Discover The Advantages of Motorhome Living

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Motorhome living is a way of life for a growing segment of the population. Some individuals are retired and looking for adventure. Others have decided they want an alternative to renting a place to live or becoming tied to a mortgage that takes decades to pay off. Whatever the reason anyone who is considering roaming the open roads permanently should investigate the advantages and disadvantages of residing in a recreational vehicle.

One big advantage to this lifestyle is the scenery is always changing. It is impossible to get bored with the surroundings because it is always possible to go somewhere else. There is no need to pack belongings or ship furniture to a new location. RV parks and campgrounds are available everywhere. Users who want a change of scenery can just drive to a different campground.

One challenge for RV dwellers is securing a permanent residence for mail delivery. Some states allow citizens to retain an address even if they do not live there. Each state has its own rules and requirements. Choosing the right option depends on where the resident plans to spend the most time and individual circumstances.

Anyone who lives in a recreational vehicle will need more than a basic RV insurance policy which is nearly identical to automobile insurance. RV owners who use the vehicle for a residence will need to have personal liability coverage similar to that available with homeowners’ insurance. Experts advise consumers to purchase a policy that offers replacement cost for contents.

Gas prices may dictate whether individuals decide to travel most of the time or park in a permanent location. Either way the freedom to leave anytime is what many people like so much about motorhome living. This type of lifestyle is not for everyone but those who enjoy moving around freely with no strings attached will have all the independence they need to do so.

Some Financial and Health Benefits of Motorhome Living
It seems that motorhome living has become more and more popular in recent years. This may be due in part to people having longer and more vigorous lives than ever before. This allows them to enjoy a longer period of retirement to satisfy a desire for travel and exploration.

Younger couples and families may also enjoy this nomadic lifestyle though perhaps on a more part time basis. Aside from allowing for more opportunities to go on vacations and see more sights there are other advantages as well. These includes saving money in several ways and being much healthier at the same time.

A recreational vehicle of this type will include a kitchen of some sort whether compact or more elaborate in larger models. Being able to prepare your own meals while traveling can save a lot of money. Eating in restaurants constantly is generally more expensive than cooking at home.

At least as important as cost in the meals and snacks you eat is the quality of the food. When you cook you are aware of everything that goes into each meal unlike eating out. This allows you to control calories and be sure that all ingredients are fresh and wholesome as well as eliminate any allergens that you or anyone else may be sensitive to.

Another very important aspect of traveling is sleeping accommodations. Staying in hotels or motels when on a trip or vacation can represent a sizable expense. With a mobile home your own bed is always with you which can be a big help to your budget. Having a television and other entertainment devices in your vehicle means you will not miss such hotel amenities.

Your own sleeping facilities also ensure that you have a clean and healthy environment every night. Even upscale hotels in recent years have been known to harbor bedbugs due to the high volume of guests from all over the world. Motorhome living protects you from this danger and lets you enjoy your travels with greater peace of mind.

Money Saving Tips on Everyday Spending

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When my wife and I started out on our full-time motor home journey in the summer of 2009 one thing we wanted to find was ways of saving money and how to make what money we had go further. We did this by cutting down on everyday spending as well as stocking only the necessary items needed that would not take up too much room in our new 400 square feet of living space. The following information will be useful for those of you out there living in a home on wheels’ apartment or in a small confined spacing who are also on a fixed income and need to budget.

Here are some ideas that will help:

1) CLEANING THE HOME:

For cleaning there are a total of only 5 items you will need to clean your home.
 
a) A quality dish soap that has a disinfectant as well and cuts the grease and dirt. For example, Dawn Dish Soap is effective for cleaning the dishes as well as the countertops and appliances (including your conventional oven). Dawn Dish soap can also double to be used as a pre-treatment for your clothes it will do as good of a job (if not better) than the store bought pre-treatments currently available. Simply apply a dab to the spot take an old toothbrush dip it in water scrub lightly and then let it sit for 2 to 3 hours before washing.

b) Ammonia can also be cost effective it is known to disinfect and deodorize a large number of things. By adding a ½ tsp. to a 20 oz. bottle of water you can use it to clean windows or by adding 1 cap of ammonia to a full bucket of hot water to clean larger areas such as a laminate floor.

c) For your wood and glass top furniture try using a light oil based furniture polish spray such as Kleen furniture polish. This oil is light enough to protect your wood when used regularly yet will not smear on the glass. It comes out with a little shine instead plus is also provides a wonderful scent of lemon and is one of the more less expensive brands out there.

d) A bottle of Old English Oil is also good to keep on hand in case you have scratches on your wood that need to be covered up.

e) A small bottle of bleach will do wonders to get rid of those tough stains and calcium deposits on porcelain sinks and toilets and yet will not scratch or cause damage to the surface. It too disinfects and deodorizes. Bleach can also be used in your clothes washer when washing whites. Simply add 1-½ tsp to the add bleach slot on your washer machine once it is filled and has started to rotate to wash.

2) SAVING ON PERSONAL CARE ITEMS:

Personal care items such as shampoo and body wash may have different options out there available however for the most part they are all basically the same. Some shampoos and body washes can be used for both your body and your hair. For example, a shampoo can be used as a body wash as well as for your hair. The ingredients are almost identical. So why spend the extra money to buy one of each?

Shaving cream is another personal care item where you can save. Shaving cream can be replaced by soap and water. A mild soap with conditioning in it such as Dove or Almay will be just as effective and will allow you to shave and yet moisturizes at the same time.

3) SAVING AT THE GROCERY STORE:

Groceries can and usually are a challenge when it comes to saving money. Coupons are good way to save for those items you use most often. It usually will allow you to buy in bulk so you always have it on hand. There are websites that provide up-to-date coupons that you now can print out and use at your local grocery store. Some of these websites such as coupons will even email you with the latest news and coupons. Many grocery stores also provide their own coupons on their website.

Another way to save on your grocery bill is to look at what is on sale for that week either through the flyer in your local newspaper or on the grocery store’s website. When items you use are on sale try to purchase enough to last you awhile. Also shopping for can goods and pre-packaged goods earlier in the year when they are on sale may also help save you time & stress for your holiday cooking & baking.

Credit cards can be beneficial to you when used for grocery shopping. Try using a credit card for your grocery shopping only and pay the bill off every month. This will allow you to review your grocery spending each month and some banks even offer points for usage so that later on you can have discounts for restaurants air fares etc.

When planning your meals for the week try using leftovers to make another meal or two. For example, make meatloaf one night than the next night uses the leftovers for either spaghetti or lasagna. Left over side dishes are great for adding into a main dish as well. This saves both time & money for those of you who work. Also if you have small waste baskets for your trash try using the plastic grocery bags left over from shopping. The bags are of no cost and can be easily stored in an empty tissue box and will be easier to dispose of.

4) SAVING ON CLOTHES:

Clothes can be very costly when they are needed. When the time comes to purchase these department store items try going to a local consignment / discount store. Most of these stores offer a wide selection of very nice clothing that range from those everyday work & play to special occasions such as weddings proms and anniversaries. When buying clothes for your children you need to keep in mind that they will be outgrowing them in no time so why spend hundreds of dollars for clothes that will last only for a short period of time. Another benefit when you purchase from one of these type stores is that your money will most of the time go to a worthy cause such as The Cancer Society or supporting our Veterans and their families. To find your local consignment/discount stores in your area one useful web page is resale shopping this particular website currently has over 2150 stores listed throughout North America.

5) SAVING AT THE PUMP:

A way to save at the pump is to completely fill your tank each time you visit. You never know when the gas prices will go up again and this will allow you to get the best possible price at that current time. Choosing where to purchase your gas can require last minute decision making at times (especially when you are on the road) however one of the ways to save is by purchasing your gas at places such as Wal-Mart. By putting money on Wal-Mart’s gift / discount cards you can use this card at their gas pumps and receive .03 off per gallon. Also many grocery stores have great discounts on their store cards for local gas stations after purchasing a certain dollar amount on groceries. There are many websites that will provide the latest on gas prices for the area that are of interest to you such as GasBuddy and gaspricewatch. These websites are very helpful and are continuously being updated.

The speed & type of road can also make a difference on how much gas is used between fill-ups. When driving on the highways try to stay at a speed of 60 – 65 mph. This will make your dollar stretch more by making longer times between fill ups.

In closing there are many ways to save money at home. The best way is to do your own research and think about what you can do at home and on the road that will help you save. Remember knowledge is the key to success and success means a brighter future.

Retirement Is Meant to Be Enjoyed

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If you’re someone who is nearing the age of retirement you might already be making plans. On the other hand, you could be wondering what you’re going to do with all the spare time you’ll have in your life. There’s no need to worry because there are plenty of ways to keep yourself occupied and entertained.

One thing that many retirees like to do is get involved in their local community. It could be that a nearby animal shelter needs help caring for their dogs and cats. Or perhaps there’s a senior center in the neighborhood that’s filled with people who would love to play cards with someone like you.

Something else that might not have entered your mind is taking some classes. Basket-weaving used to be the old standby but nowadays you can learn about anything you wish. Keep up with technology by attending a class at a nearby college and then take a course online that teaches you how to write your own memoir.

Going online is a great thing to do because if you’ve never had a hobby you can find out about them on the Net. For example, it might never have occurred to you that you would enjoy something like refinishing furniture. Check the Internet and you can learn everything about it.

Many people like to travel and you’ll have plenty of time for that. Fly around the world or find a motor home and see your country up close. You’re bound to find plenty of other retirees on the same adventure.

The most important thing to remember about retirement is that it opens up time for you to seek the pleasures in life. You’ve worked hard for decades. Now you only need to work hard at one thing and that’s having fun with all the activities that you were once unable to enjoy because you were always too busy.

Choosing A Winter Campground

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There are many things to consider when choosing the best location for Wintering in a Motorhome or 5th Wheel for you and your spouse. My wife and I have actually wintered in Florida for the past 6 years but try and move around to a different location every couple years.

Weather:

This is a very critical part of the decision making process. The two most common state for wintering in are Florida and Arizona. However, keep in mind the northern part of both states still are cold during the winter and are not necessarily ideal location. Because of this the southern part of Florida and Arizona get very full during the winter with all the full-timers and snowbirds and therefor fill up as early as April the spring before Due to a lot of people return year to year to the same place. So Plan early and start calling.

Campground Activities:

This is important to avoid getting bored during the winter months. This also varies greatly from campground to campground. We have been in locations that actually do nothing and expect you to entertain yourself to others that will have potlucks bingos dances and card or pool nights. We find we want ones with lots of activities because it helps pass the time and doesn’t cost a lot.

Price and Terms:

This is more of a personal decision to decide on. You will find some campgrounds have one price for everything and others that will offer Daily Weekly Monthly 6 Months and Annual pricing. The longer you stay the cheaper per month it is. Also some will charge extra for Electric. You will usually also find that it’s one of those things you Pay for what you get. The cheaper sites will be usually smaller sites and less activities than the more expensive ones will have larger sites Paves campground and Pools and actives during the winter.

Medical Facilities:

This can be more important the unhealthier you are. I have been in remote areas of Florida that can be 45 minutes from the nearest Hospital. This can be the difference from living to dying if it’s too major of an emergency. We like to be t of town but still close enough for help if need be. Also since we are in Florida 6 months of the year we need doctors and dentist to get checkups done while we are there. We want them close to safe on gas and wear and tear on vehicles.

Shopping and Entertainment:

This goes along with the medical Facilities. You don’t want to have to drive a long distance every time you need to go grocery shopping or to dinner and the movies. Most people find they have to go out at least every other day as to not get bored or lazy around the campground. This can be shopping eating out or other activist live parts and fishing.
 
As always it’s your decision on where you want to winter but make sure you plan early as most enjoyable locations fill early and there is a reason for that. Look at it as taking a lesson from the more experienced and there must be a reason people are returning from year to year. If a park is empty or easy to get into there may be a hidden reason for it that others have already learned from.

Comfortable Camping

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Most have heard how uncomfortable and challenging camping can be. If you not necessarily properly set up that’s most evident but with the proper equipment and understanding your camping could be a more comfortable experience. Camping out in a tent could be awkward but as long as you arrange it well and you use decent quality camping gear it is extremely comfortable. To begin with you will want tent that’s weather proof. You can’t camp in a tent that price 20 bucks and expect it to help keep the rain out. Rainfall in a tent is really a nightmare!

From there simply getting the right sleeping equipment is among the best investments you may make for camping. An excellent quality sleeping handbag makes a huge difference. In the event that you awaken shivering or sweating you then need to set your sleeping arrangement much better. Mix this with an excellent bed-quality mattress and pillow and you will certainly get yourself a wonderful night’s sleep. Camping mattresses range between foam bedding to inflatable mattresses and cots and based on your space and budget it is possible to pick what you need.

In general, when you can get away with utilizing a mattress that’s part foam and air (or complete foam is most beneficial) then you will receive a better sleep. Needless to say foam mattresses don’t fold into small pieces which may be an issue. Lighting is another large issue with regards to camping out in a tent. Setup lighting that hangs properly from your own tent and that provides light where you need it to. Camping out in a tent can be quite comfortable so long as you take time to arrange it correctly and you utilize the right gear.

If you are camping with a partner, consider camping in a 4-person tent. You might be asking why a 4-person tent is necessary for camping out rather than a 2-person tent. While a 2-person tent can fit in 2 people inside it, it will be a tight fit and you will see no space for the other equipment. You will probably feel squashed and can cause your camping trip to be uncomfortable. Whereas a 4-person tent could have enough room for just two 2 individuals and their gear and in addition allow enough space to maneuver.

Follow these tips and your camping experience will be far more pleasant and comfortable allowing you to enjoy scenic nature as mother earth intended.

Problems with Retiring Young

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It may always sound like a good thing to retire young however my wife and I have run into issues that we did not necessarily expect to have when we first embarked on this.

My wife and I before we retired were both workaholics in our careers and because for this we were given the opportunity to retire at a young age (early 40’s). We spent many months planning this move in our life but we now have discovered that there are somethings you just cannot prepare for in retirement and some of them never would have occurred to us to be issues.
 
First I need to explain to you a little about the life style my wife and I decided to undertake in retirement. Neither one of us could decide exactly where we wanted to spend our retirement years so we decided that we would sell everything we had and travel the country in a motorhome. This allowed us the freedom we wanted to see things visit all the places we have always wanted to and possibly find that perfect little community we were looking for.

Now let’s look at some of the unforeseen situations that have been caused by retiring young.

Boredom:

Believe it or not this is the number one issue my wife and I have found ourselves experiencing and causes the most issues. We thought at first that there are so many things to do and see but there still is only so much you can do. We are only a couple years into this new life or ours and we already find ourselves at times bored. Since we were both Workaholics we were not mentally prepares to slow down so much and really have nothing forcing you to even get out of bed on a daily basis. We think to ourselves we have another 30 to 40 years of this life styles so there is plenty of time to do things and there is always a tomorrow. We feel if we were later in life then we might feel different because of the limited number of years remaining that we could possibly get around easily and see things.

To help with this issue in our life right now we have considered doing more work kamping at the places we travel. If you are interested, click work kamping to learn more. This at least gives us something to do a couple days a week and something to look forward to at times. If we get tired of that we may be forces to go get part time jobs at the different locations just to help pass the time at least a couple days a week.

Friends

This issue has just started to creep into our lives and we are not too excited about it. Since our new lifestyle has been to travel the country in a motorhome this is more of a lifestyle by the older generation of people and thus couples that are much older than Mary and I. First let me say everyone we have met has been wonderful to us and has made us feel right at home and only a couple have ever been resentful to us because we did not have to work till we were 60 to enjoy this life style.
 
Most of our new friends due to this lifestyle are in their 60’s and 70’s and thus we have started to experience the issue of losing some good friends due to health and age. We have actually started to think that baring anything drastic happening to us we will most likely loose every one of our friends because of the age differences. As you can see this would not have been an issue if we would have retired later in life.

Even if you choose a different lifestyle than my wife and I did you will most likely still find that many of your new friends will be older. Most people your own age will still be working their own carriers as they are not retired yet.

Not all things are negative about retiring young though there are still some excellent benefits to it.

1)You are more physically able to do a lot of things still in life that you always wanted to. We chose to take up Scuba Diving and we have enjoyed diving at all the different places we have traveled to.

2)One of the biggest pluses to me has been I can spend the winters down south as I hope to never have to shovel another snowflake as long as I live.

3)We have actually been able to get healthier. Not only do we have a lot more time to take care of ourselves properly with both eating right and exercising but we also do not have all the stress that is caused by having careers.

4)We also get to travel more in fact as I write this article we are enjoying the country of Aruba where there is plenty of sun and scuba diving to enjoy.

In closing I still am very glad my wife and I decided to retire young. There are by far many more positive things that we have experienced than negative. However, realize that the grass is not always greener on the other side of things as every path you take in life will have its ups and downs and you just need to be prepared for whatever life brings your way in every decision you chose to make.

How to Perform a Pre Delivery Inspection on your RV

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After purchasing two different RV’s in the past couple years one being a 5th wheel and one being a Class a Motorhome I can tell you the most important thing you do before you sign the bottom line is your Pre Delivery Inspection (PDI). This is where you spend time with your dealer going over every inch of the rig looking for issues to have fixed before you take it off the lot. I can tell you this our first one we didn’t do this properly and ended up spending most of the first few months going back and forth to the dealer getting things fixed under warrantee. The second one we spent a few hours inspecting everything and got them fixed before we left the lot thus allowing us to enjoy the RV more.

Below is a list of things you should look for during this inspection with the dealership. You also will need to bring a few tools with you to do this properly. Don’t expect the dealership to have any of the tools you will want to bring. The Dealer though should provide you with full propane tanks full water tanks and fully charged batteries.

Tools you should bring:

Ladder
Flashlight
Screw Driver with three Bits. Flat / Phillips / Square
Notebook and Pen
Digital Camera or Video Camera

Things to Inspect:

1) Start with the top of the roof and crawl across it on your hands and knees. Inspect each seem completely and look for caulking either missing or coming off. Also look for any bubbles in the roofing material itself. Make sure to check everything including around vents and air conditioners.
 
2)Check around all windows for proper fit and for proper sealing. Make sure they open and close properly.

3)Make sure all storage compartment doors open and close smoothly and that all keys work.

4)In the docking station make sure all hose connections are tight and that they don’t leak. Make sure you understand how each valve works and when to open and close each one.

5)If equipped with propane tanks make sure you understand how to turn them on and off. Also how to remove the tank if possible to have it filled. Open the valve and smell around for gas checking for leaks.

6)Find the battery compartment. Check how to use the by-pass switch if need be. Also look and see if they are maintenance free and if not ask how to do the maintenance on them.

7)Open the awning if equipped. Check for smooth operation and if there are any holes or tears in it. Make sure all seams are tight. Make sure all mounting hardware is tight and not missing any.

8)Make sure all slides open and close smoothly and completely. Also make sure you understand how to use them and if you can open them manually if the motor fails. Make sure there are no caps with closed that will allow water in when driving down the road.

Time to move inside the rig.

1)First check all cabinet doors for proper opening and closing. Make sure the doors are tight and that inside there are no loose shelves. Pull out each drawer and check its operation also. Also check each closet door the same way.

2)Next look at all molding throughout the rig. Get down on your hands and knees and follow it completely around.

3)Operate each light switch and check that all lights do come on and off properly. Check your 12-volt system at this time since most lights in a RV run off the batteries and not shore power.

4)Make sure each and every blind open and closes properly on each window. If it has Day/Night shades make sure they operate properly all the way up and down.

5)Make sure there are no holes in any of the furniture and that they don’t appear to be worn if this is a brand new unit. Check construction of each piece for sturdiness.

6)Check the operation of each water faucet and look for leaks around the base or under the counters.

7)Open and close each window and make sure they are smooth in operation.

8)Remove each and every vent cover. Look inside for sawdust and other construction debris. It is common to have sawdust in these from the manufacturer. Make the dealer vacuum them out for you if you see the sawdust.

You should now be about 1 to 2 hours into the inspection. Now you need to test each and every piece of equipment for operation. Ask your dealer if they have somewhere on location that you can just spend the night so you can run each piece of equipment. If they don’t or refuse to let you stay the night, then tell them that it will be at least another hour of inspection time before you are done. Below is a list of things you should test completely your dealer will show you how to operate each device.

1)Shore Power. Test each outlet
2) Converts and Inverters
3) City Water system
4) Sewage tanks both Grey and Black
5) Water Pump
6) Water heater both on AC and LP
7) Furnace or Heat Pump on Air Conditioner
8) All safety devices such as Smoke Detectors LP Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. The dealer should have something that can test and set off each of these devices.
9)Refrigerator. Make sure it cools on both AC and LP and that it switches automatically between them if need be.
10) Propane stove. Make sure all burners ignite
11) Microwave
12) Clothes Washer and Dryer if installed
13) All TV’s and the antenna booster switch

Keep in mind none of this list is inclusive. You may have more or less equipment on your particular rig so the list may need to be modified. The purpose of the Camera or Video is so that you can actually document how to use everything as the dealer goes over it with you. No matter how good of a memory you have you will forget something that could be important.

Have the dealer repair all items on your list? Only after everything is repaired are you ready to sign for your new RV. Now the enjoyment of owning a new RV will begin with you and your family.

There Is a Lot That Goes into Camping

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What could be more relaxing than spending a night under the starts with a camp fire blazing next to you? Camping is a wonderful way to experience the outdoors. You will have a greater appreciation for nature and the smell of fresh air will awaken you to new experiences! It is a great family activity that all can enjoy. It takes you to places that you wouldn’t necessarily have explored otherwise.

This type of adventure is a great way to escape the rat race that we are so often caught up in. It allows you to relax and spend time in a contemplative manner. It brings great pleasure to life because it refreshes your soul and revitalizes the body. Before you attempt to go do this make sure you know what the basics are first.

Make sure that you have the right equipment. Choosing the right tent is actually more important that what you may think because it depends on your needs and where you intend on going to. The weather may be unpredictable and you won’t be able to control it so make sure you chose a robust and hard-wearing tent.
 
Where wildlife is abundant make sure that you do not underestimate it. Food is the main source of attraction for unwanted visitors so make sure that all left-over food is disposed of. Wildlife can become very dangerous and should not be underestimated.
 
Your clothing that you pack should include essential items such as a rain coat. Sturdy boots are also recommended especially when you want to hike. Warm clothes are also highly recommended as the weather is a lot cooler when in a tent as opposed to being in a warm home.

When your trip comes to an end make sure that you tidy up around your camp site. Don’t leave any debris and food lying around. Take all your trash away with you. Ensure everything is packed up with nothing left behind that wildlife could get tangled up in.

Driving a Large Motorhome

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The first thing I would like to point out is that driving a motorhome is nothing like driving your car or even a large truck. My wife and I took a one-day driving course when we first purchased our motorhome and even though they try and teach you as much as possible there is still a lot to learn that you won’t fully understand until you get behind the wheel of something this large and drive it for yourself.
 
The first thing you will need to do is determine if the state you are a residence in and hold a valid driver’s license will require you to get a separate driver’s license for operating a large motorhome. As an example the State of Texas requires all large motorhome owners who register their vehicle in the state to have more than just a normal driver’s license used for driving a car.

The following states require a special license for driving and registering a Motorhome.

California > 26000lbs
Connecticut > 10000lbs
Hawaii > 26000lbs
Illinois > 16000lbs
Kansas > 26000lbs
Maryland > 26000lbs
North Carolina > 26000lbs
New Mexico > 26000lbs
Nevada > 10000lbs
New York > 26000lbs
Pennsylvania > 26000lbs
South Carolina > 26000lbs
Texas > 26000lbs
Washington DC > 26000lbs
Wyoming > 26000lbs

Another key to remember is that you are now driving something that weighs on average 25000 pounds. This is a big difference than driving a normal car that weighs on average 5000 pounds. This difference in weight means that you must realize your reaction times must be faster and you must start breaking long before you need to stop and make sure you have a greater distance between you and the vehicle in front of you when going down the road.
 
One of the Key driving techniques you will learn to use is called Turning at your hip. This is where you make sure your hip clears any obstructions in the road such as a curb and then start your turn. If you start you turn any earlier you will most likely run over the curb. This is important for both right hand and left hand turns. Also you must remember that unlike your car. The back end of your motorhome will actually swing in an outward motion so if people are in the lane right next to you must be careful not to collide with them with your back end.

Next you should learn how to drive using your cameras. This include both the mirror cameras that look down the sides of your motorhome and the rear view camera that will allow you to watch and see what is coming up from behind while you are driving. The mirror cameras usually only kick in when you turn you turn signals on. This allows you to see if someone has come up beside you before you turn into them. Remember now that you are driving something much bigger than your car your blind site is much larger also and the cameras help minimize your blind areas but most do not remove them in their entirety.

A key point in helping you drive down the road much easier and safely is to make sure your motorhome is balanced throughout the rig. This means to make sure you pack the motorhome both inside and outside evenly so it rides down the road straight. One way to determine if you have done this properly is to load it as if you are ready to hit the road and then go to a truck stop and have it weighed. Make sure to have weighed each set of tires separately and to make sure to weigh the right and left side separately also. This will show you to determine if you have distributed the weight evenly.

One thing you will read in many articles on driving a motorhome is that you can’t back up when towing a vehicle. This is actually false it’s not that you can’t it’s that you should not or at least be very cautious when doing so. The reason for this is the tow bars you are towing with have a tendency to jackknife very easily and can damage either your tow vehicle or your motorhome itself. My wife and I find that if we do have to back up she will get in the tow vehicle and turn the wheel as I turn to make sure it doesn’t jackknife and damage anything. The rear view camera allows me to do this slowly and monitor the progress as we go.

When driving a motorhome please make sure not to drive once you get tired. My wife and I find that after about 6 hours of driving our reaction times are diminished and we no long feel we are safe to be on the road. There are many places you can pull over in a motorhome to take a nap and relax as to not injure yourself or others. Rest stops and truck stops are convenient places along the roads that you can pull over and get a few hours of sleep. Keep in mind when you are driving a motorhome you actually have your bed with you at all times.

In closing: many RV dealers throughout the United States will offer some kind of Motorhome Driving class. If they do please make it a point to take it will teach you all the proper skills to safely maneuver your motorhome on the road. If you are not able to find a class in your community, then take your new motorhome to the nearest mall parking lot after hours and drive around. Even take some cones with you to help assist you in learning to make turns and to practice backing up and parking. One other key thing that I was told once by an instructor and it has stuck with me ever since. If you find yourself blocking traffic because someone won’t allow you the space to turn just sit there until they move. People may honk there horn at you but always remember you will never see these people again so Who Cares.

RV Resorts becoming Trailer Parks

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I have to wonder when did RV Resorts and Campgrounds become trailer parks. It seems more and more places are allowing people to live permanently in there resort and thus making it harder and harder for the full timer to find a location for staying.

I do understand that down in the snowbird country of Florida and Arizona allowing things such as park models but it seems in our travels more and more places even up north allow them. I have even seen campgrounds where the people have installed swing sets and carports next to their RV. Many also will have 3 or 4 people living in a small 5th wheel or trailer and thus have everything just laying outside due to lack of space.

Don’t get me wrong. As a business owner I understand that you want a full time income if at all possible but then you shouldn’t advertise that you are a RV Resort or Campground. Last time I checked Campgrounds stood for camping not living year round at.

I believe that RV Travelers and Snowbirds have different wants from a place than someone just living there. Such as activities to keep you busy and a pool during the winter or even an exercise room or club house to have pot lucks to meet new people. Travelers like to get out and meet new people and interact where People living there are not in that mind set.

If a Campground or RV Resort needs to allow people living their full time to stay in business they should at least either separate them from the full timers or at least not allow them to set up home with sheds and swing sets. Usually the dog noises and dirtiness of a campground is related to the rigs that are living there and not the traveler. The traveler usually is washing there rig and making things look nice due to pride and the rigs living in a campground don’t care and will be dirty and have mold on them.

As I have stated in a previous article. I classify RVer’s in 3 categories. Full timers (People that travel mostly) Snowbirds (People that go north in summer and south in winter but always to the same two places) and Trailer Trash (People that live in a campground and never go anywhere). I use the last one due to in most cases it’s how they keep their site looking in the campground.