RV Living Collection: RV living for beginners, RV travel for the whole family, RV repair and RV mobile solar power: Experience Freedom on the roads alone or with your family with this collection. Learn how to repair your motorhome while using renewable energy!

RV Living Collection: Rv living for beginners,Rv travel for the whole family,Rv repair and Rv mobile solar power

Experience Freedom on the roads alone or with your family with this collection. Learn how to repair your motorhome while using renewable energy!

RV Living For Beginners

A Practical Guide To Live Happy and Stress Free In Your Motorhome Full Time

                                     BY Bob Cliff

© Copyright 2018 – Bob Cliff All rights reserved.

The contents of this book may not be reproduced, duplicated or transmitted without direct written permission from the author.

Under no circumstances will any legal responsibility or blame be held against the publisher for any reparation, damages, or monetary loss due to the information herein, either directly or indirectly.

Legal Notice:

This book is copyright protected. This is only for personal use. You cannot amend, distribute, sell, use, quote or paraphrase any part or the content within this book without the consent of the author.

Disclaimer Notice:

Please note the information contained within this document is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Every attempt has been made to provide accurate, up to date and reliable complete information. No warranties of any kind are expressed or implied. Readers acknowledge that the author is not engaging in the rendering of legal, financial, medical or professional advice. The content of this book has been derived from various sources. Please consult a licensed professional before attempting any techniques outlined in this book.

By reading this document, the reader agrees that under no circumstances is the author responsible for any losses, direct or indirect, which are incurred as a result of the use of information contained within this document, including, but not limited to, —errors, omissions, or inaccuracies.

Contents

Introduction. 4

Chapter 1 – Thumbs-up if you Choose Freedom... 6

Chapter 2 – Selecting Your RV.. 10

Tips. 10

RV Models. 12

Chapter 3 - How to Boondock Without a Campground. 14

Chapter 4 – Making the Move from Boondocking to Full Time RV Living. 25

Benefits of Full-Time RV Living. 27

Lifestyle and Mindset Adjustment. 28

Chapter 5 - Taking Your Pet – Tips to Making It Work. 30

Chapter 6 - Handling Health and Medical Issues on the Road. 34

Chapter 7 – Jargon Buster. 37

Chapter 8 – Travelling, Tips and Tricks. 40

Customizing your RV.. 40

Tips and Tricks to Aid Harmonious Travelling. 42

Family Fun.. 44

Comfort, Cost of RV living & saving Ideas. 45

Full-Time RV Living to Save Money. 48

Cooking & Refrigeration.. 49

Mail 53

Parking Area Ideas. 56

Wi-Fi 58

Important Tips: 59

Chapter 9 – Basic Maintenance. 61

Chapter 10: Finances. 64

Banking: 64

Taxes: 66

Insurance: 67

Chapter 11: Basic Amenities. 68

Air Conditioning: 68

Cell Phones: 69

Energy. 70

Heating. 71

Chapter 12: Working. 73

Seasonal Employment: 73

Camp Site Work: 74

Using Your Set Skills: 75

Working Online: 76

Final Note. 78

Introduction

You just did something great, you invested into knowledge towards your goal, that is not the end of it….it is never the end of it as happiness much like traveling in your RV is about the journey, not the destination. Congratulations on your investment and please enjoy this book.

This book contains proven steps and strategies on how to choose the right RV, as well as tips and tricks to help you enjoy the life you’ve chosen.  It will give you loads of fantastic ideas helping you to get the maximum fulfillment and minimum headaches out of your life on the road.

This short but informative book will include:

Why a life on the road is a great way to live and how to choose and maintain your vehicle.  How to make the best of those spirit lifting trips away from the humdrum life you left behind.  A detailed look at how you don’t have to give up any of the advantages of modern technology just because you are mobile, and lots of useful practical tips for sprucing up your RV and making it really feel like home.

I hope you enjoy learning about this exhilarating way of life as much as I have enjoyed writing it and if you are thinking to take to the road, take it from one who knows, it’s liberating, packed with personal enjoyment and a way of life that will make you never want to live in one place ever again.

See you on the road…

Chapter 1 – Thumbs-up if you Choose Freedom

Many people agree with the assumption that choosing to ‘live outside the box’ is a privilege only the young have the energy for.  This is not so!  With the right choices and preparation, almost anyone who wants to live in an RV, experiencing the thrills of the open road and freedom that static living brings, can do just that.

This book hopes to widen your horizons, so if you are on the verge of making the decision, or you are simply looking to enrich your life, getting out of the rut of mowing the lawn every other weekend and cleaning the car, so as not to annoy the neighbors, it might be just what you need.  Hopefully we will give you the push you have been waiting for, to jump out and experience the world – not just a tiny corner of it.

It helps if you have a touch of adventure about you. If you are the kind of individual who will always climb the final hill to see what’s on the other side, you may be the kind of person to take to RV living.  However, you don’t have to be Bear Grylls to enjoy a life on the road. You don’t even have to have his survival skills.  You do however, need to learn a few basic practical guidelines, and that’s what this book is all about.

Don’t be afraid if you are a homemaker, and don’t be put off if you have a business you need to run from home. You can be as creative with an RV home as you can with a static home and you can also successfully hook up to all the technology you need to continue working and achieving maximum efficiency from your RV (more on this later).

There is a wonderful freedom in realizing that you don’t have to wake up in the morning in the same place as you woke up yesterday. If you really enjoy exploring the world and feel stuck and jaded with the same old familiar surroundings, feel the urge to escape from the stuffy commuter train carriages, then, why not consider the fact that you don’t have to just follow the crowd into work every day.  It may just be time to feel that liberation you’ve been searching for, without knowing how to scratch that itch that’s been eating away at you.

The philosophy behind successful RV living is a desire for controlled freedom.  It is controlled because you are not about to thrust yourself into the unknown without adequate preparation.  What you are about to do is set about on an adventure, while being able to live a practical, sustainable lifestyle at the same time.  You may not dislike your home at all and yet, you have an irresistible urge to fly on the reliable wings that sensible preparation brings.  You may be a newly wed, who just doesn’t want to start off in life in a small space, but would rather pick your own space to make a life in.

Oh, but living in close quarters with my wife and family would drive me nuts, I hear you cry!  Well, consider this. There is no greater feeling of unity and togetherness than when you’ve parked up in a magnificent hacker space [small space where a community with similar interests congregate] where you can choose how sociable – or not – you want to be with fellow RV users, enjoying camaraderie, before retiring with your loved ones, excited about the travelling escapade you’ve planned for tomorrow.

The type of person who chooses freedom and the RV lifestyle loves to know that they have visited hundreds of different interesting locations each year.  How amazing it is to be able to say, I’ve visited that place and while I was there I still managed to run my business from my RV.  That same person wants to wake up to beautiful scenes, looking out onto lakes and green hills every morning and not just when they are on vacation.

The person who loves to RV-it, also loves to sit and watch a sunset, not just look at pictures.

The person who wants to feel grateful again, not only for the splendor of the countryside around them, but also for RV parks with good Wi-Fi, or a great shower once they have reached the hackerspace.  We all tend to take things for granted it’s true, but when you are a born again RV’er, you will start to appreciate life again, aware of the things that make life feel good, rather than accepting every luxury life has to offer, and still feeling unfulfilled.  There is an earthy sense of accomplishment that follows the RV’er around and it’s satisfying to the point of contentment.

How many people travel through life terrified that the next mortgage payment might not be met?  The slightest hint at work that the modern curse called streamlining the business is going to catch up with you soon, sends you into a panic that lasts until the threat is over – until the next time – The person who owns an RV has paid off their mortgage and is cooking cherry pie on the road, wearing a smug look of contentment.

I mentioned the newly wed [above] and it is a fact these day’s with our busy lives and our mounting pressures, that two people can live together and after 10 years, hardly recognize each other at all.  Take it from one who knows – I was married twice before I discovered that freedom and intimacy could go hand in hand.  If you are the type of person who would rather get to know their wife / husband / kids, rather that just live with them and if you believe that conflict resolution is better than confrontation avoidance is a healthier way to live, then get a RV.  There is no way you want to stay in close proximity with people you are at war with.  The RV’er is aware that good relationships are formed through great communication.

Living in a static situation can be the unhealthiest thing in the world unless you are highly motivated to go out jogging in the busy streets or walk the dog, taking it round the same old pathway day after day.  The RV’er doesn’t have to look far for the motivation to get out and live a healthier lifestyle.  You can walk in a different place every day if you like, you can jog through forests, while breathing in clean air while you do it.  The RV’er starts to appreciate the benefits of living and thriving in interesting places.

Many single people take to the RV way of life.  It is a lot easier to find out if you are compatible with someone if you’ve invited him or her over to the RV for a cozy evening.  Rather than endless dates involving other friends, crowded wine bars and pubs, or wasted money on a non communicative environment such as a cinema, you will soon learn if you are compatible if you can’t stand the sight of them after an evening in a small space; alternatively, look at the time you will save if you are compatible.  The single RV’er is adventurous in all things, including love.

So if you are considering getting on board with the RV lifestyle, you need to be adventurous, spontaneous and open to discovering new things.  It’s a lifestyle that will bring ups and downs just like any other, but I would rather be maintaining an RV in a beautiful and scenic location, than mending my car in a draughty, cold garage.

Chapter 2 – Selecting Your RV

In this chapter we will look at things to consider [tips] when approaching the exciting world of choosing an RV.  We will also look at the different types of RV with the expectation that when you are through, you will have at least a basic idea of what you are looking to buy.

Tips

It’s quite important to talk to as many RV users and / or owners as you can – you might want to contact your local RV owners club; there are plenty around.  There are so many variances when it comes to RV models that you will soon pick up on the features and benefits to look out for.  Even if the enthusiasts haven’t actually owned a particular RV you can rest assured there are plenty of RV anoraks – don’t let them know I called them that! – Who will explain the in’s and out’s of what is essential to look out for and what to avoid.  If you are given advice by someone on a particular model, try and get specific information, e.g. if storage space is essential to you, and they tell you there is loads in a specific model, check this information with someone who has owned that particular model.   Be a bit careful, as there is always the guy or gal who is determined to sell their particular model to you, this is usually for two reasons, a) they are still trying to justify to themselves or their spouses, why they bought big, when really they needn’t have been so extravagant.  But just because they fell in love with their RV doesn’t mean it will be ideal for you – just do a fact finding mission and make up your own mind, and b) as with all hobby type lifestyles you will find the person who prefers a certain approach to their lifestyle, so find out what they use / need their RV for before you get overly sold on their particular type of RV.

Work out in advance exactly what you are going to use your RV for, e.g. are you going to live in it full time to begin with, or could you settle for something smaller to start with, moving onto something more elaborate once you have fully tested the RV lifestyle and decided that it is for you, full time.  A starting point is this: if you know you will need your RV for at least 10 years, buy one that is built to last as long as possible, but if you only intend to use it part-time and for a couple of years, you have no need to go spending money on a model that is built so it should last 50 years.  Work out how long you are going to need your RV for, and when you go on your fact-finding mission, try and figure out which models usually need more maintenance than others.  If you are making a full-on commitment to living the RV lifestyle and plan to invest in a one-off deal, you need to consider getting the best you can get and paying more, so that you don’t end up having to buy a new RV in a few years time.

Other vital questions to ask yourself and whoever is selling you the RV are these:

-Are you going to remain in the same terrain for most of the RV’s life – this will determine how robust it needs to be.

-What type of park or camp-site do you envisage staying at – do the research into what kind of holiday / lifestyle you think you will adopt, as you might find you don’t need such a big RV as you originally thought, for the particular type of site you are going to be staying at.

-Are you an accomplished mechanic, or a willing but novice mechanic, or even a complete non-starter when it comes to working on vehicles?  This is important because some models need far more tender loving care than others.

-What is the current resale value of the model you are thinking of investing in?  If you are not likely to get much for it in a few years time, maybe you need to think about a longer term investment, or spending more up front to get more back later.

-How many essential features are needed for the kind of park / camp you are planning on travelling to?  If you are going to stay at places without hookups – access to water – how big are the storage tanks in the model you are thinking of buying?  Will you need your own in-built generator for the type of park and the length of stay you are likely to be adopting?

-Are you wealthy enough to be eating out all the time?  If you are that’s one thing and maybe you don’t need so much in the way of kitchenette essentials or added features; if you are going to rely on your own culinary skills inside the kitchen, maybe you need to think about that initial outlay again and if spending more money up-front means you will be able to cook for a family comfortably and economically for the long term, it is worth considering.

This looks like a lot of questions, however, the more you find out up-front, the less worry and anxiety you will have to endure down the line.  The last thing you need is a wonderful and exciting new life being marred by an impetuous vehicle purchase.

RV Models

If you need the convenience of owning a car and an RV you can opt for the towable RV; you will need to transport your RV from place to place, so the towable is usually smaller [take note if you need a large space inside] and a lot lighter than other RV’s.  Some towable RV’s require a heavier vehicle than the family car to tow them, so make sure you own a SUV, or have access to a pick up truck before you buy an RV that needs this level of vehicle to tow it.

Opt for a Motorized RV and most of them are designed for temporary use, providing temporary living facilities and most people will choose this vehicle if they are planning on using it for recreational camping, that long awaited tour around the country, or just as a summer go-to when required.

If you are contemplating the RV life, as a permanent lifestyle, you will need a Specialty RV.  Specialty RV’s come in a wide variety of models, so this is when you really need to decide – before you buy – just what you intend to use it for.  You will find there is a specialty RV fitted with almost customized lifestyle features, and for most requirements, e.g. if you need particular interior features to accommodate your home working lifestyle, or a hobby you are thinking of taking on the road, remember to be fussy, until the dealer shows you what you need.  Don’t be put off if you are disabled – as there are modifications and custom build RV’s that accommodate disabled access – and if you are nervous about leaving the daughters pony in someone else’s care while you are on the road, never fear, there are RV’s fitted with trailers.  Therefore, tell the dealer exactly what you will be doing, while you are travelling and there will be an option that is just right for you.

A Park Model RV is a unique unit that you would drive and park at one designated location while you use it for, recreation, camping, or for a holiday break whenever the urge befalls you.  They are designed to look like homes and because they are also designed to function as homes they need to be hooked up at a site that provides, electricity, sewer facilities, and fresh water.  A Park Model RV might be more suited to the user who isn’t quite ready to take the leap into permanent life on the road, but wants the freedom to be able to live quite comfortably when they are on the road.  This model obviously restricts the amount of travelling one can experience and so, forget waking up at a different location every morning if you choose to go static.  Definitely consider this option though, if you are a seasonal camper, who wants to camp in style.

There are literally bundles of different models in all of the categories, so once again, whether you opt for a towable, motorized, specialty, or Park model, ensure you decide on the lifestyle you want to adopt and then choose the model to fit you, as you won’t be happy if you choose the prettiest RV model, but it doesn’t suit your particular travelling, holidaying, or lifestyle needs.

Chapter 3 - How to Boondock Without a Campground

The very essence, the spirit of boondocking lies in the fact that you can camp in the wilderness and enjoy the sheer beauty and wonder of Mother Nature, while leaving all the distractions, including the campgrounds, behind you. And you get to do all of that with all your home comforts – your bed, a kitchen, sofa, and your bathroom are all right there for you to use. Forget roughing it with a tent and no bathroom facilities – this is roughing it in true style. The minute you try it, you will be hooked to boondocking.

One thing that often gets confused are the terms, boondocking and dry camping. So which is it? While the two terms often get used in place of one another, there is a small difference between them.  Dry camping means to go camping without the benefits of any of the campground hookups, regardless of where you pull up your RV for the night.  Nobody really knows where the term dry came from – so long as you have plenty of fresh water, it certainly isn’t going to be dry but, somehow, somewhere the name has stuck.

Boondocking, on the other hand, although it is a kind of dry camping, the term is actually used to describe the environment that you are camping in – the boonies. The real essence of boondocking is that you are camping off the grid, out in the wilderness and you are completely self-sufficient. You rely entirely on the systems that your RV provides and the supplies that you had the forethought to bring with you.

Boondocking is the absolute best way to experience nature in the way it should be experienced – up close but not as close as it would be I you were sleeping on the floor in a tent. With RV boondocking, you can rough it all you want, knowing that, when