From FullTimeRVer.com

Fulltime RVer Newsletter
Full Time RVer Issue 18


Issue 18 of the best email newsletter for full-time RV enthusiasts and others who want to be.

An alert for this issue was emailed to more than 30,000 RVers.

FULL-TIME RVing: Learn everything you need to know
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 18th edition of Full Time RVer.

Flexibility: Perhaps that's one of the most attractive aspects of the fulltime RVing lifestyle. The ability to change your plans -- and your locale -- on short notice. Case in point: Loyal and Rose, fulltimers whom we met in the southwest. Loyal and Rose have fulltimed for several years, and recently Loyal was able to obtain his "dream" tow rig: A mid-sized commercial box truck with heavy duty hydraulic lift gate. Instead of having to have two drivers when on the road, Rose drives the family "car" onto the lift ramp, and once elevated off the ground, into the truck. Since the big tow rig is equipped with a special swinging hitch system, the car can be "garaged" even while the family travel trailer is hitched up.

Where does the flexibility come in? Loyal and Rose spend plenty of time in the southwest and on the west coast, visiting kin folks and friends. Normally they "winter" in Arizona and California, practically having a circuit they cover over the months. Just a couple of weeks ago, Loyal learned of the opportunity to help out in disaster recovery efforts in Louisiana. While he has worked as an electrician in the past, right now the largest need is for equipment to move roofing materials and sheet rock. The "light came on," and Loyal and Rose headed out almost immediately for Covington, Louisiana. Loyal's big "lift truck" may have a new life for a while, hauling supplies to home repair and reconstruction sites in the flood area.

Had they been locked up with a home to care for, getting ready and doing might have been out of the question. But with their 'home on their back' and the willing spirit, the freedom of the fulltime lifestyle has given them an opportunity to do for others. We applaud their spirit.

THE DIGITAL RV -- Hot off the press
Learn everything "digital" as it relates to a RVer: Connecting to the Internet, enjoying a stereo system that weighs ounces, managing digital photos, mastering GPS and more. Order or get more info.
Fulltime Feedback--The Fulltimer Survey

This issue's Survey Question: If you fulltime or plan on it, what type of RV do you/will you use? Answer here.

Last week's survey:
Do you use "alternative" RV energy?
Learn how readers responded.

Want better cell phone reception in fringe areas?
Smoothtalker can help. Talk or get online in places you could never get online before. Learn more.
Unique Rigs
"RVers are a clever lot: They often find new ways of doing things to meet the demands of the traveling lifestyle. Some modify small spaces on their rigs; others may modify "the whole nine yards." Jim Shrankel found a fellow RVer who modified one of his motorhome's 'basement storage' areas into a handy "workshop." Jim says, "What is truly amazing is the small scale and what he has managed to squeeze into a tiny basement compartment. A place for everything and everything in its place."
Amazing" hardly describes it. The actual "workshop" area is 18" long and about 12" wide. But no free space has been neglected -- even the "ceiling" is in use. Still it's apparent that things are in easy reach.

Do you have a great modification or special rig to share? Let us know at ftrveditor@yahoo.com.
NEED AN RV LOAN?
Learn if you qualify in only seconds
Financial Underwriters Network (F.U.N.) provides exceptional service and low loan rates. Learn if you qualify.
Focus on Fulltiming
Is fulltiming like an extended RV vacation?
We hear from many of you who are not yet "fulltimers," but are in the planning stages. Like anyone else, you have your apprehensions about your fulltiming future and what it will be like. A misconception that crops up from time to time is, "When we take vacations in our RV, it's a madhouse. How do you put up with it when fulltiming?"

First, there's a world of difference between fulltiming and vacationing. It's really a matter of practice and time. When you vacation RV, you're working on a set schedule and in a "temporary" residence. The fulltiming advantage is your schedule will likely be much "looser," and your RV, instead of being a temporary accommodation, is your permanent residence.

Picture getting ready for the weekend or even week-long vacation. You cram everything in the old RV that you think you'll need and head out on the road. Invariably, "everything you think you'll need" never turns out quite that way. Plenty of things are forgotten, and a lot of things you may never need are there to take up space and make it hard to find the things you do need. Since your RV hasn't been in regular use, undoubtedly things may not work the way they should, or you've had so little practice using them (holding tanks, generator, etc.) that the frustration level only increases.

"But we're supposed to be having fun, darn it!" Relax. When you fulltime, your home on wheels is just that: Your home. The toothbrush and paste will find its regular resting place. The dirty clothes will wind up in one location rather than spread all over creation. You'll get the routine down for dumping the holding tanks. Maybe you'll be like the distaff side of our operation and put up a grease board on a cupboard door that lists all those things you need to buy when you hit the next grocery stop.

And yes, darn it, you will have fun!

It may take a little time to settle in. Those nooks and crannies in your RV take time to shape up and become best utilized storage spaces. But before long, your life will be on an even keel, and you'll wonder why you didn't garage-sale the lawnmower, the weed whacker, the snow shovels, the whatever-it-is-next that was a part of stick-built living.
EXPLORER RV: Insurance to protect and save: Owners of motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels & medium-duty tow vehicles save up to 15% over our largest competitors by tailoring their coverage from over a dozen options. Learn more or get a quote.
Laughlin Casino Boondockers Take Hit
The chips are down for RVers who plan on free overnights at Laughlin, Nevada casinos. Don't blame casino managers -- they like RVers. But in January, Clark County health officials invoked enforcement of an old "pavement parking" law that had been on the books for years. Read the full story.
Locate Wal-Mart stores: Lowest price anywhere!
Use this directory to plan free overnight stays. Get easy driving directions to every Wal-Mart in America. Learn more about the Wal-Mart Locator or order. 20% Off.
Texas Seeks Crabby Volunteers
Calling all Winter Texans: Texas needs you to help with a crabby problem -- abandoned crab traps. Every year shrimpers and fishing folks curse abandoned crab pots when nets and lines foul on these underwater crustacean motels. To facilitate a clean sweep, the state will close all commercial crabbing in Texas bays from February 17 to 26. During those days, volunteers are asked to remove any crab traps, which will be presumed lost or abandoned. The state will set up dumpsters at 16 different locations across the Texas gulf coast to receive these errant and unsightly crab cages. You can make a difference! Last year alone, 2,500 of these bothersome crab catchers were removed by volunteers--can you add to the "catch" this year?

While state employees have done lots of crab trap catching, volunteers are making huge inroads, according to Art Morris, a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department coordinator. "We are working ourselves out of a job, which is a good thing. We still have a high amount of interest in the program from sponsors and volunteers, and some areas on the coast could still use a little tidying up, especially in Galveston, Matagorda, and San Antonio Bays." To volunteer or for more information, contact one of the regional coordinators: Art Morris in Corpus Christi at (361) 825-3356, or Bobby Miller in Dickinson at (281) 534-0110.
Truck Stops Love RVers!
The 2006 RVers Friend is HOT OFF THE PRESS. It lists every Travel Center in the U.S. and Canada and the services each provides RVers. Learn which offer overnight stays, dump stations, Internet access, propane, ATMs, or other services. Learn more or order for only $12.95
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. . .

Canny Camping at Caney Lake
While southern Louisiana wrestles with recovery from Hurricane Katrina, the northern end of the state is a great recreational paradise. And thanks to the hospitality of Louisiana State Parks, there's some great values to be had for overnighters. Case in point: Jimmie Davis State Park.

You may not recall Jimmie Davis by name, but truth be told, you've probably sung at least one of his songs. A favorite 'sing-along' ditty at campfires, You Are My Sunshine, was one of Davis' tunes that propelled him into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Davis later became governor of Louisiana, and as a favorite son, the state park at Caney Lake has been renamed in his honor. While you can build a campfire here and sing Jimmie's best-known work, there's more here to be done than just toast marshmallows. Considered one of the premier trophy bass lakes of the south, Caney Lake has provided eight of the top ten bass caught in Louisiana. The weather has plenty of attraction -- at the time of this writing the area was basking in 60-some degree days.

Fishing, picnicking, and swimming too are frequent activities here. Bring your binoculars if you're a birder: there's plenty of feathered friskers that live in the area, or make the lake a calling point during their seasonal migration. But what may be one of the key points, Louisiana is one of the few states that recognizes federal discount camping cards: Golden Age and Golden Access passport holders get 50 percent off regular camping fees.

From Jonesboro, take Louisiana Route 4 east 12.8 miles to Lakeshore Drive. Turn right and head southeast to State Road 1209, turn right to the park. For more information call the park at (318) 249-2595, or (888) 677-2263.

JUST PUBLISHED:
2006 Next Exit Directory. Learn what you will find at every exit along every U.S. Interstate: gas, campgrounds, truck stops, casinos, stores, malls, fast food, theaters, factory outlets and more. A bargain at only $14.95. Learn more or order.
A Cellular Phone Trial Balloon?
This has to be a first: Bounce your cellular phone signals off a helium balloon 20 miles above earth. Sound like science fiction? You may find out soon if your travels take you through North Dakota. Within the next few weeks a "trial balloon" will be launched which, untethered, will float across the state carrying cellular "repeater" equipment. If it works, in the future several balloons would be floating above the state at any given time. Promoters say launching repeater balloons is much less expensive than building cellular antenna towers, particularly in 'low population' areas. Once the balloon leaves its assigned area, the electronic equipment would be jettisoned to earth. A tracking device will signal where the equipment landed, and the sponsoring company envisions having electronic "bounty hunters" in the field retrieving the devices. Sounds like a great job for RVers!
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,
Roadwork--Working While Living the RV Lifestyle
By Jaimie Hall
Where can you find listings for Workamping jobs and volunteer opportunities? The main source is Workamper News, which comes out every two months with hundreds of listings. WorkamperPlus members receive additional daily Hotline listings. Other sources include Caretaker Gazette and Coolworks.com campground directories that list potential employers. Temporary agencies have all types of work from general to professional. Specialized directories can help you find venues like fairs or flea markets to sell products. To work in a certain area, check with the Chamber of Commerce or Tourist Bureau for employers. Other RV magazines have want ads in their classified sections. Fellow Workampers are a good source of potential employers. Participate in forums to check out employers and get recommendations. Older, mature workers are in demand. Employers have discovered they have a good work ethic and good work habits. No matter what your background, you can find a position! Jamie Hall is the author of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road.
2006 Trailer Life RV Buyers Guide -- still only $6.99!
Finally. . . it's here. The 2006 buyer's guide to more than 400 new model motorhomes, trailers, fifth wheels, truck campers, pop ups and more. Learn the specs of each plus see floorplans. Shipped within 24 hours. Learn more or order.
Fulltimers' Websites
Not out there yet? Want to get a taste of the full time road? Plenty of fulltimers have websites where they share experiences and insight. Each edition we'll focus on a website where you'll be able to learn more about the full time lifestyle.

When we talk about taking up the fulltime RV lifestyle, many folks--with the best of intentions--give us all sorts of "good reasons" why we're nuts to even dream of such a thing. Now imagine the response you'd get from friends and relatives if you were to think of taking up the lifestyle while disabled. RVing should not -- and in reality is not -- limited to those with "full mobility" or relatively "good health." While there are plenty of challenges facing those who are disabled, RVing needn't necessarily be ruled out, nor should the fulltime lifestyle. To help out, enter the website, The Enabled RVer. This site is full of helpful pages for the 'special needs traveler.' Whether you'll need information for yourself or know someone who might, check out this excellent resource.

Got a favorite fulltime website to share? Let us know at ftrveditor@yahoo.com.

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.
Care for Your Transmission--Keep it Alive Longer
There are few things that will ruin a good day like a transmission failure when on the road. RVers demand much from their vehicle transmissions--we pull big trailers or drive heavily weighted motorhomes. Over hill and dale, in hot days across desert hills. Yet transmissions are probably one of the most neglected items on our vehicle. How can you keep your transmission--and by extension yourself--much happier?

Don't overload! Your tow vehicle or motorhome has specific weight limits. Don't overdo it. Weigh your loaded rig on a public scale and lighten up if necessary.

Observe regular maintenance intervals. Your transmission needs a "change" just as your engine oil needs it. Read your owner manual and find out how often you should have your transmission serviced. If you're towing, your vehicle is being used in heavy service and will probably need more frequent service.

Check the dipstick. Automatic transmissions have a dipstick to check fluid level. Learn where it is and how to read it. Most transmissions will need to be checked when hot and probably with the engine running. When you check the level, also observe the color and smell of the fluid. Good fluid is reddish and tending toward clear. If it looks dark or smells "burnt," get thee to a transmission shop. The same is true if you find particles in the fluid. If it's low, add fluid but never overfill! Keep an eye on the level--if it goes down, you probably have a seal leak. If you run out of fluid, you can damage the transmission. Be sure to use only the transmission fluid specified by your manufacturer.

Keep it cool! One of the best investments for your transmission is a BIG transmission cooler and a transmission temperature gauge. According to the folks at Autozone, transmission fluid that can run 50,000 miles when kept at 220 degrees or less, will last only half that long when run consistently at 240 degrees. When towing, particularly in hill country, you may need to pull over to cool things down. Better to take a few extra minutes beside the road and save your tranny.
RV Tech Tips Newsletter: Sign up for twice a month email newsletter packed with advice about how to repair and maintain your RV. Lots of great tricks for keeping your rig in shape and even saving money in the process. Edited by RV technician Chris Dougherty. Sign up.
Rolling Tech
RVer's have plenty of "home work" to keep up with. Caring for the rig demands far different skills than those left back home. "Rolling Tech" will cover technical issues for the RV set.

In our last issue, we surveyed our readers for their use of "alternative RV energy." A large number of you use solar panels to produce power. For you, and for those who contemplate the prospect, our feature, The Solar Panel in Winter seeks to edify.

Perhaps the title sounds a bit cock-eyed. "What does your solar panel do in winter, Joe?" "Mine? It just lies around and sleeps, Frank!" For some that may be true, but not everyone lays up the rig in winter. A fair number of folks head out to warmer climates when the first bite of frost pinches their proboscis. Or should that be probosci? A grammar whiz I ain't. In any event, if you'll be using your solar panels this winter, this article is for you. If not, just dream about being warm as you shiver under multiple layers of blankets and contemplate the ice cubes forming on your furnace. Read the full story, The Solar Panel in Winter.
2006 Guide to Dinghy Towing
If you plan to pull a vehicle behind your motorhome, the 2006 Guide to Dinghy Towing from Motorhome Magazine should be an essential resource about how to do it. Learn more or order for only $4.95.
Can You Get There From Here?
RV navigation can be challenging at times, particularly if you're not "gifted" with a sense of what direction you're headed in at all times. Maps are far more useful if you know where your rig is pointed. Dash-mounted compasses are a godsend, but don't just settle on the cheapest you can find. Liquid-filled compasses are far more stable and easy to deal with, and a "compensator" will help you to adjust it to make up for magnetic inconsistencies due to engine blocks, wiring, etc.

Remember too, that the US interstate highway system has a "rhyme and reason." Odd numbered interstates run north and south; even numbered run east and west. Triple-digit interstate highways also are indicative: The last two digits indicate the main highway system to which they connect (with one exception, Interstate 238). If the first digit is an odd number, it indicates this is a spur into or out of a city. If the first digit is even, it means the highway is a beltway that goes around or through a city.
Where should a full-timer establish a home base?
For would-be fulltimers, which state to establish an official home base is critical. The 2006 edition of the book Selecting An RV Home Base from the editors of Trailer Life and Motorhome Magazines is an essential planning tool. Learn more or order.
Petite Pursuits: Small Scale Hobbies for a Full Time Lifestyle

You see them at every gift shop, museum, national park visitor center and convenience store. Small, lightweight, flat. Funny, thought-provoking, picturesque. Mostly inexpensive, they can bring back waves of memory and nostalgia. Or you might just pack them up and let somebody else carry them off to friends and loved ones far away to share your adventures. What are they? Postcards!

COLLECTING POSTCARDS has become a major hobby for folks around the world. Whether you collect old post cards, purchasing them from other collectors and specialty companies, or gather your own 'modern' cards on-site where you travel, these little memory packs are easily transported and cheaply mailed.

Postcard collectors, deltiologists as they may be scientifically termed, may specialize in particular scenes on cards: Trains, planes, automobiles -- RVs? Many RV travelers pick up cards to jog their memories of places they've visited, jotting a few notes down on the back. Some RVers enjoy their hobby so much they travel to postcard collectors' shows. There they swap cards and make new friends. So much for so little space taken up in the RV. Next to stamp collecting, you probably can't lick it!

Share your petite pursuit or hobby tips. E-mail ftrveditor@yahoo.com

Just Published:
2006 Traveler's Guide To The FIREARM LAWS of the 50 States
Don't carry a weapon across state lines without knowing the laws. Explains the specific gun laws of every U.S. state. Many changes since last year. Still only $12.95. Learn more or order.
RV Fulltime - RVer Newsletter Mailbag
Pats on the Back Division
My wife and I are planning to full-time RV in the future. I found your website and it provided valuable information. I am in the process of researching every aspect of full-time living on the road. Still in shock that my wife agreed and welcomed the prospect to live on the road, I am having a blast discovering answers to problems that others have encountered during their full-time experience. Thanks for the website!
L M C, Knoxville, TN

Cheap Wastebasket Rebound
I have a problem with your description of the cheap wastebasket [RV Fulltime Newsletter #17]. Can you provide a picture or a line drawing?
R.S.

Sure, we're happy to. For a recap and a series of photos, click here!

LEARN WHERE TO CAMP FOR FREE in the USA in your RV: Nearly 1000 places listed with more added every day. A free service of FreeCampgrounds.com.
Roadside Ruminations
"We are all here for a spell; get all the good laughs you can." -- Will Rogers
Books and DVDs about Full-time RVing. Big selection.
Resources
Upcoming RV Shows around the USA.

Huge directory of links to the best RV websites.

News and information for beginning RVers.

"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.
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 by emailing us at ftrveditor@yahoo.com.

FulltimeRVer is copyright 2006 by RVbookstore.com. Our Headquarters: RVbookstore.com, 170 W. Dayton Street, Suite 103, Edmonds WA 98020. The email addresses of subscribers of this newsletter are never sold, rented or otherwise shared with outsiders. We are members of the Better Business Bureau. We respect your privacy.

We are sponsors of the 2006 Life on Wheels Conferences, and are proud to be commercial members of the Escapees.



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