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Forum
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RE: Tow or not to Tow
stop in State parks (but finding an open site is getting much more difficult) More and more Walmarts/commercial parking lots are not allowing overnight stops anymore. Local ordinances, liability concerns, etc. plus the fact that too many RVers are taking advantage, putting out awnings, grills, etc and staying days, not overnight. I would call ahead to be sure your planned place still accepts it.
We have been RVing for almost 45 years, and since we went Class C to Class A have ALWAYS had our toad with us. We love to 'wander' and 'explore'. WE've never had a problem. we can hook up/unhook in a matter of a couple of minutes. We don't need a tow dolly, and that makes it so much easier. Our little 2012 Ford Fiesta w/manual transmission (the salesman told us it was equipped with the "Amish package" - just basic and simple!) is perfect for our needs.
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2 Retired
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08/26/20 07:40am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: campground recommendation
You might want to check www.campgroundreviews.com Real campers sharing their own experiences. I've used it whenever I"m going to a new area.
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2 Retired
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08/22/20 10:48am |
RV Parks, Campgrounds and Attractions
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RE: Wishing to stay out of I-95S through Washington DC
If you're starting out near I 95 in Pa, you may want to check this route. We've have used it often going between NJ and Myrtle Beach. You avoid 95 from Delaware all the way to south of Petersburg, Va (exit 46 on 95). You will use I 295 around Richmond and Petersburg, but most of it is newly resurfaced, its not a toll road, and it's fine. The only caveat is the construction on the Bay Bridge on Rt 301 (not the Bridge Tunnel, the Bay Bridge over the Chesapeake Bay on Rt 50/301). It's iffy. During the week or early morning/late evening usually not bad, but there was a 20 mile backup yesterday (police action which is very unusual). I just put Smithfield, nc as a destination to get the directions.
https://www.mapquest.com/directions/from/us/pa/philadelphia/to/us/nc/smithfield
Only tolls are on the new part of 301 in Delaware, the Bay Bridge and the Potomac River Bridge connecting Md with Va - this is a two lane bridge - DH says it's "not fun but no real problem". We have a 32'MH and always pull our toad. You might hit some traffic around Waldorf/LaPlata in Southern Maryland (lots of traffic lights) but that's about it if the Bay Bridge isn't bad.
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2 Retired
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08/22/20 10:29am |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Bathroom on the road?
Do it all the time. Rather than driving with water in our tanks, we also simply fill empty gallon milk jugs with lids with water to pour into the bowl after each use. Easy, simple, and no need to even use the water pump! Just be sure to use only as much T-Paper as necessary and to add extra water once you're set up in a campsite. Helps avoid clogs when emptying the black tanks. Suggest you always make sure the black tank is full when you empty it as well. Creates a much better flow and also helps avoid a clog. Happy camping!
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2 Retired
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08/17/20 12:14pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: food storage
My RV has a pantry, but anything not in a can or bottle goes into a zip-lock bag or a plastic container with a lid. Keeps everything fresher and deters critters!
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2 Retired
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08/17/20 12:10pm |
Camp Cooks and Connoisseurs
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RE: New to Outdoor Dutch Oven Cooking
Thanks for the chart Vintage 465! Very helpful Much appreciated.
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2 Retired
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08/08/20 10:00am |
Camp Cooks and Connoisseurs
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RE: DirecTV dropping DNS
How could DISH be able to do what Direct TV cannot if it relies on a federal law to be able to do it? I'm very confused by all of this.
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2 Retired
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08/07/20 11:52am |
Technology Corner
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RE: Leaving dog at campsite
Doubt you will find any campground that will allow you to leave any dog unattended outside - simply not accepted (potential for problems is just too high). Most do not allow any dog left unattended at any time - even inside. That's because too many, unbeknown to the owner) DO bark! They are not in their normal habitat, surrounded by the unknown, experiencing different sensory elements than they are used to. It is far too common for 'dogs that don't bark' to be overwhelmed when in a campground. We have been RVing for over 45 years and far too often walk by a camper with a dog left inside (safely) and the poor thing is clearly overwhelmed.The barking, whining, crying is constant and sad. We were in a CG outside of Savannah with a very nice Motorhome next door. They had 2 dogs. When the couple left, the air conditioning was on, we could hear a radio/tv playing, and all the blinds were drawn. It took less than 2 minutes for the smaller dog to begin frantically running in laps around the windshield, behind the curtain covering the windows, looking terrified. It was barking, panting with it's tongue hanging out, desperately trying to find a way out. The larger dog was barking loudly as well - as if trying to tell the small one to 'chill', or because it too was becoming frightened. This continued for over 4 hours until the couple returned. We told them what had happened, and they proceeded to tell us we were 'wrong', that their dogs were 'used to being left alone in the rig' and that we had completely overreacted to the situation.
The next day, right after they left, the exact same thing happened. This time, we contacted the CG management and asked them to witness what we were observing. When the couple returned, they again denied reality. Their dogs 'were good dogs who had no problem being alone'. The couple was told that was not the case and were warned not to leave them alone again or they would be asked/told to leave.
Yep, day 3, same as days 1 & 2. This time, the management checked on their own when they realized the couple's toad was not at the site. The poor dogs were again agitated. When the couple returned, they were told to leave. They were very, very angry at us for 'lying' and continued to deny the truth.
I cannot imagine this exact scenario did not repeat itself elsewhere! Very few dog owners are so arrogant, so ignorant or so rude. Most care deeply for the welfare of their beloved pets and we have never experienced any like this couple at any other time. Many ask if their pets barked while they were away. If we heard them do so, we were honest. No one else has ever had a problem with that.
I might suggest that you do a 'trial run' with your dog if possible. Open up the camper, go inside with him/her, and then leave the dog there. Be out of sight, or maybe ask a neighbor to check after you actually leave. Sitting outside the RV with the dog inside may not be enough of a test. If the dog reacts positively, doesn't bark, seem agitated or upset, you could well be fine. He will be in a different environment, and you can determine how he will react. Just a thought.
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2 Retired
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07/28/20 10:26am |
Beginning RVing
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RE: 100 days till snowbirding........ maybe not
Tequila, very, very sorry for the loss of your friend. Covid-19 is so unpredictable, apparently very contagious, and, in far too many cases, too dangerous to not take seriously. Thank you for sharing your heartbreak. A word of reality helps us all proceed with the utmost awareness and caution.
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2 Retired
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07/28/20 10:04am |
Snowbirds
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RE: Savannah, GA or lower SC along I-95
Stopping to check out Savannah or just for an overnight? If just overnight, very close to I 95 is this: https://www.campgroundreviews.com/regions/south-carolina/hardeeville/camp-lake-jasper-rv-resort-14573
If you're planning on going into Savannah, try Red Gate Campground, just outside the city. We always UBER in and out, only about $12 each way. Sites are level (not paved) and access is great.
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2 Retired
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07/21/20 01:49pm |
RV Parks, Campgrounds and Attractions
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RE: Are RV sewer hose supports necessary?
We have one and use it often. DH says it makes the whole process of unhooking much easier, and as others have said, more and more CGs have raised the sewer piping. It's very simple to use and have never had a problem. It takes up so little room don't know why it would be trouble to have.
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2 Retired
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07/15/20 06:42am |
Beginning RVing
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RE: Are campgrounds more crowded or is it just me?
Its always been like that in most state parks in SC, particularly in the ones near any body of water! "Peak time" is even more PEAK than ever! We now live in Va, and almost nothing anywhere, public or private CG, is available on weekends. Fortunately, we are retired and can enjoy better chances for a site during the week. As land values rise along with property taxes (particularly in the Midwest and Northeast) maintaining a campground is getting too costly for many owners. Fewer parks, fewer sites. Combine that with the current interest in privacy while traveling, the RV industry is in boom! More rigs, less site availability. Yes, it is almost everywhere.
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2 Retired
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07/07/20 10:21am |
RV Parks, Campgrounds and Attractions
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RE: What do you keep in your camper.
Agree with regular bedding instead of bags. Too bulky and too hard to clean. We have been RVing for over 45 years, and I am certain I keep far more than I need in our RV. Eating utensils for all who would normally be there - You can decide if you want to keep washable versions or rely solely on paper for this; One each - frying pan (lg & sm), big pot, small pot; zip lock bags for everything; if you have one, cooking vessels for a microwave; coffee cup for each who would usually camp in rig; plastic glasses for drinks; paper products (T paper, paper towels, paper plates, paper bowls); a colander; if needed, a cork screw; plastic wrap & aluminum foil; a fire extinguisher; one-cup coffee pot; spatula, long fork,small whisk,slotted and large spoon (typical starter set for a kitchen); larger bowl for mixing things; Trying to think of what I always use. I cook often in my RV, but many people don't. If you aren't planning to cook most meals, you may not need what I have listed. Store as many things inside other things as possible. A sharp knife; a cutting board; a portable grill; collapsible chairs for the campfire; a tool box with basic tools (if you're able to actually do repairs beyond the simple things, this would obviously contain far more than screwdriver, hammer, plyers! You'll figure you what the basics are for an RV as you borrow from others as you need them!); Outdoor extension cord; lights for the awning (if you want); mat for under the awning (wouldn't go anywhere w/o one); small table for outdoors(not all RV parks have decent tables, some none at all); I keep basic spices/seasonings in the RV (salt, pepper, etc); a few basic foodstuffs (can of soup, pasta,sauce, etc) for those overnight stops on the way to destination). We also keep basic clothing in the rig. Hoodie, rain poncho, underwear for 2 days, shorts/jeans/shirts for several days. Every trip we pack more. Also keep sandals/sneakers in RV. We both also have warm jackets for those chilly nights by the fire.
Over the years I have determined that it is just easier for me to go food shopping after we reach our destination, right after we finish hooking up.That way, I only buy what we will use for that particular trip. Far less to move in and out of the RV. I do usually take condiments from home, placing them in smaller containers with tight lids. Don't want small bottles taking up space in my fridge at home when we're back!
You'll find that you will begin to accumulate things, or find out you do or don't need items as you use your RV more. It's a never ending life experience! DH and I absolutely travel with far more than we need. Every once in a while we go through everything, make changes, and start the whole process all over again! Part of the game! Trial and error, and no two RVs are packed the same! Whatever works for you depending on how you will be using it. Hope this gives you some ideas.
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2 Retired
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07/07/20 10:12am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Are all RV's noisy and rattle?
Yes, they always have rattles. Generally, you can dissipate the noise level by making sure everything is as secure as possible (windows totally closed, pots & pans not touching, etc). The better one stores things, the less noise. It takes time to figure the source of each sound, but then it's relatively easy to find a solution. Yes, RVs are big metal boxes filled with so many different things! The quality of the road, the quality of the materials used to make the RV, the way one drives it, so many different reasons for noises. We have been RVing for over 45 years, and have never had a ride in our RVs anywhere near as quiet as in our cars - the nature of the beast. BUT - we've always been able to have a conversation while driving!
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2 Retired
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07/07/20 09:44am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: shower head
Oxygenics X5 So much more water pressure and so much less water used! we have used electrical tape wrapped around our propane hoses. Seems to help.
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2 Retired
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06/30/20 11:57am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Should I connect my sewer line when camping?
We've been RVing for over 40 years and never gave much thought to your question! If we are stopping for just 1 night, we rarely hook up the sewer, unless we needed to dump, of course. Any longer than 2 nights, it's always hooked up in the beginning and we leave the grey water open - until the night before we are leaving so there is some water to help clean the black tank excess in the hose.
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2 Retired
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06/30/20 11:54am |
Beginning RVing
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RE: slide vs no slide
Have been RVing for over 45 years, and once we got one with a slide, I understood the appeal. We will NEVER get another rig without at least one! Even had a pop-up with a slide out kitchen area! Other suggestions are spot on about being certain you can access everywhere when slide is in! Some rigs close up and bathroom/bedroom/fridge are no longer in play. We have only twice had a problem with slide not working properly in over 20 years and several different RVs. The extra interior room is wonderful - and would be great for extended family or friends. Very easy to operate, just be certain rig is level before opening or closing.
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2 Retired
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06/27/20 08:01am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Campground recommendations for the FL panhandle
try campgroundreviews.com for campers' opinions and experiences in the area you're looking at. We use it whenever we are going to an area we have never been before.
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2 Retired
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06/27/20 07:56am |
RV Parks, Campgrounds and Attractions
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RE: Toll roads or not
Lived in the NE for many years. For the type of travel you are planning, would definitely "bite the bullet" and get an EZ Pass for the Interstates and bridges. There are discounts for using it, and the time and traffic you will save makes it a far less stressful. The earlier suggestion for fueling is also significant. Too many fuel stations along the 'back roads' are not accessible for our 34'MH, towing our car. If you enjoy meandering, and don't mind heavy traffic, with many stop and go situations, by all means stay on local roads. If you are planning to deal with any of the many major cities, definitely pay the tolls. Just our experience
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2 Retired
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06/26/20 08:29am |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Parking RV at home
All above advice is what I would suggest. In addition, check with local ordinances or HMO rules (if applicable) to find out any restrictions/rules on RV parking at home. Some towns require RV's and boats if stored at home meet existing setbacks, others don't care. Some communities require them to be stored on concrete, asphalt, brick driveways, etc. while some don't allow it at all. Just a phone call usually needed if you haven't already done that. Enjoy RVing!
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2 Retired
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06/14/20 11:26am |
Beginning RVing
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