Deer in the Headlights

[golden13]

I invested a whole $20 in a sprayer wand that goes down the commode and sprays water at fairly high pressure in all directions. It really loosened up all the "crap" that gets stuck on the black tank walls, and it was reasonably sanitary to handle - basically just clean water from the hose. My rig also has a fitting outside that sprays directly into the black tank and causes an agitator ball to bounce around the tank. That plus the wand really got things cleaned out.

Originally Posted by Wyatt

I completely agree with Creativepart’s sentiments. I learned a LOT by surfing YouTube, and then you can drill down here for specific unit help from other owners.

I’ll give you one tip, since you mentioned it, and, it flies in the face of what you will hear from YouTube “experts”.

Everyone will tell you to empty your black tank first, and while that is true, I suggest always “testing” all of your sewer connections—at your rig and in the ground—FIRST, by allowing a small amount—a gallon or two—of GREY water first. Then if the connections are all secure, and there are no leaks, empty the black tank and flush with the grey water once that’s done.

IF, there is a leak, better to clean up grey water in a park, than that of the black tank.

Then, if you can’t flush the black tank with some fresh water, at least add enough water to cover the bottom of the black tank, and add your chemical du jour.

And always leave a little water in your commode, just enough to cover the seal.

Believe me, these few tips will make your trip “smelling like roses”.

Have fun! You deserve it, you've earned it. Thank you for your service.

[Sunninfl]

Originally Posted by CorkyM

I just bought my first RV (32 ft. Suncruiser) for me and my dog Kenni. I had imagined a cross country trip from Southern Florida where I am now and go through places like WY, UT, WA OR, CA, AZ NM and from there I'm not sure. Being a retired veteran with a some health issues that's taken me years to mostly overcome, I really want to do some bucket list stuff. My doctors say I am high risk for Covid. I'm more concerned about giving it to someone else...anyway I am struggling about how to do this. Part of me thinks I can keep somewhat isolated for most of the trip but for 6 to 8 weeks I have a feeling it might not be as fun as I hope. The other slight issue is I have never done this before. Never emptied a black water tank nor set up camp. Practicing a little in my yard but nothing is like the real thing. I wish there were newbie boot camps for Rv'ers. I'm thinking until I get to Wyoming I would spend minimum time getting there. I'm guessing that means 1 or 2 nights in a camp then hitting the road again. Do people do that? I have yet to take my rig overnight and am considering a nearby couple of nights, but this state has become the World's epicenter for the disease. Am I being a chicken or cautious? Comments?

You might want to take a class offered by the Escapees (Escapees.com). Escapees offer a class for folks new to RVing and I believe there is also some basic maintenance instruction that is included. There are campgrounds that they own in FL. that are very nice. They are a great organization that you may be interested in, so check them out! Good luck and have some fun!

[TerryMA]

Definitely a few short trips... to figure out what you know and don’t know ...and what little things you need to make things easier.... I have been on my first long trip for the last 6 weeks traveling from AZ to ME into Canada’s east coast and now back to Ontario... it is very easy to social distance . Black tanks are definitely a pain, but necessary evil. And the good thing about an RV is you can avoid public restrooms. A couple of pointers I learned through experience and from others. Have a clear section on your waste hose. A six inch piece will work installed between the hose and the drain valve. Always start with a few gallons of water in the tank. Let the tank get full before emptying.. flush with lists of water . I got one of those stick sprayers you put into the tank on the inside and the best thing I did was to get an adapter so I could attach it to the shower hose.. lots of water is need to keep the tank clean and the gauges working...
good luck!

[LuvWildlife]

I hope you enjoy your travels and soon the jitters will go away. People will be very helpful, so dont be embarrassed to ask questions.

I hear ya on the covid19 worries. We worried as well. What i did was limit my exposures of crowds by not eating out other than food to go. Then nuked most of it to kill germs. I also precooked food like hamberger meat for spaghetti and tacos, (we look fir wildlife until almost dark, so its a long day) i missed going out to eat but not as much as getting ill. Pre cooked chicken for salads. I had 10 days of food in my 25 ft. Winnie Fuse. I also kept a small bottle of spray alcohol to use before getting back into the car, after a trip to replenish food. It takes extra effort, but i didnt want to worry all the time.

Choose your stopping\camping according to less crowds and less Covid19. When we got back we were so glad we went because crowds and Covid19 did get worse. We are hoping the fall will get calmer and we can go again. Even with all this we were so glad to get out! You will have fun, just dont choose to put yourself at risk, like at high tourist areas.

[Ttowntoehead]

We full time and haven’t slowed down. We are older with health issues and have no fantasy of a good outcome if we are infected. Be aware of each states quarantines which change sometimes weekly. Learn to master the Walmart app and pick up your groceries curbside along the way. Same thing with prescriptions. We don’t go in stores unless emergency. No inside dining. You will be surrounded by idiots thinking they can’t get sick. Learn your rv. Use your rv and everything on it. Do not use camp showers or bathrooms and please please flush your TP! Wear your mask and use hand sanitizer even if you have to make your own. You are about to meet and make more friends than you can imagine. I am constantly amazed at the number of men and women “solo” camping.

[CorkyM]

Originally Posted by Topsail

You haven't mentioned distance driving. This is different for people based on various factors. I used to be able to drive for hours on end, but now I no longer want to or feel up to doing so. Just have in mind some places for an overnight stay along your route. I guess I'm just saying it seems to take longer than you may realize for all the right reasons (safety and fun). I keep it to about 6 hours max behind the wheel in one day. I'm amazed with what some folks say they do.

Thank you. I'm like you. When I was in my 20's I could drive all day and night. I know now 6 hours on the road will be about tops for me too. I see a three hour drive, lunch and 3ish more hours to my next destination. Driving the rig requires a lot more vigilance. A lot reminds me when I was an Air Force pilot. I can still keep my head on a swivel!

[CorkyM]

Originally Posted by LuvWildlife

I hope you enjoy your travels and soon the jitters will go away. People will be very helpful, so dont be embarrassed to ask questions.

I hear ya on the covid19 worries. We worried as well. What i did was limit my exposures of crowds by not eating out other than food to go. Then nuked most of it to kill germs. I also precooked food like hamberger meat for spaghetti and tacos, (we look fir wildlife until almost dark, so its a long day) i missed going out to eat but not as much as getting ill. Pre cooked chicken for salads. I had 10 days of food in my 25 ft. Winnie Fuse. I also kept a small bottle of spray alcohol to use before getting back into the car, after a trip to replenish food. It takes extra effort, but i didnt want to worry all the time.

Choose your stopping\camping according to less crowds and less Covid19. When we got back we were so glad we went because crowds and Covid19 did get worse. We are hoping the fall will get calmer and we can go again. Even with all this we were so glad to get out! You will have fun, just dont choose to put yourself at risk, like at high tourist areas.

Thank you. I think it will be a challenge but hopefully I will develop some habits like you guys did. Appreciate the input

[Morich]

We are doing very little travel as we are trying to be part of the solutions but we also have to go out for some things and we have developed a couple that I do not see mentioned. One is the times when we have to gas up. We live in an area where progress in thinking comes pretty slow, so chewing is still a pretty common thing. That means there is a lot of spitting around the gas pumps and that means the fools who still chew are also the most likely to be infected and we are walking in that! That makes a pair of slipper set next to the door for slipping on while gassing up or paying!Then we store them in a plastic bag to avoid contact!
Second is using our own pen when we sign any tickets as a way to avoid using the "public" pen provided.
We are both old enough and had enough to call it a good life, if we must, but then we also have a daughter and grandkids who deserve better than us bringing it home to them to kill them before they get started or perhaps worse, leave them with damaged lungs, etc. for the rest of their life.

[Birdie2017]

Bob, has your GCFI receptacle ever gone bad in your VIA25T?

[Birdie2017]

I’m 73 yrs old, traveling solo. I just returned home from a trip to CO, UT, AZ. I felt completely safe, stayed a week in Montrose, CO. I wear a mask and gloves at gas stations (mainly because diesel handles are so filthy!) I ordered curbside pickup for groceries. I reviewed my manual when time to dump. I used my own bathroom. I always remind myself that it’s the journey and not the destination. I have a little french bulldog who loves to travel and take walks. RV life is doable at any age and keeps me in much better shape than sitting at home in the recliner.

[BobbyH]

Originally Posted by creativepart

Corky, first congrats on making it here and welcome.

Next, YES you absolutely need to take some 2 to 4 day trips around your area.

You'll learn so much it will make the rest seem easy. Much of what you'll learn is that you don't know how to do everything. But you'll be learning what you don't know and that's valuable experience. Then you can ask here, search the web and search YouTube for answers about everything.

So, relax. Don't wait and don't hesitate to learn what you don't know. And keep us informed we'll be here to help you.

YES don't worry,there is plenty of help out there...Enjoy your retirement with Kenni,Blessings BH

[Flashman6692]

Congratulations on your retirement and welcome to RVing! We have been part timing for 9 years now and have found this forum and YouTube invaluable. If you haven't already, check out the Florida State Park system. We live in the Tampa bay area and use our state parks regularly for 4 to 5 day getaways. If you're retired military, you might have access to base famcamps. As for COVID, follow CDC guidelines and your gut feeling. Take precautions already mentioned here (especially when refueling) and enjoy yourself!

[natural]

Deer in the Head Lights
I have read your story and wanted to reach out to you. I live close to you,in Palm City Farms and wanted to offer assistance if you need it. I have taken my travel trailer to the western states the last 4 years. We have visited 56 out of 61 National Parks. Let me know if you want to get together

[Jim_HiTek]

Don't know if this has been mentioned but as a full timing RV'er, I suddenly came to this realization shortly after getting on the road, and that is, I can call the RV park before I arrive and ask if they have someone to assist dumping my tanks or hooking up because I'm just learning!

Doh! Once I realized that, it was smooth sailing from then on. Not every RV park will be able to assist with their own personnel, but the vast majority have someone, or know one of their guests who is capable and willing to help any newbies with anything in or on their RV. Anything. I've also just walked over to another guest and ask them how to do something. I was a raw recruit at the time...didn't come from an RV'ing family either. Did my share of camping years before, but knew next to nothing about RV's.

The last thing a park wants is someone damaging their equipment or harming themselves working on figuring something out...or making a mess with sewage, so they are often more than willing to help.

And about the Covid-19 problem, I've been full timing through out this Covid thing starting down in Mazatlan in March and slowly working my way up to the NE corner of Oregon where I am now and not all but most of the parks I've stayed at are well aware and use masks and sometimes gloves. So as long as you're doing that too, I think you'll be fine. Many times, I drove into an RV park and the office was closed, and only the 'late arrival' kiosk would be open. But I have been emailing RV parks a couple days before to ask if they have spaces, or make a reservation.

Have fun!!!!

[gurroz]

I agree with those that say take a couple local trips before hitting the road cross country. If you find that you need stuff to make your trip more enjoyable it is easy to get Amazon deliveries at your home before leaving on a long trip. We have been traveling 9 of the last 12 weeks during Covid. It is very easy to social distance when you have your own bathroom and living quarters. Wear your mask everywhere and use plenty of hand sanitizer. We don't stay in many campgrounds, however, we have found people in campgrounds are very respectful with social distancing. Good luck and safe travels!

[Shedboy]

Welcome to RVing. My wife and I are retired and travel from Colorado to the west coast at least 4 times per year (with our dog, Ruger (he has small arms) and are in OR now.
Road conditions that are different than in FL include high mountain passes over 10,000 feet and declines (learn to down shift), long sparsely populated stretches (bring extra gas can, especially if not on interstate), BIG animals on the roads at dust and dawn and frequent strong winds. Check out different road/weather WEB sites before travel. Moderate amount of highway rest stops, lots of semi’s with refers that run all night, a few with free dump sites, one behind garage at Little America, WY on HWY 80 (The Oregon Trail, more or less). Carry a garden foam rubber mat in the valve compartment; it’s easier on the knees when dumping the tanks. If you are returning to FL in Sept or Oct, the Aspen Tree leaves are turning autumn colors throughout the Rocky Mountains.
Beautiful part of the country we traveled HWY 50 (The Pony Express Trail) on this trip, two lanes, no semi’s, spectacular scenery. Not many gas stations. Saw big horn sheep ON THE HIGHWAY, wild horses in NV and the usual Antelope, Elk and Deer in CO.
RE Covid, no consistent protocol across CO, UT, NV or OR. We are self isolating in our RV. In OR there seems to be local or county procedures but there are masked bicyclist on the boardwalks with unmasked beach partiers. Casinos in NV are for the most part mask required (be careful of the slot machine handles) and all box stores are open with social spacing, masks and disinfectant wipes at the entrance doors.
Suggest you carry disinfectant wipes for the gas pump handles and in OR wipe down your credit card (you’re not allowed to pump your own in OR). Least expensive fuel is in CO and WY, CA is worst. Check out GasMat and Maverick, and Rotten Robies for low prices. Casinos are also good places to check prices and free RV parking.


As I was young and easy,
In the mercy of his means,
TIME held
Green and dying,
So I sang in my chains,
Like the sea!

T.S. Elliot


Have a great adventure!