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.

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.

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 you may start to see small particles coming out, this normal.

Calcium

What make a big difference in removing build up is using a wand available at most RV stores.

Hot Water Heater Wand

Turning this every direction inside the tank will remove allot of build up better then just the water flush.

After the water starts to come out pretty clear, you can shut all the water off again and plug the hot water heater. Most the time when we flush ours, we tend to get the igniter and other electronics wet. Thus the heater will not work for a while. Most the time we end up taking a hair dryer to it before it will light again no matter how careful we are.

There is also videos available on youtube about flushing your tank if you still want help, try looking those up and enjoy the RV life.

One last note, before doing any maintenance like this on your rig, if you are currently staying in your rig; you may not want to start anything on Friday afternoon or Saturday if there is any chance parts will be needed.  Since most RV stores are scarcely open on the weekends.

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

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.

View Photo Album

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 means a lethal dose for a 150 lb person is 1 ounce to 1 pint”. It does not supply oxygen to keep the bacteria in an aerobic condition.
In 2002, the company distributed a brochure with a by-line entitled “It time you learned the TRUTH about formaldehyde.” One claim is that formaldehyde is 100% biodegradable.
Most chemical compounds are biodegradable, however uranium can take up to centuries to biodegrade. Chemicals or elements that are not biodegradable are the heavy metals, such as mercury, gold, silver, uranium, etc.
This feature of being biodegradable is a diversion away from the main issue and that is formaldehyde “kills or retards bacterial growth.” No oxygen is provided to the bacteria for the proper breakdown of the solids and paper.
Do not base the selection of biodegradable as the sole reason for the use this or any product. While formaldehyde is being biodegraded, it probably is not harming the environment.
Even the State of Oregon recognized the harm formaldehyde products can do to their dumpsites at rest stops. A few years ago too much “blue stuff” was dumped into a rest area dumpsite damaging a nearby sewage treatment plant. This resulted in Oregon closing all the dumpsites in the rest areas. (The dumpsites in their state parks are still open.)
Oregon State Parks distributes a pamphlet entitled “Recreational Vehicle Waste Disposal Locations in Oregon” 73410/1655(11/00) which states, “Please use environmentally safe products in holding tanks. Products such as formaldehyde harm many waste disposal systems.”
Wisconsin also recognizes the problem. While the article does not specifically mention formaldehyde, it uses the words “harsh chemicals.” See the Highways Magazine, June 2003 issue, page 10 printed article entitled “Wisconsin Closes Rest Area Dump Stations.” Wisconsin is closing dump stations due to budget constraints and the use of harsh chemicals.
A great amount of space is devoted in the brochure to putting the blame of the failure of campground sewage systems on low-water-use toilets and morning volume dumping by RVers leaving at or near the same time. The TRUTH cannot be avoided: the EPA states formaldehyde kills or retards bacterial growth.
The label on the containers of formaldehyde products are required by federal law to have the words “Danger”, “Poison”, and a picture of a skull and cross bones (the universal symbol for a poison).
Arsenic and strychnine and a few pesticides carry the same label. Does the average camper, RVer, etc. have these poisonous containing products in their homes? Probably not. Yet not a second thought is given to having a product with formaldehyde in their RV even with small grandchildren or pets around.
4. BENZALDEHYDE
The label on this package states it is formaldehyde-free. Here is a deception in marketing. True, it does not contain formaldehyde. It contains benzaldehyde, which is in the same chemical family as formaldehyde. Most chemicals in the same chemical family act the same way. In researching for this article I requested information from the marketing company and was sent a glossy brochure with no scientific or pertinent information. An Internet search provided no information to change the scientific fact that chemicals in the same chemical family have the same properties.
5. PARAFORMALDEHYDE
EPA states this is a variation of formaldehyde. When heated, paraformaldehyde releases formaldehyde. According to the EPA it is also a bacterial pesticide and very toxic to humans. The lethal dose for a 150 lb person is between one teaspoon and one ounce.
The chemical comes packaged in dry form in individual packages. Use caution when tearing the individual package to avoid inhaling any loose powder.
6. GLUTARALDEHYDE
This chemical is better known as embalming fluid. For many years it was used as gray water treatment product. In late 2002 or early 2003 the gray water treatment package was redesigned and the glutaraldehyde was removed. The label now states the product contains surfactants. Surfactants are chemicals that make water “wetter”. Water clings to a shower wall because of the surface tension of the water bubble. The surface tension tends to act as a suction cup. Surfactants reduce that surface tension; the water loses it suction, and falls down the shower wall. These products are usually lemon-scented.
7. BRONOPOL
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in their publication 909-F-99-002, July 1999 states that Bronopol is a bacterial pesticide (kills bacteria). It also states Bronopol break down into formaldehyde. It is a common ingredient in products marketed in tablets and green liquids.
These products are labeled as formaldehyde-free. Here again is another deception. Yes, the product is labeled correctly. What is little known to the average RVer or campground owner is that in the presence of sewage, bronopol breaks down into formaldehyde. This information should be included on the label so the environmentally conscious RV consumer and RV park owners can make an informed choice in the use of chemicals.
8. DOWICIL
The EPA states this chemical is a bacterial pesticide. (A bacterial pesticide kills bacteria). The EPA also states, “Do not discharge effluent containing this product to sewer systems without previously notifying the local sewer treatment plant authority.”
Dowicil has a long chemical name, which you do not need to remember. The company marketing this product makes it easier for the buyer to remember the name by the use three capital letters on the label.
In 2004 a major campground company endorsed this product by the use of their logo on the label. I wonder if the decision makers in the company are aware of the above EPA warning. This is flagrant corporate irresponsibility and the company should be held accountable.
9. AMMONIUM COMPOUNDS
These are bacterial pesticides that kill bacteria. They are often found in sprays for surface bacteria. This chemical and most of the chemicals discussed above do not provide a source of oxygen to the friendly bacteria to conform to normally practiced and recognized sewage treatment methods.
10. PRODUCTS THAT DO NOT LIST ANY INGREDIENTS
A recent addition is a product in a new disposable package made by a company on the east coast. Its marketing ploy is to throw the entire package into the holding tank hoping the packaging dissolves and does not clog any holding tank valves.
The label on this package is interesting. It states “formaldehyde free” but lists no active ingredient. In researching for this article, I contacted the company that sells the product and was e-mailed a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
This is the list of other components and disclaimer:
OTHER COMPONENTS CONSISTING OF BETWEEN 20 & 40% BY WEIGHT ARE CONSIDERED A TRADE SECRET AND NOT DISCLOSED UNDER TERMS OF OSHA 29CFR 1926.59 AND 29CFR 1928.21. SUCH COMPONENTS MAY BE DISCLOSED UNDER EMERGENCY CONDITIONS TO HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, IF NECESSARY.
In this era of full disclosure and informed consumerism, the environmentally concerned RVer and RV park owner should know the chemical being purchased and used and whether or not the chemical is harmful to the environment and the sewage treatment system. They can hide behind OSHA and other government regulation, but no other manufacturer is doing so.
Based on the available chemicals for use in waste treatment, my guess the “trade secret” ingredient is bronopol, which converts into formaldehyde in the presence of sewage.

C. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Isn’t there air (oxygen) in the holding tanks?
The oxygen must be in solution for the bacteria to be able to use it. This is why sewage treatment plants will aerate the sludge or add chemicals such as nitrates that provide oxygen to the bacteria. The oxygen content of the sludge is monitored and must be in a pre-determined range. Above the range the oxygen kills the bacteria. Below the range the range the bacteria do not function properly and then the surrounding neighborhood knows there is a problem.
2. When I am hooked up in an RV park, the black tank has a terrible odor. How can I get rid of it?
Solid waste material could be clinging to the top and sidewalls of the tanks and were not properly cleaned out. Use a toilet wand attached to a garden hose, bathroom faucet, or an installed tank sprayer.
Another source of the odor could be coming from cracked seal at the bottom of the commode allowing the odors to escape into the bathroom. If this is determined to be the problem, replacing the seal should correct the problem.
Another source could be from the gray tank. Usually the odor can be noticed when the tank is almost full. Add chemical through the kitchen sink, bathroom sink or shower.
3. What can I do if the black holding tank has a buildup of toilet paper?
Use a pail or bucket full of hot water and pour the hot water directly into the holding tank through the commode. Repeat several times if necessary.
4. In hot weather I seem to get an odor with any chemical I use. What causes this?
All chemical reactions tend to slow down in extremes of temperature. It may be necessary to add more chemical.
5. How effective are tablets?
Tablets must be compressed under high pressure to retain their shape. These tablets at times may not dissolve due to high compression. Most products that come in tablet form contain Bronopol, which breaks down into formaldehyde in the presence of sewage.
6. Will these chemicals harm the environment?
All these chemicals are 100% biodegradable and should not be harmful to the environment. As stated above, do not focus on the issue of biodegradability. This is a Trojan horse to focus attention away from the active chemical and how it affects the bacteria.
7. At some RV shows I see a demonstration of five or six products in test tubes with water and toilet paper. What does this show?
Be a little suspicious of this demonstration. This is not a scientific test. It allows the demonstrator’s product to look the best in dissolving tissue and the others to be less effective. Some of the products compared were never intended to dissolve tissue so the test is not in any sense scientific. This is another of the untruths and hocus-pocus that goes on in the marketing of RV holding tank chemicals.
The dissolving of tissue implies that the product will dissolve the solid waste and this may not be true. The product could contain cellulase, an enzyme that breaks down issue. The other products may not have that enzyme and therefore will not dissolve tissue in a test tube.
The break down of tissue should not be the sole criteria for selecting a holding tank chemical.
8. Should chemicals be mixed?
Usually it is not a good practice to mix holding tank chemicals. Carefully follow the directions on the label for proper use and do not mix.
9. I keep my gray water (shower) value open when at a RV park. Is this a good practice?
At the end of the holding tank hose is the septic system. Methane gas is produced when sewage is breaking down. Methane gas has the potential to enter the RV through the sewer hose and open valve into the RV. A spark and the results will not be pleasant. How inconvenient is it to empty the holding tanks every few days as compared to the inconvenience of a methane explosion?
10. I like to use a home brew. Will this work?
Home brews contain harsh chemicals that do not release oxygen to the bacteria and these chemicals might even harm the holding tank seals.

WHY WE SHOULD BE CONCERNED:
As RVers we must be concerned about the chemicals we use in our holding tanks. Most of the products are harsh chemicals designated by the EPA as bacterial pesticides that either kill or slow down the growth of the bacteria. Unpleasant odors are still present so perfumes or deodorizers are added to these products to hide the smell making these products nothing more than glorified tank deodorants.
Of concern to us RVers is the closing of dumpsites. Every year another state or city will close their usually “free” dumpsite because of the overuse of these “harsh chemicals.” Local tax dollars are used to put the system back in use and with government bodies being squeezed by higher demands from voters and resistance to tax increases, these “free” privileges for us may very well vanish in the future. So it is to the benefit of all RVer’s to become familiar with the sewage treatment process and chemicals they buy. It may take a little effort to remember the chemical names but the effort is worth the cause.
SO NOW WHAT?

When asked how a consumer could use this information to choose a product. Joseph replied:  Products that use chemicals like formaldehyde, that breakdown into formaldehyde, or are equally harsh are actually harmful. Other ingredients have questionable value. What is necessary are ingredients that promote the growth of helpful bacteria.
Joseph, of course, has determined that Odorless is the best product because it contains potassium and magnesium nitrates that supply oxygen to the bacterium. The oxygen maintains an aerobic condition in which the bacterium can break down the solids and paper without producing an odor. The use of nitrates was recognized in England a few years ago by an environmental award. It is easy to use and faily priced.

Copyrighted 2004, 2005 by Joseph Aiello

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 on your situation, your income level, vehicles, and inheritance must be considered also. Some states you can save even more by forming a corporation.  There is one great web site I would like to share with you that has condensed allot of information fulltimers and RV’ers alike.  Please check out: Retirement Living. They have a great section on “Taxes by State”. From there you can form a informed decision about where you want to land as a “resident state”. I know many fulltimers and it seems that South Dakota, Montana and Texas are the most popular states to call “Residence”. Most of them don’t live there, some haven’t been back to their state in years, but they must fit in that square hole.

Of course before choosing a state, as your “resident state” you should consult a tax attorney to make sure that your choices don’t violate any state or federal laws.

There is also many businesses available to handle the dreaded US Mail issues, but that is a whole other post, check back soon for ideas on dealing with that or if you have some great insights, we would love to hear from you in the comment section to share with everyone.

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Howard, Cyndy, John and I all enjoy RV Rallies.  Mostly men enjoy the rallies for different reasons then the women, but there is plenty for everyone to enjoy, even children don’t get left out. Although the rally are more oriented towards the adults there is a few things for children or adults that just act like children.

So many times when you go to a rally for a weekend or longer, you can spend so much time immersed in all the activities that it is like going to a theme park; you forget there is a outside world. I know many times I have been to RV Rallies we did not even turn on the TV for days at a time, and when we finally did turn the TV on; we were surprised sometimes at all the news events that happened that we were un-aware of. That is a good feeling, sometimes we just need to turn off the TV and plug into society.

John always says, two of the worst things to happen to man was the TV and A/C. Used to be on a  warm evening people sat outside on their covered front porch on a  swing and socialize with the neighbors.  TV and A/C took us all inside the house and sometimes you can live next to your neighbor for years and never meet them.

That is not going to happen at a RV Rally. If you want to be a recluse and don’t want to meet people, interact, learn, play games, just have a great time. Please stay away from the Rallies. For those of you who enjoy getting out and trying the RV Rallies, please leave your comments in the reply sections below. What is your favorite Rally? Why it your favorite?

I have enjoyed the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) Rallies. They put on several Area rallies (smaller rallies) and a few International Conventions (large rallies) through out the country all year. You don’t have to be a member of FMCA to attend one of their rallies.  Any time you have a couple hundred or a couple thousand Great RV’ers get together you are bound to have a wonderful time. I especially enjoy the seminars and learning more about my coach and how to care for it.  Many rallies include meals, ice cream socials, donuts and coffee. Some large rallies have live entertainers in the evenings.  Most the time at the rallies is the only time I dry camp for several days at a time. I like that, if you don’t dry camp often, that too can be a challenge. Not a hard challenge, but you must be allot more conscious then when you are hooked up to power and water.

I enjoy going to a rally in an area I have never been. It gives me a  perfect excuse to go see a corner of the world I may have never thought about traveling to.

Why do you go? Tell us in the reply section below…..

Kahleen

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.”