One leads and the other follows.

Keep enough distance that the leader will be able to see you in the mirror.

Prior to the trip try to determine routes, length of daily travel, sights to see, places to spend the night, decide on a start time and end by time. These are guidelines and not written in stone, because things happen (road work, weather, herd of sheep...etc)

We decide ahead of time who is in the lead for the day and they dictate all the things like, speed, rest stops, sight seeing for the day. We communicate using cellphone and CB radios. It's OK for either party to suggest additional stops along the way (Hey I just saw a sign and want to stop and see the worlds largest ball of string).

Our truck was slower up hills so the understanding was the others would wait for us at the next convenient place to pull over. Or we would communicate our location (mile marker) and they would slow until we caught up.

Another thing to discuss is free time, time when you want to be away from the others. If there's something you want to see and they don't, arrange to meet them later on down the road.

Also discuss how to handle meals, everybody eats together all meals, some meals or never. We tend to do lunch and dinner together most travel days.

We try to keep a loose schedule to allow time for whatever tickles our fancy. My wife and I like to sleep in, most people want to get on the road early, so we try to compromise on start times. I like to drive a maximum of 400 miles, my Dad would try to do 800 miles when we travelled with him. I like to stop at a campground way before dark and get setup for the night, others we have travelled with like to stop at rest stops for a few hours and then get back on the road before day break. They would stop for breakfast while the sun came up so it wouldn't be in their eyes driving....

So you can see there's lots to discuss.

I think Judy hit the nail on the head--everyone needs to understand that you are travling together---your not married to each other.  Be sure and give each couple or person their space, you don't have to do everything together.  Traveling together is nice, if trouble happens on the road then there is someone else there to help out--even that dosent have to be done--just pick an agreeable next campground and say we'll see you there, that way you can travel at your own pace and speed.  If you want to do things together thats fine, most times its fun that way but sometimes me and my wife just want some alone time.  The others just go ahead and do as they please until we join in the group ativities again, it works fine for us and for them. Even then either my wife or myself will not feel like joining in --just want to stay back at the trailer and read--it fine if the other wants to go and join in the group activites. Be sure and give everyone some space to do as they please--if all understand that going in it will work out fine. 
 
 
Flyone

I would suggest that the first thing on the list is to be sure that you would want to spend some significant time on the road with other couples. We have numerous RVing friends, but have only chosen to do a lengthy road trip with two other couples. These suggestions come from the experience of RVing with those two for a couple months each summer for the last three years.  

 

1-   Destination – we agree on a region (i.e. 3-4 state area) to visit and list what each wants to see and do in it. majority rules, but that doesn’t mean we don’t occasionally split up for something the other’s might not wish to do. even if we do something together we usually split up and agree to meet somewhere at a certain time. no tripping over each other is a rule

2-  Campgrounds – we discuss options and opinions. we set a weekly budget. over it one week means under it the next and vise versa.

3-  Meals – we only do dinners and alternate the days. whichever couple is hosting pays for the food and cooks it. let each couple buy based on their own pocket book. it’ll all work out evenly in the end. eating out is a matter of asking if the other wants to and always separate checks.

4-  Travel – it’s never been an issue. each likes their respective position in the caravan. we use hand held two way radios to communicate stops and other info.

5-  Privacy – this is usually only an issue in the mornings. if the shades/curtains are up and the lights on, it’s an indication that it’s ok to knock on the door. we also use wireless intercoms. if one doesn’t get an answer, then it’s privacy time.

 

There will be disagreements, but everyone should be able to accept no for an answer when it’s appropriate. Who knows, this may work out great for you and you’ll want to repeat it for years to come and perhaps add more couples.  

I have not seen this subject since I've been on the board, but "searched" and found it.  We are not even out of the 'ol S&B yet, but as I've posted before, I am doing my research like crazy.  (I'm trying to "think of it all"!)  I envision doing a lot of boondocking when the time comes... just because.  When I 'picture' us boondocking in the middle of nowhere, I also think "safety first".  Consequently, it seems to make sense to travel in numbers.  Since we have been planning our life on the road (I will retire in 52 weeks, 1 day, 8 hours, and 15 minutes), we have some friends who have also wanted to RV for years.  They have mentioned they would like to join us one day... maybe just 3 months during summer break with their granddaughter, or possibly full time by themselves.  (We have no children.)  While we are very fond of them, retirement to me and hitting the road means "never having to say you're sorry".  Don't take that the wrong way.  I'm not an evil person.  It's just that I have spent my entire life being a responsible individual, have worked extremely hard since I was 14, spent 3 years administering my father-in-law's estate, have spent the last year caring for my DH's aunt (in our home) who is almost 89 years of age with many medical issues, and have spent several solid months just cleaning out her house, all while working a full-time job!  (OMG!  I told my DH while we were cleaning out her house that all we were missing was the film crew!)  I'm not angered by any of this.  It is just the hand we've been dealt. But, here's my "issue" (for lack of a better word).  When the time comes to hit the road, and if it is with our dear friends, I want to be free... free to do what I want WHEN I want.  I want to cook what I want to cook and eat when I feel like eating.  I want to grocery shop and buy the type of foods WE enjoy.  I don't see any reason to "split the bill" at a restaurant unless it is a special occasion (and then WE'LL buy), and I certainly don't want to split any grocery bills!!!!!  (I'm tired of splitting the bill.  It NEVER works out.  I'm VERY frugal and most people like to order large without a second thought!  Besides, I just can't eat that much, and I don't drink beer/liquor with my meals.)  I want to sleep late when I feel like it, take a nap, or go to bed early without explanation, or read a book without constant interruption AND FINISH IT, or be alone with God in total peace and quiet!!!  I want to spend time with my dear, sweet husband!!!  Anyway, you get the message, but we do enjoy time spent with our friends.  I just want to be independent of any schedules, rules, regulations, or routines of any shape, form, or fashion.  I want to break free from the chains that have bound me all my life!!!  I will, however, have all the time in the world (Lord willing), and will absolutely be as flexible as anyone when it comes to altering schedules, etc. to accommodate others and enjoy the adventure together, but I guess what I'm saying is I want my freedom without having to worry about "what are they going to think" or "is that going to hurt their feelings".  I want my independence.  My DH tends to want do what the group does for fear of hurting their feelings.  (No, we are not wimpy people!)  I would say that could prove to be very 'limiting' day in, day out.  I say, once a precedent is set, it's hard to break free from it without hurting someone's feelings, so don't go there!  Anyway, can any of you relate to what I am saying?  How do you all feel about these issues or how do you handle them?  Am I being ridiculous, or should I just lighten up and get a life?  Someone posted that these things need to be discussed beforehand.  How does one broach the subject without the others drawing back in their chairs and looking at me really strange?  Your input... good, bad, ugly is much appreciated!!!  Many, many thanks!!

Jim, thank you for your input.  Sometimes I think the excitement of planning to RV full-time gets the better of us.  We initially think it will "be so much fun", but when you stop and actually put yourself in that 'picture' and day-to-day life, the idea just doesn't seem like such a good one for many, many reasons.  We all full-time (or plan to) for our own personal reasons, and mine is to get away from everything and everyone and to just flow with life.  While, at my age, I should have an answer for how to handle this situation, what would any of you out there suggest I do or say to back out... gently?  Granted, we have a while to go, and anything could happen, but I'm talking about what we could say or do when the subject comes up.  Many thanks!

Mary Sunshine (Jo),

Well, it is an old thread, but your comments will actually make it relevant again.

I can only answer that if they are truly your friends, then you want to be right up-front with them and tell them that you would like to travel in conjunction with them but that you will also insist on having your own desires of what to do and when to do it.  You may be surprised that they will wish the same thing for themselves.  I guess I would have to caution that if they take offense with your ideas, then maybe they aren't really your friends.

If both you and your friends are extroverts, then you might find that you are more compatible than if you were in a situation where you were somewhat introverted and they were extroverted.  You will need to really sit down with your friends and discuss the whole issue and then if you decide to travel together, make sure you both have a plan should you each decide to "go your own way."

Good luck with it, but don't worry about it.  When it is all said and done, you want to be happy with what you are doing, whether that is with friends or without.

Terry

Thanks to all for your suggestions.  WestWardHo, I have copied and pasted your reply into my calendar so I can refer to it from time-to-time.  I was not blessed with the ability to skirt around issues.  Instead, I am more direct and I realize that does not always work.  I would just prefer NOT to beat around the bush because my philosophy has always been, why beat around the bush when you end up making the same point, anyway?  I would just rather say, "We have been thinking about this and would just prefer to RV by ourselves for a while."  Period.  Why can't people be more accepting, and not get offended?  My sister always taught me, "You can never control how other people react, but you can control how YOU react!"  I think that is a great philosophy.  People are just so touchy, for cryin' out loud!!!  Thanks, you all!!!

Thanks, Cherie, for your input.  You know, the more I read everyone's advice, the easier I think it's going to be for me to just admit it's not such a great idea, after all.  I do think, however, it is a good idea to meet up from time-to-time and enjoy each other's company that way, than it is to take a chance on staying together all the time and then putting a serious strain on the relationship.  Heck, I think I would even enjoy buying them dinner... AND a drink!!!  CHEERS!