RE: ease of setting up motorhome vs 5th wheel
Haven't read all the posts, but MHs are the way to go if set-up and take-down are your concerns. Other than hooking up the electric cable, it is just a matter of pushing buttons.
Backing in has only been a problem once and that was at the most cramped RV park we have ever experienced where everyone seemed to have 2 vehicles parked on the road in front of their sites.
Iris
RE: Gumbo
Are you from here? If so, you know everyone has their own gumbo recipe which is 'the beat'. LOL Me, I prefer EITHER a shrimp, oyster and grab gumbo OR a chicken and andouille gumbo. I have never seen the 2 mixed like that.
I don't use any Zatarain's seasoning, but when I can't get the roux dark without burning it(or get too lazy to keep stirring forever) I use a little Kitchen Bouquet for color. (sssh!) I use fresh garlic - lots and lots and much less file' but I do put in some bay leaves. Tobasco is on the table, I never add it to pot.
If you have anyone that has a Sam's membership - they have roasted chickens that are delicious - save yourself the trouble of cooking chickens. They are big and juicy and seasoned just right.
I like Manda's smoked sausage and it is available everywhere.
I use frozen chopped okra as fresh is not always available. I sautee' it in plain water until the goo is gone. It works just fine. You gonna de-vein the shrimp?
Don't forget the French bread!
Simmer the heads with some onion, garlic, celery, S&P, strain and add shrimp water to the gumbo.
Parsley? White linens too? Mais Cher!
Pass a good time.
Iris
RE: Just a chicken plucker.....
Loved him when I got old enough to appreciate his humor. So incredibly funny to me now, he has become a favorite for life.
People still pluck chickens in factories.
Iris
RE: I see a need
Tom, I am the only one who sees what you see, so we both can't be wrong. LOL
There are many times that recently single lady has come here to get encouraegment about driving their rigs and RVing alone. I see a need there that you fill - teaching them how to drive and be comfortable doing so.
If you offered a service to inspect a MH before the person signs the dotted line where you could give a professional opinion about the engine, generator, brake system, etc. and take it for a test drive for them, it would help those buying used MH's as total NOOBIES or those upgrading from a tow behind.
What that service is worth, I do not know. Whether it offers a steady income, I can't say. But, I sure do see a lot of folks here asking how to go about getting an RV inspection by an impartial professional before they drive home with it. This is especially true for those buying used directly from the owner.
The RV dealer we bought from charged $500 for an inspection which would then be applied to the purchase, if there was a purchase. If not, it was forfeited. Hmmm dealer agrees to inspect a MH on his lot for $500? I don't think this is an impartial inspection, do you? lol
It might also be an idea that insurance companies would like. Before they loan money on the purchase of a MH, they will know its condition. Another source of business?
Good luck
Iris
RE: Selling it all - living in motor home
Definitely get a Class A. You will not need a bed over the cab of a C. There are only 2 of you and a kitty. The view is the greatest experience of the ride.
And if you like mountains, get a DP.
Iris
RE: First-Time RV Honeymoon Road Trip, Numerous Newbie Questions
1) Renting kitchen and linen packages:
Wal-Mart and dollar stores (Dollar General, Family Dollar, etc.) will have inexpensive items, I list the average prices of the cheapest prices that I have seen (the Dollar Stores are the less expensive prices and WM the more expensive). I would go for the dollar stores first - they have many of the things you need and the prices are much cheaper than at WM.
You will need a set of sheets and pillow cases($20 - $30), 2 pillows ($5-$10 ea.), a light blanket ($5- $20), bath towels ($5 - $8 ea.), washcloths (in packs cheap ones ($4) and maybe dishcloths (can use washlcoths from pack - at the minimum. So, you are looking at saving perhaps $15 by buying rather than renting.
You will need at the minimum a skillet and 2 pots, ($15-25), eating utensils - plastic - $6, metal can be $1 per set at DG/FD, serving utensils, $1 - $5 ea.), drinking classes - plastic - pack of many - $5, glass $1 ea. at DG, coffee cups - plastic pack of many - $5, ceramic - $1 - $2 ea. at DG/FD, $3 - $6 at WM), coffee maker - ($15 - $25), can opener ($2-$5), plates and bowls - paper/plastic one time use - 10 days worth - $10-15, plastic reusable from DG, $1 ea piece.
2) The RV - 19 foot. I have never seen a 19' Class C MH. Perhaps you are looking at Class B RV's? I think you will enjoy the 25' unit more, but that is your call based upon your budget, where you will want to park the unit and how much time you will be spending inside when you are not sleeping. You may want some folding chairs for outdoors ($10-20 ea.) although MOST sites have a picnic table with benches attached. The difference in gasoline use between a 19' and 25' will be negligible and the 25' unit will not be difficult to maneuver - most places you will go to hike, visit, etc. will have spaces large enough for RVs. If you are concerned at all - stay with the 19'.
3) Reservations - I have never traveled to your destination - however - I have never made a reservation anywhere. There is a large paper back guide to campgrounds - Woodall's - it lists every campground everywhere in the US (or so it seems). You can also go to rvparkreviews.com and check for private parks near your destination. In October schools are back in session and there may not be as many folks in CGs during the week.
4) Hook-ups. Even if you park in a place without hook-ups, MOST private CGs allow you to dump the waste tanks at their facility for a nominal fee($10) as do fuel stations such as most Flying J truck centers. Many rest areas off of the Interstate Hwys have dump stations too (but not POTABLE water). When looking for a dump stations, look for the blue/white signs along the roadway that depict the outline of a travel trailer with an arrow pointed down. :) Potable water - use the CG bath houses and toilets whenever possible. You can also haul water from them for dishwashing and if you buy bottled water for drinking and cooking, you will not need to refill the fresh water tank so often.
I have found a few fuel stations with potable water available, but only because I asked. They gave me the water for free. :) Of course, you can always ask at the desk of a CG when you go to dump the black and grey tanks if they have fresh water too.
5) Go for the addtional 2-3 days. You have a lot of driving time in your plans and I think you will miss some things if you stay on a 10 day schedule. A 500 mile day is exhausting, the speed limits are 55- 65mph which means 8-10 hrs of driving without hitting any traffic issues near/in cities/towns along the way or stopping to take breaks to rest, sightsee, eat lunch and to use a bathroom.
Check-in time at CGs is roughly around 3pm (although you can check in later of course)and check-out is around 10-11am.
Many of us use a GPS to get from point A to point B. However, I still use a Rand McNally US Atlas and have never gotten lost - I recommend it over purchasing an expensive GPS for this trip.
Hints: I would not purchase meat at WM - they tend to use additives. Find a grocery store for meat.
I would purchase staples (paper towels, napkins, S&P, TP, Ketchup, Mayo, mustard, sugar, cleaning supplies and some packaged/canned food stuff at a DG/FG. Prices are cheapest anywhere, but selection is limted.
TP is TP. Use plenty of water in the toilet (save the dishwashing water when running low on fresh water)and do not dump the black tank until it is nearly full.
You may need a whisk broom to sweep up the dirt that gets tracked into the RV.
And there is no need to over stock at the beginning of the trip, there are grocery stores and WMs everywhere.
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding, have a wonderful honeymoon and may you be blessed with a long, happy life together.
Iris
RE: Selling it all - living in motor home
This life isn't a dress rehearsal. Do it while you can, enjoy it and have a back-up plan because someday you WILL have to come off of the road.
Iris
RE: Safety while mtn biking in grizzly country?
Have someone with a high powered rifle riding an ATV equipped with GPS and satelite phone with you at all times. :)
Or bells - roflmao
Iris
High powered rifle on an ATV in Canada? probably not!!!
Why not? I wouldn't go in the bush alone or without a rifle capable of stopping a bear or a rutting moose in its tracks.
RE: Just for kicks-car question
I love that you are trying to figure out us over 50 gals. We tend to be invisible at this age, no one notices us, looks at us or markets to us unless it is for funeral plans, burial plots and depends. We ain't there yet!
Ok. Rant over. lol
Iris
RE: Paneling with grooves????
Yes, there is a product that is like a wall paper but is made especially to cover the lines of paneling - my friend used it in his house, then painted over it and it looked great. Of course, this was 20 years ago so I don't remember the product, but it comes in rolls.
Iris
