You can do this!
You might be getting into retirement, you might be still working or maybe it's a combination, but whatever arrangement you have, you are not alone. There are people who are working 9-5, folks that travel for their work, freelancers and people who never have to work again.
There are people in tiny little teardrop trailers all the way up to 45' huge busses...and lots in between. I'll try to give you a sense of what is out there and how you might fit in!
How to choose?
There are so many!
The first thing to decide is how many people are going to be using this rig? If you are just one or two then you probably want something different that a large family with active kids, or a band on tour. Most any thing will sleep two adults, and even very small units often have a fold out or spare bed for the occasional guest. But you plan to spend a lot of time in this place, try to think in terms of really living there.If you've been living in a whole house it can be daunting to consider living in a long tube, that might be smaller than your garage was. But people do it happily everyday, so don't be scared. Also you will find that once you are living the life you don't need as much as you thought...it's like going on vacation with a huge number of suitcases...after your fifth airport you find that you can get by with a lot less stuff. That's how it is in an RV. So while you may go to an RV show or sales lot don't think you need the biggest one out there. I really suggest you consider going with a used unit that you think will be "big enough" and then after you have some miles under your belt it'll be easier to decide what you really want. If you can borrow or rent a unit a few times that can help you learn what's right for you too.
There are books and magazines, groups and sites to help you with your decision...look on this lens for some suggestions.
There is an important rule that my Mother-In-Law taught me about RVs...it't the 6-4-2 Rule. She says her RV can entertain 6, feed 4 and sleep 2!
Types of RVs
If you learn these you can sound like an expert!
This information is from this online site;
http://www.rv-coach.com/rv_types.html
Class A MotorHomes
CLASS A MOTORHOMES are generally the top dogs of t more...1 point
Travel Trailers
Travel trailers come in a variety of sizes, rangin more...1 point
Class B Motorhomes
Class B motorhomes, also commonly known as van con more...0 points
Class C Motorhomes
Class C motorhomes, sometimes referred to as mini- more...0 points
Folding Camping Trailers
Folding camping trailers are the least expensive R more...0 points
Fifth-Wheel Trailers
Fifth-wheel trailers are similar to larger travel more...0 points
Making it a Home.
You don't have to leave it like you found it.
You might love the way your rig looks the day you move in, but don't be afraid to make it your own. It can be a little scary to think of drastic changes...and you may want to sell it to somebody else someday, so painting may be out. So start small. Get a bedspread and towels in colors you like. Put pillows on the couch that are really comfy. Buy a small plant (herbs or mint are nice), you can put it in the sink or shower when you are moving. There are collapsible vases called Wonder Vases that fold flat for flowers (small warning, I have had these tip over so use caution). But fresh flowers really are wonderful and after all you don't have a garden or yard to take care of...might as well celebrate that!It took me too long to add art. I just didn't think I had a way to display it, but when a friend gave me some prints I figured some things out. A frame was going to be too bulky, hung in a hallway it was going to get bumped. So we had them matted and put shrink wrap on it. Then them mounted with Picture Hanging Strips...they worked best and the pictures have stayed on the walls for several trips across country (the putty stuff didn't hold on a wall). If you think you have no room consider the backs of doors, closets and cabinets. Some things can go up with magnets.
I also have a heavy piece that I hang from cup hooks. It comes down when we move, but don't be afraid of adding your own touch...after all YOU live there!
RV Magazines
A few of the best publications for and about RVs
MotorHome
Publication of self-propelled recreational vehicles, covering all aspects of the RV lifestyle.
Amazon Price: $19.97 (as of 07/11/2009) 
Trailer Life
For owners of travel trailers, campers & motor homes; contains travel information, test reports & club news.
Amazon Price: $15.97 (as of 07/11/2009)
Woodall's North American Campground Directory with CD, 2007 (Woodall's Campground Directory: North American Ed. (W/CD))
The camping and RV industry's most widely used and respected campground directory, known for its accurate information and up-to-date, reliable rating system.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
Books! Books! Books!
Some great titles for planning and plotting!
Living Aboard Your RV
"... gets down to the real nitty-gritty issues about living full-time in your RVs
Amazon Price: $14.21 (as of 07/11/2009)
Full-Time RVing : How to Make it Happen
This is a 192-page 'How-to" book that lets you in on the mobile lifestyle that millions are enjoying. It covers what you need to consider before you make that big decision to go on the road full-time or for an extended time.
Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 07/11/2009)
RV Living in the 21st Century: The Essential Reference Guide for ALL RVers
For anyone considering or experiencing the RV lifestyle, this book is a wide-ranging tour of things you need to know.
Amazon Price: $16.95 (as of 07/11/2009)
Trailer Travel: A Visual History of Mobile America
Culled from the private collections of passionate trailerites, the book is chock full of color and black-and-white illustrations including linen postcards of trailer camps and auto courts and campy family photographs. This is the perfect book for the fan of the open road or the fervent collector of trailer ephemera.
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 07/11/2009)
The RVer's Bible: Everything You Need to Know About Choosing, Using, & Enjoying Your RV
They tackle practical concerns such as choosing the best RV, its mechanics, and things to do in it.
Amazon Price: $21.60 (as of 07/11/2009)
Helpful Online Sites
A wide variety of topics - something for everyone
- Dog Friendly Rv Parks
- United States and Canada Dog-Friendly Campground and RV Park Guide with a map.
- RVing Women
- We are a diverse group of women across the U.S. and Canada who enjoy RVing and love to travel.
- Hunting and Fishing Information
- State License & Regulation Information for all 50 states.
- Local Road Food
- The most memorable local eateries along the
highways and back roads of America - State by State Maps and Info
- Road Maps, Road Condition Photos, & Highway RV Travel Itineraries
- Celebrating Wildflowers
- Celebrating Wildflowers is dedicated to the enjoyment of the thousands of wildflowers growing on our national forests and grasslands, and to educating the public about the many values of native plants.
- Tin-Can Tourists- Vintage RV Club
- The Tin Can Tourists is an organization committed to the celebration of classic trailers and motor coaches through annual gatherings of owners and friends!
- CUSTOM CANVAS By Canvas House
- These folks can deal with your awning issues and repairs. And it's hard to find somebody who knows what they are doing!
The Kitchen
What do I bring? You don't need all that!
When you first get ready to move in you will bring too much stuff. You will. So here's some help in paring down.The Kitchen - It's really important to remember that you will rarely be so far out that there are no stores. Other places sell stuff. So relax. You don't need to stockpile tons of food. And you don't have to eat off of paper plates forever either. Get some cheerful plastic plates or maybe Corelle ware...it's inexpensive and works great in an RV. Leave most of your knives at home, but there are these slick plastic Knife Guards for the ones you do bring. The collapsable and silicone products out there now are great because you can pack them around noisy pots and pans to make things quieter going down the road.
Some of your cooking may have to be modified. You may not have the space or gagets you are use to, but this can be your challenge...turn out tasty meals with what you have. There are a ton of good cooks out there who have done it and they will help you. I'll give you a list. But you do have resign yourself to one new fact of life...no dishwasher.
Great Stuff on Amazon
Things to make your journey easier
Corelle Livingware 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, Service for 4, Hot Dots
These are cute, practical and don't feel like you are eating off of paper plates!
Amazon Price: $29.97 (as of 07/11/2009)
Chef'n COL-542AV Sleekstor Small Collapsible Scoop Colander, Avocado
These strainers that squish flat do double duty...they work as a strainer, but they also can cushion noisy pans for less rattling!
Amazon Price: $15.95 (as of 07/11/2009)
WonderVase Travel Collapsible Flower Vase - Med
These fold flat in a drawer till you want it, then you've got an instant vase...pretty slick!
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
Cooking in a Small Space
It can be done...and you can do it!
Cooking Aboard Your RV
Written for long-term live-aboard RVers and casual weekenders, Cooking Aboard Your RV addresses the unique problems faced by RV cooks--limited water, insufficient counter space, and little room for the extra appliances of today's kitchens. This new edition is fully updated with: %u2022 Instructions for using a combination convection-microwave oven
Amazon Price: $11.96 (as of 07/11/2009)
America's Best RV Cookbook: The Complete Guide to RV Cooking
Travelers who ply the nation's highways in their recreational vehicles need to stick to cooking requiring limited amounts of fresh ingredients, a controlled range of staples, and a small number of pots, pans, and appliances. Joyce Ryan's America's Best RV Cookbook addresses just such an audience.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
The Open Road Cookbook
In her newest Healthy Exchanges cookbook, Lund offers quick-and-easy, low-fat fare and sage advice for people hitting the highway-especially her fellow RV-ers-who want to do better than Denny's for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Amazon Price: $13.46 (as of 07/11/2009)
Grandma's on the Go
A gusty, determine Weishampel combines her love for travel with parenting nine adopted kids as she progresses from primitive, tent camping to a series of motor homes--while providing a loving nest for her charges.
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 07/11/2009)
The Ultimate RV Cookbook
Every true RVer knows that the combination of transportation and living quarters in an RV couldn't be more favorable until now! The Ultimate RV Cookbook adds the finishing touch by making RV cuisine appetizing, healthy and convenient.
Amazon Price: $10.00 (as of 07/11/2009)
General Useful Items
These work for us.
6 Outlet Strip with 15FT Cord
RVs never have enough outlets. Or they aren't where you need them to be. Stock up on power strips!
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 07/11/2009)
Problems :-(
It ain't all glamour
There are some issues that are harder on the road. The first that comes to mind is Mail. Getting your mail can be a pain. We use the "send it to Daughter, she sends it to us" method. That can work if you have a willing family member or friend who doesn't mind regular trips to the Post Office. But it can be a lot to ask. We have stocked her up on USPS Flat Rate boxes and envelopes (free from the post office) and pre-paid postage stamps. Those get filled and mailed to us whenever we land long enough to have an address.Other methods are out there. There are mailing services that can be found, but be sure you understand the requirements. Sometimes you have to have a permant address in the state the service uses. Which brings us to another problem area;
A Permanent Address.
You need one. It can be done without one I suppose, but believe me it will make your life easier if you have a real address somewhere. Getting your drivers license, medical insurance, car and Rv insurance, all those things will need a "real" address. And a PO box will not always do it. If you look into this issue there are debates about picking one state over another...issues like state income taxes, registration requirements for your vehicles or insurance rates. But you can change this later on down the road so don't let it make you nuts right at first. Just arrange for somebody somewhere to back you up and you'll be glad you did. Oh, and send them some goodies from the road once in awhile to keep them happy.
Arrange for Absentee Ballots so you can vote!
Banking. Ugg. But you'll need to deal with it, so get familiar with paying bills online. Try to arrange to pay as many bills as possible online (refer back to that problem #1...getting your mail) Most banks offer this, but some systems are more user friendly than others. And some banks are more travel friendly than others. It helps to choose a larger nationwide bank, but don't expect that west coast computers talk to east coast computers...even within the same bank. I'm just saying there will be snags. So plan accordingly. Have back up credit cards and cash. Be ready for late night, small town repair bills. Have your back-up person at "home" as a signer on your accounts so they can arrange things if needed.
Keeping Things Running
Tools, Tricks, Trials
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Your land house had things that needed to be fixed...so does your RV. It's just that it needs it more. After all it rolls over the road. And essentially it's a machine. A big machine. But you need to stay on top of things if you don't want to be sitting by the side of the road.You will need a little basic knowledge if only so you get to the right repair shop. But there are lots of ways to get that knowledge. There are books and manuals that are specific to your own motorhome. There are lots of general books and videos/DVDs to teach you how to do particular things. There is also my personal favorite method...look pitiful and lost till somebody comes along to help. The good thing about this method is that it works. Everytime. Just even look like you need help in an RV park and they will show up...often in droves.
But if you want to be more self-reliant you will need some tools.
Dennis has these in his tool box (among others);
Combination wrench set
3/8" + 1/2" Drive socket sets
Small and medium pipe wrench
Assorted Screwdrivers
Vice Grips
Volt-Ohm Meter
Assorted Electrical Connectors
Cordless Drill
Assorted Small and Medium Cresent Wrenches
Pipe Sealent
Spray Lubricants/Cleaners
Ball Peen Hammer
Punch and Chisel Set
Allen Wrench Set
and keep stocks of;
Coolant
Motor Oil
Fan Belts
Fuel Filters
Assorted Fuses
And then you need an Emergancy Kit;
First Aid Kit
Road Reflectors (have several, the rig is big)
Tow Chain
Snow Chains (maybe, but when you need them, you really need them)
But there is other help out there. The manufacture of your RV may have a phone help line (ours does and they have saved us more than once!). There are also online chat rooms and support for most types of RVs. These are very helpful folks, they have been there, done that.
But nothing beats having serious Back-Up when you need it. Don't leave home with out a Roadside Assistance card from AAA, Good Sam, FMCA or somebody. In fact for the first year (when many problems can arise) we carried more than one, just to be sure we'd have the coverage we needed wherever we broke down. Believe me you don't want to pay for that BIG RED TOW TRUCK!
Places to go for info
Talk to these folks...be their friend!
- AAA RV Plus
- Good for Road Side Assistance, ask for "RV Plus".
- Good Sam Club
- Comprehensive RV information, Roadside Assistance program, and discounts.
- FMCA - Family Motor Coach Association
- International organization for RV owers with Roadside assistance, camping programs, especially aimed at larger rigs.
Communication
How can you get your Internet?
That cable just won't reach that far. You need the internet but how can you be online on the road?The very basic thing to do is find a library. They most all have computers and you can get on for free, but there are sometimes time limitations. Also some coffee internet cafes have machines you can use for a fee.
If you have your own computer then a wireless connection is your friend. Many RV parks have a plan, some free, some charge. Some work well, some don't. Sometimes you need to go sit in a clubhouse or someplace (I once spent 2 weeks in a laundry room!) to get a connection. Needless to say it wears thin.
There are expensive satellite dishes that mount on top of your rig and get your signal, but we've heard mixed reports. The best thing we have used is a Wireless Data Card. These come from the cell phone companies and can plug into the side of your computer or into a router. That's what we use and then we have wireless connection for both of our laptops. I am able to work online while we go down the road, with some blank areas, but overall we are very pleased, the speed is fine and the only places we don't get coverage is some very remote highways and the state of Oklahoma. Don't ask me. But these things vary with your cell phone company and they do get updated so maybe next time we are in Oklahoma things will have improved. Hope so. ;-)
Update: If you find you are in a slow spot there are antennas that you can get at truck stops for about $40.00. Also check the coverage maps before you choose your carrier...they vary widely. Now we are using AT&T and I can get online in Oklahoma just fine!
The Really Good Stuff!
These are the things that make life on the road very, very nice!
Videos about RV life
These will show you the dream lifestyle...whatever your dream is.
- The RV World of 1937
- Living and working in an RV full-time is not a new idea.? Here is another RV.TV feature from the days when gasoline was much, much cheaper.
- Nightline - Report of Full Time RV Living
- Here is a recent report from ABC's NIGHTLINE on full-time RV living.(Most useful info towards the end)
- Yikes, A Clothing-Optional RV Park
- Look but don't touch.
(If you need another reason to get out there!) - "If Jesus Drove A Motor Home" Jim White Music Video
- Think of the possibilities!
Music To Get You In The Mood!
Trailercana
Gotta Love the Trailer Park Troubadours!
Trailercana features guest appearances from Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac, Bobby Cochran of Steppenwolf, Tommy Smothers, and Bonnie Bramlett.
Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 07/11/2009)
Don't Fence Me In: Western Music's Early Golden Era
Well, you have to have Roy Rodgers singing Don't Fence Me In, but don't miss Wide Rolling Plains by Rosalie Allen, or Tumbleweed Trail by The Sons Of The Pioneers.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
This Land Is Your Land - Songs Of Freedom
This Land Is Your Land: Songs of Freedom is a collection of folk songs drawn from the vaults of Vanguard Records, and includes Cisco Houston's version of "This Land Is Your Land," along with selections by performers like the Weavers, Ian & Sylvia, Judy Collins, and Odetta.
Amazon Price: $17.98 (as of 07/11/2009)
Horatio's Drive: America's First Road Trip
In May 1903, spurred by a friendly argument and a $50 wager, retired New England doctor Horatio Nelson Jackson headed east from San Francisco on America's first transcontinental automobile journey/race. That mother of all road trips is the subject of this Ken Burns PBS documentary, and its soundtrack.
This might need to be on my Christmas list.
Amazon Price: $7.98 (as of 07/11/2009)
Random Thoughts
Things that might be helpful
- Pipes can freeze...leave faucets dripping and remove outside hose filters. However make sure your tank isn't full or you can wake up in the morning to a small flood.
- Don't stock up on fruit or liquor if you are going to cross any borders...like California or Canada.
- Some folks spray Bug Repellent around their tires to avoid getting ants and such inside.
- A CB radio may seem old fashion but it's really nice knowing what the truckers know...especially in long mysterious traffic back-ups.
- Get rechargable AA batteries and a charger...then don't let anything in that needs other sizes.
- Libraries and book sales can get you a big ole' stack of RV magazines...good for getting your feet wet.
- I really like the Storage Bags that you vacuum the air out of...the roll up ones or the big zip lock style aren't as useful.
- A roof storage pod can be wonderful for seldom used cold weather gear or suitcases.
- Many RV parks have a swap shelf for books and magazines, great for getting and getting rid of!
- Try to avoid devices that have only one use. A George Foreman Grill is more useful than a toaster.
- Get a Woodalls Directory (or one like that) that shows you what RV parks are available. And call ahead to check availability...many places are only open one season.
- Don't just take a dealers word about if you can tow that model of car or not...really check into it, because it's no fun to get that wrong.
- Take your rig through a Truck Wash unless you just love cleaning it yourself.
- Those covers over the air-conditioning units on the roof get beat up and need to be replaced every so often...check them.
- If you are going to stay at truck stops or rest areas you will always end up parked next to a loud refrigerated truck...buy some ear plugs.
- I have used vases as waste baskets in tiny bathroom spaces.
- Keep a basic log book, especially noting any repairs or events involving the rig. We start each moving day with the mileage and location.
- Storables Stores or The Container Store can be wonderful places for RV items, but wait till you've been "aboard" for a while or else you'll end up with gadgets you don't need.
- Before you buy anything you'll have to store consider if you can rent or borrow it. Somebody always has a ladder.
- Don't have anything you can't store. Kitchen appliances have to fit somewhere when you roll down the road.
- Try to find your spot for the night before it gets dark...it's no fun driving in a strange place with almost no lights.
- Get a small safe for papers, ect. And send copies of everything important back home.
- You don't have to buy that expensive toilet paper sold at the camping stores. Just get a basic tissue, we use Scotts.
- Check the clearance BEFORE you extend those slideouts!
- Always double check each others work when you hook up your tow car or attach your car break system.
- Spouses HAVE to know how to drive the rig...at least enough to get help if needed. Go practice in a big parking lot...it's easier than it looks. Afterall, other people can do this, so can you!
- Before you move you need to walk around your rig and look at your tire inflation, are all the bays closed, is everything unplugged, ect. Do this EVERYTIME!
- Empty the Black (toilet) Water first, then follow up with the Gray (Shower/Sink) Water.
- Check your duel tires often...if one gets low enough that they rub together they can start a fire!
- Save your quarters...you'll need them for laundry.
- If you've been telling him it smells like a dead mouse in here...you've got a propane leak.
Our Story
How we got here
We are Tina and Dennis (both 53) and we are from Seattle, Washington. We have two grown children there and so when it's time for us to go "home" that's where we go. Dennis has done various things, but for years has done safety inspections on amusements rides. When the kids moved out we had a chance to go on the road and do that full time, so we hit the road about five years ago...and we don't plan to stop! We go from fairground to amusement parks, in big cities and tiny towns. Mostly so far it's been west coast, the midwest and the south, but we hope to see more of the east coast and the New England states soon. We have traveled up to Canada, but haven't taken our rig into Mexico yet.We are somewhat limited by following where the work is, but since there are rides in most every town, we have a chance to get around.
I sometimes work the fairs, but also have an online business selling Sewing Patterns (see my other lenses for more on that). We sold our house in Seattle to our Daughter and Son-In-Law, so now we really are "homeless"! But we use that for our permanent address, (something that you'll need, read this lens).
We now have a 40' 2005 Monaco Knight with 4 slide-outs. It's plenty big enough for full timing!
(News Flash! Our former rig, a 36' Foretravel is For Sale!)
Here's a map of states we've driven thru...we also went to Canada, but the map stopped. :-)
Got Comments?
Let me know what you think...or what you want to know!
slcalvin wrote...
Enjoyed your lens. My partner and I have been full time RVers for almost 2 years and I still love the freedom it offers. I just finished writing a lens on Experiencing New Mexico from an RV and I lensrolled your lens.
Posted March 17, 2009
Tiddledeewinks wrote...
Sounds like fun, but I want to put a small vintage travel trailer on my land and use it when I;m there.
Posted February 18, 2009
AVahl wrote...
Wow that sounds like so much fun!! I don't know how it would go with my 2 kids but I can picture it someday!!
Posted January 11, 2009
gadgalia
Wonderful lens ! interesting to read.I like it.I have ever come across such a good lens. And it is attractive.Feel free to watch my the towingquest blog
Posted November 26, 2008
Treasures-By-Brenda wrote...
Your music section made me smile!
You've done a very thorough job with lots of information for anyone who might be contemplating your lifestyle or who is enjoying your lifestyle and looking for tips.
Brenda
Posted September 30, 2008
by What-I-Found
My name is Tina and I am lucky enough to live an interesting life. My husband does safety inspections on amusement rides, so we travel all over the co...
(more)
