Extras -
The Little Things Mean a Lot!
Fulltiming In An RV

By Jim Jaillet Author of Panama or Bust

I began RVing in 1962 and started full-timing in 1995. I have been in my current
motorhome, a 1983 23.5' Class A Suncrest, since 1999. I bought this motorhome with
the intention of taking it into Central America, to the Panama Canal and beyond, a feat
I accomplished in 2004. While in Mexico I had a new engine installed which now has
only 10,000 miles on it. I am single and most comfortable in my rig in which I hope to
continue RVing well in to my 80's. I am currently 65 years old. I love many things
about the RVing lifestyle. One is, how truly inexpensive it is to live this way. Once you
no longer own a "regular" home, it's amazing how little money you need to live. I go
everywhere I want to go, do everything I want to do, and including gas, have trouble
spending $1,000 a month!

Recently I ran across a website, http://www.cheaprvliving.com operated by Bob
Wells, that identifies many tips on how to RV very inexpensively. It got me thinking on
how really comfortable I am and how little it costs me to live. It also got me thinking
about all the "little things" I have done that make my RVing life so comfortable. I'm
also hoping that, if you have some ideas that either Bob or myself do not identify, you
will send them to Bob for addition to his website. I am sure he will be most happy to
give you proper credit for your ideas. So, find listed below some of the things I have
done to my motorhome or things that I do that add so much to the comfort of my life.
Like I said at the beginning...Little Things Mean A Lot!

The outside of my motorhome:

  • I installed sufficient solar panels/storage batteries for electrical power that I
    do not need to "plug-in" to regular electricity. I had my solar panels and
    batteries installed by Solar Mike at Slab City. Not only is he a  good guy, but he's
    also honest. All he has is his reputation and he has been at Slab City  about 20
    years. I highly recommend him! On my trip to Panama, I was gone 342 nights. Out
    of that time I stayed in campgrounds only three nights, in other words, I "boon-
    docked" 339 nights! I do not have high power needs, yet have sufficient power to
    run my satellite TV system, my six-channel "surround-sound" music system and
    my computer.
  • I installed a Wi-Fi antenna for my computer. I can now "reach-out" onwards to
    one mile for my free computer signals. I can also use my cell phone for my
    computer internet needs.
  • I installed a cell phone antenna which helps greatly in remote locations.
  • I installed an outdoor shower. The only thing I dislike about my motorhome is that
    the shower water is plumbed to go into my black-water tank which fills it all too
    quickly. It is all enclosed and hence not easily changed. That feature would
    require frequent black-water dumps and a general pain in the butt. Hence, the
    outdoor shower. I used the outdoor shower many times during my trip to Panama.
    During the daytime, I simply wore a bathing suit, but there were many times I
    would take a shower at 3:00 AM! Nobody walking around at that time, so no
    problems!
  • I have a propane gas line connector. I am now able to connect an external five-
    gallon propane tank whenever my on-board supply runs out, which does happen on
    occasions.
  • I had my Onan Generator removed when I bought my motorhome. I knew many
    people who had very expensive problems with theirs, not to mention I dislike the
    noise they make. Because of my solar power, I didn't need it and I converted
    that area into additional storage space. In that now storage place, among other
    things I have a 1600 Watt Coleman Generator for the rare time when I might
    need extra power. I do not have sufficient solar power to run my microwave
    oven, so whenever I cook I do it the old-fashioned way, on the stove!
  • On the rear bumper, I've installed a 4" vise which comes in handy now and then.
    My towed Ford Bronco II serves as my "rolling storage bin." Everything I own in
    the world is contained within the Bronco or my motorhome, which gives me totally
    mobility and freedom. I live a very peaceful and serene life, generally staying in
    70-80 degree temperatures year-round.


The inside of my motorhome:

  • I told you earlier of my six-channel surround-sound system which I really enjoy.
  • A Dish Network Satellite TV System with 32-24 hours a day, no-talk, music
    channels.
  • CD's with 1,000+ of my personally recorded favorite music/songs.
  • A hook by the door for my keys, so I can always find them.
  • A bracket to which I attach my cell phone so I can always find it.
  • Favorite pictures in frames attached to cabinet doors.
  • A "souvenir area" on the wall above my door which contains some of my favorite
    mementos of the many places I have experienced.
  • Lots of pillows in my sitting area. While I do not have a couch or a recliner, I'm
    really very comfortable.
  • Lots of well-placed lights for reading comfort.
  • A 200 and a 325 Watt inverter to create sufficient 110 Volt power while on solar
    power.
  • Most closets in RV's are space-wasters. I've installed shelves and drawers in
    about 50% of that area making it much more efficient use of the space.
  • In the shower area, I've installed a durable, yet easily removable clothes-
    hanging rod.
  • Fans: two mounted in the driving area, one mounted in the bed area and a plug-in
    for wherever needed use.
  • An Olympus Catalytic Heater which runs on propane. Quiet heat with no flame.
  • Most corner-beds (like mine) are about one foot below the windows and remind
    me of a coffin. I raised my bed 12 inches which gve me two benefits. I've gained
    an additional 24 square feet of very important storage space and my bed is now
    level with the large 5x3' window which provides me with an awesome panoramic
    view of the starry heavens on clear nights.
  • Speaking of beds, most original-equipment RV mattresses are typically of poor-
    quality. They might be okay for a week or two of vacation, but for me, they just
    will not do for full-timing.


Other things that add to my comfort:

  • I got this tip from a gal in my WIN singles RV group. Instead of using my
    valuable water supply to take a daily shower, I use baby wipes and do a body
    wipe down. I buy them at Costco, they come six packages to a case and 96 wipes
    to a package. Add about one cup of rubbing alcohol to the package to further
    moisten them. While on my Panama trip in the very hot and humid weather, I'd
    "wipe-down" three times a day, slosh on a little Nivea Moisturizing Lotion and
    that's all it took to stay clean and fresh.
  • Every other day wash your hair in the kitchen sink using a small hose hand-held
    shower that attaches to the faucet.
  • Since I stay in mild climates, I haven't fired up my hot water heater in years.
    I've washed my dishes and body with temperate water with no problems.
  • I hope that you have found some of the above items of interest so that you might
    make your RVing life a little bit more comfortable and enjoyable.

Safe travels and I hope to "see you down the road".

Jim Jaillet Author of Panama or Bust - A 343 day adventure in a motorhome.
http://www.panamaorbust.com