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Author |
Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: Motivating the DW
Just curious how do the chores break down when you are rving?
It could be that she would like a break from the shopping, cooking, cleaning, start all over the next day.
If she has recently been diagnosed with diabetes, she may be scared and want to stay closer to home until she feels confident managing it. Do you know what to do in an emergency if she goes into a coma or shock? Does she feel confident in your ability to get her to a hospital in time?
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Tothill
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06/17/13 11:50pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: How long is my RV?
No help in your situation, but our 27 foot class C is really 27 feet from bumper to bumper.
When our length has to be measured (BC Ferries) the staff are always surprised that the length matches the size on the side, as most do not.
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Tothill
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06/17/13 11:34pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Recommendations for travel insurance in Canada
Check with your credit card company. I know many Visa Cards in Canada include Travel Insurance.
Also if you are employed and have extended health coverage you may also have international travel insurance as part of your plan. Check with your plan. I know for ours there is a different card for out of country travel.
Last thing to check is if you plan pays the bill for you, or reimburses you once you have paid it yourself.
Ok another thing to check. Find out if the medical plan will cover the cost of an ambulance if needed. In BC they will bill you for ambulance rides. They are not going to ask for money up front.
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Tothill
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06/15/13 03:14pm |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Auxiliary outside canopy?
We have one, no idea of the brand. It is about 5 feet long when folded up. There are wheels on one side of the bottom of the carry bag. It is heavy, but one person can easily stow it. It does take two to set up.
We only have one side to ours. We do not always use the side.
Ours is 10X10 and has straight legs which means we have a full 10X10 of coverage.
A friend has one with angled legs and the coverage is really limited.
Bugs are not usually too much of a problem where we camp, if they were, I would buy one with screens.
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Tothill
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06/14/13 07:34pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Do Hosts Do This?
We live in BC where deadly storms are very rare. As in I do not know of one in my lifetime. Mostly we get forest fires set off by lightening. Until reading this thread I did not know to ask about storm shelters, earthquake yes.
We have never had a weather radio, I would not know where to find a weather station on our regular radio.
We do not have a TV in our Class C.
About 5 years ago we were in Alberta staying on my bill's farm in the middle of bugger all. I have no idea the name of the county.
Tornados are rare in Alberta, but there was a tornado warning that day.
We found out when someone called the farm to let BIL know. He came out to the camper (5:00 am) to wake us and get us into the house. Very glad to be woken up.
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Tothill
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06/14/13 08:24am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: why did you go with a Class C?
We had to keep shorter than 30 feet long to be able to park at home.
We did not have a truck, so towing was not an option.
We have kids and wanted to have dedicated beds for each family member, no making up the dinette daily.
The kids are a boy and girl, we did not want them to have to share a bed.
We looked at used RVs for a couple years before we found Mobi. 27 feet long, twin beds in back for the kids with a solid door on the bedroom, the big over cab bed for mum and dad.
When the kids bring a friend or grandma comes along we use the dinette as a bed.
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Tothill
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06/11/13 07:52am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: bar fridge or cooler
We rarely have hook-ups so we use ice, freezer packs and a cooler.
Before we leave home I freeze juice boxes, the freezer packs, as much as I can that freezes easily and thaws nicely. I rotate the freezer packs through the RV freezer (they freeze up firm overnight). And only buy block ice. We do not buy much ice, our drinks are cold.
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Tothill
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06/09/13 07:09pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Can I use my fifth wheel late into the season ?
Triple E and Big Foot are two Canadian RV makers that are designed for Canadian Weather.
You did not say where in Canada you are or where it is that you will be parking the rig. Do you have access to electricity?
We have a 1989 Triple E Class C and it has enclosed tanks, all the water lines are above the floor as well as storm (double) windows. We rarely get sustained below freezing temps on Southern Vancouver Island and a small ceramic heater is enough to keep the water lines from freezing. We do leave the cupboard doors open.
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Tothill
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06/09/13 07:00pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Anybody been to Calgary Stampede ?
Cloud 9, what else are you interested in?
Calgary has a great Zoo, Heritage Park, is close to Banff National Park (just a couple hours away).
Drumheller is fairly close too Royal Tyrell Museum is the place to check out Dinosaurs.
Fort McLeod to the South has Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump
If you are a Foodie, check out Chowhound.com and do a search for the foods you like to eat.
Many small towns in Alberta have small campgrounds which are often really reasonable. They may be off the beaten path, but if you choose your route they can be on your way. They may or may not have full hook-ups and may only have 15 amp service.
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Tothill
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06/09/13 08:27am |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Anybody been to Calgary Stampede ?
Love the Stampede. It is pricy, but worth it.
We stayed at Calaway Park http://www.calawaypark.com/campground.html each time and drove into the city. We have kids, so staying at an amusement park works well for us.
Lots of free pancake breakfasts all over the city.
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Tothill
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06/08/13 05:50pm |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Prepaid phone for use when in Canada...HELP
If you have an old phone at home that is in working order, bring it along and just buy a SIM card once you are in Canada and get a pay as you go plan.
Some include Data. An example my DD has a pay as you go plan that costs $20.00 per month, unlimited text, free calls from 3-6pm, some data, on a national carrier (Rogers). She does have some additional minutes, but I cannot remember how many or the rate.
Depending on where you will be travelling, you may find coverage to be spotty. In BC with all the mountains and widely spaced rural communities there are lots of dead zones for cell coverage.
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Tothill
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06/07/13 08:13am |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: On the road shopping list
Are there farmers markets out west?
:)
BC is full of farmer's markets, road side stands, road side honour system stands and more.
As well as local fruit and vegies, we have many wineries, cheese makers, local meat markets and many other ways to enjoy local foods. Fresh salmon, crab, shrimp etc off the boat is always better than what you can buy at a grocery store.
Lots of brew pubs for trying a local brew as well.
A good reason to carry cash when travelling.
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Tothill
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06/06/13 06:36pm |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Will I Ever Learn?
We have a different way of making sure everything is properly stowed.
One takes care of inside, the other outside. Once we are sure we have stowed everything we switch places and check what each other has done.
It is amazing how if you are sure you have done something, you just do not see that it has not been done, even when looking right at it. But other eyes see it immediately.
We also do one last walk around the campsite, after we have pulled the RV out. It is amazing the things we forgot. Camp chairs that had been stowed under the RV, dog lead, grill on the fire pit etc.
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Tothill
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06/06/13 08:41am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: traveling with water in tank
We have a class c and always travel with a full tank of water, in mountainous British Columbia and into the Alberta Rockies.
Our tank, full weighs about 330 pounds.
We usually camp without hook-ups.
We have come across campgrounds with nasty tasting water and on occasion boil water advisories.
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Tothill
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06/05/13 08:00am |
Beginning RVing
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RE: On the road shopping list
You have not mentioned if you are smokers. Cigarettes are expensive in Canada and American Brands hard to find and even more expensive.
We always travel with a full water tank. Most our camping is done without hook-ups. We have arrived at campgrounds with boil water advisories. I do not want to put that water in our tanks and then have to sanitize the tanks.
Just to give you some ideas of costs of food, check out Canadian Grocery Store online flyers.
http://safeway.ca.inserts2online.com/I2O_MainFrame.jsp?pageNumber=1&drpStoreID=67&adId=49165&adPath=SafewaySafeway05312013Canada
http://www.thriftyfoods.com/eflyer/interactive-flyer-20130605-page1.html
http://www.saveonfoods.com/home
If you sign up for loyalty cards for the various grocery stores, you can get further savings. If you ask the cashier, sometimes they will have a visitor card so you can take advantage of the savings.
Check for local farmer's markets, road side stands and road side honour systems for local produce, eggs and meats.
Enjoy your trip.
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Tothill
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06/05/13 07:54am |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Driving non stop
One of the previous posters, made a good point. If either of your is too tired, stop and have a proper sleep, if only for a few hours.
DW cannot sleep in any moving vehicle (car, RV, Plane, Train etc). We have lots of family stories about her hallucinations when she is over tired.
The way we make it work it she takes the early shift and drives for up to 8 hours with a stop every 2 hours to stretch our legs and walk the dog. I can sleep anywhere and sleep through the first few stops. After 8 hours I drive for up to another 8 hours, then we stop for at least 6 hours sleep. We still make good time, but are better rested when we arrive.
We have done a 24 hour push, but it was not pretty and we will not do it again.
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Tothill
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05/28/13 11:39pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: BC campground recommendations
Although BC Provincial Parks are wonderful very few have any form of hook-ups and OP said they are looking for full hook-ups and showers.
Security is not usually an issue in campgrounds in BC.
I am not sure if OP is referring to highway noise, trains or other campers when she states she wants a quiet campground. Maybe all three. The Trans Canada Highway (TCH) shares river valleys with train tracks, there will be train noise as well as highway noise.
Pick up a copy of the BC Camping book when you arrive. It will help you with what amenities are available in each campground.
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Tothill
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05/24/13 07:48am |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Some random questions driving through Canada to Alaska
1. Do most provincial campgrounds have dump stations? We are going to try to camp mostly without electric, hookups or water connections . What about points to take on water? I figure the commercial parks have dump stations and potable water, but we're operating on a budget.
In BC get a copy of the BC Parks Guide and Road Map. It has a matrix of the various services available in BC Provincial Parks. You will need Canadian Coins to operate the dump stations in BC Parks. Many Provincial Parks and Forestry campgrounds only take Canadian Cash.
Also in BC some communities have free or low cost Dump Stations. The local Travel Infocentres will have information on how to find them.
In Alberta, many small communities off the major highways have nice small campgrounds with some services. Of course they may not be on your route. An example is Acme AB, there is a small campground with 15 amp only power, water available that 4 years ago charged $15.00 per night. It is right next to a park that has a free outdoor pool in the summer. There is a free dump station on the way into town.
2. Currently, what's an average price for diesel fuel in Canada? Alaska?
The price does not matter if your tank is low, you have to pay it.
3. Leaving in three weeks and still haven't decided handling finances (conversion). Figuring I'll just use cash in Canada. Or Chase Credit card.
Have American Cash converted to Canadian Cash once you cross the border. You will get a better exchange rate. On occasion the Customs' House Currency Exchange gives a better rate that banks.
You will need cash for many Provincial Parks. Loonies ($1.00 coins) and Twoonies ($2.00 coins) are handy to have. I buy a roll of each at the beginning of camping season each year
You will also need cash to buy firewood.
4. Cell phone/ data. I figure I'll spend a week out and a week back in Canada. Just won't use cell phone or 3G data except for emergencies (AT&T cell). Only use iPads at free wireless locations (eateries or possible commercial CG)
Me, I would want to be able to use my cell if needed. I would get temp coverage for Canada. I know with our Roger's phones we can just text to get temp coverage while in the USA.
Any thoughts or concerns about these strategies? Thanks in advance.
Make sure you have enough funds to have a good trip, not one where you are worrying about each and every expense.
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Tothill
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05/23/13 07:55am |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: woman travelling alone
A great tip I heard here several years ago was to give your RV a man's name. We call ours Mobi (work in tech industry). We always refer to our RV as Mobi. In our family you will hear "the wife is taking Mobi and the kids to Campbell River for the weekend."
If you name your RV George or Fred, Bob etc and always refer to it by name, people overhearing conversations will assume you are talking about a male partner.
As in "I am taking George to Banff". "George has not been to Wyoming yet" You get the idea.
I travel with a dog, but only because I have a dog, I am not sure that I would get one only for the purpose of rving. Our dogs have people names. The last one was a female. Cassie did not like strangers and no one could have approached the family or the RV if the family was in it. Oscar is a little mutt and loves everyone, no protection from him, but we do know if someone is approaching as he gets excited (not barking, whining to play with new people or dogs).
Other basic safety advice:
Camp in your driveway the first couple nights.
Plan on arriving during daylight hours.
Be aware of your surroundings, move on if you do not feel comfortable
Camp with a group of friends or a camping group (there are lots with various interests) at least the first few times.
In 30 + years of camping first in tents, now in an RV we have twice felt unsafe and called the RCMP. One time a group of drunks had a gun in a campground (illegal in Canada). The second a group of drunks kept the campground up most the night with music, hooting and hollering and setting off fireworks. Both times we were tent camping.
We have not taken our RV into the US yet.
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Tothill
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05/18/13 10:27am |
Beginning RVing
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RE: Pets are NOT to be left unattended... what??
I have found that the 'Rule: No unattended pets' is interpreted differently in different campgrounds. I always ask the office for clarification. I have also found it is enforced to varying degrees.
When we had our old dog, I also asked if there was a beach where I could take her swimming. Many campgrounds or provincial parks do not allow dogs on the main beach, but some have a dog beach nearby.
Lastly I always ask if the campground has a dedicated 'dog walk'. I am surprised when they do not.
The cat is walked on a leash and has the harness on the whole trip. The doors are not opened unless she is leashed.
The dog is leashed when outside and if we have room, we tie a rope from a tree to the back of the RV and attach the leash to it to create a dog run. The dog is never left on the run if there is no one in the campground.
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Tothill
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05/18/13 10:01am |
Beginning RVing
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