(07-01-2026 09:09 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(07-01-2026 08:09 PM)TripleA Wrote:  

(07-01-2026 07:15 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(07-01-2026 11:16 AM)TripleA Wrote:  

(07-01-2026 11:02 AM)Redwingtom Wrote:  If you're out that way, DO NOT miss going to Devil's Tower. It's the coolest place in America that I've ever visited. I went just before sundown and watched the setting sun behind it which was very cool and made for great photos. Since it was later in the day, there weren't many people there so it was incredibly serene. You could hear the wind blowing past it and it make a spiritual sound that filled me with an amazing peace. It was easy to see why the natives used it as a spiritual retreat.

That's definitely on my list, as is all of the Black Hills and Badlands NP. I am likely going to create my domicile in South Dakota, so that area will be the very first place I visit.

Its pretty cool.

Warning. Hail is common in South Dakota in the summer. We got in a big storm near Custer State Park, but didn't get the worst of it, merely about 5 minutes of golf ball size. The next town looked like it had snowed. We saw a couple cars in the parking lot at our hotel that looked like golf balls with all the dimples. There was a couple on motorcycles stopping in a tunnel and the woman looked pretty dazed.

Probably said this in the original thread, but Wind Caves NP and Custer State Park are really worth it for the buffalo herds. And if its hot, it will feel GREAT being in the cave. Don't miss Wall Drug Store when you go to Badlands. Its not possible to miss all the billboards! The MinuteMan Missile NHS near Badlands is also worth the stop.

We went in the summer of 2021 just after all the quarantines were lifted. We flew into Rapid City and rented a car and of course did Badlands and Mt. Rushmore. Didn't get to Crazy Horse. Didn't have time to do the Deadwood old West Town. Then we went on to Glacier NP and did Teddy Roosevelt NP in North Dakota. Teddy Roosevelt was nice, but the buffalo herds paled in comparison to Wind Caves and Custer.

And in case you haven't already, you need to figure out the restrictions on the National Parks. We had to get into Glacier before 6 am. There were supposedly daily reservations freed every day at 8am, but we could never get through the phone line. It wasn't bad since it was less crowded. After we did Going to the Sun Road, we tried to enter the east side of the park in one of the unrestricted entrances. But it was closed for an undetermined amount of time because they had no parking. It was 4 or 5 at that point, so we headed back to Whitefish where we were staying. And if you are planning on eating out at a restaurant, Whitefish was completely booked up. We drove down to Kalispell to eat.

I haven't been anywhere near the Black Hills at all, so this visit will be great fun for me.

I worry about hail. Best action is to get under a roof or a giant tree, if possible. Hail that big would destroy my solar panels and the fiberglass roof. I would be SOL if I were in Badlands NP.

I'm on no schedule, other than dying, lol, so I will stay at each area location until I have seen all I want to see. As for restrictions, since the time you visited, almost all NPs have dropped restrictions, per my searches.

At Glacier, I plan to park my RV and ride one of the old motor cars across GTTS Road and back.

I will eat out now and then, but most of the time plan to grill outside the RV, so as not to stink up the joint. Anybody have suggestions for a grill? I would like a combo gas grill and griddle but haven't found one with the right price and reviews yet.

In my previous lifetime of travel, I find that I should aim for weeknights, and skip trying to eat out on weekends or holidays.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

The hail was in the hills near Mt. Rushmore. Shouldn't be an issue out in the Badlands.

The straight line winds you encounter in the high plains can be dangerous when you're piloting a 21 foot box truck though, you definitely need to check the wind on your planned route for the day before heading out.

(07-17-2026 10:25 AM)Cotten Wrote:  

(07-01-2026 09:09 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(07-01-2026 08:09 PM)TripleA Wrote:  

(07-01-2026 07:15 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(07-01-2026 11:16 AM)TripleA Wrote:  That's definitely on my list, as is all of the Black Hills and Badlands NP. I am likely going to create my domicile in South Dakota, so that area will be the very first place I visit.

Its pretty cool.

Warning. Hail is common in South Dakota in the summer. We got in a big storm near Custer State Park, but didn't get the worst of it, merely about 5 minutes of golf ball size. The next town looked like it had snowed. We saw a couple cars in the parking lot at our hotel that looked like golf balls with all the dimples. There was a couple on motorcycles stopping in a tunnel and the woman looked pretty dazed.

Probably said this in the original thread, but Wind Caves NP and Custer State Park are really worth it for the buffalo herds. And if its hot, it will feel GREAT being in the cave. Don't miss Wall Drug Store when you go to Badlands. Its not possible to miss all the billboards! The MinuteMan Missile NHS near Badlands is also worth the stop.

We went in the summer of 2021 just after all the quarantines were lifted. We flew into Rapid City and rented a car and of course did Badlands and Mt. Rushmore. Didn't get to Crazy Horse. Didn't have time to do the Deadwood old West Town. Then we went on to Glacier NP and did Teddy Roosevelt NP in North Dakota. Teddy Roosevelt was nice, but the buffalo herds paled in comparison to Wind Caves and Custer.

And in case you haven't already, you need to figure out the restrictions on the National Parks. We had to get into Glacier before 6 am. There were supposedly daily reservations freed every day at 8am, but we could never get through the phone line. It wasn't bad since it was less crowded. After we did Going to the Sun Road, we tried to enter the east side of the park in one of the unrestricted entrances. But it was closed for an undetermined amount of time because they had no parking. It was 4 or 5 at that point, so we headed back to Whitefish where we were staying. And if you are planning on eating out at a restaurant, Whitefish was completely booked up. We drove down to Kalispell to eat.

I haven't been anywhere near the Black Hills at all, so this visit will be great fun for me.

I worry about hail. Best action is to get under a roof or a giant tree, if possible. Hail that big would destroy my solar panels and the fiberglass roof. I would be SOL if I were in Badlands NP.

I'm on no schedule, other than dying, lol, so I will stay at each area location until I have seen all I want to see. As for restrictions, since the time you visited, almost all NPs have dropped restrictions, per my searches.

At Glacier, I plan to park my RV and ride one of the old motor cars across GTTS Road and back.

I will eat out now and then, but most of the time plan to grill outside the RV, so as not to stink up the joint. Anybody have suggestions for a grill? I would like a combo gas grill and griddle but haven't found one with the right price and reviews yet.

In my previous lifetime of travel, I find that I should aim for weeknights, and skip trying to eat out on weekends or holidays.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

The hail was in the hills near Mt. Rushmore. Shouldn't be an issue out in the Badlands.

The straight line winds you encounter in the high plains can be dangerous when you're piloting a 21 foot box truck though, you definitely need to check the wind on your planned route for the day before heading out.

Not just up there. 40 out of OK, through the panhandle of TX, and crossing into NM can be

The sprinter class Bs have cross wind assist as part of their vehicle stability control. Not sure if ford does.

(07-17-2026 11:28 AM)U_of_Elvis Wrote:  

(07-17-2026 10:25 AM)Cotten Wrote:  

(07-01-2026 09:09 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(07-01-2026 08:09 PM)TripleA Wrote:  

(07-01-2026 07:15 PM)bullet Wrote:  Its pretty cool.

Warning. Hail is common in South Dakota in the summer. We got in a big storm near Custer State Park, but didn't get the worst of it, merely about 5 minutes of golf ball size. The next town looked like it had snowed. We saw a couple cars in the parking lot at our hotel that looked like golf balls with all the dimples. There was a couple on motorcycles stopping in a tunnel and the woman looked pretty dazed.

Probably said this in the original thread, but Wind Caves NP and Custer State Park are really worth it for the buffalo herds. And if its hot, it will feel GREAT being in the cave. Don't miss Wall Drug Store when you go to Badlands. Its not possible to miss all the billboards! The MinuteMan Missile NHS near Badlands is also worth the stop.

We went in the summer of 2021 just after all the quarantines were lifted. We flew into Rapid City and rented a car and of course did Badlands and Mt. Rushmore. Didn't get to Crazy Horse. Didn't have time to do the Deadwood old West Town. Then we went on to Glacier NP and did Teddy Roosevelt NP in North Dakota. Teddy Roosevelt was nice, but the buffalo herds paled in comparison to Wind Caves and Custer.

And in case you haven't already, you need to figure out the restrictions on the National Parks. We had to get into Glacier before 6 am. There were supposedly daily reservations freed every day at 8am, but we could never get through the phone line. It wasn't bad since it was less crowded. After we did Going to the Sun Road, we tried to enter the east side of the park in one of the unrestricted entrances. But it was closed for an undetermined amount of time because they had no parking. It was 4 or 5 at that point, so we headed back to Whitefish where we were staying. And if you are planning on eating out at a restaurant, Whitefish was completely booked up. We drove down to Kalispell to eat.

I haven't been anywhere near the Black Hills at all, so this visit will be great fun for me.

I worry about hail. Best action is to get under a roof or a giant tree, if possible. Hail that big would destroy my solar panels and the fiberglass roof. I would be SOL if I were in Badlands NP.

I'm on no schedule, other than dying, lol, so I will stay at each area location until I have seen all I want to see. As for restrictions, since the time you visited, almost all NPs have dropped restrictions, per my searches.

At Glacier, I plan to park my RV and ride one of the old motor cars across GTTS Road and back.

I will eat out now and then, but most of the time plan to grill outside the RV, so as not to stink up the joint. Anybody have suggestions for a grill? I would like a combo gas grill and griddle but haven't found one with the right price and reviews yet.

In my previous lifetime of travel, I find that I should aim for weeknights, and skip trying to eat out on weekends or holidays.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

The hail was in the hills near Mt. Rushmore. Shouldn't be an issue out in the Badlands.

The straight line winds you encounter in the high plains can be dangerous when you're piloting a 21 foot box truck though, you definitely need to check the wind on your planned route for the day before heading out.

Not just up there. 40 out of OK, through the panhandle of TX, and crossing into NM can be

The sprinter class Bs have cross wind assist as part of their vehicle stability control. Not sure if ford does.

"This system activates automatically at highway speeds above 50 mph. It uses the RV's yaw (side-to-side) sensors to detect sudden lateral gusts and applies braking to the wheels on the windward side to counteract the push and keep you in your lane."

I did not know such a thing existed. I am amazed at technological advances. It is a far cry from my youth operating a manual stick shift without power steering, power brakes, airbags, and only an AM radio.

The straight line winds you encounter in the high plains can be dangerous when you're piloting a 21 foot box truck though, you definitely need to check the wind on your planned route for the day before heading out.
[/quote]

From experience I now know that the sidewinds at Texas' highest point, El Capitan mountain in the Spring and Fall can be pretty scary. I was just waiting for my trailer to fall on it's side, thank God it didn't.

My biggest asset is time. I'm not on vacation, so if the weather forecast is not favorable, I'll just wait a day or two, or find a way around the bad weather.

Wind is my biggest concern. That RV looks like a giant refrigerator, with tall, straight-up walls, and in the plains, there are thousands of miles of road with no wind blocks.

I will be equipped to pull off the road onto BLM land, or into National Forests. My rig is self-contained, so I don't need a campground.

(07-17-2026 01:40 PM)Tiger1983 Wrote:  

(07-17-2026 11:28 AM)U_of_Elvis Wrote:  

(07-17-2026 10:25 AM)Cotten Wrote:  

(07-01-2026 09:09 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(07-01-2026 08:09 PM)TripleA Wrote:  I haven't been anywhere near the Black Hills at all, so this visit will be great fun for me.

I worry about hail. Best action is to get under a roof or a giant tree, if possible. Hail that big would destroy my solar panels and the fiberglass roof. I would be SOL if I were in Badlands NP.

I'm on no schedule, other than dying, lol, so I will stay at each area location until I have seen all I want to see. As for restrictions, since the time you visited, almost all NPs have dropped restrictions, per my searches.

At Glacier, I plan to park my RV and ride one of the old motor cars across GTTS Road and back.

I will eat out now and then, but most of the time plan to grill outside the RV, so as not to stink up the joint. Anybody have suggestions for a grill? I would like a combo gas grill and griddle but haven't found one with the right price and reviews yet.

In my previous lifetime of travel, I find that I should aim for weeknights, and skip trying to eat out on weekends or holidays.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

The hail was in the hills near Mt. Rushmore. Shouldn't be an issue out in the Badlands.

The straight line winds you encounter in the high plains can be dangerous when you're piloting a 21 foot box truck though, you definitely need to check the wind on your planned route for the day before heading out.

Not just up there. 40 out of OK, through the panhandle of TX, and crossing into NM can be

The sprinter class Bs have cross wind assist as part of their vehicle stability control. Not sure if ford does.

"This system activates automatically at highway speeds above 50 mph. It uses the RV's yaw (side-to-side) sensors to detect sudden lateral gusts and applies braking to the wheels on the windward side to counteract the push and keep you in your lane."

I did not know such a thing existed. I am amazed at technological advances. It is a far cry from my youth operating a manual stick shift without power steering, power brakes, airbags, and only an AM radio.

I have to tell you, I learned something today from you comment.

(07-17-2026 11:28 AM)U_of_Elvis Wrote:  

(07-17-2026 10:25 AM)Cotten Wrote:  

(07-01-2026 09:09 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(07-01-2026 08:09 PM)TripleA Wrote:  

(07-01-2026 07:15 PM)bullet Wrote:  Its pretty cool.

Warning. Hail is common in South Dakota in the summer. We got in a big storm near Custer State Park, but didn't get the worst of it, merely about 5 minutes of golf ball size. The next town looked like it had snowed. We saw a couple cars in the parking lot at our hotel that looked like golf balls with all the dimples. There was a couple on motorcycles stopping in a tunnel and the woman looked pretty dazed.

Probably said this in the original thread, but Wind Caves NP and Custer State Park are really worth it for the buffalo herds. And if its hot, it will feel GREAT being in the cave. Don't miss Wall Drug Store when you go to Badlands. Its not possible to miss all the billboards! The MinuteMan Missile NHS near Badlands is also worth the stop.

We went in the summer of 2021 just after all the quarantines were lifted. We flew into Rapid City and rented a car and of course did Badlands and Mt. Rushmore. Didn't get to Crazy Horse. Didn't have time to do the Deadwood old West Town. Then we went on to Glacier NP and did Teddy Roosevelt NP in North Dakota. Teddy Roosevelt was nice, but the buffalo herds paled in comparison to Wind Caves and Custer.

And in case you haven't already, you need to figure out the restrictions on the National Parks. We had to get into Glacier before 6 am. There were supposedly daily reservations freed every day at 8am, but we could never get through the phone line. It wasn't bad since it was less crowded. After we did Going to the Sun Road, we tried to enter the east side of the park in one of the unrestricted entrances. But it was closed for an undetermined amount of time because they had no parking. It was 4 or 5 at that point, so we headed back to Whitefish where we were staying. And if you are planning on eating out at a restaurant, Whitefish was completely booked up. We drove down to Kalispell to eat.

I haven't been anywhere near the Black Hills at all, so this visit will be great fun for me.

I worry about hail. Best action is to get under a roof or a giant tree, if possible. Hail that big would destroy my solar panels and the fiberglass roof. I would be SOL if I were in Badlands NP.

I'm on no schedule, other than dying, lol, so I will stay at each area location until I have seen all I want to see. As for restrictions, since the time you visited, almost all NPs have dropped restrictions, per my searches.

At Glacier, I plan to park my RV and ride one of the old motor cars across GTTS Road and back.

I will eat out now and then, but most of the time plan to grill outside the RV, so as not to stink up the joint. Anybody have suggestions for a grill? I would like a combo gas grill and griddle but haven't found one with the right price and reviews yet.

In my previous lifetime of travel, I find that I should aim for weeknights, and skip trying to eat out on weekends or holidays.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

The hail was in the hills near Mt. Rushmore. Shouldn't be an issue out in the Badlands.

The straight line winds you encounter in the high plains can be dangerous when you're piloting a 21 foot box truck though, you definitely need to check the wind on your planned route for the day before heading out.

Not just up there. 40 out of OK, through the panhandle of TX, and crossing into NM can be

The sprinter class Bs have cross wind assist as part of their vehicle stability control. Not sure if ford does.

The Odyssey has it. The Odyssey SE does not. It costs about an extra $15K+. I'll just have to keep an eye out for it, and not travel if there is a wind advisory, or seek shelter until the high winds are gone.

AI Overview

The Entegra Odyssey SE 20LF comes standard with electronic stability control. However, it does not include Crosswind Assist as a specific, standalone feature of the vehicle stability package.

The Odyssey SE 20LF is built on the Ford E-350 chassis. While Ford includes basic traction control and electronic stability control on this chassis, dedicated Crosswind Assist technology (which brakes individual wheels to counter heavy gusts) is typically reserved for newer Ford E-450 chassis and other premium builds.

If you are looking for enhanced crosswind stability, Entegra offers the upgraded Odyssey (non-SE) model. This higher-tier model comes standard with the E-Z Drive package, which adds front and rear stabilizer bars and Hellwig helper springs directly designed to combat body roll and high crosswinds.

If you want to manage crosswinds in the Odyssey SE 20LF, I can provide information on:

-Aftermarket upgrades like steering stabilizers or sway bars
-Driving techniques for handling high wind speeds in Class C motorhomes
-Differences between the Ford E-350 and E-450 chassis

Here are a number of Odyssey SEs on RV Trader.

https://www.rvtrader.com/Entegra-Coach-O...&zip=28202

Aftermarket Upgrades

You can significantly reduce "white-knuckle" driving in the Entegra Coach Odyssey SE 20LF by installing a few target mechanical upgrades. The factory chassis leaves plenty of room for improvement.

Steering Stabilizers: Products like the Safe-T-Plus Steering Control employ heavy-duty hydraulic self-centering springs. They hold the front wheels straight against wind gusts and rut tracking.

Upgraded Sway Bars: Replacing thin factory anti-sway bars with thicker aftermarket versions reduces the side-to-side rocking (body roll) when large semi-trucks pass by.

Rear Trac Bars: A rear track bar links the chassis frame directly to the rear axle housing. This stops lateral axle shift, which is a major source of the "wagging tail" effect in heavy winds.

Heavy-Duty Shocks: Upgrading to performance shocks helps dampen the sudden rebounds caused by uneven roads or sudden gusts of air.

Driving Techniques for High Winds

Even with the best hardware, driving a tall, lightweight Class C motorhome like the 21.9-foot 20LF requires specific tactical adjustments.

Lower Your Speed: Dropping your speed by just 5 to 10 mph exponentially decreases the wind force acting against the flat sidewalls of your coach.

Keep Space: Increase your following distance. High winds mean your lateral lane control drops, and sudden gusts can force you to drift slightly out of your lane.

Anticipate Semi-Trucks: Look in your side mirror. When a semi-truck approaches from behind, its bow wave will push your RV away, followed by a vacuum suction that pulls you inward as it passes.

Watch Tree Lines: Be highly alert when emerging from a protected area (like a dense forest or a highway cut) into an open, clear landscape where crosswinds hit instantly.

Know Your Limits: Pull over and find a campground or rest stop if sustained winds reach 30–35+ mph. Driving a boxy vehicle in these conditions is inherently unsafe.

Ford E-350 vs. E-450 Chassis

Because the 20LF is the smallest and lightest floorplan in the Odyssey SE lineup, it uses the Ford E-350 chassis. Understanding how it differs from the heavier E-450 helps clarify your upgrade goals:

Feature Ford E-350 Chassis Ford E-450 Chassis

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR)

E-350 Typically 12,500 lbs
E-450 Typically 14,500 lbs

Brakes & Axles

E-350: Smaller rear axle housing and standard brakes
E-450: Beefier rear axle, higher gear ratios, and larger brakes

Factory Suspension

E-350: Softer spring rates meant for lighter overall loads
E-450: Stiffer spring rates to support maximum payload capacity

Crosswind Susceptibility:

E-350: High (Often experiences more wind drift due to being lighter)
E-450: Medium (Its extra weight helps it stay anchored to the road)

If you want to tailor these improvements, would you like me to find pricing for specific steering stabilizers or help you locate a local RV service center to perform the installation?

Pricing for Class C RV steering stabilizers typically ranges from $345 to $525 for the hardware unit alone, depending on the brand and mechanism.

When upgrading a Ford E-350 chassis, you must account for the cost of the stabilizer unit plus a vehicle-specific mounting bracket kit (unless purchased as a bundled package).

Here is a breakdown of the current market prices across major retailers for the top-performing stabilizers compatible with your motorhome:

Safe-T-Plus Steering Control (Silver, Model 31-140)

This unit uses a heavy-duty hydraulic self-centering design. It is widely considered the premium gold standard for eliminating road wander and crosswind sway.

RVupgrades.com: $435.49

SuperSteer: $465.00

Walmart: $474.66

Camping World: $522.56

Note: The required E-350 chassis mounting bracket kit is sold separately and typically adds $70 to $90.

Roadmaster Reflex Steering Stabilizer (Model RSSC / RSSA)

This model utilizes a tempered steel coil spring wrapped around a hydraulic damper to actively pull the steering mechanical linkage back to its straight center point.

Camping World: $345.00 (Unit specific to Class C motorhomes)

ShockWarehouse: $345.00

ShockWarehouse (RSSA Model): $495.00

Note: Like Safe-T-Plus, standard brackets are usually separate, though some specialty retailers package them together as a kit for around $420 to $450 depending on the specific model variation.

Budget Alternative: Monroe Magnum Steering Damper

If you only want to reduce harsh pavement vibrations and minor tire shimmy without the strong mechanical "return-to-center" spring force of the premium systems, a standard replacement damper is highly economical.

Advance Auto Parts: $61.19 to $62.89 (Available locally near you at the local store branches).

If you choose a system, I can help you look up estimated installation costs or help you locate a highly-rated truck and RV alignment shop nearby to handle the mechanical setup.

Professional installation costs for an RV steering stabilizer typically range from $150 to $350 for labor.

Because premium steering stabilizers feature a simple, bolt-on design with no drilling or welding required, they are flat-rated as a 1 to 1.5-hour job by most professional mechanics.

The exact final cost depends primarily on the shop's hourly labor rates and whether you opt for a critical front-end alignment at the same time.

Breakdown of Shop Estimates

Standard RV Dealership / National Chain: Large retailers like Blue Compass RV or Camping World generally charge higher hourly labor rates ranging from $180 to $250 per hour. Expect a total labor cost of $200 to $350.

Independent Truck or Fleet Alignment Shop: Independent local heavy-duty truck mechanics usually charge more modest rates between $120 and $160 per hour. Total labor here runs roughly $120 to $200.

Factory-Direct Installation: If you happen to travel near a manufacturer facility—such as the Safe T Plus Factory Direct Location in Tallapoosa, GA—they often provide low-cost or flat-rate package installations starting around $100 to $150.

Highly Recommended: The Alignment Factor

It is strongly advised to bundle your steering stabilizer installation with a professional front-end wheel alignment, which costs an additional $250 to $350 for a Class C motorhome.

A stabilizer forces your wheels back to a mechanical "center point". If your Ford E-350 chassis alignment is already slightly off, the stabilizer will permanently fight the improper tracking, resulting in accelerated tire wear and an off-center steering wheel. Having the shop adjust your chassis caster to a positive setting (ideally +5 degrees) at the same time maximizes the "straight-line" tracking behavior of the upgrade.

The DIY Alternative

If you own standard garage tools, a heavy-duty torque wrench, and jack stands, you can skip the labor fee entirely. Manufacturers like Safe-T-Plus explicitly design their packages for a 1-hour bolt-on DIY installation. The only mandatory requirement is a flat, straight stretch of road nearby to complete the fine-tuning test drive to perfectly center the steering wheel bracket clamping position.

(07-17-2026 01:40 PM)Tiger1983 Wrote:  

(07-17-2026 11:28 AM)U_of_Elvis Wrote:  

(07-17-2026 10:25 AM)Cotten Wrote:  

(07-01-2026 09:09 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(07-01-2026 08:09 PM)TripleA Wrote:  I haven't been anywhere near the Black Hills at all, so this visit will be great fun for me.

I worry about hail. Best action is to get under a roof or a giant tree, if possible. Hail that big would destroy my solar panels and the fiberglass roof. I would be SOL if I were in Badlands NP.

I'm on no schedule, other than dying, lol, so I will stay at each area location until I have seen all I want to see. As for restrictions, since the time you visited, almost all NPs have dropped restrictions, per my searches.

At Glacier, I plan to park my RV and ride one of the old motor cars across GTTS Road and back.

I will eat out now and then, but most of the time plan to grill outside the RV, so as not to stink up the joint. Anybody have suggestions for a grill? I would like a combo gas grill and griddle but haven't found one with the right price and reviews yet.

In my previous lifetime of travel, I find that I should aim for weeknights, and skip trying to eat out on weekends or holidays.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

The hail was in the hills near Mt. Rushmore. Shouldn't be an issue out in the Badlands.

The straight line winds you encounter in the high plains can be dangerous when you're piloting a 21 foot box truck though, you definitely need to check the wind on your planned route for the day before heading out.

Not just up there. 40 out of OK, through the panhandle of TX, and crossing into NM can be

The sprinter class Bs have cross wind assist as part of their vehicle stability control. Not sure if ford does.

"This system activates automatically at highway speeds above 50 mph. It uses the RV's yaw (side-to-side) sensors to detect sudden lateral gusts and applies braking to the wheels on the windward side to counteract the push and keep you in your lane."

I did not know such a thing existed. I am amazed at technological advances. It is a far cry from my youth operating a manual stick shift without power steering, power brakes, airbags, and only an AM radio.

I didn’t know it existed until I was driving a rented sprinter across the TX panhandle on 40. It was pretty steady 30mph crosswinds, but every time you went under an overpass or around a semi you had to be ready for the abrupt transition into and out of the blocking of the wind. I got almost blown out of my lane and the dash lit up and pulled me back in.

The RV I'm looking at does not have cross wind assist, and it's a helluva lot more of a wind target than a Class B, since it's a C, and looks pretty much like a giant box refrigerator on wheels.

Since I never plan to be in a hurry going anywhere, I think my strategy is just not to drive in high winds. There is always tomorrow, lol.

Speaking of the RV I'm looking at, I am conidering changing my #1 target from the Odyssey SE 20LF, the one I have generally been focused on all this time, to a Geneva 19VT.

The latter is a similar floor plan on a slightly smaller chassis, about 17 inches shorter and several inches narrower, which puts it in regular car parking space territory.

The only difference is a wet bath rather than a dry bath, which means the bathroom is the shower stall, and the toilet seat will get wet. That's the floor plan. HOWEVER, the tank sizes for fresh water, black and gray water are double on the bigger one, so that is a big positive for the more expensive one. Especially with me planning to boondock as much as possible.

The difference in price is $12,000, minus haggling, so we'll see. The cheaper one is already priced at the bottom. The higher one has a few thousand in wiggle room yet. To be continued, lol.

https://mhsrv.com/2026-thor-motor-coach-...345/images

(07-19-2026 09:19 AM)TripleA Wrote:  Speaking of the RV I'm looking at, I just recently changed my #1 target from the Odyssey SE 20LF, the one I have generally been focused on all this time, to a Geneva 19VT.

The latter is a similar floor plan on a slightly smaller chassis, about 17 inches shorter and several inches narrower, which puts it in regular car parking space territory.

The only difference is a wet bath rather than a dry bath, which means the bathroom is the shower stall, and the toilet seat will get wet.

The difference in price is $12,000, so for that, I think I can afford to buy a towel to wipe the seat off if necessary, lol.

https://mhsrv.com/2026-thor-motor-coach-...345/images

Schiff, just do what I do, don't take showers. LOL

Just kidding, I do take showers every so often. JK again.

Ha, you funny. I can last 2 or 3 days, but after that, I need to shower or divorce myself, one or the other.

Also, the more I compare these two, the better the more expensive one looks. Difference in payments is less than $100 a month, and comfort is worth more than that.

The huge difference in the tank sizes for a full-timer, vs. a weekender, is a deal breaker, I think.

(07-19-2026 09:19 AM)TripleA Wrote:  Speaking of the RV I'm looking at, I am conidering changing my #1 target from the Odyssey SE 20LF, the one I have generally been focused on all this time, to a Geneva 19VT.

The latter is a similar floor plan on a slightly smaller chassis, about 17 inches shorter and several inches narrower, which puts it in regular car parking space territory.

The only difference is a wet bath rather than a dry bath, which means the bathroom is the shower stall, and the toilet seat will get wet. That's the floor plan. HOWEVER, the tank sizes for fresh water, black and gray water are double on the bigger one, so that is a big positive for the more expensive one. Especially with me planning to boondock as much as possible.

The difference in price is $12,000, minus haggling, so we'll see. The cheaper one is already priced at the bottom. The higher one has a few thousand in wiggle room yet. To be continued, lol.

https://mhsrv.com/2026-thor-motor-coach-...345/images

The smaller size may reduce the cross wind problem, I suppose.

How long can one "boondock" with the Geneva compared to the Odyssey? Yes, I am living vicariously.

(07-19-2026 11:59 AM)Tiger1983 Wrote:  

(07-19-2026 09:19 AM)TripleA Wrote:  Speaking of the RV I'm looking at, I am conidering changing my #1 target from the Odyssey SE 20LF, the one I have generally been focused on all this time, to a Geneva 19VT.

The latter is a similar floor plan on a slightly smaller chassis, about 17 inches shorter and several inches narrower, which puts it in regular car parking space territory.

The only difference is a wet bath rather than a dry bath, which means the bathroom is the shower stall, and the toilet seat will get wet. That's the floor plan. HOWEVER, the tank sizes for fresh water, black and gray water are double on the bigger one, so that is a big positive for the more expensive one. Especially with me planning to boondock as much as possible.

The difference in price is $12,000, minus haggling, so we'll see. The cheaper one is already priced at the bottom. The higher one has a few thousand in wiggle room yet. To be continued, lol.

https://mhsrv.com/2026-thor-motor-coach-...345/images

The smaller size may reduce the cross wind problem, I suppose.

How long can one "boondock" with the Geneva compared to the Odyssey? Yes, I am living vicariously.

3-7 days in the Geneva, and 7-10 days in the Odyssey, depending on conservation measures you're willing to take. I can easily hit the max numbers solo.

This is actually a big factor, b/c my main objective is to boondock as much as possible to save on camping fees, which can run $30-120 a night.

Over 8 months (my travel window from April through November), that comes to a range of $7200 to $28,800, easily one of the top 2 biggest potential expense items, in a contest with gas.

Boondocking is my accommodation strategy. Driving to locations and staying a month at a time (I'm in no hurry) is how I will save on gas.

P.S. '83, I like all the questions. It helps me think through everything more efficiently. That's a good thing.

'83, here is my original planned route, although I may take it in either order. This is an 8 month itinerary, and I'm only going to travel outside the south from April through November.

I'm getting a very late start this year (probably mid-September at the earliest), so I only have about 10 weeks or so to travel.

I know I likely have to start with South Dakota, b/c it seems to be the least expensive state for both startup and ongoing full-time RV expenses, so I will likely go there first to register everything, get a drivers license, establish residency, get a license plate, insurance, etc.

I plan to spend a month or so there, then likely from there do a shorter sweep of the Mighty 5 and Grand Canyon, and pick up the other places next year.

Here is the initial 7-8 month route plan, minus the short season adjustments mentioned above:

Collierville, TN to the Black Hills, SD: ~1,290 miles

Black Hills, SD to Glacier National Park, MT: ~715 miles

Glacier, MT to Yellowstone/Grand Teton, WY: ~380 miles

Yellowstone, WY to Utah's Mighty 5 (Moab, UT): ~600 miles

Moab, UT to Page, AZ / Grand Canyon: ~275 miles

Page, AZ to Flagstaff/Sedona, AZ: ~130 miles

Flagstaff/Sedona, AZ to Petrified Forest NP: ~110 miles

Flagstaff, AZ back to Collierville, TN: ~1,410 miles

Direct Base Total: ~4,910 miles

As a minor aside, some of these places have short visitor seasons (much smaller than my April-November window). Here are all the time frames for my target sites, both this year and part of next:

Mighty 5 in Utah is generally March-November.

Grand Canyon South Rim is open year round, but May-October offers full access. Same for all of northern AZ.

Yellowstone is generally accessible from June-September.

Rushmore/Badlands is from June-September. I'll have to hurry there to get my registration done.

Glacier NP is about July-September, the shortest window.

I've been meaning to post in this. My nephew and his family just bought an RV to live in. It got moved in at my brother's house yesterday. I'm about to go take a look at it.

I'll read through the thread in a few. Just wanted to say I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, sir. I'm glad you're looking on the bright side of life.

(07-19-2026 03:26 PM)GeminiCoog Wrote:  I've been meaning to post in this. My nephew and his family just bought an RV to live in. It got moved in at my brother's house yesterday. I'm about to go take a look at it.

I'll read through the thread in a few. Just wanted to say I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, sir. I'm glad you're looking on the bright side of life.

Thanks, brother. Not really having fun yet. Still stuck in the house, but closing is Aug 14, and shortly after that, I will be on my way.

Meanwhile, I'm glad you are doing so much better. Good on you, man.