce glasses based on an English prescription, and after getting
it from van, they said they could.

Also following the rock damage we sent images of the damage to the dealer we bought the van from asking them
the order necessary replacement parts, knowing Swift, ironically not swift parts availability.
We subsequently received and email from dealers parts dept saying they could not identify the parts needed from the Swift parts manual. They have forwarded the images of the damage to Swift asking them to identify parts required.
Stating "their (Swift) descriptions aren’t great and they don’t show photos against part numbers".
Personally how poor can a description be that it's not possible to identify these parts.

 

[andysam]

It all sounds like a great adventure; not a holiday but a true adventure.

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