Community Forums

Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43' · 07-05-2010, 02:15 PM

I use mine only when dry camping or on the road when I want to use the microwave or make coffee.

Cottons · 07-05-2010, 04:59 PM

We always run the inverter when on the road. This will keep the refrigerator operating on AC since I try to remenber to turn the propane off when breaking camp.

capndan77 · 07-05-2010, 05:51 PM

Sorry that we didn't see your planning stages sooner but we would highly recommend a book that seems to parallel your current exploits in preparation to first travel on the road. "Steeles on Wheels" was written by Mark and Donia Steeles as they embarked on a full timer journey about 10 years ago accompanied by their dog. It was published in 2002 but is just as relevant today as then. We read it prior to setting out on a six week tour of the south west in our first motorhome and have begun a re-read now that we are back home. Their adventures are not unlike yours. We think you would enjoy the read if you can find a copy. It may be out of print but Amazon may have it in their used book sections. It will be fun to follow your experiences now that we have six weeks under our belt and plant two months near the end of this month. Keep in mind that our total camping experience in the past was with a tent, sleeping bag and motorcycle. When we jumped in, we did it big witha 38' motorhome. Nothing in between. Good luck!

Jill · 07-05-2010, 06:15 PM

Tomorrow morning at 10am will be the culmination of 14 months of planning, dreaming and investigating. We spent virtually 3 weekends a month for over a year, traveling about the eastern seaboard looking for the perfect coach. Visiting Lazy Days 3 times, we sort of feel guilty we didn't buy from them. Discovering the Safari Cheetah was bitter sweet. It felt good. Home. Comfy. But while we were happy to have a purchase, it eliminated our weekend jaunts...our hunt for the holy grail...our quest. It was anticlimactic in a sort of good way.
The "bus" is parked outside our house. We have to move it shortly. It's packed to the gills sans the cold food which we'll toss in before 8am.
This forum has been therapy for us. While I do the writing, Steve is right here reading it all. Thank you for your funny support stories...the helpful tech answers and simply let me know there's a RV bud out in cyber land rooting for us.
God Speed...

mythplaced · 07-06-2010, 07:59 AM

Jill,

Bon Voyage to you and Steve! WE are here to help whenever you need it!

Keep up the good spirits and realize that it is NOT the destination, but the JOURNEY, that is important.

I will be a faithful follower of your exploits, as your writing style is marvelous!

Wish I'd had you as a teacher!

Keithb56 · 07-06-2010, 10:05 AM

I use the inverter only when boondocking and we need to power an AC load. This can be overnight or during the day. The state parks we like to visit have specific generator hours. The inverter allows us to make coffee or popcorn or run the hair dryer when the generator is not on. When plugged into shore power we never use it. In the current weather, (90+) we drive with the generator on and the roof A/c helping to keep the coach cool. The generator will also have all your AC loads supplied. Thanks for the story of your adventure, I'm looking forward to the blog.
Keith

KSDP_PA · 07-06-2010, 10:53 AM

How much room did you leave for "pup" accessories?
Did you remember to buy a seat belt for Max so he can ride along safely?

Depending on the size of the dog, you can probably use a seat belt designed for a car and Max can sit on a chair/sofa.
Our Old English Sheepdog uses her car seat belt/harness that I slip through one of the seat belts on the sofa. That way, she can lay on the floor but still be in a safety harness.

When traveling in hot climates, the dash AC might not reach far enough back to Max's position. Turn on the generator and run the coach AC.
Similar thing in cold climates, the dash heat might not be enough to keep pup warm.

dsbike · 07-06-2010, 11:38 AM

Jill & Steve, Hopefully youall are on the road. Have a safe & fun journey.

Jill · 07-06-2010, 07:55 PM

twotoolsandadream.blogspot.com

Hi All...I'm going to be posting on a blog so as not take up all the thread on here. What a day... If you'd like to know about it, after you get to the blog, the title is:
The Great, The Horrible and The Incredibly Ugly...

Jill · 07-07-2010, 09:19 PM

Evening all...
South Carolina here...
Full Story on. www.twotoolsandadream.blogspot.com

Hope you can stop by

Jill · 07-08-2010, 05:27 AM

Morning...
It's 7:23... my birthday...would love to walk among the Carolinian Pines today, but the big guy wants to get moving. He's in a hurry to get to the next campground where the temps will reach 101 degrees... AW RIGHTY THEN

Caemlyn · 07-08-2010, 10:54 AM

Happy Birthday Jill! Love reading your posts and your blog. Brings back many a memory

Jill · 07-08-2010, 02:47 PM

So, we're in the coach. It's 102 degrees...the elec. died on four sites...ours being one of them. On goes generator. This is exactly my fear if we go somewhere for a few hrs. and Max is in the bus alone. The poor baby would have fried.
Outside the kitchen window are deep pink tree buds..a slight breeze has them tapping on the glass...a magical moment.

The campground we're at is $360 a MONTH to stay. It reflects as a ratio to the average number of teeth.

Steve checked in. The "innkeeper" a tough 80 something told him we could use the pool at the hotel "down the road a piece." She gave him a total body lookover and said in her Drawl..."It'd do ya good to walk there." Enough said.

www.twotoolsandadream.blogspot.com for more

Jill · 07-08-2010, 05:12 PM

So, learned other things today...actually dos, amigos. Learned how to put on the stove. (is that a GOOD thing?) Also learned that you could make essentially anything you make in your stix house right in the coach. Tonight, chicken cutlets, breaded and fried with stir fry veggies and baked potato. Piece of cake. (meaning easy...not really a piece of cake, darn)
No TV...reading, napping and chatting. At 102 degrees what the heck can you do? (too hot for what you're thinking)
Tomorrow we're off again. One or two more days in the steamer and we should be in northern skies.