The little things you've had to resolve - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Froggi · RV-Dreams Family Member

The little things you've had to resolve

sgad · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Froggi,
One of the things that I have had to rethink since RVing solo is navigation. When I'm driving my 38 foot rig (and towing another 12 feet or so of toad) I've got enough to do without trying to read a map or read the names of streets and street numbers. I also quickly learned that it's not that easy to find somewhere to pull over when you are in such a big unit. When a couple is involved this can usually be resolved by the mutual plotting of a course before setting out and the 'co-pilot' acting as navigator while on the road. We singles do not have this luxury.
So when I purchased my MH one of the first things I had installed (along with a washing machine and a dryer), even before I took delivery of it, was an in-dash GPS system (in my case a Pioneer AVIC-N2). I realize that Howard never grew to appreciate the portable one he bought sometime ago but I found it to be a God send for us solo travelers.

Froggi · RV-Dreams Family Member

Great input! I have a small Garmin that I bought in case I needed to get "unlost" but fully admit that I don't know how to use most of the stuff it offers. Technology seems to get tougher to assimilate as I age....<g> Guess I have more reason than ever to learn how to properly use it.

How do you plan your routes and gas stops? I worry about getting into a situation where I have to back up before I am really decent at it....

sgad · RV-Dreams Family Member

That's the great thing about modern GPS units--they plot the route for you, you just enter the address of your final distination. The last thing I do after unhooking everything and starting up my engine on those days I am changing campgrounds is to plug the address of the next campground into my Pioneer GPS and so far it has taken me there--no problem! If I want to force a certain route of my own chosing I simply enter addresses along (my preferred) route into the unit as way-points.
As for gas stops, my DP has a 100 gallon fuel tank so I don't have to stop for diesel that often but there are gas stations that handle diesel trucks all over (although I prefer Flying J's or TA's). The bigger problem is that there are caps on how much gas you can charge on a credit card at most of these places--these vary by type of card. This needs to change because the limit is too low for most RVers, particularly considering the raising cost of fuel these days.
I also installed a portable GPS (sorry Howard, a Garmin NUVI) in my toad since I use it extensively to see the sights surrounding where I am camped. It comes in handy for finding all of those local addresses.
As for fear of backing up--I have an entry just for the fears thread on that subject.

Froggi · RV-Dreams Family Member

Great input - thanks!

I've been reading about the gas cap issue....believe it or not, this problem has existed in a slightly different form for motorcyclists that do Iron Butt rides (say 1000 miles in 24 hours or 1500 miles in 36 hrs). Because they pump frequently in a very short period of time at different stations, their cards often get cut off if they don't notify their credit card companies.

Sucks that scammers & identity theft has brought us to this point...

SKOOBDO · RV-Dreams Family Member

I've resolved many things by buying any type of gadget that makes my job easier or helps me with safety or security. I'm a retired police officer and one thing for sure, 1 equals none and 2 equals one. Meaning if you have one flashlight that means you really don't have one. So you need two in order to have one. Why? because it might not work when you "really" need it, or you might pick it up and drop it and it breaks. I just carry back up anything and don't rely on one thing to get me through. So, I have back up ways to communicate and know what's going on around me and ways to transmit to the outside world. I always think "what if"? and I try to mitigate any possible issues so I can travel without worrying (which will be no fun). So, I'm pretty self-sufficient to travel alone and not have to worry about the what if

Many folks I run across at campgrounds have approached me asking me why I do what I do, or why I have this or that and I tell them for "back up". Many have taken my advice on safety and security gadgets and other gadgets to prevent damage to your trailer etc. I'm sure many folks on this forum have all kinds of gadgets to help them out too. I'll note that I do not use a GPS unit, primarily because they aren't always accurate, and when or it was to stop working you may be in a spot you'll have problems trying to navigate out on your own. I use the old fashion atlas and other books like the next exit which I remember every exit and every thing I pass because it forces you to pay attention. I like to know my surroundings at all times including the last mile marker I passed. I suggest anyone soloing, invest in anything that could make you safer and secured including making your rig safe from water leaks and electrical surges etc. that's my 2 cents. Allison