Making your RV your home

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RVs are pretty much built with cookie cutter molds - all come out looking much the same. With the exception of those custom builders, they are like subdivision houses. You may have a choice of a couple of floor plans and a couple of colors, but not much else. In fact, manufacturers discourage changes.

When George and I were trying to find an RV sized between his 33′ New Horizon 5th wheel and my Lance camper, we finally zeroed in on the Safari Trek. However, it would need modifications to work for us. Safari charged $750 as a re-engineering fee, and that was not including any parts or labor. That was just to interrupt the assembly line. Needless to say, we decided against that and kept the New Horizon.

With an existing rig there are many ways RVers make it a home.

• Add or change furniture - typically remove couch and dinette and replace with recliners, real table
• Convert an area to an office or work area
• Take out or recover valances with own material. Put up new window treatments
• Add throw rugs, pillows, bed coverings
• Put up personal photos or paintings
• Replace knobs on cabinets and drawers
• Change faucets
• Repaint the exterior with different colors or design or add a rear mural
• Replace carpet with vinyl or wooden floors
• Exchange the mattress for a more comfortable one
• Make rig more handicapped-accessible

Some go to more extreme measures like painting or modifying the walls. One RVer even gave the walls a stucco effect.

In our original RV, a ‘98 Pace Arrow, we removed both couch and dinette and built in an office area plus put in a more comfortable recliner. We also added photos. New Horizon is one company where you do design your own rig. George did a wonderful job with layout and with other touches. We have some of his photos hanging too plus his fly fishing rod, some fun hats and a new bedspread. He also took up the carpet in the kitchen area and put in a wood flooring. So much nicer!

You do need to be conscious of weight. One bookshelf, loaded with fly-tying books that George put in, caused the tires on that side to blow. That side was 300 pounds overweight. The bookshelf had to go.

What have you done to your rig to make it more individualized and your home?  How has it worked for you? You can also vote at our poll, “Have you remodeled/redecorated your RV?”

Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

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RV fire- do you know what to do?

Around the time Tony posted Firedude’s RV Fire Safety, I was also working on an article, “Are You Fire-Safe on the Road?“. I interviewed Mac McCoy, better known as Mac the Fire Guy, as well as got an idea or two from Tony.

As I wrote in the article, once George and I could not open the door to the 5th wheel. We have two windows that open as emergency exits. The one in the bedroom is a LONG drop to the ground. The one at the other end, behind our love seat recliner, is still a long drop but not so far. I first started out headfirst but realized I’d land on my arms and head- not a good plan. Trying to maneuver myself out with the love seat moving and not wanting to scrape myself to pieces on the metal frame took time - even with George’s help - but I finally got out with just a scrape on my arm. I wondered if George could have fit. Fortunately there was no fire. A fire is not the time to be wondering where the escape route is, how to open it, and how you’ll get out.

Ladies, do you know how to get out of your rig on your own? Do you know how to operate your fire extinguisher and which types of fire(s) it should be used on? Do you ever clean your detectors? Inspect your extinguishers? Do you have a plan for getting out? Unless you can answer all these questions “Yes,” you are not prepared.

Another thing my editor added is, “Do you know your location when parked and driving?” They had a fire and Megan wasn’t sure of the location. Mark was busy fighting the fire. Be aware of your location even if you aren’t driving - just in case.

Andy, a solo woman, sent me the story of her RV fire after publication. The cause appeared to be a malfunction on the stove. The plastic knob was off but the brass fitting was still on low, releasing propane. In spite of quick thinking and help on the part of her neighbors in the RV park, she lost everything. You can read her story and advice here.

From 2002 to 2005 - the latest statistics - there were on average 3,100 RV fires each year. These fires caused 7 deaths, 62 injuries and approximately $41 million in damages in each of those years. An RV fire is not something to mess around with. The first step is to be prepared. Have a plan, make sure you having propane, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors properly located and operating properly, then know what kinds of fire extinguishers you have and where they are located plus how to use them.

Just like you should know how to hook up and unhook and drive your RV, you should also be prepared for an RV fire and not leave that up to your partner. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

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Staying fit as you RV travel

Staying fit and not gaining weight can be a challenge on the RV road. It may feel like you are moving when you travel, but actually you are sitting a good part of the day. When you stop for the night, or before you leave in the morning, you need to set aside time to exercise.

At the RV park

Before you leave in the morning or after you get settled, take a walk around the park. It can be fun to see the different RVs and where they are from, even strike up conversations. You may not get your heart rate up, but it some activity. Riding your bicycle around the park is another alternative. Use the pool and swim laps if the park has one.

RV parks and resorts designed for longer stays may have exercise equipment, courts for bocce ball, pickleball or tennis, larger pools. Often they offer classes or have tournaments that you could take advantage of if you stay for a few days or longer.

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Hi ladies!

I have been asked to join the bloggers posting at “A Woman’s View.” I’m excited about the opportunity to have conversations on topics that relate to women and RVing. I made a short video to watch and eagerly await your suggestions for topics and comments.

In the video, I mention that Alice and I led a workshop at a recent RV rally on RVing from the woman’s perspective. In our Roundtable Discussion, women made several suggestions for living with a mate 24/7. Here are the first five:

1. Tell your partner, “I need alone time.” It is not your responsibility if his feelings are hurt.
2. I need a “Kay” day (after Kay Peterson’s “Living in a Sardine Can” talks). Good, nonthreatening signal that you need alone time.
3. Pack your partner a lunch. The number of sandwiches indicates how long he should be gone!
4. Make sure he knows he needs to find a way to entertain himself at times.
5. Find women to talk to at RV rallies or in an RV park. Put up a note at an RV park inviting women to join you in the club house or in front of your rig at a certain time. In one RV group I belong to, we usually have one or more women’s group meetings.

Any other suggestions?

Until the next time, safe travels.

Jaimie

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How to Choose the Right RV for You

Many of the comments you made after the first blog entry relate to how to choose an RV, especially for women starting out. There is no simple answer. It depends on how often you plan to use your rig, where you want to park, how much experience you’ve had in the past, how much money you have to spend, and more.

Generally speaking, women traveling solo tend to buy motorhomes. They are easier to park, easier to hook and unhook the toad (if they even use one) rather than a tow truck, and easier to depart rapidly if a situation proves threatening. But even that is not a strict rule. Some women prefer driving a truck and hauling a fifth wheel or travel trailer. My guess is that they’ve had some prior experience. One of my favorite comments made by a solo woman (a trailer devotee) was, “I don’t worry about being in an unsafe situation and feel I have to hook up immediately. I don’t put myself into those environments.” Read more

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