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Rollin Across The USA

Apr 17th, 2010
by Howard.
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Its been  almost 6 months now that  Cyndy and I have been nesting in San Diego with a few side trips to Yuma, visiting with friends and family, fixing odds and ends on the trailer  and truck , getting rid  of unnecessary stuff that we had accumulated and enjoying some of the area attractions.

Now it’s time for us to scratch the traveling itch and start our journey across the US to the east coast to spend some time with Cyndy’s daughter and her family in Virginia Beach.
We said our goodbyes and left Yuma on Wednesday April 7th,  at 9:30am, headed for Las Vegas our first destination, the truck and trailer all washed, polished and ready for the trip.

Or so we thought. About 17 miles out the transmission started acting funny so I pulled over and realized that the Allison transmission had gone into limp mode which means I had 2 gears, 3rd gear and reverse!

So we turned around drove back to Yuma limping along in third gear at 30mph with the flashers on. We went back to the RV park, got our spot back, unhooked the trailer and took the truck to a shop in Yuma were they found that a small rodent had made a nest underneath my fuse box using insulation and some of my wiring as a nest!!

The shop fixed that problem on Thursday and we were back on the road Friday morning headed up Hwy 95 again. This time we made it as far as the Vidal Junction which is about 150 miles from Yuma and about 95 miles to Needles, Ca. when the transmission went into limp mode again!! Needless to say I was not a happy camper. However we limped 95 miles at 30mph with the flashers on and arrived in Needles late in the afternoon on Friday.

We camped at the Elks Lodge in Needles Friday night. (they have 4 or 5 RV spots) and decided to try and limp the 90 or so miles into Vegas on Saturday.

We left Needles Saturday morning at 9am and arrived in Las Vegas at around 1pm that afternoon.

Normally the trip from Yuma to Vegas takes about 5 hrs. which would have put us in Vegas Wednesday afternoon about 3pm. This time it took 4 days and 11 hours of drive time.

On Monday I called the Shop I use in Vegas called Diesel Specialists and made an appointment for Tuesday morning. They found more wiring that had been damaged did the necessary repairs and the truck is running good again.

I’m hoping the next leg of our journey will go smoother.
We will probably stay in Vegas for about 2 weeks and then move on toward Grand Junction, Colo. to visit some of my cousins.

Even though sometimes there are some pretty upsetting bumps in the road I still love the lifestyle and am looking forward to our next adventure.

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I didn’t get my census…did you?

Apr 7th, 2010
by Kahleen.
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I have heard allot of fulltimers asking about census forms. Most of us fulltimers without a Home address are not getting the census form.

If you want to be counted you can pick up a Be Counted form at one of our Questionnaire Assistance Centers. To find the center nearest you, please visit the Take 10 Map. If you have not received a 2010 Census form by April 12, call 1‐866‐872‐6868 and they will either take your information over the phone or send you a form by mail.

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Are you in Hot Water?

Mar 31st, 2010
by Kahleen.
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When was the last time you flushed your hot water heater?

Many of us tend to forget about little things that seem like boring maintenance, but so many of those boring maintenance things are so very important. Last week we flushed our hot water heater. In fact we keep our maintenance schedule on google calendar so every 3 months google reminds us.

Flushing the Hot Water  heater is helpful and the degree of build up is mostly determined by the water that you are hooked up to. Even very good water still has hard chemicals that can build up.

To flush your Hot Water Heater first make sure your gas and electric switches are in the off position. (We usually turn or heater off hours before so it is cool) or you can run you kitchen faucet until it runs cool. Turn off the water supply at the city water hook up post.

There is a slight difference between the Attwood Hot Water Heater and the Suburban. Attwood generally have a plastic drain plug, the Suburban has a metal plug with and anod rod. If you have a metal plug you should purchase a replacement rod before begging this procedure.

Now remove the plug with a wrench and open the overflow valve on top to allow the water to drain out. Once all the water is out, turn on the city water and allow it to flow through the hot water heater for 4-5 mins. At this point Continue reading →

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Get Your RV Ready for Spring

Mar 28th, 2010
by Howard.
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Author – Ken Freund

Brought to you by Good Sam Club RV Road Service

Get Your RV Ready for Spring

Coming out of Hibernation

Winter elements can take a toll on stored RVs. If your coach has been in storage, now is the time to start preparing for those spring getaways. Taking a little time now will help ensure enjoyment all through the year.

Before hitting the road complete this RV spring-prep checklist: Begin with a thorough exterior inspection. Examine the outside, including the body and roof, for any cracks or separation and look inside for stains on the ceiling, sure signs of roof leaks. Look beneath the coach and/or or tow vehicle for signs of fuel or other fluid leaks.

Once you’ve determined there are no exterior leaks, wash the RV with a specially formulated soap designed for the exterior. Work in the shade, since washing a hot surface can result in hard-to-remove spots and streaks. Use specialized wheel cleaners to make tires and trim look new.

An RV that’s been stored all winter needs to be aired out. Vacuum the carpet and clean the floors and other surfaces as needed.

Spring prep should include a fluid and connections check. Look for insect and rodent nests and chewed wires and hoses. Check the amount of LP gas and test appliances for proper functioning.

Drain and flush the freshwater tank. Add 1/4 cup of household bleach for each 15 gallons of capacity. Then fill the tank almost to capacity, leaving room for sloshing. Drive or tow the coach to mix the bleach. Run the hot water to get the bleach through the water heater. Then drain the freshwater tank. Refill, along with 1/4 of baking soda per 15 gallons. Drive or tow to mix the water, run the hot water, then drain and refill with fresh water. Test the water pump and water system, including the water heater.

On motor homes, generators and tow vehicles, change the oil and filter and perform all recommended services according to the owner’s and maintenance manuals.

Batteries should be check for electrolyte level and connections should be removed, cleaned and after re-assembly, treated with an anticorrosive product.

Make sure all of the lug nuts are secure, check tires for cracks and other damage and set inflation pressures. Trailers should have the wheel bearings repacked.

Replace batteries and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Check the gauges on fire extinguishers. Check and refill your first aid and emergency kits. An emergency kit should include: flares, a gas can, reflective triangles, duct tape, jumper cables, wheel chocks, flashlight and basic hand tools.

Stock up with necessities for cooking, cleaning and entertaining. Review kitchen equipment and the inventory of favorite games, books, cards, puzzles, CDs, DVDs or videos.

To have peace of mind when you hit the road, get Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service

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Roadrunner Rally

Mar 22nd, 2010
by Howard.
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Once or twice a year, Cyndy and I attend the Escapees Chapter Seven Roadrunner Rally.

It all started couple of years ago during a return trip from Mexico. Cyndy and I stayed  at an Escapees RV Park called  KOFA  Ko-Op in Yuma, Az. During our stay we met some residents of the park that were getting ready to go to an Escapees Chapter 7 Roadrunner rally out in the desert. They said It would last just a few days and invited us to join them. We did, and  it was so much fun we decided to become Chapter 7 members in order to be a part of this semi annual  event.
To me its like taking a little journey back in time with out having to sacrifice any of the modern day conveniences. You get the best of both worlds.

March of 2010 was our third Roadrunner rally. It began with a short trip from Yuma about twelve miles on the interstate, then thirteen miles on a side road to a little hand made sign post with the picture of a Roadrunner, and an arrow pointing down a small trail which took us to a small gathering of rigs in the middle of the Arizona desert with no  one else around  for miles. Just the rigs, parked wagon train style,  around a large tent like structure made of a pipe frame and large pieces of canvas, covering the top, back and sides, leaving the front open like a big covered patio.  This structure would be the main gathering place, a type of community center, a dining hall, a meeting room, a game room, a place where everyone could hang out, relax and talk about anything and everything.

At one end of this structure is what you might call the chuck wagon with generators for electricity,  propane tanks for gas stoves and wooden cabinets full of  eating accessories:  coffee pots, plastic utensils, paper plates and cups, all the things necessary for preparing and serving the  meals.

When it is all put together and everyone has arrived its like a little community in the middle of nowhere that wasn’t there a few hours ago.

We spend 3 nights and 4 days, sharing our meals, our thoughts, our good and bad experiences from the past, and our hopes and dreams for the future.

We play games during the day and cards at night, or just sit around the campfire telling stories.

We also have a sheriff that collects quarters from anyone he catches doing anything he feels is a violation such as not wearing your name badge, or saying a bad word, or wearing what he thinks is the wrong hat, or not wearing a hat. He makes the rules as he goes along and his word is LAW! The money that he collects goes to CARE, which stands for Continuing Assistance for Retired Escapees. The CARE facility is located at the Escapees headquarters in Livingston, Texas.

On the last day we have an auction and a drawing for money and prizes. This is the hi-lite of the rally. Everyone gathers at the community tent to shout out bids for their favorite auction knick knack. The competition is fierce, everyone is joking and laughing in the midst of all the bidding frenzy.  It’s great fun and all of the money collected from the raffles and auctions also goes to the Escapees CARE Fund.

We have a Chapter 7 meeting on the last day to discuss old and new business and an accounting of where we stand financially along with elections of club officers if necessary.

For Me and Cyndy the Roadrunner rally is a place where everyone is able to relax and have a good time. Everyone pitches in to put it all together and take it all apart.
When it’s over,  we say our goodbyes, and as quickly as this little community appeared it is gone, and the only evidence that it ever existed is a few tire tracks in the desert sand.

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RV HOLDING TANKS CHEMICALS AND BEYOND

Mar 19th, 2010
by Kahleen.
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RV HOLDING TANKS CHEMICALS AND BEYOND © 2004, 2005
by
Joseph Aiello

EDITOR’S NOTE: Joseph Aiello is a good friend of Howard and myself, and with Joe’s permission I have attached a copy of his finding for Holding Tank odors. Here’s Joseph’s background and reason for compiling his research.

I am a retired pharmacist understand how chemicals were used in the black holding tanks, I learned how sewage is treated at waste treatment plants.  My knowledge of chemistry and some Internet research helped to put a scientific basis to the article. All statements are backed by references.
PREFACE
The following article deals with the chemistry of the currently available holding tank treatments and observations about advertising practices, conceptions and misconceptions by makers of those chemicals.
Three areas will be covered.
• The first section covers the sewage waste treatment process: what goes on in a septic tank and waste treatment plant.
• The second section deals with the pros and cons of the currently available chemical products used in RV holding tanks.
• The third will be frequently asked questions about holding tanks usage and other related topics.

A. BACKGROUND OF SEWAGE WASTE TREATMENT
What we humans put into the holding tank in solid form contains friendly bacteria known as coliforms. This is the same bacterium that digests the food we eat and are necessary for the breakdown and liquefying of solid waste in the holding tanks.
The black holding tanks in RV’s can be thought of as small septic tanks where the breakdown process begins and here, the proper use of chemicals is important. Using improper chemicals can kill the beneficial bacteria and cause improper waste breakdown that leads to odors.
A septic tank system consists of two major parts: a tank and a drain field or leach field. The septic tank or holding basin allows the solids to settle to the bottom. This settling process gives the bacteria time to break down and liquefy the waste.
During the breakdown process in the holding tanks and sewage treatment plant, it is important to keep the bacteria supplied with oxygen (in an aerobic condition) so the bacteria can liquefy the waste without producing the odor nobody likes.
This gas, hydrogen sulfide, is corrosive to both steel and cement. This is the reason waste treatment plants will aerate the sludge or add oxygen-releasing chemicals to the sludge to keep the bacteria working properly. Thus it is important to use a product that supplies oxygen to the bacteria and not use a harsh chemical that will kill the bacteria.
Waste treatment plants monitor the oxygen content and the goal is to maintain the oxygen content between three and five parts per million. Above five parts per million, the bacteria begin to die and below three parts per million there is not enough oxygen and the bacterium goes into an anaerobic (without oxygen) condition. This anaerobic condition produces the odor nobody likes to smell.
The use of harsh chemicals that kill the bacteria or retard bacterial growth will slow or stop the liquefying process in home septic tanks, campground or dump station septic systems and may lead to costly repairs or replacement of the septic system. Malfunctioning septic systems can contaminate underground water sources, surface water sources or even the soil.
The second major part of the septic system is the drain field or leach field, which allows final treatment of the wastewater through natural processes in the soil.

B. PRODUCTS ON THE MARKET FOR USE IN HOLDING TANKS
Chemical names will be used to avoid conflict with brand name protection.
1. ENZYMES
The labels on these products usually are not specific about the active ingredients. The word “enzyme” is usually associated with compounds that are needed for a chemical reaction to occur. The function of supplying oxygen to the friendly bacteria is difficult to determine. Most products containing enzymes do not specify the type or what kind of enzymes the consumer is buying.
2. NITRATES
Nitrates are useful to the RV holding tank and sewage treatment plants because the chemical compound breaks down to release oxygen to the friendly bacteria resulting in an aerobic condition as the bacteria process the sewage. This results in no odor during the breakdown process. In 1996 the use of nitrates was
awarded the prestigious Her Majesty the Queen’s Award in the United Kingdom as new technology in the treatment of sewage. Many sewage treatment plants use it to supplement the aeration process.
3. FORMALDEHYDE
This most widely used chemical is mixed with methyl alcohol and is marketed as a blue-colored, perfumed liquid. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in their publication 909-F-99-002, July 1999 states, “formaldehyde kills or retards bacterial growth; is recognized as a probable cancer-causing agent and is moderately toxic to humans.” Moderately toxic Continue reading →

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Fulltimers and Taxes

Mar 18th, 2010
by Kahleen.
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Where do you live?

Sounds like a simple question, doesn’t it? Not a simple question for fulltimers. Most of us reply with, “In my coach”. Not the usual answer people are looking for.

I remember the first time I moved from a 3000 square foot house with a three car garage, a seperate RV garage, a pond with a dozen ducks, left all that to move onto a boat on the Columbia River. Talk about getting rid of a few things. I had multiple furnishing for so many unused rooms of my house.  It was difficult at first to let go.  I have never looked back!

There is a few things to consider when going full time RV’ing. One of the first things to consider is what to do with the house and all the “Stuff” in it. Allot of fulltimers start out slow. Maybe rent out the home, put all the stuff in storage.  After a few wonderful trips around, the house and stuff become less and less important. There is a life out there without being tied down to all the responsibilities of taking care of “stuff”.

Most RV’ers over time lighten the load by unloading the house and after a while getting rid of the storage unit full of stuff that they haven’t needed or even seen in years.  Now comes the tax game. You with out a house now become a round peg in a square hole. The US requires each of us to pick a “Resident State”.  With driving around the country and sometimes spending no more then a few weeks in each state,  how do you do that? At this point you can pick according to what state best fits your needs. There is allot to consider in picking a state. Each State raises revenue in taxes: ie: Sales Tax, Excise tax, License Tax, Income Tax, Property, Estate, Inheritance and intangible Taxes.

hiting the road

You may read that last line and say, “Yeah, I know that.” But do you know depending on which state you choose as a resident state, you could end up paying only some of these taxes, or all of them. Some states you can save thousands of dollars per years. It all depends Continue reading →

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The Yuma, Algodones Connection

Mar 13th, 2010
by Howard.
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Cyndy and I always spend some of our time during winter months in the relatively small community of  Yuma, Arizona.
I say relatively small, because according to the 2008 United States Census Bureau, Yuma has an estimated population of 194,322, of that more than 85,000 winter visitors make Yuma their winter residence.
We have been coming to Yuma for a couple of years now, and have made some good friends that we look forward to seeing and visiting with. This year it also happens to be where the “Gypsy Journal”, that Cyndy and I are members of, were holding there rally.
We also come to Yuma because of the warm climate and the fact that it is close to the Mexican border.
Along with hundreds of others who spend the winter in Yuma, Cyndy and I cross the border at the Algodones border crossing into the little border town of Algodones, Mexico. We cross the border two or three times during our stay in Yuma, to purchase things that are too expensive for us to buy in the States, which I think is a sad statement of our U.S. culture but that’s a whole other story, and to get fish and shrimp tacos at one of the many taco establishments in the town. They are absolutely delicious!
We usually go across in the morning either alone or sometimes with friends. The streets of the town are lined with vendors selling all kinds of items. It’s kind of like a huge swap meet or flea market, except  the vendors are a lot more colorful and aggressive and you can haggle on the price more.
If you like shopping for bargains and searching out unique items this is a great place to be. At the restaurants while you are eating, vendors will come by your table periodically to offer their items. Don’t make the mistake that I did and show an interest in anything, because when I did I had a multitude of vendors crowded around my table asking for my business. After that one experience I decided to save my shopping for some other time.
Algodones is a great place to get bargains on pharmaceuticals, dental work ,or eye exams and glasses. As well as special prices on liquor, including a multitude of different types of tequila. You can also get some awesome fresh jumbo shrimp to grill on the barbie YUM,YUM.
After shopping and a stop at one of the restaurants for tacos and margarita’s it’s a short walk  to the line waiting to cross the border back to the U.S. side.
There is no line to cross into Mexico you simply walk past a little building next to an archway where a couple of Mexican border guards are leaning on a rail talking to each other and paying little attention to who is walking by.
Going back to the U.S. side is quite a different story the line stretches out two, three, or even four blocks depending on how many people have gone into Mexico that day. Your first impression is that it is going to take forever to get back across, however the line moves along at a steady pace and before you know it your standing in front of the U.S. customs officer and he or she is checking your passport, and your purchases to find out what all you are bringing back to the U.S.
A  couple of tips About the things you are allowed to bring back across the border. Only one bottle of alcohol which can be no more than one liter in size and you cannot have brought any other alcohol across within the last 30 days.
Anyone they catch with a bottle of more than a liter or if you brought liquor across less than 30 days prior they will make you take it back.
Also there are some pharmaceuticals that they won’t allow into the U.S. So its a good idea to find out which ones are acceptable. Anything else is OK to bring across with of course the accept ion of any type of fire arm.
We don’t drive across because they have a huge parking lot on the U.S. side, right at the border, where you can park for 5 bucks all day, and driving, parking and navigating the town in a vehicle can be challenging.
For the most part it’s an enjoyable experience and can save you some money if your a good shopper and able to haggle effectively.
The Yuma, Algodones connection is just one of many RV traditions.
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Walmart and the Great outdoors

Mar 6th, 2010
by Howard.
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When Cyndy and  I are on the road we never get in a hurry,  we have learned that enjoying the day and taking our time, is much better than trying to rush from here to there, being on the road  from the crack of dawn, till night fall, not to mention having to set up in the dark.  I think that’s why some of  the people that are new to full timing  give it up, they wear themselves out rushing to get as far as they can each day.

We are always up before 7am, but rarely hit the road before 10:30 or 11:00. We will drive till about 3 or 4 in the afternoon.  While I am driving, Cyndy will  anticipate  our destination and locate an RV park , in her campground directories, were we can stop  for the day, set up and be relaxing before the sun goes down. It takes longer to get  to our final destination, but we have come to realize, that the destination isn’t as important as the journey. Besides, we are retired and deadlines are a thing of the past.

Something else that  Cyndy and I both do, as we get close to our destination , is  stay on the lookout for the local ,  Walmart (“Wally World”, as we affectionately call  it).

"Wally World"

I honestly feel that someone , or group of  someones, at the higher levels of management at Walmart,  really had their you know what together,  because there are so many things that they provide for people.  I seriously can’t think of a single company, outside of  Walmart,  that offers such a complete array of products and services to the RV community.

As everyone knows they are very competitive  on all their prices, and have just about anything you could ask for. This makes it extremely convenient to the on the road traveler, because we usually don’t have time to go bargin hunting, and in a strange town finding your way around can be a challenge. But good old” Wally World” is usually close and easy to get to, so you can quickly find what you need and be on your way.

If you need a fishing license, fishing gear, coolers, storage tubs, hardware to repair items in your rig, RV supplies, batteries, groceries, clothes, the list goes on and on, Walmart has it.  On top of all that, if you need a place to camp overnight,   you can use most Walmart  parking lots for free.

Life on the road would be a lot  more difficult if it weren’t for Walmart. Whenever there is a need, whether it’s something broken that needs to be fixed, or you need to restock supplies, or  just need a place to crash for the night,  like a good friend “Wally World” is there. If you buy a product , and it’s damaged, or not what you need , simply stop at the next  Walmart you come to  and return it. If  you are going to need something down the road, simply order it on line at Walmart.com, and it will be waiting for you at your destination.

One of  most asked questions at RV parks and campgrounds across the U.S.  is “Were’s the closest Walmart.”


Wal-Mart.com USA, LLC

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