Getting organized as a full time RV'er can be a tricky situation, and here's some tools I use to stay on top of things that may work if you're RV'ing or join the full time RV life! If you're enjoying this and all my other life and RV blogs, please, please please, click the coffee mug, leave me a $5 tip to show your appreciation and by all means, keep reading...
I officially have a month, yes, just under 30 days before leaving my workamping homestead at Cherry Hill Park, and move south for the winter. So after saving my money, preparing for travel and looking ahead, I have to plan where I want to explore on the trip.
First, I take a look at logistics, what route is safe for travel, the distance I want to travel and what interests lie ahead for exploring.
I use an Xgody Truckers GPS to guide the MOTHERSHIP safely through the United States (there is a tireless list of GPS units, but I'm not going to get into that). The Xgody unit helps me avoid any clearance issues (height on overpasses, tunnels, etc.) because the RV has height. I have a video here on the GPS if you want to see it. This GPS was a gift and godsend from my parents and has helped me avoid unhooking the car and turning the 35’ Motorhome around in a tight spot on more occasions than one. Google Maps is great, in a passenger vehicle, not so good for the MOTHERSHIP.
I do use Google maps to get addresses and locations, websites and information on campgrounds in route, but the app is mostly used for a reference point. This year the budget for camping still allows for some luxury spots so we're going to check out a few State Parks.
When I receive an email confirmation I “snooze" it until the date, and then put a calendar event in my Google calendar. I plug the map location and and address into my GPS for travel time. ( When on the road I drive until 3p.m. or somewhere around that time frame, and follow a 2-2-3 rule, stop every 2 hours, drive approximately 200 miles and/or discontinue driving at 3p.m., which I'll discuss in a future blog). On the date of departure I'm reminded with confirmation via email, and have my destination saved in the GPS. In lieu of the GPS I have an Atlas, a backup, (a good old fashion book of maps for each state) on hand, in case everything goes to shit. The email and calendar help me remember and help keep organization.
There are times when I don't plan ahead and use rest stops for overnight “boondocking" (flying by the seat of my pants) but when budgets allow it's always nice to be able to plug in, watch some television, explore a beach or mountain and take in the travel life because, well, relaxation is key to continue and enjoy.
These are some other resources I use to help plan:
RV Parky (an app to help with campgrounds if we need one and we tire of boondocking. This app also gives you boondocking locations, i.e. Walmart and rest stops that allow overnights, it's offers phone numbers of campgrounds, websites, and updated costs for camping per site).
Recreation.gov ( if feeling a bit adventurous, the sites listed here are Army Corp of Engineers and other federal places to camp, usually cheaper than a campground).
rvdumpsites.net (I've never had to stop while traveling to dump my “shitter" or gray tanks, but this site is helpful if you desperately need to practice good septic.)
These tools and resources can help when you join the open road and become a full time RV'er, or just need some assistance when planning a weekend trip or vacation.
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Thanks for reading.
Tim Eagle
Tim Eagle is an author of the novellas Stolen Seed, Life Ship, and the Vasectomus Collection. He lives full time, on the road, with his wife, Maria and their dog, Cocoa. He grew up in Michigan and is inspired by the dysfunction of America. His books are available on Amazon, godless and this site timeaglefiction.com
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