RV Living...............

[Guest guest]

Good Morning !

Many consider the idea of having a home that is a safe haven. The RV

provides such a place and it can be moved where ever one wishes. The

search for a " safe " environment is easier when one has a controlled place

to sleep and relax.

Living in an RV can be as simple as a tow trailer that provides

essentials

for sleep and relaxing or as extensive as a 48 foot pusher diesel with

three

slide-outs and a full laundry. What ever the choice one must examine the

conditions required to " live safely " while recovering and while searching

for the place to stay.

Basic needs are met with a bare bones RV that has carpets removed, has

been throughly cleansed of all previous chemical cleaners, has been

flushed

of all previous chemicals in the water tank and gray and black water

tanks.

Both heating system and cooling must be throughly cleansed to remove all

dust

and " spores " . The uphostered sofa...bedding if suspect needs to be

replaced.

All drapery and shower curtins etc need to be replaced or cleansed in a

solution

that kills off " spores " and removes all dust and dirt.

All places of air entry need to be clean and screens washed.

The roll up awning is a place of potential mold....it needs to be rolled

down and

washed with safe solutions and sprayed with a rinse of white vinegar and

water.

Through drying is essential before it is rolled back.

Additions to the RV................

A two stage water filtration system is essential....whole system in-line

filter removes

larger parricles and most of the clorine. A second stage is used for

drinking and

cooking ware...including dish washing.and ice cube making!!!

Most RV's have two or more fans to exhaust air ... these must be kept

clean and

the addition of disposable dust catchers is desired.

All entry air should be considered polluted....so the use of filters is

suggested.

Portable HEPA filters also assist in keeping the RV air clean. Frequent

laundry of

bedding and throws used on sofas etc is essential. Never let " dust-mites "

grow in

your RV.

To reduce air borne cooking gas etc it is suggested that electric

appliances be used.

Some are sensitive to propane gas fumes...these may be lessoned by ezhust

fans

and by better venting. i/e the water heater can also be set to run off

electrical sources.

Space electric heat can be sufficent in moderate areas. Thus less propane

is used.

Remember to consider exhausted fumes when using air intakes..open windows

etc.

Humidity control is vital in an RV! Always wipe down the shower etc. Dry

towels

etc outside the RV.

On a rainy day(s) the humidity soars.....running the A/C helps but not if

the temp is cold

such as winter/spring rains etc. A dehumidifier can be of help... or the

water absorbing

bottles ....check safety of the chemicals.

When weather permits it is desirable to cook outside and enjoy the

hopefully unpolluted

air. Therefore the awning is great and even a tent " kitchen " ....can

provide the needed

outside environment. Some find the use of a ground carpet

desirable....but it requires care

and cannot be stored within the RV interior. Most are washable with a

hose and detergent.

Where you park is always a consideration....try to have 30 plus feet from

other RV's.

Avoid ares that may be sources of tracked in mud/leaf mold etc. It may

even be good to

remove footwear before entering.

Throw washable rugs are great to use...wash frequently.

We find that trhow cover on sofa etc are best since they are easy to wash

and we have

no difficulty with long term residue that would remain in the sofa if not

covered.

Storage ares in the RV....most are not fully accessable from the

interior. Remeber what

you storage needs to be protected from absorbed moisture....we found that

the heavy duty

" canoe " bags were desirable where stored items need protection. Wrapping

in 8 mil plastic

is Ok but remember the off gasses. Being in a vented place is essential.

Stored wood and wood parking shims should be in a place that does not

vent to the interior.

Discard any that show mold after use. We always prefered 2 x 8 x 18 " pcs

to park on

and 2 x 6 x 12 pcs for stablizer pads. We seldom needed parking pads

where solid cement

was there. Parking on pads helps to prevent sinking into the ground in

wet areas and if one

parks for extended stays.

One can add to the storage of some items while parked by installing eye

bolts under the RV.

A rope can be strung that supports a curtain which keeps rain etc off

items under the RV.

This should not be a totally closed area since venting is essentioal.

We found that the use of 2 pcs of 4 " PVC drain pipe were longer lasting

and easier to use

than the flexible drains. They are tied to the bumper when

traveling...after through washings.

Chemicals that are non-toxic are available for gray and black water

tanks.....remember to

not leave the drain open....the solids cannot be treated if all the

liquids drain. Drain as needed,

usually one to two times a week...more often when the showers are used

more. We usually

drained ours when 3/4 full.

On site .. long term....

It is good to wire your RV for a telephone....and for TV cable.

Some RV's are TV satellite equipped.

Computers and the RV.....

Most RV's are not designed with an area for computers. One needs to be

willing to give up

other space for it. One such place can be the passinger seat of the

RV...not used normally.

Some seats swivel around. So it seems to be a diserable place if the

windows can be darkened

sufficently. Laptops adapt and are easier to use since they are

portable..

Some long term.... " Snow Birds " elect to have a shed and large propane

tank as extra places to

ease living in place. This is common in places like Deming, NM.. Others

even erect carport

shelters. These are usually returnees each year. We found parks where

folks rent a site year

round and vacate for trips etc.

Our ideal is to be able to enjoy summers in the North and winters in the

South...and good times

in between as we move along.

We chose to be with a Christian group that worked in the many Christian

camps/retreats/etc.

Other choices would be " Workamper " where one can find employment and a

place to park.

Working the season etc.

Whatever your idea of enjoyment is, you will find it on the road in an

RV.

Who knows ..if you search well , that elusive " safe " environment may be

just down the road a

bit!!!!

God Be With You!

Bryce