A lot going on this year for me. Turned 30, happily single again, graduating in 1 month with a master's degree, and beginning a new career in eastern WA (currently in CO). I am in the process of selling my house, but have already splurged on a new truck (the RAM 1500 ecodiesel) and a new 2013 22FBS Heartland TT. Since I'll be starting a new job, I expect to be more or less stationary in the tri-cities, WA area for a few months to a couple of years (I like to move around a lot).
It will be just me (solo female), my three old dogs (German shepherd, doberman, and chihuahua mutt) and my Bengal cat. I've never really stayed in a "real RV". This winter I acquired a 10" 1964 canned ham trailer (no water, fridge, or toilet) and I LOVED staying in that tiny space with my dogs for weeks. After a 2 week outing in my tin can, my house felt oversized and excessive, hence the beginning of the ideal of downsizing my life and living arrangements. I am definitely a little nervous thinking about everything I don't know. I really hope to do some boondocking this summer, but want to start out in a RV parks until I feel comfortable with living in my TT. It's taking me longer then I expected to comb through all my belongings and deciding what I actually need and figuring out how to sell the rest... it's surprisingly overwhelming and freeing all at the same time!
I have a couple (actually lots!) of questions/concerns that I would LOVE any comments/recommendations...anything really. I've been spending every spare moment doing all the research I can, but have had a little trouble finding much on some topics.
Dogs and summer heat: My dogs will be left in my TT while I am at work. I am concerned about summer heat. I plan to run my A/C while I am gone, but what if something happens to the power, how hot will the TT get? Do you do anything in addition to make sure your animals don't cook while you're not around?
Boondockng, dogs, and heat: What about keeping the trailer cool for dogs when boondocking? Or should I plan for more temperate weather when I am not in an RV park?
Dogs in RV parks: Do many parks have issues with dogs/multiple dogs/dobermans? Mine are all perfectly well behaved, social, friendly and I pick up their poop, but I know there's a lot of breed bias out there
Safety. Is there any difference, safety wise, living in a RV park as a solo female vs. living in a home? What about boondocking?
Theft. I have one big storage space that is accessible outside, plan to keep my skis, backpacking gear, tools, and maybe my mountain bike in it (several of the most expensive items I own). Would it be crazy to add a master lock set-up? What about a master lock set up on the TT door (to lock up when I am out for a long weekend)?
Winter, it freaks me out a bit! I know I have lots of time, but is there anything I should start doing/collecting early on over the summer?
Dehumidifier: Do I need to buy a dehumidifier, or are there some cheaper/less space consuming DIY options?
Solar: For rv park camping, will a solar panel help much with my electric bill? Are they worth it for boondocking?
Insurance: I just bought full timer insurance through progressive. I am paying just a bit less then 1,000/yr with 50k coverage for personal belongings, does that sound reasonable?
Tri-cities area: Has anyone stayed in the WA Tri-cities area and do you have any recommendations for places to park to stay? I'd love to be by parks, running routes, hiking and/or mountain biking trails, nature...
Thanks all!
el Rojo and Pam said
05:23 AM Apr 30, 2014
Hello Britt, Congratulations on deciding to full time. Glad to have you with us. You'll get a lot of information here so just ask away.
I'll comment on the dogs and heat question. You are correct this is a situation you need to address. Here are a couple options:
1. Make a couple of Full timing or retired resident friends(at the park) and give them a key to your TT in case the power goes off so they can let the dogs out.
2. Onan is a generator manufacturer for RVs. They have what is called a "Command 30" system that monitors the shore power (park 120 volt) and the inside temp of the rig. If you loose power and the temp exceeds "x" degrees, which is set by you, it will start the generator thus providing power to the AC (you do have to leave the AC on though) and will shut itself down when shore power returns. FYI these generators are not usually standard equipment on TT and can be expensive.
Red
WestWardHo said
05:40 AM Apr 30, 2014
BriPi,
Welcome to the forum. Great questions. I can only address one or two. About the dogs, yes there is bias in certain parks about certain breeds and even more about the number of dogs so I suggest you read the individual park rules and talk openly with the park manager before you select a park. The manager will also know of potential dog walkers or even offer to rescuer yours should the power go off. Some are friendly and helpful and some are rule bound.
Once you narrow down a park you can contact the local police to ask about crime reports IN that particular park. Yes, you can replace the standard lock on your storage compartment and add more if it feels better to you.
You will likely be safer in most RV Parks than in your current home.
Hopefully you'll be joining us all soon.
Sherry
bjoyce said
09:11 AM Apr 30, 2014
We lived in the Tri-Cities for many years and go back to visit family and friends and camp a week or so every couple years. There are lots of campgrounds that allow long term stays. We have stayed short term at Horn Rapids in Richland, the KOA in Pasco (before it was a KOA) and Tri-Cities RV Park in Kennewick. There are more choices, which ones will work best depends on where the job is and the campground prices and rules. These are all full hookup campgrounds. I don't remember any campgrounds in the area for boondocking. You have to drive a ways for those, so they would be for vacations. Humidity is no problem, the area is desert and mostly very dry. It will go over 100 each summer and below freezing in winter, but not for long. It can also be very windy. The local electric power is quite reliable, in our experience. The power plants, a nuclear one just out of town I helped build, and multiple dams, are close by. We moved away in 1989, so I can't talk much about crime, etc., but our family and friends are not acting like things have changed. You would not be alone being single and from somewhere else in that area. It is an area of boom or bust.
-- Edited by bjoyce on Wednesday 30th of April 2014 09:13:06 AM
Technomadia said
11:13 AM Apr 30, 2014
Will you be working from home (ie. your trailer) or going into an office during the week days?
You're definitely right to be concerned about moderating the temperature for your furry family members while you're gone, but also what about being confined in the space? A 10' trailer is a small space for 4 animals to be locked up in all day alone. It's different when you're there with them, and can take them out for walks, or let them outside for a bit. Some RV Parks can be fairly packed in, so your dogs might get alerted often by sounds of neighbors coming and going.
There have been more than a few times in which we've been placed as neighbors with an RV with dogs, and the owners tell us 'oh, my dogs don't bark when I'm away'. But sure enough, they leave for the day to go explore - and their dogs bark continuously all day long. I feel so bad for the dogs.
So definitely would encourage you to make arrangements with someone to check in on them during the day, and maybe get them out for a walk or something.
As far as solar - that will really depend on your electrical needs. If you're in an RV Park that is charging for electricity extra, it could cut some monthly costs - but enough to offset the upfront costs of building a suitable system? Most go with solar to increase their flexibility in the places they can go without worrying about having hookups, not necessarily for cost savings.
BriPi said
01:25 PM Apr 30, 2014
Technomadia wrote:
Will you be working from home (ie. your trailer) or going into an office during the week days?
You're definitely right to be concerned about moderating the temperature for your furry family members while you're gone, but also what about being confined in the space? A 10' trailer is a small space for 4 animals to be locked up in all day alone. It's different when you're there with them, and can take them out for walks, or let them outside for a bit. Some RV Parks can be fairly packed in, so your dogs might get alerted often by sounds of neighbors coming and going.
There have been more than a few times in which we've been placed as neighbors with an RV with dogs, and the owners tell us 'oh, my dogs don't bark when I'm away'. But sure enough, they leave for the day to go explore - and their dogs bark continuously all day long. I feel so bad for the dogs.
I will be going into the office during the day, but I will not be living in my 10" trailer. The Heartland 29" is what I'll be living in. I lived in a pretty small condo (no yard) for years with my two big pups and the cat, the small space was never an issue. I am very active so they get lots of exercise on walks, runs, and hikes. If anything I am a little concerned about how my cat will feel, she's been indoor/outdoor for the past couple years and will no longer have the outdoor option.
I am a little concerned about barking when they hear people coming and going. I have used the citronella bark collars before when I lived in the condo and had success with them. I'd rather not have to resort to that, I'll try keeping the radio on for them to start and work from their.
DenJen12 said
01:45 PM Apr 30, 2014
Welcome to the forum, from another young female member of Fulltimers club . I am not doing it alone per se (I am married and I have human and fur kids), but my husband is gone during the week now for work, so I understand the feelings of safety. We have been full timing since November 2012. And while I can't say that I feel safer in my trailer than I did in my S&B, I definitely don't feel unsafe just because it's a trailer/rv park. Research the area and what they have to offer. Talk to realtors if you need to that service the area and get an idea of what the safer sides of town are and then localize your rv park search to areas that fit your job and safety requirements.
As far as the fur kids go....it always worries me to leave them when the weather is hot or cold even. When I worked with my hubby on a constructions site for the first year we were here, 9 times out of 10 I would just take my fur kids with me to work because I just feel comfortable with the weather. I would definitely suggest what others have, and that is to immediately befriend some people in the park or talk to the manager/owners of the park and see what options you have as far as people checking on them throughout the day. Not only would I worry about weather, I would worry about them being couped up that long in the trailer. I'm only assuming that your S&B was bigger than the new trailer you bought.? I know my yellow lab and english bulldog like to get out and run and need the exercise to stay healthy, and it's not something they get as often when living in a trailer. Especially if you plan to work 40hrs a week. Definitely look into a dog walking service if you can't find someone in the park to help you right away. Plus, they can be on alert in case inclement weather comes in and you are at work. And definitely check around as far as breed and number restrictions. I had to explain, and even show the people at our park that my English Bulldog was indeed one of those fat little wrinkly ones and not the other kind of bulldog or pit bull. I believe doberman is also on their banned list, although I haven't got a clue as to why. Any dog can be mean....and any dog can be a sweet lover....it's all in how the owner raises and treats them!!
As far as preparing for winter, I'm not exactly sure how cold the winters get up there but I would look into that RV skirting. I hear great things about it and depending on the size of your trailer, it can be fairly inexpensive really considering how it helps. I would also suggest looking into a larger propane tank. Check and see if the city you are staying in has any restrictions on size but I wouldn't get much bigger than a 100lb tank. You'd be surprised at how much you can go through in the winter time. Some parks don't allow space heaters of any kind and your furnace should run some as it will keep the floor warmer and in theory, help keep tanks and water lines from freezing up. Heat trace your hoses.....get a heated water hose if you can (and then wrap it with insulation, just don't cover the thermostat or it won't work).....I have learned a lot from a not so great below average cold in our area. We were told we had 4 season....I never believe it. LOL
I have never needed a dehumidifier nor do I use solar panels. Our electric is included in the price with our rv park stay. We don't ever boondock.....my husband won't even stay at place that doesn't have sewer, water and electric hookups...LOL. I would stick to boondocking in the appropriate weather for all involved. And as for fulltimer insurance, we don't carry it(we have a different situation than some..hard to explain, but we are covered without needing full-time insurance) but I have noticed many people talk about the price and your quote seemed fairly normal i think.
Good luck...and hopefully this "book" didn't bore you!
Terry and Jo said
08:01 PM Apr 30, 2014
Britt,
First of all, welcome to the RV Dreams forums. You have definitely found a place with a lot of knowledgeable folks to help with your questions. So, as they come up, feel free to ask.
A couple of things to consider. Dennis and Jennie suggested an LP tank that was 100 lbs. A 100 lb cylinder is not really that big when one is living full time in one place, but the RV parks may not allow anything larger. However, we have, and I've seen 120 gallon tanks in the RV park that is right next to us that long term RV'ers are using for their LP tanks.
If you are in a position to haul a 100 lb cylinder to be refilled, it can be a benefit for you, they they will definitely be heavy and have to be secured well in the truck bed when transporting. With regards to the 120 gallon tanks, one does have to order the LP from a supplier. In our case, our supplier leases us our tank. We will be moving to Colorado in a couple of months to stay there long term and will be leasing another tank from a supplier there.
As for locking your storage compartment, consider that should someone REALLY want in to get your stuff, they will get in, even if it means tearing up the side of the trailer and the door to get in. I took a look at the stuff I have in my basement and decided that it would be less expensive to replace stuff than to repair the fifth wheel, so with neighbors that we know around, we don't even lock our storage compartment with the regular locks.
Good luck with your planning and research.
Terry
DenJen12 said
08:24 PM Apr 30, 2014
Terry and Jo wrote:
Dennis and Jennie suggested an LP tank that was 100 lbs. A 100 lb cylinder is not really that big when one is living full time in one place, but the RV parks may not allow anything larger.
Terry,
Its not the rv park necessarily. It's the city that won't allow them to allow RV'ers to have them any bigger in the city limits. It has something to do with no truck to fill them so they needed to be of a size that could be transported yourself. I'm sure in bigger cities it wouldn't be a problem, but Elk City (although growing) is still considered a rural community . I agree 100% that if you can have a bigger one..do it! When it gets cold, you will go through it like water...LOL. We have our large tank and then our 2 30lb tanks. In our new rig (we pick up Saturday), we will have 4 20lb tanks...easier to just fill or exchange at even your local walmart.
Terry and Jo said
05:53 PM May 1, 2014
DenJen12 wrote:
Terry and Jo wrote:
Dennis and Jennie suggested an LP tank that was 100 lbs. A 100 lb cylinder is not really that big when one is living full time in one place, but the RV parks may not allow anything larger.
Terry,
Its not the rv park necessarily. It's the city that won't allow them to allow RV'ers to have them any bigger in the city limits. It has something to do with no truck to fill them so they needed to be of a size that could be transported yourself. I'm sure in bigger cities it wouldn't be a problem, but Elk City (although growing) is still considered a rural community . I agree 100% that if you can have a bigger one..do it! When it gets cold, you will go through it like water...LOL. We have our large tank and then our 2 30lb tanks. In our new rig (we pick up Saturday), we will have 4 20lb tanks...easier to just fill or exchange at even your local walmart.
I used to live and work in a community of less than 600 people. My job was to deliver propane to customers in town and out in the country. We always had tanks around that could be leased and used. The biggest issue we had was coordinating the use of a winch truck and a trailer haul and load/offload the tanks. Now, having said that, municipal officials might decide differently, so one would have to check with LPG suppliers. If there aren't any in Elk City, I'd check to see if there were LPG suppliers in Clinton that would lease a tank.
When we go to Colorado, we will be in an RV park for a long term, so this time I'm hoping I can arrange something more in the size of 250 to 500 gallons for our LPG. I think that suppliers charge more if the tanks are smaller, such as our current 120 gallon tank.
Hi All,
A lot going on this year for me. Turned 30, happily single again, graduating in 1 month with a master's degree, and beginning a new career in eastern WA (currently in CO). I am in the process of selling my house, but have already splurged on a new truck (the RAM 1500 ecodiesel) and a new 2013 22FBS Heartland TT. Since I'll be starting a new job, I expect to be more or less stationary in the tri-cities, WA area for a few months to a couple of years (I like to move around a lot).
It will be just me (solo female), my three old dogs (German shepherd, doberman, and chihuahua mutt) and my Bengal cat. I've never really stayed in a "real RV". This winter I acquired a 10" 1964 canned ham trailer (no water, fridge, or toilet) and I LOVED staying in that tiny space with my dogs for weeks. After a 2 week outing in my tin can, my house felt oversized and excessive, hence the beginning of the ideal of downsizing my life and living arrangements. I am definitely a little nervous thinking about everything I don't know. I really hope to do some boondocking this summer, but want to start out in a RV parks until I feel comfortable with living in my TT. It's taking me longer then I expected to comb through all my belongings and deciding what I actually need and figuring out how to sell the rest... it's surprisingly overwhelming and freeing all at the same time!
I have a couple (actually lots!) of questions/concerns that I would LOVE any comments/recommendations...anything really. I've been spending every spare moment doing all the research I can, but have had a little trouble finding much on some topics.
Thanks all!
I'll comment on the dogs and heat question. You are correct this is a situation you need to address. Here are a couple options:
1. Make a couple of Full timing or retired resident friends(at the park) and give them a key to your TT in case the power goes off so they can let the dogs out.
2. Onan is a generator manufacturer for RVs. They have what is called a "Command 30" system that monitors the shore power (park 120 volt) and the inside temp of the rig. If you loose power and the temp exceeds "x" degrees, which is set by you, it will start the generator thus providing power to the AC (you do have to leave the AC on though) and will shut itself down when shore power returns. FYI these generators are not usually standard equipment on TT and can be expensive.
Red
Welcome to the forum. Great questions. I can only address one or two. About the dogs, yes there is bias in certain parks about certain breeds and even more about the number of dogs so I suggest you read the individual park rules and talk openly with the park manager before you select a park. The manager will also know of potential dog walkers or even offer to rescuer yours should the power go off. Some are friendly and helpful and some are rule bound.
Once you narrow down a park you can contact the local police to ask about crime reports IN that particular park. Yes, you can replace the standard lock on your storage compartment and add more if it feels better to you.
You will likely be safer in most RV Parks than in your current home.
Hopefully you'll be joining us all soon.
Sherry
We lived in the Tri-Cities for many years and go back to visit family and friends and camp a week or so every couple years. There are lots of campgrounds that allow long term stays. We have stayed short term at Horn Rapids in Richland, the KOA in Pasco (before it was a KOA) and Tri-Cities RV Park in Kennewick. There are more choices, which ones will work best depends on where the job is and the campground prices and rules. These are all full hookup campgrounds. I don't remember any campgrounds in the area for boondocking. You have to drive a ways for those, so they would be for vacations.
Humidity is no problem, the area is desert and mostly very dry. It will go over 100 each summer and below freezing in winter, but not for long. It can also be very windy. The local electric power is quite reliable, in our experience. The power plants, a nuclear one just out of town I helped build, and multiple dams, are close by.
We moved away in 1989, so I can't talk much about crime, etc., but our family and friends are not acting like things have changed.
You would not be alone being single and from somewhere else in that area. It is an area of boom or bust.
-- Edited by bjoyce on Wednesday 30th of April 2014 09:13:06 AM
You're definitely right to be concerned about moderating the temperature for your furry family members while you're gone, but also what about being confined in the space? A 10' trailer is a small space for 4 animals to be locked up in all day alone. It's different when you're there with them, and can take them out for walks, or let them outside for a bit. Some RV Parks can be fairly packed in, so your dogs might get alerted often by sounds of neighbors coming and going.
There have been more than a few times in which we've been placed as neighbors with an RV with dogs, and the owners tell us 'oh, my dogs don't bark when I'm away'. But sure enough, they leave for the day to go explore - and their dogs bark continuously all day long. I feel so bad for the dogs.
So definitely would encourage you to make arrangements with someone to check in on them during the day, and maybe get them out for a walk or something.
As far as solar - that will really depend on your electrical needs. If you're in an RV Park that is charging for electricity extra, it could cut some monthly costs - but enough to offset the upfront costs of building a suitable system? Most go with solar to increase their flexibility in the places they can go without worrying about having hookups, not necessarily for cost savings.
I will be going into the office during the day, but I will not be living in my 10" trailer. The Heartland 29" is what I'll be living in. I lived in a pretty small condo (no yard) for years with my two big pups and the cat, the small space was never an issue. I am very active so they get lots of exercise on walks, runs, and hikes. If anything I am a little concerned about how my cat will feel, she's been indoor/outdoor for the past couple years and will no longer have the outdoor option.
I am a little concerned about barking when they hear people coming and going. I have used the citronella bark collars before when I lived in the condo and had success with them. I'd rather not have to resort to that, I'll try keeping the radio on for them to start and work from their.
As far as the fur kids go....it always worries me to leave them when the weather is hot or cold even. When I worked with my hubby on a constructions site for the first year we were here, 9 times out of 10 I would just take my fur kids with me to work because I just feel comfortable with the weather. I would definitely suggest what others have, and that is to immediately befriend some people in the park or talk to the manager/owners of the park and see what options you have as far as people checking on them throughout the day. Not only would I worry about weather, I would worry about them being couped up that long in the trailer. I'm only assuming that your S&B was bigger than the new trailer you bought.? I know my yellow lab and english bulldog like to get out and run and need the exercise to stay healthy, and it's not something they get as often when living in a trailer. Especially if you plan to work 40hrs a week. Definitely look into a dog walking service if you can't find someone in the park to help you right away. Plus, they can be on alert in case inclement weather comes in and you are at work. And definitely check around as far as breed and number restrictions. I had to explain, and even show the people at our park that my English Bulldog was indeed one of those fat little wrinkly ones and not the other kind of bulldog or pit bull. I believe doberman is also on their banned list, although I haven't got a clue as to why. Any dog can be mean....and any dog can be a sweet lover....it's all in how the owner raises and treats them!!
As far as preparing for winter, I'm not exactly sure how cold the winters get up there but I would look into that RV skirting. I hear great things about it and depending on the size of your trailer, it can be fairly inexpensive really considering how it helps. I would also suggest looking into a larger propane tank. Check and see if the city you are staying in has any restrictions on size but I wouldn't get much bigger than a 100lb tank. You'd be surprised at how much you can go through in the winter time. Some parks don't allow space heaters of any kind and your furnace should run some as it will keep the floor warmer and in theory, help keep tanks and water lines from freezing up. Heat trace your hoses.....get a heated water hose if you can (and then wrap it with insulation, just don't cover the thermostat or it won't work).....I have learned a lot from a not so great below average cold in our area. We were told we had 4 season....I never believe it. LOL
I have never needed a dehumidifier nor do I use solar panels. Our electric is included in the price with our rv park stay. We don't ever boondock.....my husband won't even stay at place that doesn't have sewer, water and electric hookups...LOL. I would stick to boondocking in the appropriate weather for all involved. And as for fulltimer insurance, we don't carry it(we have a different situation than some..hard to explain, but we are covered without needing full-time insurance) but I have noticed many people talk about the price and your quote seemed fairly normal i think.
Good luck...and hopefully this "book" didn't bore you!
Britt,
First of all, welcome to the RV Dreams forums. You have definitely found a place with a lot of knowledgeable folks to help with your questions. So, as they come up, feel free to ask.
A couple of things to consider. Dennis and Jennie suggested an LP tank that was 100 lbs. A 100 lb cylinder is not really that big when one is living full time in one place, but the RV parks may not allow anything larger. However, we have, and I've seen 120 gallon tanks in the RV park that is right next to us that long term RV'ers are using for their LP tanks.
If you are in a position to haul a 100 lb cylinder to be refilled, it can be a benefit for you, they they will definitely be heavy and have to be secured well in the truck bed when transporting. With regards to the 120 gallon tanks, one does have to order the LP from a supplier. In our case, our supplier leases us our tank. We will be moving to Colorado in a couple of months to stay there long term and will be leasing another tank from a supplier there.
As for locking your storage compartment, consider that should someone REALLY want in to get your stuff, they will get in, even if it means tearing up the side of the trailer and the door to get in. I took a look at the stuff I have in my basement and decided that it would be less expensive to replace stuff than to repair the fifth wheel, so with neighbors that we know around, we don't even lock our storage compartment with the regular locks.
Good luck with your planning and research.
Terry
I used to live and work in a community of less than 600 people. My job was to deliver propane to customers in town and out in the country. We always had tanks around that could be leased and used. The biggest issue we had was coordinating the use of a winch truck and a trailer haul and load/offload the tanks. Now, having said that, municipal officials might decide differently, so one would have to check with LPG suppliers. If there aren't any in Elk City, I'd check to see if there were LPG suppliers in Clinton that would lease a tank.
When we go to Colorado, we will be in an RV park for a long term, so this time I'm hoping I can arrange something more in the size of 250 to 500 gallons for our LPG. I think that suppliers charge more if the tanks are smaller, such as our current 120 gallon tank.
Terry