Leaving Camp, The Right Way

We have all been there. You know the place. Where we are driving down the highway after leaving our most recent campground to look out the mirror and see hoses still attached to the trailer, or the satalite dish still barley hanging onto the side of the bus. There are so many things that are running through your mind when you are packing up that it seems that plugging the trailer lights into your truck was the last thing on your mind. We are here to help make it so that we are never in that embarrassing situation again.

So what is the solution? A check list, and not a mental one, one that is written down on paper and you go over every time that you are ready to leave camp. We’ve made it even easier for you by preparing a check list to get you started. You can add/subtract as you see fit but here are the bones to get you started.

Outside:        
Stow satellite dish.
Stow awning.
Check that all knobs are tight and rewind is set in the retract position.
Make sure stabilizer jacks are retracted and wood blocks are stored.
Plug in the trailer lights/brakes and hook up the breakaway cable.
Reinstall equalizer hitch bars and safety chains.
Make sure that trailer lights operate.
Drain waste tanks and stow hose.
Unplug electrical power cord and stow. Be sure plastic access door is snapped shut so cord doesn’t come out while driving.
Stow lawn chairs, dog’s rope, etc.
Douse campfire, then douse it again.

Inside:
Stow TV.
Check refrigerator contents for riding position, and make sure the doors are latched properly.
Make sure the refrigerator successfully switched to GAS when power cord was pulled from the panel.
Make sure all cupboards and drawers are closed properly.
Pick up everything possible.
Close roof vents and windows.
Turn off the 12v water pump.

RVing Full Time

You have been RVing for a while and now you are ready to step it up a notch. By that, I mean you are finally at a point in your life where you can say I am ready to be a full time RVer. I know it is a time that most of us dream about, and those that do it know why. If this is your first time becoming a full time RVer, here are some tips to help you along the way.

One of the most important, if not the most important, way to prepare for your new endeavor is to have your finances in order. That means you have paid down enough of your debt to be able to comfortable live off your either your retirement income or the income you can earn while on the road. Sit down and make out a budget that you will be comfortable with. Before you departure, make sure that you have a 90 day supply of cash saved up to cover for any unexpected expenses.

Once you are financially ready to be a full timer, you want to make sure that you have the right RV to be spending all of your time in. Take your time in picking out your perfect RV. If you make a hasty decision now that you might later regret it could cost you in the long run.

You have found the perfect RV for your lifestyle, now it is time to fill it up. I guess that means that it is time to get rid of stuff because you and I both know that your house isn't going to fit into your RV. Pack only what you need to be comfortable. You are limited on space and the more cramped you are, the more unhappy you will be. Even if you think you will use it, take my advice, you probably won't.

You might think that all the hard stuff is over and done with. You have money in the bank, you are driving the perfect RV, and you have pretty much given away all your things in order to enjoy this new lifestyle. Actually, the hard part is what comes next, doing it. Shutting off your mind and changing your whole mentality of always being in a hurry. You are no longer bound by time! Take the time to enjoy your new freedom, explore, create memories, to stop and smell the roses.

Affordable RVing

One of the biggest misconceptions of the RVing lifestyle is that it is only for the wealthy. Well I am here to tell you that is wrong. In Fact, I am even going as far to say that it can save you and your family money in the long run. Think I'm crazy? Read on to find out why.

Family vacations should not be a stressful time. Owning an RV helps to take some of the financial stress off of the family. You are able to travel to many different places while spending less money than traveling to those same places without the RV. An even greater benefit is you have unlimited flexibility even on a small budget You can go anywhere at any time. Did you know that many RV models allow a family of four to save around 59% on vacation costs over other forms of travel? And before you ask it, yes that number takes into account all aspects of RV ownership, from your monthly payment to insurance, to depreciation.

Even with rising fuel costs and hotel deal sites, Owning and vacationing in an RV is still the cheapest way to travel. No matter which way you cut it, owning an RV is the cheapest, and most fun, way to take a family vacation. You can even see for yourself with this tool from Gorving.com.

How Did You Discover RVing

There are many ways that we have come to love RVing. Each of us has a special story to tell that is unique to us. What I have noticed is that there are three common themes in each of the discover RVing stories.

The first discover RVing story is those of us who were born into the RV lifestyle. As kids we would spend holiday weekends and summers on the RV with the family going all over the U.S. We might have enjoyed it then, or maybe it took us awhile for us to appreciate it.

The second group of us is the ones who have started a family and are looking for a way to bond together and spend the kid’s summer vacations from school. So, we think, why not get an RV. From there the love of RVing is born.

The final common story is the group of us who have retired and are so bored just sitting around the house all the time so we start to look for something to occupy our time. We talk to friends who have an RV, we research on the internet, and we decide to rent one. All it takes is one time and we are ready to buy our own and hit the open road.

No matter what you story, no matter how long it took to discover, we have all discovered the RVing lifestyle and love it. Now, we want to hear your story. Tell us how you discovered RVing.

Which states have you visited while in an RV?

Let us know in the comments which states have you visited while in an RV.