Communicate: Shouts, Comments & Emails

SHOUTS: As most of you know, you can enter a shout-out in the box on the right hand side of my blog and I will try to reply to you (not always necessary, but I try). This is a quick way to post something short...it is limited but some have even figured out how to enter links (I haven't tried that yet but have seen it.) Most of the time I reply back in less than 24 hours.

COMMENTS: You can also enter a comment and after I approve it (only done to keep out SPAM), it will be displayed. When I reply to comments BUT I don't do it as a comment. Why? Because I personally never go back to blogs where I have entered a comment. I don't track that and it would take up too much time. Most folks that know me will email me back if they feel a reply is needed.

This means several things can happen. If the person who commented has linked to an email address, I can reply back to them. If not, then if I feel the comment is worth going into a "Readers Ask" blog, I save them and post them there with my reply. Otherwise, unless the comment REALLY needs a public reply (which I would then do as a comment - think I've done this twice), then they get no reply. Sorry folks...

EMAILS: My email address is posted on my personal profile/about me blog page. Anyone can email me. Again, I will get back to you if you email me. This is the best way to communicate with me if 1) it's too long for a shout, 2) you don't want to link to an email address in your comment and 3) you would like a reply back.

SOooooo, all this being said, most of you know, if you have had any communications with me, that I get a lot of mail every day and not just from the blog. My average day sees 25-50 valid emails. Factor in the spam and sometimes it's close to 100 a day. I do try to keep up but sometimes life intervenes and I get behind. (Okay, I admit it, I'm usually behind....LOL!)

Right now I have 87 blog comments to review and reply to those that I can, and another 23 emails that need replies. Since today is supposed to be WINDY, then I will try to catch up. Honest! ;-)

Speaking of windy, here is today's weather warning for my area:

A WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 9 PM MST THIS EVENING.

A STORM SYSTEM WILL APPROACH THE STATE TODAY...BRINGING STRONG SOUTHWEST WINDS FROM LATE MORNING THROUGH THE EVENING HOURS. SUSTAINED WINDS FROM 25 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS OF 45 TO 55 MPH ARE EXPECTED. THE STRONG WINDS COULD CREATE AREAS OF BLOWING DUST AND SAND.

A WIND ADVISORY MEANS THAT SUSTAINED WINDS OF 30 TO 39 MPH...OR GUSTS FROM 40 TO 57 MPH...ARE EXPECTED. WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT...ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. CONSIDER SECURING LOOSE BELONGINGS ON YOUR PROPERTY.

It's mostly cloudy but the sun peeks through once in a while. I've battened down the hatches but haven't put away the chairs, they are just pushed flat against the motorhome. If it gets too bad, I'll quickly toss them into the back of the car. It's just a little gusty right now, time will tell how bad it gets.

Till next time - keep on rollin',
Froggi/Donna

More From My Readers....

While I sit here watching the service guys bleed my brakes, try to get some wires out from behind my dash (for my old GPS that I want to use in my car and for my Sirius that I want to be able to move between vehicles), work on my hydraulic jacks (one has decided to not drop down anymore - lazy thing...LOL!) and then do an annual service on my A/C (which has probably NEVER been cleaned)...I figured I'd do a quick blog replying to some comments and questions from readers.

"My Minnie Winnie is also an E450, just like yours. We probably don't have the same brand of tires but for my 19" tires it is 60# in the front, with a maximum of 80# for the duals. Actually, you should weigh each tire position and consult the manufacturer's recommendations for the particular weight at that location. Mine handles better with 60# than the 80# the local Ford mechanic increased them to."
After getting weighed at the RV Life on Wheels, I am now using 80 in the rear tires and 75 in the front. I am overweight, especially in the rear, but am working diligently to correct that. I hope to get the rig weighed again here shortly.

"With the Nuvi, you should be able to touch MENU and then touch the sat signal strength indicator, it should then show you accuracy, elevation, position of sat's and all sat signal strength."
This was in response to my complaints about missing features on my Nuvi as compared to my older Quest II. If I go to Menu/Tools/Where Am I, then I can see the elevation. Not something you should be doing while driving...the Quest displays it on the screen. Oh well..at least I can find it. LOL! Thanks for the help.

"You have probably ordered already, but although you can handle the 25# portable break system now, there will come a time you may not be as strong or you could just strain your arm temporarily. The Roadmaster seems like it could prove valuable. I also wonder if you should sell the Suzuki would having that brake system on it help the resale value?"
Yup, already bought the Brake Buddy Vantage system (proportional braking). I realize that lifting it may become an issue at some point but since my car IS older and there is always the possibility of needing to upgrade at some point, the portable brake system makes more sense. Unfortunately, have the setup on the car for the Roadmaster Brakemaster wouldn't increase it's resale value. So both for convenience and current outlay, the portable system made more sense. (And keep following along...that's how we all learn!) Thanks for reading and commenting...

"Have you cropped your bird photos or are you able to get those full framed photos with your camera system?"
Yes, my bird photos were cropped. They were all taken with the 10x zoom on my Canon PowerShot S5 IS at a very high resolution (3264 x 2448) so I can crop them. They are over 1MB each.

"Did you know that you can buy (probably from Camping World & other places) a hose that lets you connect one of the refillable propane bottles to a grill that is made for the disposable bottles? And they have refillable tanks that are smaller than those standard ones so are easier to carry & haul around. Get one of those, then just keep a disposable as a backup if the other runs out when you need to use it."
"Got my hose last week at Lowe's (nice low price) and am still looking for a reasonably priced tank. I can find plenty of 20# ones for around $35 but that is just too big & heavy for me. I really want the 5# one but they seem to run $55-60. Yikes!

"You will have to let us know how that little grill does with chicken, especially drumsticks & thighs. I just can't seem to get decent chicken from the grills I've had - from the big one to the little one and they have all had tops that close which the one you just got doesn't have. I just don't seem to be able to turn them down low enough to decently cook the chicken and get it done in the middle and not burn the outside."
Ah, I already knew the secret for that one...from many years of watching hubby do this. You parboil the chicken for 20 minutes then cook it on the grill till it's browned the way you want. The parboiling cooks it, the grill then sears in the flavor (butter, BBQ sauce, whatever you use).

"Question re: the California Duster....I imagine it could be used to keep the solar panels clean. Ours sure got dusty in the southwest.. Do you put it in water or always use it dry.."
You MUST use it dry...it actually contains wax that's impregnated into the fibers. I don't think that would be a good idea for the solar. I know that mine will need washing soon...been in the desert too long. But first have to find a park that will let me and then need to be sure I have an extension long enough to reach it from a side ladder (I don't do rooftops). So far I do like it on the car...seems to help repel the dust a bit as well.

"I saw that very same solar light in WalMart's clearance aisle for $17 last week. No shipping & handling needed."
Say, you want to pick up two of them for me and I'll pay you the S&H? I have checked here and they don't have them. Mine actually blew off the table and broke (I have semi-glued it precariously back together). Sigh...

"We use Grand Central and love it. Since we can't get cell phone reception at our home, I have GC set so that when someone calls us on the GC phone number, it rings both on our landline phone and on our cell phone. That way, no matter where we are, at home, at the beach, on the road, I can answer the calls."
Oh yeah, rub it in...the BEACH....LOL! Seriously, nice to hear that it works so well.

And thank you to Tina who called my voicemail to test it out...she came through loud and clear. I love having voicemail alternatives!

Speaking of alternatives, I did find one more FREE incoming fax site - Fax Digits. I actually like it better than eFax because they email you a PDF file, no special software needed!

"By the way, that external propane outlet, I hope they did not sell you the kit! I think it has gone up to $150+/-. I just got the gizmo itself and the RV guy made me a hose as long as I wanted to!"
Nope, all I got was the valve and it was around $25-30 if I remember correctly. Still have to get the hose though...

One last side note...following the intrepid example of my fellow RVers, I have added a little Shout-Out space on the right. As long as it's used (and not abused), I'll keep it. So far I'm the only one who has posted...give it a whirl!

Till next time - keep on rollin',
Froggi/Donna

Readers Ask (and make comments, too)

After I posted my solar setup, I received a lot of feedback, questions and comments. Some I could reply to but feel they might interest others, some I couldn't so they are posted here as well.

"I know that rigs & tires are different but do your front tires actually require 80#? My duals require 80# but only 60# for the front. I believe that 80# is the maximum. I guess if your rig is heavier than mine in the front that it could require more than 60#."
Guess I have to plead ignorance here, I am doing what the dealer who installed them told me. My rig is heavy (E-450 chassis) so that may be the difference.

"...how on earth do you remember all that you have to check,etc. before moving on?"
Well, I could lie and tell you I have my checklists all in order and use them religiously. Actually, they are a work in progress. The biggest thing is taking my time...I don't ever leave in a rush. I do forget things from time to time but so far, thank goodness, it's either been minor or caught quickly. Truthfully, checklists used each and every time is the RIGHT way to go.

"You could leave your frig on auto IF the outlet it is plugged into is NOT included as one that the big inverter feeds. If the inverter is connected to the main power line such that it is auto-switching and feeds all the circuits then you don't want it on auto."
In my case, the refrigerator will be run on propane unless I am hooked up to shore power. I have to be really careful since when you take the two-way off AUTO, no light shows that it is on gas. What happens is that if the propane goes off, then a CHECK light comes on. So I carefully monitor what I am doing and whether the refrigerator is keeping cold or not.

"How did they pull the 10 gauge wire down from the roof?"
I wasn't there during this process but I know they fished it down to the refrigerator. I was told that is the standard method.

"As a metal fabricator, RV'er and engineer I do not like how they mounted the batteries. I would revisit that whole arena sometime soon. The AGM's require only maintenance to keep the posts clean which can be averted with proper terminal paint found at Freightliner truck dealers. I would make a hinged, drop down tray for the batteries somewhere under the chassis that allowed periodic access yet, secured the batteries hard."
I'm assuming that this writer thinks the board is the only thing holding up the batteries. In fact the board was placed across the metal support to provide a slightly wider base for the batteries. They are fully supported by very strong, sturdy, welded metal platform. Thanks for the tip though!

"SIX batteries in a Class C rig? And 12 volt not 6 volt? It puzzles me. Most everything I've read recommends 6 volt batteries for their better deep cycle capabilities and longevity versus 12 volt. And SIX of them? Isn't that an awful lot of weight for your rig? I know most Class A's only have 4 6 volt batteries (like mine). Why did you go with so much?"
Yes, they are 12-volt batteries. I had intended to go with 6-volt for the added capability but they didn't have them. Yes, there is a fair amount of weight and yes, I am probably slightly overweight (well, the rig....okay, me too....LOL!) and am working on that. I have upgraded my suspension and am hoping that I can reduce some of what I am carrying soon. I have moved some of my heavier basement items into my trailer to help balance things.

"I love all of the detail with photos on projects such as this one. It provides a lot of information (especially appreciated by us gals who travel solo) to help understand what each "thing" is, how it works, what is involved with installation, and costs."
Thanks, I will continue to this when I can but HOPEFULLY this is my last big purchase. LOL!!

:Being able to boondock offers so much more flexibility in the RV lifestyle. And being able to camp in the "boonies" sometimes is what RVing is all about, IMHO. Campgrounds are nice at times but getting out in the desert or forest away from others is a whole different experience - slower paced, relaxing and beautiful. I much prefer looking at nature than at someone else's slideout or awning!"
Oh so true...it was hard to come into this campground even for a couple of days. But it's a small one and quite nice. I do enjoy not having to watch how long or when I run my TV or radio. But the more I boondock, the less I will be coming to parks and the more I will enjoy that. LOL!

"I could not copy and paste the comment of a friend of mine who I send your solar "blog" to... First of all, are you sure they are 12V and not 6V?... the batteries... He is VERY oncerned about all the weight on one side, the handling, the safety of driving... as above comments they should have been distributed throughout the chassis with equal lenght, size, wiring. The tilting mechanism... you will never use it, just extra weight... and $'s... Glad that you did not go with the original plan of two inverters which also did not make any sense."
This is a long one and here is what I replied to the writer:

1) Yes, they are 12 volt AGMs, they didn't have 6 volt ones
2) The handling is just fine...I've driven it several hundred miles without any issues but I will be getting it weighed next week. Remember, I do have air bags that I can use to help compensate for side to side weight differences but so far, no problams.
3) I've talked to at least a dozen folks about his problem with distributing them throughout the chassis and everyone looked at me like I was nuts so not sure about that one...
4) The tilting mechanism was no extra money, they tossed that in for free. There is almost no extra weight, they are aluminum and I doubt there is a pound total. I got them in case I am ever stuck in one spot for a long period and then if I could find someone to put them on, then I could get more sun if needed. Better than getting the flat mounts and never being able to tilt them.
5) I do have two inverters....the big one runs everything except the frig & air conditioner. During the day that is overkill if all I want to do is run my laptop (& maybe printer). I have a 400 watt that I can plug into my 12 volt adapter and run just the laptop. It was $30 from Amazon.com
6) I've discovered that everyone has their own opinion on what is best and there will always be differences between folks....I am confident in what I got and the work that was done. I did go over my budget by the extra $1k but this system will what I need and that's the most important thing.

So that's it for the latest Readers Ask...

Till next time - keep on rollin',
Froggi/Donna

It's all about the sun!

I woke up early because I needed to be at Discount Solar by 9 am. The good thing about getting up early is actually SEEING the sun rise. It was beautiful yesterday morning.

I got the the shop about 15 minutes early, after a short defugalty with my inadvertently leaving my front door unlatched (happens when you exit one door, fully intending to re-enter that door but get side tracked and actually enter the driver's cab door...LOL)

They got us right in and we went through my requirements again. When I initially set up the appointment I was going with two Kyocera 130 watt solar panels. After much thought & discussion that day, I went with three since the additional labor was only $50 if done now. Since then I had decided to add another 64 watt panel if there was room...I would only be slightly over my budget and since I would be saving labor charges, it made sense.

They got up on the roof and laid out a plan for the three panels and possible location for the fourth, smaller one. We went inside to discover that there were no more 64 watt panels, there was a 55 watt and while they were measuring it I asked about the 80. We went to the showroom and they were all sold as well (that's what happens when you get your solar at the end of th Quartzsite show rather than before). While we were discussing the option of adding the 55 watt panel, one of the salesman broke in and said he had one 80 watt that had been saved for someone, no money down, no name, no phone number. Turns out the owner had been asked by someone he knew to hold it...he checked it out and released it to me. (Yes, I need a bumper sticker that says I AM A POWER PIG)

So the final panel setup was four Kyocera solar panels - three 130 watt panels (7.4 amps each) and one 80 watt panel (4.5 amp).

Next battle was the batteries. I had ordered six AGM 12 volt batteries, IF we could find room for them. I was sure I could easily fit four but again, Power Pig at work here. We opened the various compartments on side of the rig and they started measuring. At the same time we discussed where my inverter and Solar Boost controller would go. I opted to add the tilt mounts (more money) so if I am parked for a longer time and need them tilted, I have the capability (if I can find someone willing to go up on the roof & do it...and someone to undo it later...LOL!)

In the end they managed to fit five of the batteries in the battery compartment and one in the next storage bin where they also mounted the controller and inverter. Now the work started....one on the roof mounting the panels, one doing the batteries, both of them involved in pulling the wiring and one more doing the supervising and the final inverter wiring and setup.

I took a lot of photos as the day progressed, here they are and then I'll outline my final setup for you.

Inside the Store

Measuring the 80 watt Panel



Battery Setup



Installing Solar Panels, Tilt Mounts & Sealing Roof



Inverter/Charger, Solar Boost & Remotes


Last night I mostly charged my laptop which was almost 100% depleted. This morning I ran the TV, DirecTV DVR, the microwave for less than two minutes, my laptop, the water pump, the water heater and catalytic heater...just as the sun was coming up. I could see a small charge coming in and that meant only 8 amps were going out. I was impressed!

Here is the final setup:

• 3 Kyocera 130 watt (7.4 amp) Solar Panels
• 1 Kyocera 80 watt (4.5 amp) Solar Panel
• 4 Sets of Tilt Mounts (tilt to either side of the rig)
• 6 Lifeline AGM 12 volt Batteries
  
• Blue Sky Solar Boost 3024i 30 amp Charge Controller with remote IPN
  NOTE: can piggy-back another of the same controller to handle more solar panels
• Prosine 2.0 Inverter/Charger with remote panel
  2000 watts pure sine wave with 4500 watt surge capability
  Remote temperature sensor - mounted on battery in storage compartment (unvented)
• 10 gauge wire from panels to junction box
• 6 gauge wire from junction box to batteries
• 300 amp T fuse
• 50 amp bullet fuse

It is set up so that the batteries will charge from the generator, shore power, the engine alternator or, of course, the solar panels. It's a really slick setup and I am VERY pleased with it, the folks at Discount Solar here in Quartzsite and the job they did. Final tab including all wiring & cables (which can't be accurately calculated until the actually start running the wire), labor & sales tax was $6122.75. As I said, expensive but I should never need to add anything more to this system and it will let me boondock and use my television and computer in a way that works for MY lifestyle. Campgrounds are going to be infrequent stops...more for doing laundry (now I'm glad I have a LOT of clothes with me) & taking that long, hot 30 minute shower. LOL!

Now for a couple of Readers Ask questions (remember folks, I can't email reply to your comments unless you log in and use an email address - so the best way to get a reply is to email me directly if you have a question):

"I am confused: you talked about getting a solar oven, and now you say it will be an all day job. Are you getting solar panels on the roof to charge your batteries? I don't see how a solar oven could be an all day job."
Sorry for the confusion. The Solar Oven is a free-standing item that you sit outside in the sun. Check out this link to better understand how you use it. My installation was for a full solar system so I can have power without using my generator (or plugging into shore power). Feel free to email me with more questions.

"You could leave your frig on auto IF the outlet it is plugged into is NOT included as one that the big inverter feeds. If the inverter is connected to the main power line such that it is auto-switching and feeds all the circuits then you don't want it on auto."
You are right. If you have solar you do NOT want to use the refrigerator on electric. My is an auto-switching one so it now is set on GAS and will not switch usage when there is 110 volt incoming power.

"Did you steal Tioga George's heater?" (tongue placed firmly in cheek)
No, but that sure might have been a shot he posted at some time! My shower is full of water bottles for the most part...LOL!

"I don't know where I'd put a heater, so I guess I'm stuck with the furnace!"
That's why I got the legs to put on mine. I have no place to mount and and with the quick-disconnect added, I can get it completely out of the way when I'm not using it (any place you have a little storage room). When I'm using it, thje 7' hose lets me place it where it's convenient - in the living area facing me or down the hallway or closer to the bedroom/bathroom area.

One caution to anyone considering a catalytic heater...because they require oxygen to run (just like we do), you must leave a window slightly cracked to allow more oxygen to enter your RV.

Till next time - keep on rollin',
Froggi/Donna

Readers Ask....

Round two of "Readers Ask"....and just a reminder, if you want a personal reply to your thoughts, you need to email me through my profile rather than post a comment. Thanks!

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I am interested in how they took care of your Coach battery charging issues (multiple fixes) since I have problems similar to those you described.

They actually found several issues. The first was that the solenoid that allows the coach batteries to be charged properly (and also allows them to assist starting the engine when that battery is dead) had a wrong connection on it. That was corrected so that 1) the coach batteries now charge from the generator, shore power or the when the engine is running, and 2) the coach batteries now work properly with the use of the emergency start button. They also moved my LP gas detector back onto the coach batteries so it wouldn't drain the engine battery while sitting.

The last was the cause of the intermittent issues. Seems as though there was a 50 amp fuse/breaker at the converter (under my bed). It would intermittently stop working, preventing the coach from having power from the batteries, even when they were charged. They replaced that and VOILA! Everything seems to be working properly now...knock on wood.

Why did you chose South Dakota for your mail forwarding?

For me the decision was made because I had yet to purchase my RV and SD offered a 3% excise tax that was MUCH cheaper than either TN (where I physically was at the time) or TX, the other state I was considering. I discounted FL because I already knew that auto insurance had skyrocketed in the last few years thanks to the hurricanes. The other thing that helped in the SD decision was no emissions inspections required.

It did mean that I had to travel there to get my drivers license but since it renews on my birthday (September), traveling there in five years won't be that much of a hardship. Lots to see there during the summer/early fall.

The things that seem to come into play when making a home base decision are often:

• personal income tax (or lack thereof)
• tax on Social Security or pensions
• cost of vehicle registration (including any "special" taxes or assessments)
  
• cost of vehicle insurance
  
• vehicle inspection requirements
• ability to establish an address acceptable for voting
• any personal impact on health insurance (for those not on Medicare)

Some other things to consider are:

• estate taxes
• online or mail renewal of vehicle registrations
• online or mail renewal of drivers license
  

For further information on this you can read my two part article (written about 10 years ago but still applicable): Choosing a Home Base State and the associates Resources page.

Now choosing a mail forwarding service after you have chosen your home base state means researching the companies in your chosen state. Some things to check out are:

• Basic costs (whether you choose short term or long term is up to you)
• Any added fees on top of actual postage
• Will they send special mailings besides your regular shipment and if so, what are the fees
• Will they filter out junk mail and if so, what are the fees
  
• Do they offer registration assistance and if so, what are the fees
  
• Do they provide an actual street address and if so, will it be accepted for voter registration
• When are they open & available and do they have multiple methods of contact
• Do they maintain emergency contact information for their clients
  

Call and talk to the folks, get a sense of them and their business style. Sometimes that may tip things in favor of a business with a higher price...you need to feel comfortable dealing with these folks. They are often your life line to the "sticks and bricks" outside world.

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Okay, enough serious stuff for today....time to bundle up (still in the 30's but sunny), take a walk and maybe snap a few photos.

Till next time - keep on rollin',
Froggi/Donna

Bits and Pieces

Several quick notes today:

1. You may have noticed that the Frappr map is back! It seems as though Frappr was bought out by Platial.com and it was taking time to move everything over. I'm not sure they are completely done since I am unable to edit my own pin. Once I leave here I will delete it and re-add it to this map and others I am on.
2. Frappr photo size - someone posted that they were unable to add a photo. That may be due to the changeover, not sure. Here is a link to the Frappr FAQ on photos if you have questions.
3. I have added my email address to my profile. If you have a question and want me to answer you, you need to email me directly. If you post a comment I cannot email you back and if I post a comment back I have no way of knowing if you will ever read it. So please feel free to email me and I will reply as I have time (please be patient ).

Okay, housekeeping notes done.....the RV is coming along. The coach batteries were dead again, they are now recharged and we will see how they do. Frustrating that nothing definite can be pinpointed except possibly my hitting the switch at the wrong time. I'm going to see if they can come up with some way to put a lid over it that I will have to move to disconnect the batteries (it's located in a spot where it's easy to accidentally hit it).

The guys working on the Lily Pad have been great....very patient. It's beginning to look like we might get the bulk of my list accomplished with two full days left. While they have a reputation for good work but being slow, I think giving them a deadline with my items prioritized is helping.

A couple of rigs left today but another arrived. I think we are at 4 or 5 staying here. All very nice folks, enjoy chatting with them. All are couples except the gentleman from Washington state with the little Min Pin.

I wanted to take some photos but never got around to digging out the camera today. I love my new camera but it's overkill for basic little shots like this. I think I will put a cheapie little digital on my Xmas wish list. Something small, easy to fit in a pocket but no real extras. Currently when I move into the customer lounge I have my laptop bag, BoBo and a tote bag with my purse, magazines, a book, and for BoBo a small bowl for water, food, a chew toy & rawhide, water bottle, bagel and a snack for me. Hard to add a large camera bag to that mix and made more cumbersome because I can't leave BoBo alone so every trip in or out, he accompanies me.

The weather is turning colder with a low forecast for 38 tonight but tomorrow night it's 32...glad my heat works well! Daily highs are dropping from the mid-60's to the mid-50's. Winter is approaching this are and I need to get moving for sure.

Till next time - keep on rollin',
Froggi/Donna

Readers Ask.....

I often get email encouraging me on my travels, congratulating me on my journey, offering advise or suggestions and telling me how much they want/hope to do the same someday. Along with the latter there are often questions so every once in a while I will answer them here. (Note: often there is no email address for direct replies)

Did you have any second thoughts when things got down to the wire?

Once in a while I would wonder if I was doing the right thing. It was obviously a major change and since I am not mechanically inclined, I worried about maintenance on my vehicles. I just had to remind myself that the house would have the same issues....roofers, painters, plumbers, electricians....none of those come cheap either.

It was harder to leave my little town and my wonderful neighborhood. My neighbors have been the absolute best. If I had to live in a town again, I would definitely look towards Sparta.

What's it like, emotionally, when you're first out on the road? Is it exciting/euphoric, or a little letdown for the first few days, or like you can't quite believe you're actually doing it?

This is one I will address again further down the road. For now I get to look back at my first three trips. I think terrifying and exhilarating are the two words that come to mind. The driving definitely fits the first and the knowledge that you are actually DOING IT fit the second. I now have a total of about 12 days (between 3 trips) in my home so harder to pin things down. Looking back at the two years my husband and I full-timed (while still working), the euphoria may have tamped down a bit from early levels but for me it never went away.

Fulltimer blogs often mention the feeling of freedom that you have living in a rig vs. a house. But RV's have problems and need maintenance too. Do you think, so far, that it's easier/more freeing to deal with an RV than a house?

This kind of comes back to my first question. To me the freeing is the freedom of being able to do what you want, when you want and go where you want. Since I am not mechanical, the need to have others work on my "home" is still there. But so far it seems easier to get recommendations on good service folks for the motorhome than it did for the house.

Got a question you'd like to see answered? Email me or post a comment and you might see it posted here in the future. Thanks for taking time to read!

Till next time - keep on rollin',
Froggi/Donna