Random RVing Thoughts

Mom with certificate of Appreciation from her Grandson William 

We have finally launched for our third summer of full-time RVing. We are heading north for cooler climates.  Departing Tuscaloosa after spending a nice Mother's Day weekend with my mom, we headed north and since we had to pass by Red Bay, AL, we stopped over to have a local expert check our slide alignment.  We have noticed some hydraulic fluid on some lines and have broken a couple sheer pins on the electric slides (isn't that a dance?).  A quick stop in Red Bay should make sure we are in top shape to make our way north and west all the way to the Oregon coast.

I though I would post a couple random thoughts for people who may find this blog in their research for full time RVing.  Now in our third year, we do not feel as if we have seen nearly as much as we want to see in our great country.  We don't know when this adventure will end for us, but that's OK because we are making it up as we go.  The planning part of me had us doing this about three years.  What we have found is that life events as always get a vote and you need to be able to adjust and adapt frequently.  So make your plans, but don't expect them to survive the next bend in the road.

RV task assignments for each of us kind of came about naturally.  When we get ready to roll out, I take care of the outside stuff and Pattie takes care of the inside stuff.  We don't get our feelings hurt when the other one double checks that each task was done correctly.  After all, whatever happens we are both in this together.

Cleaning the windshield

One of my tasks is to clean off the top of the slide toppers.  Slide toppers are tensioned fabric that rolls out and in with the slides (The Bus has four slides or slide outs as some people call them).  They keep debris off and shed water that would otherwise land on top of the slide and get pulled into the gaskets along the slide top.  I take a folding ladder and a battery powered blower (Ego 56 volt "insert Toolman grunt" here) up to blow stuff off the fabric.
Another one of my jobs is to clean the windshield, mirrors, and wipers.  A great feature of Class A motorhomes is the huge front windshield that gives you a great view of the countryside as you drive through it.  No use in looking at it through bugs and poop.  We start each trip with a clear view.
As much as possible, we travel with our gray and black tanks empty and the fresh water at least half full.  This is part of being prepared for plans to change.  We want the ability to stop overnight anywhere with no services (hook-ups) available.  Having some water on board allows us to flush the toilet, wash hands and dishes, and even a quick shower.
Pattie makes sure everything inside is put in its proper place with drawers and inside doors secured.  We use colored reusable wire ties in strategic places to secure certain items and as reminders.  Once outside jobs are finished and she has everything secured inside, we bring the slides in together watching and listening to ensure they work properly.  This has helped prevent major issues.  Like when a AAA battery or writing pen has gone missing and rolled under the edge of a slide.  Some crunching noises can get expensive, so it is best to listen, watch and be prepared to stop slide movement.

Reusable rubber coated wire ties. Not so much to hold the cabinet shut as it is to remind you that you are the first one to open it and be prepared to catch something that has shifted in flight.

Once all the slides are in, we lift the leveling jacks again listening for strange noises.  Then we both exit the coach and do a walk around the outside checking that I did my tasks properly and that the slides are in, hatches are closed, and antennas are down.  We usually disconnect power as our last step.
We hook up the Jeep together double checking all the connections.  Pattie takes a FRS radio outside and we check our brake and turn signal lights.  Then she walks alongside the Jeep as I pull forward to ensure the tow bar is locked correctly and the Jeep's tires are rolling freely.

All these little things we do the same way each time and so far we have only had a few minor incidents (a drawer flying open, a cargo hatch opening at speed, etc).   I relate it to a boat captain or aircraft pilot who do the same routines and follow their checklists.  We made our own checklist and are happy to share it with others.

Thanks again for keepingupwiththejopnesrv!