From FullTimeRVer.com
Full Time RVer Issue 19
February 18, 2006
Issue 19 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.
DVD tells what it's like to be a full-time RVer
Anyone who is thinking of traveling full-time with an RV 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 19th edition of Full Time RVer.
Ah, the joys of eBay.
In our quest to keep "things" to a minimum, we try our best to make
possessions do a two-fold job wherever possible. In the kitchen our
blender has a neat gadget that turns it into a food processor--thus
reducing shelf space and weight. Sadly, our food processor attachment
"gave up the ghost" the other week, and we about despaired. The
manufacturer no longer makes it and we couldn't get a replacement.
Enter
eBay. A quick search promptly brought up a seller who had the critter
and our successful bid of less than $10 bought it. We had it shipped
out to where we're doing field work and now, the cook is happy, the
hubby is happy--do I dare say the postman is happy?
You
can find just about anything on eBay and "RV" listings are some of the
biggest. From macerator pumps to roof vents, with all kinds of other
neat things for the rig in between, it's a treasure trove of fulltimer
items.
Last
issue's survey asked about your preferences for a fulltiming rig. 38%
of you said your choice was a fifth wheel trailer, while 45% said that
a Class A motorhome was ideal. Respondents were indicating what rig
they were using or what they planned to use.
Regardless
of the rig, motorhome or fifth wheel, picking a rig can be
trialsome--there's so many things to consider. This issue's Focus on
Fulltiming feature discusses some thoughts about what you might
overlook when choosing your rig.
We're
sitting in the middle of a Sonora Desert dust storm right now. It's a
pain to keep the door shut, and the laundry had to be dried at the
laundromat instead of dried on the line. But hey, the wind's so strong
with our wind generator, we've got power to spare. Keep on enjoying the
fulltime lifestyle!
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
Fulltime Feedback--The Fulltimer Survey
This issue's Survey Question: Do you use a GPS (global positioning satellite system) receiver to help you navigate your RV? Answer here.
2006 Campground Directories and other new RV guides
From Trailer Life, Woodalls and other publishers. Check 'em out.
RV Fulltime Newsletter Mailbag
State Park Discounts
I
read with interest your article regarding Louisiana State Parks
recognizing federal discount cards. You stated that it is one of the
few states that do accept the Golden Age cards. Can you please advise
me which the other states are?
By
the way, I love the newsletter. I think you fulltiming guys have the
best life imaginable and just love to get over to the states whenever
we can to spend some time in our old motorhome. The rest of the time we
enjoy reading your magazine while we are home in Scotland. --Y.D.
We'll
need to have our readers help us out with your question. Have any of
you found any states other than Louisiana that provide a discount for
federal park pass holders? Drop us an email and tell us about it at
ftrveditor@yahoo.com.
Fractional RV Ownership
CoachShare
is a better way to own a luxury motorcoach! Do you dream of owning a
luxurious motorcoach, but don't want the year-round expense and hassles
of private ownership? Why not "share" a luxury coach with CoachShare?
Pay only for the time you need and save up to 80 percent over full-time
ownership. Learn more.
Enhance Security With a Deadbolt?
If
your RV doesn't already have one, a deadbolt lock on the door will
increase the security of your RV. The question arises: Double-keyed or
single-keyed? A double-keyed deadbolt lock uses a key to open the lock
from both the outside and the inside. Why would anyone use such a
critter? If your lock is within arm's length of a window, a thief could
conceivably break out a window, reach in and unlock the door.
The
drawback of a double-keyed lock is that if the lock is to be truly
secure, the key needs to be removed from the inside of the lock. If a
fire or other emergency were to come up while you're inside and the key
weren't in the lock, you could lose a lot of time finding the key and
opening the door.
Here's
an option: Replace breakable glass within reach of the door with high
impact Lexan glass. Lexan is a clear plastic "glass" that is highly
resistant to breakage. It's not inexpensive, but it can keep a burglar
at bay. Then your single-keyed deadbolt lock will be plenty secure and
you'll be able to get out the door without a loss of time.
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 $3.93.
Focus on Fulltiming
Choosing Your Fulltiming Rig
While
the debate between fifth wheels and motorhomes could continue for
eternity, there are a few things you might overlook when choosing
either rig for fulltiming. When walking the lots or eyeballing a used
rig, think about:
Holding Tanks:
Not only is capacity an issue if you boondock, but the ease of dumping
tanks should weigh in. Can you easily reach the dump handles and ports?
Will you walk a mile to fetch your sewer hose? Consider where you stay
in parks or campgrounds--is the dump outlet on the rig going to be "in
reach" of the park connections? Is the tank so low that it could be
damaged when entering a parking lot with a high slope?
Weight Capacity:
How much "cargo" can your RV carry? Rigs built after 1996 should have a
weight label that shows both UVW (unloaded vehicle weight) and NCC (net
carrying capacity). The latter is a most important figure as it
includes all cargo, a full tank of fresh water, full propane containers
and dealer accessories. Motorhomers, it also includes occupants and the
hitch weight of anything you tow. There's a HUGE amount of difference
between what even similar-seeming rigs can carry. Remember, this is
your home, so you'll need plenty of load capacity. (To learn more about
your RV and the weight it can carry, see RVtechTips.com editor's story on the subject).
Storage:
Both inside the rig and outside "basement" storage is important. Do you
have room to carry all the goodies (and at the same time, stay in
weight capacity)? Inside, will your hanging clothes fit? Are there
enough drawers for clothes, kitchen gear, etc.? Where will books,
tapes, DVDs go? Outside, will you have a place for tools, drain hoses,
recreational gear? How about Rover or Fluffy--will there be a suitable
place for their gear, litterbox, food and water bowls?
Lighting:
Since most of us shop for a rig in daylight hours, we may never
consider what things will be like after sundown. Is there sufficiently
spread lighting to fill your rig with light, and enough "work light"
for reading and other fine work? Fluorescent lights use less power for
light produced--are they the principle lights, or can you replace less
efficient ones?
Tires:
If shopping for a motorhome, you'll likely be looking at dual tires.
Can you get at the tire valves to easily and regularly check tire
pressure? How difficult will it be to change a tire if the need arises?
Is there a suitable spare, and if not, will your towing insurance cover
you?
Towing:
If you'll be pulling the new rig, will your existing tow vehicle have
the capacity to do the job, or will you need to upgrade? If a
motorhome, and you're pulling a toad car, will the new motorhome have
the guts to pull what you want to take with you? Is your "toad car"
suitable for being yanked around, four wheels down, or will you need to
modify it to do so, or even get a tow dolly?
Bathroom:
You may not think about it when shopping, but some rather delicate
issues need to be addressed. Can you 'get on and off the pot' with
ease, or will it be a struggle every time you visit the biffy? Try
sitting down on the throne and make sure you won't be shoving your
knees in your chin. Make sure things aren't so tight you'll need to
leave the door open to hang your feet outside when in use, too.
Locate Wal-Mart stores
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. Lowest price anywhere: $19.95
. . . eBook lists Wal-Marts that DO NOT allow overnight stays. Only $4.39.
Time to Smell the Wildflowers?
If
you're in the Palm Desert, California area, you may want to take
advantage of a free wildflower workshop offered at the Palm Desert
Public Library. Find out where to go to see wildflowers and what
equipment you can use to take home wildflower memories. Tracy Albrecht,
an interpretive specialist with the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto
Mountains National Monument will also clue you in on more intimate
details--wildflower anatomy and pollination strategies!
The workshop is slated for March 13 at 6:30 pm. For more information, visit the library at 73-300 Fred Waring Drive, or call (760) 862-9984.
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 U.S. state and Canadian province road maps, color photos and 3,700 campground listings. Read more or order,
Boondocking Bonus
Plenty
of RVers live away from the RV park scene. Some do it for a short time,
others practically fulltime "in the boonies." We'll share tips and
places to go. This time around. . .
RVers love to share information among themselves.
Bill and Toni Goff are members of the national fulltiming RV club,
Escapees. Last spring they shared some of their knowledge on
boondocking at a seminar they put on at an Escapees gathering in
Imperial, California. Here are a few points from their seminar on water conservation you'll enjoy.
Since
water "away from the grid" is precious, conserve what you can. When
"washing up" your hands, put a bowl in your sink, not running the tap
continuously while your rinse. Then use the "waste" water to flush your
RV toilet.
In
a similar way, while waiting for hot tap water, catch the "cold" water
that would normally run down the drain. Use this water for other fresh
water purposes.
Wipe dishes off with paper towels before putting them in the sink--saves wash water.
Use commercial "cleaning wipes" for counters, bath, and floors instead of rags and water.
Really low on water but need to clean up? Try using baby wipes instead of a shower.
2006 Traveler's Guide To The FIREARM LAWS of the 50 States
Don't
carry a weapon across state lines without knowing the laws. What's
legal in one state may be a felony in another. Explains the specific
gun laws of every U.S. state. Many changes since last year. Still only
$12.95. Learn more or order.
Arkansas Tourism Goes High Tech
Nearly
all the states are working hard to attract tourists these days.
Arkansas is no exception--every year they put out a new tourism package
to attract RVers and visitors. This year, "The Natural State," has gone
high tech in its approach. This year's tour guide includes GPS (Global
Positioning Satellite) coordinates for many of the state's attractions
and points of interests, for golf courses and for the locations of the
guide's advertisers.
The
2006 tour guide also includes introductory sections on such topics as
"What's New," "Natural Treasures," "Scenic Byways," "Arkansas for the
Young at Heart (Kids Included)" and "Motorcycling"; brief descriptions
of and contact information for the state's tourism sites in each of six
geographical regions; and listings for marinas and boat docks, golf
courses and antique shops. It's part of a 4-part package you can get
free of charge by calling (800) NATURAL [800-628-8725].
A resource book: Camping and RVing with Dogs
Roadwork--Working While Living the RV Lifestyle
What does it take to obtain a Workamping position when you don't have experience? Even
if you haven't Workamped before, you have many of the desired
qualifications. Most employers want workers who get along with people,
have a good work ethic and common sense! Most Workamping positions are
dealing with people. You may handle money. Or you may perform light
maintenance tasks. Your life experience undoubtedly has given you
experience in these.
Look
back at all your activities: clubs, church, social organizations, the
PTA, Scouts, hobbies or recreational activities. Even if your jobs
didn't involve handling money, one of these activities might have.
Tasks you do in maintaining your house and yard could be useful on the
job. For example, if you've cleaned house or trimmed plants, you've
been doing light maintenance tasks for years. Add these to your resumé.
You'll be surprised at just how qualified you are!
Jaimie Hall is the author of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road.
Refrigerator Not So Cool? Let George Check It
RV
refrigerator issues can be a major headache. Cooling units are horribly
expensive to replace, and tracking down the source of a problem can
reduce a person to using language not fit for the kindergarten class.
Sometimes
the culprit can be something as simple as a door gasket that doesn't
keep the cold in, and the hot out. George can help. George who? George
Washington! Open the reefer door and stick a dollar bill against the
door frame edge, partly hanging out of the cooler box. Close the door
and pull on the bill. If George makes an escape without resistance, the
door gasket isn't up to snuff and should be replaced. Food particles
and other guck can give a false impression, so be sure to clean the
gasket and door frame with soapy water (and a ending rinse) before
trying this trick. Be sure to make George work all the way around the
door frame to ensure 100% gasket cooperation.
Fulltimers: Where should you select a home base?
Pick the wrong state and you may pay too much in licenses and taxes.
Learn the best state for you.
Fulltimers' Websites
Not
out there yet? Want to get a taste of the fulltime 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 fulltime lifestyle.
Ron
Zunk is a lot like other fulltimers--he's philosophical about what life
sends his way. Says Ron, "Since I retired I decided it was time to see
North and Central America in my motorhome. I'll never get to Egypt, so
may as well see the Mexican pyramids with my traveling companions."
Ron's "traveling companions" are the 3-D Team, his three canine friends.
To
make his traveling possible, like a lot of you fulltimers, Ron works
his way about the countryside, doing handyman work and making stained
glass windows. Ron's website is a blog on his travels, including lots
of pictures and insight into the lifestyle. Check out "Ron's Travel Website."
Got a website you've found you think others ought to see? Drop us an e-mail and 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.
Free Entertainment on the Road
Don't forget the public library!
Not only can you find plenty of books, you can catch up on your reading
with current magazines and newspapers without having to pay the premium
charge for a subscription. Many libraries have internet access, and the
ability to catch up on your e-mail. Often overlooked is the resource
that the reference librarian can be: They may be able to tell you about
free local activities like concerts, lectures, and other community
activities you might not otherwise hear about.
Books and DVDs about repairing and maintaining an RV
See the big selection of titles at RVbookstore.com
Rolling Tech
RVers
have plenty of "home work" to keep up with. Caring for the rig demands
far different skills than those left "back home." "Rolling Tech" covers
technical issues for the RV set.
Not
long ago we arrived at a small town RV park where shore power
connections were at a premium. Every other site had an electrical
box--and users were somehow expected to share. Our next-door neighbor
was already "tied into" the box closest to our site, and on popping
open the cover we found he was already using the single 30-amp outlet.
With our 30-amp three-prong male plug looking dead into the face of a
50-amp four-hole female receptacle, it looked as though we needed a
quick brush up on "electrical biology."
Boondockers
that we are, we simply cranked up the wind turbine tower and drew what
juice we needed from the West Texas winds. After our neighbor moved
along, we plugged into the freed up 30-amp receptacle. While we're
fairly adaptable, the experience did jog our thinking: Not everyone has
"alternative" power available. Being adaptable may mean the need to
carry the appropriate electrical adapters.
Learn more by reading, "Electrical Adapter-bility."
Cell phone won't work in out-of-the-way places? Smoothtalker can help. Talk or get online in places you could never get online before. Learn more.
RV faucets: How well do they work?
How
are your RV faucets? Do they work the way you'd like? Do they look the
way you would like them? If not, hold your horses… there's something
you can do, and it's really pretty easy. Read all about it.
Unique RVs
When
Willy Wittig rolls into town, people know it. Touring the United States
with his daughter, dog, and two cats, Wittig normally calls Germany
home, but a couple of years ago he put his home-brew RV on an ocean
going ferry and floated it to Nova Scotia.
The
heart of Willy's fulltime rig is a circa 1960s disaster response
ambulance built on a Mercedes truck chassis. Using his own resources,
Willy built a fine, comfortable interior, equipping it with all the
comforts needed for road travel and living.
In
the galley a propane-fired stove top keeps things cooking, but unlike
most rigs found in America his refrigerator is a bit different. Built
under the kitchen counter, the heart and soul of the refrigerator is
not LP fired, but rather, uses a highly efficient low-voltage
compressor unit.
Keeping
everything fired up, the unique RV uses a dual voltage system, 12 and
24 volts. Running the engine charges his battery system when the solar
panels aren't cutting it. The 4-wheel drive unit keeps everything high
above ground and goes just about anywhere. At last check, Willy and
company were headed for the Baja, with plans to visit Central America
high on the list.
Seen (or own) a unique RV? We'd like to know about it. Write ftrveditor@yahoo.com.
Roadside Ruminations
"If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere." -- Frank A. Clark
Books and DVDs about Full-time RVing. Big selection.
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
at ftrveditor@yahoo.com
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.
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.
© Copyright 2006 by RVbookstore.com
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