DON'T ROUGH IT TOO MUCH - LET'S WATCH TV!

Most RV’s come equipped with a television. Although adventure RVing isn’t about sitting inside watching TV all day long – it is nice to be able to check in on the local weather situation, or perhaps catch that big sporting event or playoff game. Sometimes the weather isn’t always conducive to sightseeing – so it is fun to be able to make up a bowl of popcorn and settle in for a good movie on the tube. Everyone now knows that the new FCC regulations on digital transmission of television signals has caused some viewing headaches at home – and on the road. You are no longer able to pick up local television stations in on your RV TV unless you’ve invested in a digital receiver for your rig. But there are other options. DIRECT TV and the DISH NETWORKS both provide awesome receiver systems for your RV or trailer and it’s easy to get one set up, no matter where you travel in the US. Both services offer great FREE systems for your RV or your HOME. All equipment is FREE, and the installation is FREE. It is so easy to get your system up and ready for your next trip. The monthly rates for DISH and DIRECT TV in your HOME or RV are incredibly inexpensive, it all depends on what package you decide on. It is totally worth it. Sign up today and be connected where ever you decide to travel.

PARKING AT HOME OR IN STORAGE

WHERE DO I PARK THIS THING?
If you'RE lucky enough to have the space in your own backyard, you’re a huge step closer to making the pack-up and planning that much easier. Many covenant communities don’t allow parking RV’s on the streets – they don’t in our neighborhood. So we took some spare space next to the house (see if you can get it near an electrical outlet and access to the water hose), cleared and leveled the ground and surrounded the space with an extra tall fence and gate. We finished the space with pea gravel and set up cement stones for the drive in and leveling once parked. It is very convenient and provides super easy access for trip readiness. If you can’t park it at your home, there are RV storage stations available in most major cities. The closer to home the better.

BACK IT UP BABY . . IF YOU CAN'T SEE MY MIRRORS, I CAN'T SEE YOU!
Get yourself a pair of good side mirror extensions for your towing vehicle – or permanent ones if you prefer. If you go for the extensions, do some shopping for the type and size recommended as a “best fit” for your truck mirrors. Permanent mount mirrors are nice – but expensive – and may require drilling a couple of holes into your doors – ouch! They also may tend to get in the way during everyday driving around town. I guess it would depend on whether you use your towing vehicle as your everyday ride. Paying a little more for removable extensions is a good idea . . remember, you get what you pay for. Cheap mirrors will blow forward – or blow off – in high winds. Many will also have squirrely mounts which tend to deteriorate over time – you might only get one or two seasons out of them. There is also the issue of vibration when you’re driving rough roads or in windy conditions. Spend some time checking out the reviews on mirrors – it’ll be worth the time.
If you’re traveling partner is the one that will direct you when backing into your backyard, RV storage space or camp space – it’s best to discuss and work out the hand signals in advance. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve witnessed huge fights between teams when trying to do the back -in thing. And invariably, the driver needs to jump out of the truck several times to check the progress and location when backing. My husband and I worked on the hand signals after our first attempt at backing it into the backyard – which consequently was our first RV fight. Starting a trip – or ending one for that matter – on a fight, is the pits. If you can’t see his mirrors – he can’t see you or your hand signals. Customize your “right”, “left”, “straight back” . . . and don’t forget the “how close” and “stop” signals too. It’s also a good idea to make some kind of mark or identify a spot on your trailer and on the truck for lining up the hitch. It’ll save a lot of time and a lot of heartache.

THE RV DREAM BEGINS

I spent a lot of my childhood camping with my parents. The living in a tent and sleeping on the ground kind of camping. Sure, I was a kid – kids like camping and kids like getting dirty. Dad was in the military, and our family was fortunate enough to be stationed in Europe for several years. Mom and Dad wanted to show us the world, and they certainly did that by taking us all over Europe – to 13 countries – for 30+ days at a time . . . camping. It was the experience of a lifetime, I’ll never forget the people we met and the places we went. After I moved from the nest after school – I swore I’d never camp again. Enough was enough. My husband tried to get me to go – “we’ll sleep in the truck bed, under the stars”. No thanks. After all the years under the stars, in the cold, on the ground . . . . my idea of roughing it is Holiday Inn without a pool.

After the kids were grown and we actually had some time to focus on “Us” again, we started talking about places we’d like to go – just the two of us – get away, see the sites, travel the good ‘ole USA. We did the cruise to Alaska thing – which was so awesome. We celebrated our 25th anniversary in Maui – two weeks of beach – absolutely incredible! Two fabulous states to visit and we’re happy to have those two spots off the “bucket list”. We think Colorado is the best place to live, we want travel the other 47. Air travel, hotels, rental cars and dining out can get a bit pricey, so why not do go from comfort of a traveling home on wheels! And our RV dream was born! In 2006 we purchased a new Cirrus Pilgrim International 25ft travel trailer. Now that’s my idea of camping! A queen size bed (not on the ground), a television with a DVD player, microwave . . . and our very own bathroom and toothbrush holder. We found our second home, our vacation getaway. We’re “Cirrus” about RVing!

We’ve learned that even if you have all the comforts of home in one nice little packaged box on wheels – there is still a lot planning, preparation, maintenance and a whole lot of readiness time involved. Make a list, get into a routine and learn as you go. That’s part of the adventure too. And, so we did . . . let’s roll!