Wallydocking: an RV term used to
describe "urban stays outside of a RV park" and covers "stealth camping" "front
yard camping" "Flying J / truckstops"
"Wal-Mart / retail parking lots" and other similar situations.
An RV Lifestyle is whatever you want it to be.
RV'ers are a
mixed bag of some of the greatest people out there. I don't believe we have
come across anyone that could be called average. People that choose to spend
their life or a good deal of it in an RV are not your typical run of the
mill folks. Normally RV'ers are a friendly lot, always eager for a
conversation with the new neighbor they've just met. Exchanging information
and ideas without giving more than a first name identity and wishing each
other a safe trip and happy travels.
Things to consider:
Will you spend more time traveling or sitting in a campground?
How many days per year you will use your RV and the number of miles you will
travel in a year's time?
What roads will you travel and
where will you camp?
Do you prefer the convenience of
full hookups in an RV park or drycamping in primitive campgrounds?
Is bigger better?
Everyone loves the idea of more space, more storage and
comfort in the larger rigs, but at the same time we all want the
maneuverability and economy of the smaller ones.
If you are going to spend long
periods of time at a time parked in an RV park, the larger, more spacious
rig might be best. But, if you are going to spend the majority of your time
in remote or primitive campgrounds, the smaller RV could be more
appropriate.
There are a few more things to
consider when selecting the size of your RV.
Older bridges, frequently have
weight limitations.
There are campgrounds and
campsites that simply cannot accommodate the bigger RVs.
So, while bigger rigs with their
bells and whistles can be more spacious and comfortable, smaller RVs can
be more versatile and less expensive.
You can always add accessories.
An awning shades the RV's curb-side wall and
creates an outside deckstyle living area. Window awnings prevents the heat
of the sun from radiating through the glass.
Solar panels use the power of the
sun to charge your RV's batteries. Great if you intend to spend a great deal
of your time without an electric hookup. Many RV'ers spend only two or three
days at a time camping self-contained. Coach batteries are usually quite
adequate for these short periods.
A generator uses about a
gallon/gallon and a half of fuel an hour, its noisy and emits exhaust
fumes. But it will charge your batteries and, unlike solar panels, can
create a sufficient amount of electricity to operate your air conditioner(s).
Many trailer owners seem to do without a generator, but most motorhome owner
prefer not to.
Leveling jacks are a wonderful
convenience. Press a button and the RV is leveled and stabilized. But even
with automatic jacks, it is occasionally necessary to use a board or two to
bring your rig up to level.
There are variety of information sources are available for RV'ers.
Campground and/or RV Park Directory
- A campground directory is a basic RV'ers tool. It provides an
easy-to-follow system of maps and alphabetical listings which enable you to
locate the RV parks and campgrounds in the area you want to stay.
RV Magazines - You'll be able to
read about interesting places to go and things to see and do. How-to
articles provide good information on improving, maintaining and repairing
your RV.
RV Clubs - RV clubs offer insurance
programs, emergency roadside services and discounts at campgrounds.
Membership usually includes a periodic magazine with informative articles
and columns. Local RV clubs schedule weekend trips throughout the year.
RV Accessory Store or Catalog -
Most RV accessory stores will have a magazine and book rack. RV accessory
catalogs also offer books and will keep you abreast of the latest in
accessories and gadgets.
Computer Internet Websites - A
little "surfing" and you will find a lot of websites with information from
manufacturers, dealers, campgrounds, clubs and more. A good place to start
is right here at wallydocking.com
Visitor Welcome Centers - Most
states provide a visitor welcome center near their borders. Look for them in
rest areas as enter each state. Go inside to the counter and ask for a state
road map and a state parks & campgrounds directory.
Other RV'ers - They are the
friendliest, most helpful people you can meet.
How to Get a Life by Living Full-Time in a Recreational Vehicle
AUTHOR:
Coleen Sykora
PRICE:
$12.95
This book includes a step-by-step
game plan, listing things you can start doing today to become a
full-time RVer. And perhaps most importantly, it shares with you what it
really is like to live full-time in a home on wheels.
