Issue 14 of the best email newsletter for full-time RVers and others who want to be.
An alert for this issue was emailed to more than 30,000 RVers
DVD covers everything about full-time RVing
Anyone who is thinking of traveling full-time with an RV or who is new to the lifestyle will have his or her questions answered in this wonderful 90-minute DVD. Interviews with dozens of fulltimers as well as experts on the lifestyle. Learn more or order.
Editors at the Wheel
by Russ and Tina De Maris
Welcome to the 14th edition of Full Time RVer
After a hiatus of several months, we're firing the "old bus" back up and heading out on the internet road. Every other week we'll be bringing you news, tips, and information on the RV lifestyle. While we are definitely the Full Time RVer, don't let the masthead scare you away if you aren't an RV fulltimer. While our stories are of definite interest to fulltimers, folks who are just thinking about the lifestyle will find Full Time RVer a great place to stop in for learning the ropes and getting questions answered.
A quick look at the weather for our old "stomping ground," the Pacific Northwest, shows temperatures below freezing, with snow on the way. But a quick glance out our rig window reveals blue skies, sunshine, and hummingbirds waiting for a handout. Our present venue? The Sonora Desert, outside Quartzsite, Arizona. When we pulled in, back in early October, we wondered if many RVers would join us this year. After all, with fuel prices knocking on and opening the $3 a gallon door, even some dyed-in-the wool snowbirds and fulltimers alike were getting a little antsy about filling the motorhome tank.
Putting it into perspective can help. The cost of natural gas has doubled in a year, and is up six times its cost of seven years ago. Wow! Keeping your toes warm up North could be a spendy proposition this winter. Meanwhile, the cost of motor fuel has dropped dramatically. If you haven't pulled out of the northland and pointed your prow for the desert, or toward the citrus groves of the Sunshine State, now may be the time to do it. Think snow. Outside your front door. On the roads. Then think about getting out of it before you're stuck! And like old Tom says for Motel Six, "We'll leave the light on for you." It won't be the electric one, look for Old Sol, warming your bones nearly every day.
Keep the shiny side up, and we'll see you soon!
RV Retirement
Anyone who is close to retirement or who recently retired and is planning to spend all or part of their time traveling with an RV will find much useful information in this brand new book. Learn more.
Fulltime RVer survey
"How do you get your mail when on the road?" Answer here.
Thinking About the Full Time Lifestyle?
In our travels we often run into folks who get large-eyed and begin to drool when we discuss our RVing experiences. Are you not yet an RVer but think you'd like to learn more about the lifestyle and how compatible you are? Try renting an RV for a period of time. In that way, you're not out a lot of cash. While most all commercially available RV rentals are motorhomes, don't despair even if you envision yourself fulltiming in a trailer. Renting a motorhome and taking it out will give you quality RV experience. How well do you cope with your mate in the confined living quarters of an RV? How about driving, backing, parking, and setting up "camp?" Even experiencing the lifestyle's less glamorous (but necessary) functions like dumping the holding tanks can be a eye-opener for some. True, renting an RV for a week or so is a far cry from rolling out on the highway for an extended period, but you'll learn a lot in just a short time. Find rental RVs in the yellow pages under "Recreational Vehicles, Rent or Lease." Or do a web search using the keywords "RV rentals."
. . . would-be fulltimers may also want to check RVbookstore.com's offerings of books and DVDs aimed at aspiring and brand new fulltimers.
More RVers Go to Custom Rigs
Brick floors? Fireplaces? Projection screen home theater? They're not just for your "earth bound" homes anymore. RVers with plenty of cash are making their rigs more "residential" and less "recreational." Learn more.
. . . Do you have a unique RV? Let us know, we might just write about it in a future edition! We welcome other input, too, including how we can make this newsletter better for you.
Greatest DVD on Quartzsite *
Take an armchair visit to Quartzsite, Arizona, a hotspot for wintering RVers. See where to camp for free, tour RV parks, learn about local attractions and more. Learn more or order. Great holiday gift!
Focus on Fulltiming
With space at a premium in most rigs, fulltimers face hurdles aplenty. Take it along? Leave it behind? Put it in storage? Perhaps the most pain is felt by the feminine side. We guys always manage to justify finding spots for our tools 'n toys. After all, "it's not really a toy -- it's a tool!"
While the lifestyle for many may be "leisurely," that doesn't mean the Misses don't like to look their best. Where do you put that jewelry chest? Here's a storage idea straight out of the "Big Box Hardware Store." Our handy jewelry caddy hangs in the closet but has plenty of space for "bling bling" as they say in the 'hood.
Constructed of heavy clear vinyl pockets on a fabric backer, it's lightweight -- until it's loaded for (Mama) bear. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, watches, you name it, they all fit right in. We found ours at a Lowe's store. Look for the storage solutions area.
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Exclusive discount for readers of this newsletter only!
Use this coupon at checkout to get 10% off any (or all) products you order at RVbookstore.com on Saturday, Dec. 10 only (Pacific time). Just in time for holiday gift-giving. COUPON CODE: UZQESBCT
Boondocking Bonus
Plenty of RVers live away from the RV park scene. Some do it for a short time, others practically full time "in the boonies." We'll share tips and places to go. This time around. . .
Winter Too Cool? Warm Up at Holtville Hotsprings
Here's a favorite for Southern California boondockers. Not far out of the El Centro area, Uncle Sam's Bureau of Land Management (BLM) operates a dry campground with a wet amenity: Developed hot springs. Imagine soaking your sore bones in a natural mineral bath. The campground is an LTVA, or Long Term Visitor Area, which allows RVers to pull in a wide open area, some of them treed, and set up shop. The cost? You can stay on the LTVA for two weeks for $30, or the whole season (September 15 to April 15) for $140. Dipping in the hot springs is free even if you don't want to stay on the LTVA. While the BLM provides dumpsters for trash, you'll need to make your way about six miles into Holtville to find a dump station and fresh water. Click here for maps and more information.
"How to Buy An RV" from the Better Business Bureau
New 50-minute DVD from the BBB explains how to buy an RV. Learn how to get the best deal, the best rig (for you) and how to avoid classic buying mistakes. Hosted by RV Travel editor Chuck Woodbury. Introductory price: $19.95. Available in DVD and VHS.
Leaving the Home Base Unattended? Tips for Winterizing
If you leave your home base unoccupied while you sally forth for the winter, take the time to prepare your home to live without you. There's more to it than just stopping the newspaper -- cold, damp weather can raise Cain with your household systems. Here's where to learn more.
Rolling Tech: Got a mouse in your house?
RVer's have plenty of "home work" to take care. Caring for the rig has demands far different than those left "back home." Our feature "Rolling Tech" will cover technical issues for the RV set. In this issue we'll title the feature "Mouse in the House." They may be cute and fuzzy, but if rodents move into your RV, life just isn't the same. Not only can they make a mess of your rig, some can threaten your health. Eviction and repelling ideas are presented here. Bring your cheese and come on!
New York Dealer Jailed After Ripping Off RVing Couple
A Bath, New York used car lot owner will be spending time in the slammer after ripping off more than 30 customers. Among his schemes: selling a couple a "flood damaged" fifth wheel trailer and pickup truck for $20,000, and then never even delivering the truck.
Locate Wal-Mart stores
Use this directory to plan free overnight stays.
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Butterfly Lovers Rejoice: The Monarchs Are Coming Back
Many RVers look forward to the annual migrations of the Monarch butterfly. Last year was a bit of a disappointment, as some of the lowest numbers were reported. But officials say this year looks a whole lot better for appreciators of winged beauty. Officials at the El Rosario butterfly reserve in central Mexico say the amount of space taken up by migrating Monarchs is up from last year. The largest migration ever recorded was back in 1996 to 1997 when Monarchs plumped out in the preserve like RVers on the Quartzsite desert -- taking up about 44 acres. Last year's small migration took up only 5.4 acres, but this year, officials say, more room is needed at the inn. Look for returnees in the snowbird zones this spring.
2006 Mapquest RV & Campsites Guide & Atlas
Finally, a road atlas especially for RVers! This 2006 Mapquest Road Atlas and Campground Directory is outstanding! Complete with US state and Canadian province road maps, color photos and 3,700 campground listings. Read more or order,
Shopping For a New Rig? Open, Close, Push & Pull
When you shop for a new RV, be it "brand new" or "previously owned," be sure to do more than just kick the tires. Most folks are savvy enough to make sure all the appliances work (and with the price of RV appliances, make sure they really work), but there are other things to check out as well. If it opens or closes, pushes or pull, be sure to go through the motions. Open and close all cabinet and closet doors. Do the hinges sag? Latches work? Sometimes other shoppers will manhandle cabinets and mangle the catches. Will closet doors, left open, be in the way? Push and pull on the light switches too. Water pump work? Range fan? How about the gauges, particularly on a used rig. Most dealers in preparing a rig for sale will empty the holding tanks. If the gauges show anything but empty, it could be the gauges are defective. Work out with the dealer whether he'll fix the problems you find, or you'll wind up with them as they are.
Free issue of Country Discoveries Magazine
Treat yourself to a FREE Issue of Country Discoveries! It's bursting with the best-kept travel secrets, moneysaving tips and unique locations RV enthusiasts like you want to know about! Explore scenic backroads, charming towns and off-the-beaten-path destinations in this one-of-a-kind AD-FREE travel magazine. Click here to claim your FREE Issue!
Tips on Telephone Calling Cards
Not everyone finds cellular phones to be the best thing since sliced bread, particularly if you may be "stuck on hold" taking care of business. Prepaid phone cards ("talk and toss") are ideal for situations where cell phone time is too costly. But when shopping for a talk and toss, look at more than just the cost per minute. While some cards offer scads of minutes for just a few dollars, they can "get you" in the so-called "bong charge." Calling card companies often charge a "connection fee," on a per-call basis. The act of the phone being picked up on the other end can cost you money (or minutes), even before you conversation commences. Find out how many minutes (or cents) you're charged for the connection charge. If you make a few rather long-winded calls, the connection charge may be negligible. But if you make lots of short calls, connection charges can really add up. Don't forget, if you make a call from a pay phone with a calling card, you'll also be assessed a fee for the connection. If you can, you're miles ahead to make calling card calls from a non-payphone. We've found some of the best deals on calling cards are ones sold in warehouse membership clubs like Sam's and Costco. Some cards sold in warehouse clubs don't assess a connection charge, and the per-minute costs are often extremely low.
Packing and storage tips
Take advantage of wasted cupboard space
Frequently the space inside cupboards is high with a lot of wasted space. By adding an extra adjustable shelf, the entire area can be utilized. -- from the eBook RV Packing Tips, Life Lessons & Easy Living Tips.
TECH CORNER with Mark Polk
The batteries used to supply 12-volts to the RV itself are commonly referred to as house batteries. House batteries need to be deep cycle batteries that are designed to provide a steady amount of current over a long period of time. Starting batteries and marine batteries should not be used in this application. True deep cycle batteries have much thicker plates and are designed to be deeply discharged and recharged over and over again. These batteries are rated in Amp Hours and more recently Reserve Capacity. The amp hour rating is basically how many amps the battery can deliver for how many hours before the battery is discharged. Amps times hours. In other words a battery that can deliver 5 amps for 20 hours before it is discharged would have a 100 amp hour rating 5 Amps X 20 Hours = 100 Amp Hours. This same battery can deliver 20 amps for 5 hours 20 Amps X 5 Hours = 100 Amp Hours. Reserve Capacity rating (RC) is the number of minutes at 80 degrees F that the battery can deliver 25 amps until it drops below 10.5 volts. To figure the amp hour rating you can multiply the RC rating by 60%. RC X 60%. — Mark Polk (Learn about Mark Polk's RV "How-to" DVDs and eBooks.)
DISCUSS FULL-TIMING WITH OTHER RVers
Visit RVtravel.com's Full-timer Forum. Ask questions or share information with other RVers.
Roadside Ruminations
"Don't walk behind me, I may not lead.
Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow.
Just walk beside me and be my friend."
-- often attributed to Albert Camus
Big Rig Best Bets Campground Directory
Drive a king-sized RV? This directory is for you. Buy or get info.
That's it for this edition! Wherever you go, may your travels bring you happiness. We'd love to hear from you, kudos to komplaints, let us know. -- Russ and Tina
LEARN WHERE TO CAMP FOR FREE IN THE USA IN YOUR RV: More than 900 places listing with more added every day. A free service of FreeCampgrounds.com.
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