Full Time RV Living and Maintenance–Sharing Ideas

RV owners are the most sharing, caring people I have ever had the privilege of knowing.  I have learned so many things just by asking questions on forums.

When I started writing an RV blog, it was because I wanted to pass along a few of the things we have learned as we have lived and traveled in our RV for the past nine years.

When I read an article by one of my favorite bloggers, Nick, who writes Gypsy Journal, giving advice to new RV’ers, I knew I had to pass it along. . .

I hope you read it, enjoy it, and let Nick know I sent you his direction. . .here it is:

Twelve Things Every New RV’er Should Do

From Blogger Pictures

Dave and I have lived in our RV Full Time since 2003, when we sold the house and everything in it, and have traveled fulltime since 2009. Follow our tales by signing up to follow our blog, and check back often as we share the tips and tricks of living the lifestyle.

Join us on our FACEBOOK Ready To Go Full Time RVing Page. . .where you’ll meet lots of other RV’ers just like you. . .traveling and enjoying this great adventure.

Anyone who enters their email address to receive our blog updates will receive a link to our Seasonal Job Listings Page, and will also receive a follow up email linking to a sample copy of our personal Seasonal Jobs Resume’. . .these items are offered by me personally as a bonus, just to give you an idea of what may be available, and in no way can they be construed as an offer of employment by any entity listed.

Full Time RV Travel–Mississippi–Exploring the Natchez Trace

Sunday, we explored more of the Natchez Trace. . .nothing too exciting, but we love it, so we’ll share a few pics. . .

The driving part of the Trace is a beautiful two lane road. . .no shoulders. . .so we quickly decided not to pull the rig here. . .everything would probably be fine. . .but just in case something happened, where would you pull off to the side?

Hiking on a portion of the original Trace. . .okay, posing for a picture. . .one quick thing we found out. . .if you ask where the trail is, you are promptly corrected. . .it is called The TRACE!

A portion of the original, Original Natchez Trace. . .reminds me of the Big Thicket in Deep East Texas. . .

Hiking through the Cypress Swamp

Always prepared!

And as beautiful as the Pearl River was. . .you couldn’t pay me enough to water ski there! 

Can you say alligators?  Helloooo. . . .

And as always. . .God’s Magnificence is on display everywhere!

Enjoy more pics of the Natchez Trace

Natchez Trace Parkway featured in USA Today | Natchez Trace Compact

USA Today asked local experts to name one great scenic drive in each state and the District of Columbia in time for summer road tripping. The Natchez Trace Parkway was chosen in USA Today's “51 Great Scenic Drives.” ...

Publish Date: 06/09/2011 15:37

http://www.scenictrace.com/blog/natchez-trace-parkway-featured-in-usa-today/

From Blogger Pictures

Dave and I have lived in our RV Full Time since 2003, when we sold the house and everything in it, and have traveled fulltime since 2009. Follow our tales by signing up to follow our blog, and check back often as we share the tips and tricks of living the lifestyle.

Full Time RV Living and Travel–On the Road Again

It feels great to be in travel mode again. . .and on our way to Nashville to meet friends.

We left College Station TX about 9 am Friday, and arrived at Pavilion RV Park in West Monroe, LA around four, so about six hours of travel plus lunch. . .

So this was a great little Passport America Park with a little lake in the back where there are supposedly alligators. . .

We went looking, but didn’t find any.

Saturday morning found us crossing into Mississippi where we plan to explore the Natchez Trace from Jackson to Nashville.

Here’s a little sample of the original footpath. . .I’m pretty sure it didn’t have crushed gravel on it in those days. . .but even as nice as this is, I think we’ll stick to the driving portion of the Trace. . .

and of course, Jackson Mississippi is the State Capital, so I must include a photo of their gorgeous Capital Building.

We’re going to hang out here in Canton, Ms at the Movietown RV Park for a couple of days, and explore some more of the Natchez Trace tomorrow after Sunday School.

We’ll let you know if we find anything exciting!

From Blogger Pictures

Dave and I have lived in our RV Full Time since 2003, when we sold the house and everything in it, and have traveled fulltime since 2009. Follow our tales by signing up to follow our blog, and check back often as we share the tips and tricks of living the lifestyle.

Full Time RV Living and Travel - Texas - You Gotta Visit San Antonio

Great list of things to do in San Antonio: http://www.visitsanantonio.com/visitors/play/the-river-walk/TopFiveThingsToDoontheSanAntonioRiverWalk/index.aspx?CMP=EMC-LEmail0611

Full Time RV Living and Travel - Are you prepared in case of an emergency?

Great article for disaster prep: http://rvlife.com/2856-are-you-ready-if-disaster-strikes-while-on-the-road.html

Full Time RV Living and Travel - Are you prepared in case of an emergency?

Great article for disaster prep: http://rvlife.com/2856-are-you-ready-if-disaster-strikes-while-on-the-road.html

Full Time RV Living and Maintenance–You need to look underneath your rig

Our air conditioner is underneath our rig, and since we could not get the inside to cool down, (it was 98* in East Texas) I was convinced that the ducting had pulled loose.  We were parked at my Dad’s place. . .and before he retired, he owned an a/c repair company, and still has lots of a/c goodies left over from those days.  If there was a problem with our a/c’s duct work, this was the perfect place to do repairs. . .

Nope, no problems. . .but guess what I did discover?  Because our rig sits so low to the ground, and because the a/c units are underneath, we have these two massive steel bars welded to the frame to protect all that stuff in case we drag the bottom pulling into a driveway or something.

Well let me tell you. . .those steel bars have definitely done their job. . .because we have even dragged bottom going over an oversized speed bump. . .and I guess somewhere along the way, we must have bumped one of the landing jacks in the rear, because it had popped out of the railing, and was kinda just hanging there.  I don’t think it was in any danger of coming loose or anything, but it definitely needed to be reattached.

It wouldn’t just pop back up into the rail as flush as Dave would have liked, so he went and got a couple of mounting brackets, with plates and bolts, and added them for security. 

So this is my point, we often check underneath the rig. . .you know, squat down, look under there to make sure nothing is hanging loose. . .but we rarely get completely under it to check for problems.   Had it not been for checking the a/c duct work, we probably would not have seen the issue with the jacks until it came down further. . . and was noticeable as we were lowering them to stabilize the rig.

When’s the last time you did a thorough check for issues underneath?  Now might be a good time. . .summer driving season. . .

Have a great one. . .see you down the road!

Be Prepared for Temporary RV Repairs on the Road - Our Excellent ...

Set up some flares or triangular reflectors if it's dark, then block the rear wheels before you begin. Place a jack stand under the RV in case the jack gives way. Once your RV is lifted, don't get underneath it. ...

Publish Date: 06/08/2011 19:15

http://ourexcellentadventures.com/2011/06/08/be-prepared-for-temporary-rv-repairs-on-the-road/

From Blogger Pictures

Dave and I have lived in our RV Full Time since 2003, when we sold the house and everything in it, and have traveled fulltime since 2009. Follow our tales by signing up to follow our blog, and check back often as we share the tips and tricks of living the lifestyle.

Full Time RV Living and Maintenance–You need to look underneath your rig

Our air conditioner is underneath our rig, and since we could not get the inside to cool down, (it was 98* in East Texas) I was convinced that the ducting had pulled loose.  We were parked at my Dad’s place. . .and before he retired, he owned an a/c repair company, and still has lots of a/c goodies left over from those days.  If there was a problem with our a/c’s duct work, this was the perfect place to do repairs. . .

Nope, no problems. . .but guess what I did discover?  Because our rig sits so low to the ground, and because the a/c units are underneath, we have these two massive steel bars welded to the frame to protect all that stuff in case we drag the bottom pulling into a driveway or something.

Well let me tell you. . .those steel bars have definitely done their job. . .because we have even dragged bottom going over an oversized speed bump. . .and I guess somewhere along the way, we must have bumped one of the landing jacks in the rear, because it had popped out of the railing, and was kinda just hanging there.  I don’t think it was in any danger of coming loose or anything, but it definitely needed to be reattached.

It wouldn’t just pop back up into the rail as flush as Dave would have liked, so he went and got a couple of mounting brackets, with plates and bolts, and added them for security. 

So this is my point, we often check underneath the rig. . .you know, squat down, look under there to make sure nothing is hanging loose. . .but we rarely get completely under it to check for problems.   Had it not been for checking the a/c duct work, we probably would not have seen the issue with the jacks until it came down further. . . and was noticeable as we were lowering them to stabilize the rig.

When’s the last time you did a thorough check for issues underneath?  Now might be a good time. . .summer driving season. . .

Have a great one. . .see you down the road!

Be Prepared for Temporary RV Repairs on the Road - Our Excellent ...

Set up some flares or triangular reflectors if it's dark, then block the rear wheels before you begin. Place a jack stand under the RV in case the jack gives way. Once your RV is lifted, don't get underneath it. ...

Publish Date: 06/08/2011 19:15

http://ourexcellentadventures.com/2011/06/08/be-prepared-for-temporary-rv-repairs-on-the-road/

From Blogger Pictures

Dave and I have lived in our RV Full Time since 2003, when we sold the house and everything in it, and have traveled fulltime since 2009. Follow our tales by signing up to follow our blog, and check back often as we share the tips and tricks of living the lifestyle.

Full Time RV Travel–Working on the Road

We are getting a really late start this year, but finally, at the end of this week, we are starting our summer trip.

We were pretty sure we had it all worked out, but as temperatures began to climb where we thought we were headed, we began to rethink the situation. . .and as RV’ers often say, “Our plans are now set in jello,” and we may completely revamp our destination, and head somewhere cooler. . .like the mountains.

We’ve also discussed off and on whether we wanted to volunteer as camp hosts this year as we travel.  It really does help out with the budget when your camping place is free, and there’s really nothing difficult about it.  We usually like to spend at least a month in an area anyway, and many of the campgrounds are more than happy to have a one month commitment.

With that thought in mind, I began researching availability, and was amazed by the opportunities I found.

Check out this link. . .Working on the Road. . .especially what is available in Colorado. 

I am still researching the possibilities. . .but I was very pleased to find how much is available this late in the season.  Check back often as I will continue to update my information.

Wishing you a wonderful RV’ing summer!

Full Time RV'er Jobs – You can find work on the Road | READY TO GO …

Working and traveling is a great combination. You get to see all the great places, and earn either a parking place for your RV or a salary. It is an absolutely doable proposition that we plan to discuss often.

Publish Date: 05/13/2011 23:17

http://readytogofulltimerving.com/full-time-rver-jobs-you-can-find-work-on-the-road/

Rv Lifestyles Ezine – Focus on working on the road – RV Home Yet?

The latest issue of RV Lifestyle Ezine can be viewed if you are not a subscriber. This issue focuses on a Manpower survey that showed that 84% of workers would like to change jobs. This is up from 60%. If…

Publish Date: 01/10/2011 19:36

http://blog.rvlifestyleexperts.com/2011/01/rv-lifestyles-ezine-focus-on-working-on-the-road.html

From Blogger Pictures

Dave and I have lived in our RV Full Time since 2003, when we sold the house and everything in it, and have traveled fulltime since 2009. Follow our tales by signing up to follow our blog, and check back often as we share the tips and tricks of living the lifestyle.

Full Time RV Travel–Working on the Road

We are getting a really late start this year, but finally, at the end of this week, we are starting our summer trip.

We were pretty sure we had it all worked out, but as temperatures began to climb where we thought we were headed, we began to rethink the situation. . .and as RV’ers often say, “Our plans are now set in jello,” and we may completely revamp our destination, and head somewhere cooler. . .like the mountains.

We’ve also discussed off and on whether we wanted to volunteer as camp hosts this year as we travel.  It really does help out with the budget when your camping place is free, and there’s really nothing difficult about it.  We usually like to spend at least a month in an area anyway, and many of the campgrounds are more than happy to have a one month commitment.

With that thought in mind, I began researching availability, and was amazed by the opportunities I found.

Check out this link. . .Working on the Road. . .especially what is available in Colorado. 

I am still researching the possibilities. . .but I was very pleased to find how much is available this late in the season.  Check back often as I will continue to update my information.

Wishing you a wonderful RV’ing summer!

Full Time RV'er Jobs – You can find work on the Road | READY TO GO …

Working and traveling is a great combination. You get to see all the great places, and earn either a parking place for your RV or a salary. It is an absolutely doable proposition that we plan to discuss often.

Publish Date: 05/13/2011 23:17

http://readytogofulltimerving.com/full-time-rver-jobs-you-can-find-work-on-the-road/

Rv Lifestyles Ezine – Focus on working on the road – RV Home Yet?

The latest issue of RV Lifestyle Ezine can be viewed if you are not a subscriber. This issue focuses on a Manpower survey that showed that 84% of workers would like to change jobs. This is up from 60%. If…

Publish Date: 01/10/2011 19:36

http://blog.rvlifestyleexperts.com/2011/01/rv-lifestyles-ezine-focus-on-working-on-the-road.html

From Blogger Pictures

Dave and I have lived in our RV Full Time since 2003, when we sold the house and everything in it, and have traveled fulltime since 2009. Follow our tales by signing up to follow our blog, and check back often as we share the tips and tricks of living the lifestyle.

Full Time RV Travel - Montana - Beartooth Scenic Byway

We are currently so miserable here in East Texas where the temps are hovering around 100* that we are reliving last year’s summer trip. . .we had such a great time. . .look at that snow in July!

 

Only ten more days before we escape. . .hopefully to cooler climes. . .

 

Driving the Beartooth Scenic Byway in Montana

Leaving Yellowstone's Northeast Entrance

As we began our drive from Yellowstone's Northeast Entrance, on our way to where the Beartooth Scenic Byway actually starts, we began questioning Charles Kuralt's assertion that this was the "most beautiful drive in America."  Yes, what we were seeing was beautiful, and gorgeous, but not any more beautiful than what we had witnessed inside Yellowstone.  

As we came to the Chief Joseph Highway, which would have been a shortcut to Cody WY, we questioned whether to go ahead and take the shortcut, or continue on the scenic drive.

We are so thankful we decided to continue.  As we began to climb into the Rocky Mountains, it became more and more evident that Mr Kuralt knew what he was talking about.

As we began driving a series of switchbacks, it soon became evident that this is not a road I would want to pull our RV over, but it was an excellent highway, and we enjoyed each new vista that presented itself.

Here we are at the Summit, 10,978 feet in elevation, we could see for miles, and miles, and felt like we were on top of the world.  We can always find someone willing to take a picture of us. . .and of course we are always willing to reciprocate.  Tourists are just the friendliest folks, and I always think that surely they will appreciate that one shot of their entire group on vacation, instead of always having the person with the camera missing from all the vacation pics.

At a rest stop near the summit, we convinced ourselves that we had gotten a shot of a baby badger. . .now it's probably really only a marmot, since they inhabit the area, but it was so different looking, that Dave even looked it up online once we got home. . .whatever it was, we thought it was adorable.

and of course, the chipmunks were everywhere.
We had a great day trip, driving the Beartooth Scenic Byway, and would recommend, that if you are anywhere near, that you should add it to your itinerary.
The rest of our pics: Beartooth Scenic Byway Photo Album

Full Time RV Travel - Montana - Beartooth Scenic Byway

We are currently so miserable here in East Texas where the temps are hovering around 100* that we are reliving last year’s summer trip. . .we had such a great time. . .look at that snow in July!

 

Only ten more days before we escape. . .hopefully to cooler climes. . .

 

Driving the Beartooth Scenic Byway in Montana

Leaving Yellowstone's Northeast Entrance

As we began our drive from Yellowstone's Northeast Entrance, on our way to where the Beartooth Scenic Byway actually starts, we began questioning Charles Kuralt's assertion that this was the "most beautiful drive in America."  Yes, what we were seeing was beautiful, and gorgeous, but not any more beautiful than what we had witnessed inside Yellowstone.  

As we came to the Chief Joseph Highway, which would have been a shortcut to Cody WY, we questioned whether to go ahead and take the shortcut, or continue on the scenic drive.

We are so thankful we decided to continue.  As we began to climb into the Rocky Mountains, it became more and more evident that Mr Kuralt knew what he was talking about.

As we began driving a series of switchbacks, it soon became evident that this is not a road I would want to pull our RV over, but it was an excellent highway, and we enjoyed each new vista that presented itself.

Here we are at the Summit, 10,978 feet in elevation, we could see for miles, and miles, and felt like we were on top of the world.  We can always find someone willing to take a picture of us. . .and of course we are always willing to reciprocate.  Tourists are just the friendliest folks, and I always think that surely they will appreciate that one shot of their entire group on vacation, instead of always having the person with the camera missing from all the vacation pics.

At a rest stop near the summit, we convinced ourselves that we had gotten a shot of a baby badger. . .now it's probably really only a marmot, since they inhabit the area, but it was so different looking, that Dave even looked it up online once we got home. . .whatever it was, we thought it was adorable.

and of course, the chipmunks were everywhere.
We had a great day trip, driving the Beartooth Scenic Byway, and would recommend, that if you are anywhere near, that you should add it to your itinerary.
The rest of our pics: Beartooth Scenic Byway Photo Album

Full Time RV Travel-MONTANA-Yellowstone National Park

Where we were exactly one year ago. . .the temps were much cooler there, than they are here in East Texas. . .

YELLOWSTONE! YES!

We made it, we made it, we made it. . .I am so excited!

I have been dreaming of seeing Yellowstone since I was in the fourth grade, when my teacher told us about boiling water coming out of the ground. . .

She said it was so hot you could boil an egg, or heat a baby's bottle. . .wow, what a great mental picture she painted. . .and at last. . .forty something years later, I have seen it for myself. . .amazing. . .

so we absolutely played tourist this first day. . .as soon as we had the RV set up, I couldn't wait. . .

I had to get there to see Old Faithful as quickly as possible!

our timing was perfect. . .she put on a show within minutes. . .

Dave. . .proudly displaying his BP logo!

the boiling water flows straight into the Little Firehole River. . .I still hafta research that. . .I'll be interested to see how the water from the geysers affects the composition of the river, and the fishing, of course!

Next up. . .a drive around the Grand Loop.

Yellowstone Traffic Jam!

I'm sure they were heading to greener pastures. . .

It was starting to rain, so we almost bypassed this turnout. . .sure glad we didn't!

I love nature in any form. . .I could see the hand of God everywhere I looked.

still snow on the ground at 8200 feet. . .and more snow predicted. . .even where we are in West Yellowstone. . .at least 50 miles away. . .and 2000 feet lower in elevation. . .YIKES!

and gorgeous Yellowstone Lake. . .elevation 7200. . .141 miles of shoreline. . .400 ft deep. . .ringed by mountains, and steaming caldrons. . .

We can't wait to see more. . .I intend to check out every nook and cranny while we are here for the next three months. . .so check back often for updates.

Of course this is only a few of our pics. . .to see more: http://picasaweb.google.com/JaniceLEvans1015/EvansEscapadesYellowstoneJune2010#

You'll get all of our updates if you submit your email address at the top of this page.

We look forward to your comments, or email us at EvansEscapades@gmail.com

Full Time RV Travel-MONTANA-Yellowstone National Park

Where we were exactly one year ago. . .the temps were much cooler there, than they are here in East Texas. . .

YELLOWSTONE! YES!

We made it, we made it, we made it. . .I am so excited!

I have been dreaming of seeing Yellowstone since I was in the fourth grade, when my teacher told us about boiling water coming out of the ground. . .

She said it was so hot you could boil an egg, or heat a baby's bottle. . .wow, what a great mental picture she painted. . .and at last. . .forty something years later, I have seen it for myself. . .amazing. . .

so we absolutely played tourist this first day. . .as soon as we had the RV set up, I couldn't wait. . .

I had to get there to see Old Faithful as quickly as possible!

our timing was perfect. . .she put on a show within minutes. . .

Dave. . .proudly displaying his BP logo!

the boiling water flows straight into the Little Firehole River. . .I still hafta research that. . .I'll be interested to see how the water from the geysers affects the composition of the river, and the fishing, of course!

Next up. . .a drive around the Grand Loop.

Yellowstone Traffic Jam!

I'm sure they were heading to greener pastures. . .

It was starting to rain, so we almost bypassed this turnout. . .sure glad we didn't!

I love nature in any form. . .I could see the hand of God everywhere I looked.

still snow on the ground at 8200 feet. . .and more snow predicted. . .even where we are in West Yellowstone. . .at least 50 miles away. . .and 2000 feet lower in elevation. . .YIKES!

and gorgeous Yellowstone Lake. . .elevation 7200. . .141 miles of shoreline. . .400 ft deep. . .ringed by mountains, and steaming caldrons. . .

We can't wait to see more. . .I intend to check out every nook and cranny while we are here for the next three months. . .so check back often for updates.

Of course this is only a few of our pics. . .to see more: http://picasaweb.google.com/JaniceLEvans1015/EvansEscapadesYellowstoneJune2010#

You'll get all of our updates if you submit your email address at the top of this page.

We look forward to your comments, or email us at EvansEscapades@gmail.com