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 very comfortable in my rig, so
comfortable that I hope to continue RVing well into 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 which is 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 new 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 total 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 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 gave 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 attach's 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
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