Fulltime RVer Newsletter
Fulltime RVer Newsletter Issue 31

Issue 31 of the best email newsletter for full-time RV enthusiasts and others who want to be.

Where will you winter? Will you wander widely? If the price of fuel has made your wonder, maybe we're getting a break. The price of oil has dropped over 20 percent since mid-July; gasoline has been dropping, and in the last two weeks where we've been, diesel has dived more than 30 cents a gallon. For those who want to make their winter getaway, it's great news. For the brave among us, the not-so-new world of alternative diesel fuel beckons. Check out "Run Your RV on Vegtable Oil," below.

Planning your next move? Here's a couple of fuel retailer sites that will give you the head's up on what fuel prices are really doing. Flying J posts their diesel and gasoline prices at www.flyingj.com/fuel; and Love's does likewise at www.loves.com/allstatesfuel_prices.asp. And if you'd like a "market area" report for anywhere in the US, not just tied to a specific retailer, check out AAA's "Fuel Gauge Report" at http://www.fuelgaugereport.com. Its reports point out the changes in the fuel volatility -- we were surprised to see that in many markets, diesel is now cheaper than it was a year ago.

Whatever fuel prices do, RVers continue to enjoy their travels. We hope this newsletter encourages you as you live -- or just plan for -- the fulltime RV lifestyle.

 

© R & T De Maris

When you travel in your RV, what is the biggest attraction that takes you to where you're going? Answer here.

Explorer RV
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As fuel prices continue to fluctuate like a political poll, some are looking at alternatives to high prices at the pump. Diesel owners look longingly at using "freebie" oils from Chinese take-out restaurants -- "McDiesel" if you will. What's it take to make your RV a "fryer flyer?"

Don't think you can simply dump old cooking grease in your tank -- you'll end up with mechanical problems. Fryer oil must be treated before it can be run in a conventional diesel engine fuel system. The treatments can include processing used oil with chemicals and cooking; filtering is always required. One enterprising company, Greasecar Vegatable Fuel Systems (greasecar.com) offers conversion kits to help you make the jump to non-petro diesel. In the Greasecar world, a separate fuel tank holds recycled cooking oil, the vehicle is started on petro-diesel, then when warmed up, switches over to veggie oil. The driver needs to switch back to petro-diesel a few minutes before shutting down.

Some RVers have gone toward "blending their own" by mixing smaller quantities of filtered veggie oil with petro-diesel directly in their fuel tanks. A manufacturer's association warns that such a practice could lead to unpredictable engine problems.

In some places around the country you can purchase commercially developed biodiesel, full strength, or in blends. We encountered bio-fuel blends on a road journey through the Midwest, but, alas, the cost of the blended fuel was actually higher than that of straight "dino-diesel." Happily the price of diesel fuel has been dropping in recent days, but still, the temptation of "free" fuel is great.

We Snapped on Photo Contest Website--Issue 30
"Just wanted to let you know that the URL for the National Parks photo contest was wrong. It should not have the "www." in it. The correct URL is: http://nationalparks.eprize.net/experiencephoto/

Thanks for all of the articles and info in your newsletter. It's both interesting and informative. Keep up the good work!"--TS

Even So, We Still Get Compliments
"Just a note to thank you for your efforts with the newsletter. I enjoy it very much and read every line of every issue. 4 years and counting till we hit the road! Keep the great work coming."--J&L S

Thank you! We'll be sure to pass your comments along to the publisher!--ED

Headed south in your motorhome, eh? The Canadian Snowbird Association suggests you get a passport before traveling down into the States. While the US government will not require passports of Canadians making land crossings until January 2008, the association feels a passport is the "best" form of identification of Maple Leaf citizens.

Many Canadians are rightly reluctant to obtain a passport -- the cost is $87 for adults. While U.S. citizens may scoff at the seemingly low price (a US adult passport is $97), the Canadian "travel book" is only good for five years -- half as long as the American counterpart.

And no, we still haven't heard anything regarding the issuance of a low-cost alternative to passports for Americans traveling by land to Mexico or to Canada. Unless something develops prior to January 2008, U.S. citizens will need to smile as they too, hand over big dollars for a passport to come back from either of the bordering countries.

Is That RV Really Livable? Consider Dinner Time!

If you're headed out to buy a new rig for fulltiming, you know you've got a lot to look at. If you've never spent an extended period of time RVing, there are some things you might not otherwise think of when working up your requirements. It's one thing to go out an RV on a weekend, even for a couple of weeks, but fulltiming day-in and day-out can really make a test of your RV's livability. When the weather is lousy, you'll be spending a lot of time inside the rig -- something a lot of vacation RVing may not have prepared you for.

Comfortable seating is an absolute must. If your rig plans point to a smaller RV, this can be a challenge. Be sure to SIT in every available seat in your prospective rig, dinette, recliner, sofa, et al. Can everyone eat comfortably? Some RV manufacturers must feel that 'sitting on the couch to eat is OK," and if that's the case, sit on the couch. Does the seat 'throw you back' so that to access whatever table you have, your back will be unsupported, or need bolstering?

If there's a "table and chairs" set up, is there enough room to scoot the chairs back so you'll sit comfortably at the table, or will you be so cramped you can practically eat off your partner's plate across the table? Will your chair sit securely on the floor, or might it "fall off the edge" of the flooring in a slide-out dinette?

Even before dinner hits the plates, it's gotta be cooked. Does the chef have adequate room to ply their craft? Most RV refrigerators are generously spaced, but for some reason, once the food is out of the refer, there's nearly no place to put it. Counter space is often sacrificed. In our "teeny tiny" trailer we use for short excursions, we've outfitted the stove top with a cover to add counter space, but before anything can be cooked, that temporary space must go. In our big fulltiming trailer, we've added a "dog leg" countertop extension that folds up to add a few extra inches of space at the end of the sink, but in the "baby" trailer there's just no room for it.

Do you cook, or do you "reheat"? An RV microwave is great for the latter, and even for regular meal preparation. But if you plan to do a lot of boondocking without a generator, that microwave might as well be gone -- they consume a huge amount of power. So is your gas oven (IF there is one) adequate to meet your needs? Some newer motorcoaches don't even have a gas oven, just a convection oven and maybe two or three gas burners.

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--

Keep Warm and Snug in Your RV

• RV furnace blowers eat electricity like mad. Shoot for using your furnace just to take the chill off unless your hooked to shore power
• Alternative RV heaters are the key to boondocking. "Brick" heaters give off plenty of heat with no electric draw, but "Blue Flame" style heaters heat and add the cheery ambiance of a fireplace.
• Catalytic heaters should be kept covered when not in use. Air pollutants and dust can make real problems with the "cat bed," which is the most expensive part of the unit.
• When using an alternative heater, cat, brick, or blue flame, ALWAYS provide adequate ventilation. Check your heater's owner manual for details.
• If you can, orient your RV so the amount of you walls takes the most sunlight exposure. Those extra BTUs from "Sol" can make a big difference.

For more great information on boondocking, read RV Boondocking Basics, by the DeMaris duo, available through RV Bookstore.

Geocache for Prizes? Head Out to Indiana

RVers who "geocache" -- the term used for the high-tech hide and seek game using global positioning satellite system receivers -- are used to getting a prize when they find the hidden cache. Usually the "prizes" in the cache are not much more valuable than a pack of bubble gum. Point your GPS toward Indiana State Parks from now until the end of December and the stakes could be a lot higher.

A $100 gift certificate to "cash" in at Indiana State Parks inns is the top prize, with annual park passes, overnight camping passes, and more, will be handed out to winners in a State Parks sponsored geocache bash. For more details, log onto http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/interpretiveservices/,pdf/schedules/fall_into_geocaching.pdf

New to Trailering? Don't Let Backing Buffalo You

Backing up a motorhome is much like backing up a car -- on a bit larger scale. But if you've never "trailered" before, backing up can be a whole new experience with nerves. Here are a few tips:

Take it slowly--it's easier to get into trouble by making wide swings with the wheel and going fast. Don't give up! You will eventually catch on!

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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.

Learn the vehicle's history.Get a free VIN report at Carfax.com.

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Roadwork--Working While Living the RV Lifestyle

What is networking? Networking is using your contacts to find a job.According to Sherri Edwards, career consultant, "Eighty-five percent of all positions are filled through networking. A referral from an employee in good standing is an easier and more reliable way for an employer to find good workers. "Workampers can develop their network by:

Keeping in contact with fellow Workampers and talking to them about their past experiences. Keep notes for future reference.
Joining forums that discuss working on the road, such as the RV Travel forums and forums at Workamper.com. When you are job hunting, asking your network if they know of employers that meet your criteria (geographic area, pay) or inquiring about specific employers. Also asking if they know of someone else who could help you. That way you expand your network. Jaimie Hall is the author of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road.

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"How to Buy An RV." Advice 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.

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Fulltimers' Websites

© R & T De Maris

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.

Want to fulltime, but still have kids underfoot? It's not an impossible dream, as can be seen from the information from the "Families on the Road" website. A good deal of information about "road schooling" and other educational stuff, with great links and resources. Visit the site at http://www.familiesontheroad.com/index.html

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Huge Savings on Fleetwood Terra LX 31M and 34N Motorhomes
Poulsbo RV is proud to offer this beautiful coach in two different floorplans, the 31M for only $79,999 and the 34N for only $84,995. MSRPs are $104,000 and $107,000 on this full-body paint gas motorhome. Hurry to save big! Learn more.

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Free Attractions USA--Get Out and See It For Free
Places to go, see, and experience at no cost. Mark these on your traveling maps and prepare to experience something where you can leave your wallet in your pocket. We'll give tips from every state in the union.

Mercy Sakes in Michigan! It's Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum! If you're near Detroit, you owe it to yourself to drop in on Marvin Yogoda's "little shop" of pinball machines. Arcade games are a central focus, but Marvin points out the magic, neon, and antiques are also showcased in his 5,500 square foot museum. Admisssion is free, but be prepared to pop coins into machines and spent a bit at the tap in the snackbar. No doubt it's the quirkiest museum near the Motor City. Find it at 31005 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334, (248) 626-5020

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The Nevada vacation you'll want to take for a lifetime
Horseback Riding- Air Shows- Outdoor Boxing- POW WOWS- Craft Shows- Community Picnics- Chili Cook-Offs- National Parks- Desert Wildflower Arrays- Sand Dunes- Prospecting- Antelope-Meteorite Hunting- Off-Roading- Star Gazing- Bicycling- Wild Burros- Rural Celebrations- Fine Dining- Gaming- Museums- ...and much, much more. Find all your options here!

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Roadside Ruminations

"[Some] think of God as a sort of celestial waiter. When they need something, they want to snap their fingers and have him come. And when they've got what they want, they would like him to go away." --Anon.

© R & T De Maris

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. fulltimerv@icanrv.com

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Books and DVDs about Full-time RVing.Big selection.

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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.

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