Have you ever gone on a road trip with your dog(s)?

I have never traveled more than a day with my dogs so am not speaking from experience..... but you may want to search for dog parks along your route, as well as state parks or places to hike that would allow the opportunity for some significant exercise.

I agree with Carmen; you're going to want to give your dogs (especially the G. shep X) significant exercise. Vermont to Texas is quite a ways.

I haven't taken that length of road trip with pets, but I brought my pets with me (of course) when I moved from southern CA to central OR (a 2-day trip). I had 2 large dogs (German shep and a G. shep X), 5 cats, and a guinea pig. And we all survived!

Some dogs can be picky about drinking different water, but usually only little dogs. Plus, on a trip that length, bringing jugs of water from home would take up a lot of room, so I don't think you'll need to worry about it.

When I take my dog camping or visiting family, I use one of those fabric crates. It folds down and takes up a LOT less space in the car than her regular crate (a plastic airline-type crate) and is easier to get in and out of the car. Although, I guess if your dogs have metal crates, those also fold down. And if you don't have dog seat belt harnesses, it would be safer for them to ride inside their crates. So, it depends on your situation.

Have a fun trip!

I moved last summer from Atl to Las Vegas with my two dogs, one little and one big. We stopped every 2-3 hours to let them out and to let ourselves out! We found that Quality Inn accepts dogs so that's where we stayed along the way. We did a lot of sight-seeing like Memphis, Cadillac Ranch and the Grand Canyon, and they went with us everywhere. I think as long as you stay in dog-friendly places that you and the dogs will be fine. Take their own toys, food and water so they have some "home" with them too. Good luck!

Take something that your dog likes and let them chew it in the car so that it keeps them occupied For a little while.

One thing I would want to bring for a road trip (for the dog) is a Kong or similar toy. You fill it with peanut butter or similar viscosity pet friendly edible substance. It takes a long period of time for the dog to get all the peanut butter out and this keeps them occupied while you are traveling. This keeps their mind busy and gives you some peace of mind. Hope this helps! :D

 Make sure to budget time to get them a good long walk in the morning and evening, or find a dog park near the hotels. I'm assuming you won't always know the areas you stop in, so you want to make sure you still have daylight left. Drove from TX to CO and back this winter and my guy was fine, just slept in the back seat, although after 2 days, he was ready to be done. 
 Also, think about your meals etc. Lunch at mid day obviously requires a to-go meal or something, but breakfast and dinner can mean having to leave your dogs in the hotel. My dog gets anxious when left in a strange place and hotels have a lot of noise and stimulation. We really struggle to leave the hotel room once there because my guy will bark/howl, but only in a hotel.

Have traveled around the midwest and south with our Pyr - as long as the weather is cooler (as in not summer) she is fine. Watch the fine print on hotels that claim to be pet friendly - many will only take up to 20 lbs or so. The dog sleeps in the back of the mini-van when we go out for dinner - as long as it is cool / cold weather. Can't do that when it is hot so summers we would be stuck with fast food as hotels do not want dogs left unattended in your room. Just a note - National Parks are not pet friendly, nor are many beach communities, so be sure to do your research.

We moved from Hawaii to Texas last summer, so our trip included an airplane ride from Honolulu to LA. We stayed 2 days in LA while we waited for our car to arrive then headed off on our way to Austin, TX. 2 dogs, 2 kids and 2 adults in a Toyota Sienna with LUGGAGE! At the time we had 2 small dogs, a pug and a cavalier. They travel well, so we did not have to stop any more often than the humans needed to. The hotels we stayed at were ok with us leaving them in the room as long as they were crated. BUT I must admit, it was hard to find accommodations for multiple dogs. Most of the places only accepted one per room and MANY have weight restrictions. SO be sure to call ahead. Several places told me I had to book 2 rooms! And NO, we NEVER left the dogs in the car, EVER. We just planed our trip so that we could check into a hotel before venturing out to get food other than fast-food.

In February we took a 13 hour road trip to Angel Fire from Austin, this time with 3 dogs (we rescued a Husky Puppy) and even the puppy was fine. We made sure to walk him before we started the journey, and at every stop along the way, but for the most part, they just sleep. Just like the kids, the motion of the car seems to sedate them a bit. Maybe I'm just lucky. Our dogs don't seem to have car anxiety like some do, but we did make sure to bring toys and treats, and make a nice comfortable spot for them that they could lie down, and get up and change positions etc.

We would take them with us everywhere we go if there were more places that accepted multiple dogs.

Are you planning to visit parks along the way? National Parks do not allow dogs on the trail. I couldn't even take my dog within 50 feet of the visitor center at Glacier National Park. I also hear that some state parks (i.e. California) also prohibit dogs on the trails.

Also, you will want a raised bed to keep dogs cool, a shade and a crate that is roomy and portable (folds small)---I just ordered this thing from Amazon. It arrived today. I set it up and my dog climbed right in and really liked it. It's going to be great for when I take my dog to agility trials or camping.

(Quik Shade Outdoor Instant Pet Kennel Combo with Elevated Mesh Breathable Bed - Medium)

http://www.amazon.com/Quik-Shade-Outdoor-Elevated-Breathable/dp/B00B9D9PR6/ref=pd_sim_199_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=618f4441EyL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1BYXGV0PHH45DWBG5WDG (Quik Shade Outdoor Instant Pet Kennel Combo with Elevated Mesh Breathable Bed - Medium)

I have had my fair experience with road trips and my dogs, both are German Shepherds. I have gone cross country with my dogs before, actually several times for the same reason as you guys. It is so expensive to board our big dogs. I do want to mention that German Shepherds are known for having sensitive stomachs. Both of my dogs can be very carsick, from my experience I would suggest bringing Dramamine. Definitely, ask your vet about the dosing size that your dogs can take before you give your dogs any. Also, it does get hot in Texas, but as long as you guys stay hydrated you'll be fine. Also, it might be good to pack a bag of rice. It is an easy meal to make that also goes down easily for them. There will be a ton of shedding, so I would line the seats with a bed sheet or blankets. I hope you have fun while you're down here :).