Bringing your camper on Amtrak

[Patrick w]

Has anyone taken the autotrain?

I called to verify, but it seems that it is ok for me to bring my pup and tow vehicle on the train, by buying two spots. It will leave from VA and arrive in FL in about 15 hours.

Is it too crazy? Whats kinda koo koo is that at the current fuel prices, the auto train is about the same cost as fuel (for one spot anyways).

 

[xxxapache]

I looked into it for a motorcycle from WV to Fla about 20 years ago. It wasn't cheap.

 

[jmkay1]

I looked into taking the auto train as I had an old friend who retired to Florida but still made regular visits to her friends here using the auto train. I never realized popups could be allowed on the auto train though. I was considering hauling my tent and camping gear in my SUV. I never furthered my research as I'm thinking it would actually be cheaper to fly and rent a car and hotel and give up on the idea of camping. I'm still trying to research but would be interesting to see how it works out for you. Although the cost of car and camper on the train is going to cost $$$. I'm sure

 

[Patrick w]

It's cheaper to go from fla to VA, but from VA to fla is 258 for the TV if under 190in. About 30 more for up to 210 I think.

Your pup needs a space too. Same pricing for length.

With gas around 5 and 900 miles, it comes pretty close for me. just the cost of passengers, which is about 500 for a family of 4 (2 kids) and about 600 for the TV+camper. It would leave me about -800 (no gas!) And it would let me sleep.
I'll value my sleep at $30/hr. Assuming I can get 8 hrs, that's 240. So now I'm down to 560. Bfast and dinner for 4, so let's say it's 10/meal. That's 80. Now I'm down to 480. I'd almost consider a sleeping room. But it's like 400 more.

 

[jmkay1]

@Patrick w Curious is there a width limit? Did they tell you? I knew about length and height. I thought I read somewhere where nothing could extend past the stock mirrors. So assumed that would be the max width. I highly doubt my popup would be allowed as it already is longer than my SUV hitch to bumper.

 

[Patrick w]

Max with 84. Max height 85. Max length 216.

 

[Patrick w]

I just looked up a Utah 3881.. it's 7 ft 5 in.. 89 in total.

 

[Patrick w]

It's not all models either, just depends on how close to the edge they get. Looks like the jay sport models can make it (80 in bed) and some of the coachmen clippers (85") are too wide. But some of them like the 806xls just makes it at 84. And of course the clipper express.

 

[Patrick w]

Ironically as I search this I can across the opus trailer. Holy cow are they expensive... And ... Narrow. Their beds are 50" x 68in.

 

[Tonya Harding]

Crazy seeing this, in laws have sent their SUV from FL to DC & driven to south Jersey, never hears of it...

 

[Sjm9911]

I think i look at the auto train. But between the $$$ and time to get their and travel time, just drove to florida from jersey. Its an option.

 

[Patrick w]

Options... Just options!

 

[firepit]

Dumb question prolly....Whats the reason behind this....Do you do this because you are moving?
Etc Etc...

 

[Dingit]

Who needs a reason!?? I want an autotrain!

 

[rob.mwpropane]

Holy crap, I jsut did this... for the cheapest option (not including the PUP at all) it would be $1515.00. Including the PUP would be another $536. This was VA to FL and back.. I think I'll drive, lol

 

[Dingit]

I just looked and my truck is too big even for the extended vehicle category. You made me sad today, Patrick.

 

[Patrick w]

Dumb question prolly....Whats the reason behind this....Do you do this because you are moving?
Etc Etc...

I save 900 miles of driving, an interesting experience for the family, and a day of my life, so to speak.

 

[Patrick w]

Holy crap, I jsut did this... for the cheapest option (not including the PUP at all) it would be $1515.00. Including the PUP would be another $536. This was VA to FL and back.. I think I'll drive, lol

I got a very different price than you...

monday may 30's leaving: 208 for regular, 239 for extended vehicles. Fares were 136 for adults, and half price for children. Were you doing round trip? I was just going to do one way and then explore on the way up!!

 

[Patrick w]

I just looked and my truck is too big even for the extended vehicle category. You made me sad today, Patrick.

Sorry... Oddly, you can call them up. They drive your vehicle+ camper together. (hence the two spaces). As long as the width is ok, they could probably accomidate you for an extra price.

 

[rob.mwpropane]

I got a very different price than you...

monday may 30's leaving: 208 for regular, 239 for extended vehicles. Fares were 136 for adults, and half price for children. Were you doing round trip? I was just going to do one way and then explore on the way up!!

Yes, round trip with 6 people (mix of kids and adult kids). I guess I didn't think about doing 1 way only.