Reg and I see our first snake of the year.
We’re walking the full length of the mesa when he crosses our path. The critter moves quickly, not giving me time to examine him for identification. He’s very skinny, about three feet long, gray-brown with a black stripe. Probably harmless. Not interested in hanging around us, he races for cover under a nearby bush.
I don’t have a pic of the snake, but I do have one of the bush. The blossoms are a bit beat up from the recent hail.
Yeah, we had hail.
Never a dull moment, weather-wise, when camped on a mesa! The changes are rapid and dramatic, interspersed with calm, sunny, warm days during which one can lounge around in shorts and sandals. The lull prepares you for the next round.
The last two days and nights we’ve had wind.
Big, noisy wind.
“Reg, we can’t stay holed up inside all day, rocking in the wind. I bet it isn’t as windy in town.” Hmm . . . I could return these books and DVDs, pick up a rotisserie chicken . . . “Maybe you could find someone to play with at the park. How’s that sound?”
Reggie hasn’t learned the work “park” yet, but he does recognize the implications of me picking up his harness. I’ve learned not to use the word often. (Spike not only learned “park,” he could spell it.)
Later . . . .
We stop at the library.
A program for children is in full swing and the library sounds like Chuck E. Cheese. I drop my stack of books and DVDs and run.
After the park and Family Dollar, I sprint inside Lin’s Grocery to grab a hot chicken.
I dash over to the warming table and . . . horrors! . . . no chickens!
I’ll get to the bottom of this.
I zoom over to the deli. The deli man explains why there are no chickens on the warming table.
“The oven only cooks 8 chickens at a time,” he says. “As soon as they’re put out for sale, they’re gone.”
The little oven cannot keep up with the demand!
On the return to camp, I recover from my disappointment. I commence ruminating on the rotisserie-chicken-scarcity scenario.
Hmm . . . There must be a way to provide this tasty, convenient food staple in enough supply.
That’s when it appears . . .
An idea!
I share this fantastic idea for the first time, right here, right on this blog!
What if you could buy rotisserie chickens at a drive-through? After a hard day at work (or in the lounger), one could order one’s chicken from one’s car, pay-and-grab at the pick-up window. There would be a constant, never interrupted supply!
I imagine myself driving away in the PTV, a fist upraised out the open window and shouting:
“As God is my witness, I’ll never be without rotisserie chicken again!”
Oh, I almost forgot . . .
Yep, the deli man sent me off with “Have a good one!”
Well, nice to know one can depend on a cheery Overton send-off.
We return to camp.
The wind on the mesa is unbelievable! Blustery only begins to describe it. The Best Little Trailer, in all her fiberglass eggnificance, is buffeted mercilessly from all directions. Her shell holds.
I haven’t experienced this kind of wind in many years. The blue mat rises and falls like a trampoline. Amazingly the stakes hold the corners.
Inside with a cup of hot tea . . .
I examine my purchases from Family Dollar.
A pack of underwear. Cheaply made, but they’ll do in a pinch.
You see, there’s no laundromat around here and these undies buy me more time.
A cheapo microfiber throw for Reggie. Pretty as can be but that probably won’t last. Oh well . . .
It brightens our home and Reggie looks good in it.
“You’re sleepy, sweetheart. Boy, you gave that big, black dog a work-out today. . . . Aw, don’t worry about the wind . . . ”
The wind whistles and howls and rocks our home with its energy.
I settle in with my tea and book.
rvsue
NOTE: Under the previous post, we saw several interesting and informative comments about the pros and cons of rigs. Do feel free to continue the conversation.
What type rig are you considering? Do you have experience regarding a Class A, B, or C, a truck camper, a van camper, or a travel trailer? Share what you learned!
Your input will help those at the crucial stage of planning: “What is the best rig for how I want to RV?” — Sue
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Hey Sue! I am in Kentucky! 🙂
GOOD FOR YOU, RACHEL! I read your blog, always excellent posts. Please forgive me if I never expressed condolences on the passing of your father. I don’t get around to blogs much. What a tremendous, loving relationship you have with your son! I especially enjoyed the part about toasting each other with cold hot dogs. 🙂
WOW! YOU’RE FIRST TODAY!
Oh! There it is? Weird. It wasn’t there and then it was! First? Too cool! Don’t worry about not responding to anything you have a very busy life but thank you very much for your words about my dad. It’s been a strange time, but a wonderful time. I have been reconnecting with family, in special ways. 🙂 Lol! I love the part about toasting each other with hotdogs too! 🙂 It was one of those special moments! I am so blessed!
Hello Sue and Reggie, Cabin fever can be rough. But Reggie does look comphy in his bed.
Another first place winner today. 🙂 CONGRATULATIONS, KAT AND COOKIE DOG!
Hey, Sue, issues with comments? I let you know I am in Kentucky. Reggie looks good in any color, and I hope you are doing great!
Just so you know I posted a comment and it said that I was following this blog but I don’t see the comment so I thought I would try again! 🙂 my son Charles and I are moving to Kentucky! Actually we are officially in Kentucky right now! 🙂 just over the line south of Bowling Green, but we are in Kentucky! We are going to be camping in the Daniel Boone forest and believe it or not I am going to be looking for a piece of dirt I can Call my own! 🙂
Comments are slow to appear….
How exciting! Your own property! I was happy to read that your well-being has been positively affected by the change in geography. I’m sure having your son with you will be not only a joy but also a great help searching for that special place to call “home.” Your happiness is contagious. Wishing you a pleasant camp!
Rachel, I have a friend, like a Brother who has 28 mostly wooded acers in Southern Magnolia Kentucky off of Powder Mills Road , I’d be happy to live there, but my lungs are unable to handle the humidity, I’d be there in a flat minute if I could breath, hope ya all find your “Dirt” of your own in good ol’ Kentuck,,,,, Rusty n Piper 😃👣🐾
Hi there, I am in ashland,ky. But spent a lot of time in and around DB forrest, upper part of it around ft. Boonsboro in winchester ky area. Its beautiful there.
Luckily the weather is warming up here. Was a very mild winter,so hoping this summer is not a scorcher.
Welcome to the bluegrass.
Hi sue, i have also tried to post numerous times and failed.
I knew math wasnt my best subject but wow. ..lol glad to see its the blog and not my brain. 😉
Still in ky. And still following you , love the pics.
Take care and safe travels
Mert and asia
Hi, Mert!
I’m going to remove the math problems. Maybe it isn’t necessary anymore since I’ve made other changes.
Good hearing from you… Wishing you and Asia a wonderful day!
Same to you and reg!!
Asia got her pool out today from winter storage… shes one happy camper!
Plus… momma is cooking London broil on the grill and a big soup bone on the grill for the queen asia mae 🙂
I am in the Top Ten Hallelujah!!!!
SECOND PLACE, JENNY! You’re almost number one! 🙂
I’m thinking how restful the sound of wind is when escaping ChuckECheese!
SECOND PLACE TO ELIZA,TOO!
Cute comment… 🙂
Yeah, we are in the wind still and it’s been cool down here in Yavapai County, Reggie looks so cute in his bed and bet he had a great time playing in the park, sorry you didn’t get your rotisserie chicken, life goes on, but that idea of a drive up for rotisserie chicken is a great one,, Piper says hi too and have a safe good one,,,,,, Rusty n Piper
Hi, Piper n’ Rusty,
THIRD PLACE! 🙂
You have wind, too… At the moment we have very little on the mesa.
For those who aren’t familiar with Arizona counties, Yavapai is near the center of the state — Prescott, Chino Valley, Camp Verde….
Whoo Hooo, ,, now howd I do that? Oh,, Bumblebee, Black Canyon City, Sedona and Ash Fork, and Ash Fork is just in it , by a couple of feet,, LOL and Route 66 and Seligman too! ,,,,, 😃👣👣🐾
Comment did not publish
I think it did (see above). Comments load very slowly. I continue to try to fix the glitches in this blog. Too bad I don’t know what I’m doing.
Reggie does look great on that microfiber blanket…..he is just so photogenic!
Hi, DianeJ,
I agree! Reggie is easy to photograph and the color of his new blankie makes a pretty background.
Hi Sue,Wondering what the purple shrub is .On our way back from Mexico a few days ago saw an amazing blue purple quite large shrub blooming out in the desert but never close enough for a better look and not alot of them,one was huge.I don’t think it was indigo.
Hi, Heather,
That shrub in the photo? I’ve been calling it ratanay. I did a search in preparation for this post and couldn’t find ratanay anywhere. Ha! Did I make it up?
Anybody know the identity of the bush in the photo?
And what was the bush that Heather saw in the desert? “an amazing blue purple quite large shrub”… Anyone?
You might have called it that because it sounds similar to Ratany. See if you can find this site-
Texas Native Shrubs database Aggie Horticulture. tamu. edu
maybe by doing a web search with the first 6 words of that. I scrolled through the R section, and found Range Ratany, Range Krameria listed there, opened it and found a photo of what looks like the plant in this post.
Fantastic, weather! I’ll look it up!
LATER….
Because of your research I was able to find this link to Range Ratany, which is the plant in my photo!
Scrolling down on that page I read these Fun Facts:
“The Papago Indians used an infusion of the twigs externally for treating sore eyes and internally for dysentery. The roots provided them with a red dye for wool and other materials. The dye was also used as an ink.
Range Ratany provides thermal cover for rattlesnakes . . . .”
The bush in my photo is ratany…. See weather’s comment. 🙂
Hi Sue. Windier than all get out in Oregon yesterday. Many trees down, one poor guy died when hit by falling tree. Thank you for comment on RV discussion. I learned a lot! The comments sent me into google search for hours looking up different points that were raised. So thank you again. Appreciate it very much. No decision but some clarity. Funny comment about the undies. Quantity had crossed my mind! Can tell this is getting serious.
Hi, Stephanie,
I’m hoping the RV discussion will continue under this post. I think comments on rigs are helpful both for wannabes, newbies, and long-timers — anyone with a rig or thinking of buying a rig.
A full-time vagabonder can never have too many undies! 🙂
My wife and I were vagabonders with a rental-RV sometimes in the US, and could never have too many …, too. 🙂
Hi Stephanie, Not to jack your post, but we were hit by a tree as well the same day, Friday the 7th, up along I-5 just south of Kelso, WA. We were headed to BC to tour the Escape Trailer Factory, and were no further than 40 min from home, when the full grown Cottonwood came down upon us doing 75mph in the center lane of I-5. I’ll spare you the details, but I can vouch for our nasty weather, and how badly ALL of us are jonesing for some sunshine and warmth! Cheers! Suzi
Oh my gosh. Hope no one was injured. Now that would be scary. On a freeway? Since you are posting assume you are ok?
Library sounding like Chuck E Cheese??? Exit fast!
On another note, enjoyed the rig suggestions. I have another question. My right arm has lost some strength and usability due to a stroke. Would I be able to operate a light weight trailer?
I don’t see why not, Melanie. Just make sure your trailer has an electric jack. You could crank the jack with your left arm without the electric jack, but it probably would be best to have one.
I love full time RVing. Having said that, I hate being in wind! We had some gusts up to 60mph here last weekend – not fun. And I can’t sleep at all when the wind is blowing more than 20mph (which is to much in my opinion). Love the blue color of the blanket and glad Regggie got some play time. Rotisserie chicken is a favorite of ours. Love the drive through idea.
Hi, Lisa W,
I think it’s been windy all over the Southwest, judging from comments. I love the wind, until it is so strong one cannot walk in it. It does clean up the desert nicely, better than rain.
We had a fast food place called Boston Chicken where rotisserie chicken was plentiful. They had a wall full of cookers you could see through the glass fronts. Now they are called Boston Market and there aren’t as many of them but their chicken is still wonderful! There are some in Phoenix but I don’t know about other locations. You might want to Google them.
Hi, Linda,
Boston Market does cook tasty food. I never lived near one and haven’t come across one since living in the BLT. I tried their frozen dinners — yummy — but very fattening!
Hi Sue, We have a fast food place called Juan Pollo, they must have 1000 chickens a day. And they are good, also great potatoe salad!
Hi, Sue and crew –
I just returned from Lubbock, TX, and there is no shortage of wind there, either. I camped with one of my grandsons at Palo Duro Canyon State Park and a day trip to Cap Rock Canyon State Park. We saw bison! I have been calling them buffalo all these years. Evidently, if you want to call a bison a buffalo, it would be like calling a sheep a goat. Who knew.
Palo Duro is a larger park and when I heard our campground was in the bottom of the canyon, it seemed amazing. I was picturing The Grand Canyon and taking mules to the bottom. Even though Palo Duro canyon floor is an easy trip down in your car, it was still impressive. We were surprised to see quite a few campers and also tent campers in the windy and drizzly conditions. We had a great time.
I am full time in my Casita 17′ Spirit Deluxe – since August last year. I hear more and more comments from Casita owners about how much they like their little eggs. They also hold their value and are very comfortable to tow. I tow with a Toyota 4Runner.
It was great fun to get out for a short adventure, since I have been sticking close to my home base in Missouri City, TX, getting ready for knee surgery.
Happy Trails and I wish enough rotisserie chicken to keep you and the crew happy.
Pamelab in the Houston area for now.
Hi, Pamelab,
I love comments like yours…. info on places, where you are and where you’ve been, fun details, personal update, a description of your rig… Thank you!
Best wishes on the knee surgery. The reports I’ve heard from folks who have had that done are 100% positive!
Boy, Reggie sure tired that black boy out! My Cricket from many years ago learned to spell a few favorite words too. Reggie is so cute in his blue blanket. I don’t think you could take a non-photgenic pic of him!
Pat
You’re right, Pat. I just point the camera and tap the button… Reggie makes every photo a good one!
Peanut has learned W A L K. 🐾I’ve taken to using several synonyms.
Seems windy March has finally arrived…here too…but our little place made of cinder blocks is very tough, so unless we are out, generally we don’t even know it. But I well remember one visit as a kid to Death Valley, staying in my folks little airstream travel trailer…oh my, really wondered if we would fly off someplace that night…not much sleep was had by anyone I think!! I enjoy wind, so long as it is a bit less wild!! Off to enjoy a bit of it here now…happy March!!
Same to you, Elizabeth! Even if it is April… 🙂
Imagining your parents’ little airstream floating over Death Valley . . . . what a trip that would be!
hehe…that was tongue in cheek…when I came back to say so…the little math deal would not work…heh, guess I know simple math…any rate…
Tried to answer once, Sue…so here is another try…heh, that March statement was tongue in cheek…seems we are a month behind in the types of weather we have had this year!
Oh my Sue…in that tiny airstream trailer we were 6 of us!! And my grandparents slept in the back of our old station wagon (that my dad had put some powerful hemi into)…that trip was something else otherwise too…on the way back home, 2nd gear went out on the station wagon…so my dad pulled over to the side of the road and made it where we could still go (don’t ask me how he did that…he was a car repairman by trade)…he just skipped the 2nd gear…exciting trip alright…pins and needles all the way home!!
This comment appeared under the previous post at the end of the thread about rigs. I copied and posted it here for more exposure. — Sue
I was lucky enough to borrow a small C from a friend my first time out. Granted it was a little older Minnie Winnie, but drove like a truck and got around 6mpg. I loved the comfort of it, how nice it was but decided not for me.
Having a small car I opted for a teardrop that I pulled first time towing 13000 miles across the country including the Rockies. Time of my life! Just too small.
Came back and sold it for a stand up one that is bigger with a sink and micro inside. Yay I can stand up and not sleep on the floor. I also got a little bigger SUV to tow it’s 1200 lbs safely with.
While I do like the idea of a B, they are really small inside and most have no basement storage. And we all have *stuff*. For *me* the pleasure of driving in comfort in my own well equipped car, being able to leave the camper in a campground safely while I go off to the store, or to explore is worth everything.
I have found small for ME is better and consider myself an expert as to what to take and in what amounts. There is a store in every town. Sorry to be so wordy, but I am getting to see the country, have a comfy bed, a potty, tv and pc along with me in a small footprint is a G*dsend. For each person there is an Rv or trailer and the first you buy may not be your last. I only travel all summer (getting ready now) and have a home for winter in Fl.
Thank you for your comment! I’m sure readers appreciate you sharing your progression toward the perfect rig for you. I like how you included the reasons why a rig wasn’t quite right.
Happy, safe travels this summer!
What sort of rig do you have that only weighs 1200 lbs?
I was wondering same thing. Thanks.
Love those photos of Reggie! You are right; he looks GOOD in that shade of blue.
My RV is a Ford Conversion Van that I’ve fixed up to be pretty darn comfy even if I do say so myself. My three month winter escape to Arizona was a good trial for long term plans.
My advice to any of you who are thinking of vandwelling, do not buy things that others recommend until you have been out on the road for a bit and get a good sense of what you will and won’t use. Not everyone will use the same things and everyone’s tastes and lifestyle (even in a van!) are different. Get a feel for what you think might work for YOU. Even then you will make some mistakes, but it’s better than buying all the things everyone else thinks are the bees knees only to find out you rarely if ever use it and it’s taking up precious space. Happy trails!
Very good advice, Shawna! I probably have influenced readers to purchase stuff that I think are must-have items.
Thanks for adding your perspective (and your rig) to this discussion. 🙂
The wind reached northeastern Mississippi also. It was really windy on Thursday and Friday…calmed down a tad yesterday but has picked up some today. Temps are in the 70’s and no rain….yet.
I love the pictures of Reggie playing with his new friend but the last 3 pictures made me say AWWWWWWWW out loud!!! He is such a cutie.
Got me some cranberry gel caps…..thanks for the suggestion!!!!
Please stay safe
Love to you and Reggie
PS…. you had better know your math or not have fat fingers like me. Put the wrong answer in that little box and boy, I was told I made a mistake!!!! LOL
Hi, Pauline,
I’m laughing over the reprimand you received for messing up the math! We don’t tolerate that sort of mistake around here! 🙂
It’s so good to have you feeling better. I think you’ll find the cranberry caps help a lot.
Love you!
Hi Sue!
Reporting in after our trip up to BC to tour the Escape Trailers where they are made. We went for a comparison of the 17′ Casita, and found they have 4 lovely choices; a 17′ like the SD, a dbl axle 19′, a dbl axle 21′, and a small 5th wheel. They are very nice, and it was actually great to be able to run in one, and then the other, and back to one, and so on to make comparisons on the spot.
We didn’t like the 17′, which is what we are interested in for a couple of reasons; we like the Casita better overall for a 17′. Didn’t especially like the 19′, and the 5th wheel is pretty sweet as it’s small, and lightweight for a 5th wheel; 21’2″ over-all exterior length, and 5500 lbs GVWR. We know though, that we don’t want a 5th wheel due to wanting storage in our TV (like your van).
The trailer that we actually liked the best was the 21′, coming in at 5000GVW. Nice freshwater cap; 28gal, black at 22 gal, and an AWESOME spacious kitchen (as in counter space!) Also a pretty darn nice fridge/with a separate top freezer. Stationary bed at the front, and 4 – 6 person U-shaped dinette in back, with bed option. Yes, that one was spacious and laid out very nice. We feel you get a lot for a smallish trailer in that one. And still, you can tow with a beefy SUV, like a Yukon, or Expedition, or even a Land Cruiser.
We came home still wanting a Casita. 🙂 How about that? Don’t get me wrong, Escapes are very nice, and maybe even more generous with storage inside. The overhead cabinets are deeper for sure, and I think a few more of them as well. Overall, we are glad we went and had a chance to look at them, and do some comparisons. For the money, we think the Casita will serve our needs getting started for the first few years when we plan to do a lot of boon docking and moving around seeing the country. Smaller and lighter is good!
Maybe down the road, when we are doing less traveling from place to place, maybe we’ll re-think that 21′ Escape. There wasn’t much not to like about that one, just it’s bigger size and weight. Even so, fully loaded, 5000 lbs and 21′ is not bad for a TT.
Thanks again for your wonderful (doggy) stories, and beautiful images that you so kindly share with your readers. I can tell by reading, that most of your blogorinos hold their breath waiting for a new one to be posted, hoping to be “first”. How sweet is that? Have a good one! 😉 Smooches to Mr. Reggie xo
Super report, suzicruzi! I know there are readers who will hang on every word you wrote. I like that you included your reactions and why you favor the Casita, even though the Escapes are pretty darn nice, too.
Thank you for an interesting and informative contribution to our talk about rigs.
Interested in differences u saw between casita 17 & escape 17? I have a new 17 escape. Just wondering?
Hello RV Scarlet!! Love the raised arm and declaration to never be without rotisserie chicken again….too funny!! But I like your idea of a drive up chicken place. And if it had healthy, homemade sides, all the better!
Love the pictures of Reggie and friend at play. You give him such a great life. He looks so cozy bundled in his new blanket ready to nap. The blue color reminds me of some of your previous lake pictures. I hope it does last a while…Reggie looks so comfy and happy on his new blankie.
I am so sorry about all the wind you guys are having to put up with. Sure cramps your camping lifestyle! Then…kids at the library…yikes!!!
Thanks again for your post and commentary. Belly rubs, hugs, and ear scratches for Reggie and prayers for you both.
My RV choice was budget driven. Had to be light enough to be towed by my low miles all wheel drive 4 cylinder vehicle. I went with a vintage fiberglass trailer that has a pop-up area over the galley. I gutted it and am building up an all new interior. If you have skills and time then sweat equity can be a good option.
I agree! Good on you!
Smart woman! 🙂
==========
We lived in our ’89 fifth wheel for a few months before we upgraded to our current ’94 fifth wheel (no slides) which we have been living in fulltime while travelling now for almost 18 months and we rolled 22,000 miles our first year. The best part is we only paid $4,200 for our 33′ fifth wheel and I have a feeling we could live in this thing for 10 years and still get most (if not all) of our money back.
Not to rain on anyone’s parade (and some brands do hold their value better than others) but the average RV will lose 25 to 40% of its value once you drag or drive it off the lot. Five years later, the average RV will only be worth half of what it sold for new. (But don’t expect any RV dealer to share this information.)
We have found this makes used RVs an incredible bargain — especially if one isn’t sure about what kind of rig they want. Almost anyone can shop around, get a good deal on a used rig, and see if it’s a good fit or not after a year or two of actual use. If not, you can likely get all your money back (maybe even make a few bucks if you like cleaning and fixing things up) and get something else without the huge depreciation penalty.
==========
Hi Sue, Reggie & fellow Blogorinos,
I have followed Sue for a number of years. When I first found her blog, I enjoyed it so much, I went back and read every post and every comment from the very beginning. It took awhile but I had a bunch of fun and learned so much . If you haven’t read her blog from the the very start , Do It. It is well worth your time. Of course like many of you I really enjoyed the fun times and cried tears during the sad times when Spike and then later on when Bridget Passed. Sue and I have not always seen eye to eye. I have confronted her and she has confronted me on several occasions. Nothing major, just differences of opinion on little things like religion and politics. Ha Ha just kidding!
So with Sue’s inspiration and guidance, My darling wife (of 41 years) and I have purchased our own “perfect tow vehicle” a 2007 Chrysler Aspen SUV. We plan to buy a 21 to 24ft. travel trailer in the next month or two and realize Our Dream of full timing in the fall of this year. We are looking at used but newer 2010+ Keystone passport/outback, Jayco, KZ spree or Rockwood Mini Lite. Thank You Sue!
After months of going round n round n round trying to decide what type of RV to choose we decided on the tow vehicle and travel trailer. We are on a fairly tight budget. Social Security a little bit of savings. So it’s going to be tight. With the cost and maintenance of a big class A it got ruled out. The class C with toad was in the mix until we realized we would have to maintain two engines/drive trains and two motorized vehicle insurance policy’s. Also I like the idea that if something goes wrong with the tow vehicle, while it’s being repaired you can stay in your trailer. With a Class A or Class C you have to sleep in your rig while it’s at the shop ( if allowed) or get a motel room.
So take Sue’s advice. If your on a budget a tow vehicle and trailer makes allot of sense. If budget is not a concern then by all means a big class A is very nice. Except you wont be able to fit in all the smaller campgrounds and cool places that Sue goes!
Happy Camping Everyone, Love your blog Sue, and Thank You Again,
FloridaScott
Hi, FloridaScott,
I’m sorry your comment didn’t appear last night. It went into the spam bin (don’t know why!) and I found it there this morning. I’m very glad I found it because your message contains important information for folks trying to decide what rig to buy.
You are so right about a big rig not being able “to fit in all the smaller campgrounds and cool places that Sue goes.” That statement reminded me of something one should consider about a Class A or Class C. There are spectacular places to visit where either of those rigs, regardless of length, would be impossible (or a PITA) to go…. Mt. St. Helens and Valley of the Gods are two examples that immediately come to mind, and there are others.
Thank you for all the good things you wrote about me and my blog, Scott! I admire your tolerance. 🙂
Awww Sue, Thank You for tolerating me… That’s what makes for the Best of cyber friends. I’ll update when we get the trailer. Can’t wait to follow your adventures this summer. I’ll be here!
Oh, another thing that I like about a tow vehicle/travel trailer combo. One can upgrade the tow vehicle without throwing oneself outta’ one’s home. 🙂
Good point!
When I go fulltime, I plan to spend at least the first few years workamping, likely at some campgrounds or parks or something. My current 33 ft trailer is perfect for that… tow it to a location and sit still for several months. If I was in your situation, with packing up and moving every few days, I’m pretty sure I would get a smaller, lighter, and more compact trailer.
There is no “best” set-up, everything seems to be some sort of compromise. But some seem better than others for YOUR/my circumstance.
I had a class “A” & spent months parked while I workcamped, I swore that if I ever did it again I’d get a 5th wheel & a truck. Lot’s of storage in a 5th wheel & I have a problem with too much stuff.
A travel trailer & a tow rig would work too if you wanted to stay in one spot for awhile.
Having a vehicle to go to the store or sightseeing with is huge if you plan on staying anywhere for any length of time.
Really enjoying all the different reasons for rig choices! Could someone please tell me the difference between class a, b, and c?
I think I would like having a vehicle that is seperate from the rig. Anybody used both a motorhome type, and a trailer? Which worked best? Thank you!
I don’t know the official definition but most class A’s look like a transit bus. They can have engines in front or back. If the engine is in back they are often called “a diesel pusher.” Class C are on a van chassis with a bed or storage over the front. Class B are also on a van but without the bed/storage over the front.
Thank you Rover Ronda! I thought one of them didn’t have a door on the passenger side?
Seems like a tow/trailer would be the best, unless you want to tow a vehicle behind your motorhome.
You’re welcome Susan, and you’re right. Although most class A’s have the main entrance door near the front on the passenger side they do not typically have doors by the front seats. I have seen a few class A models with a small door by the drivers seat but they are rare.
The rig I’ve decided on when I sell my #!#% farm is a Nash 17k by Northwood made in Oregon, it’s made specifically for boondocking! I love the layout ~ lots of insulation, big holding tanks, plenty of storage, fantastic view from the back window, queen size bed! Tow rig will be an F250 with a cap on the back for extra storage. They have very good reviews and great customer service.
OK Sue….want to hear something “spooky”? I have been distracted lately and haven’t been reading all the comments at the end of your posts. Last night, as I once again pondered (obsessed) over whether to get a trailer, truck camper or van to live in on the road, I wondered what the RVSue readers thought of those options after experiencing them for awhile. I knew what you thought and why but I wondered about people’s opinions who lived in one of the other types of RVs. I even thought about asking. Then this morning, I saw your note about the discussion on the last post……..WOW! Pretty spooky (in a good way), huh? Stephanie, I wish you every good fortune as you begin your adventure! Thank you to everyone who took the time to add their opinions. And thank you Sue for having a forum where people feel comfortable sharing their experiences. Have a great day all! MB from VA
Thank u for all your wonderful pictures. My favorite are the ones with Regie of course. Also the wild flowers. I’ve enjoyed ur blog for a a long time. Your so brave to do this with out another person. But your never alone. You have all the people that follow you on your blog. Also the people that pray for you for your safety and great days ahead. Also for Regey. Your inspiration is endless and admired.
Thank God for you Sue. Happy trails
Sharon
There is no one best RV any more than there is one best house, but we like our Arctic Fox (made by Northwood, as is MK Reed’s Nash above). It is very well made and rugged.
The trailer has shocks and not all makers add those. Its heavy, so we need a 3/4 ton diesel for pulling (2×2 which gives us a bit more payload than a 4×4). Many builders limit how much weight you can put in a trailer, but the Northwood trailers usually allow for over 2000 pounds of stuff. Our 25W model allows for lots of room for quilting fabric.
We liked the one level of a travel trailer over the stairs in a fifth wheel, although we do not have mobility issues. Smaller rigs tend to have wet baths (the entire room is the shower, or use an outside shower) while bigger units will have a dry bath with the usual enclosed stall. Some bloggers live in the winter in the Rockies in an Arctic Fox (with skirting) and do fine when its well below zero.
If it were just one person and boondocking were the plan I would consider a truck camper with slide outs on a 3500 truck. Of course, money is always an issue too. And make sure you have good folding chairs.
2×4 actually, although a 3/4 ton diesel motorcycle would be interesting.
No chicken? I’m crying for you RVSue. Maybe tomorrow?
I want to thank you such detailed description of hiking options in your previous ions post. I’ll check out every single of them as soon as i get to a computer
Windy days indeed!
Thanks for the invitation to post rig information.
Do a search for “tosimplifyold” to see a blog from a fellow who went thru the evolution of a class B (Van) a class C then finally, to a customized VW Vanagon. It is a very long read (years worth of blog entries) but contains a ton of observations about full-timing that many should find useful.
I went thru a different evolution path. First went camping in a tent, before moving up to a hard shell on the back of the truck.
Pros – can be a daily driver saving on storage fees and extra insurance.
Cons – other than sleeping, you are doing everything outdoors – everything. No fun on cold and rainy days. No standing headroom.
Next was an early 70s VW Campmobile (like this (https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/4f/50/5a/4f505abdab5a7ad8c01d28fa1528db54.jpg))
We had the side tent – so
Pros: Folding bed, icebox, sink w/several gallons of water, room inside for a cassette type potty. With pop-top open, it has standing headroom. A big deal. With the tent up, a lot more standing space ‘indoors – table and chairs now a big plus.
Cons: Cooking had to be done outdoors. No heater – since we had this in Alaska on my first tour, it mattered at the time. Later, living in Las Vegas, no so much. Limited water storage.
The next was a small (15 ft) pull behind that was fully self-contained.
Pros – fully self contained with gas/electric fridge/freezer. 20 gallon fresh water, 35 gallon black water. Heater, no AC (again, living back in Alaska) no power past the house battery.
Cons – had to make the couch in front into a bed each nite. That gets old quick. Otherwise, a good rig, easy to tow.
That in turn led to a fifth wheel – it had everything but an installed genset. It was also a pain to tow, back, find a space and so on due to size. It was expensive to insure and storage became an issue due to both cost and access. Happiest day in the whole ordeal was when we sold it and the crew cab F-350 used to tow it. For a full timer – maybe. Just consider what it will take to change a flat on the truck or rig – yeah, the tires weigh in at *over* 100 pounds. I learned my lesson.
Now I’m back to a VW Eurovan Camper (like this http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/Mzc1WDUwMA==/z/QU0AAOxylpNTWJAr/$_3.JPG?set_id=2)
Pros: It is a daily driver, so no extra insurance, storage costs. Has a propane heater, sink with pump, stove, 3 way fridge and holds 12 gallons of fresh water, 8 gallons of gray water, uses a casette potty. With the pop-top up, has standing headroom.
Cons – small. The downstairs bed is the size of Twin. Upstairs can support up to 400 pounds, but is really suitable only for children/teens owing to low headroom.
Great for a weekend, or travel over long distance with a short stay over at the destination. One person might find it livable, but past a singleton, it is just too cramped (sleeping) – maybe honeymooners (wink) could get by….
So so we wind up just about where we started. A class B van has pluses as well.
I have to say, Sue, you seem to have really hit the sweet spot. You can drive away and leave your rig in place, yet it is small enough to tow, back with little hassle. Maintaining it appears to be low cost. All in all, very well thought out.
Anyone who is thinking of full timing would be well advised to rent the unit under consideration and live in it for at least a full week – at a minimum. A month would be better. What you learn while actually living in the rig will be….amazing.
Hi Sue, I’ve been reading this blog off and on for years and find it very uplifting. Thank you and your readers for comments that are interesting and well-informed.
I camped with my folks in tents, and then with my daughter, in tents. Then we started boat camping with my husband, still in tents at boatin campgrounds in Montana at Yellowtail Reservoir. We moved to the East Coast and camped not once. The humidity made camping too uncomfortable.
Then we moved to Wisconson, and started boat camping again but, this time we forewent the tent and “camped” in a small cabin cruiser. Our next “rv” was a trawler. We sold everything and moved aboard for five years. After a couple of years, we retired and began cruising full time. We enjoyed cruising but felt isolated from the kids, who were grown and established in their own lives.
As our children had children and, since we missed family, we decided to sell the boat and move to where two of our daughters lived. That was it for camping until two years ago. By this time I was a widow and I had always wanted to live in a van and travel sooo I emptied my house, put it on the market, took the seats out of my Dodge Caravan, put in a cot and a portapotty, and headed west. I lived out of my van for a year and a half, and visited most of the national parks during the park centennial. Twas a great lifestyle but my osteoporosis made it difficult to walk.
I rented an apartment for six months while the fosamax stabilized my bones. Last Friday, I bought a camper van with bed, toilet and fridge so I can nomad my way around the country again. I went with the camper van for three main reasons: I can visit kids and park on the street where they live; I don’t have to get out of the vehicle to reach the bed (a safety consideration when staying in parking lots, as well as a comfort consideration when the weather is bad); and, ease of driving an rv which is about the same size as my Caravan (just taller). At 69 years of age, the last reason was very important. It also sets the kids minds at ease some. I considered travel trailers, especially Casitas and scamps, but decided that I didn’t want the length when driving in cities.
And Reggie makes me think a canine companion would be nice!
Welcome to Blogorinoland, Archae! I’m happy to see you here and with a personal introduction. Very interesting! Thank you for adding another perspective to our conversation about rigs. Your reasoning behind each stage of your camping history helps others to figure out what is best for them.
Congratulations on your camper van! I’m sure your fellow blogorinos join me in wishing you many wonderful camps and safe miles. Do keep in touch (would love to hear about a new canine pal!). 🙂
Well Piper and I have a homemade cab/ over camper that I can stand completely upright with 2 in., above the hat and I can stretch in my bed too, so far it has 200 watts of solar with a 30 amp charge controler with 5oo watt inverter, a All-Clad cooking pot for a sink and fausit, 22 gals water supply with a 12 volt ShurFlow pump, a closet and a Stanford flushing toilet over 4.5 gals holding tank, a dinnet with old school bus bench seats and XM Satellite Radio with stiero for the camper and truck cab and soon to get a truckers 12 volt cooler and a Shower that folds up,, plus enough food to last till the 1st week of next month for me and Piper, oh ya , have a Mr Heater and a Gas One Duel Fuel Stove, this Tablet I’m on and a 10 in. Sylvania DVD player, warm, dry in the Winter and cool in the Summer and of course we travel all over the West with the 1975 F- 100 Ford Custom pick up with the camper on the Ol’Gal and with the right Tires we get 13 to 14.5 mpg at 70 and below,,, RV Sue has photos of it and I’m thinking of giving the works a Patriot paint job consisting a American Flaming Flag with the words on the sides, Freedoms not Free and on the back, Thousands Died for our Freedom and one Died for your Salvation, a Memorial for our Fallen Service Members,,,,,, Rusty n Piper
Just a comment on living in a C without a toad. I have done it for five years full-time. It is a little trickier to take it places, but I did not want to have to tow another vehicle around with me, in and out of gas stations and other places. I do my shopping between campgrounds, generally staying 5-10 days in each place. I am a minimalist on the stuff I put outside, so for me to do some exploring or go out to a museum or grocery store, mostly it just requires unhooking water and electric, and putting my slides in. If anything it out, it stays there.
I do have a yellow sign I put out that says “Campsite occupied” on one side and “Be right back” on the other. That is to prevent someone from thinking I have just abandoned my stuff. And actually, I had more of a problem with people running after me to remind me I forgot my hose and chair than anything else. Once did have a new state park maintenance guy put my stuff, including the sign, in his cart ready to throw in dumpster! I was really mad at that one. Duh! It said I’d be right back!!!
There have really been few places I couldn’t go to. For museums and such, I call ahead and ask for parking suggestions. I also occasionally rent a car if I am near a city (like Savannah) and I want to drive in. Enterprise has nice $9.99 a day rates for weekends, and they do pick you up. And I take advantage of public transportation when I can. I figure I can afford to rent a car occasionally for the cost of insurance if I owned a toad.
I have an electric bike for exploring campgrounds and nearby towns, which is very nice.
Frankly, I chose a C because I liked having the living space for full-timing. Storage underneath is also good since I have no other home. You do need to take some extra stuff like seasonal clothing and legal stuff when you full time. I also have a regular air compressor, etc.
I think a trailer is better if you are happy to stay in one place a lot and a motorhome is best if you want to keep moving and do a lot of sightseeing, as I do. I put about 20,000 miles per year on my motorhome, and nearly entirely stay in state and federal campgrounds.
Judy – your post really answered a lot of questions I had and it sounds like the image I had in my mind of how this might work for me. So thank you for sharing your experiences. I really appreciate it.
I will be retiring in about 6 weeks and will start my new life as a fulltime vagabond! For the last 18 mos or so I have been studying and reading about the different classes of RVs and trying to figure which would be best for me. There are tradeoffs with all of the choices.
My main hobby is hiking. I like to hike the 14ers here in CO and get up into the high country to hike. So this means I need a 4×4 vehicle to access the trailheads that I want to go to. A smaller SUV or Jeep is best suited for this. So I thought of getting a class C with a toad. But I also want to boondock the majority of the time and be able to get back into the woods. So the Class C isn’t really the best option for that! Plus I am going to be on a tight budget, so a MH with a toad means 2 engines to maintain, higher insurance etc.
So after alot of study and thought, I decided on a pickup towing a trailer. While there are drawbacks, I think this is what will best suit my needs. Then I started looking at trailers. Some of the things that are important to me are keeping the trailer length as short as I can, so I wanted to stay around 20 ft overall. A dry bath was pretty much a must have. Then I really wanted tandem axles. And no slide. So these requirements narrow the field down quite a bit 🙂
After looking at several models, I came across the Northwoods Nash 17k. The feature that really drew me to this trailer is the rear dinette with the HUGE picture window . Oh my gosh, I love that window! I just can’t live in a dark space, I need lots of light. The 3 large windows in the living area are marvelous! Another consideration is I really like to cook and so I prepare almost all my meals at home. I really wanted to have at least some counter space. Most trailers in this size don’t have much. But the 17k has a very nice amount of counter space. Also there is a good amount of storage in the kitchen/living area.
A local dealer had one on the lot so last fall I went and looked at it. I fell in love with it after seeing it in person. I keep looking at the ads and seeing what is available, but I just keeping come back to the 17k. Northwoods has a very good reputation for building high quality rigs. They design the frame and suspension custom for each model and they are meant to go off the pavement. So I’m pretty sure I will be purchasing a 17k.
As many others have stated, there isn’t a single right answer to the question of what is the best type of RV. Each person needs to really think about what they like to do, how and where they plan to camp and what their budget is. Visualize yourself living in the various RVer and going thru you daily activities. And even considering all of these factors it isn’t a cut and dried decision. There are pluses and minuses for all of the options. So one has to weigh all of these factors and try to figure out the best for their lifestyle.
I have been a busy beaver the last few months with divesting my possessions. Most of my large furniture and stuff has been sold on craigslist. Now I am going thru all the other stuff and sorting out what is for garage sale, donate, trash, keep. I am determined not to have a storage unit! I have a lot of stuff to get rid of. Fortunately we are in a hot real estate market where I live so Lord willing, the house should sell quickly.
Then I have to find a truck to purchase and then the Nash. And so much to do once I get everything. Want to have solar installed and other things such as that. So a busy summer ahead, and I am so looking forward to it.
Hope to see some of you out on the road one day.
Happy Trails!
Debra
Hi, Debra (CO).
Just want to say I am very happy for you! How exciting to go out and buy a truck and then the trailer (once your house sells) and begin a new life on the road!
I checked out the Nash and it looks nice!! It seems you put much thought into this decision.
I hope everything falls into place for you. 🙂
You can also buy a special wooden cutting board that fits perfectly on your stove to increase your counter space.
Sounds wonderful. Congrats on your impending retirement and launch into your new life.
Hope you’ll keep us updated on your truck and camper purchases. The Nash sounds great. How heavy is it?
Reggie is such a cutie! I love seeing pics of him. Spike knowing not only the word “park” but also how to spell it made me laugh! My dog Kora can’t spell like Spike, but she does know what “go” means. And like Reggie, she knows what putting on her harness means. ❤️
Good Morning RVSue & Bloggorinos! Reggie looks so adorable on his new blanket. It is a great color for him…of course EVERY color is a good color for him. Too funny….as I left work yesterday I said “Have a good one” like I had been using that phrase all my life!
I was on the road for two years full time. I bought a 27′ class C Four Winds made by Thor. I LOVED it. I did not have a toad. Yes, there were some places I couldn’t go but not too many. I did my shopping on the way to my new camp and bought enough food to last awhile. The best thing I did was install solar. Well worth every penny. While I was liquidating everything I wrote down what I really wanted in an RV…in a perfect world…a power awning, a shower with “glass” doors and an actual counter in the kitchen. I found it all in the first RV I looked at so I bought it. I had decided that I did not want to tow anything (I would have needed to buy a new car for that). I also decided, for safety reasons, that I wanted to be able to jump right in the drivers seat if any bad guys arrived. When I needed a few things done on the RV, I went to Camping World (I know, I know). They let me stay in my RV overnight while the work was being done. I came back to Vermont when my first Grandchild was born. It was a great time in my life. I was 67 when I did this…it is never too late!!
Sue,
FWIW, I really like the formatting you had before this. Where do we go to find the things that used to be on the right side? Please consider going back to the other look .
Don
Hi, Don,
I’m not entirely happy with the new format either, especially the way the comments appear in these stupid boxes. This is a newer format; the other was out-of-date (not compatible with widgets). I tried the new format in an effort to fix some problems readers are having.
Open up the HOME tab in the header. That should bring the sidebar back.
I worked on it most of yesterday and will try other things today, just so you’ll know in case things get very strange.
Hi, Sue,
Thank you for all the time and effort you have put into improving your website.
Damn CMS…
Can not post. Math is not showing.
Thanks for the explanation.
Don
Wow! Love the new look to the blog page!! And I could actually see the comments for the first time in forever! Take care.
Thanks for the feedback, rcl!
LATER>>> I returned the blog to the original format due to other problems. Let me know if you have problems seeing comments. Thanks.
So far, so good. Sue, you have been working so hard to get the “bugs” out of your blog. Thank you for this. I know I speak for many of us when I say how much we all appreciate the time and effort you put in to your blog. A day or so without Sue’s photos and commentaries just isn’t the same! And no more math now. I hope it is all running like clockwork soon and you can relax and just post for us all. Thank you!
Hi Sue- I am chuckling over you word “eggnificance”. I think that we need to start the RV Sue dictionary. I remember a few others that we could add. No rotisserie chicken on demand is a disappointment! There should be a Rotisserie chicken on Demand franchise in every city and boondock in America. Wouldn’t that be nice! I am playing catch up on the computer as I do not have a good connection where I am.
Hugs to you both! Carry on in all of your “eggnificance”!!
Hugs to you, too, Linda. 🙂
Hi, Sue!
Look for a Samsung VR headset on your Amazon list. I clicked through one of your ads, so hopefully you’ll get double credit. I just now ordered it, so not sure when it will show up on your list.
I see the headset! Thank you, Rochelle!
Well math is gone. Yay. But I still don’t like. Can’t please everyone I guess but the Amazon link in upper right corner disappeared. I had to scroll down to get in on your link. My son will never wait for me to do that for him. He’s impatient. I did get new backup camera and GPS unit combined I was sorry to hear you don’t always get credit for wish list list. I did try though. I was doing it earlier and had purchased most of my wish list before I knew that.
I’m almost ready to go. My redo of my vintage camper is almost done. I have a new roof , windows sealed, motor overhauled, generator running at least for now leak damaged wall replaced and bathroom wall removed. Heavy curtain installed in its place. Passport in hand but my grandsons has not arrived.
New power awning to be installed this week and backup cameras next. Have new sway something on my front axles and Tioga ’99 is rolling. She is 31feet resting on brand new shoes. The first of 4 vintage homes I’ve had to restore by myself. And pay others to do the work but no bargain. I owned her and the $12000 I now have invested is more than she bluebooks for but she’s mine redone to my specifications.
I still don’t like depth of that overhead bed but after this year the boys will probably not travel with me and I’ll just use it for storage But advise if you are looking and need that bed you check if actually usable. Of the 4 motor homes I’ve owned this is the only one I can’t get into. The curtains up there rotted until my daus took pity on me and crawled in and changed them for me. I could have got the curtains but I couldn’t maneuver to get the brackets loose and back
It must be a good feeling to know you saved yourself a bunch of money with the remodel and your rig will be fixed up just how you want it. Thanks for adding the advice about the overhead bed area. I don’t think I’ve ever read or heard of anyone liking to sleep in the cab-over.
Thank you for thinking of me and Reg when shopping Amazon. The thing to remember is … I earn a commission for bringing people INTO Amazon, not for taking them to check-out.
Sue the overhead in our last mh was big enough for me to actually sleep in and I’m 250 lb and friends as a couple slept in it for 2 weeks on a long trip to the east coast from mo. An older 79 s model we had years ago popped all the way down where we could sit on it. All of them are king sized and usuabke if you watch carefully. This is the first that I’ve had that is almost unusable and then only for kids. My kids are now teens and this is difficult just judge them closely when buying. Since I had always had a good experience in bathrooms and overhead beds this one wasn’t. And I didn’t notice until too late hence the caution and remodel on the bathroom. We have owned a total of 6 campers over 57 years plus using tents and pickup type this was a first in both departments that I didn’t fit in the bathroom or the bed. Lol. We bought it to get a walk around bed for my husband. We lost a bath tub and the bed over the cab and add7 feet to haul around but in my husbands defense that bed back in the cubby hole was pretty awful
Oh Sue, I’m sitting here laughing about it’s being a new experience every few hours when I open your blog. I’ve watched you switch to the new format and then back again, add or subtract details to each while they are on here. In the interim my trying to navigate through this all and go from this post to the prior one, experiment with using different devices in order to see everyone’s comments and leave some myself is a comedy of errors, Ha! You certainly know how to keep things from being dull. I really appreciate all the time and effort you are putting in to make everything work for us all.
I know you appreciate my efforts, weather. 🙂
All the changes, back and forth, under and over, inside and out, and I don’t think I’ve improved anything. A major exercise in “spinning my wheels.” Oh well… I’ll keep trying…
You’ve challenged your brain and mind, if nothing else, Sue, and so have I. That alone has to help us in the long run. When it’s all said and done you’ll have everything straightened out, too. I’m determined to see the bright side in all of this 🙂 . This reply is yet another experiment I’m trying . I’ll reply again explaining that soon.
Thank you for fixing your blog. I can now read all comments!!!!!
I don’t have any experience with any types of rvs but I think the bush you have a picture of is White Rhatany.
White Rhatany…. I’ll look it up. Thanks, R!
Hi Sue, Reggie and all my fellow blogorinos,
Life changes have kept me busy these last two months. As you can see, we are in NJ, for an indeterminate period of time. My plans to head north from FL this spring were accelerated when my mom developed hydrocephalus. Thankfully the condition resolved with treatment. She is in rehab, due to return home next week. Since my brother’s passing last May, I knew I would be with my parents sometime in the future. Afterall, that’s what families do….at least that’s what we do where I am from. Although my travel plans have been curtailed, I am blessed and fortunate to be able to help care for my parents as they age. These are precious days.
Thank you Sue for sharing the continued journey with us all. One very fun thing going on is the awaited build of a new 17B Escape trailer. For those deciding on RV choices, let me share mine so far. I started young, backpacking and camping in tents, carrying it all on my back over mountain trails for beautiful views, starry nights and many a footsore mile. I car camped too, enjoying the “luxuries” of food in a cooler and shorter hikes. Then I came to the age when sleeping on the ground and crouching in a wet tent were far from fun, so I got a Boler. The original fiberglass trailer designed lightweight enough to be towed by the family car. Mine had no bathroom, so I used campground facilities. I towed with a chevy s10, one with 4 cyl, another with 6. I started to live fulltime in this set up last year, primarily because it was what I had. 65 square feet was enough for myself, my big dog and old cat. Afterall, when inside I sat or stood in one place. I have also camped in the back of my pickup, but missed being able to stand up straight and be out of the weather at the same time.
My new trailer will have a bath, and both a 4 person dinette and a two person dinette. Each of these convert to a bed, one almost double, the other a single. I also have a solar panel which charges two batteries in my truck. These powered a whytner fridge/freezer, and will continue to supply more than enough power to my new home. I will be getting another truck with a V8, since my current one is dead. I hope my story helps others with their choice for the future. I think the best advice I got was from another camper who said, ” get the smallest camper you can live in and the biggest truck you can afford” Happy trails all.
I have just returned from a 3 week journey w/my brand new 17b escape. You will so enjoy all the benefits of this trailer. With 2 little canines it worked perfectly.
Can not post. Math quiz not showing.
Reggie has such a great time with all his new friends! Great idea for the chicken :-)))
Quick note…love Reggie’s blue blanket…he is so Precious…thanks for your hard work for your blog…you are so Precious…Relax, Take Care.
Deena and Miss Mollie
Hi😃
Hi, Sue.
Gorgeous sunset photo! Or, is it a sunrise? It has some nice God-rays, too!
Reading the comments about various rigs, with their pros and cons, is very interesting.
I am very happy with my rig, but I love to read about others. I alos love to help friends shop for one.
My suggestions have been said by others a hundred times in your blog, but here goes.
GET A TRAILER! There seems to be more pros with a TT than cons.
My 2014 R-Pod RP178 is perfect…for me. It sleeps 4, has a slide-out and all the usual stuff (dvd/tv, microwave, 3-way fridge, potty/shower, etc).
It only weighs 2800lbs and that includes the hitch. It has lots of storage space!
Fresh water tank – 36gal, black – 30, gray – 30. And, IMHO, it’s very cute.
It’s very easy to tow (using my 2004 Dodge Dakota 4.7 V8) and it has nice ground-clearance. I put a canvas shell on the truck because it’s lightweight and easy to remove. It also folds back, or, I can roll up the sides and use it for a canopy.
I love scouting around in my 4×4 truck, so being able to unhitch and have my vehicle free is a must for me. All the other reasons, such as the cost of maintaining 2 engines, or having to pack it all up in order to go anywhere, also played a big part in my decision for a TT. I love coming home to my cozy little place.
I spent 3 days in the Carrizo Plain National Monument last week. It was only the 3rd time I used a campground since I bought the Pod, as I usually boondock.
I don’t think RV boondocking is allowed in that area, only tent campers can do so.
I did stay in a turn-out, by Soda Lake, the night I arrived. It was 9:30pm and I was ‘done’ driving. I had no problem. The next day it had many people in that turn-out, taking photos of the dry lake. The wildflowers took my breath away! It’s a gorgeous place! And, no crowds!
Morning comes and it’s off to find the campground. As soon as I finished backing in my rig (no gawkers), this nice couple emerged from their pop-up tent trailer and approached me to ask about the R-Pod. They’ve been considering buying one.
It’s funny the way some folks pose a question; “Do you like using the bathroom?”
I replied; “Umm, well, whether I do or not, when I gotta go I gotta go. It is one of main reasons I purchased a travel trailer…and it is a little small, but…”
The woman replied, “Oh, I meant do you mind emptying the tanks, etc.”
I told her it’s no problem. They pulled out and I ended up taking their spot due to the view and privacy. It was then I had some back-up gawkers. This campground is up in the hills above the Plain. I saw no big rigs up there. That’s another reason I prefer a smaller, lighter trailer…it can go more places.
Next, in comes a Casita (16ft). As soon as the dog emerges from the trailer my dog runs over there in hopes to make a friend. And, she did. I started chatting with the man and told him about your blog. He said he hasn’t read it but he’s heard of it.
You’re such a popular gal!
I go about unhitching and commence to taking a drive. I come back, take a nap and woke up to people pulling up next me. I looked out my window and to my delight I see another R-Pod! Immediately I step out to meet the owners. I told them this is the first time I’ve ever met another R-Pod owner, let alone having one pull up right next to me. This made my camping there much nicer. They’re very nice people.
Of course we exchange notes and share stories. I see they have 2 solar panels sitting on the ground. He, Jeff, said he highly recommends it. The only 2 things they cannot use are the AC and microwave. I gasped at the cost (almost 2grand, all told), but then he asked how much I paid for my generator ($1300). I said ‘point taken’.
I had my gen in my truck and never took it out. I did not need the microwave, I just threw my frozen dinners in a pot. When I boondock I fire it up mostly to keep the batteries and PC charged and/or watch a movie. Now & then I camp in the heat so I do love to use the AC, but I am wondering if I can deal without it.
Now I am wondering, can I go solar and do without a generator?
The Carrizo Plain has few spots where one can get a cell signal. None at the campground. That was the 1st time I camped (since owning the Pod) without cell service. No Netflix! No morning talk-radio! No reading RVSUE’s blog while having coffee! Fortunately, I have dvds.
Another camper drives up in his 1974 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40. I have a 1970, they look identical. I chat with him, too. First another R-Pod and now a Land Cruiser…both are rarely seen on the road. I come to love this little campground, and, it’s free.
Lastly, I take a very long drive to the nearest town, Taft, for gas. It’s 62mi from my campsite, and mostly consists of dirt roads and a long, windy paved road. It took me approximately 90min to get there (this is just so I can end up with about an extra 1/4 tank of gas in order to drive around up there). My truck is a gas-pig so next time I will go up with extra tanks of gas.
Anywho… I get to the gas station and…no debit card! Yikes! Ayi yi yi! It was in the pocket of yesterday’s jeans. I only had $20 in cash. No Wells Fargo in Taft so I go to a different bank. They could not help me but the nice lady told me of 2 places that may cash my personal check. She was wrong about one place, so I go to the next. Artz’s Liquor & Deli. I tell the lady behind the counter my sorry story. She turns to the manager and said to her; “she (me) talked to Esther at the bank and…..” (she shares my story). How she knew it was ‘Esther’ with whom I spoke, I don’t know, because there were 3 women in that bank and I never mentioned a name nor gave a description. But, ya know, it’s a small town. The manager agreed on $50. But wait! This man, a patron, walks up to me and said he has a $100 cash in his pocket and he will take my personal check! WOW! It turned out he had $80, but it was better than $50!
They all knew each other in that store. I told them this is what I love about small towns.
The very kind man would not let me treat him to anything, so when I returned home I sent him a Thank You card with a little cash inside. I mailed it to the liquor store.
Well, you told me you do not mind long, and I mean LONG, comments…so there’s another one for ya.
I just read the comments from an old post, where one blasted you for ‘decorating’ your camp by using rocks and broken glass. You blasted back. 🙂 Remember that one?
As usual, I love photos of Reggie. He’s just so cute! Love those ears and that left eye.
My prayers for your safety and well-being (Reggie’s, too) are said.
I enjoyed your comment, Patti. Thanks for writing!
No, I don’t remember anything about decorating a camp with rocks and glass. Glass? Now I’m going crazy trying to remember the camp. It’s hard for me to believe I would do something like that, but maybe I did.
Thanks also for the prayers. 🙂
I LOVED your story!
Thank you, Sarvi 🙂
you can go solar and do without a generator, until the weather is bad for several days — but then you can move!
Hi, everyone, I’ll address this question to anyone that might be able to answer it.Is it possible to have solar and still use a generator only for days when one wants to turn their air conditioner on?
Hi Sue,Wow that didn’t take long,a Ratany shrub,it is beautiful that is for sure but not the one I saw.It was more rigid structure,bigger and definitely vibrant blue purple close to stem flowers.I have not seen it before,I saw it in different places from before Guaymas/San Carlos Mexico to close to KM 21.I tried looking for Mexican Sonoran desert shrubs didnt find much will keep looking!
Thanks again
Heather
PS love all the things you see out there
Hello Sue, glad to hear you and Reg are having a good time. I have not checked in for awhile and was thinking Reg might have a new playmate by now. We have been eating a lot of chicken too, trying to cut down on the red meat. The last blood work shows it seems to be helping. We got a portable pellet grill last summer and love the way it cooks chicken.
As for Rig choices we went from a pop-up to a diesel pusher about two years ago. it is a great way to travel but not the cheapest. I had a coworker ask what I thought he should get for a first time rig. I suggested the small fiberglass trailer as the best choice if he wanted to get started. He could always sell it for about what he paid. The class A pusher we bought sold for only a fraction of its new price.
I have found that any of the shops that work on the big trucks will work on the chassis of the pusher but they usually charge more per hour than for the trucks. I try to do most of my own work to limit the cost. Handing the keys over to the shop for the whole house is somewhat scary. If anything went missing I might not notice for months.
I don’t thing there is such a thing as a perfect rig. everyone has different needs and wants. But starting small and moving up to what you need I think is the wisest.
Mark,
Salina Ks
What a pleasant surprise to see you here again, Mark! 🙂
GOOD MORNING, BLOGORINOS!
Welcome to those of you who are new and to those returning to Blogorinoland. A new post will be up shortly!
Sue