Road Trip Adventure: VA -> MN mid-Sept 2022

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catdancing0531
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Road Trip Adventure: VA -> MN mid-Sept 2022

I need to head to Backus, MN to pick up my new 13' Scamp about mid-Sept 2022. Depart VA (Charlottesville area) on a Monday return the same week on a Saturday.  Looking for a non-smoking traveling companion, share gas expense, share driving. Anyone interested?  I want to avoid Chicago (ugh) so might swing thru St. Louis.  Join me for part or all of the trip.

Seems like the delivery cost by Scamp is pricey (although better than others), so I need to consider other, cheaper ways to get my Scamp.

 

ac0gv
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Indianapolis - Bloomington - Rockford 1354 MI

Except for the Wisconsin/Illinois state line area (one toll I think) it is a relaxing drive. Indianapolis and Minneapolis are both good to drive around. Downtown Indianapolis is CLOSED.  (and you drive through my area)

 

catdancing0531
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Shorter than St. Louis route

Yes, your route is about 100 miles shorter than my plan to go thru St. Louis.  I have done the Rockford to Backus route. About a year ago I was visiting family in PA/OH on my way to MN and all the toll roads in those states were a nightmare, esp. Chicago. 

What route do you suggest driving around Indianapolis and Minneapolis? Any thoughts?

ac0gv
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Tolls

I use I pass. good in Illinois and Kentucky, they said Florida as well but Florid used SUN PASS where I went, one toll was 8$ to cross a bridge  I use a transponder that I have had for years but they also read license plates now, .https://www.illinoistollway.com/

 

 

theremin
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I'll be heading there from

I'll be heading there from North Carolina in September to pick up our new 13 footer.  The route that ac0gv shows is about the same as I'll be using to go up (I go through Louisville since I'm starting out south of you).  I'm planning to come back through the U.P. of Michigan and then through Ohio and Kentucky.  My sales order says Sept. 8, but I don't know yet how that translates into a pickup date.

Safe travels, and might see you there in Backus!

Dave

catdancing0531
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Which layout of the 13' Scamp

Which layout of the 13' Scamp are you getting? Deluxe or Standard. I originally wanted the 13' Deluxe because I wanted the front dinette, but ultimately decided on the Standard with bunks and plan on replacing the bunks with my own dinette.

I have friends that live in Richmond, KY so depending on their availability I might stop by on my way up or back.  How long will you take to drive up there? I might head up Sept. 5th or Sept. 12.

Wayne said mine would be ready by end of August, but I asked that he push that back until Sept 1 and he was agreeable. So, he'd probably flex with you about your pickup date.  

ac0gv
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Indianapolis / Minneapolis

I used 465 on the south side of Indianapolis 3 times in May (all one weekend) and it was OK. In Minneapolis go north using 694 and US 10. I have not been that way since 2017 when I picked up my Scamp. Now having posted this I'll go look at the map.Remember, downtown Indianapolis is closed., I got trapped in the left turn lane and went there on a Monday morning. If I was still pulling the Jayco fifth with the f350 I may still be there. Don't forget to get the picture under the "Scamp on a stick".

theremin
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I'm getting the standard with

I'm getting the standard with the front bunks.  I liked the front dinette too, but really preferred the fiberglass cabinets and the lighter weight.  I've had a bunch of campers over the years and only rarely used the dinette.  Only if it's really bad weather outside.  But I'm planning on getting a small table that I can set up in front of the bunk for those rare occasions.  I had an Airstream that had an arrangement like that and I liked the couch/table setup.

I can't see well in the dark, so I'm planning on taking fairly short days--I should be able to get up there in 3 days or so.  I'm planning a leisurely trip back though.  I plan to stay a couple of nights at least at the campground near Backus to shake the trailer down so if there are any problems I can hopefully get them resolved quickly.

I'll contact Scamp and see if they have an estimated pickup date for me yet.

 

Dave

 

catdancing0531
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Similar thoughts

Yes, Dave, like you, I like the dinette but wanted the lighter weigh of the fiberglass.  I didn't like the particle board I saw them use with the Deluxe. Plus the Deluxe comes with the "big bed" (no choice about that right now) which takes up more storage space than I want to give up.

I do use a dinette table all the time, for eating, computer work, etc. But I won't get my dinette modification done right away, so I'm interested in your little table/couch set up.  Do you have a pic of that?

I'm likely to take 3 days to drive to Backus as well.  Where have you found good stopping spots?

I'm curious, will you using for a toilet?  I had someone recommend this:https://amzn.to/3umrXHm

Cat

theremin
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We have a portable dry waste

We have a portable dry waste toilet with a privacy tent that we've had for years.  We got the big bed because we need it--I'm pretty tall and need the extra space.  Here's what we have used for many years:  https://amzn.to/3NEK6Hd

I'm still shopping for good stopping places.  I'll be staying with a buddy in St. Paul, and in Cincinatti on the way back but I'm mainly shoippng for state parks coming home.  Michigan has a great state park system.

Dave

catdancing0531
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portable toilet question

Have you found a cheap supply of the bags and gel?  What is your privacy tent? Is it little pop up thing?

My order just approved, probably ready for PU mid-Sept as hoped.

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