My Full-Time RV'ing Journey

Pirit Heated Water Hose - Product Review

2013-04-13T22:35:00.001-07:00

The Pirit Heated Water Hose

I was in the "great" northwest this fall and winter season and was advised that I would need to insulate my water hose and getting some type of heating apparatus because my hose would definitely freeze. Just to keep everything in perspective, I lived in the Portland, OR area where the temperature rarely gets below freezing and when/if it does it doesn't stay there for long periods of time (i.e. days and days). If it gets down to freezing or below it is usually only at night and then during the day it warms up.

As I am new to full-time RVing I didn't know exactly how effective I would be at getting my water hose insulated and heated. I went to the local Home Depot thinking "they will be able to tell me exactly what I need." Not so lucky. They had no idea what I was talking about. They pointed me to a heating apparatus that was for pipes. This may be something that would work, but as it was for pipes and not water hoses I opted not to purchase that. I went online and did a little bit of research and decided the simplest avenue for me would be the "heated water hose." Although the reviews for the heated water hose are not good, for some odd reason, they were on backorder by several hundred and were not sure as to when I would actually receive mine. This wasn't clear until AFTER I had ordered mine. I bought mine from Camping World online. It actually didn't take to long to receive it (but I highly recommend your ordering it in the late summer/early fall if you are interested in purchasing a heated water hose).

Unpacking the Pirit Heated Water Hose

After I received it, I unpacked it from the box very gingerly to ensure that I didn't tear anything away from the hose as there is something (I assume a type of heating element attached - as you can see in the picture). It is very easy to "install"; there is only one additional step from that of an ordinary hose: the electrical plug.

Does the Pirit Heated Water Hose Work?

Now, the reason you are reading this article... did the water hose work? Well, I'm not sure. There really isn't anyway of knowing whether or not the water hose is actually working. It is supposed to come on automatically and heat up when the temperature outside gets below 45 degrees. What I can share is that the water inside the RV never froze. I did wake one morning and had no water. However, I believe that the water had frozen at the water spigot as I was unable to turn it on or off at the spigot itself. I simply used my water pump until it heated up outside slightly and then everything was fine. The hose itself, I don't believe ever froze and I never had any other issues besides that one morning.

Fair warning, they are very expensive for a water hose; the 25ft hose that I purchased was $105 + tax. But, I guess it would be much more expensive if your pipes froze and flooded your RV.

99 RV Park Review - Vancouver, WA

2013-04-09T11:50:00.002-07:00

This park is conveniently located in between two major interstates in the area: I-5 and I-205 just north of downtown Vancouver and Portland, OR.

Although it is very convenient to be located so close to two interstates, the road noise can get load despite the noise barriers along the interstates (especially on the west side of the park).

Sound barrier wall from I-5

The patrons here are all very nice and pleasant.

The park is very clean and maintained. There is a landscaping company that come each Thursday every week of the year to ensure that the grounds are kept pristine.

The park is dog friendly. There is a small dog-area but it is not completely fenced in so the pups have to stay on the leash at all times.

On-Leash Dog Area

Rates:

Long-term stay prices: $375 + electric or $425 w/electric (depends on the space selected).

Per night: $24 (Call for current rates)

*The park does not allow RVs older than 10 years to stay in the park long-term

FREE wifi but no cable! The wifi is very slow at times. My AT&T LTE is just as fast and oftentimes faster.

There is a community building that you can reserve for parties or get-togethers.

Community Building

This is not an all adult park and there are some families that stay here. The children seem to be very well behaved but the sites with full-time families can seem to get "cluttered".

Restaurants / Shopping Nearby

Nearby (within walking distance):

Restaurants: Applebees, Billygans Roadhouse, McDonalds, Burger King, Burgerville, Jack 'n the Box, Taco Bell

Hotels

Grocery stores: Safeway

Shopping

Washington State University Vancouver is only 2 miles away. This would be an ideal option for "student housing".

Sites are large enough to park off-street

Large sites

Some sites are longer for those motorhomes that are towing a long trailer.

Long pull-through sites available

The most sought after sites are on the far south - southeast side of the park: nice big back yards and a field beyond that (likely more quiet than the remainder of the park).

South - Southeast Side of the Park

Holiday Cheer! - Merry Christmas

99RVPark.blogspot.com

Make your list of must haves when purchasing a new RV

2013-02-18T12:10:00.000-08:00

It is likely that I spent a bit more on my RV purchase than most. The cost was actually not my primary concern although it did factor in. I originally considered a motor home. I thought it would be the most practical. I had all but made up my mind actually when I thought maybe I should look at the fifth wheel trailers. I was certain that I wanted to purchase new as I wanted a warranty... An extended warranty to be exact. So, I was not looking at the really nice motorhomes at $250,000+. I was looking at the Fleetwood Bounder.

The Fleetwood Bounder was very nice. I liked the fact that the motorhomes came equipped with a generator and was not aware that any other type of RV was capable of having a generator. I have camped most my life with my parents but our RVs were always very modest and did not come equipped with things of that nature.

I started looking around at fifth wheel trailers and found that I could buy much more camper for the money when compared to a motorhome. Unfortunately, if you purchase a fifth wheel you must also purchase a truck to pull it with (if you do not already have one... Which I did not). I should interject that my original plan was to pull my little BMW behind the motorhome. If you are considering a motorhome and pulling your current vehicle, be aware that your vehicle may not be towable. You guest it, my little BMW was not towable. That would mean I would not only have to purchase a motorhome but I would also have to purchase some type of "toad" (this, I have learned is RV lingo for the vehicle that is towed behind a motorhome).

Now, purchasing much more camper for the money and having to buy a truck wasn't looking so bad. I began to take stock of the actual insides of each RV. I found that motor homes, at least the Fleetwood Bounder, do not have a lot of room inside or storage space up top. In fact, the Bounder, once the washer/dryer was installed (which I wanted) would have only one closet. It also seemed very cramped. Most of the pull trailers, including fifth wheels, do not come with much storage space underneath compared to motor homes. Therefore, I needed to find a fifth wheel that had more storage underneath (if that existed). It was actually luck that I found one fifth wheel in driving distance that fit these requirements. It was a Vizion by Fuzion (made by Keystone). I learned that they have only made the 2012 models. It is designed with 350 square feet of storage space (basement) underneath. In addition, one of the four slides is a wardrobe in the bedroom allowing much needed closet space. However, due to the storage underneath, there is not as much headroom in the living area as is prominent in most fifth wheels. The Vizion, due to the storage underneath, does not have a raised ceiling; it is level all the way from rear to front. I would guestimate that the ceiling is at approximately 7'; then when you step up to the upper level it's probably 6'2" or so.

I will say that I recommend your making a list of the absolute must haves when you are looking into purchasing a new RV for yourself. This will cut down on a lot of frustration.

For me, other requirements that I insisted on were as follows:

Generator ready - I didn't know just how important this might be; but I knew that while traveling I do not want to get hot when staying over night at truckstops or dry camping.
Washer/dryer hookup - this is self explanatory; I read many people that said the washer/dryer takes to long, etc. I love it and I would not want to be without it. I have the combo machine which most dealers told me would not get clothes dry. This is not true.
A couch I can lay down on and stretch out. I personally enjoy laying down on the couch occasionally and watching TV and movies. My Mom and Dad's camper has a small couch that doesn't allow one to stretch out. I knew at was not acceptable for me and was able to eliminate many RVs just on at account.
A 60x80 bed. Multiple RVs that I looked at had 60x75 beds and I tried them all out. If I was even remotely thinking about a certain trailer, I laid down on the bed. I do not want to sleep every night with my feet hanging off the end of the bed.
Keep your height in mind. I am about average height for a male so it doesn't affect me to badly; however, I highly recommend for you taller people out there, make sure that you get into the shower to ensure that you can stand up comfortably. My shower actually has a bubble over it that increases the height. This is particularly important for fifth wheels as the upstairs portion has much less headroom than the lower level.

They think I'm stupid . . .

2012-11-30T20:11:00.002-08:00

RV Gate Valves - You Should Know

The opening and closing of the gate valves on an RV should be a simple task. Why would they say it's likely my fault they aren't closing properly?

My RV is equipped with loads of "the fancy." I have always loved the gadgets and buttons and electronics. I guess you could say I'm a techie. One of the things that most newer RVs are equipped with, I've been told, is the cable system that opens and closes the gate valves to the holding tanks. There is one old fashioned kind under the trailer that you simply pull push and it opens and closes with absolutely no difficulty whatsoever. I highly recommend having these gate valves if at all possible. When I first purchased the RV, the gate valves that use the pulley system, grey 1 tank and the black tank, went all the way in, flush with the trailer wall (see picture). After about a week, neither of the valves would go all the way back in. In fact, when I took my hand away after pushing in to close the valves, pressure would push them slightly back out. The amount the levers protrude from the trailer are actually more now than in this picture. One of my neighbors here in the campground told me it was like pushing a rope uphill.

My concern was obvious: the gates aren't closing there will be leaks! I did some testing with running water and standing outside to see if any water was running out even with the valves closed. Sure enough, the grey 1 valve wasn't closing all the way and there was water running out. Luckily, that was not the case with the black tank... yet!

I contacted the dealer to let them know of my concern and I got a reply that it's likely something that I am doing wrong. Now, these are levers that you pull out to empty and push back in to close; how could anyone get that wrong? I realize that I am a "newbie" ... but come on!

Finally, a RV mobile repair came out to look at my trailer. Believe it or not, it wasn't just me! He foud that Keystone, the maker of my RV, had placed the aluminum framing on top of my cables and thereby pinching them. He said that the cables are housed in a plastic casing (similar to that of bicycle hand brakes). He maneuvered in some way and got the cables un-pinched. He also said that they should work... for a while. However, it is likely that eventually they will have to be rerouted. WHAT!?!?! Did the manufacturer not notice this prior to building it?

Stay tuned... I just got my heated water hose in today and will be installing that tomorrow. I will keep you posted on how "well" it works!

Happy Camping!

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Pictures of "Home"

2012-11-12T13:13:00.001-08:00

A few of you have asked that I post pictures of my truck and 5th wheel. I appreciate the response to my new blog and I encourage feedback and comments. I really want to know that you are out there and I need your input and guidance and I hope that something that I share may be beneficial to you as well. We are all one big happy camping family and I hope to meet many of you on my journey!

This first picture is my "little" yard all set up... just like home - WAIT! This is home. I also purchase a fold up bicycle that you can see in this picture. It's very nice! It will fold up to just bigger than one of the tires and fits nicely in the "basement" of the trailer.

Keystone Vizion by Fuzion

Ford F250

Here, Bruiser (the pup) and I are returning home from an afternoon walk.

The Beginning of My Journey

2012-11-01T11:59:00.000-07:00

I am now one week into my third month as a full-time RVer. So, let me catch you up...

This past summer, I started thinking that I had had enough of the hum drum, day-to-day work schedule and following someone else's rules. I am an educator by trade (accounting to be specific). I have been teaching for over ten years and I enjoy it quite a bit. As I am getting older, recognizing the mortality of my parents and how little time we all have together, I have started to realize that life is so very short.

Therefore, I started to think of ways that I could start enjoying life prior to reaching retirement (if such a thing will even exist when I get to that point). After talking with my friends and family, I decided that fulltime RVing may be the solution. I had "camped" my whole life with my family but never really knew the ends and outs of taking care of the RV.

I started looking at RVs: motorhomes, fifth-wheels, travel trailers. I had 100% decided on a motorhome. My logic was that it was self-contained (i.e. generator, washer/dryer - I need these things - ha ha ha). I also decided that going new was the best option for me as this was going to be an investment... my home! The prices I was looking at was a minimum of $130,000. Just before I purchased, I decided just to look at the fifth-wheels to see if there was something that struck my fancy. I learned that you could get MUCH more RV for half the money. Sounds GREAT! But wait... you have to have a big truck to pull it with.

I guess I should digress a bit... I have never driven anything bigger than a BMW X5 (small SUV)... and that was BIG to me. So, the thought of driving a big class A motorhome was a bit overwhelming and scary. All that to say, I decided on a VIZION by FUZION (by Keystone)... shew, that gets confusing -- A 38' fifth wheel. It seemed to have everything that I wanted. I started out making a list of things that the RV absolutely had to have for me to be comfortable (NO RV WILL BE PERFECT!). My list of absolutes was: (1) a bed that is at least 60 x 80 - this will be important for the "talls" - This is your home so you want to be comfortable while you rest; (2) a generator - generator ready: I want to be able to have air conditioning when I am parked overnight at a truck-stop getting from point A to point B (I guess I'm a big high maintenance); (3) I wanted a couch that I could lay down on while watching TV; (4) washer/dryer. The third one was actually the more difficult to fine in an RV. Do people not lay down on couches anymore? Most couches were two seaters. The couch on the VIZION was a wrap-around in a slide-out.

Okay, so I got the 2012 VIZION for $53,000 + $6000 for the washer/dryer and 5.5k onan generator, installed. If you live in a state with sales tax, don't forget to tack that on... My final total was approximately $63,000. Now, I still have to get the truck.

As I mentioned earlier, I wanted to purchase new as this is a big investment that I want to last a long long time. The truck would be an extension of my "home" and the getting it from one place to another. I also like to know that I am "covered" no matter what may happen. I did a lot of looking for used F350s. Luckily, my parents came out for a visit and my Dad helped me look for a truck. I am literally CLUELESS. That is why I am writing this blog so that others that are thinking of embarking on this endeavor can learn from my "mistakes"... I have lots to share, already! Anyway, we looked everywhere for the perfect truck. As with the RV absolutes, I had a list for the truck as well: (1) four doors (2) long bed. Okay, let me explain the long bed requirement. My Dad has a short bed and also has a fifth-wheel RV. Because of having a short-bed you have to have a hitch that rolls back (moves). Having a long-bed alleviates this. I figured the less I had to do the better. So, after an exhausting look for the perfect truck, I ended up with a 2012 F250. My Dad said that the F350 and F250 have the same engine. The only difference is that the 350 has an extra spring (I don't know... I trust him).

That's my introduction... So, here I am, I have my truck and RV. I have not yet purchased the hitch as I am staying here until next September. However, I have lots of stories ALREADY to share. Join my email list and follow me on Hubpages so that you get all the new posts. This is going to be an exciting journey and I want you to share in my experiences!

Happy Camping!