Learning to use the RV

Learning about the RV systems operation

For 2 days this week, we got to enjoy our new 5th wheel and learn to use all its systems and enjoy camping again - even as it rained sometimes. There is a lot to learn about how much electricity is available from the batteries and the Honda 2000 watt generator. Since one of the main types of camping we are looking at will not have any electricity, water or sewer hookups, we will need to know how to work all the built in systems work. With the generator running (even our "quiet" Honda makes noticeable noise) we have full 110 volt AC. Without the generator running, we have only 12 volt DC for lights, water pump. The refrigerator runs on either AC, if available, or propane if not. The stove is propane. The water heater is propane with AC boost if available. The furnace needs both 12 volt and propane, but uses up battery power quickly if run.

We now have to figure out ways to charge all our battery operated computers and tools and the RV battery system. We don't want to run the generator long enough to charge everything up. There may be a way to hook up the inverter Janie and Brad gave us for Christmas and wire up charging circuits, but we may be limited by the ability for the built in electrical controller to charge up the 12 volt battery system. Lots to work out but thanks to many RV forums and many knowledgeable RV'ers are glad to share their experience through the internet we will find good solutions.

We were very impressed with our Sprint broadband EVDO system with the cellular router we bought with advice from 3Gstore.com. Though speeds varied considerably during the day and even the best speed will not compare with our current cable internet connection, we were quite functionally connected to the net. However, there was no T-Mobile connection at all, so we will be looking into Verizon when contract time runs out in August.

The 2 days were so much fun that we can't wait for the house to lease and we can get going.

Frank

Cooking on the campfire with the new grill rack I built:




Here's the whole rig:

first day out

Well, we've done backing and filling 101, and learned that the batteries don't last as long as we thought, but we came through everything unscathed and we woke up this morning to THIS. Isn't it beautiful? This is going to be so much fun.

Judy

The Time is Near

As the weather gets warmer and we finish up our work for King County Elections, we get itchy to get going.

Now the equipment we need is starting to arrive - all ordered over the Net, of course. Our new Honda 2000 watt generator arrived this morning. The new router, EVDO card (with data service by Sprint) and booster antenna was ordered today. A Webber "Baby Q" gas grill will arrive tomorrow.

On Tuesday, March 18th, we will take possession of our RV and camp out at Deception Pass State park for 2 days to try it and all of our new toys out.

Merry Christmas to us - We Did it!

After looking at all of the information on RV's we found on the web for months now, we wrote the check today for our new Crossroads Cruiser 28RL 5th wheel.

Now we just have to wait until the chance of freezing weather is over here in the Pacific Northwest to prepare it and go camping.

Merry Christmas to all and good night!

Getting Ready

Only three months to go and counting.