As I posted yesterday, we will begin our first workamping experience next Monday, and I couldn't be happier or more excited! Y'all have been great with suggestions and encouragement, and I really appreciate it!
My main thoughts are this: Are there any modifications we should make to our 5er since we'll be in it FT now? Such as: I've heard of support thingies for slides...is this something we should get? Should we add more jacks/stabilizers to the camper in general? Are those tripod things important to have? (Remember, we just traded from a small TT, so we're new to the 5er thing!) Should we cover the tires, get skirting, change our insurance coverage?? So many things are running through my head, and I want to make this transition as easy as possible, while still doing the correct things to make sure our camper lasts us a very long time!
Also, we have been thinking we would like to add a Patty-O-Room, the kind that is both screen, and flaps allwoing you to close it off, but are they really worth it? What about just a simple screen type room you can purchase at WalMart?
Any thoughts are appreciated!
Me, my hubby, and our new pup, a mini dachshund named Fred
2008 Keystone Cougar
2001 Chevy 3500 Dually 8.1L Vortec
1) talk to your insurance agent....he knows best what your coverage is and what they allow.
2) We have the Carefree screen room.....we LOVE it. Our cats travel with us and it keeps them in. It also seems to keep the awning from flapping so much in winds, it also is more comfortable in it when the winds blow --- it does defuse the wind. Oh, and it DOES keep the mosquitoes out.
3) chocks -- do you have chocks?? They keep the rig from swaying back and forth -- at least that's what we were told -- we're buying some.
Thanks amandasgramma! I will look into the Carefree...keeping 'skeeters out is very important down here in south GA!
Do you mean wheel chocks? If yes, we have those little orange things to keep the rig from rolling away, but they don't help with swaying. Maybe I misunderstood what you are referring to...
The little orange wheel chocks are cute but don't help to stabilize the 5er. Get a heavy duty set that goes between the wheels and can be tightened. That will reduce a lot of the motion but I think you'll always have some unless you spend the big bucks for one of the full stabilizer systems.
Insurance differs greatly between fulltiming and recreational use. Make sure your agent understands you're fulltiming and you get the appropriate liability rider and increased personal possessions. Not all companies will insure you for fulltime use so you may have to switch.
If the tires will be exposed to UV rays, cover or spray with 303. Don't worry about skirting unless you spend the winter in freezing temps.
Joe and Dakota, the wacko cat
2006 Dodge 3500 QC CTD SRW Jacobs Exhaust brake
2006 Heartland Bighorn 3600RL, MorRyde suspension, TrailAir pinbox http://happykayakers.com/blogger/
Wheel chocks.......get a set that go in between the tires (X-chock, Roto-chock). These can be tightened to stop back and forth movement.
Tri-pod.....can help to stabilize front end of rig but you will still get bounce due to frame sitting on tires and suspension.
Set up a couple of jack stands forward of tires on frame to stop bounce if it bothers you
Slide-out supports....NO
Insurance.....FT'n is way different than just weekend camping. Check into Full Timers Insurance Coverage......same type of coverage you would have on your home.
Several companies specialize in FT Coverage for RVs........National Interstate is who we have been with for over 5 yrs. thru broker. Explorer RV
What are you going to do about 'residency--domicile'?
Drivers License/Vehicle Registrations/Mail Service?
FL, TX and SD are FT RV Friendly.......easy to establish 'domicile', get DL's, register vehicles etc.
Each individuals needs are different......taxes, estate, medical etc. SD works very well for us.......Cheapest and covers OUR needs/requirements.
Good Luck!
2007 RAM 3500 QC LB SRW 5.9L CTD 48re 4:10 4K in bed 'quiet genny'
2007 HitchHiker II 32.5 UKTG 2000W Xantex Inverter
Hit the Road Free & Clear April '07
Thanks again happykayakers! I will def look into those!
Old-Bisquit- Wow, lots to think about! I hadn't considered a new address other than the campground addy! Will have to look into that! We will be workamping in our same state, actually not too far from home now.How is GA's as a home state rv wise? If nothing else, we can just use a family member's home address for everything.
toyqt wrote: Thanks again happykayakers! I will def look into those!
Old-Bisquit- Wow, lots to think about! I hadn't considered a new address other than the campground addy! Will have to look into that! We will be workamping in our same state, actually not too far from home now.How is GA's as a home state rv wise? If nothing else, we can just use a family member's home address for everything.
Thanks to bot of you for your input!
Georgia's fine if you like paying what your vehicle's and RV are 'worth' for your license plates every year, instead of a flat fee like most states. This IS the one reason I chose not to buy property in Georiga. Between my 2 vehicles and MH I would have been paying thousands of dollars every year for a 2 inch sticker for my license plates. Not!
And a tip about Florida. It's not that easy to get a DL in Florida anymore. Thank your congressman for voting to keep the Patriot Act You have have to have an electric bill in your name to prove you live there and 6 other forms of ID.
"We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned,
so as to have the life that is waiting for us".
And a tip about Florida. It's not that easy to get a DL in Florida anymore. Thank your congressman for voting to keep the Patriot Act You have have to have an electric bill in your name to prove you live there and 6 other forms of ID.
I was curious how much the Fed ID Act affected FL drivers licenses. Not all states are complying so it really depends of 'States Requirements'
We just renewed our SD DL's......
Had to show a CG receipt for at least one nights stay, certified birth certificate, SS Card, (a marriage license for females showing change of name.....not necessary if divorced and went back to maiden name) and then you sign a affidavit affirming that SD is your only state of 'domicile'.
Took about 10 minutes..new picture and new DL. Done deal....no real hassle.
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