California Dreamin\u2019<\/em> in San Diego, CA.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
I am super excited to be guest-blogging RV Lifestyle features for the NIRVC blog and AIM Club. I look forward to sharing RV adventures and discoveries with you, and meeting YOU out there, on the road!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
My husband, Russ, and I are living, working, and traveling the U.S. full-time in our 2016 Entegra Aspire 40P Class A \u201cDiesel Pusher\u201d Motorhome: Charlie-The-Unicorn RV<\/em>. With Starfish<\/em>, our 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, in tow.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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I feel compelled to point out right here, right now: Sadly, we did not buy our Entegra from NIRVC, although we definitely will when we\u2019re ready to upgrade. (Shh! Don\u2019t tell <\/span>Charlie<\/span><\/i>! \u2764\ufe0f ) Quite simply, we didn\u2019t know about NIRVC when we found <\/span>Charlie-The-Unicorn<\/span><\/i> in August 2020.<\/span><\/p>\nWe came into the NIRVC family more than a year later, through the Service Department at NIRVC Atlanta, which is a whole \u2018nother story. For another time.<\/span><\/p>\nSuffice it to say, after our extraordinary experience with NIRVC, compared to our original dealership, we are <\/span>Raving Super Fans for National Indoor RV Centers and NIRVC Atlanta.<\/b><\/p>\nI just want to be clear: The dealership mentioned, but not named, in the article below was <\/span>not <\/b>National Indoor RV Centers.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
RV Road Trip: How We Survived Our First Epic 21 Day Adventure<\/b><\/h2>\n
Whether you are a seasoned RVer, a brand-new owner, or \u201c<\/span>just looking, thank you<\/span><\/i>\u201d \u2013 you know the RV industry, RV travel, RV life has changed dramatically over the last two years.<\/span><\/p>\nWith the unprecedented surge in RV sales, interest, enthusiasm, and rampant desire to <\/span>get out there<\/span><\/i>, it\u2019s a whole different scene at the dealership, on the road, in the parks, campgrounds and resorts.<\/span><\/p>\nThere are a lot more RV newbies out there\u2014 have you noticed?<\/span><\/p>\nWhile we still have the fresh perspective of first time RV buyers, I want to share the adventure (and terror) of picking up a new or new-to-you motorhome and hitting the road on your shakedown cruise \u2013 nostalgia for some, inside peek or preview for others.<\/span><\/p>\nOver 21 days, we learned at least one critical lesson every single day of our adventure. Since I don\u2019t want to overwhelm or scare anyone, I\u2019ll summarize and preface with just three:<\/span><\/p>\nTop 3 Surprising Lessons Learned On Our First RV Road Trip:<\/b><\/p>\n\n- Your RV is not trying to kill you (or maybe it is)<\/span><\/li>\n
- WalMart can be an RVers best destination???<\/span><\/li>\n
- Best way to learn? Get in and GO! (With plenty of Google and YouTube research first and all along the way ;-))<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Join us on our very first RV adventure, driving our new-to-us 40-foot Class A motorhome halfway across the country\u2026<\/p>\n
We survived \u2014 and so can you!<\/p>\n
\u2014<\/p>\n
By August 2020, our pandemic \/ Working From Home \/ travel shutdown response to the pandemic, living downtown Seattle in a high-rise:<\/p>\n
We bought a big RV!!! (Basically, a 400-square-foot condo on wheels.)\u00a0A beautiful 2016 Entegra Aspire 40P Class A Motorhome.<\/p>\n
We bought the Entegra, during the height of the pandemic, online, sight unseen (except for several video walk-thrus and independent inspection), through RV Trader, from a large, reputable dealership in Orlando, FL.<\/p>\n
I mentioned we lived in Seattle, Washington.\u00a0With Covid surging nationwide at the time, the dealer offered to transport and deliver the RV to their furthest-west dealership, in Des Moines, IA.<\/p>\n
Six weeks later, when the deal was finally done, we rented a car, packed it with all the starter RV equipment & supplies, and drove to Des Moines from Seattle.\u00a0We took delivery, and managed to get ourselves, and the RV, back to Washington State.<\/p>\n
It was our very first RV road trip, our first time driving an RV, other than a brief test-drive of a 2015 Aspire at an outdoor RV Show in Tacoma, WA (which is how we discovered and fell in love with the Entegra Aspire \u2013 our unicorn RV).<\/p>\n
This article is all about our first-ever epic RV Road Trip as complete newbies \u2014 here we go<\/em>!<\/strong><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nirvc.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/NIRVC-First-Blog-Image-2.jpg” title_text=”NIRVC-First-Blog-Image-2″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
RV Road Trip: How We Survived Our First Epic 21 Day Adventure<\/p>\n
Day 1 \u2013 RV Buyers Remorse?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n9\/28\/2020 \u2013 Des Moines, IA: Prairie Flower COE Campground<\/p>\n
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Text to Full-Time RV Friend \u2013 9:30 p.m.:<\/em><\/p>\nOMG. We\u2019re going to get better at this, right?! We\u2019re in the RV, at a nice COE (Corps of Engineers) campground somewhere outside of Des Moines. It\u2019s been a long day, with our first solo drive-away from the dealer in Des Moines, IA. They\u2019ve been\u00a0 <\/span>great. We screwed up and didn\u2019t realize this campground is electric only. No water at campsite?!<\/em><\/p>\nWe are learning things. I\u2019ve been good all day, but now I\u2019m having a panic attack \u2013 WHAT DID WE DO??? And how are we going to get all the way back home to Seattle? <\/em><\/p>\nFull-Time RV Friend:<\/em><\/p>\nHahahaha. That\u2019s what holding tanks & dump stations are for! You\u2019ll be fine! Do you love it? <\/em><\/p>\n10:06 p.m.:\u00a0 <\/span>I love it.<\/em><\/p>\nAfter a rough first day, we got settled very late at the COE campground. Russ learned how to back the RV into place quickly. Of course, both times he parked, he had people come up behind him on the one-way road. He did great. Fortunately, most people in an RV campground are very understanding and supportive.<\/p>\n
We accidentally set the RV alarm off twice, at 8:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m.<\/p>\n
Leaving the dealership<\/p>\n
We stayed at the RV dealership until about 3:00 p.m. Video walk-thru with our Florida salesman and tech. Follow-up with local tech & service department.<\/p>\n
The people at Des Moines were great, to a point. We had a lot of questions they really worked to resolve. But didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n
The biggest one was a bedroom slide-out that wouldn\u2019t fully extend out and fall into place. It was off by only about an inch or so. They reassured us it was nothing to prevent safe travel or create any problems.<\/p>\n
Their advice was to drive it and the slide would \u201cprobably\u201d fall into place. It didn\u2019t. But it got us off the lot.<\/p>\n
RV newbie campground mistakes:<\/strong><\/p>\nOur biggest mistake (first day): We reserved a space in a lovely Corps of Engineers campground \u2014 $22 per night \u2013 with 50amp electric service, but no water at the site! Or sewer. This could get messy.<\/p>\n
Which made it really freaking hard (turns out: impossible) to flush, sanitize, and fill the 100-gallon fresh water tank.<\/p>\n
We spent nearly the entire night trying to sanitize and flush the fresh water tank, which is A Process<\/em>, especially with no water at the campsite. In the rain.<\/p>\n(Windshield wipers broke on Russ\u2019s first drive out of the dealership to the campground. In the pouring rain. On the interstate, in fairly heavy rush-hour traffic. On his own. I was leading in the rental car, but hadn\u2019t yet figured out how to be a good pace car. But I digress.)<\/p>\n
At the campground, we put out the slides. Did it fix the bedroom slide? No, it did not.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Leveled with auto leveler (not level).<\/p>\n
\u2014 Plugged into power, which we figured out by reading the owner\u2019s manual.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Settled in for an uneventful night.<\/p>\n
Except for the accidental alarm at 1:30 a.m.<\/p>\n
Whew \u2014 What a day!<\/p>\n
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Day 2 \u2013 Learning to Drive<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nDes Moines, IA: Griff\u2019s RV Resort<\/p>\n
What a weird thing, to wake up at 5:30 a.m., in Iowa, in our very own RV.<\/p>\n
Yesterday was crazy: exciting, frustrating, overwhelming, scary\u2026 by 11:00 p.m., I was ready to give in to a full-blown panic attack:<\/p>\n
WHAT HAVE WE DONE??? (And were we crazy to do it?)<\/p>\n
The next morning, we left the campground early for a last run to WalMart for supplies. (Who knew, by the end of our three-week adventure, WalMart would be our new best shopping destination. Trust me, there are reasons!)<\/p>\n
After the WalMart run, it was time to return the rental car in Des Moines.<\/p>\n
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I think our RV is trying to kill us<\/p>\n
Even in retrospect, Day 2 was the scariest day of all. I was driving the rental car, trying to get it turned in before the deadline. I waited for Russ at the entrance of the campground, but I figured he was okay, and I went ahead. Big Mistake.<\/p>\n
By the time I finally got to the rental agency across town (not in the best part of Des Moines, IA), I had no idea where he was in the 40-foot RV.<\/p>\n
I walked across the street to a QuikTrip to scope out a place where he could pull over to pick me up. Plenty of room. I called his cell phone, one of the most frightening conversations of my life.<\/p>\n
I could barely understand him over the noisy connection, but he was as near to a panic as I\u2019ve ever heard my typically calm, laid-back hubs:<\/p>\n
\u201cSomething isn\u2019t right\u201d<\/p>\n
He pulled up to the gas station and I got on board. It was quickly apparent that there was something seriously wrong with the RV.<\/p>\n
As if suddenly, there were no shock absorbers or stabilizers anywhere on the 40\u2019 chassis.<\/p>\n
The entire RV was literally leaping and rocking dangerously, exaggerated in slow motion: forward and back, side to side. Bunny hopping, porpoising. It was like trying to ride a bucking bronco. A really angry bronco, trying to kill you. It was terrifying.<\/p>\n
Somehow we made it to the closest campground we could find with all of this going on. Fortunately, we were still in Des Moines, still close to the dealership. We called and told them we would be back first thing in the morning.<\/p>\n
Safely parked for the night<\/p>\n
Once we were able to calm down, we were able to assess the damage and research what could have caused the chaos.<\/p>\n
With full hook-ups at the RV park, we were finally able to finish the fresh water tank prep.<\/p>\n
Knock on wood, we had not had a sewer disaster. Yet. (I was still kind of afraid to use the RV toilet \u2014 not sure what I could do in the RV, what I could safely use, when: water, bathroom, appliances, lights, etc.)<\/p>\n
We broke out the new Blackstone Griddle we\u2019d brought all the way across country in the rental car. Grilled steaks. Yum.<\/p>\n
We made the steak into awesome fajitas, made possible with the discovery of fresh squeeze Guacamole<\/em> at the WalMart. (Who knew?!)<\/p>\nAfter such a harrowing day, with a good dinner and adult beverages, we finally started to figure things out.<\/p>\n
We went through the rig and documented all the things that were not quite right with our gently-used five-year-old motorhome.<\/p>\n
We made a punch list for the dealer, under their 30-day warranty.<\/p>\n
We thought maybe we\u2019d even figured out the bucking bronco situation.<\/p>\n
\u2013> I\u2019ve learned, after a lifetime with mechanical things, and humans, too: sometimes you just need to turn things off and give it a rest, to re-set.<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nirvc.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/NIRVC-First-Blog-Image-6.png” title_text=”NIRVC-First-Blog-Image-6″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Day 3 \u2013 Our Epic RV Road Trip Begins (?)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nOnawa, IA: On-Ur-Wa RV Park<\/p>\n
Text to Mother-In-Law \/ RV Mentor \u2013 8:12 a.m.:\u00a0 <\/span><\/em><\/p>\nWe made it! Two nights in, still in Iowa, FSO (figuring stuff out). It\u2019s an adventure, for sure. So far, so\u2026 well, it\u2019s a shakedown\/learning cruise. We\u2019ll try to check in soon. Love, S&R <\/em><\/p>\nIOWA IS WINDY!!! <\/em><\/p>\nFSO \u2013 Figuring Stuff Out<\/p>\n
We took our first RV showers, before heading out early to wait for the dealership to open.<\/p>\n
It was an uneventful morning drive to the dealership. Our bucking bronco was under control. We hung out at the dealership for a couple of hours. Ultimately, they were not able to get us in for service. (By late September 2020, the surge had already begun.)<\/p>\n
We were able to confirm the problem from the day before, which Russ had already researched and figured out online, having to do with air pressure and getting to ride height<\/em>. Everything was okay again.<\/p>\n\u2192 Ride height<\/em> is the setting for the air suspension on your<\/strong> chassis<\/strong>. Ride Height is very, very important.<\/p>\nAfter consulting with everyone in Des Moines, and our salesman in Florida, we were advised to head home to Seattle. Everything was safe and drive-able, in good working order.\u00a0Except for the windshield wiper. They ordered the parts for us, shipped to Seattle.\u00a0Under the 30-day warranty, they agreed to fix all of the relatively minor issues we had listed, working with a partner dealership or RV service in Washington State.<\/p>\n
I was more than ready:<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s just GO!\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\nWe made it 176 miles to Onawa, Iowa. A small campground just off the interstate, behind a gas station\/convenience store and a Dairy Queen.<\/p>\n
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We carried a bag of garbage all 176 miles because we forgot to dump it on the way out of the campground in Des Moines. (Don\u2019t do that.)<\/p>\n
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Day 4 \u2013 RV Road Trip: Return To Start<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nDes Moines, IA: At the Dealership<\/p>\n
Text to non-RV Friend \u2013 3:33 p.m.: <\/em><\/p>\nWell\u2026 we WERE on the road. And everything was great today. It still is (finally), but dealer called and wants us back for warranty work, instead of sending us back to Seattle. Long story. All good. So we\u2019re driving back four hours now to get it done. <\/em><\/p>\nShakedown cruise\u2013 it\u2019s been an adventure! Stressful at times, but we love the rig and we\u2019re going to ENJOY THE ADVENTURE!<\/em><\/p>\nBack where we started, at the dealership in Des Moines. Staying overnight inside their lot. Locked in. Nobody else around but the security guard. And us.<\/p>\n
All good.<\/p>\n
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Day 5 \u2013 RV Dealership Problems<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nOnawa, IA: On-Ur-Wa Campground (again)<\/p>\n
Facebook post:<\/em><\/p>\nRV Adventure Update (Day 5): After another day in Des Moines, walking the cornfields to search out Margaritas (fab Mexican food in Iowa, who knew?!), and then discovering the horse track\/casino for a couple hours to pass time\u2026 dealership didn\u2019t fix a single issue: \u201cNeed parts.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\nAll fairly minor issues (except for one). We drove away.<\/em><\/p>\nGotta get out of Iowa. They\u2019re sending parts to Seattle. We\u2019ll figure it out. <\/em><\/p>\nWe shouldn\u2019t even need that other windshield wiper, right?!<\/em><\/p>\n\n
Day 6 \u2013 RV Campgrounds in South Dakota<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nMitchell, SD: Dakota Campground<\/p>\n
To RV Friend \u2013 7:22 a.m.: <\/em><\/p>\n5 days in \u2014 steep learning curve. Driving home without windshield wipers. We\u2019re\u00a0 <\/span>going to stay in South Dakota Mon \u2013 Fri next week so Russ can WFH (Zoom & \u201cgreen screen\u201d (a bedsheet)). LOL. He did manage to set up great mobile internets. This is going to be interesting.<\/em><\/p>\n10:35 p.m.: <\/em><\/p>\nWe are all good. The dealer is fine. We\u2019ll work it all out. We are having fun and very excited. Problems could be so much worse.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\nToday, we banged up our $500 rear rock guard (hangs down below rear\u00a0 <\/span>bumper). Our fault, learning curve. That\u2019s the biggest expense\/problem so far. Meh. We\u2019re still rolling! <\/em><\/p>\nTo Rapid City, SD tomorrow. For the week! Then to Spokane, WA for the next week! Home 10\/18.<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nirvc.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/NIRVC-First-Blog-Image-8.png” title_text=”NIRVC-First-Blog-Image-8″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Day 7 \u2013 RV Resorts in South Dakota<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nSpearfish, SD: Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort<\/p>\n
Text to Mother-In-Law \/ RV Mentor \u2013 2:45pm:<\/em><\/p>\nThe Adventure is exhausting & stressful at times. Watched Russ crawl under the back end and rig up our Entegra rock guard. He\u2019s pretty amazing! <\/em><\/p>\nAt least 3 new \u201clearning experiences\u201d every day so far.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\nIt\u2019s a lot like driving away from the hospital with a brand new baby. We don\u2019t know what the heck we\u2019re doing. A lot could go wrong. <\/em><\/p>\nMother-In-Law\u2019s advice: <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\nTrust us, it will mellow out, just not for a while. But that\u2019s where all the fun is. You weren\u2019t hoping for a boring life were you? <\/em><\/p>\n<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nDay 8 \u2013 RV Internets & WFH \u2013 Working From Home<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nSpearfish, SD: Elkhorn Ridge<\/p>\n
Monday \u2013 7:45 a.m.:\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\nI woke up feeling so much better today. I spent much of yesterday with a headache, backache, and WORRYING ABOUT EVERYTHING. Second-guessing all of this.<\/p>\n
Today is better.<\/p>\n
Russ is back to work. On Zoom.<\/p>\n
First thing we did last night was test the internets. We seem to be doing okay (running Google Internet speed tests for download & upload speeds). A little tenuous with the upload speeds, maybe. Unfortunately, that is the most important thing for Zoom calls.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s going to be fine.<\/p>\n
We are at a lovely campground in Spearfish, SD, about half-hour past Rapid City.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nirvc.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/NIRVC-First-Blog-Image-9.jpg” title_text=”NIRVC-First-Blog-Image-9″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
NON RV-Friendly Adventures On The Way<\/p>\n
We checked out several campgrounds between Rapid City and Spearfish, got lost on a dangerous NOT RV FRIENDLY road searching out a KOA\u2026<\/p>\n
Lost and dangerously off the RV friendly<\/em> route\u2026<\/p>\nWe discovered Deadwood, South Dakota<\/strong> in the mountains. Very cool old gold rush town, revitalized and very active with trendy (touristy) restored buildings, shops, bars, and restaurants. The Old West, updated.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\nWe couldn\u2019t stop, lost in the 40-foot beast. There was no place we could have safely pulled off to park. We can hardly wait to come back with a \u201ctoad\u201d (tow vehicle hooked up to the back of the RV) so we can get out and explore!<\/p>\n
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Day 9 \u2013 RV Support: Programs & Memberships<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nSpearfish, SD: Elkhorn Ridge<\/p>\n
To Full-Time RV Friend \u2013 8:45 a.m.: <\/em><\/p>\nThanks for all the info & support. Our first week was crazy & scary with what we didn\u2019t know. The worst was riding around our 2nd day in a 40-foot bucking bronco because we hadn\u2019t filled the air pressure to ride height. Bashed up our rear Entegra rock guard plate. Russ had to jerry-rig it up with new bolts & links at a Menard\u2019s parking lot in Mitchell, SD. <\/em><\/p>\nSo many little things to learn with water and tanks and toilets and electrical.<\/p>\n
And\u2026 the washing machine doesn\u2019t work! No power. The dryer works. We suspect there\u2019s a blown fuse inside the washer, which is a hassle to repair or replace, apparently.<\/p>\n
So I\u2019m at the campground laundry today.<\/p>\n
Thoughts on RV Programs & Memberships<\/p>\n
\u2014 The several Good Sam<\/strong> campgrounds we have stayed at have been terrific. The KOA here was more expensive than the resort we ended up at for the week. Variable by location, I know.<\/p>\n\u2014 We\u2019ve been using RV Life<\/strong> for \u201cRV-friendly\u201d GPS & campground info. Super helpful, when we follow the GPS. We haven\u2019t figured out their Trip Wizard<\/strong> trip planning & routing thing online, which is part of the membership. We will. (Next road trip!)<\/p>\n\u2014 The Entegra Owner\u2019s Group<\/strong> on Facebook has been a godsend!!!<\/p>\nIt\u2019s all good. We have so many little things to resolve and figure out.<\/p>\n
RVs in general seem a lot more delicate than I expected \u2014 so many things!<\/p>\n
Quote from my Full-Time RV Friend:<\/em><\/p>\nRV\u2019s are delicate but they also survive dozens of earthquakes all day while you drive. I\u2019m honestly surprised more doesn\u2019t happen.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/span><\/em><\/p>\nDay 10 \u2013 Uneventful Work Day in the RV!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nSpearfish, SD: Elkhorn Ridge<\/p>\n
Incredible sunset walks around the extensive resort property. There is a trail out into the fields, bison on the horizon. The trail goes around a mile or more to the gas station \/ convenience store at the exit from the Interstate. Deli & wine cellar \u2014 great selection of goodies. Life is good.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nirvc.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/NIRVC-First-Blog-Image-10.jpg” title_text=”NIRVC-First-Blog-Image-10″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Day 11 \u2013 We\u2019re Doing This!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nSpearfish, SD: Elkhorn Ridge<\/p>\n
Early October in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It is gorgeous & warm. So very peaceful.<\/p>\n
Still FSO (Figuring Stuff Out), but we haven\u2019t had any \u201cspecial learning experiences\u201d since Tuesday!<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve enjoyed staying in place for a few days. Russ\u2019s Zoom Seattle background & internets are working out great.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve been organizing, decorating, and managing life\/work stuff, trying to finish two October books for Book Group(s) next week (via Zoom!).<\/p>\n
All good\u2026 until we get home and can fix the windshield wipers\u2026 and the washer\/fuse issues\u2026 and the fresh water tank\/city water valve on the water thing, and\u2026 oh, the rock guard thing that hangs down below the rear bumper\u2026 yeah. Small things!<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nirvc.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/NIRVC-First-Blog-Image-11.jpg” title_text=”NIRVC-First-Blog-Image-11″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Day 12 \u2013 RV-Friendly WalMart<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nBuffalo, WY: Indian Campground<\/p>\n
We checked out of Elkhorn Ridge early on Friday. Drove to a WalMart parking lot off the Interstate and set up the internets, so Russ could finish his Zoom calls for the day, without the interruption of 11:00 a.m. check-out at the campground.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s the great thing about WalMart (and no, I can\u2019t believe I\u2019m saying this): They are definitely RV-friendly, catering to traveling shoppers:<\/p>\n
\n- WalMart locations all over the country, easy access from the Interstates.<\/li>\n
- Enormous, well-lit and marked parking lots make it easy to navigate and park large vehicles.<\/li>\n
- Many WalMarts allow overnight parking for RVs, if you check with local management.<\/li>\n
- WalMart offers a full grocery store and everything else, including many specialty RV parts & supplies.<\/li>\n
- Because you\u2019re going to be in the store spending money at some point, they don\u2019t mind if you park for a couple of hours. Or several.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Which is what we did.<\/p>\n
It worked out great: I shopped and stocked up on supplies for the next week, while Russ finished his calls for the day (good internet access, too!).<\/p>\n
With our late afternoon start, we ended up at an overnight campground (not a WalMart \u2014 we\u2019re not that brave yet!), right off the Interstate in Buffalo, WY.<\/p>\n
Turns out, they were closing for the season the next day, so everything was pretty much shut down, which was fine for the quick overnight.<\/p>\n
<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nDay 13 \u2013 Our RV Road Trip Continues\u2026<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n& Harvest Hosts!<\/span><\/p>\nBozeman, MT: Sentinel Alpaca Ranch<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nirvc.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/NIRVC-First-Blog-Image-13.png” title_text=”NIRVC-First-Blog-Image-13″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
So\u2026 Harvest Hosts!<\/p>\n
RV Camping At 2594+ Wineries, Breweries, Farms and More!<\/p>\n
A membership program that invites self-contained RVers to enjoy unique overnight stays.<\/p>\n
FREE* OVERNIGHT CAMPING at some of the coolest, most unique destinations you can imagine across country!<\/p>\n
*FREE overnight camping, but you agree, as a member, to support these small businesses in exchange, by touring the property, enjoying a meal or entertainment, or buying something (a bottle of wine\/beer or other products available: farm fresh eggs & produce, alpaca yarn products!) \u2014 depending on what they offer, of course.<\/p>\n
Sentinel Ranch<\/strong> was our first Harvest Hosts experience. We were a little nervous:<\/p>\n\n- The locations can be a little off the beaten path, to get to the farms, wineries, and other amazing places.<\/li>\n
- \u201cSelf-contained\u201d = Boondocking.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Boondocking or \u201cdry camping\u201d means surviving overnight in your RV without any hook-ups (electric, water, sewer). You rely on your batteries, maybe a generator (if you have one and if it\u2019s allowed), your own tank of fresh water, and gray & black water tanks.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n\u2014 Gray water = everything that goes down the sink or shower.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Black water = everything that goes down the toilet.<\/p>\n
You take your garbage with you when you go.<\/p>\n
Without hook-ups, the RV is basically a very complex tent.<\/p>\n
5:30 a.m. trip to the bathroom: All was quiet. One bathroom accent light. And all the chargers, silently charging iPhones, watches, iPads & my Kindle, sipping away on battery power, with a little auto-boost from the generator every once in a while, when the house batteries got low.<\/p>\n
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Day 14 \u2013 Casino Campground (NOT a Harvest Host)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nSpokane, WA: Northern Quest Casino<\/p>\n
After spending the morning with the Alpacas at Sentinel Ranch<\/strong>, we drove out with a huge load of Alpaca products from their gift shop (over $100 in Alpaca yarn socks, hats, dryer balls(!), and gifty things for Christmas presents).<\/p>\nDestination: Spokane, WA to see our daughter!<\/p>\n
We reserved a campsite at the Northern Quest Casino \u2014 a brand-new campground area next to the enormous casino property.<\/p>\n
Casinos, like WalMart, often have free overnight parking available, for their clientele who will be spending money in the casino or lounges. It\u2019s generally \u201crough\u201d parking (boondocking, as described above) and the casinos often require the purchase of resort credits, or enrollment in the casino club card program, in exchange for free parking.<\/p>\n
Not being gamblers like that, we opted to stay & pay in the campground \u2014 a manicured and landscaped property, with big, paved spaces and full hook-ups. Very clean, very nice, very expensive (relatively). No gambling required.<\/p>\n
Because the campground was so new, there were no trees or other windbreaks, on a very windy, open plain. Adding to the general turbulence, an ambulance, lights and sirens blaring, arrived in the middle of the night at the site across from us.<\/p>\n
Russ slept through it. I did not.<\/p>\n
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Day 15 \u2013 RV Laundry Day<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nSpokane, WA: Northern Quest Casino<\/p>\n
Northern Quest Casino Campground does have a brand-new laundry room: Very fancy. Very expensive.<\/p>\n
By lunchtime, there were weather warnings of extreme winds in the area overnight and through the next day.<\/p>\n
It was time to move somewhere else.<\/p>\n
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Day 16 \u2013 Changing Locations<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nSpokane, WA: Deer Park RV Resort<\/p>\n
Thanks to Good Sam<\/strong> and suggestions on our Entegra Owner\u2019s Facebook Group, we discovered Deer Park RV Resort, just north of Spokane \u2014 on a golf course!<\/p>\n<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nDay 17 \u2013 LP = Liquid Propane<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nSpokane, WA: Deer Park RV Resort<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nirvc.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/NIRVC-First-Blog-Image-3.jpg” title_text=”NIRVC-First-Blog-Image-3″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
(I think our RV is trying to kill us \u2013 2.0)<\/p>\n
It may be because I\u2019ve been reading The Haunting of Hill House<\/em> by Shirley Jackson for Midtown ATL Book Group (spooky!), but I think the RV may have tried to kill us last night (again!)<\/strong>:<\/p>\n3:00 A.M. LP GAS ALARM!!! \u2014 for no apparent reason. (LP gas was OFF & the alarm cleared immediately when re-set.)<\/p>\n
Russ says it was trying to protect us. I slept (eventually) with all the windows open.<\/p>\n
Trying to get used to all of this.<\/p>\n
\n
Day 18 \u2013 RV Life<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nSpokane, WA: Deer Park RV Resort<\/p>\n
I\u2019m still asking my hubs dumb questions:<\/p>\n
\n- Is it okay to use the bathroom?<\/li>\n
- Can I flush the toilet?<\/li>\n
- Can I use the sink?<\/li>\n
- Can I open the refrigerator?<\/li>\n
- I don\u2019t want to mess anything up.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Case in point: closing the bathroom door at a rest stop (trapping a fly).<\/p>\n
I closed the mid-ship bathroom door during travel to trap a fly. The door was stuck closed for the rest of the day. (Thankfully, I wasn\u2019t inside<\/em> the bathroom, with the fly.) We had no access to the set-up panel when we parked for the night. Frantic Facebook (Entegra Owner\u2019s Group) & Google research. We did eventually get it open.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\nSo much to learn.<\/p>\n
So much can go wrong.<\/p>\n
The stress of being homeless \u2014 having to find a place to park every night, preferably an hour before dark, with time to set everything up.<\/p>\n
Barely functional right now (me, not the RV).<\/p>\n
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<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n