Short Vacation? Go Camping… Again and Again!

 Despite the poor economic conditions and many uncertain of the times ahead, the outdoor hospitality business (RV parks, resorts and campgrounds) are staying filled this summer.

Many folks have re-discovered the fun in camping, while others are exploring their “own backyard” – just travelling a few hours away from home.

With limited vacation time or funds, many Campers have figured how to make the most of both. Many are either taking one day off a week and taking their scheduled days off  - such as the weekend – to make a nice 3-4 day camping trip each month or every two weeks. This not only breaks up the summer, but stretches out the vacation time all summer.

Multiple stays at the same campground doesn’t have to be boring. Take advantage of local sites and attractions and make a series of day-trips. Driving an hour or so from your campground can be like a mini-vacation in itself!

The Blue Ridge Parkway makes for a wonderful day-trip!

If you stay at the same campground or RV resort, you may find yourself eligible for a “repeat” or “multiple stay” discount. Some campgrounds offer 10% or more off on their regular Campers. And many campgrounds offer discounts for extended stays that could save you hundreds of dollars!

If you have family and friends that enjoy camping, see if the campground offers group discounts and family camping areas. If they have family or group areas (for multiple families), you may find it cheaper to divide the cost among the families than to each rent a campsite individually.

If you have children, finding family campgrounds or RV parks that offer activities will benefit both you and your children. Parks such as Jellystone offer many free activities – from wagon rides and movies to crafts and dances. Low-cost activities such as bingo, mini-golf, water slides and ceramics are available at most family-friendly parks.

Make the most of your summer vacation, despite limited time and funds. Go camping… again and again!

Never know what you'll see on a day-trip!

Have a Safe Fourth!

Flag at Appomattox

We are spending the summer in Virginia and recently visited Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. It was a beautiful summer day until a line of clouds veiled the sun and it began to rain.

As tourists scrambled for cover or made way for their vehicles, we dug out our folding umbrellas and continued our tour of what the locals refer to as “the surrender grounds”.

It was muddy and slippery, yet we reminded ourselves that conditions weren’t always “ideal” for those who died and fought for the freedoms that make America great.

So no matter what the weather, please have a safe Fourth of July and remember those who have fought and continue to fight for our freedoms.

 

Everyone wants to be vagabonds now!

I received a rather amusing email from a Full-Timing friend who has been workamping for several years. Her main grip was “everyone wants to be a vagabond now!”

Lately everywhere you turn there is an article popping up either online, in the print newspaper or even on the TV news, regarding living the RV or caretaker life. The reporters interview a few of us “houseless” folks and then manage to piece a story together on how their faithful readers or viewers can just give up everything and “live free” too.

These pieces promise that you too can be a vagabond. Honestly, I’ve been finding it rather amusing!

One article I read said that there was no need to buy a new RV because they depreciate like cars. Okay, that is true… but did she mention that most campgrounds and RV resorts require newer models? Most places want workampers who have models no older than 8 to 10 years. I have heard of places even saying six years or newer. So before you rush out and buy that 1980s Trek motorhome that the guy “down the road” has for sale in his mother-in-law’s barn, you better do your homework on what types of workamping jobs you hope to get and what most employers require.

Another article I read said that this lifestyle was only for retirees.  Hmm… I’m not retired (or even close to it for another 30+ years!) and several of our Full-Timing and/or workamping friends are either too young to retiree or still have families of their own (who live the lifestyle with them). There is a growing number of younger folks and families who live this way and get along quite nicely. So don’t rule it out Full-Timing or workamping if you are younger than 65.

This same piece mentioned that the jobs were rather easy and required no effort. Well… I would love to drag this writer to a campground or RV resort and put them to work for a day. Yes, it takes no skill to handle 100+ check-ins on a Friday night during the summer or on a holiday. (Insert me rolling my eyes here!) Or how about cleaning several bathouses a day and operating a Kiavac machine. No skill? No effort? Okay, well then how about mowing several acres of lawn around a hundred RVs in 90 degree temps? No sweat! Yes, there are some easier jobs out there, but in outdoor hospitality – anything goes! So even a light Camp Host position may find you having to haul firewood, clean restrooms or help evacuate the campground during an emergency.

I could go on and on, as there have been so many “be a vagabond” stories lately. With recent economic changes and many people struggling to keep their home or in need of a new career, these articles and news casts offer hope and freedom. Don’t get me wrong, it can and it does for many, but before you make that leap you should do some research and speak to those who have (or are on) that road!

Everyone may want to be a vagabond, but not just anyone can be a vagabond and be happy with it.

VW Bus Rally

 

Okay, you see one on the highway and you can’t take your eyes off it… but image a campground-resort filled with VWs! Rather interesting to see, especially those with larger families. Luckily the invention of EZ-Up tents makes VW bus living a little more livable on the outside.

After getting off to a rainy start to the weekend, the skies have cleared and temperature is in the high 80s. Folks are enjoying the river, the swim lake, the pool and the water slide and spray area. Everyone is donned in tie-dye clothing (or bikinis!) and just enjoying the weather and activities.

In fact, the outdoors is calling me now… so what am I doing online? Time for me to soak up some sun and enjoy this beautiful spring day in Virginia.

Sites to see with small admission fees

Waltons Mountain Museum

Children are getting out of school, summer is around the corner and money is tight. What’s a family to do about vacation?

There are many wonderful places with small or no admission fees all over the country. In fact, if you probably take a look, a few are in your own backyard!

The first thing to do is visit an area’s local tourist or visitor center website. Often they will list attractions, recreation and events and have links to other websites that contain more details.

Vikingsholm Castle

 

Don’t forget to look for small museums, historical sites and botanical gardens!  Often these places have discounted admissions on families or larger parties, free days or reciprical agreements with other attractions (offering discount rates or free admission). And there are still places that offer free admission, but appreciate donations. Although you should leave an appropriate donation or the suggested donation amount if one is posted.

You may find yourself enjoying the less popular attractions as they are less crowded and their volunteers are eager to share information about the location.

So before you rack up $50-70 a person heading to Disneyland or Six Flags this summer, surf the net! Consider driving to the Waltons Mountain Museum ($6), visiting the International UFO Museum & Research Center ($5), trekking to Vikingsholm Castle ($6.50 to park) or discovering the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit for free on a Tuesday…

If you don’t have a RV or tent, don’t fret! Most campgrounds offer cabins with basic bunks and beds to deluxe cabins completely furnished. Often even deluxe cabins cost less that a hotel stay. Ask if they have discounts, as most campgrounds will offer a free night if you stay longer than 4-5 days or during the weekday.

Vacations don’t have to be expensive to be fun. There is a great deal in this country to see that is educational and fun for the whole family that won’t break your budget!

International UFO Museum and Research Center

NOTE: Waltons Mountain Museum is in Shuyler, VA (around 160 miles from Washington, DC); the International UFO Museum is located in downtown Roswell, NM; Vikingsholm Castle is located inside Emerald Bay State Park on Lake Tahoe (California side); the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit is located in Fort Pierce, FL on the beautiful Indian River Lagoon. This is just a few of the thousands of attractions across the U.S. that are inexpensive and family friendly.

 

Overnighting at Truck Stops

First in, first out at the truck stop!

It appears that fuel prices are on the rise again and that means for RVers who were planning on putting some mileage this summer, pennies will have to be pinched.

The extra $20 t0 $50 that would normally be spent at a campground can be saved by skipping a few campgrounds while enroute to your destination.

Depending on the length of your journey, spending every other night at a truck stop can save you a hundred to several hundred dollars. We usually average $300 a week on nightly campground visits while enroute to our destination. By spending every other night at a truck stop, we only spend around $100 a week.

Most truck stops and travel centers are catering to RVers, especially those with “big rigs”. Flying Js, Pilots, TAs and Loves can be found throughout the Lower 48 and Canada. A quick visit to their websites can reveal all their locations along your planned route.

A nice thing about truck stops is that many now have dump stations and water, in addition to fuel, propane and other items. Before you park for the night, you can get fueled up and be ready to leave the next day.

However, there are a few things you should remember about overnighting at truck stops. RVers have rules or guidelines when overnighting or “parking” at businesses and these rules should be regarded even at a truck stop.

First of all, stop and ask if it is okay to overnight. Ask someone at the fuel desk and ask them if there is a particular area designated for RVs. If there isn’t and you find yourself among the semi trucks, don’t get in their way. Find a parking spot on the end or toward the back. If you see other RVers, try to park by them. “Skipping” parking spots makes no difference at a busy truck stop. You’ll only find yourself surrounded by semi trucks in the morning! So if you find another RVer, park beside them.

In the photo above (taken at a Flying J in Virginia), we arrived a little after 5 PM and found another RV family already parked for the night in the truck lot (notice the motorhome behind us). We backed our rig in beside them. Later that evening, we found ourselves surrounded by other RVers.

It is very important that while at a truck stop (especially if you are parked with the semi trucks) that you stay within your lines. If you have trouble backing your rig or have trouble staying in your lines,  find a pull-thrus if you can. But if you find a truck stop with a double pull-thru, make sure you pull all the way forward so that someone can park behind you.

Another thing to remember is to be courteous and try to get in your spot as quickly as possible without holding up the traffic flow.

An overnight guideline that most RVers have (especially for retail parking lots) is to not run their generator. However, this is often overlooked in large truck stops where trucks often run all night. Just be mindful of your neighbors if you choose to run your generator for more than a few minutes.

Of course, if you are overnighting in a truck stop (or any retail parking lot), you should not put your slides out. That is a major overnight sin! If your RV layout blocks a closet or another area you need access to, make sure you re-locate those items to easy access areas prior to overnighting. And by no means should you put down your awning or set up camp (lawn chairs, rugs, etc…) while overnight parking. You are not camping, you are parking.

While you are there, please patronize the truck stop. Buy fuel or shop in their store. Grab a bite to eat from their restaurant. We have found some of the best pizzas around can be found at truck stops! You don’t have to spend a great deal (remember you are there to save money), but if you aren’t at least buying fuel, buy something. A bag of chips or some hot dog buns – anything to show your gratitude.

If you have a frequent fueler card with the truck stop, be sure to use it. Not only will it help lower you fuel bill, but usually other purchases will help earn you points and freebies.

There are some safety issues about overnighting. Turn on your door light and your scare lights. Make sure all you RV doors, outside compartments and tow vehicle doors are locked. Never, ever just open the door to someone who knocks on it! Open a window near the door and speak to them through the window until you know what is going on. If you are overnighting at a truck stop, do not go wandering around a night. If you must walk your pet, do it near your RV. Semi trucks come and go at all hours in a truck stop. Tired drivers may not see you in the shadows!

Overnight parking at truck stops is a great way to save money (and time if you are too tired to look for or drive to a campground). Just be mindful of others, patronize the truck stop and stay safe!

Please Note: Overnight parking at retail settings such as Walmart is a little more involved (as they aren’t designed for RV or semi truck parking like truck stops) and overnighting at rest areas is even more restricted in some areas. If you decide to overnight park anywhere, always seek permission, follow signs and obey the RVers “official” overnight rules.

 

Plenty of summer workamp jobs!

For those Full-Timers who would like to start workamping or those who haven’t workamped in a while – you are needed! Campgrounds and RV parks and resorts all over the country are still in need of help this season.

Despite the financial woes, Campers are still finding the time to visit their favorite campgrounds on weekends. In fact, a number of people have given up standard week-long vacations in place of just taking a series of weekend trips throughout the summer.

Instead of visiting expensive locations and attractions, many Campers are staying closer to home and enjoying local sites. With many larger campgrounds offering amenities such as fishing ponds, miniature golf, water slides, pools, game rooms and other activities, a family doesn’t have to travel far to make the most of their vacation time.

Since most campgrounds are seasonal or have peak-times in the season where they need help, it’s hard to find locals who are willing to just work a few months at a time. Yet for Full-Timers, it is a wonderful arrangement.

Jobs vary at each location, but many campgrounds are always desperate for office, maintenance, housekeeping and landscaping staff. Many require no or little experience and will train those who are willing to learn.

So start drafting that resume (or dust yours off) and start applying. If you are eager to work, there are places that are eager to have you right now!

Surviving Memorial Day Weekend

For those of us Full-Timers who have learned to tolerate the craziness of the Big 3 (the weekends of Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day), this one went by rather smoothly.

Of course, that is for those of us who have become immune to those Weekend RVers who allow their six year old children to drive golf carts around the campground at dark,  those who leave their TVs and radios at full volume while they visit friends on the other side of the campground and those who congregate in large numbers at night to talk loudly in front of your RV while you are trying to sleep.

I did see some things that did surprise me this weekend… which was rather alarming, because I thought I had seen it all!

The first surprise was the travel trailer that pulled in beside us with a full-size dog house in the back of the pickup truck. They promptly set it up behind the RV and erected a little fence around the area. I learned it “wasn’t an RV dog” and that it would spend the weekend within whimpering distance of my bedroom. I don’t know which was worse, the barking dog or the owner constantly yelling “shut up” all weekend.

The next eye-opener was the number of adults who placed lawn chairs in the back of their pickup trucks and had their friends and family sitting in the back sipping on canned drinks while they cruised the campground. I’m not quite sure what all that was about, but after seeing several “families” drive around this way I figured they all must have been too cheap to rent a golf cart.

Of course, nothing can top a RVer who was either too cheap to rent a full hook-up site or too lazy to go to visit the free dump station. What did she do? She dumped her RV tote tank in the river that families canoe, kayak and tube.

So we survived another one of the Big 3 and are nervously awaiting for the Fourth of July weekend. It has me wondering if there will be more surprises in store for us this season!

PLEASE NOTE: In all fairness, I do not blame campgrounds that are overwhelmed during the Big 3. Most are at full capacity with a small local and workamp staff working around-the-clock. Each campground has rules and regulations, but they are hard to enforce under these circumstances. If you are a Weekend RVer, please be understanding of the rules and respect your fellow Campers.

Never know what you’ll see from your RV!

No, it’s not Stonehenge… it’s Foamhenge. Just a few miles off I-81 in Natural Bridge, Virginia you’ll do a double take when you drive by this foam replica. You just never know what you’re going to see from your RV!

May Day blow-outs!

Shredded tire on our fifth-wheel

May Day! May Day!

On May 1st we were travelling I-35  in Texas when we saw some RVers driving in the middle lane with their door assist handle jutting out. We were behind them when a semi truck passed them from the right outside lane and it caught our attention. It appeared the truck was just inches from missing it.

We manuevered  into the outside left lane to tell them about their door. After getting their attention, they thanked us and we maneuvered back into the far right lane. They then pulled off at the nearby rest area.

Imagine our surprise when an hour later we have some motorists get our attention, saying we blew a tire! Our fifth-wheel is 8 tons and the pickup is a 1-ton with Duramax diesel and it weighs a couple tons… and we never felt a thing!

We got over as quickly as we could only to discover our tire wasn’t blown – it was shredded. In fact, it looked like an industrial-size rubber mop! A quick assessment reveal damage to the trim, undercarriage and back slide (where apparently tire chunks hit). We got the spare on and made our way to the nearest tire center about six miles away.

They had one tire for us and it was at another store. So while we waited we had our undercarriage repaired. When the tire arrived from the other store, we had it put on and all the other tires checked. The techs said they were fine and asked if we wanted help putting the spare back underneath. We decided to leave the spare in the back of the pickup truck bed…

And once we were on the road again… Imagine our surprise again when on I-30 in Arkansas when a tire on the other side went (luckily no damage). We decided to ease up on our Travel Angel and dry camped at a Flying J until we could get our rig to a tire dealership the next day.

Our tires are checked constantly – a lesson we learned while travelling during the summer months in hot regions (we’ve seen road temps close to 140 degrees). And the tires were checked prior to leaving and showed no signs of danger. The tire techs were even stunned! One trucker who was waiting on tires even said he’d never seen any type of tire separation like that.

So May 1st will now be a memorable day for us!

The Open Road Calls…

Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road,
Healthy, free, the world before me,
The long brown path before me leading wherever I choose.

– Walt Whitman (1819-1892). Leaves of Grass. 1900

 

Many have seen a recreational vehicle sometime in their life – either holding up traffic on the highway or perhaps jacked-up in their neighbor’s yard. You probably recall laughing at Lucille Ball in the classic movie THE LONG LONG TRAILER or Robin Williams in the recent hit titled RV. A few people probably think it’s an interesting way to live, while the rest think it’s just plain crazy.

Living in a recreational vehicle (RV) is not just for those crazy folks in need of a few good laughs, nor is it just for retirees with a pension and regular Social Security check. While the number of full-time RVers (or Full-Timers as we RV-Folk say) has increased in the past several years, the average age has decreased. You will find many more families and younger couples making the decision to become Full-Timers.

I have been Full-Timing for several years, yet only the past two have been on the road.  During that time I have spoken to many people about Full-Timing and the steps involved in making that decision to lead a nomadic lifestyle. Many insist that I write a blog or book on the topic as they would need directions on how to travel down this road.

Well, it certainly isn’t any easy path to travel, but once you are headed in that direction it gets a lot easier. So I have decided to share the secret that most Full-Timers know…the secret that can get you started down the open road…

But we can’t take it all with us!

 

I may need that someday!

Too much stuff! That is the problem that most people face in today’s world. People work 40+ hours a week to pay for stuff they have, yet rarely use. Extra costly “toys” like boats or jet skis, only get used a few days or weeks out of the year. Yet you work your fingers to the bone weekly to pay for these items.

The road to freedom begins with prioritizing. Is that $20,000 boat that you use one weekend a year worth it? What about its insurance, storage and upkeep? Start off by listing your extra toys and see just how much they are costing you and your overworked fingers. You may find yourself surprised – it’s just not worth it!

Then get your finances in order. Try to pay off those credit cards and any outstanding bills you have. How? Start selling stuff off. Host a garage sale, go to your local flea market, advertise on a radio/internet swap listing, advertise in a free or cheap newspaper classified or sell it online through eBay or another seller website.

This is the biggest and hardest of them all. Yet if you overcome this hurdle, it’s all downhill after that! What’s so hard? Downsizing! For some reason, modern humans need to acquire massive amounts of credit card debt and collect or gather mounds of “stuff”. You have to stop it and you have to do it cold turkey.

If you make purchases on a credit card regularly and only pay the minimum monthly payment – do you know now much that pack of gum is going to end up costing you at the end of the year? So stop buying anything you don’t need. And do what our ancestors did – if you don’t have the money (cash) to buy it, then you don’t really need it. Do with what you’ve got, as my Mom says.

Start going through that stuff and get rid of it! Yes, you may need that special size screwdriver in two or three years, but it’s certainly not doing you any good now. No sane person needs more than one toaster. Unfortunately, when my family started downsizing, we came across five of them in our storage!

Yet that’s the easy stuff. The hardest is dealing with those items that have a history or some sort of mental hold over you. Deceased Uncle Bob willed you that mounted Marlin – you just can’t part with it! Actually, you can. Get over it – it’s a stuffed fish for Pete’s (well, Uncle Bob’s) sake. The only reason he left it to you cause Goodwill wouldn’t take it and the lawyer was charging him for a will anyways, so he might as well leave it to you. Ask other relatives if they want some family-handed items. Take photos for your records (if you just can’t let go) and attach a little story of who gave it to you and why it was so gosh darn important you have it hold down your attic for the past ten years.

Then go through some of your things that you considered passing on. In all honesty, will your relatives want those broken picture frames or old suitcases in your attic? Or those incomplete China patterns shoved on the top shelf of the kitchen cupboard? Probably not. They are more likely to have an auction company come in and sell off what they can (since you didn’t leave them any money because you spent your lifesavings calling QVC each week) or they will find a cheap dumpster company to come and haul it all to the local landfill.

Tell your relatives you are downsizing. Ask them if they want certain items and take a photo of the item. Tell them the history behind it or better yet, write it down for them. Anything they don’t want, find other good homes. Have a family crib but no new babies to put it in? Find a family in need who can use it. History is wonderful, but if it isn’t passed on its worthless. So pass it on!

See that three-story dollhouse in the photo above? My dad made that for me when I was nine years old. I had it for over twenty years. There was a lot of memories, but I have no need for a dollhouse. It went to a little girl who could provide it a good home and pass it on to another when she was ready to let it go. I have photos of it, I have the memories of it and I have the knowledge that it is being loved by another.

If you find that some of your items are just not worth the effort (or money) to try to sell, then consider donating them to charity. Many charities and non-profit organizations have wish lists and your old desk might just be the thing they need! Most will offer a tax receipt for your donation and many charities will even pickup your larger items.

Unfortunately, because of storage space and other issues smaller charities might not be able to take certain items, such as clothes, holiday decorations or electronics. If this is the case, contact your local FreeCycle group and post a free ad for your free item(s). And sometimes it’s as simple as placing a FREE sign on it and toting it to your front yard.

This is where you need to start before you can even think of opening that road map. It’s hard, again, once you get over that initial “letting go” stage, it’s easier! You’ll find that extra stuff wasn’t as important as you thought it was – if you even remember it!

I reached that “letting go plateau” and now when I open my closet or a drawer I say, “Why do I have this?” Everything I currently own could be placed in a normal-sized shopping cart, yet everytime we find a new place to call “home”, I manage to find a bag or two of items to donate to the local charities. Material things aren’t a priority to me anymore.

I can’t even envision hording (yes, that’s what it is, there, I’ve said it!) stuff again. Just look at the picture above. This was just some of the stuff we had. Shoved away in a storage facility, where we paid monthly bills (and insurance) to keep these precious items. Ha! Precious! I forgot I had half of it and when I opened the boxes I was wondering why I had kept all that junk!

But this isn’t the secret, no this is just the beginning. Get your pens out and start formulating your downsizing plan, then we’ll get to the secret of how you can find freedom on the open road.

Do You Have What it Takes?

As you begin to downsize, you have to do some serious thinking. Here are some of the main questions you need to honestly discuss with your spouse and/or family.

1) If you become a Full-Timer (or even Seasonal) can you deal without being around your other family and friends for long periods of time?

2) Can you deal with your own spouse and/or family in a RV 24/7? Just because RVers appear to always be on vacation – we aren’t. It takes a close, understanding family to live in a small area day-in-day-out. You will need to create “zones” or “spaces” for everyone to hangout when they want some privacy or some alone time.

3) Do you have what it takes to be independent? You don’t have to know everything about RVs, but basic repair, set-up, maintenance, towing and/or driving are things you need to know before you head out on that highway. You will have to do your homework if you are inexperienced in RVs. However, there are many wonderful books, videos, online forums and even “schools” (ask your local RV dealer) on RVs and related topics. And, if you have never even been in one and are considering this lifestyle, I seriously recommend you rent one for a week or two! See if you can handle it.

4) How will you earn an income? Even if you have a nice pension and/or social security coming in, you can’t rely on that to stretch far in today’s economy. So you need some sort of income. Many folks with outside incomes RVers work as Camp Hosts or work at campgrounds and RV resorts for their campsite and utility fees. If you enjoy working with the public, this may be something for you to consider. If you do not have another source of income or feel you need more, than you can work while on the road. “Workampers” are folks who work or volunteer while living in a RV. You would be surprised at home many well-paying jobs (even government jobs and jobs with full-benefits) that are available to RVers. With so many areas short of workers, we can go wherever help is needed and move on when the work is finished. But I’ll discuss workamping in detail later. For now just think about how you are going to pay for your RV (if you haven’t paid it off), insurance, fuel, food, propane and camping fees while you are on the road.

5) Are you going to keep your house? If so, you have a great deal of things to ask yourself – such as who will manage things like yard work and utility bills while you are away? Are you still paying a mortgage on your house? Will you be paying one on the RV as well? There is a lot to think about if you are going to keep your stick home (That’s what us homeless RVers call ”houses”).

6) Although RVs have modern amentities – washer/dryer, microwave, ceiling fans, SAT TV, Cable TV, regular TV antennas, air-condition, central heat, generators (propane and gas), ice makers, etc… Sometimes you may have to do without. Not every campground you pull into will have Cable TV hookup or maybe even enough amps to run everything. There may be times when you won’t have water, electric or sewer hook-up. You may have to dry camp or boondock. If you have to have A/C all the time or other special needs, then you will have to make sure you find only campgrounds or travel resorts that can accomodate you. Sometimes that means you have to stick closer to the highway – which often means missing those hidden gems along the backroads.

7) Where do you want to go? Are you a comfortable driver? Can you manage a long-distance drive in a RV? Or do you just want to go from point A to point B every couple months? Do you want a home base or “camp” – one that you go to every year for a certain period of time? Pulling open the map and heading out is great, but the uncertainty of it can be stressful to some people.

8 ) If you do this, you will need to find a RV and that is not something you take lightly if you decide to go long-distance or go Full-Time. You have many things to consider – things that you probably won’t think of until after you are on the road with it and grumbling that you should have bought something else. Such as storage! Many people forget that if everything you own is in the RV, than you need storage space – but not just any old storage space – you need smart storage space. It’s not smart to go outside to get your frying pan or to have your bath towels under the dinette table. And that’s just one factor to consider. I will go into detail later about what you should look for in a RV – things that dealers don’t know because they don’t live in them!

9) And back to the spouse and/or family issue! This lifestyle requires an understanding on everyone’s part. Even though typically the “male” does the outside stuff (ie. hookups, jacks, awnings) and the “female” does the inside stuff (ie. slides, setup) – you all need to know the basics. In case of an emergency, you all need to know how to break camp, hookup and head out. So your family needs to be a “team” when it comes to RV know-how. I’ve seen too many people end up having their RV towed because a family member was ill (or worse) and they remaining member(s) didn’t even know how to crank down the TV antenna!

These questions are crucial – you have to seriously think these things through with your spouse and/or family. Everyone has to be honest or you may make the wrong decision.

If you think you have what it takes to be a Full-Timer, the next step is looking at your future income on the road.

 

Off the Beaten Path - the Extraterrestrial Highway, Nevada

Boondocking & Workamping – Living Free

One of the biggest concerns when contemplating the Full-Time RVers lifestyle is – how do I make a living? For those with an already stretched pension or Social Security check, campgrounds and resorts can eat up a great deal of money. $300 to $1200 a month for full hookups and extras. And for those who are relying on a part-time or even full-time job – what do you do to make ends meet?

If you live in a RV and work or volunteer from it – you are a workamper. It does not just apply to those working in campgrounds, RV parks or resorts. If you work as a florist and live in a RV – you are a workamper. If you are a volunteer at the local library and live in a RV – you are a workamper. If you work 12 hours a week at a campground to pay for your campsite and you live in your RV – you are a workamper. If you sell on eBay and live in a RV – you are a workamper.

Workampers should not be stereotyped (although I know some readers will still be thinking of old trailers and shady characters in a trailer park). Workampers are a varied bunch – from singles to couples to families with children; from twenty-somethings to ninety year olds; from those with GEDs to those with PhDs. Each workamper offers diversity to the workplace or their community.

If you have some income and just want to live free, consider volunteering at a local state or national park. Camp Hosts live free, most often with full-hookups and perks, for a minimum number of hours each week or day. Hosting positions can vary from one month to six months and possibly more. This would mean hundreds to thousands of dollars being saved for you with free site and utilities! Most states have Campground Host programs – Google the state you are interested in to sign up for their program. Rangers and park officials will call you if they have an opening, as well as you being able to call them to see if they need hosts for whatever period of time you are interested in.  Many smaller campgrounds that cannot afford an on-site manager or large staff also look for volunteer hosts and workampers.

If you do not have an income, you can easily find outdoor hospitality jobs that would include full hookups (Although some Southern states where the temperatures require constant air-conditioning, often make you pay metered electric. Some campgrounds do offer electric “allowances” for their workampers to reduce their monthly bill.) In addition, you would want one that paid to make your monthly expenses. Remember, some areas are only seasonal – so if you require a steady paycheck, you need to find something reliable.

If you are Full-Timing with a spouse or travel companion, one of you could work/volunteer just for your campsite, while the other found a regular job nearby. This would guarantee free living, while generating another income. Most volunteer or “work for site” situations do not require many hours (usually under 20 if you are getting full hookups and perhaps a Cable or SAT TV service) and the extra person could work a paying job if needed.

If you find a volunteer or “work for site” job that requires more than 20 hours, you should get some additional perks, such as free laundry, propane allowance, store discount (if they have a camp or general store) and any other services they offer such as free WiFi and Cable TV. If not, you should get a breakdown of the hours and site costs. Some campgrounds have been known to take advantage of “work for site” folks. I know of one campground owner in Arizona that actually has the nerve to take a $500 deposit from it’s “workers” incase they leave suddenly. This is not right as you are working weekly for your site and should be working in accordance to your stay.

The best thing you can do when you find a position, even if it is as a Camp Host, is to ask for a Workamper Agreement or some sort of contract that states what your arrival and departure dates are, what you receive (full hookups, etc…) and what the hours and job duties involve. If you are told you only need to work 10 hours a week for your site handing out camp brochures, then that is what the contract should read. Some places will try to take advantage of workampers as they “have them” and most people will not be able to just pack up and leave. So protect yourself with some sort of contract.

There are many places to look online for a job, especially Full-Timers. The most popular is Workamper News. The have a daily job hotline emailed to you and a bimonthly magazine. However, there are many other publications, such asThe Caretaker’s Gazette,  where employers seek out workampers. You can also place an ad offering your own skills and have employers seek you out. Several websites offer free ads (maximum word count) or free ads with a subscription to their site or publication.

Word-of-mouth or recommendations from other workampers works just as well. If you are interested in working outdoor hospitality, you should try to work a Camp Host position first, to give you an idea if this is for you. Working with the public can be…well, it can be a pain in the behind! So if you are able to volunteer for a month or so as a Host, that would be ideal. That way you won’t find yourself locked in a position at a campground or RV resort for 6 months and hating it.

There are many options out there and the more you do your homework and speak to other Full-Timers, the better off you will be. You will be surprised to find how varied workamper positions are! From working Nascar races and Amazon.com to casinos and ranches to amusement parks and apple harvest pickers!

Another growing area for workampers is security or caretaking properties. Not much (or any) experience required, yet you are provide with a free place to stay and life for a minimum number of hours.

Some of these jobs pay incredible wages, in addition to full or partial benefits. And, surprisingly, there are even government jobs available to workampers. There are a number of businesses who specifically want workampers because these folks offer a diverse workforce and are often very flexible. Being a modern nomad is a good thing!

If you don’t need an additional income and don’t want to volunteer, then you may consider boondocking. Although this is something you should really discuss with other Full-Timers, especially those who have boondocking experience. Boondocking is just that – living in the  middle of nowhere (usually!) with no or partial hook-ups. You must live independently with your own batteries, generators, propane, solar and whatever else you can. You’ll require regular visits from a honey wagon (pumps your holding tanks) or must have your own tote tank and nearby sewer dump station to do it yourself.

We recently visited Quartzsite, Arizona which is the boondockers hangout in Western Arizona, about 90 miles north of Yuma. You can get a space in the desert  with a cheap permit from the BLM. The drawback to this type of lifestyle is most areas that are open to regular boondockers are very far from modern amentities. So if you only shopped at Walmart and it was a 90 mile drive (one-way, as in the case of Quartzsite), you may find yourself limiting your trips or suffering from the isolation. Yet again, it’s free (practically) living.

There are websites online that tell you places you can camp or stay free as well. Most are short-term, but it’s money saved! So you can live free, or close to it by either workamping or boondocking.

The Road to Freedom can be Free…

They next step of living the life of a Full-Timer requires some thought as to how you will earn an income. Actually, this isn’t as difficult as it may seem! Many places are in need of temporary help and some of these jobs pay a great deal of money or a modest amount with a bonus (if you stay until your commitment date). If you don’t mind moving on every couple weeks or months then this might be an option for you. If you need a job where you have benefits, no problem! There are many places (even KOA) that will have additional benefits like health coverage and insurance if you stay for an extended period. Some places, especially theme parks, have their own health clinic that workampers qualify for the first day they start. And these are just seasonal positions. There are steady positions (even government jobs) out there that require at least a year stay and offer full-benefits.

How much do you need? What skills do you bring to the table? What do you be willing to do? What would you not be willing to do?  These are things you need to ask yourself. The very minimum you should seek at a workamp-type position is full-hookups. That is your “free living”. Additional perks to ask for include Cable TV or SAT TV, WiFi, propane discount (or allowance) and laundry allowance (if not free). Many businesses that hire workamps already understand this and most often will have these extras listed with the compensation package.  Seasonal bonuses or even mileage allowance is another great way to add money to the kitty.

If you work for a campground or RV park, most often they will have you work so many hours to “pay” for your site. In a way, this is a barter of sorts. If the business wants to consider your site “pay” (for tax purposes), then you need to find another place to work for. You want campgrounds or businesses that give you a note stating you were required to furnish your own housing (RV) and were required to live on site. That way you don’t have any crazy tax issues. If you don’t mind complicated taxes, then by all means, keep those other options open.

Even if you have a nice pension and/or social security coming in, you can’t rely on that to stretch far in today’s economy. So many folks with outside incomes RVers work as Camp Hosts or work at campgrounds and RV resorts for their campsite and utility fees. Many places, especially state and county parks are in need of Hosts. Some even offer a daily or monthly stipend. Time commitments vary by location, but most involve a month to three months with extensions available. Hosting is pretty simple and requires little, if any, training. Usually the biggest requirement is to be able to deal with the public. People skills are definately a must.

Can’t believe there are jobs for people in RVs? Face it, our economy isn’t at its best right now. The job market is changing and people stuck with stick homes are in a position where they can’t get to these jobs. This is creating a shortage of workers in areas that need them – folks can’t sell their house to move to areas that need help and they certainly can’t afford to drive long distances regularly with current fuel prices. But we can! And once the position is over… hookup and head out!

Now there is more than just campground work – and actually we have a better term for this if you are thinking “Oh no, I’m not putting campground work on my resume!” – it’s called “Outdoor Hospitality”. Sound better? This covers campgrounds, RV parks and all types of resorts. And please don’t think of campgrounds as some trashy place (although there are those!) to live. Some travel resorts we have been to have more ammenities than fancy housing communities – Cable TV, phone hookups, golf course, pools, jacuzzis, spas, clubs (from bowling to computer), classes (crafts, French, yoga, etc…), fishing lakes and ponds, cabin rentals, villa rentals, restaurants, cafes, expresso bars, ice cream parlors, churches (non-dom), tennis courts, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, basketball courts, shuffleboard, Petanque (Boules) courts, video rentals, ATMs, postal stations, grocery stores, camping stores, Bingo or Rec halls, game rooms, libraries and the list goes on. Many bigger ones have seasonal activity directors that even organize day trips to nearby attractions and casinos. So they aren’t all like what you’ve seen on the movie RV or NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION. 

Many other places require workampers such as theme parks, auto sport events, festivals (Ren Faires, the New Mexico Balloon Festival, etc…), hotels, ranches, casinos, wildlife sanctuaries and more. You can find work anywhere – it’s there! From picking apples in Washington to directing sugar beet trucks in South Dakota to working in shipping at Amazon.com (in Nebraska) to selling pumpkins or Christmas trees in California. There are jobs for all skills or no-skills. There are jobs that are easy and jobs that will leave you sore for a week.  Many pay good wages, some pay incredible wages and some offer bonuses or commission packages.

You can live free or next to it! All you have to do is think things through. There are several places online that you can start searching for workamp jobs – people who specifically target Full-Timers. The biggest one around (that most everyone uses) is http://www.workamper.com . If you are seriously considering this, order a trial issue. Read every ad – you’ll be amazed! And very surprised at the different jobs available and the benefits they offer. A few don’t even require a RV – they will put you up in their own cabin, cottage or villa. A great way to get your foot in the door and try it before you commit to buying a RV.

If you do want pursue this lifestyle and have no experience with RVs – I recommend you rent one for awhile and see how you like it. You don’t need to go far – find a campground a few hours from you – far enough that you can’t force yourself to drive home for something every hour. See how you like it!

If you have experience with RVing, but not for extended periods – then you need to re-learn RVing… Why? Well, there’s a difference in short trips versus living in one! I’ll tell you some things to look for when searching for a Full-Timer’s RV (or “Rig” as we all call our home-on-wheels).

The perfect home-on-wheels awaits…

When you decide to make the move from a stick-house to a recreational vehicle, there are many things to consider. Prices vary on RVs, but most are very affordable with the majority being much, much cheaper than stick-house! If you buy used, chances are you can have low payments (or even pay for it in full). The only problem with used is that you have to be very careful and look for things you’d take for granted with a new one. But I’ll get into that later if you decide on used. For now, lets consider things that should help you narrow down that perfect home-on-wheels.

1) Driving – Are you okay with driving/towing? Can you back up? If not, you may consider contacting your local RV dealership and see if they recommend a driving school (or perhaps they offer lessons) for a newbie RVer. If that isn’t an issue, than you need to consider other driving issues such as a tow vehicle. If you decide on a fifth-wheel or travel trailer (and, of course, a truck-camper) then you will need a good pickup truck to tow your RV. If you decide on a motorhome (Class A, Class C or a van) then you may require a vehicle to tow behind (either on a trailer or tow dolly). And consider very carefully if you choose not to have a tow vehicle – especially if you decide on a larger motorhome. Everytime you require groceries or supplies, you’d have to pack up everything and drive your “home” into town. Unless you have other options – motorcycle, bicycle, hiking – to get to a nearby town, you should consider having a “vehicle”. Another driving factor to consider is that your family can drive it. If something happens to you, could your spouse or travel companions drive it?

2) Size – What size of RV do you need? It depends on if you are going to be Full-Timers or Seasonals, as well as how many people are living in it. If you are going to go full-time, then everything you own will be inside. That means you need storage, as well as enough room to function. We have a two-bedroom fifth-wheel. Everyone has their own “space” – no crowding, no struggling to store things. Smaller rigs may seem to small for you, but don’t forget, the more slides you have, the larger the rig becomes. And driving-wise, how big of rig can you handle? Quite honestly, some roadways (especially in the mountains) are just not made for larger RVs. We recently towed our rig (about 53′ in length with the long-bed pickup) through Death Valley National Park and you talk about having a death-grip on the steering wheel! So keep in mind that although bigger is roomier, it is a lot more to handle on the road and even inside smaller campgrounds.

3) Price – Can you afford new? New is a better option for those who can’t handle any repairs that may come their way. Face it, RVs weren’t made to live in yearround (no matter what the dealer tells you). If the refrigerator goes out – you just can’t walk into Sears and buy one. No, it needs repaired at a dealership. Minor things do happen to new RVs. Rarely do I hear anyone not having a few problems within the first year. Like a stick-house, RVs require maintainance. The other good thing about new is that you can get one ordered as you like (colors, extra features) for either no extra money or just the “extras” you add to it. So if you love blue and want it blue – you can have it that way. Just talk to your local dealer about it. Used are a great way to get into Full-Timing and often you can get a rig that would cost a great deal of money for less. A great example is a Rexall which can cost $200,000. You can get used ones for around $40-50,000. Sounds like a lot, right? Walk into one and then you won’t bulk at the price. The only drawback from used RVs is that you just don’t know what is going to happen and what the previous owners did. If you have a mechanic or friend who knows about RVs, you may ask them to help inspect any used one you are considering buying.

4) Storage – Like size, this depends on if you are going Full-Time. If everything you own is in the RV, then you need storage. And I don’t mean sticking your frying pans in an outside compartment. I mean real, functional storage space. There are extra things that will eat your storage space before you even get it home. Washer and dryers are the worst. Yes, there is some benefit to having a washer and dryer if you don’t mind shutting down everything to run them AND the noise doesn’t drive you out of your rig. Moisture is another issue with them… but it’s things like this you should consider. Washer and dryers are placed in a storage closet – if you add them – you’ve lost valuable closet space. The majority of campgrounds have laundries (that work much faster and more quiet than yours would) so don’t feel pressured to get a washer and dryer in your rig. Dinette booths versus tables is another space saver. Sure, dinette tables look nice in RVs, yet booths allow underseat storage! I could spend all day on storage; however, I think this is enough information to make you realize you need to be aware of storage areas.

5) Slides – Slides are probably the second-best invention of my time (spray butter being number one!) and the more you have, the more room adds on to your rig. Yet they have major downfalls. Number one is that most campgrounds (even those that advertise Big Rig Friendly) aren’t slide-friendly. You may find that your slide(s) can’t go out because of trees, utilitie posts, cement barriers and other campground obstacles. This can be quite frustrating, especially if you have wide and/or large slides like we do. Another thing to consider with slides is that they aren’t as heavily insulated as the rest of your camper. So if you are going to a colder region, you need to keep in mind that you may need to leave your slides in to stay warm. Which reminds me – slides don’t have electrical outlets or furnace/air-condition ducts. Keep this in mind if you are in a hot-cold region. Slides can also be a pain if you can’t put them out. If you are traveling down the road and need to use the bathroom, can you even get to your bathroom? Some slides block off areas of your rig and you can’t use them. So keep in mind what your rig would look like with the slides in – could you get to your bathroom? Bedroom? Stove? Refrigerator? If you were boondocking (or dry camping) a few days with the slides in, could you still live in your camper? These are things to keep in mind when RV shopping.

6) Travel – How far are you going in your rig? Will you drive it across the country or will you just drive it a few states away? Make sure you can handle it and that your routes (like mountains) are something your rig can handle. We’ve driven down roads that have brought our curtains down and broke the jar of dill pickles. If you are going to take your rig down the road make sure the cabinets and refrigerator has good locks, that sliding doors have snaps, etc… Also, if you travel to a colder region (or even if it gets colder in a warmer region) that your rig is well-insulated and that you have the means or the “extras” as far as it goes to protecting your pipes/hoses from freezing. Many RVs have “polar packages” that you can upgrade and get tank heaters, etc… Well worth the extra money.

7) Extras – Most salespeople will push whatever they have on the lot, but if they know you are interested in a new one (especially custom-built) they will push the extra features. You don’t need most of them, yet there are a few that you should consider. A generator is a must in my opinion – especially a propane one. It will cost extra money, but you’ll find it money well spent during your first major outage. No smelly gas tanks to drag around – just regular propane which you’ll use in your RV anyway! And make sure you get a switch to turn the generator on from inside your RV. Those stormy or cold nights you are without power, all you have to do is crawl out of bed, flip the switch and your generator is on. No fuss and anyone can do it! Another extra is the polar package (if you are traveling far or in colder regions). Flip a switch and your water tank will be heated! No wrapping hoses or dripping faucets. The central vacuum feature sounds silly, but believe it or not, it’s actually quite handy. I am amazed at how much cleaner our carpets stay. It is noisy running it, but that’s only for a few minutes at a time.

That’s some of the things you should consider when looking for a RV. As I mentioned, if you are considering used, there are some additional things to look for and I’ll get to that a bit later.

Meanwhile, think of things you’d like to have in your perfect RV. Do you like TV and movies and want to sit and watch them from a sofa or a recliner? Do you like plants? They have optional greenhouse windows in RVs… Entertain? They have wine racks and mini-bars… Think about what you NEED and what you would LIKE to have and write them down. Make a check-list for each RV you visit that way you see how close it comes to your perfect RV.

Slides can be an issue

Cheap and Used: A Good Thing?

Once you start looking at recreational vehicles you will feel overwhelmed. There are way too many choices out there! And the prices are just as varied as the RVs.

If you are going to become a Full-Time RVer and give up the stick-house, then price may not be a concern. But if you owe a great deal on your home or rent, you may not have the money to put into your new home-on-wheels. Payments on used RVs are much lower than newer ones.

Used recreational vehicles are good starters. Most RVers live by the “trading up” rule – always hoping to upgrade to something bigger and better in a few years. Although, with recent fuel increases and more people (even us homeless nomads!) trying to downsize, many RVers are discussing downsizing their Big Rigs for something smaller – even truck campers and pop-ups!

With a used RV, you can get quite a discount, especially on a really nice Class A or motorcoach. The only problem with this is, you’ll have a great investment, yet some campgrounds are really starting to buckle down on the rig-age. By that I mean, many “RV resorts” consider rigs 10-15 years old “old”. They want modern rigs, not quite frankly, those funky-looking 60s trailers. Nothing wrong with older rigs, many (esp. GMCs!) are in really great condition and most have been rebuilt and remodeled by their current owners. It is just that certain parks want to maintain that “new” image. Another thing to consider is that parks that do not mention this in their Park Rules, may still have a “we have to right to refuse any guest” policy. A quick look out the window toward your older RV may cause the “no vacancy” sign to go up.

Discrimination? Well, I say the same thing when we pass a 55+ Park! If they are private campgrounds or parks they are allowed to have their own rules – even silly ones. If they don’t want older RVs and you have one, you wouldn’t want to be there anyway, right? It would just be a miserably place to live as the people are hung-up about age!

But don’t let an older used RV discourage you. The majority of campgrounds don’t care what age your RV is. Age isn’t always a factor though. Many campgrounds will not allow “homemade” campers. Now you’re scratching your head at this… ever see a school-bus turned into a camper? They don’t want stuff like that. Some of those homemade campers are really neat, but under the circumstances, I wouldn’t want to be camped by one either as too much can go wrong. I would feel safer with a camper that had been under inspection at a factory and manufactured by people who knew what they were doing. A homemade camper make look great – but I don’t know that the thing won’t catch on fire or blow up! So you can’t blame campgrounds for not wanting homemades or “conversions” as they are sometimes called. So keep this in mind when you are shopping for a used RV.

Another thing to keep in mind is the overall structure. If it is a private seller – why are they selling? Has there been damage? Was it in an accident? How has it been stored? Like stick-houses, moisture and mildew can be nightmares in a RV. Find out what the reasons for selling are. Are there blemishes or blistering in the outside finish? Any noticeable dents or scratches? Don’t be afraid to climb the ladder rack and look at the roof. Roof damage is not something you want! Check the flooring in all the outside compartments. Has the thing been flooded? You joke – but if you’ve ever had a water pipe break in a camper (I did!) and have it flood (3 inches!), you’ll understand that your carpeting is slowly rotting away even if you got it dried-out quickly!

And don’t be afraid to drive a RV dealer nuts with questions as well! Make them earn their commission and seek out the answers you want. Also let them know that you aren’t afraid to open cabinets or compartments. Shop around as this is a “home” purchase!

Another thing to ask is how far has the camper travelled? Does it have a lot of mileage (if a motorhome)? If it has had engine repair, who work on it? When? What was the problem? Do they have paperwork on it? If you don’t know anything about engines and you are looking at a motorhome, motorcoach or van – definately seek out your trusted mechanic or a friend who knows about these things. When your home is on wheels and it is the main “wheels”, if it requires repairs in a shop – you have to live in a hotel or some other accommodations while it is being fixed! So if it starts up and a puff of smoke comes out – don’t reach for your wallet just yet! Repair bills on larger motorhomes can be major wallet drainers. And don’t forget the tires, brakes and other essentials.

The refrigerator is another major expense. If not properly stored a closed refrigerator can smell for decades! So check it and if dealing with a private seller, ask to come back when the refrigerator and freezer is plugged in. You can usually tell by the shelving and drawers whether it has had much use. Same with the stove, oven and microwave. Many recreational campers (1-2 weeks a year) never use their camper oven. It’s a shame really as there is nothing better than a little turkey or even a birthday cake from a camper oven! You’ll be able to see signs of use. The microwave will undoubtedly be the most used item. If it is a combo oven/microwave, make sure this works as they can be expensive to replace.

Look around every faucet, vent and “hole” (where pipes and wires come through) for signs of water or other damage. Sometimes you can see repair work you wouldn’t have noticed if you didn’t look for the signs.

Hot water heaters can be fixed, but can set you back some money, especially if you are on the road when you realize it doesn’t work. Make sure they demonstrate everything for you. If they won’t – find another dealer or seller.

The air-condition unit and furnace are other costly repair items. Again, make sure these things work. If they can’t demonstrate the furnace (or stove/oven) because they have no propane – then tell them you’ll come back when they get some!

If the camper has an awning, make sure you see it pulled down. Notice if it is difficult putting up or down and if there is too much slack when they put it up. Also note if there are any holes in it as new awnings generally run $1000 and up.

Where is the fuse box? Is it easy to get to our do you have to crawl in a closet? What about the holding tanks? Do the tank sensors work? If the camper has been in storage and there is sewer odor… well, I guess I don’t need to tell you about that!

Older RVs, especially ones in storage, may not have the newer propane valves… stations won’t service older tanks! New tanks range from $40 on up depending on the size. So see if the propane tanks meet current standards. Most RVs have two propane tanks. If there is only one, question that!

I am not trying to stop you from buying a used RV, I just want you to be aware that you’ll rarely find one that was “only driven on Sundays by a sweet old grandma”. Some RVs get a lot of wear and are wore out well before you come along. If this is going to be your home, even for a short-while, don’t cheat yourself with never-ending repair bills or part replacements.

If you are dealing with a private seller and you don’t have the proper tow equipment for a fifth-wheel or travel trailer then you will have to figure how much extra you will end up paying elsewhere. Fifth-wheels and travel trailers require special hitches and brake controllers and in the case of trailers, sway bars. If the private seller doesn’t have these to include in the deal, that’s more money out of your pocket. And you will have to have the fifth-wheel hitch installed by a professional – as well as the brake controller, unless your pickup truck has a built-in tow-package.

If you purchase used through a RV dealer, they will often throw in the hitches (and even brake controller) free just to get a sale. If not, at least try to get a discount or package deal out of them on these items.

If you are a non-smoker and looking at a smokers (or just plain smelly) RV, there are ways to take care of that, but it will cost you unless you do all the work yourself. But it is possible to get that new-camper-smell again.

Notice the coloring of the seat cushions, carpet and drapes. Has the camper been opened up to the sun? Is there discoloration? Is the fabric on the stages of rotting? Are the seat cushions so wore they will need re-upholstered? Cause if you plan to leave in it full-time, you will have to have it replaced or purchase some sort of covering for it.

Dealers who offer warranties on used RVs are ones you should keep in mind. Things go wrong with RVs – new and used. As I have mentioned before – no matter what a dealer tells you – they are not made to live in yearround. So be prepared to have some issue – whether it be blowing out a fuse cause you didn’t understand the whole 30-amp speech the dealer gave you or your TV antenna crank breaks in your hand. Something will happen – just like it does in a stick-house.

A used RV can be a good thing, especially for the money involved. But be aware that cheap is not always a good thing. If it looks too good to be true, it most likely is!

Houseless By Design

From ceiling fans to flat-screens - RVs are home!

If you have decided to give up the stick-house and become a Full-Timer, the first thing you may experience is a mix of relief and doubt. Do not worry! The stress that comes with a house is gone. You are indeed houseless – but you aren’t homeless! Your RV is now home and home will always be where you park it!

And just because your home is on wheels does not mean you must constantly move it. Many campgrounds, RV parks and resorts accept “residents” – folks who live there either seasonally (usually six months) or yearly. Many Full-Timers start out this way to get used to the RV lifestyle and get a better understanding of the RV community.

If you decide after a period of time you cannot live without a stick-house,  newer RV-Home communities have townhouses or duplexes that have RV garages beside them for those who travel regularly or seasonally and want a stick-house for the remainder of the year.  Many RV parks and storage facilities have areas where they store RVs. If the RV lifestyle is agreeable and you decide to just be Seasonal RVers you may find that a RV park with annual rates is ideal for you. Annual rates usually (each RV park has different rules) include six months of living in the RV (in the RV park with full-hookups) and six months of closed storage (no utilities). You do not move your RV, it stays on the same site. The only thing you do is close it up for six months. This is an option for those who like the same area and intend to go back without the hassle of having to take the RV.

If you have a larger motorhome, fifth-wheel or travel trailer, having a secure RV park to “store” it in is ideal if you do not want to drive it far or enjoy a particular area. It will allow you to maintain your tow vehicle and in the case of a motorhome, have a tow vehicle.

It is a big step to give up your stick-house, yet it can be emotionally and financially rewarding. In today’s society, having a stick-house is not the investment it was years ago. Having a home-on-wheels provides you the essentials and an opportunity to experience other “neighborhoods”.

No, not a townhouse! It is a RV!

PLEASE NOTE: The dates on these photos are wrong… some of us forget to change the date when new batteries are inserted into the camera! The fifth-wheel is actually a 2007 (which become “home” in January 2007) Cedar Creek brand, under Forest River.

A look at boondocking ~ Quartzsite

A popular place to boondock is Quartzsite, Arizona.

Last month before the winter “snowbirds” began to arrive, we made a trip to Quartzsite to see exactly what the area looked like and what it had to offer.

It pretty much looks like this for about one hundred miles. Quartzsite does have some small businesses and several campgrounds (that do offer full-hookups and some amentities).  The closest Walmart is in Yuma, which is about 90 miles (one-way) south of Quartzsite. Lake Havasu which is just north of Quartzsite does have many chains and franchises, as well as Blythe (California) directly to the west.

Off the road in Quartzsite, Arizona.

Boondocking is an option that many regular RVers try (even for a short while). It is affordable and it is a great way to test your independence. There are many books and articles written on the topic and if you are interested, you should do your research. If you know someone who has had experience boondocking, you should also pick their brain on tips and advice on this type of living.

Weathering the Storm in a RV

A double rainbow appears after a storm in Florida.

One thing that does concern Full-Time RVers is severe weather. RVs are self-contained and can withstand reasonably cold temperatures and moderate winds. Yet it is foolish to intentionally weather any type of severe storm in a RV.

The first thing every RVer should invest in is a NOAA weather radio and/or weather alert radio. In case a weather Watch or Warning is issued, you will have the latest information. This information can not only save your lives, but those around you.

If you are staying in an area prone to severe weather, especially hurricanes and tornadoes, then you should find out where the local shelters are. Make a trip, finding the route.  Ask the campground staff if they notify their campers about severe weather alerts and what they advise campers to do in stormy situations.

Many campgrounds do have recreational buildings or concrete block buildings, but if they are not designated shelter areas, the manager will probably not allow you to stay (insurance reasons). If there isn’t time – such as a tornado – by all means, evacuate your RV and head to the closest secure structure you can – even if it is the campground restroom. But if you have time and know that severe weather will effect your area, make sure you seek an official shelter.

We have RV’d through all sorts of weather, including hurricanes. Fortunately each time our RV only had minimal damage, but we have seen horrible things happen to them. They flip over, they are crushed by trees or large debris, they blow-up (not literally, but it appears that way) and they disappear! Do not ride out a strong storm or a hurricane. RVs can be replaced, people cannot.

There are preparations you can do to help protect your investment if you have the time. Many RV books devote sections to storm and winter/storage preparation.

If you are told to evacuate, you must. If it is a volunteer evacuation or if you want to leave on your own accord with your RV, make sure you have: Fuel (and extra cans if possible), Cash (ATMs do run out of money prior to disasters), Canned Foods, Water, Flashlights, Batteries, Weather Radio, Personal Information (insurance papers, contact information, etc…), Cell Phone (don’t forget extra batteries and the charger), Camera, Medicines Needed (and prescription information if they need refilled while you are away), Laptop Computer and an Overnight Bag (with clothing and tolietries). The overnight bag may be needed if you find yourself stranded and are suddenly forced to leave your RV.

In addition you will want to make sure your tank is filled with water, holding tanks emptied, propane tanks filled and RV and tow batteries charged. You cannot plan on arriving to your evacuation destination. We know too many RVers who have evacuated only to find themselves stuck only two or three hours from where they left. And most times, especially if it is a hurricane, you find yourself in a worse situation! So be prepared, even if you are fleeing from disaster. Do not take Mother Nature for granted.

If you decide to stay and go to a shelter closer to the impending storm, then you still should prepare your RV for emergency living after the storm. Living in storm aftermath is not fun. It is chaotic and frustrating. Most likely you will not have electricity for at least a week (we have went three weeks without after hurricanes), propane and gas stations will not be able to pump without electricity (which means no refrigerator, stove, hot water, heat and/or generator fuel for you), lift stations (if your campground has one) will not be able to pump sewage and water will usually be by boil-order for days after the storm.

And you will be forced to stay at or near your campground, as the roads will be filled with debris or undrivable. Officials will close roads to non-residents and some roads will be dangerous without traffic lights and signals. This may sound silly, but people cannot drive without STOP signs or signal lights – they run intersections without stopping or yielding in the storm aftermath. In a storm aftermath situation, each intersection (without signs or working signal) becomes a 4-way STOP. We have seem many accidents caused, especially living in hurricane aftermath because of folks not following the traffic law.

Storms bring out the best and the worst in people. After the second hurricane we were in (as Full-Timers), we witnessed things we didn’t think possible. Scavengers were driving through the RV resort looking for aluminum scraps (especially off older trailers and venting). For those who weren’t able to return or were Seasonals away for the summer, belongs that were scattered were targets for scavengers to steal.

But again, storms also bring out the best in people. Many of us gathered folks belongs and secured it back on their property. We also shared food and supplies with other campers in need. We helped cleaned up debris (as much as we could until the professionals arrived) and offered generator usage time for those who didn’t have generators.

If you find yourself on the road to disaster, I have an article with more information at: http://hscooper.wordpress.com/articles/on-the-road-to-disaster/

Conversion Campers – Pros and Cons

If you are in the market for a used RV and have decided to look at a private seller’s camper, you may come across a “homemade” or conversion camper. A conversion is usually a rebuilt or redesigned bus.

 

There are many pros and cons when considering a conversion.

 

School Bus Conversion Camper

This photo is of an actual school bus conversion camper that was allowed in one of the campgrounds we recently stayed in.

 

From the photo, you can see why some RVers (especially the Campers these folks parked right on top of ) are not always happy to have conversions as camp neighbors and why many campgrounds will not allow conversions in their parks. And even if it is not mentioned in their park rules, a glance out the entrance office window toward your conversion may cause the “no vacancy” sign to go up as all campgrounds have the right to refuse service to anyone.

 

In this particular case, these folks didn’t even change the original bus colors (which is against the law in most states). If that isn’t enough, just seeing the standard home window air-condition sticking out the back should be a clue that the folks who “converted” this school bus had no idea of the laws or safety issues involved in recreational vehicles. This conversion could possibly be a hazard with electric or propane issues. Imagine a fire or explosion in the confines of a campground! That is why many campgrounds prefer vehicles that have been inspected at a factory and manufactured by known companies.

 

Yet there are conversion campers that are skillfully designed and have had professional repairs and installations made. These conversions are usually very expensive (usually the same price, if not more than the cost of a new RV) and it shows. They are the ones that make television specials and articles in DIY magazines. When they pull in a campground that allows conversions, other RVers often flock around it in awe hinting for tours!

 

If you are seriously considering a conversion, you should first be aware of the laws within your state. Contact the appropriate local government agencies and get the information you need about what is legal and what is not. This will save you a great deal of heartbreak later on if you find yourself with a traffic ticket-bound conversion.

 

When you find something that does comply with state laws, make sure you get the full history of the conversion. Find out if anything is under warranty and if the manuals for all items are included. Unlike a new RV (or even a used one from a dealer who offers limited-warranties on purchases), you will find yourself paying for any and all repairs that are needed. If you can’t make those repairs yourself, you will be forced to go to a RV dealership. Since your conversion is not standard, you may find yourself waiting for parts and paying heavily for repairs.

 

If the conversion has had professional work on it, get all the information you can on what they did and who to contact if you have a problem. This will save you a great deal of hassle is there is a major problem later on down the road.

 

Insurance companies may treat this a bit differently than a recreational vehicle, since it is a converted commercial vehicle. You should contact your insurance company and ask them about how conversion campers are handled and get an estimate on how much it would cost you for insurance.

 

If after searching for a conversion you find that you would rather build your own, than you have to do a great deal of homework! Talk to people who have lived and designed their own conversions and ask them to tell you the pros and cons they have discovered. Read all the books and articles you can on the subject before you even start to look for something to transform into a “camper”.

 

There are many pros and cons to a conversion and only after you do some research will you know if it is a good idea for you. This is a type of decision you can’t jump into. If you do, you may find yourself with a costly, never-ending project.

 

You can read more about buying used RVs from my brief article Cheap and Used: A Good Thing? at: http://hscooper.wordpress.com/2008/10/21/cheap-and-used-a-good-thing/

Communicating on the Road

One thing that concerns Full-Time RVers is communication from family and friends. With modern technology, it is so much easier to know where everyone is and how they are doing.

If you have a cell phone with a great long distance plan and no concerns with roaming, you are all set! If you don’t and are locked into a contract where you can’t change or upgrade, there are other options for you. The first is a pre-paid cell phone such as a TracFone. This service is actually on the rise and you’ll be surprised to find these “throw away” phones have more features than yours!  Prices for pre-paid phones start as low as $10 and go up to $50 if you want a camera phone and texting ability. The phones do last a very long time (I know one person who has had one for two years) if you keep them properly charged. The only thing is to remember to “reload” (purchase more minutes) before it gets too low or you get too close to your end date. This is displayed on your phone and you will have plenty of reminders long before that date comes. You have pre-paid for your minutes and can call anytime and anywhere you wish. You can even make international calls. The secret to pre-paid phones is registering them or reloading them when they have specials. Usually these are advertised at their website. You can often double your minutes just by taking advantage of a special. And the cell signal reception in an area will be the same as a contracted cell phone!

Another option to consider is getting a calling program through your personal computer, such as Skype. Most programs are free to download with a minimal charge for the calls. A nice pair of headphones with mic can usually be purchased for under $10. Some instant messaging programs (IMing) even offer free voice and webcam connections through their software program.

A Full-Timer who wants to stay on top of the news, weather and travel information should have a laptop computer.  If you don’t have a notebook or netbook computer, then you should consider getting one. Getting online is just as easy today thanks to more businesses, campgrounds, truck stops, cafes and libraries offering free or cheap WiFi access. Being online allows you quick access to family and friends via email, instant messaging  and calling.

If you do have a computer and haven’t a clue how to enable WiFi (or even if you have it) – run down to your local computer shop and ask them. If you don’t WiFi capability, as them what it would cost to upgrade. Once you have WiFi enabled, it is very easy to log in to the local access.

Relying on campgrounds with free (or cheap) WiFi access is a good way to stay in touch, but not all campgrounds have the greatest WiFi service. Some have limited range and if you aren’t camped in particular sections you may have no signal at all. There are antennas that can be purchased to help amplify your signal. Those can be found advertised in RV magazines and websites, as well as RV dealers.

However, there are still places on the planet with no WiFi or phone signal  (believe me – I know!) and having another means of net access is necessary. Most Full-Timers are purchasing AirCards through their cell phone provider. If you don’t have a cell phone provider, don’t worry! Companies like Verizon will set you up with an AirCard, although you may pay a little more a month since you have no other service (ie. cell phone) with them.  The nice thing about having your own means to connect to the internet is that you don’t have to drive all over town in your RV looking for places that offer WiFi.

Mail service is another concern for the Full-Timer. Most people now pay everything electronically, which saves on getting monthly bills received or sent out via regular postal mail. However, not everything is that way. In every RV magazine (ie. Trailer Life, Motorhome Life, etc…) you will find a section in the back devoted to companies that offer Full-Timers mail service. These companies do have a fee (which varies on the “plan” you get) but are good ways to keep the mail coming. Plans can vary from letters-only to limited packages to unlimited packages. Many RV clubs, like the Escapees, will offer a reduced mail service for members. A new feature to mail services is electronic mail, and I mean that literally. They will scan your postal mail and email it to you. You can choose what types of mail they send to you this way. Some services will even look out for certain pieces of mail and call you when it arrives!

If you are a Seasonal RVer, chances are you have a stick-house or place to call “home” for part of the year and your RV to call home the remainder. In this case, you have a physical address to get mail for part of the year. When you are in your RV, you can get mail either temporarily forwarded to the campground you are staying at or a local PO Box.

Many larger campgrounds and RV resorts have mailboxes (free, unless they offer private boxes for a fee) available for extended-stays. The only drawback to this is you have to wait until the campground staff sorts your mail. On a busy day in a busy campground, you may wait several hours. In addition, if it is a generic mailbox arranged alphabetically, you have to wade through a stack of campground mail until you find all of yours. And there is the issue of privacy. We have seen folks look over everyones mail, curious to see what they are getting. If it is around a holiday and you have a package from the Swiss Colony, believe me – every Camper within 100 campsites will know before you do! It’s annoying and time-consuming, but is a free service most campgrounds offer.

So there really is no reason not to stay in touch while you are on the road. Let your family and friends know you wish they were there (or not)!

Managing Storms & Disasters in a RV

 

Winter wind storm at high tide

The wonderful thing about RVs is that they are self-contained. Unfortunately, it takes a disaster to remind us that we need to be self-reliant as well.

            When we think of disasters, many think of natural ones. Yet most of us are just as likely to encounter some sort of major traffic or chemical incident. If placed in a situation to evacuate our RVs within minutes there are a few basic things to keep in a central location where they can be accessed quickly.

 

• Personal identification
• Emergency and contact information
• All monies
• Medicines needed
• Eyeglasses or hearing aids
• Insurance papers
• Camera
• Cell phone, charger and spare batteries
• Jump drives with important files or photos
• Laptop computer
• Two days clothing
• Toiletry kit
• Flashlights
• Battery operated radio
• Spare batteries

 

            If you are asked by authorities to evacuate – do it! They know more about the current situation or conditions than you do.

 

WIND AND WINTER STORMS

 

            Wind and winter storms are not to be taken lightly in a RV. The damage from a storm can leave your area isolated for long periods, especially since most campground locations are outside main power grids.

            Preparation should be taken as soon as weather advisories go into effect.

 

• Monitor weather alerts
• Contact campground personal and other campers so that everyone is advised
• Discuss emergency shelter locations
• Speak to other campers about leaving as a group for the shelter if the storm worsens before hitting your area
• Plug in ceramic heater(s) to save propane in anticipation that the electricity will be going out
• Help hold your inside temperature by banking heat (closes blinds, cover windows and, if necessary, pull in slides)
• Tie down any furniture or obstacles that could damage other campers
• Put your awning up and secure it with cable snap ties, do not rely on standard awning latches
• Fill all your propane and extra fuel tanks
• Test your generator for several minutes
• Purchase extra batteries for all your equipment
• Check the condition of your camper battery, obtain a backup if needed
• Empty your holding tanks and insulate your water tank and hoses if needed
• Gather appropriate items and a shelter bag if you do need to evacuate
• Prepare non-perishable foods that can be fixed quickly and not waste propane when the power goes out
• Contact family outside the area and let them know you may be without communication for a few days

 

            If you decide to ride out the storm, begin layering your clothing and turn down your heat.  Keep your battery-operated radio handy.

            After the storm has passed and it is clear to go outside, check on your fellow campers.  Remember only to call 911 if there is a life threatening emergency, as local lines will be busy.

 

TORNADOS AND HURRICANES

 

            If your area is under a severe thunderstorm warning then conditions are favorable for tornados and you should prepare to seek shelter. If your area is under any tornado alert, then you must seek shelter quickly. In the unfortunate circumstance that your area is under a hurricane watch or warning, then you need to prepare to evacuate. Areas under hurricane watch still receive storm bands possible of generating tornadoes.

            As soon as the advisories go into effect, start preparing!

 

• Monitor weather alerts
• Contact campground personal and other campers
• Discuss emergency shelter locations and evacuation routes
• Speak to other campers about leaving as a group for the local shelter
• Obtain cash from the local ATM or bank as they will be shut down well before the hurricane hits
• Purchase non-perishable foods that can be eaten from a can or pouch
• Put your awning up and secure it with cable snap ties, do not rely on standard awning latches
• Anchor down any obstacles that could damage other campers
• Cover up anything outside that may get damaged from the rain and winds with new tarps (not used ones, they will shred quickly)
• Tape a “X” with masking tape on all your windows as debris from the hurricane-force winds can shatter windows
• Fill all your propane and extra fuel tanks (do not forget to label them with your name or campsite number)
• Test your generator for several minutes
• Check the condition of your camper battery, obtain a backup if needed
• Empty your holding tanks and fill your water tank
• Contact family outside the area and let them know you will be evacuating and the name of the local shelter(s)
• Gather appropriate items for your shelter stay

 

            When the time comes, seek shelter! Material items can be replaced, lives cannot. After the storm is over and officials allow you to return, then begin to survey your damage.

            Many people do not realize that when there is a major power outage, gas and propane stations cannot pump without electricity. Cash is also a necessity as many stores will be cash-only until power is restored.

            Living in storm aftermath can be a very stressful time. Just be thankful for what you have and try to move forward.

 

FLOODS AND FIRES

 

            If conditions in your area are favorable for flooding or wild fires, then you will possibly have to seek shelter quickly.

            Make sure you take the appropriate precautions and locate the nearest evacuation route if you are able to leave with your RV. If officials ask you to gather a few items and leave your RV, then do it. Grab your evacuation kit and follow their instructions.

 

SEEKING SHELTER

 

            Spending several days in a shelter is not easy and the conditions are not always favorable. As a visitor to the area you should be respectful. It is a horrifying experience for the locals – they are worried about losing their houses and livelihoods. When the storm is over, you can move on!

            Most shelters do not provide you with cots, blankets or food. Be respectful and do not drag in all your camping toys. Just take basic items you need, such as a modest camping chair, sleeping bag, non-perishable food and your evacuation kit. If you go with other campers, make arrangements to share some items to ease the burden.

            Please do not rely on charitable organizations for food or other items. These organizations need to focus on those who have lost everything or those who have no means to obtain food or clothing. Take responsibility for your own family and allow the organizations to help those truly in need.

            The road to disaster does not always have to be a rough one. My family and I have weathered three hurricanes, wind storms, a winter storm and the threat of wild fires in our RV. We have spent days at a shelter and lived weeks in storm aftermath. It is not always easy, yet with the proper preparation you can make that road to disaster a lot smoother.

Another weather-related article of mine can be found at: http://hscooper.wordpress.com/2008/11/09/weathering-the-storm-in-a-rv/

So, You’re Homeless?

I do not sleep on a bench, but I am homeless.

I had the most interesting conversation recently. I was asked how long I had lived in the area and I explained that I wasn’t from the area, that I was just passing through. I then went on to explain that I was a full-time RVer.

“So, you’re homeless?” she questioned.

I explained a little more about the RV lifestyle in hopes that she would have a better understanding of Full-Timing.

When I arrived “home” to the RV, I found myself curious as to the definition of “homeless”.  Because we do not have a stick-house (what Full-Timers call a wood house), I always considered us “houseless”, but not “homeless”, as we do have a place to call home (which just happens to have wheels). Naturally I went online to see what I could find on the subject.

According to Wikipedia, homelessness is:

Homelessness is the condition and social category of people who lack housing, because they cannot afford, or are otherwise unable to maintain, regular, safe, and adequate shelter…. A small number of people choose to be homeless nomads…. www.wikipedia.org (Homelessness)

I also found various nomadic subcultures of interest and began to widen my search. Those who practice the nomadic lifestyle are undergoing “planned mobility rather than forced mobility” [www.wikipedia.org (Homelessness, "Voluntary homelessness in nomadic cultures")]. Unlike those who have financial troubles (eviction, disaster…) or other problems (illness) and cannot have or maintain shelter, nomadic cultures have reasons to be homeless. They move seasonally to where there is food and/or to work or trade.

In a sense, those of us who are full-time RVers have our own subculture – we truly are “modern nomads”! Yet we are not homeless by financial means, we are homeless by a lifestyle choice. And most of us move seasonally for work or trade opportunities in other areas. (See my prior articles on workamping and trading work for campsite fees).

And apparently, when I said I was a RVer, she was thinking of the classic stereotype.

There is a stereotype that people who live in RVs full-time do so because they are poor and cannot afford more conventional housing. However, an increasing number of people are opting to sell their homes and live in their RVs, which can cost as much as their home did. www.wikipedia.org (Recreational Vehicles, “Features”)

So yes, according to what I have read, I am homeless. I am not homeless by financial means, I am homeless by a lifestyle choice.

I am nomad.

I am a modern nomad!

Fitting In: Beating the Campsite Hassle

Many campgrounds are close-quarters for RVs

Although many campgrounds today are advertising they are “Big Rig Friendly”, most campgrounds are not. Many campground were designed decades ago when RVs were smaller and did not have slides. For those RVers who have larger rigs or multiple slides, these older campgrounds can make arrival and departure a very frustrating time.

 

If you find yourself in a tight situation (such as these folks in the photo who came within inches of hitting a truck parked on its own campsite, while backing into their assigned camp site), there are several things you can do to make the situation a little better.

 

At check-in, be honest about your rig length. Yes, some campgrounds still charge for larger rigs – but there is a reason for that. Bigger rigs get bigger sites! Don’t say you are 30 feet in length when your rig is 35 feet! A few feet can make a major difference.

 

If you have any slides that are problematic (deep, long or perhaps double-sided) ask the reservationist if there are trees, high electric boxes, lamp posts or other obstacles on your site. If they are uncertain or do not know, ask to view the site first.

 

Pull-thrus are the preferred sites for Full-Timers because often you do not need to unhook your rig and these sites are usually close to the entrance. However, they are often bordered by smaller trees (”awning eaters” is what I call them!) or lamp posts for late-night arrivals.

 

When you are assigned a camp site (or if you are allowed to find one on your own) get out and walk it. Look for your hookups. Make sure the electrical box contains enough amps (especially if you paid a higher price for 50 amp service) and that – if applicable – it has Cable or Sat TV hookup. Locate your water and sewer hookups.

We have noticed that some older campgrounds still have shared water hookups. To temporarily correct this, they have placed a Y-connect on it. Make sure that if your water is shared it has such a connection and if it does not, contact the campground office before you get set-up. If you have your own Y-connect, you can use that, but keep in mind that if campers are (or will be) beside you, you will have to turn off their water and disconnect their hose to get your Y-connect back when you leave.

 

If there are any movable obstacles in your way, such as a picnic table, make sure you drag them out of your way.

 

The next step is to discuss the site with your spouse and/or family. If it is a back-in site, make sure that your spouse or family members help you. They need to remain in your mirrors and also in the back corner of the rig to watch for any problems. Some RVers use radios to communicate. This is okay, but often hard on the driver trying to maneuver the rig and maintain contact. Larger rigs sometimes have back-up cameras. This is good, yet someone watching outside is still recommended.

 

Maintain communication with your helpers! Discuss the terminology you will use. Does “HOLD IT!” mean you are going to hit something or you should just stop? What does “straight” mean? Should the driver try to straighten the rig or do you really mean he should “follow” the rig and it will be straight? This may seem trivial but to a driver this is crucial information. And remember to maintain mirror contact at all times. If they can’t see you behind the rig, they cannot hear you! 

 

If you are arriving at a campground at night you will find yourself having more difficulty getting in a campsite. Why? You’re tired from a long day and everyone is cranky. Plus, it is dark and you cannot see everything. Do not let that add to your frustration. Make sure everyone has flashlights and walk the site as you would during daylight hours. Move obstacles, locate hookups and potential problems. See where you want to put your rig and have your family stand on both sides of the back corner of the rig (yet in your mirrors) with flashlights. Use the light as a guide where to center the back of your rig. If you are traveling alone or with just a spouse, place two flashlights on the ground where you want to have your rig.

 

A great set of flashlights to get are Craftsman rechargables. They stand-up and when the batteries are weak, you can recharge them. We have helped people back-in after midnight, in blinding rain, during wind storms and heavy snowfall with these flashlights. They are very heavy-duty and well worth the cost. They can save you quite a bit of frustration during late-night arrivals!

 

Once you are in your campsite and level, walk around and verify if your slides will clear any identified obstacles, especially electric boxes. If you cannot judge or if it appears close, carry a small tape measure with you and measure out the width of your slide from the RV. We have a slide 40 inches deep. May not seem like much, but since the slide is over 10 feet long, that can make all the difference in the world with a tall electric box! So if anything appears close, measure before putting your slides out. Do not let a damaged slide ruin your trip.

 

Most often when you arrive at a campground you will find a few folks who will flock around you and “try” to help you get into you campsite. If this makes you nervous, all you have to do is let them know their offer of help is appreciated, but you and your family have a system.  Most are very understanding and will return to their own site or stand aside so you can get into yours.

 

If you do arrive at a campsite that is too narrow or not long enough, let the campground office know immediately. Do not try to damage your rig or cause yourself a lot of grief trying to fit in a site that is too small. Most are very understanding of RVers needs. And if you find another vehicle or RV on or encroaching on your assigned campsite, ask the office before you do anything. Occasionally some Campers will spread out more than they should. Although most are apologetic and will move, some will not. Try not to put yourself in a bad situation with your new neighbors. Ask the campground office about what should be done in this situation, as this is something they need to be aware of. You may try to handle it yourself, but if your neighbors have extra vehicles on your site, they may not have paid for extra vehicles (or extra people) and the campground office may not be aware. Some campgrounds restrict the number of vehicles and/or people allowed per campsite.

 

Fitting in a campsite does not have to be a hassle each stop of the journey. Ask for a large enough site to accomodate your rig and walk over the site before pulling or backing-in. Locate your hookups and any obstacles. Have your companions help you and communicate with each other. If you have a system or plan at each stop and you will soon find “fitting in” less of a hassle.

Workamping: Working in a RV

There is a long definition of what makes someone a workamper, but it basically states that if you live in a RV and work, you are a workamper.

You do not need to travel vast distances to work – your RV can be sitting on a pad in a campground somewhere indefinately – and if you get up in the morning to do some sort of work (for pay or trade) or a have a volunteer job, you are a workamper. So if your grandma in South Florida lives in a travel trailer at a 55+ park and works at the local fabric store part-time, she’s a workamper!

Although most Full-Time RVers are retirees with pensions and/or Social Security, there are many who are not. In fact, this number is on the rise. Singles (or “solos”), young couples and families are discovering that you can not only make a living from this lifestyle, but you can also have more free time.

Workampers are a varied bunch – from twenty-somethings to ninety year olds; from those with GEDs to those with PhDs. Each workamper offers diversity to the workplace or their community. Workampers are usually very flexible. And they offer something that folks stuck with a house does not – mobility.

There are countless seasonal jobs in this country – from working Nascar races and amusement parks to campgrounds and resorts to casinos and ranches to Christmas tree lots and fruit and vegetable harvests. Seasons vary as well as the duration of each position. Nascar races maybe just two-three days a week for a number of weeks, but a resort position may be yearround. Salary benefits vary depending on the position. Some of these jobs pay incredible wages, in addition to full or partial benefits. And, surprisingly, there are even government, corporate and sales positions available to workampers.

The first thing you need to do is research what types of jobs are available. If you are a “Wannabe” (what Full-Timers call those folks who want to try this lifestyle, yet are not ready) then you have time to discover what is available when and where and for how much.

Most books on Full-Time RVing contain a section on finding work or at the very least, Camp Hosting. There is one book devoted to the subject that I recommend and that is Support Your RV Lifestyle by Jaimie Hall. This book cites many places to seek additional information and it is a great reference book to keep (even after you have secured a position and think you know what you are doing).

The next step is to subscribe to a workamper-related publication, such as The Workamper News or The Caretaker Gazette. Read all the listings, learn the terminology and see where the work is, when it is and the benefits that come with it. Some jobs only provide a free campsite with utilities, other may include a long list of benefits (as well as salary) such as laundry, propane, store or cafe discounts, Cable or SAT TV, WiFi, phone service, golf cart usage, etc… It may not seem like much, but if you start adding up your site costs and the extras, you may find that you are saving several hundred to over a thousand dollars a month from your own pocket! And longer term positions even offer medical and health benefits to their workamp employees.

When it is time to pull-up stakes and make that transition to a Full-Timer you will have a better understanding of what is available. Begin applying for the upcoming season at least three months prior and do not limit yourself to one position! If you want to stay in a region for a period of time, then apply to all those that interest you and you believe you are qualified for in that region. If you wait on just one place to call, you may find yourself waiting a long time!

If you know when you will be available, advertise yourself. Many workamper employers do not place ads. They either rely on repeat workampers or “position wanted” ads. Many places online offer free ads, as well as subscribers for various publications, including The Workamper News.

And once you secure a position – especially if it is only a couple months – start seeking another one. The more you workamp, you find this actually becomes much easier. And many workampers prefer to work the same regions or even positions, season-after-season. They like the familiarity of the work and area and return each season.

If you are one of those already on the road or in a RV and find that your monthly income is not stretching as far as it was before the economy went South for the winter, then there are some things you can do immediately to start searching for a job.

The first one is to put yourself online. Advertise, advertise, advertise! There are several websites, but the three I highly recommend are www.work-for-rvers-and-campers.com , www.workatkoa.com and as an Awesome Applicant at www.workamper.com. The first two sites are free, the third site requires a higher subscription rate (yet it is well worth it).

If you just cannot get that money to stretch as far and the campground fees are eating your pension, then consider contacting your state’s website for information on being a Camp Host (usually termed “Campground Host program”). Other places to seek this type of work are from the National Park Service, National Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and Corp of Engineers. You can conviently find their opportunities at http://www.usafreedomcorps.gov/ under the “Volunteer Opportunities” section (by state and job). Some of these Camp Host positions may offer a small daily or monthly stipend.

Rangers and park officials will call you if they have an opening, as well as you being able to call them to see if they need hosts for whatever period of time you are interested in. These are wonderful programs to get involved in, especially if you have no or very limited hosting experience. Several states even have yearly rallies for their Camp Hosts.

Another option is that many smaller campgrounds cannot afford an on-site manager or large staff and rely on workampers to volunteer – a “work for site” deal. The campground you are staying in right now may need your help.

Camp Hosts live free, most often with full-hookups and perks, for a minimum number of hours each week or day. Hosting positions can vary from one month to six months and possibly more. This can help you save money immediately.

And as previously stated, you do not have to even move your RV. If you want to find a position in the local community and work a regular 9-to-5 job, you can! That is another perk of the workamp lifestyle.

Every day thousands of people go to work and return “home” to their RV. The only difference for a workamper is where home is parked!

 A related article of mine: http://hscooper.wordpress.com/articles/boondocking-workamping-living-free/

Simplify Your Life

You cannot take it all!

No matter what anyone tells you, you can’t take it all with you. If we could, you’d see a line of U-Hauls at the cemetery during every funeral service!

If you have a stick-house, it’s no problem, you just keep shoving the stuff in the attic, garage, basement and spare closets. When you run out of room, you buy a bigger house or find a storage unit to rent.

Of course, most people only keep important stuff right? Like my friends who moved into a bigger stick-house 4 years ago… who still haven’t unpacked half of their boxes. I’m sure this stuff they “just had” to keep was very important, so important they have left it packed for their next move to an even bigger house.

Face it, we are a society of pack rats! I have mentioned before that downsizing is not that difficult once you reach that “letting-go plateau” ( see my article “But We Can’t Take it All With Us” at http://hscooper.wordpress.com/articles/but-we-cant-take-it-all-with-us/ ).

One thing Full-Time RVers learn very quickly is that you can’t take it all with you. Most smaller motorhomes and travel trailers have very limited storage space. Larger motorhomes and fifth-wheels usually do have adequate storage, but extra items (such as a washer and dryer) take away from this valuable space.

You can’t live in a RV and own 40 pairs of shoes. Oh you could, but you wouldn’t be taking any food or supplies with you! Full-Time RVers have found the delicate balance of living with the basic needs of life and their personal wants.

We learn to simplify our needs and reduce our wants. You may need a skillet to cook your eggs in the morning, but do you need 6 different sizes? Only if you are a traveling chef! Full-Timers think about items that will be used the most often or items that offer multiple uses. If we don’t use it, we don’t need it!

Reducing your wants is a little more difficult for some folks and RVers are no exception. Temptation is all around us – buy this, buy that. We can’t help ourselves. Fortunately for RVers, “home” keeps us a little more grounded. We can only buy what will fit in our RV!

And we also have to live by the unwritten law of “In-Out-In”. If we want to bring more items in our RV, we must eventually move some out  to allow room for more to come in. 

Most campgrounds and RV resorts have yard sale days or trader shelves (usually books, games, puzzles, maps, craft supplies) where we can unload some of the extra stuff we have picked up. Many of the Full-Timers I know donate their items to local charity thrift shops or use services such as Freecycle, BookCrossing and BookMooch.

After you simplify your life it just makes sense – this is how life should be. I think back at the days we when had all this stuff (see photo) and shake my head in disbelief. Don’t let material items weigh you down. Lighten your life and allow yourself more time to simply live.

Campground Living: Better than Reality TV

A funeral party on campsite #1 ~ Yes, really!

After I explain that I am a Full-Time RVer and what that means, the second round of questioning usually involves how boring it must be to live in a campground.

Honestly, I am surprised that Hollywood hasn’t picked up on the idea of a campground as a site for a reality TV show. I’ve seen more action, drama and comedy from our RV kitchen window than Hollywood can dish out!

I think one of the most amazing things I ever witnessed at a campground goes back to when I was a teenager. My family had a Coachmen motorhome at the time and we were vacationing (not Full-Timers yet!) at a campground on Lake Okeechobee (Florida). Our campsite was on the canal and we had our own boat dock. I was fishing from the dock while my parents were soaking up the Florida sun in their lawnchairs when we heard shouting coming from the boat ramp area. A friend of ours who was camped a few sites down ran over and told us that we didn’t want to miss the excitement. Curious, we headed down to the boat ramp area only to see a new boat (still attached to the trailer) and pickup truck slowly sink in the canal. The young man had “borrowed” his father’s new pickup and boat to go fishing. The ramp was slippery (I remember how scary it was for us to back our boat down with the motorhome) and he didn’t bother to engage the parking brake. The poor boat, still strapped to the trailer, didn’t have a chance! To this day I get a chuckle at the memory of that young man shaking his head saying, “I’m so grounded.”

One of the funniest things was to see a RV sink. Not just any RV – an American Eagle Motor Coach! It was actually my first year as a Full-Timer (and I was living alone in a RV resort in South Florida). I was preparing dinner and heard a commotion outside. I saw the motor coach backing into the empty site on the opposite corner. Immediately after backing into the site, the rear tires of the RV sank into the soft sand. His wife was yelling at him to pull forward, unfortunately, this buried it even deeper. By the time he got out of the motor coach, half of the back section was buried in sand.  It didn’t take long for a crowd to gather and offer help. The man started shoveling, trying to dig out the tires, while others found items to try to drive up on. After digging out the tires, the man started up the RV and tried to drive forward. Of course, this made it worse and once again, he was digging not only sand, but the boards that got broken during the attempt. When he made the second attempt, he took a tow chain that a fellow Camper offered and he had his wife get in their tow vehicle (which had been dropped prior to the backing) and start it up. She began backing their vehicle while he drove forward in the RV. Needless to say, the language was rather colorful after that attempt! Another Camper offered to use his 3/4 ton Chevy truck to pull the RV forwarded and that did work. Once he had the motor coach back in the street, he ordered his wife to walk every campsite first. It was hilarious watching her walk nearby available sites, stomping the ground madly, as if that would prove the ground wouldn’t sink their RV. Unfortunately during all this, I didn’t think about getting it on video. I’m pretty sure that would have gotten me $10,000 quite easily!

One day while living at a Florida RV resort we saw a brand-new motorhome drive by. We could hear Campers already going over to see if the new arrivals needed assistance and we continued eating. Suddenly we heard the motorhome backing up and then a load crash. We bolted from the picnic table only to see a group gather around the back end of the motorhome. The man hit a palm tree and the RV “bounced” forward. While a crowd gathered around to help, they really didn’t – as they were too busy talking to the man’s wife commenting on how beautiful their new motorhome was! No one was even watching him back-up! Fortunately the palm tree was spared.

I could literally write a book (or a soap opera) on campground living, but the one thing I never, ever thought I would witness in a campground is a funeral. Not only that, but one right outside our living room! We were staying in Washington at the time and our campground was on the edge of a historic cemetary. The very first site of the campground actually overlooked the cemetary. We were camped two sites away from it, but joked that we had “dead quite” neighbors. As it turned out, during our last week there, a member of one of the local tribes passed away and was buried in the cemetary. They held his funeral party on the first campsite. Since it was a chilly day, they even started a campfire. (That’s our rig in the photo above.)

From seeing pot-bellied pigs in tutus (with their own tents I might add) to watching a man wrestle a wayward gator, I would never consider living in a campground boring!

A Camper Christmas

Santa does stop at campgrounds!

Just like the folks with stick-houses, we RVers have dug out our Christmas holiday decorations and have begun converting our home-on-wheels to mobile winter wonderlands.

Although we have downsized considerably and have limited storage, we make room for the holiday essentials such as Christmas trees, nativity sets and small village pieces. 

Decorating in a RV is the same, just on a smaller scale!

When my family first became Full-Timers we  went crazy with the outdoor Christmas lights (we even won a campground decorating contest in Florida one year!), but since we have been travelling 20,000 miles a year, we decided that we would rather have food in our cabinets than a small herd of lighted reindeer.

Yet we have Full-Timing friends who rent small storage sheds at their seasonal RV parks just to store their decorations! One set of friends had their little storage shed literally blown apart during a Florida  hurricane. They were in Canada for the summer and we went to retrieve as much of their property we could.  I remember their poor plastic Santa being stuck up in a pine tree!

So no matter how much we downsize and simplify, we just cannot shake the holiday hold of decorating. (Including the woman a few campsites down from us ~ she has a flamingo dressed in a Santa costume!)

Most campgrounds are very festive places to spend the holidays. Those in areas with a large concentration of snowbirds (Florida, Texas, Arizona) often have many activities going on. Some activities include: decorating contests, caroling, candle and tree lighting’s, potluck dinners, gift exchanges, ornament and decoration craft classes, local charity sponsorship, toy and food drives and bus or day trips to see light displays, holiday performances, theme parks or shopping centers.

The majority of our Full-Timing friends in Florida have family visit them from out-of-state. They either pitch a tent or bring their own RV (or rental) or rent a cabin or villa inside the RV resort. Children of all ages can be found (and trying their very best to be good!) at campgrounds during the holidays.

We have always enjoyed the carolling. Not many places these days have folks go door-to-door (or in our case, campsite-to-campsite) to sing holiday songs to their friends and neighbors.

Potlucks and holiday dinners and dances are formed. Most are free, but occasionally some campgrounds charge small fees to help pay for meat or musical entertainment. Many we have been to the last few years just go by “Pass the Hat” and folks throw in a few dollars to help pay for the costs of the event.

RVers also remember those in need. Many seasonal campgrounds host toy or food drives or have their own campground clubs volunteer for local charities. We may not all have much ourselves, but we know that we have more than most.

Some campgrounds have a special service for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. There are several RV resorts with their own non-denominational weekly services. We have attended services like these and although the surroundings aren’t as elaborate as churches, they still host a reminder for the reason for the season.

Although Seasonal and Full-Time RVers come from all walks of life, we remember one thing – we are neighbors. We come together and wish each other a season of happiness and goodwill (and, of course, with an exchange of cards, candies or cookie plates).

Did I mention the cookies? Oh, yes! Our little camper ranges and ovens are fully functional and that won’t stop us from whipping up dozens of candies and cookies to friends and neighbors.

Overall campgrounds can be a fun and festive place to spend the holidays as we are all united in the spirit of the season.

Wanted: Happy Campers

What's wrong with this picture?

Most folks who invest time and money in a RV take pride in it. They  are serious about RVing and read about proper RV set-up. They follow campground rules  and they are considerate to their fellow Campers.

Yet occasionally you find folks in a campground who don’t have a clue what they are doing and it shows!

If you look at the photo above, you should notice several things this RVer didn’t do correctly. The biggest mistake is use rocks to stabilize the fifth-wheel’s front landing gear instead of proper leveling blocks.

The next mistake is backing-in crocked to the site pad and even parking one landing gear on it. In most campgrounds, the site pad is for living area (picnic table, lawn chairs) and not for parking your RV. It is common courtesy not to park your rig (or tow vehicle) on the site pad.

Rocks don't make good leveling blocks!

The next obvious mistake is having his sewer hose lying on the ground. Many campgrounds require some sort of sewer hose support and sewer doughnut. Although is not noted as a requirement at this particular Texas campground, this fifth-wheel owner’s sewer hose can’t properly drain “up” into the ground sewer connect without using a great deal of water while flushing.

It is common mistakes such as this that require campgrounds to maintain strict rules and raise rates (to pay fines they receive for Campers who don’t comply).

If you are new to the world of RVing, then you should take some time to familiarize yourself with the proper tools and equipment as well as learn the rules and regulations.

Even if you are a regular or seasoned RVer, you may not be using the proper equipment (or using it correctly). There are many books, magazines and online sites where you can get more information. Visit your local RV dealership store or camp supply store and talk to an associate. If they don’t know,  they will help you find someone who does.

Some RV extras (such as leveling blocks) do cost additional money. Yet many items can be substituted. Instead of paying a great deal for leveling blocks, use wooden boards. Often you will find your substitutions work better and last longer. In our case, we use wooden boards that have been cut down to fit our tires and jacks. We have sanded and painted the boards black and they are less noticeable than those brightly colored leveling blocks sold at Camping World and other supply stores. Talk to your fellow RVers and get suggestions for RV extras.

Proper leveling blocks

Some campgrounds require that you sign a sheet upon arrival that lists their rules and regulations. If you break any of them, they have the right to ask you to leave, often without a refund. A few of these are extremely detailed – from asking you to pick up after your dog to not washing your rig.

We recently overnighted at a campground in Arizona where we had to sign a form in triplicate that stated we  would use a sewer support and doughnut before we were even allowed to register. The owner was tired of getting fined and decided this was the step needed to convey the message to Campers. Another park stated that pickup trucks (even as your tow vehicle) where not allowed in the park after unhooking and had to remain in the visitor parking area.  That one was a bit extreme for us and we did not stay there!

Whether you are new to RVing or a seasoned Full-Timer, it is  good to keep up on the  proper RV tools and equipment. And no matter where you are, take the time to learn the rules and regulations. By being considerate of your fellow Camper – you’ll help to make everyone a Happy Camper!

 

Camper Cook’n: Hobo Pies

Many of the campgrounds we visit do not have fire rings or allow fires in the RV section. A few have special areas designated for fires, but usually only on certain evenings.

We enjoy cooking outside and sometimes the little grill just cannot replace the experience of cooking on a open fire.  One of our family favorites is making Hobo Pies.

Campground in California

Normally to make a Hobo Pie, you need to have a Hobo Pie Iron. They are rather reasonable in price and can be found anywhere that sells camping supplies, from Cabela’s to Target. The “iron” consists of two identical pieces that “sandwich” together and then is placed over the campfire.

Since we are usually not able to make Hobo Pies over a campfire, we use a traditional sandwich maker. There are several inexpensive ones on the market and occasionally you can even find one on sale for under $15.

The best type of sandwich maker for Hobo Pies is one that has room for two sandwich’s and divides the sandwich in half (four sandwich halves).

To make a Hobo Pie you take two slices of bread and butter them. You then place the butter-side down on the bottom of the sandwich maker. You then place your “fixings” on top of the bread. When you are finished, you place the second piece of bread over it with the butter-side on top. You then clasp your sandwich maker shut and wait for the light to indicate your Hobo Pie is ready.

The main thing to remember is that Hobo Pies are sealed and the contents will be very hot. If you put something that can boil (like filling or meat sauce) it may splatter and burn you. So be cautious when eating a hot Hobo Pie.

You should also be careful not to overfill your pie as it may cause the bread to break. If it breaks in the sandwich maker you will not only have a mess to clean, but the smell of burnt food in your camper.

There are many different things you can use for Hobo Pies. My personal favorite is the simple peanut butter and jelly pie; however, I like to either put marshmallows or spread marshmallow fluff on mine. I know people who add banana slices to theirs. Or forgo the jelly and just have peanut butter, banana and marshmallows.

Fruit fillings also make wonderful Hobo Pies, especially apple, cherry and blueberry. You can then take the pies and roll them in sugar for an added treat! Be wary of using pudding fillings though, as they are extremely hot and very messy.

Hobo Pies also make great meals. A favorite is making a pizza pie with cheese, pizza sauce and toppings. Quick and easy sandwich pies can be made with simple canned chicken, ham or turkey meats.

Pretty much anything you can think of can be made into a Hobo Pie!

Another thing that I have learned is that flour tortillas make great substitutes for bread. The only difference is that you need to cut them square (and leave them large to create a seal). These are especially great if you are having pizza or taco Hobo Pies. The only thing with tortillas is that you may have to leave them in a little while longer if you like them a nice golden color.

Sometimes we have Hobo Pie parties and gather a variety of ingredients. Everyone makes their own creation from the buffet of cheeses, meats and fillings.

So do not fret if you cannot have a campfire at your campground. Find yourself an inexpensive sandwich maker and make Hobo Pies anytime!

 

Holiday Storage

Decorating holiday cookies in the RV.

Like most folks, we have been busy this past week working on holiday cookies and candies and doing our holiday shopping.

Since storage space is limited in a RV and you have to make each item count. Often cherished holiday items and decorations have to make way for the essentials. New items (gifts) coming into the RV often mean something else has to go out the door to make more room.

When it comes to decorations, we have learned to adapt to limited storage. One of the first things we did was reduced the size of our artificial Christmas tree. After the holiday we will “bundle” our tree and place it in a storage bag. It easily fits down in one of our holiday storage bins. Ornaments and other decorations that are not breakable or fragile are placed in storage bags. Breakable items are wrapped and placed in a smaller storage container. Everything gets placed in our large Christmas decoration storage bin.

The only thing that we miss around the holidays is having a larger kitchen. Fortunately, there are ways to deal with the lack of refrigerator, freezer and  counter space in a RV.

All our candy and cookie recipes have been cut in half or even thirds. Favorite recipes that cannot be reduced are used as filler items for neighbor’s cookie trays. We also limit what candy and cookies we make, often rotating recipes every year or making them at other holidays throughout the year.

When it is time to make the cookies and candies we clear off the kitchen table and place aluminum foil on it (see photo). This becomes our additional counter space and makes decorating cookies much easier.

We keep one refrigerator bin free to place extra cookies and candies until they are ready to be given away. Candies that do not need to be refrigerated are placed in storage containers and set on the table for easy “snacking” access.

Shopping for holiday gifts is a little different when you are a Full-Timer. Not only do you have to keep in mind what the person would like, but also where will they put it and determine if it will be something worth hauling around the country!  This can really add to the stress of the holidays.

The past two years we have practiced Reverse Giving. We agree on a pre-arranged amount and buy and wrap our own gifts, however we “assign” who they are from. The surprise comes on Christmas day when what you “gave” the others is revealed! It works well for us because we know what we need or would like and if there will be adequate room for it.

Most of our friends realize space is limited in our fifth-wheel and send gift cards or gift certificates. When it comes to the flood of holiday cards, we decorate the area above our long living room slide with them. It allows us to display them without wasting our functional living space.

Holiday storage doesn’t have to be a problem in a RV. You just have to learn to make the most of your limited storage space.

Better than a Talk Show: Campground Working

I received numerous emails regarding “Campground Living: Better than Reality TV” ( http://hscooper.wordpress.com/2008/12/03/campground-living/ ) and will definately be posting more crazy, zany and just plain odd things we have seen at campgrounds throughout the years.

Yet some of the “best” experiences have actually come from working at campgrounds. If you think living in a campground is better than reality TV, then let me tell you, campground working is better than a talk show!

The field of outdoor hospitality (sounds fancy, huh?) includes working in campgrounds, parks, resorts and marinas. There are numerous areas to work – from office work to housekeeping to maintenance.

We have worked (workamped) at camgrounds and boating resorts. We have done everything from be Camp Hosts to work every area of the resort. Each experience has added another funny story to share.

What type of Camper will get this site?

The majority of memorable moments that I have had come from working the office. The great thing about the office is you get to interact with the guests more. It also takes a seasoned person to work the front desk or main check-in of a busy campground or resort. Some guests are just not happy Campers and it can be emotionally draining.

I am pretty seasoned in hospitality and can just glance at Campers coming in and know how their trip has been up until the moment they stepped through the door. I can tell if a husband and wife haven’t spoken to each other for several hundred miles, if they had their RV or tow vehicle break down en route, if they don’t get along with their children / grandchildren who tagged along, if they are really frugal Campers, if they are newbies (new to camping) or if they are Full-Time RVers.

I could tell you how I can identify these Campesr from within a few moments of contact – that alone is worth a few laughs – but like a magician, I can’t reveal all my secrets!

One of my favorites is the frugal Campers. They are what I call Counter-Slappers. They are the ones who come into the office, scrutinize the surroundings and then ask you how much it is to spend the night. After you tell them, they slap the counter and loudly proclaim, “I’ve been to every campground in this country and I have never paid that much to spend the night!”  If it’s not the nightly rate, they grumble about something else – extra person fee, Cable fee, dog fee, you-name-it… Counter-Slappers find any reason to make a fool of themselves. If these folks appeared on a talk show, they would be the ones throwing chairs or flashing the audience.

Full-hookups usually means "full-hookups".

It wasn’t until I worked at a RV park in the state of Washington that I had to add a sub-category, which I call extremeCounter-Slappers. These are the Campers (or Day Users in the case of two ECSs I encountered) who slap the counter and then pronounce that everything is a conspiracy or some sort of personal plot against them. These are the talk show type that make you shake your head and say, “Where did they dig this guy up?”

One of my favorite types is the new Camper. There are three types of Newbies: Questioner, Know-it-All and the Helpless. These are the folks you would roll your eyes at if you saw them on a talk show.

The Questioner obviously questions everything. My favorite has been the woman who asked, “Does full-hookups mean we get full-hookups?”  I like this type - they create some humorous table-conservation that evening!

Now the Know-it-All really tests my patience. These are new Campers who have either spoken to someone who told them things about camping or they read a book or magazine article about camping and are suddenly experts. Like the man who told me that no hookups (it was a dry camp) was okay for him and his new 40 ft. motorhome. He was adamant he didn’t need hookups. I gave in and registered him. Twenty minutes later he came back and said, “You said you had no hookups, but where is the electricity and sewer?”

Although they can be tiring and needy, you have to love the Helpless Newbies! My personal favorite was the woman who came up and told me “My toliet stinks!” I asked her if they had dumped their black water tank (sewer holding tank) and she told me they didn’t need to dump “any black water”, just get rid of their toliet smell.

But these are just a few Campers you encounter working in the office. There are other types and you encounter several more types working outside in the campground! Some can be rather annoying, but again, it makes for great story-telling when it’s all over. Who needs talk shows when you work in a campground?!

 

The Office ~ Campground Office, that is!

Here are a few of the most memorable campground office conversations I have had. Obviously it’s not verbatim, but you get the idea of how the conversation went.

PHONE RESERVATIONS

• “Before you run my credit card, I need to pay the bill. Can you wait a week before you run it, but go ahead and make the reservation now?”
• “I don’t have a credit card.” “Do you have a checking account that we can use to hold the reservation?”  “No, but I have a Visa. Will that work?”
• “Please don’t send  me a reservation confirmation letter. I don’t want my husband to know about it.” ( I didn’t ask for her to elaborate!)
• “I don’t want to make a reservation, but if my wife calls, can you tell her you’re full that weekend? I want to stay home and watch the game.”

FRIDAY NIGHT CHECK-IN

• “What time does the gate close?” “Midnight tonight.” ”My beer-drinking buddies won’t be out of the bar until 2. Can they crawl under the gate?”
• “If we left the dog at home, would we have had to pay for the dog now?”
• “Do you have a groceries in your store? We didn’t bring any food.”
• “What’s the latest we can check-out Sunday without you calling the cops?”
• “Quiet hour? You’re kidding, right?”
• “If it rains tonight, can we get our money back?”

GENERAL OFFICE

• “Who do I pay for the coin-operated showers?”
• “This campground is clean for being in the woods.”
• “Do the rustic cabins have maid service?”
• “My campfire won’t start.  Do you have any old motor oil?”
• “I left my shampoo in the shower and now it’s gone. Can you tell whoever took it to stick it back in the first shower building when they realize it’s not their shampoo?”
• “You said there is a free ice cream social, but you didn’t say how much it was.”
• “If I get attacked by a bear, can I shoot it?” “Sir, you can’t have firearms in here and if you do, I have to report you to the sheriff.” “Oh, I don’t have a gun, I was just wondering what to do if a bear attacked me.” “Here’s a brochure on how to avoid bears.” “You serious? You do have bears?” “Yes, sir.” “What kind of campground has wild animals?”
• “Can I cancel my mother-in-law’s reservation?”
• “My son didn’t pack his shoes. Is there anyone camped here with children with size 5 feet?”
• “You have too many squirrels.” “Probably because we have so many nuts.” (Yes, I said that with a straight face!)
• “I don’t know about this dog policy. How can I pick up pee?”
• “If I get a tent site and have visitor’s with a motorhome, can they just pay the extra vehicle fee?”

"What kind of campground has wild animals?"

“

RVing in Winter

It’s hard to move when you’re wearing 5 layers of clothing!

It is rather interesting for us to sit down and watch the Weather Channel on TV these days. This has been a winter of rather odd and extreme weather.

Last winter we stayed on the North Olympic Peninsula (WA). This season it appears that Mother Nature is giving the state of Washington a little bit of everything she has to offer! We have been shaking our heads in disbelief wondering what we would be doing now if we were there this winter.

Wintering in a RV is not as miserable as it may sound to most folks. We have met a number of Campers who enjoy RVing in the wintertime. If you are prepared for the weather, it is definitely a rewarding experience.

Most books on RVing discuss winterizing your rig and RV websites offer suggestions on everything from tank wrapping to banking heat.

The main thing to remember about winter camping is that you have to be self-sufficient. You can’t rely on electricity if a snow or ice storm brings down trees or utility lines. And you can’t rely on driving to get propane when your tanks run out because the roads may be snowy, ice or blocked with downed trees. Campgrounds are often located outside main power grid zones and when the electricity goes out, they are usually the last locations to get the power back on.

When you winter camp, you must plan on relying on yourself in the event of an emergency. In a sense, you have to prepare  to boondock, even if you are in a 5-star RV resort!

The problem we have found with fellow RVers who attempt to winter camp is they don’t understand about maintaining their heat. Most RVs don’t have curtains (or “real” curtains that function as stick-house curtains do). Although our fifth-wheel has thermopane windows, day/night shades (these are blinds that most newer RVs have – they are great, but no substitute for insulation) and partial RV curtains, we could still feel cool air around our windows. So we had custom-made curtains (with black-out) made for each window area. This helps hold in the heat in winter (and the air-condition in summer).

We also have skylights, which can be a source of heat-loss. We purchased insulated covers (that velcro on) from a camper dealer. During the day when the sun is out (and hopefully temps are warmer) we remove the covers. In the late afternoon when temps usually begin dropping, we place the covers on again.

We layer our clothing during winter. It keeps you insulated and you aren’t kicking up your propane furnace every ten minutes!

In cold weather we run a small electric ceramic heater on low during the day. We reverse the switch on our ceiling fan to force heat throughout our fifth-wheel. Do not leave a ceramic heater unattended! And when you purchase one, make sure it has a switch to control the temperature and will automatically turn off it tilted or flipped over. Ceramic heaters are rather inexpensive (less than a tank of propane!) and are great ways to bank your heat during the day.

In the evening we keep the ceramic heater on (still the low setting) but turn the temperature up just a little higher. We turn our propane furnace on, yet keep it at a lower setting, knowing the ceramic heater will keep us nice and toasty when the temps drop below freezing.

The use of a ceramic heater helps us save propane in case of a power outage. Although we do carry extra propane with us, as we have a propane generator, it is foolish to waste it in winter conditions. We have went several days without power in the winter and the nearest propane company (that was able to pump propane with the weather) was over twenty miles away. A rather long drive in icy conditions!

Wintering in a RV is a great experience if you are prepared for it. There are a number of books and places on the internet where you can read about winter camping. Just remember that being self-sufficient is the most important thing for a winter Camper!

The Campers from Hell

Campground living can be rather exciting, but occasionally we run into the Campers from Hell. Usually this is during the “beer-drinking holidays” or on weekends. We try to remind ourselves that these folks are just temporary neighbors and that either they will move on or that we will.

What makes a Camper from Hell? Usually anything that involves breaking the campground rules (especially the standard “do not disturb your neighbors” rule that most campgrounds have) or intentionally disruptive behavior.

First impressions are not always accurate. I have seen campers that looked like they were rolled over in a tornado or retrieved from the junk yard drive into the campground; and, I assumed they were going to be party people only for them to be some of the nicest (and quietest) Camping neighbors we’ve ever had. Then again, I’ve seen quaint families in quarter-million dollar motor coaches pull in, only for the campground management have to call the law to have them removed after they started a knife fight!

Most campgrounds have strict quiet hours. Since campsites are in close proximity, it is only fair that loud music or campfire conversation be reduced during evening hours. However, some folks – those Campers from Hell, just don’t care if their neighbors get any sleep.  We have been in situations where these folks have left their outdoor speakers on (while they remained inside), started shouting contests over their own loud music, played loud (and sometimes offensive music) for hours and sat drunk around the campfire screaming (or howling like wolves in one case!) until the wee hours of the morning.

Another type of Camper from Hell is the irresponsible dog owner. They either abandon their dog (outside or inside) for hours on end and force the dog to bark for attention or they allow their dog to continually bark (without discipline). Many campgrounds now have weight limits on dogs or breed-restrictions, yet some may allow larger dogs or dogs which have been stereotyped as aggressive. I like animals and won’t get into the whole “aggressive breed” debate – but I do feel some dogs (because of their humans lack of understanding obedience training) that should not be allowed in campgrounds. And this can be any breed. I was attacked by a small poodle in campground! Some dogs are just not good campground dogs  – there are too many people, too many noises, other dogs,  etc… for them to deal with if they aren’t trained and their human companions are irresponsible.

Another type of Camper from Hellis the Slammer. These are the folks who are constantly slamming things – doors, windows, cupboards, storage compartments, younameit! RVs are insulated, but in such close quarters, noises like that carry. Especially in the middle of the night.

Recently another one on my list has been those odd-hour cell phone users. I have woken up to the sound of “Can you hear me now?”  – only to look out my bedroom window to see a shadow of a manic trying to get better cell reception at 3 AM. Apparently these folks don’t realize the rest of the campground doesn’t want to hear their conversation, especially so early in the morning. Definitely qualifies for my list of Campers from Hell.

I have nothing against folks who drink, but if you drink to the point you are howling at the moon – you are a Camper from Hell. These folks are usually weekenders looking for a good time. Although I don’t understand why they waste money 40 bucks a night at a campground when they can get drunk in their own backyard for free.

Fortunately we know that these Campers from Hell will be moving on (or we will). If you are in campground, please remember to obey the campground rules and be a good neighbor. If not, you may end up in one of my books someday!

Homemade BBQ grill welded to the bumper ~ Campers from Hell?

 

NOTE: Incase you are wondering about the Campers with the homemade BBQ grill welded to their bumper (photo) … yes, they were Campers from Hell. Not because of the grill, but because they had no regard for the neighbors and played loud music at all hours.

 

Finding Yourself at Home

When we first started Full-Timing over the road we found ourselves quickly frustrated at our first new “home town”. We were unfamiliar with the stores (mostly different chains) and found ourselves struggling with directions. The entire town consisted of one-way streets or detours. We would ask locals for information, but mostly it was wrong or too confusing.

Often we found ourselves there by sheer dumb luck! Only we weren’t really sure how we got there and had just as much trouble finding the place the next time. This made our short stay (two months) rather chaotic.

So I decided to create a journal for our next “home town”. That worked so well for us that I do it for each area that we will have an extended stay (two or more months).

Whenever we decide our next route and where we would like to stay, I purchase a blank journal. If I have limited information on the region, I visit the local visitor’s center or chamber of commerce’s website  for information, brochures and maps. I print out important information (such as medical clinics, banks, post offices, favorite stores, RV supply stores, etc…) and then cut and paste it in the journal.  I make sure to include special directions, phone numbers and business hours in the journal.

If there are unfamiliar stores and restaurants listed at their websites, I quickly research them online. Most stores, especially grocery stores, have their weekly sale flyers posted online (by zip code or state) and it is a great way to learn the store’s product selection and prices. I put notes in the journal about these stores so that we have some background on them when we arrive (ie. need a frequent shopper card at this store, this store open 24 hours, etc…).

I do the same for local attractions and areas of interests. I also make a note of any special events the attraction or community is having.

After I have this information included in the journal, I then either print out a map of the area (if available online) or I contact the local chamber of commerce for one through the mail. When I have the map, I note where stores our in location to our campground. This way we have something to start us off with.

Many campgrounds and RV resorts provide maps, but often these are only a few miles and contain stores and companies that paid to be sponsors of the map.

When we arrive at our location and we pick up brochures and found other places of interest, I add them to the journal. If we find short-cuts or better routes, I make sure to include the directions. 

We make sure to stop in at the local visitor’s center within our first week. That way we can obtain additional information on the area. If we are staying in the area for longer than three months, we try to obtain a free phone book or business directory. When we are ready to move on, we just leave the phone book or directory in the campground laundry area (or at the office) for other Full-Timers to use during their stay.

When we leave for the day, our journal comes with us. It has been a life saver! Currently we are in Texas and we are not use to the never-ending frontage roads, turnabouts, FMs and RMs! The journal has gotten us around our new “home town” and safely back to our home (the fifth-wheel) several times. Without it, I am sure we would be on I-10 circling Houston for the millionth time right now!

I save each journal so that if we do return to that particular area we already have the information. This is also great for Full-Timers we met on the road, who are headed in those areas. I have pulled out the journal and told them what exit number a mall was on or the best place in town to order pizza (very important information for Full-Timers).

It does take a great deal of research, but it is well worth the time and effort. Now when we pull into a new area, we quickly find ourselves at home!

Is Workamping for You?

With rising costs and the economy in a slump, many folks have been  inquiring about becoming Full-Time RVers. It makes a great deal of sense not having to worry about a large mortgage and all the extras burdens that come with maintaining a house.

And this slump also has Full-Timers and Seasonal RVers who normally do not work (because of pension, social security or savings) looking for positions that pay and/or provide a free site space to help stretch their income.

Workamping can be any type of job and any type of position – paid or volunteer. You do not have to travel around to workamp and it does not have to be an outdoor hospitality job. Yet most prefer an outdoor hospitality (i.e. campgrounds, RV parks, RV resorts, etc…) positions because they usually provide a minimum of a free site (with hookups).

Although most of these types of jobs require no or limited experience, there are are many that do (especially computer skills if working in an office). Applications and resumes for campgrounds and RV parks are generally submitted online or by standard mail. Employers usually arrange for phone interviews for those who they feel are qualified. When a decision has been made and both parties agree, often an agreement or contract is made. This covers what the workamper receives (full hookups, Cable TV, etc…), commitment dates, job or position details and any other pertinent information. A signed agreement protects both parties as it assures the workampers that a job will be there when they arrive and the employers will feel confident knowing they have help during the commitment period.

Having worked with other campground workampers and being around them as a campground/RV resort guest, I know that workamping in an outdoor hospitality setting is not for everyone. 

If you are looking for a position in a campground or related venue, then you must realize that you may be called to work at different areas or positions during your commitment period. If someone is sick or does not show up, the public restrooms still need cleaned and the garbage still needs picked it up. When you work at a campground you must be a team player.

Unfortunately, we have arrived at many jobs, only to find our coworkers either padded their resume or puffed themselves up at the interview and would not or could not handle the positions they were given. If you do not want to clean restrooms, if you cannot lift propane tanks, if you cannot operate a computer, etc… then do not apply for a position that may require it! You may think “Oh, I got the job. They won’t care what I can’t or won’t do when I get there.” Well, you are wrong! It is not only frustrating for the employer to find you have limitations or falsified your abilities, but it is a generally a nightmare for your fellow workampers. Be honest!

One of the main problems I have encountered with workampers is the refusal to work the office and / or a computer. A RV park we worked at had a very basic computer program. If you could send an email, you could take reservations. Very basic, very simple. We had one workamper that was deathly afraid of it and had nightmares about it. Her husband said she was having anxiety attacks over it and that after a few days they decided to leave. It turned out that her husband was fine on the computer and she took over his duties (housekeeping and maintenance), while he did hers (office and store). Ironically, she had put on her resume that she was computer savy and had office experience!  So if you do not like computers or are uncomfortable handling money, tell the potential employer you prefer not to work these areas. And if you can work a computer but are very slow, explain that to the employer. I spoke to one employer who said she had one woman who took 45 minutes to check in a Camper! She said she did it correctly, but the speed of the transaction was just not acceptable. The office is a crucial position in a campground and employers need workampers who are comfortable in this area.

We worked with one set who thought they were above working period. They said they knew how to do everything (yet really did not know anything) and quite openly did not want to do anything. They just wanted to sit in their motorhome all day. This meant work not getting done during an already busy camping season. This added more work to the rest of us and finally seeing how this was dragging us all down, they were fired (and given very short notice to leave the property).

Although the campground office may close at 8 PM, that does not mean that things will stop happening! An emergency may occur or other problems after hours. You have to remember that not only are you temporarily employed there, you and your coworkers also live there. If there is an emergency going on, do not hide in your RV and say “I’m off the clock”. It is unfair to the others who work there. You need to be flexible and help keep things run smoothly.

We were working as Camp Hosts and were managing a RV park for 72 hour shifts. We would work the standard office hours and be on-call after hours. If there was an emergency or a serious situation going on, we would come to the aid of our fellow Hosts and they would come to ours. Again, you are not only coworkers, you are neighbors!

Another thing to keep in mind is that you must deal with the public. You may think working as maintenance or housekeeping are jobs were you can “hide” from the public and not have direct contact such as the  campground store or office, but that is not the case. Chances are you will have just as much, if not more contact with the camp guests and visitors.

If you are not a people person then you should give careful consideration to an outdoor hospitality job. It is probably not for you!  And believe me, some people should not be dealing with the public. I worked with one man who insulted a first-time guest at check-in. The workamper told him he thought his Class A was recalled and that he should have bought a better one! How he got through that without a broken nose is still beyond me!

For those that do enjoy working with the public, there are many options. Age restricted or 55+ parks or resorts are great for those who enjoy interacting with older folks. These parks often offer classes and schedule activities. If you enjoy being around families, especially those with young children, consider a family campground or RV park. These campgrounds usually have regularly childrens’ activities and family events. Some RV parks and resorts are more inclined to nightly visitors, while others are more for extended stays. If you like to get to know folks, consider applying at one with seasonal or annual residents. 

 If you are interested in workamping at an outdoor hospitality venue, you should consider whether or not you can be a team player, flexible, honest about your abilities and limitations and deal with the public. If you cannot deal with any one of these things, then working a campground may not be for you.

NOTE: This prompted me to outline the pros and cons of workamping. So look for that being posted soon.

Workamping Pros and Cons

Campers placed hot coals in a garbage barrel

Anyone who has workamped will admit that there are pros and cons to this type of work-lifestyle. 

Most workamp positions often include free (or reduced fee) campsite and or some sort of housing (i.e. park model, villa, cabin) either on-site or nearby. Usually this includes water, electric (or an electric allowance), sewer, garbage and amenities. 

One of the obvious pros would be the affordable living and the location to work. No need to spend time commuting to work when it’s right there! Yet a downfall is you are living at your workplace, most often, with your boss and coworkers. There is no way to “escape” from them. You need to be a professional at all times.

Some workampers may disagree with this and may feel that after they are off the clock, they can do what every they want. It may be okay to kick back a few brews with your coworkers, but keep in mind that you need to keep work and your social life separate. If this isn’t balanced carefully, you’ll find yourself at odds with your friends and coworkers for the season. This can really make a good workamp experience go bad quickly. A good rule to have is not to say or do anything you don’t want getting back to your employer or shared with your coworkers. So if you think your boss is a jerk and a coworker is fat, keep it to yourself!

If you are workamping at a campground or resort, you will be surrounded by guests. With every new arrival you find new “stories” and experiences to share. Yet once some guests know you work and live there, they may bother you on your time off. I have spoken to other workampers who have had serious problems with this. One said he received a knock on the motorhome door at 11 PM from a guest declaring that he had to open the camp store so they could buy some marshmallows to roast that evening!

As with your boss and coworkers, you should remain professional around the guests. Again, this can be a pro and con. If the guests staying near you break the rules and you are the one to call them out on it, it may cause additional problems. Most people are apologectic in situations like this, but a handful can make life difficult.

 Like any job you will have good days and bad days, especially if you are dealing with the public.

Most workamp positions are seasonal or temporary. For those who like short-term work and moving on to other locations, this is ideal. It also means that you have to constantly search for another position and set aside funds for traveling to it.

Usually workampers who apply for jobs have never been to that location or area. They rely on information from others, the employer and the internet. You may ask questions during the employer’s phone interview, but the answers may not be as detailed as needed. And, quite frankly, some business websites tend to be misleading.

For example, you may tell the employer you do have a big fifth-wheel or travel trailer and need a larger site. They may say that there is no problem, they can accommodate any size rig. Months later you arrive at the job to find not only does your rig barely fit, you have to park your tow vehicle a mile away in an a visitor parking area. A series of “little” things can add up quickly, making you dread your decision to work at that location. Although you may arrive to find that not only the site is big enough, but that your boss neglected to mention you had the best site in the park!

My advice on this is to create a list (and copy it off for each job) of what to ask employers during or before the phone interview. And review their website, especially if it is a campground. The amenities page and site map may generate more questions. Ask questions! This can help prevent a lot of problems.

Another possible problem with workamp positions is the lack of work. You may drive several days for a position only to get there and find they didn’t need your help or a change in management happened after you were hired and they immediately say “Who are you?” It is best to get a written (and signed) contract or agreement that outlines the important information. Having a contract is also a plus because even if business is slow, they must keep you on until the end date stated in the contract.

There are many more pros and cons of workamping; however, these are probably the most important ones. As with any job, you will have good and bad work experiences.

Know Before You Go

We have a sheet of questions to ask each workamp employer either before or during the interview process. These questions  not only aid us in our decision, but also alerts us to what we will encounter during our new workamp position.

Type or neatly write a list that pertains to you and have copies made of it. Keep the copies on file with your resumes so that they are always handy.

If a phone interview has been arranged, take out your questionnaire and fill in the information you have already learned (from the advertisement or perhaps emails or calls already from the employer). This way when you are on the phone you can say, “As stated in your ad, you have laundry privileges. Does that include free laundry or a laundry allowance?

Here is our questionnaire for a sample. Items in italics are our “reminders”. Remember to keep enough space between each question for you to write the answers provided.

EMPLOYER NAME:

CONTACT NAME:

CONTACT’S POSITION:

PHONE NUMBER:

INTERVIEW DATE / TIME:

—————————————————————————————-

Arrival / Start / Departure Dates?

Full-Hookups?

– Electric (30 or 50 AMP; metered; allowance)?

– Adequate Site Size? ( 4 slides – 1 room doubles )

Position(s)?

– Duties(s)?

– Work Schedule / Hours?

– Wage / Salary?

– Hours for Site (If applicable)?

– Uniforms / Dress Code?

Benefits / Perks?

– Laundry (free; allowance)?

– Propane (allowance; discount)?

– Cable TV or SATV (free; discounted)?

– WiFi (free; discounted; park-coverage; speed)?

– Store / Cafe (discounted?)

– Seasonal Bonus?

– Travel Allowance?

– Others?

Contract?

If we applied to an employer through an advertisement (or if they contacted us and we are aware of their ad), I tape the ad to the bottom of the questionnaire for exact wording.

Another thing to remember is key words used in employers ads and on their website. You may learn you receive free laundry as a benefit, but the ad may read “limited” laundry. Yet “limited” could be anything. It could mean there is only one washer and one dryer for several workampers. It could mean that it is the business laundry area and that it is only available to workampers at scheduled times. Or something you may not even think of. We recently experienced a “limited” laundry. The employers used this term since the washer had no hot water – it was a cold-wash only. Indeed, it was limited!

Most employers will discuss these things prior to the phone interview, so you should be able to fill in most of your questions. If you do have a concern about something, it is best to bring that up before you get to deep into the interview. There is no sense wasting your time or the employer’s if you feel this isn’t the right position for you.

If you have limited skills, disabilities or prefer not to do certain tasks – make sure you add those to your questionnaire. If the job calls for working in the camp store and the ad state it involves some “cleaning” and you can’t lift over 10 lbs. or refuse to clean toilets, then you need to find out if the employer means sweeping the store and cleaning the windows or something else more physically demanding. There is nothing worse for an employer to have an employee say “I won’t or can’t do that” and it is equally frustrating for the workamper finding themselves in a situation they can’t or don’t want to do – especially if they drove a couple thousands miles for the job.

Take a few minutes and create your own workamp employer questionnaire. These questions  will not only help your decision, but will also let you know what you’re getting into. Our motto is “know before you go!” 

 

A lazy, winter storm watch day!

The weather outside is frightful!

This week we were planning several site-seeing trips in this region, unfortunately we find ourselves in a Winter Storm Watch for the next two days. Apparently Mother Nature says that  South Texas isn’t south enough to escape her winter grasp!

The temperature has already started to drop and the wind gusts are rustling the slide awnings. So we’ve set the propane furnace, turned on a little ceramic heater and declared it a stay-indoors day!

Meanwhile our  camping neighbors are quickly trying to pack and head home. They weren’t prepared for such weather and decided they would spend their vacation in a warm house. The propane truck can be heard a few campsites down. Several of the Winter Texans staying here are in need of propane and with the weather changing, an empty tank is not advised. I imagine as the wind gust escalate, we’ll find more Campers pulling in to hunker down for a day or two. It is difficult to drive a RV during windy and stormy conditions.

Only those who have a purpose to be in this weather are outside. The rest of us are sitting in our RVs and catching up on projects, reading or watching television. We are all just making the most of the situation.

I’ve been updating state photos on THE MODERN NOMAD and scouting for places to visit on our journey eastward in a few weeks. It also makes me wonder where we will be at this time next year.

Last year at this time we were staying on the North Olympic Peninsula, and if I recall, on this very date, we were cold and wet.  Pretty much a typical Washington winter!

Last year on the North Olympic Peninsula.

 Location is a topic that we dwell on, especially at the holidays. I can tell you where I was at various holidays the last several years. Although don’t ask me what I had a breakfast yesterday!

But I am often reminded about the quotes prompting us to reflect on the road of life. They encourage us to remember that life is about the journey and not the destination.

And then I think of all the places we have been. All those rough roads and detours. Funny thing about the rough roads, they make you appreciate the smooth ones even more. And I don’t mind detours anymore (unless we have to back our rig out of one in the dark!) because we often found ourselves in a direction we never would have been. If you spend the journey weaving in-and-out of traffic or speeding along in the fast lane, you miss a great deal.

So who knows where we will be at this time next year. It doesn’t matter much though. What does matter is where we’ve been together. Although if I’m wet and cold, I may grumble a bit.  

Groundhog Day in Texas

Nope, not a groundhog!

No, not a groundhog!

Well, it’s Groundhog Day and folks in the colder regions are not happy! We are still in Texas and the weather has been a bit odd.

We’ve had mostly beautiful sunny days, but there have been a couple weeks of cold fronts pass through and drop the temperatures to near or just below freezing.

 

Today is beautiful though and although I didn’t see any groundhogs on my daily walk, I did see some other critters…

 

 

Hmm...no, not a groundhog!

FYI: I did look up information on groundhogs and there are none in Texas.

I did see one shadow today (and it wasn’t a groundhog!) and I hope it doesn’t mean more cold fronts will pass over Texas.

 Give me 80 degrees and sun every day of the week!

Not a groundhog, but a shadow!

Digital Conversion for Campers

I have been noticing  a number of RVer forums and billboards with flaming posts about digital conversion. Some folks are even saying that it will not bother RVers because all campgrounds have Cable TV (this is not true) or that RV TVs are already equipped for this (again, not necessarily true). This is an issue for everyone who has older TVs and those without additional services, such as Cable or Satellite, and does indeed effect many RVers.

What is Digital TV?

Digital TV involves advanced broadcasting technology that will allow broadcasting stations to offer better sound and picture quality, as well as multicasting ability. Multicasting means the bit stream can be split offering more than one channel. That’s a mouthful, but basically it means a broadcaster can offer more channels.

I have an older TV that I refuse to part with (it has a built in DVD player that I love) and I had to purchase a digital converter box as most of the campgrounds we stay at are not located in areas with Cable TV. I currently pick up a San Antonio channel on box channel 5.1. Multicasting has allowed the broadcasters to turn 5.2 into a local weather channel. Another example is I get a local religious channel on 23.1. The following channel 23.2 is a religious children’s channel. After that, channel 23.3 and 23.4 are religious movie and educational channels. Instead of one channel “23″, I get four channels from this broadcaster. The same with the Spanish channels (one for news, one for Soaps, one for movies). Now this is on our regular RV TV antenna, plus my digital converter box. This is not Cable TV! Right now I get twenty-six channels on my TV with the digital converter box. Before I hooked up the digital converter box, I only received four local (analog) channels at this campground!

There are a few different types of Digital TV, but the most common is Standard, Enhanced and High Definition (HDTV). My converter box is just a SDTV (Standard). It’s not the best quality of the bunch, but quite honestly, I can’t tell the difference between my SDTV and our HDTV!

More information on this can be found at http://www.dtv.gov/index.html.

Digital Converter Box and Antennas

For RVers with newer TVs, you don’t have to do anything. Your TV should be ready for digital. Dig out your owner’s manual or flip through your TV menu and see what options you have. Some TVs are simple, some may involve some reading. Our living room TV (that came with the fifth-wheel) is a flat-screen HDTVand is rather intimidating. It has us digging out the manual just to autoscan channels!

If you are like me and dragged your old TV into your RV, then you will need a converter box. This is no different than hooking up a VCR and if you follow the steps in the manual, you should be watching Digital TV in a matter of minutes.

I was amazed at the features my little Magnavox converter has! I now am able to display a TV guide, digital closed caption and a handful of other great options. Since the digital transition is still taking place, some channels are not operating at full strength, so I do have to autoscan for channels every few days. I’ve picked up a couple more since I hooked up the converter. And as you would  every time you move to another campground, you will have to run autoscan to pick up local channels.

Most converters are running $40 to $70. I recently saw a pallet full at Wal-Mart for $29. There is a TV Converter Box Coupon Program, but they have run out of coupons. There is a waiting list and with the delay in the switch to DTV, you may have a chance to obtain one. (Go to https://www.dtv2009.gov/ for more information on this coupon program). Even if you do obtain a $40 coupon, you must use it within ninety days of receiving it and you must pay all taxes on the box. I bought mine in California and with local and state taxes it was  almost $9 (out-of-pocket) for a $40 converter box with the $40 coupon.

You need a converter box for each TV. So if you have two TVs in your RV and both of them are not DTV-ready, you will need two boxes. If you get involved with the coupon program, you are allowed two coupons ($40 for each) and that can help reduce the cost.

If most of the campgrounds you stay at do have Cable TV or SATV, then you may not want to worry about. You can still hookup your TV to a VCR, DVD player or use it for gaming. If you have reliable internet access, you can watch most of your favorite shows online. Several sites, like Hulu ( www.hulu.com ) post TV shows several days after the show’s original airdate. Some networks, like Fox, post them the next day on their own website. I often watch TV (and movies) online and prefer the lack or reduced frequency of commercials!

RV antennas are not the greatest, but again, if you stay at campgrounds outside major areas, you should still be able to pick up major networks. We have been touring Eastern Texas the past three months and have been fortunate to be near larger cities (San Antonio, Austin and Houston) and haven’t had problems picking up digital signals. I still get channels without the converter on, but boy, the picture is so much prettier on digital! Now snow or lines with the digital converter box. I can see Judge Judy as plain as day!

If you are a RVer and have an older TV or are not staying at a campground with Cable TV or SATV, then you will be without TV reception after the digital transition takes place. Hooking up a digital converter box only takes a few minutes and will transform your snowy analog channels into clear digital ones.

 

Great time to get a RV!

We recently went to a RV dealership to pick up some light bulbs ( why is it RV light bulbs all go out at the same time? ) and decided to look at some of the newer models on the lot.

We have a newer fifth-wheel (2007 Cedar Creek Silverback) and are very happy with it. Our next one – we thought – would be smaller, as 38′ and 4-slides is a lot to handle, especially since the majority of campgrounds are designed for smaller rigs.

Our "bear" of a rig!

We were curious about the new layouts and options and began roaming the RV lot. Imagine our surprise when we found (and fell in love with) a newer Cedar Creek – 40′ long with 5-slides! We inquired about the price and were amazed to hear a cut of $25,000 in price. In fact, the salesman told us that the majority of RV dealerships were dramatically slashing prices.

Of course, we aren’t going to rush into anything, especially since we love our current home. But it is a good time to buy if you are in the market for a RV! However, watch the extended warranty.

Yesterday, the Campers beside us went to take in their 2008 motorhome for its yearly service (part of the extended warranty). They got up early, packed up their stuff for the journey to the service center and waited for their appointment. They were rather shocked when they found out their warranty was “no good”.

A paperwork typo – one number – caused the problem. Unfortunately by the time the error got straightened out, the service center was closing. Now they have to reschedule for another time and make another trip into the city. All because they of a typo in the  VIN number.

If you are in the market for a RV, it is a good time to make a deal. Just make sure to double check your warranty paperwork and verify information, including the VIN number.

A “full” day with our RV neighbors

Most Full-Timers are friendly folks and will assist their camping neighbors anyway they can. Sometimes it is something simple, like helping them back-in their rig or helping them put up a stubborn awning. Yet sometimes it can be more involved.

The other day we found ourselves in an all-day situation. The neighbors were frantic – their black water (sewage) tank was full to the neck of their toilet despite having their tank open and directly connected to the sewer.

Their motor home is new and our first thought was a similar problem we had with our new fifth-wheel. A piece of circular plastic from the tank (we assume from where they drilled one of the openings) was wedged at the opening of the tank that releases into the sewer hose. Several attempts at auto-flush and a couple reverse-flushes managed to clear out the plastic piece. We actually retrieved the plastic piece and sent it to Forest River to let them know about the problem we had, in hopes they would check tanks for this prior to installation.

If only that would have been the problem…

Now our neighbors are not only newbie Full-Timers, but also newbies to the world of RVs. We found they had no extra hosing and no other tank accessories that are pretty crucial for Full-Timers. We loaned them all we could and tried all the tricks we know.

Water pressure at this particular campground is a bit low, making flushing your tanks a pain. You have to really let the water run to keep your sewer hose clean of waste.

I’ll spare you all the crappy details, but after several hours the tank was finally emptied. What filled up their black water tank? They were flushing those thick hand wipes down the toilet!

Now we realize that people flush things down the toilet they shouldn’t, but when you have a RV, you really shouldn’t flush anything that is not biodegradable. In fact, you should use RV toilet paper or a thinner toilet paper that will break down. If you aren’t sure if your favorite brand is okay, grab a piece and place it in a bowl of water. See if it breaks down after a little while. If it doesn’t, then it will lay in your tank if you don’t use enough water to flush it out.

The RV neighbors also didn’t know they needed to treat their tanks and didn’t even know they had an auto-flush system. Needless to say, they were flushed (sorry, can’t help myself!) with embarrassment and are going to dig out their owner’s manual to educate themselves on their RV.

So if you are new RVer, you should take the time to find out about your rig. You don’t want to be caught with a full tank!

Double your RV room with slides

Double the room!

 

Our fifth-wheel has four slides, two of which are in the second bedroom.  From the back view it is eye-catching and we do receive a numerous questions and inquiries about the layout of our rig, especially “that double slide in back”.

When we were looking at fifth-wheels, there were only a few with double slide rooms. Recently we were surprised to see that double slide rooms were in several 2009 models. Several we saw where designed as second bedrooms, while a few were extended living rooms (with sofa, recliners and entertainment centers).

It appears newer designs are now geared toward practical living and the changes in the economy. An increasing number of Full-Timers aren’t just couples – they are families. Several of our friends travel with a widowed parent or their single adult child or young children.

After we first brought this fifth-wheel “home” – all our friends were surprised by the second bedroom. It wasn’t as common a few years ago. Second bedrooms were usually designed for children and they lacked practical use for Full-Timers.

I have the second bedroom and most of our friends consider it “the hotel room”. Not only do I have adequate storage, I have an incredible living space. I have a double bed, sofa, shelving, dresser drawers, closet, book shelves and entertainment and knick-knack shelves. I have even decorated it to my tastes – including custom curtains and wallpaper border.   

There are drawbacks to double slide rooms. One is the fact they slide into each other during travel. So if you intend to park overnight and not put out your slides, chances are your slide layout will prevent you from using that room or getting access to drawers and cabinets. In our case, if we park overnight or boondock without the slides out, I must sleep on the living room sofa. While we travel I have an overnight-slash-emergency bag that I have in case we can’t put the slides out.

Slides are not as insulated as solid walls, so when you have a room with double slides, you have less insulation. And, because electrical outlets aren’t put in slide-outs, you will be limited to outlets central located. This also goes for heating and air-conditioning ducts.

Another problem with double slides is trying to find the perfect camp site! Many campgrounds have obstacles – trees, bushes, tall electrical panels, posts, etc… We have found ourselves in many tight spots with the double slides.

It really depends on your needs, but for us, the double slide is worth the drawbacks. Here is a look into our second bedroom with the double slides – and I won’t even ask you to take your shoes off!

     

  

 

49 Places to Visit – Period.

Bodie State Historic Park, CA

I recently read an article on places you “must” visit in the United States before you die and I was shaking my head in disbelief. The writer focused more on expensive lodging (and wine) and it read like an advertisement in a hospitality trade magazine.

I always wonder how much travelling the writers of these “must visit” articles have done and the reasons they pick various destinations. The usually do not explain their criteria for choosing these “must visit” sites.

Of course, that prompted me to think of places that I personally recommend folks visit! My criteria for these are based on the following: historic significance, photographic opportunities, expense and remoteness.

I think historic significance is very important. It makes your trip more than just a vacation; it makes it a learning experience. Opinions vary on the subject of what is beautiful, so I think a photographic opportunity is a good way to describe an area. It may not be breathtaking to someone, but they’ll find their camera memory card full when they leave! With the economy these days, most folks have found a tighter budget, especially dealing with travel and vacations. These destinations are either free or have a modest admission charge. They also have other sites or attractions nearby that are affordable to the average family. Remoteness is another criterion, as some of those “must visit” destinations are so far off the map that they are not practical for most families to visit. These destinations are accessible to anyone – no need to parachute in or trek 30 miles through the jungle to get to it! And most are great spots for RVers and families to spend some quality time.

Many state or national parks are either free or involve a small fee. If you plan to experience a few of America’s incredible parks, take advantage of purchasing an annual National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass ( http://www.nps.gov/ ) . If you are 62 or older, it only costs you $10!

Here are 49 destinations – one in each state that that I have visited (sorry Hawaii… haven’t got to you yet!) that I recommend seeing if you get the chance. A few states have numerous sites of interests (like lighthouses).

 1) U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville – AL (Great museum and exhibits; also home to the U.S. Space Camp. This is very educational for all ages.)

2) Gulf of Alaska, Seward – AK (Take a glacier cruise and experience glaciers, whales and the most beautiful scenery you can imagine! If you take the train from Anchorage, make sure you allow enough time to explore Seward before or after your cruise.)

3) Grand Canyon National Park – AZ (After touring the park, I took a helicopter tour – amazing!)

4) Crater of Diamonds State Park, Murfreesboro – AR (Hunt for precious stones and diamonds at the only diamond site available to the public. Keep what you find!)

5) Bodie State Historic Park, Bridgeport – CA (A modern day “ghost town” kept exactly as it was when the state acquired it. Be prepared to spend the day to enjoy this amazing look at our past!)

6) Mesa Verde National Park, Cortez – CO (Anasazi ruins that you won’t forget! Dress for walking though.)

7) Lighthouses – CT (There are a handful of breathtaking lighthouses that shouldn’t be missed!)

8 ) Lighthouses – DE (The thing I like about this region of the U.S. is the lighthouses and there are some interesting ones in DE.)

9) Orlando / Kissimmee / St. Cloud – FL (There is so much to see and do in Florida, that I couldn’t narrow it down to that “one thing”. This region is great because it’s only 2 hours from the coast and pretty much anything you like to do is nearby! From theme parks to flea markets to nature walks and great food – it’s all here!)

10) High Falls State Park, Jackson – GA (Interesting history how this area became a “ghost town”. Now it’s a beautiful park with great places to hike and camp along the river.)

11) Ghost Towns – ID (Many people don’t realize that Idaho has a number of ghost and mining towns left to explore. A few of the state park sites offer gold panning as well.)

12) Super Museum, Metropolis – IL (Yep, Superman! Kids will love it and adults will remember the good old days. IL is actually a “super” state, with the Dick Tracy museum.)

13) Shipshewana – IN (From flea markets and shopping to experiencing the Amish culture, there is something for everyone here.)

14) Covered Bridges / John Wayne’s Birthplace, Winterset – IA (If you enjoyed the movie and book about Madison County, it is definitely a must see. Although a few driving tours are not good for RVs or big rigs. If you like trains, you may want to head over to Boone and hope on the B&SV!)

15) Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway – KS (From sandhill cranes to bald eagles, an amazing route!)

16) Mammoth Cave National Park – KY (A must see if you enjoy exploring caverns. They offer a variety of tours and have senior rates. If you aren’t a cave person, then the next spot to see in KY would be Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.)

17) North & South Toledo Bend – LA (This region has so much to see and do it would keep an active family very busy for several weeks. From historic sites to aquariums to outdoor activities!)

18) Lighthouses / Bridges / Waterfalls – ME (Too numerous to list, but if you haven’t visited a lighthouse, you haven’t experienced ME!)

19) Assateague Island National Seashore – MD (See the wild horses at Assateague Island, but remember they are wild and are not tame animals. Respectfully observe from a distance.)

20) Salem – MA (Rich in history and plenty to see and do!)

21) Mesick – MI (Go mushroom hunting! Although it is not recommend for big rigs to go into the parks. Find a campground to unhook your tow. There is nothing like getting up before the deer and tromping in the woods for morels!)

22) Voyageurs National Park, International Falls – MN (A water-based park that is great to canoe or kayak.)

23) Gulf Islands National Seashore – MS (Before another hurricane hits the Gulf coast – go see it!)

24) Meramec Caverns, Stanton – MO (Missouri is a great state for touring caves and families will love this one. It’s open year-round and we actually toured the caverns in the winter.)

25) Wild Horse Island State Park, Kalispell – MT (Don’t miss this park on your way to Glacier National Park!)

26) Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park – NE (Lots of birding opportunities in NE, but don’t forget about the past!)

27) Hoover Dam / Lake Mead / Las Vegas – NV (RVers will be stopped by Homeland Security to search your rig before crossing Hoover Dam and once at the dam, be prepared for congestion as you navigate the winding way down. Hoover Dam tours are rather expensive for families, but watch the movie VEGAS VACATION before you go so you know what you missed on the “dam tour”. )

28) Shaker Village, Canterbury – NH (Lots to do in NH, but this is a great stop that is often overlooked.)

29) Lighthouses – NJ (Plenty of really neat lighthouses in NJ, especially Cape May.)

30) International UFO Museum & Research Center, Roswell – NM (Roswell is really a neat tourist stop that has a little bit everything. Their museum and art center is also well worth a visit!)

31) Sleepy Hollow – NY (Where else can you visit Headless Horsemen Bridge, Sleepy Hollow cemetery and Sing Sing Prison Museum on the same day?)

32) Nantahala National Forest, Bryson City – NC (Catch the train along the Tuckasegee River and through Nantahala Gorge, then visit the outdoor center and go white water rafting. It’s a beautiful area and incredible drive.)

33) International Peace Gardens, Densieth – ND (Why not visit Canada while you’re there? Park also has building remains from the World Trade Center.)

34) National Museum of the USAF, Dayton – OH (Great museum and lots to do around the Dayton – Cincinnati region – from great food to flea markets and King’s Island.)

35) Museums, Tulsa – OK (A variety of great museums in Tulsa that appeal to all ages.)

36) Sea Lion Caves, Florence – OR (See Stellar sea lions year-round and get an amazing view of the OR coast and Heceta Head lighthouse – which is just “down the road”.)

37) Lancaster County – PA (Really worth visiting and especially experiencing a buggy ride!)

38) Heritage Walks – RI (They call their historic walking trails “heritage walks”. A lot of great historic buildings and sites to see – especially like Southeast lighthouse at Block Island.)

39) Myrtle Beach – SC (Great destination for families and RVers – plenty to do for all budgets! We usually state at Ocean Lakes Family CG – it’s like a city itself and right on the ocean.)

40) Badlands National Park – SD (If you can’t make it to the Grand Canyon and are already heading for Mount Rushmore, then you must stop at the Badlands. And while you are in SD, don’t forget to visit Wall Drug or Corn Palace!)

41) Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge / Sevierville – TN (This area is not only beautiful but great for all families. From scenery to outlet malls, to trolleys and fun centers, to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – this region in the Smokey’s offers a little bit of everything.

42) The Alamo, San Antonio – TX (Many sites to see in Texas, but a visit isn’t complete until you visit the historic Alamo and experience San Antonio’s River Walk.)

43) Arches National Park, Moab – UT (We actually visited this park in the winter and it was incredible with the snow! If you don’t like crowds, winter is perfect for visiting this park. Just be prepared for the winter weather and pay attention to the local forecast.)

44) Connecticut River Byway – VT (Scenic byway that goes for hundreds of miles and has plenty of covered bridges to keep your camera busy!)

45) Blue Ridge Parkway / Shenandoah Valley, Waynesboro – VA (Start at Waynesboro, VA and head south along “America’s Favorite Drive” to enjoy the Parkway, Shen Valley and continue south to the Great Smoky National Park ending in North Carolina. And don’t forget to explore the historic towns along the way!)

46) Olympic National Park / Hurricane Ridge, Port Angeles – WA (If you only visit one place in WA, this is the place. ONP has so much to offer – from the Hoh Rainforest to Mt. Olympus. You need at least a week in this area – more if you want to hike and explore everything the Olympic Peninsula has to offer. And don’t forget to catch a ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria, BC for a day trip to Canada.)

47) Harper’s Ferry National Historic Park – WV (Great place to hike and explore the past!)

48) Botanical Gardens – WI (Surprisingly, WI has some great gardens. And most U.S. botanical gardens have reciprocal agreements for members. So if you belong to one botanical garden, see if you get in others free or for reduced cost.)

49) Yellowstone National Park – WY (Spend at least a few days to enjoy the area and take advantage of activities, such as fishing and hiking. We especially enjoyed a small bus tour which focused on the geological formations.)

Feel free to add your own “must sees” by commenting. And if you’ve been to Hawaii – don’t hold back! I want to know where to go when I finally get there!

Hoh Rainforest - Olympic National Park, WA

Always on the Move

Great Blue Heron along the river.

A number of folks think only retirees are Full-Timers and, of course, that’s not the case. There are many who families, younger couples and singles who enjoy the RV lifestyle. So what do we do when we aren’t workamping, volunteering or traveling? Pretty much anything people with stick-houses do!

One of the things we enjoy is hiking and walking. I make a point to take the digital camera along every time – I love to take photos. The photo above was actually taken on my walk along the river earlier today. You never know what you are going to see. The other day I saw my first Coypu, but it went under the water before I could snap a photo.

Of course, when you are staying in an area  for a short or limited period of time, you have to make the most of it. I remember getting up one morning to a nippy 32 degrees and hiking through old growth forest to Sol Duc Falls (Olympic National Park). By the time we got back it was snowing and very slippery. We could have postponed the hike for another day, but if we kept doing that, we may not have gotten to see it and experience nature in such an amazing winter setting. So we always make a point to make the most of our time in an area. I have found this creates richer memories.

Bicycling is another popular hobby among RVers. We have folding bikes we purchased from a marine store. They only weigh about 15 pounds each and fold into a travel bag. They are great for around parks and designated bike trails. One place we workamped, I even road my bike to the entrance gate each morning (to unlock it). Although I was startled one morning when two coyote darted in front of me! I hit the brakes and looked up the hill to see them chasing two deer. I would have missed that if I drove the noisy company car down to the gate.

Reading is a big hobby and most campgrounds and RV resorts offer either a lending library or a place to leave books, magazines and directories. A few we have been to even have places to swap jigsaw puzzles, road maps, coupons and catalogs. We have made a lot of new friends just by sitting outside in our lawn chairs. There is just something about reading a book outside that attracts folks!

Larger campgrounds and RV resorts usually have a number of social activities – so there is always plenty of opportunities to make friends “at home”.  We have stayed at parks with golf clubs (they had a golf course right there at the park), computer clubs, Red Hat Ladies, monthly or annual potlucks, choral groups, bingo, art and craft clubs, tennis clubs and other activities. One we stayed at had French classes (which I enjoyed) and even karate classes. So it is very easy to socialize – even if you are only staying a few days. I think I know more about Campers I’ve played bingo with than my friends!

My pressed penny and quarter collection

Individual hobbies are the same for Full-Timers, except on a smaller scale because of the storage space and transportation issues (nothing too bulky or  fragile). Personally, I collect travel-related items: postcards, pressed pennies and quarters (from a machine at an attraction – some folks refer to them as “squashed pennies”, ”souvenir pennies” or “oblongateds”), campground maps (not as popular as collecting restaurant menus), souvenir tee shirts and unique travel mementos. In my free time, I enjoy origami, kirigami, making ningyo dolls and Sumi-e painting. These items take up little space and keep me out of trouble.

Many RVers enjoy the internet and email. It not only allows us to stay in touch with friends and family, but interact with other RVers and plan our routes. A number of Full-Timers have blogs, websites and photo galleries to maintain.

There are numerous things to keep us Full-Timers on the move, even when we’re parked!

Saving Money RVing

Right now with the scary economic situation, many folks are looking into becoming RVers. The RV lifestyle is a cheaper way to live, yet there things to keep in mind before making that lifestyle leap.

Even if a Full-Timer doesn’t own a stick-house, doesn’t mean they don’t have monthly payments to make on their rig and/or tow vehicles, as well as credit cards, food and medical expenses and any other regular bills. Even used RVs can cost more than the average house. And unlike thirty-year mortgages  for stick-houses, you can usually only extend your payment to ten years on a RV.

Campgrounds or RV resorts vary in monthly or annual rates – some can be as low as $150 a month (in Texas, if you’re curious!) and exceed $2800 a month (Key West). Keep in mind this is just “rent” you pay to park your RV. It should include sewer, water, garbage service and electricity. However, electricity may be metered – so you may find yourself with a monthly electric bill. Extra amenities, such as Cable TV or SAT TV, WiFi and park activities are usually free, but many parks are now charging modest fees for monthly and annual stays. Always check into this before committing to a particular campground or RV resort.

And don’t forget you need fuel and propane. Right now the prices on both are going down, but that is always subject to change and does vary area-to-area. We paid $5.29 for diesel leaving California and are now paying $1.89 for it in Texas. Big difference! Propane in Washington was $3.50 and in Texas we have been paying $2.20. So it makes budgeting difficult.

Yet you can save money while RVing or living the RV lifestyle! The most popular is to be a Camp Host or work at a campground or RV resort to get a free (or reduced) site space and utilities. Often these positions come with additional perks, such as free Cable TV, WiFi, discounted propane, laundry allowances and even pay. This alone can say you hundreds to thousands of dollars each month and basically give you free living.

If you find a camp hosting position that provides discounted propane or provides a propane allowance (meaning you are allowed so many free fill-ups per month), then that helps reduce propane costs. Another way to save on propane is to shop around. Some campgrounds provide propane services and often this may be more expensive than traveling a few miles into town. If you have a motorhome and rely on a propane truck to come into the campground to fill your tanks, you should consider getting a spare that you can take elsewhere to refill until you can drive your motorhome to propane dealer. For example, our motorhome neighbors who have to rely on the propane truck are paying $3.50 for propane and we take our tanks into town (6 miles) and pay only $2.20.

Another thing to mention is if you are not paying for monthly electricity and have everything on propane (hot water heater, refrigerator, furnace) then you should switch it to electricity to save your propane. If your not in an extremely cold climate, consider getting a ceramic heater to help reduce use of the furnace. If you are paying for monthly electricity usage, then you may want to do the opposite and switch them over to propane. It depends on what it is costing you in the long run. Do the math and see which is best for your situation.

You can save money on fuel several ways. First and foremost – pay cash! Most fuel stops are now charging for credit card purchases. It may be faster to put your credit card in to pay, but if you’re barely making your credit card payment… the interest is going to increase your fuel costs even more… so keep this in mind when you pay at the pump. Secondly, consider joining frequent fuel-er programs. Many are worth the saving involved. Most larger truck stops and travel centers have some sort of program. And often there are additional perks to these programs. For instance, Flying J has a frequent fuel-er program, but if you upgrade to the RV card you also get a discount on propane! And the more you fuel up, the more savings you get. Some programs include other services, such as store purchases and restaurant visits. Nothing beats a fuel stop than the clerk telling you that you have a free pizza owed to you or you just saved $15 with your card! And if you are planning to make a long haul through remote regions, consider purchasing a few fuel cans. When you arrive at a place with cheaper fuel, fill them up. This way when you travel and see the insane “only gas station for 300 miles” prices, you can toot your horn and keep driving by.  Even if you aren’t making a long trip, filling up your extra tanks before prices rise (especially at the holidays) can save you a few extra dollars. Just make sure your extra tanks are secure and if visible, have some sort of chain-lock through them. If your rig or tow vehicles don’t have locking gas caps, you should look into that as well. While parked in the campground you can save money on fuel by car-pooling with a camping neighbor. This sort of arrangement is always appreciated and can be alternated between neighbors. If you’re close to town consider using local transportation, such as a shuttle or bus service or ride your bike.

Camping supplies can be costly, especially if you buy them from a camping store. Shop around! For instance, those quick-flick lighters RVers love to ignite their gas stoves can cost $5 in a camping supply store, $3 at Wal-mart and only $1 at the Dollar Tree. It’s pretty much the same thing – may not be the designer color you want – but still fits the same purchase. If there is something camping-related you need – such as a folding bike or lounge chairs – check your campground bulletin board. Often RVers upgrade (or downsize) and have items to sell or even giveaway. If you need some sort of part for your rig – contact your RV dealer and see if you are still under warranty. You would be surprised how many people forget that certain items are guaranteed longer. If not, ask the dealer about a customer discount. Sometimes they will take a percentage off your bill for purchasing a RV through their dealership. They recognize your patronage and want to keep you as a customer.

Campground pecans - free food!

Food expenses have been a recent concern for folks as fuel prices have fluctuated. Many campgrounds offer coupon exchange areas (usually located in the laundry areas). Don’t be too proud to use coupons! And if  you have extra, share them with your fellow Campers. If you belong to a wholesale or discount club, make sure you really are getting a deal. Sometimes you’ll find that they are actually higher on bulk items. If bulk is a better deal, but you have no extra space, consider going in with a neighbor on the deal! Most Full-Time RVers belong to either Costco or SAM’s Club and love sharing deals with other Campers. And sharing a meal or having a weekly potluck with your camping neighbors is a great way to help cut food costs.

Also, take advantage of local farmer’s markets and flea markets. If you are getting ready to move on, stock up on the local fare. While in Washington we bought twenty pounds of potatoes for only $2. Before we moved on, we made sure we had plenty. Our next stop we found that twenty pounds potatoes would cost us $6. When we left California, we made sure we had plenty of citrus and olives on hand. Before our next move we will have about five pounds of Texas pecans (free for the picking here in the campground) ready to go with us.

Living the RV life can be more affordable if you keep your eyes on the road ahead and wisely manage (and limit) your expenses.

 

One way in or you’re flat-out!

The other night I awoke to a series of sounds that had me flying out of bed to see what was going on outside.

I looked out the living room window to see a compact car literally crawling down the road. A rather loud “flup flup” could be heard from its flat tires. The vehicle pulled into an empty campsite, turned around and headed back toward the exit.

With only one street light near us, I couldn’t recognize the model or even the color of the vehicle. It would have been rather interesting (okay, funny, I admit it!) to see where the vehicle ended up and how far it got on four flat tires.

The campground where we are currently staying has gator teeth at both exits. This eliminates the need for gates, while protecting the Campers from those who did not belong - such as the compact car!

We have stayed at a few campgrounds and RV resorts that had no gate houses, gates, gator teeth or in even sign-in policies to control who was in park. These parks are prone to outside traffic – not all of which is good.

While workamping as Camp Hosts, we dealt with some issues with outside traffic. One RV resort we worked at had a shared entrance and exit and all vehicles had to check-in at the office. Campers or Visitors who had already been in the office were issued bright vehicle tags. This helped eliminate the outside traffic and kept the park safe.

One morning, during the Easter holidays, I decided to open the office earlier in anticipation of a busy day. I was just putting the key in the door when an old pickup truck filled with bicycles pulled into the park. Ignoring the check-in sign and STOP sign), the pickup continued into the campground. Fortunately my folks (and fellow Camp Hosts) were just getting on the park golf cart to do the morning rounds and heard me yell after the truck. ( By the way, if you are ever a Camp Host – yelling at fleeing vehicles doesn’t get them to stop! ) They took off after him in the golf cart and waved at him to go back to the office. He turned his pickup around in an empty RV site and pulled up to the office. Once he turned the truck engine off, the three of us walked up to the driver’s side window and asked if we could help him.

He gave us a story about visiting his local friend “Charlie”. Since I had been on office duty for several days, I knew every Camper in the park. Not only was there no one by that name registered, but every Camper during the time was actually from out-of-state or not even from the country! A handful of guests were Canadians who took their RVs across on the ferry. When I said he could come into the office and we could try to find his friend’s campsite number on the main listing, he said it “wasn’t important” and left.

We suspected he came into the park to steal bicycles, which is actually a common theft item in campgrounds. We recorded the license plate number and descriptions of the truck and driver. I called the park owner and alerted her to the situation. She figured our hunch was right and alerted authorities about the vehicle. Meanwhile, for the safety of our fellow Campers, we stopped at every campsite with bicycles, kayaks and other outside toys and reminded them to keep their items secure during their stay with us.

Gator Teeth

I know that some folks are terrified of driving over gator teeth – even the correct way. Our home camp in Florida had these for several years before a keycard entry was installed and one of my local friends refused to visit in her own vehicle for fear of  ”the teeth”.

Although they may be nuisance or concern for some Campers, they really are for our protection. So the next time you stay in a campground or RV resort with gator teeth or other one-way obstacles, remember they are keeping outsiders flat-out!

 

Winter Texans meet Spring Breakers

This is the first time we’ve been Winter Texans and we had no idea about what happens in March and April. Our Full-Timing friends neglected to tell us about all the excitement!

Some Winter Texans (also known as seasonal RVers or “snowbirds”) begin to move to their favorite campgrounds and resorts further north. They spend a couple weeks to a month or more at these campgrounds before heading for their summer destination.

Why? Reasons vary from the folks we’ve talked to, but most like to break up the long drive through Texas and visit with other Seasonals before they move on. We met  two couples from Kansas that stay in the same RV resort in the summer and drive down to Texas together in the winter. However, one couple stays in Brownsville, while the other couple spends the winter travelling the state visiting friends and family. They actually meet at this campground and stay for a couple weeks before heading back to Kansas together.

Traffic jam in the campground!

The park where we are staying (before leaving Texas ourselves) is filling up rather quickly with Seasonals waiting to leave for their summer destination. It’s been rather chaotic with old friends reuniting and new ones being made.

Now it’s Spring Break! With travellers having problems returning from Mexico and the way the economy is, many families have decided to vacation closer to home. And for most, that means heading to their favorite campground or RV resort!

Three rigs backing into sites at once.

The past week has been one of the busiest I’ve ever seen any campground! It is non-stop activity of campers coming in and out. At one point, I saw three rigs come in and have three sites directly beside each other. Since there was a line of traffic waiting, all three rigs began to back into their sites at the same time! It was rather exciting to watch, as there were several obstacles for each rig, as well as watching for the others backing.

So there has been plenty of excitement here as an influx of Winter Texans meet-up with Spring Breakers!

 

Proud to be a Full-Timer

It’s a beautiful Sunday in Texas and we thought we would sit outside in our lawn chairs and read. A few of our fellow Full-Timers came over and started up a conversation that went from books to favorite flavors of ICEEs. Just a relaxing Sunday…so we thought.

We had been talking a few minutes when a woman walked up to the group and said, “How long are you folks staying?” We all replied a few more weeks. The woman said mumbled something about it must be nice to be on vacation that long, when one of the group members explained we were Full-Timers.

Now, imagine our surprise when she said, “Oh, well you’re trash from where I come from.” Then she walked away with disgust.

We were absolutely shocked. We all watched her walk away. No one said a thing. In fact, the only thing you could hear at the time was our jaws dropping.

Personally I thought that it was a joke. I looked around for cameras – surely someone was filming a hidden-camera show and we were the next skit? No, no cameras. The woman was for real.

She knew nothing about any of us, yet she blatantly called us trash. No, excuse me, she said we were trash.

I’m not a confrontational person, but this was rather upsetting to me that someone would make such a bold judgment and not even allow a response. I was curious and decided to see where this woman was from.

I saw her several sites down by a fifth-wheel – she was sitting on a lawn chair and drinking a can of soda. I never said anything to her but glanced at the pickup truck beside the rig and saw it had Texas license plates and several Austin stickers on the tailgate.

The group was still gathered near our site and several other Full-Timers had emerged to listen to the tale of the hit-and-run trash-talker.

I mentioned what I saw and one person said, “Oh, well, if they’re from Austin, that explains it.”

Well, I don’t quite understand what that means and find myself not really caring. I mean, why should I fall into the stereotype trap as this trash-talker?

As a Full-Timer I feel that we are a benefit to society. We bring money to local communities. From buying local produce and eating at local restaurants to visiting local attractions and attending local events – Full-timers are adding revenue to each area they visit.

They also help promote communities – they either tell other travelers or share their photos and stories online about the areas attractions and help increase tourism.

When staying in an area for an extended stay, many Full-Timers contribute to the community by volunteering their time or donating money or goods to local charities. I personally have over 350 hours of volunteer time – from the State of Florida to the State of Washington.

We are big on community. People in stick-houses go years (or decades) without knowing their neighbors. Full-Timers know their neighbors, be it for a day, a week or a year. We are there for our neighbors – we don’t ask for anything out of it. It’s just something we do to help our fellow RVers.

Full-Timers may not have stick-houses, but we do pay taxes. From Federal taxes to local sales taxes to toll road fees, we are paying our share to help keep the country running.

You will find that most Full-Timers are in support of parks and environmental-related causes. We help maintain our national and state parks by purchasing annual park passes and volunteering at them.  We contribute to eco-charities and causes and encourage others to do the same. Many of us pay fees or buy permits to hike, camp or fish areas – with the money going back into preserving these areas.

We have much smaller carbon footprints than those in stick-homes. Yes, we may put more mileage on, but we also take better care of our vehicles. Most Full-Timers are aware of their vehicles needs and constantly make sure they run as efficiently as possible. Those of us who need trucks to tow our fifth-wheels and travel trailers have newer diesels that run on bio-fuels. Those who have tow vehicles (”toads”) for their motorhomes or motorcoaches have hybrids or vehicles with a better gas mileage than standard vehicles.

Full-Timers live by the code – recycle, reduce, reuse. We recycle everything we can because if we can’t recycle it back into society it’s trash. We don’t like trash! Rarely will you see a Full-Timer with more than a tiny bag of trash. Reducing is automatic for us. Needless packaging and extra “stuff” is just a waste of space and energy to us. And we reuse like you wouldn’t believe! If we can’t reuse it ourselves, we’ll find a good home for it (often sharing it with other RVers or passing it on to a local charity).

Chevy Silverado

We also buy American-made RVs and vehicles. Drive through any campground and you’ll see the overwhelming majority of fifth-wheels and travel trailers are being towed by GMCs, Chevys and Ford trucks. Toads vary, but favorites include Saturns, Jeeps and hybrids. We take great pride in our rigs and you can usually spot a Full-Timer by the blinding glare of polish on their RV. (Currently ours has 3 coats!)

And then there are those Full-Timers who rebuild or renovate RVs. These conversions are the ultimate in recycling, reducing and reusing! These folks use their know-how to take an older RV or bus and convert into something amazing. They buy local products and use local services to achieve their custom dream.

This is just a few of the many ways Full-Timers benefit American society. You can talk-trash me, but I really don’t care. I’m proud to be a Full-Time RVer!

Snowbirds Leaving… No Fool’n!

Despite the crazy weather across the United States, the Snowbirds (mostly Seasonal RVers) are flocking back to the northern regions. It has made for an interesting week here. Snowbirds have been packing up and heading out.

We have decided to stay in Texas a couple weeks longer, not too eager to get into any odd weather or worse, the colds and flu bugs that usually follow!  So we have been watching our neighbors come and go the past several days.

One pair of Snowbirds had a bad winter (health-wise) and needed some help loading up their tows (motorcycle and car) on a trailer. That itself turned into quite an ordeal. The fellow that loaded the motorcycle stalled it on the ramp and almost dumped it. Fortunately another loader came to his rescue. Then they moved the trailer onto an empty site until they could finish loading. And wouldn’t you know it… here comes a Camper! Since no one else was around who could move it, the new Camper had to unhook his rig and drop it right on the road while moving the trailer to yet another empty site. When it was finally time for the Snowbirds to load their vehicle onto the trailer, they had problems hitching it and getting the lights to work! And that’s just one of the things that have went on this week.

Never a dull moment, especially when the Snowbirds start to flock!

Be wary of work camp scams

With the economy the way it is, many folks are looking for jobs or ways to make additional income to make ends meet.

Recently the spotlight has been aimed at workamping. Even CNN ran a piece on workamping jobs ( Lots of Jobs for Workampers ).  Online searches for jobs and information on the RV lifestyle have increased. Many people are looking for options for working and living without a towering mortgage payment and other associated-bills.

Unfortunately, this has provided scammers more innocent folks to target. For those who use free work camp posting sites, they find themselves open to false “job opportunity” emails and phone calls. So how do you know what is legit and what isn’t?

If you have received an offer in your spam folder chances are that’s exactly where it belongs. Yet sometimes workamp employers do send out multiple emails and this could be sorted into your spam folder. So you’ll want to check to see what the email address is. Legitimate employers usually have an email address that makes sense (not some jumbled numbers and letters) and have their name or business name associated with the email. The email should provide (at the very minimum) basic information about the position(s). If you receive a phone call, the employer should identify themselves and provide you information on the position.

Genuine employers should not ask you for any personal information other than a standard resume and references. Do not give out your social security number, bank information or anything else. And do not even send your resume or personal information to employers who do not give you some information first. Anyone can send you an email stating “I have a job offer, send me your resume and personal information”. If they haven’t explained enough about the position and you feel uncomfortable, tell them you need more information about the position before you “formally apply”. A real employer will understand this and respect it.

And remember – no good job offer will ask you to pay money or put down some sort of deposit for the position. Now, there is one campground in Arizona that wants workampers to put down a $500 deposit so they don’t leave prior to their contracted end-date. This is absolutely ridiculous. If you are working a trade-for-site position you are already working weekly work hours for your site (week-by-week). They have no right to charge you $500 if you leave earlier. They are taking money from you from hours you already worked and were “owed” anyway. Yet some people have ended up putting the money on their credit card thinking this is how you get a workamp job. It’s not and you shouldn’t have to pay to work. If this employer has a problem keeping people, then that is a reflection on management and/or work conditions.

Some employers may ask for a deposit on equipment (such as radios or cell phones) used during the contract period. If this is the case, make sure you have something in writing to show what you were given and the condition it was in when given to you. Keep a copy of the check or deposit receipt to show the money to be returned to you when you return the equipment. Also make sure you get something in writing to show it was returned. If possible, take a photo of the equipment after it was received and right before it was return. Make sure your deposit (if taken) is returned promptly.

If you are looking for a workamp position without the hassle of scams, I recommend subscribing to the Workamper News and upgrading to “Workamper Plus”. This way only legitimate employers will have access to your information and if you have any serious problems with any advertised or subscribing employers, you can contact the Workamper News with your concerns. They also have a great forums and a community area to stay in touch with other workampers.

Another thing I would like to mention is upcoming changes to KOA’s (Kampgrounds of America) Workamper Program. As of April 30, 2009, to be a part of this program, you must pay an annual fee of $35. With this you can post your resume on their website and search for jobs at KOA campgrounds. Before this was absolutely free. Being a “member” of their new KOA Workamper Membership (as it is now called) includes a 10% discount at all KOAs. This is something you can get with the standard KOA card (only $24 annually) and if you work with KOA you are given travel vouchers between KOA jobs. So having to pay to receive a discount (which you shouldn’t need anyway!) and to apply for a position with them is rather ridiculous. Having participated in this program before, I have found that many KOAs do not update their job listings or respond to applicants. Save yourself the $35 fee and just subscribe to Workamper News. Many KOAs advertise through Workamper News anyway!

If you are searching for a work camp job, be wary of scams. Do your homework! Don’t send out personal information and never pay for a job. And if it sounds too good to be true – it probably is!

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Workamping: Working in a RV

Workamping Pros and Cons

Is Workamping for You?

Know Before You Go

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Support Your RV Lifestyle by Jaimie Hall

 

 

Easter Weekend Camping

It’s Easter weekend and the campground is beginning to fill up with Weekenders and Day-users. Yesterday it reached 100 degrees (yes!) and I imagine the lure of the river and water activities will keep everyone cool this weekend – provided Mother Nature complies – they have anticipated some storms for Easter Sunday.

One thing that always bothers me about weekend tenters is the neglect of nature during their camping trip. Many folks don’t hesitate to put their tents over a patch of wildflowers or crank up the radio so you can’t hear the birds and other sounds of nature. They leave behind litter and hazards to wildlife.

So before the lovely Spring blooms disappear and the birds went into hiding for the weekend, I snapped some photos. Enjoy!

 

         

 After Easter Update: Yes, most of the lovely flowers are gone. Unfortunately one patch was even used as a dumping ground for ash/charcoal remains. Although Mother Nature must have a plan – they anticipate several days of rain which will bring out more flowers. The birds can be seen and heard now. Ah, nature has returned to the campground once again!

Birds and RV Windows…

Bird perched on a Raptor (RV that is!)

For several days I was amazed to see birds hit the windows of a nearby RV toy hauler. It wasn’t just one bird (or species for that matter) and no birds appeared harmed by it. They would simply fly up to the slide windows and somehow appear to cling to the glass for several seconds. Then the birds would fly off to a nearby tree or land on the top of the slide. It was rather curious behavior and no one seemed to know what was going on.

Imagine my surprise when yesterday morning a heard tapping on my bedroom slide. Before I could get the window shade up I heard tapping on the sofa slide! Yet again, before I could get the shade up, it stopped. At this point the sound moved to the living room slide and all of us were wondering what was going on.

One of the window bandits watches from a nearby tree!

Fortunately we managed to see what was going on – the birds were hitting our slide windows! And they began repeating the pattern, returning to my bedroom slide and continuing to the other slide windows. This continued for about thirty minutes.

By seeing the birds  from the inside, I could see they were actually hovering very close to the glass and actually tapping it with their bills or claws. The reason they were hitting the glass was to catch insects!

I’m not sure why it was just the slide windows, unless they were trapping the insect swarms in the slide corners. It was hard to tell. Whatever the case, the birds certainly knew what they were doing!

 

In sickness and travel

Today a health emergency was declared in the United States because of the recent spread of the swine flu. For Seasonal and Full-Time RVers on the move to their summer stays, this is an issue we don’t take likely.

Many Seasonals and Full-Timers winter along the Texas-Mexico or Arizona-Mexico border and either make shopping trips across the border or come in contact with those who have. And the winter RVers are a mix of American and Canadian citizens.

So not only is there a concern of being exposed to it crossing state lines, but from Mexico or the US into Canada. With cases reported in New York, many of our Canadian Seasonal friends who spend a month in New York before returning home for the summer are worried about it.

There are precautions you can take to prevent yourself from getting and spreading disease. My family and I actually became more conscious of the spread of diseases several years ago when I was undergoing cancer treatment. I couldn’t be around anyone sick or exposed to other diseases during that time. It changed how we viewed the “outside” world.

Here are some things you can do to protect your family from disease while you are on the road.

Have hand sanitizer in your vehicle. Make sure you have a small bottle for each person (put it in each person’s door or the center council and mark their name on it). The best kind to have is the ones that require no water. Each time people get into the vehicle, they should clean their hands. If the person handled other public items prior to getting in (such as touching a door or shopping cart), make sure he or she wipes off their door handle, door lock or window area (anywhere that is touched) with a handi-wipe.

They make convenient little containers and packages of handi-wipes. Some are even designed to fit inside your cup holder – talk about “handy”! Also make sure to have a liter bag in your vehicle to dispose of dirty handi-wipes and facial tissue. We dispose of our liter bag every stop and put in a new one.

Have individual handi-wipes in your purse, pocket or backpack and use them! Do not rely on public restrooms to have filled soap containers or even hot water. I am surprised when I do come across a fully-stocked public restroom.

If you are an RVer currently on the road, it’s best that you don’t rely on public restrooms. Use your own RV if you can get access to the bathroom. Some RVers don’t like using their own bathroom during transit because they don’t like carrying extra water or don’t want to have anything in their holding tanks.

You don’t have to have your water tank filled to use your toilet. You can use purchase hand sanitizer that requires no water to wash your hands and place a gallon (or two) jug of water in your bathroom sink to use to flush.

If you’re worried about “stuff” sitting in the bottom of your empty black water tank, place a bag of ice in it before you leave. This is a great way to clean your tank sensors – as the ice rocks back and forth it breaks up material and then melts leaving some water in the tank. This is not a great deal of water weight to be carrying either, but enough to have in the tank if you use your bathroom without having freshwater.

Another thing to avoid is eating out while you are on the road. We’re RVers – we’re self-contained! We shouldn’t rely on McDs or Flying J to feed us every hundred miles. Make some sandwiches before you leave and either place them in your refrigerator or in a cooler in your tow. Pull over at a rest area or find a parking spot wherever you fuel up and have a picnic. If you must stop to have that Whopper, then use sense. Make sure you have your handi-wipes and use them!

One thing that bothers us is the lack of sanitation in restaurants. Ever have a sickly cashier walk over to get your fries? Ever see the cook come out of the restroom wearing his or her apron? Keep your eyes posted for potential problems. And if you can, call them out on it. Let the manager know you saw the cook going into the restroom with an apron, let them know they aren’t washing their hands, etc… It could save someone’s life!

When I had to go out in public during my cancer treatment, I wore a surgical mask. Yes, they look geeky, but if you find yourself in an area where there is any type of sickness, you’ll be glad to have one. They can be found at most pharmacies or medical supplies. I bought my last box of disposable ones at a Harbor Freight store for under $3. We keep a handful in our vehicle and I always have one in my purse. You never know when they will come in handy. Last summer during the California wildfires, we found the smoke particulate levels very high (they gave daily reports on how bad it was) and if we had to be out in it, the masks worked great.

Something we recently started doing is when we stop for the night, we spray Lysol inside our truck. The next day or whenever we are ready to leave, we spray our fifth-wheel with Lysol before hooking it up.

Most RVers do have their own cell phones and computers; however, if you don’t and have to rely on a pay phone or visit a local library to log-on, remember to use handi-wipes over the phone and number pad and the computer keyboard and mouse.

These are just a few ways to protect your family while travelling. With the spread of disease and major health issues today, this is a concern you shouldn’t take likely.