First, let’s clear up the “safety” issue.  It’s no less safe than your house when the proper care is taken.  A lot of times, I would hazard to say that it might be safer, because I think there are more people looking out for you.  When you’re out there RVing, there’s more of a sense of need of other people. There’s more of a tendency to band together, whether it’s helping someone fix a flat or deal with a contrary sewage tank, or just sharing companionship on a rainy afternoon, playing Yahtzee in someone’s rig.

My point is, people are more inclined to take care of each other, and if the elderly couple camped in the motorhome next door hasn’t been heard from since yesterday, someone’s going to go knock on the door and check on them. In any normal stationary neighborhood, we’re so caught up in our busy day-to-day lives, that it’s more likely that no one would even notice not seeing a neighbor for a few days.

If you want to help other people help you in the event of a medical emergency, post a File of Life in your rig.  This would be a small plastic envelope with a magnetized top that you can stick on your refrigerator and which contains all medical information, your name and address, and your emergency contacts.  That can help set your mind at ease, and could possibly at some point save your life.

]]> http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/teaching-the-rules-of-the-road-to-sell-my-rv-for-free/feed/ 1 http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/how-can-i-sell-my-rv-for-free/ http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/how-can-i-sell-my-rv-for-free/#comments Wed, 20 Jan 2010 05:00:32 +0000 author http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/?p=62 I’m trying to figure out how to sell my RV for free, because, seriously, have you looked lately at how much it costs to run an ad in the classifieds?  It cost from $50 to $200 for a couple of weeks of just a few lines.  I mean, maybe that’s not a lot to other people, but I’ll make no bones about it, I’m poor.  Otherwise I wouldn’t be selling my RV!

And, yeah, that price I just mentioned, that’s for the local paper.  That’s not even going to get countywide coverage.  About $200 will get you placed in a national RV publication, but it’ll take a few or more weeks to get that set up, and a month or more for the ad to actually get out there.

The Internet seems to be my best bet.  You get much wider coverage at a relatively reasonable cost.  The Internet RV classified sites are sometimes free, sometimes up to $150 for several months of advertisement.

Still though, man, that’s a lot to deal with, strangers calling you, wanting to come to your house and look at your rig.  They could be crazy, for all you know.  They might ask dumb questions.  I kind of get a headache just thinking about it.

But a friend just told me there’s a site—maybe more than one—that’s not a classifieds site, but a site for a company that actually buys your RV from you—offers fair prices, pays in certified funds, will even come get it.  They help you with all of that headache-inducing paperwork and red tape.  So far, I’m thinking that this is looking like the best deal…

]]> http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/how-can-i-sell-my-rv-for-free/feed/ 1 http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/how-to-sell-my-rv-promoting-awareness/ http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/how-to-sell-my-rv-promoting-awareness/#comments Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:00:38 +0000 author http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/?p=50 In considering how to sell my RV, I’ve realized that I need to pass along important RV safety tips to whoever buys it from me. Iif I sell it to a company, I need to just help get the information out there into the consciousness of the RV world in general.  As a seasoned RVer, I feel like this is my responsibility.

A lot of this is pretty basic stuff, but things you might not automatically take into consideration unless they’re drawn to your attention.  The RV lifestyle can sometimes lend itself to daydreaming, drifting, and an unawareness of surroundings.  I’m not passing judgment. I’m as guilty as the next.

But do take note of the fact that other people are still caught in the grips of this do-do-do time-is-money society.  When you’re on the road, the safest thing is to just stay out of their way. Be the bigger person, and don’t feed into road rage.  Stay in the right lane unless you’re passing, and don’t blow your horn unless it’s absolutely unavoidable, a definite emergency, because air horns tend to aggravate the usually already frazzled nerves of other drivers.

You should try to arrange with a friend or family member to check in at a certain time each week.  If you don’t call them at the designated time, and they can’t get a hold of you, the plan should be for them to contact the local authorities in the last place they knew you to be.  This person should also be able to enumerate the identifying characteristics of your rig.  With any luck, if you can always manage to be sufficiently cautious and aware of your surroundings, this emergency plan will never need to be acted upon, but it’s good to have in place.

]]> http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/how-to-sell-my-rv-promoting-awareness/feed/ 3 http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/how-to-sell-my-rv-tips-for-boondocking/ http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/how-to-sell-my-rv-tips-for-boondocking/#comments Mon, 18 Jan 2010 05:00:03 +0000 author http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/?p=53 I was wondering how to sell my RV, and I concluded that first off, I need to let people know about the joys of RV living, specifically boondocking.  There are obstacles to overcome, sure, but for me that’s part of the fun of it, and I want to make people aware of all of that. That way I can sell my motor home, the old one, and get a new and improved model to even better enjoy the life I love.

Electrical Usage
When boondocking, dry-camping without electrical (or water or sewage, but that’s another topic) hook-ups, energy conservation is an extremely necessary consideration.  Even when you’re using an inverter and solar panels, you still need to watch energy usage carefully.  Keep in mind stray electric loads such as televisions. Even when those contraptions are turned off, they’re not totally off.  Microwaves have clocks that run continuously.  The DSS draws about 30 watts whether it’s on or off.

Only use fluorescent lighting. Regular lighting should be replaced with fluorescent.  A rule of thumb is at least two batteries per person.  When adding batteries, use a size 00 cable and the shortest length possible.

Boondock Safety
Think about safety; be aware of your surroundings.  Don’t advertise your names, because then someone might knock on your door in the middle of the night, using your name. You’ll answer it, thinking it’s someone you know.  Making friends isn’t bad, but use good judgment, and listen to your instincts.  Try to park in well-lit areas and somewhat in the open. It’s much easier to be victimized in dark, hidden places.

]]> http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/how-to-sell-my-rv-tips-for-boondocking/feed/ 2 http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/boondocking-tips-because-i-want-to-sell-my-rv/ http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/boondocking-tips-because-i-want-to-sell-my-rv/#comments Sun, 17 Jan 2010 05:00:11 +0000 author http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/?p=55 Because I want to sell my RV, I’m working on compiling tips on my beloved boondocking lifestyle.  Basically, I want to sell my trailer, my old one, so I can buy a bigger and better one.  There’s nothing wrong with the old one…I’ve had some great experiences in it.  I just want to spend more time boondocking, and I can do that more easily with a better-equipped rig.  Still, the old one would be good for someone, and so I’m giving out tips for prospective buyers on how to best live the life.

An all-important consideration when boondocking, meaning you don’t have electrical hook-ups, is keeping the batteries charged.  You want to ensure that you’ve got adequate-sized wiring connecting the chassis and the house batteries, because trailer manufacturers frequently undersize the wires.  A six-gauge wire is necessary.

Never leave the refrigerator on gas while towing. It will stay cold for several hours.  Three-way refrigerators aren’t so great.  The best idea that I’ve found is to get an inverter of at least 1,500 watts, then run the fridge on that while you’re on the road.  A generator is a good source, but you want to be careful about the noise.  Try to get a quiet one, and be considerate of your neighbors when using it.

Solar panels can be good. They convert sunlight to DC current.  At least an eight gauge wire from the panel(s) to the battery tank is necessary.  Even when using an inverter and solar panels, though, you still need to carefully conserve your energy.

]]> http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/boondocking-tips-because-i-want-to-sell-my-rv/feed/ 1 http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/i-want-to-sell-my-rv-so-im-telling-you-about-boondocking/ http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/i-want-to-sell-my-rv-so-im-telling-you-about-boondocking/#comments Sat, 16 Jan 2010 05:00:21 +0000 author http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/?p=44 I want to sell my RV, and I feel like the best way to do that is to make sure people know about the joys of the RV lifestyle, mainly boondocking—camping for free without hook-ups for water, electricity, and sewage.

First, because I respect and appreciate the boondocking lifestyle, I want to caution prospective boondockers to be considerate of other boondockers.  We’re all looking largely for peace and quiet, so if you’re going to park in an area where others already are, be courteous and don’t ever park closer than 100 feet to another rig.

As far as fresh water goes, always get it from an approved source—never springs.  Service stations and truck stops are good places to get fresh water, but you always want to use your own hose.  You don’t know where their hose has been.  Whenever you do use a private campground and pay for hook-ups, fill your tank up while you’re there.

For your sewage, never ever dump on the ground, anywhere.  Besides being illegal in most states, it’s bad manners.  Most service stations, in the West particularly, offer disposal stations for a fee.  The Flying J is especially friendly toward RVers. They have disposal stations, propane, and newer ones have RV-specific fuel plazas.  However, these fuel plazas are often too small for bigger rigs, so if yours is bigger, you’ll still need to use the truck fueling area.

Some chains, including Petro, aren’t RV friendly, and some states are closing their dump stations.  Mostly, this can be attributed to bad manners on the part of RVers.  So always be respectful, and don’t spoil it for everyone else!

]]> http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/i-want-to-sell-my-rv-so-im-telling-you-about-boondocking/feed/ 1 http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/tips-on-boondocking-to-sell-my-rv-fast-where-to-park/ http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/tips-on-boondocking-to-sell-my-rv-fast-where-to-park/#comments Fri, 15 Jan 2010 05:00:17 +0000 author http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/?p=46 I’ve decided that the best way to sell my RV fast so I can buy a new one and resume my boondocking life is to spread the message about the joys of boondocking to prospective buyers.  This also means giving some general tips, and a big one is where to park.

Legal Parking Areas
Public lands are an important resource for boondockers.  A rule of thumb is that if you can access it with your RV and get at least 100 yards from the highway, its okay to camp there.  You mainly need to make sure that you’ll be able to get out as easily as you got in and that the surface will support your rig, and also consider how the terrain could be changed if it decided to rain.  Getting stuck in a swamp is no fun.

Other good places include snowpark parking areas and fishing access sites.  You want to be sure and park out of the way, where you won’t be blocking anybody else’s access.  Ask about “primitive camping” areas in national parks and recreation areas, and ask other RVers about good places in their home areas.

Major highway rest areas, truck stops, and most Wal-Mart parking lots provide good overnight stops for boondockers.  In rest stops park with the trucks.  In all of these areas, don’t park behind buildings, and don’t get out your grill or lawn chairs or similar accessories; you want to remain self-contained as much as possible.  Typically you want to keep your slides in—so when you buy an RV, make sure you get one that’s easy to use even when the slides aren’t extended (like mine!).

]]> http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/tips-on-boondocking-to-sell-my-rv-fast-where-to-park/feed/ 1 http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/living-the-life-to-sell-my-rv-fast/ http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/living-the-life-to-sell-my-rv-fast/#comments Thu, 14 Jan 2010 05:00:42 +0000 author http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/?p=40 So I’ve been trying to sell my RV fast, because I want to upgrade and get on with enjoying my RV lifestyle!  Don’t get me wrong. My old trailer has been great, and it’s still in good shape. It’s just that I’m ready for bigger and better.  But I want to sell my trailer to someone who can appreciate all the awesome experiences that can be had and memories that can be made with its assistance, so I’m compiling a little journal of helpful hints for prospective buyers.

Tips for Conserving Water

I’ve been looking at things like conservation when dry-camping (sans hook-ups), and I’ll start with the all-important H2O.  100 gallons of water might seem like a lot, but conservation is especially critical when it comes to this life-sustaining substance.  Showers can cause major over-consumption, so be particularly careful.  You shouldn’t ever need to use a device for the reduction of water pressure except for saving the water hose.

Liquid Propane (LP) – Always a Safe Alternative

As far as water and space heating, cooking, and refrigeration, liquid propane is very safe to use.  Tanks can’t be more than 80 percent full, and there are no pilot lights involved.  Any leak is detected and causes automatic shut off, and very little maintenance is required.

Safety Tips for Dry Camping

This is largely common sense, but be aware of your surroundings.  Note any suspicious activity, just like in any other aspect of life, like you would in your neighborhood or at your house.  If you have a gun, be sure you know how to use it and the laws of whatever state you happen to be in.

With all of that said, you’re on your way to living this wonderful life!

]]> http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/living-the-life-to-sell-my-rv-fast/feed/ 1 http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/teaching-the-terms-to-sell-my-rv-online/ http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/teaching-the-terms-to-sell-my-rv-online/#comments Wed, 13 Jan 2010 05:00:11 +0000 author http://sellmyrvtoday.com/blog/?p=35 As I sell my RV online, I’m trying to be as informative as possible for prospective buyers—both about my RV specifically and about the RV lifestyle in general.

For example, I was talking to this guy the other day, and he didn’t know what boondocking was.  I never have considered myself such an expert in all of this, but after several years of something, you pick up knowledge like that without even realizing it.  So I launched into a spiel that surprised even me.  It went something like this:

Boondocking is, literally, wilderness camping, you know, in the boondocks.  Typically you boondock on public lands like state and national forests or BLM lands, and it’s free or costs very little.

The definition of “boondocks” is basically slang for backwoods or bush country, roughing it out in the wilds—in accordance with this image, most boondocking takes place outside of the city and civilization.  In a lot of cases when boondocking, it’s just about finding a place without signs prohibiting overnight parking or camping, and parking.

Then there’s dry-camping, which is a little different.  With dry-camping, you don’t get water, electricity, or sewer hook-ups.  These areas are typically found in city parks, state or federal campgrounds, private RV parks, or parking lots, and may be free or paid.  Stopping overnight in Wal-Mart or Flying J lots constitute dry-camping.

As a seasoned RVer, you assume terms like these are common knowledge, but they’re not.  As you go through the process of selling your RV, spread some RV lifestyle knowledge along with it—for all of our sakes!

I want to make sure fellow and future RVers know about things like United States Postal Service and CMRA regulations, voting disenfranchisement hurdles, and unfair or unreasonable RV-specific taxes, RV-related restrictions, and overnight parking ordinances.  I don’t want anybody who buys my RV to not be able to get the enjoyment out of it that I have because they weren’t aware of these potential impediments to pleasurable RV experiences.

I also want them to know things like what boondocking means, what dry camping means, and what accepted etiquettes are for both.  We also don’t want new problems cropping up because new owners didn’t observe etiquette and spoiled certain privileges, like being able to stop all night in a parking lot when you can’t find a park.

It’s not always easy to preserve our freedoms, whether in the RV world or in the world at large.  Sometimes it requires the organization of grassroots campaigns and pushing for solutions prior to the institution of detrimental laws.  But as in anything, the first step to solving a problem is knowing that there is one.  If you’re trying to sell your RV, online or otherwise, join me in spreading knowledge of what we can all do to help new owners make glorious memories in our old rigs just like we did.

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