RV Home Yet?

Welcome!

We- Alice and Jaimie - invite you to participate in our new blog. Our intention is to have lots of good information and interesting tidbits on the RV lifestyle. We'll be happy to answer your questions too. Both of us have been full-time RVers in the past, though now both travel part-time. Jaimie is an expert at RVing for dollars. She is the author of Support Your RV LIfestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road. Alice has written Taking the Mystery out of Retiring to an RV. Together we have written RV Traveling Tales: Women's Journeys on the Open Road, The Woman's Guide to Solo RVing, and Taking the Mystery out of RV Writing. We invite you to check out our website RVLifestyleExperts.com  for all sorts of informative articles, recommended books and fun things for the full-time RVer. Whether you have already hit the road or are a wannabee, we have something to offer. We look forward to conversing with you on many aspects of the RV lifestyle! Jaimie and Alice

Looking towards Quartzsite, January 2010

Are you planning on coming to Quartzsite during January? Maybe thinking about it and wondering if it is  worth going? Is this your year?

Quartzsite is one of those phenomena you should do at least once! You'll see nothing like it. You may love it or hate it, but it's worth going once. Each year sees changes in Quartzsite. The town realizes lots of revenues from the vendors, winter visitors and tourists passing through, particularly in January. They have added a number of buildings over the years. Last year we found more RV dealers taking space that had formerly been a flea market or show. Visitation was down last year compared to prior years, probably due to the economy, making it easier to get around.

Quartzsite RV show
Now there are two stoplights in town, which has improved traffic flow. It used to be that during the Quartzsite RV Show, we would hunker down and shop before traffic had built up, using various shortcuts to get around. We would park a distance from the show and then walk or bike in. Above all, we learned the hard way, avoid the first day! It's packed and much less crowded after that. he RV show is there for a whole week from January 16-24 so pick another day. Two shows follow the RV show in the big tent so check the Web site for more information.

Other shows
The Quartzsite Chamber of Commerce has a show schedule posted at their Web site. You can see when the various shows/vendor areas will be open.

BLM camping, RV parks and motels
Visitors have several options when visiting Quartzsite.

• Motels: Actually, motels are in short supply in Quartzsite- a Super 8 plus two small local hotels that are usually booked is all it offers. More hotels are in Blythe, CA, about 22 miles away.
• RV parks: A list of commercial RV parks can be found at the Quartzsite Business Chamber of Commerce. Many only operate during the high season and have zero amenities and often little space. Be sure there is room for slideouts and your tow vehicle or toad.
• BLM: You have two choices: You can purchase a permit for La Posa Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) for $180 for seven months or $40 for two weeks. The LTVA has a location with water, trash receptacles and for sewage disposal. There are also several 14-day areas around Quartzsite. No fee is charged. Several locations in town sell water, propane, have dumps or offer showers and laundry facilities.

Mail: You can have your mail sent to Quartzsite in care of general delivery. Returning visitors often have their mail sent to Blythe or another nearby town where lines are shorter. We combine grocery shopping with picking up mail with much less hassle.

For more information on Quartzsite, see our article, “The Glory that is Q,” updated for 2010.

We are planning on being there the last two weeks of January. We have an event scheduled (more later) and need to work on our gold claim. See you there? Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Get your motorhome soon!

The motorhome tax credit under the stimulus bill will expire December 31, 2009. If you have been thinking about making a purchase, act soon and deduct a portion of the sales and excise taxes on your income tax form. This will reduce your tax obligation for 2009.

According to RVIA Today Express:

For the remainder of the calendar year, tax provisions under the stimulus package allow for sales and excise tax deductions for new purchases of qualified motor vehicles, including motorhomes. The deductions are attributable to taxes applying to the first $49,500 of the purchase price. Individuals with an adjusted gross income of up to $125,000 and joint filers with an adjusted gross income of up to $250,000 are eligible for the deduction, which will reduce the taxpayer’s taxable income.

Cash or credit?

Should you purchase your RV on credit? You can deduct the interest on your income tax if your RV will be your main or second home. Your accountant can best advise you whether or not this is an advantage to you overall. Having your RV paid off does give you more flexibility, particularly if your spending is close to or exceeds your income including the payment.

You could realize quite a savings by taking advantage of the tax credit. It's something to consider. If you'd like more details, see the "RVIA Fact Sheet on the Motor Vehicle Sales and Excise Tax Deduction Benefit for Consumers."

Shop wisely

Even though this deal is tempting, follow all the steps you would normally follow to make a major purchase. Do not make this an impulse buy.

1. Research RVs and find the right one for your planned RV lifestyle. The RV Consumer Group rates RVs for their intended use and lets you know about their quality. A membership is well worth the price when you consider you will be spending thousands of dollars.
2. Go to RV shows and dealers without your credit card or checkbook. Take a check list of the features you want and then photograph each RV so you can have pictures to jog your memory when making a comparison.
3. If you look at used units, hire your own inspector to check the unit out- both the engine and the body. Some weaknesses or problem areas are hard to see if you don't know what you are looking for. 
4. Test drive the unit. When we were looking at RVs, my late husband, Bill, drove a Fleetwood Bounder. Forever after we called them Fleetwood Bouncers! A washer/dryer combo had been added and that rattled and rolled plus the overall drive was very bouncy. That was the end of that one. A beautiful RV may not have a smooth ride.
5. Have your financing lined up a head of time. That can save you big money in interest and give you more bargaining power.
6. Check out the dealer with the Better Business Bureau and with RVServiceReviews.com to see how other RVers have rated them on the service end of things. I guarantee you will have to go back to get things fixed after your purchase.

Comparison shop

I do advise comparison shopping. Dealers are still hungry for sales. When Bill and I were getting ready to full-time RV and looking for a rig, we initially were interested in a Travel Supreme 5th wheel. We saw them at a show and were impressed with how well made they were. Bill sent a letter with specifications to a dozen or so dealers east of the Mississippi. We were astonished to find about a $20,000 difference in prices! The dealer closest to us in Maryland was had the highest price. With dealers listed on the Internet, it is much easier to let your "fingers do the walking" - either by phone or keyboard. 

Should you rush into purchasing an RV in the next two months? Yes, if you are ready to make a purchase and have done your research or are willing to do so. If not, you'll have to weigh the savings v possibly making a too hasty decision. In any case, this lifestyle is an adventure and the sooner you get your RV, the sooner you can get out and take advantage of it! Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Veteran's Day free admissions

Reading today’s RV Daily News, I noticed that the some public entities are offering free admission on Veteran’s day. RVers may want to take advantage of these deals if they are nearby. Here are some I found.

Federal lands: The federal government is offering free admission for everyone to national parks, forests and other public lands on Veteran's Day, Nov. 11. This will not apply to camping or to fees charged by concessionaires unless one individually waives fees.

Florida State Parks: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will offer free day-use entry to all state park visitors on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2008.

New Mexico: On Veterans' Day, all New Mexico veterans, active duty military personnel, their spouses and dependent children receive free admission to the State Parks, museums and monuments. See announcement.

Colorado: Colorado's 42 state parks are offering free admission to military veterans Wednesday for Veterans Day. Veterans who show a valid military service identification card at park gates can get in free, along with anyone else in their vehicles.

Check with other states to see if they, too, are offering free admissions to veterans or all citizens on Veteran’s Day.

Reminder: In the latest issue of RV Lifestyles ezine, we announced that Applebees will provide a free meal to any veteran showing proof of military service. Some restrictions apply, so check the Applebee's Web sites.

Warning

Oklahoma State Parks: Lake Eufaula State Park, located in McIntosh County, has been advised to inform guests and other consumers of the drinking water that it is unsafe for human consumption due to the presence of E. coli. This boil advisory affects Lake Eufaula State Park only. See press release.

Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

The many ways Workamping gives you a better retirement

In a CNNMoney.com article, “Three Steps to a Better Retirement”  the author says, “If you're behind on your retirement saving, it's not too late. These three options can help you live a better life in your golden years.” In the article, Walter Updegrave details his three steps. While following them won’t give you a fabulous retirement, if you have no savings to begin with, you can still accumulate a nest egg by saving $250 month.

“Don’t Quit Your Day Job” is the second step mentioned. This is recommended because, if nothing else, it will keep you from dipping into your retirement savings as much. It could also add to your social security benefits if you postpone taking social security and keep contributing plus add to your savings.

Ways to earn money
For RVers,  Workamping at a paid or volunteer position allows both your RV travels and a chance to either add to your income or reduce your expenses. You can work at more than one location each year and see the country. Depending on your financial needs, you can earn a fair wage or you can simply get an RV site. Here are a just few ideas from more income to tradeouts:

Sales: Sales has the potential for high income, though most sales requires a few years to develop client relationships. Sales of ads for campgrounds can be lucrative, but some just starting out lose money so be cautious. Air Photo, a featured employer at Workamper.com, is one where you make a one-time sale. Couples working for them report $30,000-50,000 yearly income without working all year.

Contract work or consulting: If you have a background in computer programming or other skill in demand, you could get assignments or continue working in your field on your own terms, often from your RV. If you can get this going before you hit the road, you can avoid a lag time in income while you develop clients.

Government work: Working for the federal government pays higher than average wages. As a seasonal  employee for the National Park Service, Bill, my late husband, and I made $12-18 per hour. A friend who works during fire season makes $25+ an hour plus per diem. Another RVer now works for FEMA during disasters, making an excellent hourly wage plus per diem. (Pictured: Ranger giving tours at Mesa Verde National Park)

Temporary work: Pay varies according to skill level and employer. There are temporary agencies that specialize in construction, Internet technology, medical, accounting and others. Tax season work can be lucrative for some.

RV parks and campgrounds: Many RVers workamp at RV parks and campgrounds because an RV site is usually included. Sometimes the work is in exchange for a site, and often it includes pay. Pay is generally around minimum wage, but some employers do pay more.

Exchanges: Trade your time and effort for a site. This saves on your camping fee and so has value plus allows you to stay in an area for a while, also saving on fuel costs. Or, volunteer at a national or state RV park in exchange for our site.

These are just a few of the ideas of the more than 350 from Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider’s Guide to Working on the Road,  which also includes all the how-to’s and legal and financial ramifications.

Workamping can not only give you more money during retirement, it can be fun and provide meaning and structure in your life. It’s a way to make new friends and develop community on the road. Often perks like free admissions to area attractions are also included. And, what always makes me chuckle with delight - you are being paid to be in beautiful places! Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

What’s holding you back from living the RV lifestyle?

Some people who dream of RVing let their fears of what might happen stop them. Is that you? Do you worry about what you would do if you had an accident? Had illness or a death in the family? Missed your family? Does that keep you from moving forward?

Ask yourself: What would I do if this happened in my life now? You could probably handle it in a similar way on the road.

RVers have run into these situations and dealt with them.

1. The wife of a younger couple had some serious health issues. She found a job with health benefits and got treatment. They were stayed in an RV park for a couple of years, then got back on the road.
   
2. Several friends have had parent issues to deal with. Since they have more flexibility they were actually able to provide more help because they could return to help. One friend hired a geriatric case manager to oversee her mother’s care. They now have peace of mind and can visit when more convenient for them.
   
3. A solo RVer had knee surgery and needed assistance for a couple of months while she recuperated. As an Escapees Club Member, she stayed at the CARE assisted-living unit in Livingston, Texas until she could get back on the road.
   
4. Couples who have lost their RVs have moved in with family temporarily, rented an apartment, or found work where housing was provided. We have friends who sold their RV and now housesit or volunteer where housing is provided. Someday, they may go back to RVing.
   
5. For shorter periods of time- if you are waiting for parts, or your outgo has exceeded your income, park for a while and reduce spending on fuel. You could boondock at no charge here and there, at Wal-Marts or on public lands. Or, find a weekly or monthly rate at an RV park at a savings.
   
6. RVers can arrange their schedules to visit family. In fact, staying in the RV is an ideal way to visit. You might be able to park in their driveway or on their property yet you have your own space. Or, if that’s too close, find an RV park or Workamping assignment close enough to visit but far enough away to reduce babysitting assignments. Buying a plane ticket is another option. Since Southwest Airlines has good airfare sales, periodically I fly to visit my sister and my grandkids if our travels won’t take us near there.

I’ll be exploring this further in the next RV Lifestyles Ezine, which comes out around the 10th and 25th of the month. If you are not yet signed up to receive it, go to RVLifestyleExperts.com home page and sign up now. You’ll receive a free report as our gift to you.

Don't let fear stop you from living your RV dreams! Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Should your pet wear a seatbelt in your RV?

I came across an article about the Toyota Venza, a car introduced last year, that offers several  pet-friendly options. One is a leash tether for securing your pet in the vehicle. According to their press release:

A recent survey conducted by the American Pet Products Manufacturing Association revealed that half of all dog owners consider their pet's comfort when buying a car. And with unrestrained pets causing more than 30,000 accidents annually, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), more states are passing and considering legislation requiring pets to be secured for their own safety and to reduce driver distractions.

Do you secure your pet with a tether or crate when traveling in your RV or your tow or toad vehicle? What would happen to your pet if you were in an accident? Would it be safe? Could it hurt you by flying through the air?

Just like child restraints, most pets don’t love them, at least not at first. They do get used to them and might even feel more secure. The safety factor is worth it. In a Class A or Class C motorhome, you could put your pet in a crate near your seats or a leash tether or harness on the couch or captain's chair or possibly the dinette, depending on where regular seat belts are located. Or, you might have to make some sort of modification to have a secure place to fasten a restraint.

To give you some other ideas for making your pet more comfortable or safe when riding, other optional pet accessories for the Venta include: a rear hatch pet ramp for easy loading and unloading, a pet booster seat with harness, a first/second row or cargo area pet barrier, pet seatbelt buckles and rear seat zip line-style harnesses. These items can be purchased through other suppliers and adapted to your RV lifestyle. Toyota is hoping, though, that their features will appeal to pet owners so they purchase the vehicle.

The Toyota Venta is not listed in the Motorhome Magazine’s dinghies that can be towed four on the ground, however, two models are 4WD drive and should be able to be towed that way.

Resources
Here are two resources for pet-friendly travel for RVers.

• 2009 United States and Canada Dog-Friendly Campground and RV Park Guide
• PetFriendlyTravel.com: Two sections for RVers are “Off-Leash Dog Beaches & Dog Friendly Beaches in the U.S.” and “Pet Friendly Restaurants & Bars.”

Let us know what you think. Should pets be restrained while traveling? Do you secure or restrain yours in either your RV or your tow or toad vehicle? Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

It's NaNoWriMo- get started RV writing on the road!

Today is the start of NaNoWriMo or National Novel Writing Month. Participants write 50,000 words in one month. That’s an average of 1,667 words a day or an hour or so of writing. The object is to write the first draft of a novel without editing.

Writing practice
NaNo is a great way to start getting words on paper. Like any other skill, practice makes perfect. Writing is a skill to be developed. Even best-selling authors do not sit down and write a novel in one draft. Writing a good piece, short or a novel, takes many edits and rewrites. If you have even an occasional Internet connection as you travel in your RV, you can participate. You only need to sign up and to submit your word count at the end to be official. Otherwise, turn on your computer and write each day.

 If 1,667 words a day seems intimidating, NaBloPoMo or National Blog Posting Month is going on this month too. Post one blog entry per day - of any length. Check here for a list of free blogging platforms. Blogger and WordPress are popular choices with RVers.

Get started selling your writing
The RV lifestyle is a natural for writing. Writing about places you travel and the RV lifestyle are topics others want to know about. As you hone your writing skills, begin studying publications you’d like to write for. Also, be alert to opportunities to get your writing out there, even if you are not paid at first. Blogging is one way; commenting on other’s blogs is another. You might be able to contribute an article to a Web site in an area you have knowledge in, whether it be about RVing or something from your former life.

Selling articles and shorter pieces can start generating some income as well as credits. Here are three of the several methods outlined in Taking the Mystery out of RV Writing for getting started.

• Check with your RV club. Their magazines need submissions, usually about life on the road or travel destinations. Study their publication and see if you have an idea that would fit. Editorial guidelines, which tell you what they are looking for, length and how to submit, are often at their Web sites or you can write to the editor.
• Contribute to anthologies. Anthologies are a collection of short pieces by various writers. The Chicken Soup for the Soul books are examples. Check bookstores for other series. Google “call for submissions anthologies.” Poets and Writers classifieds list calls for manuscripts: anthologies http://www.pw.org/classifieds
• Purchase a copy of Writer’s Market (or the online version) to find magazines that are seeking articles. Check out Writer's Market here.

Your writing dream
If you have been dreaming of writing, for yourself or publication, get started by joining NaNo. If you  miss a day, just add a few more words to your daily count and get caught up. In any case, the discipline of writing every day will help you get started. George is participating for the 4th year. You can be his “friend.” He’s GeorgieB and is off to a great start with 1738 words this morning.

I haven’t totally committed to NaNo this year but will definitely be participating in NaBloPoMo by posting a blog entry every day. I’m keeping track of my words for blogging and writing articles and may hit 50,000 that way. Since I am not a fiction writer, the two years I have participated, I’ve written memoir topics and RVing-related blog entries and articles instead. At NaNo, I’m CalamityJaimie and would love to have you as a friend too.

If you’ve found these tips helpful and would like to know more about RV writing, either for writing down stories of your life or writing for publication, you’ll want to get the ebook that Alice Zyetz and I wrote, Taking the Mystery out of RV Writing. It’s available as a CD ($13.95) or an instant-download ebook ($12.95)  Click the links to read more and purchase.

So join us! Living the RV lifestyle can your perfect opportunity to have the time to write. Use November to get started making your writing dream come true. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Workamper Dreamers

Last week I attended a conference in San Diego. (See post "Do you avoid big cities?") Steve Anderson, owner/publisher of Workamper News and his daughter, Jody, who is the graphic designer and Webinar coordinator, also attended. It was actually a funny story of how we all ended up attending - one of those synchronicity things was going on.

You may have heard of Workamper News, but perhaps not their new division. That is Workamper Dreamers - to help you make your RVing dreams come true and introduce you to the Workamper lifestyle.If you are thinking of the RV lifestyle and possible working or volunteering in your RV travels, check out the site. There are exercises to get you started and interviews with Workampers. Some of the site is f/ree and some restricted to members. It's good stuff, so check it out! Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Pictured above are Steve Anderson, George and me on the passenger ferry that runs between Coronado and the Embarcadero in San Diego and Jody Anderson and Steve Anderson at the San Diego Zoo.

CA State Parks latest victim of budget woes

A number of state park systems have been forced to cut back on visitor services and even close parks. In RV Lifestyles Ezine, we linked to a report by a commission in Arizona that has been studying ways to increase funding for its beleaguered parks. Some Arizona State Parks have already had days and staff cut.

California has already taken steps to reduce costs for operating their state parks. According to the MercuryNews.com, "More than half of California's 279 state parks will see reduced hours, closed campgrounds, canceled school field trips and gates padlocked several days a week under a wave of unprecedented new cuts completed Tuesday by the state parks department."

You can see a chart with some of the parks affected at the article, "Sweeping cuts imposed on more than half of California State Parks." Click on the chart to see a larger version. Humboldt Redwoods State Park does not appear on the list. (George standing in a "goose pen" formed by the burned out part of a giant redwood.) We enjoyed exploring the Avenue of the Giants that cuts through this state park.

My only hope is, that as more budget cuts are necessary, that states (and the federal government) do not consider selling off these treasures. This land that has been set aside as significant is our legacy and should be saved for future generations. The various places also provide local recreation as well as attract tourist dollars.

In the Payson area in Arizona near our homebase, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park was one named to be shut completely down last spring (pictured). The nearby towns raised a ruckus since Tonto Natural Bridge is one of the few parks that brings in enough revenue to support itself plus lots of tourist dollars. The town of Payson was able to partner with the park to provide seasonal employees on weekends at the park and keep it open two days a week. Those partnerships may be necessary in the future. It all depends on our values as taxpayers.

 What solution(s) do you see could help our state parks? Are they pawns to get voters' attention and raise taxes? Or should they be closed before other services cut? As RVers, do you visit state parks in your travels? What will it mean to the RV lifestyle? What do you think? Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Latest RV Lifestyles Ezine available

See Part II October 2009 RV Lifestyle Ezine. Subscribe at RVLifestyleExperts.com

See tips for saving money on camping and Tom Vineski's series on RV Solar Power 101.

Jaimie Hall Bruzenak