When RVing, one of the most important things, given the moniker of the "soul" of the adventure, is the traveling vehicle. That makes you able to get from place to place, it's your true mark of freedom. However, like everything else, it's important to keep the soul in check.
First thing is to make sure everything on the vehicle is in good working order. Many RVers are choosing to "live" in states that don't have mandatory annual vehicle inspections. Sure, it's nice you don't have to pay a bureaucrat to tell you your horn doesn't work, your window has too much tint, or the bumper has a tiny orange spot. That doesn't mean you can't take the time to check these sorts of things out for yourself. Figure out what's important both from a legal standpoint, as well as being able to get from point A to point B. You're likely already doing light checks on the trailer when you hook up, so check the truck as well. One of the best vehicle tools you can have is the OBD2 scanner, which gives you Check Engine light codes. Auto parts dealers sell them at a reasonable price, and though they'll try to convince you that you can just go to them to get it read at no cost, it's something that has been needed to be used in the middle of nowhere.
Preventive maintenance is something you may have been doing in the stationary life, and in the RV world, it's no different. Oil changes, air filters, tire rotations; the list goes on and on. Sometimes you're in a position where you can do these things yourself, and other times you may be in an area where it has to be done professionally. Tire pressure has become a bit of an interesting point. Many service stations have started charging for air, with one major midwestern brand, at the time of writing this, swapping out the "free" pumps for credit card operated ones. Some stations will offer it at no cost to the consumer. However, at the time of writing this, there is a brand of big box hardware store that is offering air at no cost to the customer. The RV can usually fit because contractors are always bringing trailers. The store also carries a number of consumable products you're likely to use, so if you feel obligated to buy something, that's usually a good choice.
So while you follow your internal compass, make sure you have the means to actually follow it. Keep that soul in check, and you'll be able to see all of this great country.
When first planning this adventure, internet connectivity was one of the big concerns, knowing we'd have to use it just about every day. Are we still using the same setups? Time to find out in this episode of "Did It Work?", as we look back on Internet Connectivity, including our electronics update.
After Trip 1, we figured out that we couldn't depend on campground internet whatsoever, so it was easy to choose to go to an unlimited data plan. The one point that worked for a little while, but has since not, was the wireless router. The only reason it didn't work out was cell phone compatibility, as instead of being able to use the router as the one connection, everything else connected to the router was seen as a separate connection. However, that didn't stop us, as we were able to use bluetooth for connectivity. Thankfully, the cell phone could accept multiple bluetooth internet connections despite only one for the wireless hotspot, so there's always a way around. Some things still have to use wireless, but those are few and far between, and we can get away with using only one at a time, so no harm done. Some connections are a little spotty so we have to travel a bit, but we can make do.
When it comes to devices, we ended up getting a small portable monitor for the wallet sized computer, because using the TV just wasn't working not only for position, but also shared use. The good news was that we found a monitor that runs on USB power, so plugging into the battery pack works wonders, not to mention it doesn't draw as much power as the traditional laptop. A little finagling in terms of screen size had to be done, but we make it work. It can also be used for saved media in a pinch. Laptops are still good to carry around and are put to good use, especially ones with ethernet ports to be able to set up a router when needed.
Always be ready to tweak when following your internal compass, even with electronics. Never fear, as once you figure it out, you're able to move forward with your great adventure.
Most who hop into the RV and visit this wonderful country hope for sunny days and fair weather. However, sometimes you'll end up with a rainy day. Never fear, there are always ways for you to turn the raindrops into lemon drops and gumdrops.
The Freedom Rolling hosts are no strangers to precipitation. As we first started to travel in just the lowly SUV, nearly every trip, major or minor as it may be, seemed to have some sort of rain or snow with it. Even in Las Vegas, known for its desert climate, the rain had followed us. Ironically enough, one of the destinations where we didn't see rain was around Seattle, known for its nearly consistent amounts of precipitation. That wasn't to say we didn't experience it at all during that cross-country road trip, as the hailstorm in western South Dakota along the way was quite interesting. We've certainly had our shares of not-so-nice weather, including seeing a tornado form a couple miles outside the passenger window along the interstate in Illinois, as well as a tropical storm on the beaches of Florida.
So what's a full time RVing family to do when the weather isn't so nice? After all, many of our activities are outdoors. For those in the middle of a longer-term workamping stay, it isn't that bad of a day to have to take care of that, as you're not going to have too many customers. Some may use this as a time to "catch up" on things inside the RV, or even plan the next moves. You may have brought some indoor entertainment with you, but who really wants to stay cooped up in this life? Why not take some time to drive around. Explore the nearby city and its architecture. If you really need a destination, museums may be a good choice. The sidewalks may not be as bustling, but if you're not into crowds, that's usually the best time to look over everything.
So the next time the weather isn't so nice, don't let the internal compass just flood. Turn the raindrops into lemon drops and gumdrops, and oh, what a rain it will be.
One year has passed since first writing about RV essentials in the kitchen. What has worked? What didn't? Did we need to add or subtract anything? Let's find out as we begin a new series on Freedom Rolling, "Did It Work?" This is where we look back at our predictions and see what's actually worked, and what sort of adjustments we needed to make along the way.
First and foremost, there were a list of appliances we intended to bring. The combination slow cooker, pressure cooker, and maker of quite a few other things, has been one of the main staples of the kitchen. This is used several times a week, doesn't take up very much counter space, and packs very well in the equipment cupboard. The immersion blender, not so much. The food processor attachment is a "nice to have", however the whisk has proved to be a bit too powerful and ends up making a mess. The induction cooktop has been a great thing, but sadly was a bit old, and has since stopped working properly. We'll think about getting another, as it does help to save on propane, which we'd rather use for grilling and boondocking. Our combination blender/chopper is on its last legs as it's seven years old, but we have been finding great use for it, so this was a good choice.
One thing briefly touched a year ago was the cookware and tools. We ended up not taking cast iron pans with us, and probably for the better, given their weight and bulkiness. In speaking of bulkiness, one of the not-so-good choices we had made was our large induction frying pan with lid. The whole contraption is very difficult to fit in the equipment cupboard with the long handle sticking out, and is a pain to pack. We also have a griddle pan with cumbersome handle, but thankfully it is flat, making equipment easier to pack. A cookware set that has been fabulous, though, is a chef-endorsed eight-piece induction-friendly cookware set with removable handle that packs in a very surprisingly compact manner. The carrying bag didn't survive long, but the pots and pan certainly have, and is one of the best small kitchen essentials. Our butcher block knife set, along with a mandolin, have served us well. too.
There are always things you wish you had brought but didn't, and kitchen gadgets is no exception. While on the road, one of the staples we ended up finding was a small air fryer. Although it doesn't get as much use as the slow cooker, it has been a boon for our travels. With a traditional coffee maker not surviving very long, a single cup coffee maker has been quite the help. This accepts the pods that are placed in fancy machines, or the regular grounds, with a travel mug fitting well beneath the machine. Although we've only used it while parked, one item that will serve us well is a miniature waffle maker. We brought a larger model with us that has seen rare use, and who knows what will happen with this smaller item, but at least they don't take up too much space.
Following your Internal Compass always seems like a great idea, but it's always a good idea to learn from the past when doing so. Here's to kitchen needs being in a better spot for the future.
For some, it's a summer pastime. For others, it's Sunday parking lot fun. For the full-time RVer, it's a year-round way of life. That's right, it's time to hit the grill and get cooking!
Selecting the right grill for you really depends on what your family's needs are. If you're the weekend camping type, just a small stove with disposable propane canisters may do. Maybe you're still stationary, and have one of those large backyard patio or deck grills. If you travel, you might be lucky enough to have a grill attached to your rig! If you're like us at the time this is written, you may have one of those small folding camping grills. Fuels also come with several options. Propane is one of the easiest and most popular. Charcoal is also an option. Perhaps a special type of wood for flavoring is your cup of tea, or even just a few logs from the forest. On top of all of this, there is several different surfaces. You might want the iron bars, maybe a flat-top griddle plate, or there could be a burner to the side for a saucepan. The possibilities are endless!
Once you have your grill, the most important thing is to get comfortable with the appliance. You're not going to be Bobby Flay the first time you throw a piece of meat on the iron; even he needed thousands of hours of practice to become a master chef. Also remember that every grill is different. Some are hotter than others, some require more time and/or fuel, even the weather outside could play a factor, and the time you find in the recipe book isn't necessarily going to be all that accurate. This is where grilling becomes less of a science, and more of an art. Get some practice on the cheap cuts first, figure out how it cooks, try some different techniques, and eventually you'll be making great food.
You don't have to go into making some good food on the grill completely blind, though; try out these tips. First thing is to use that cover to your advantage. Once that goes down, the grill turns into an oven, and will allow the middle of the food to cook. Obviously keep the proper air flow in there, as oxygen is needed to keep the flame going. Next, for some of your food, if you want those nice crossing grill marks, prepare to cook twice on both sides, one in each direction to line up the bars. You could even just do a quick sear the second time around to get the marks. Lastly, to make sure your food is properly cooked, know how to "feel" your meat. There's a soft, cushy part of the outside of your hand between your thumb and forefinger. When you feel that part with your hand open, that's rare. Curl in those fingers, and that's medium. Now clench those fingers to make a fist, and you're at well done. The side of the tongs will show you a similar sort of "bounce" on your meat, and will tell you your temp. Remember that letting the meat rest brings it up a little more, so plan ahead.
So while you're following your internal compass, get out that grill and start cooking. In no time, you and your friends may start thinking you're a pro.
When we did the original questions and answers, we were asked questions along the lines of where we'll get our mail, what state we'd live in, and things like that. The beauty with full-time RVing is that you can make it whatever you want to be. Here's what we ended up doing, and as always this isn't legal advice, so do your own research.
The first thing is to choose a place to "live". You'll have a domicile that serves as your "on paper" address in case any legal things come up. There are a few things that you'll want to take into account. Income taxes is a big one, and you'll more than likely want to pick a place without a state income tax. Obviously where you workamp may mean you'll have to file in that state, but cross that bridge when you get there. Auto and RV registration and insurance are also a big thing. Some states won't insure a full-time RVer, so be ready for that. If you have, or plan to have, children with you, then the homeschooling requirements need to be considered, assuming you aren't sending them to some form of boarding school. Health coverage is also something to keep in mind, and as much as there are national plans available, they don't do business in every state. You may also be able to use where you are working to your advantage.
So you've finally figured out your plan, and it's time to head to that state and make it happen. Driver's license switch over is usually your best "date of record" for changing residency, as the state ID is usually a top indicator of where your domicile is. Make sure to do some research, and set up appointment times to get the paperwork done. Look ahead to make sure you have all the necessary forms and proofs. Then comes vehicle registrations. Remember it may be county based instead of state based. Be sure you kept receipts when you purchased the vehicle and RV. Whether you choose to register and insure in that state or another, that's up to you, but as always, make sure you can do it, it's the right price, and whether you want to deal with hassles of state inspections; some states require them, while others do not. Be sure to also establish some local credit union accounts, primary doctors, pet licenses if you have a fur baby, voter registrations, and so on.
As with any sort of move, there are always some downsides. First is that a number of regulatory agencies seem to insist that every person must have a base physical residential address. How strictly this is followed depends on who you work with and what you're doing, but don't be thrown for a loop if you're all of a sudden denied a product or service because the address on your driver's license is a private mailbox, or it happens to be "a business". Even getting a mailbox requires a "physical address", but they are more respondent to living in your RV; just work with your mail service. Secondly, separate yourself as much as you can from your old location. There was a story about a couple who went full-time RVing, moved from one state to another, established the aforementioned, never returned for several years, but the old state seemed to believe the couple never left because they weren't stationary in their new state, and then hit the couple for large amounts of back taxes, upheld by the courts. Finally, at least in terms of federal taxes, any workamping you do is going to be as an independent contractor, so get familiar with schedules C and SE, and be ready to pay social security and medicare taxes, which are in addition to the income tax minus standard deduction. You may also have to do estimated tax payments, so try to plan ahead, and figure out where you're going to be.
You end up going through a lot to Follow your Internal Compass, but once you get everything established, you're ready to see this beautiful country.
Another anniversary is upon us. No, it's not a celebration of 247 days on the road as of the day this is published, although the slightly quixotic nature one can develop in this life may make you think of that, since we do experience this 24/7.
No, it was actually one year ago that we started giving full-time RVing serious consideration. The idea of full-time RVing hasn't been a foreign idea to us. Ever since we first met, we've spent our lives on the road. Sure, we had a couple home bases, but always wanted to be out there exploring the country. Even during our corporate days, preliminary talks of all-remote work gave us a chance to think this lifestyle could be a possibility, though the idea was quickly nixed by the corporate board, so we were stuck. We did our best to make do with what we had, building a life as best we could while curtailing outside pressures. However, with the further suffocating nature of the location to where we were tied at the time, coupled with the accurately perceived closing of corporate chapters in our lives, along with the collapse of depreciating possessions around us, it was definitely time to figure out a new path.
Full-time RVing, as is documented by many in the life including us, isn't exactly something into which you can just jump at the snap of a finger. Have a plan going in, even if it all goes haywire once you're on the road and have to make a few adjustments. Assuming you're not of retirement age, unless you're taking a corporate life with you, which is becoming less likely due to their demands of you being stationary yet citing "service reliability", you're going to be self-employed. Have a "rock" on which to base yourself, and then expand from there. We can still remember driving towards a nature preserve thinking about what the name of our travel brand would be. Miles of word association happened before we finally clamored upon what you see today, "Freedom Rolling". We start with a website and a blog, expand to social media, and who knows what sort of other ventures we'll try.
Looking back at the actual transition, it really hearkens unto us why we chose the name "Freedom Rolling" in the first place. The "Rolling" part is somewhat obvious, since we're living on the road, we'd be "rolling" across the country. However, the "Freedom" part is really the interesting one. Our original plan was to try this out for two months, see if we like it, and then make it a permanent choice. However, when you own a house, especially in a location that has a zoning board enforcing insane ordinances that basically prohibit you from traveling for more than a week in the summer, two months became two one-week spans. Take the time to take stock in your current situation. How "free" do you want to be, and how does that fit with where you are now? For us, if we're not tied to a location, that's our freedom. It does come with its own sacrifices, just as any life does, but you figure it out as you go forward.
Take some time and listen to that internal compass. One year ago, the opportunity arose for us to follow it, and it may soon do the same for you.
So you've finally decided to take the plunge to go full-time RVing. You left a nice office or retail job, all this great work experience, and you think it might help. Time to throw all of that out the window, because you're in for a fun time.
When you're on the road, in order to make ends meet, you'll find that you're going to be doing just about everything. If you're a jack of all trades and master of none, this lifestyle is perfect. If you're a master of something, though, you'll end up becoming a jack of all trades in no time flat. Your corporate life isn't a complete waste, though, because you can at least use those experiences to better what happens around you, especially when it comes to workamping. Transition will be tough, but after a while, you can make it work. Plus, when looking for workamping jobs, the more you have under your belt, the better.
What sort of odd jobs might you encounter on the road? Everyone and their mother says they're an RV mechanic, even if it means they changed a tire on their rig a couple years ago. Vehicle maintenance is usually the big one. Sometimes, you may find yourself with other odd jobs. You might find yourself replacing electrical outlets at the business where you're parked. Heck, you may even be erecting a barbed wire fence around a facility in the middle of what would otherwise be winter. You name the odd job, and there's probably someone out here that has done it.
If there's one thing that is definitely worth bringing along for your RV adventure, it's a good set of tools. Almost assuredly you'll use each one within the first month, and within a couple more, will be replacing bits and blades. Even the stuff you don't think you might need, like an angle grinder or reciprocating saw, have one for yourself. A good company will help reimburse you for the consumable tools, and although they may prefer you to use theirs first, it's understandable if you're more comfortable with the power and capability of your own stuff.
Following your internal compass isn't an easy life, but you'd be surprised at what you learn to do out there on the road, and what you can put to good use.
As of the time of writing this, several places around the world have seen truck convoys criss-cross their respective countries. In a way, they're doing their own version of travel and boondock. In the RV world, this is a way of life going from place to place, and our ways aren't that much different, especially after lessons learned.
There are two incredibly important consumables when on the road or out in the wild. The first, and probably most important, is water. It's required for the body to function properly, and is the main culprit for these sorts of events ending prematurely. Under general circumstances, you want to plan for one gallon of drinking water per person, per day. You'll have a little wiggle room for hot and muggy weather, where you'll consume at least double what you normally do, but a few extra gallons wouldn't hurt should those days be in the forecast. Remember that water is relatively weighty, so keep this in mind when positioning everything. Also keep in mind that this is on top of any water in your "potable" tank that you carry, and would use for boiling, dishwashing, cleaning, and other applications you may take for granted. You might not use much during strict travel days, but always good to have and not need, than not have and need.
The second most important consumable is an obvious one, and that's fuel. Stories came during the aforementioned convoy activities about providing diesel to those participating. When in the RV, propane is one of the most important fuels, but also gasoline and, in some cases, diesel fuel. Sure, you'll need to power a truck or motorcoach, but what about a generator for appliances? Not everything runs off 12-volt direct current, and batteries only last so long. Maybe carry an extra tank or two with you. Also remember, when traveling, you use more fuel when you have to pull more behind you, so keep that in your plans, and also have that reserve, using it only if you're stuck in the middle of nowhere.
There's one other "consumable" to keep in mind, especially when traveling, but it's not exactly something you directly pack. It's the energy within your own physical body. Travel takes its toll on every person, whether you're driving the rig, sitting next to the driver thumbing through large books of maps, or kicking from the back seat shouting, "Are we there yet?!" Really figure out not only how much you can do in a day, but how many consecutive days you can do that. When you're boondocking, consider what you'll be doing during the day. How much energy will that take out of you? Can you fit in a sort of "rest day"? Finding your limits can take practice, and you probably won't get it right the first couple of times, but eventually you learn your needs and can plan around them.
When following your internal compass, be prepared for what you consume, and what you wish to use. Never take anything for granted, plan for more than what you think you need, and be ready for the adventure that awaits you.
To go full-time RVing, whether alone or with a family, you already have to be slightly crazy. However, after a few months, especially with outside dependencies who have pre-determined the "acceptability" of this lifestyle, or lack thereof, it can drive you absolutely insane. So how do you keep your sanity?
One of the main drivers of insanity as a full-time RVer is space. Is it really the amount of space you carry with you, or merely the perception of the same? Sure, the home is much smaller than your typical suburban house, and because people have grown so accustomed to the castle, it's all you might see. Once you step outside the four walls, you begin to see the space you truly have. Millions of square miles surround you, and it is your oyster. Some of the most prominent people in history have been explorers. Sure, people thought they were crazy, but it was those four walls that made them that way. You might not have a paragraph about which your descendants read in the fifth grade, but maybe you won't become insane by feeling trapped.
With the space comes the proximity to the family. Let's face it, with a moving home and a single vehicle, you're going to be with your family a LOT. It doesn't matter how well you got along before you packed it all up, either, because being around each other for that long will drive you bonkers. So how do you make it work? Figure out a way to have some "alone time". Take different jobs for workamping, different schedules, or even different locations. Maybe one person is outside "the walls" while another person is inside. Most importantly with doing this, though, is to make sure the time is respected. If you're calling the other every half hour, are you really giving them that space?
One other important thing, and it even applies if you full-time on your own, is to give your body a chance to relax. Just like the stationary lifestyle, a delicate balance between work and play is needed. You may have decided to get into the RV to "re-tune" yourself. Give yourself that chance! Nature provides plenty for you to be able to do this. Sure, one set of issues may have been traded in for another, but the fear of them becoming overwhelming doesn't have to burden you. Take a little time, gather yourself, and then you'll be able to have more focus and concentration on what needs to be done.
Following your Internal Compass no longer has to become a nightmare of insanity. There are plenty of ways to re-focus yourself, and it will become something to enjoy for a lifetime.
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