Tools of the Trade

We have learned that you just really need some good tools to make full-timing come together. This list may not be complete, just what came to mind.

CELL PHONES – As critical as you think it is in ordinary life, when hundreds of miles separate you from family, friends, and businesses, cell phones are essential. Russell has internet service on his; very handy when in a new town to look up services, also helps him stay in touch with market quotes. We don’t both need it, but I’m glad one of us has it.

LAP TOP – We both have a lap top because we have different responsibilities. Russell checks the market and conducts business for us and his mother. I research destinations, track banking for my folks, keep photos and journal entries up-to-date and play games, too, of course. We both stay in touch with family and friends. We have recently connected to some of the many social networks that are available –also a great way to stay in touch.

AIR CARD – The air card is a recent acquisition. We usually stay in places with internet, but to say they weren’t all created equal is an understatement. There are disadvantages and costs related to an air card, computer use has been less frustrating since buying it.

GPS – We rely on our Garmin. We felt very extravagant when buying it, but not now. “Samantha”, our particular GPS, is our friend. She not only shows the way, she finds stores, gas and entertainment. She is such a good friend, she feels comfortable arguing with us if we don’t follow directions!

THE NEXT EXIT – This book is very helpful when traveling on interstate freeways. It breaks down each exit, providing available services and highlights those that are RV friendly. It even indicates which direction and if the establishment is more than a mile off the freeway.

MAIL FORWARDING SERVICE - We joined Escapees RV Club for many reasons. It establishes our residence in Texas, which we really like. They forward our mail weekly, provide much needed full-time assistance and information and have a very good magazine. They also have campgrounds with great discounts and offer special clubs and trips within the group. They are an RV club, but offer far more services than most because they specialize in full-timers, and helped get us up and traveling!

RV CLUBS – Clubs offer campground information, catalogs, and discounts, the primary reason to join. However, they also off merchandise discounts, trip planning services, internet support, and often magazines. Many offer insurance for towing, repairs, emergency travel, and all kinds of events. We have joined Good Sam’s and KOA. Both have paid for themselves.

RV DIRECTORIES – We use Woodall’s as our primary resource. I first bought it because it was on sale at “Half Price Books.” Yes, more scientific research and excellent planning. But, I continue to use it because of the reliable information both in the book and on the web. The web site allows you to refine a search in terms of “big rig friendly” and some of the most popular services offered. It usually provides a web link to visit the specific site for a campground. You can even use Woodall’s booking service online. Good Sam’s also has a campground catalog that many people use. I use their online service because it gives the campgrounds that provide their discount. They also have reviews of parks which are very nice, and they provide a trip planning service, noting low bridges or steep grades.

ANNUAL NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CARD – The NPS card is truly a no-brainer. We bought it at Bryce and paid $80 as opposed to the $25 entry fee for the car. It paid for itself at the third park. We have even found NPS exhibits in cities that honored the card. At 62, you can buy a lifetime NPS pass for $10! Russell is bummed because there is a 6-month lapse between the expiration of our current card and his appropriate birthday, a hurdle we will have to cross at that time.

TRUCK TOOLS – Large 5th-wheels = Large Trucks. We know some who pull with a Freightliner semi-cab. We opted for a dually, a one-ton pickup with dual rear axle. I wanted the maxi-cab and Russell indulged in this extravagance. Another extravagance is satellite radio, very nice to have but certainly not a necessity. Essential is the tow package and exhaust brake our truck came with. The need for these in mountain driving cannot be overstated!

PORTABLE SATELLITE DISH - our newest acquisition and a real extravagance is a satellite dish and service. We have researched the concept ever since we started shopping the RV market and always backed away, slowly. Our 3-week stint in a park with no cable service and the onset of NFL/NCAA pushed us to the decision. Many of the “free stuff” you just receive with the service at a home, is available for purchase when your home moves around. When we had a 5th-wheel years ago, we had the metal dish on a tripod that gets moved around in hit-and-miss fashion to locate the signal. This time we elected to go higher tech and got a VuQube, a portable self-contained satellite dish unit with a remote control and semi-permanent ladder mount.