what do you have that you wouldn't be without? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

jbarrett72 · RV-Dreams Family Member

what do you have that you wouldn't be without?

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

HD DirecTV sat dish on the roof...for me...

Combo washer/dryer...for the DW...

Macerator...makes an unpleasant job almost bearable...

janieD · RV-Dreams Family Member

My Kindle e-reader and my Magic Bullet blender. I know crazy but I use them both daily.

Gypsy Turtle 2 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Our W/D and the bedroom ceiling fan smile

azrving · RV-Dreams Family Member

Portable or built in generator, water filtration system, ceramic heaters, electric blanket, etc.

Paul and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

jbarrett72 wrote:
What do you have that you love and wouldn't be without???

My wife Jo! She's absolutely indispensible!

:)

Paul

jbarrett72 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks guys!! I knew you would come up with more! I've never even heard of a macerator! Had to google it! Sounds like something the DH would put on his "must have" list! Sat dish will be a must and we will need at least W/D hook ups just in case but the W/D, I think I can do without for awhile. (I say that, but it'll probably be the first thing we buy when on the road!) The Kindle I've actually given some thought to! Never had an interest in owning one until we've been talking about going full time. I hear you can get magazine subscriptions on them?? My Magic Bullet blender will def be going with (makes wonderful margaritas!) A ceiling fan in the bedroom.....hmmm, never thought of that one. Already have a portable generator, but a built in might be something to think about. NEVER thought about a water filtration system, but def something now going on the "must have" list, although that could be added after. Electric heater we already own in our TT now and the blanket I use on a nightly basis, wouldn't be without it! Aww...Paul, that's really sweet....I guess I should put my DH on the "must have" list too... smile

Jill

-- Edited by jbarrett72 on Monday 11th of April 2011 04:50:14 AM

K & E · RV-Dreams Family Member

As far as the actual RV, I would highly suggest the larger refrigerator (mostly for the extra freezer space) and the double-pane windows for noise reduction and better climate control. We also use our electric frying pan outside often especially for greasy foods to keep the stove cleaner. And for entertainment, we love our satellite TV dish and DVR. I also use my Sony ereader all the time and download free books from the library.

TerryG · RV-Dreams Family Member

Toaster oven.

faerie · RV-Dreams Family Member

i agree with the macerator. and a built in ice maker.

janni · RV-Dreams Family Member

Internet-Weber Q grill-generator-toaster oven-tv,dvd-satellite radio with docking boombox-stacking washer/dryer, electic heater, electric blanket, crock pot, s/s refrigerator. Am sure I missed some too.

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

FUN !!!!!

Bill Adams · RV-Dreams Family Member

I would include automatic levels for the coach, vote again for the W/D, having a computer for each person in the coach, cell phone for each person, gas grill outside (fixed or portable), Convection/Microwave or oven and microwave but we prefer the combo for space saving, a comfortable mattress to replace the original, good toilet paper and not the stuff they sell as RV toilet paper, fireproof safe. If the coach has the option for 30 or 50 amp power get 50 amp. A 30A coach has 30 total amps available for use. A 50A coach has 100A available for use (50A on each leg) so there is a big difference.

jayc · RV-Dreams Family Member

We're getting the Lippert Level-Up hydraulic leveling system installed soon, our free standing icemaker, the Kindle makes a lot of sense because it gets rid of the clutter of magazines and the weight of lots of books. There are many others but this is a good start.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sorry, but my Boston Acoustic tower speakers, sub-woofer, and the components that drive them. As good as the DRV entertainment center is, the Boston Acoustics are "night and day" above it.

Definitely Level-Up system.

Oh, and the wife and dogs. (Almost messed up there.)

Bibles.

Select Comfort bed.

I'm sure that I will think of others later.

Terry

Froggi · RV-Dreams Family Member

The answers to this are as varied as are the RVing options. LOL!

We love our electric fireplace but could live without it. We never use our dishwasher and I can't wait to change it out to extra storage space. I have already opted to keep my stack washer/dryer over getting a bigger motorcycle for me...LOL!

The 4 door side-by-side frig is wonderful but not a must have (although I don't know how I ever got by with a smaller one). Slides make a big difference in room and having a kitchen peninsula gives you so much more counter prep space...a must have for us.

For me a must have is the toilet in a separate spot from the bathroom sink. The electric awning is wonderful, just wish it dropped a bit lower but that seems to be an issue with all of the electric ones.

Some things I never think about but appreciate is the frig auto switching from gas to electric and back; water heater that runs on electric or gas; dual a/c units that were a godsend when one unit went out; fantastic fans with rain covers (didn't like the rain sensor that shut them down automatically, prefer them covered); convection/microwave

See, we could go on and on.....LOL!

2fortheroad · RV-Dreams Family Member

Spray lubricants, duct & electrical tape, spare fuses, basic hand tools. I also have extra fresh water hose, extra TV antenna cable, also male cable connectors. Sewer parts and pieces for emergency repairs. I also have a BIG jug of Clorox stored for those NASTY spills. Its inevitable, no matter how careful you are S**T Happens. Our electrical system is 50amp but I also carry a 50amp to 30amp pigtail and 25ft x 30amp electric cable for extra long runs. First Aid kit. I'm sure there is more, there's always something you forgot.

Then there are all of those luxury items. One of my favorites is our Grundig S350 DL portable radio.

Sorry, wasn't trying to hyjack thread, I may have misunderstood the question. I will delete if anyone is offended.

DW added: Comfortable furniture for sitting, inside and out. Her hobby materials & tools (Stained Glass).

-- Edited by 2fortheroad on Friday 29th of April 2011 09:00:33 AM

-- Edited by 2fortheroad on Friday 29th of April 2011 09:03:23 AM

-- Edited by 2fortheroad on Friday 29th of April 2011 10:22:11 AM

heyduke · RV-Dreams Family Member

two things - his and hers laptops and his and hers cell phones with internet access... just saying ;)

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

His and her laptops with internet access and his and her televisions since we seldome watch the same stuff .

Pat L · RV-Dreams Family Member

Kitchen Aid Blender for frozen drinks, booze and assorted plastic ware for happy hour. Central vac is a must w/ outside hook up in the basement. Extra cables for TV and repair ends plus sewer and water hoses and etc. A good brass 'Y' valve for water supply. Makes hooking up and extra hose simple for rinsing off things or for the black water flush. Compressor and locking air chuck w/ a good tire gauge. I have an infrared temperature gun to check tire and bearing temps each time I stop. BUG SPRAY! Sun tan lotion w/SPF 45. Jimmy Buffet T shirts and flip flops. OK - I am from Florida. BBQ equipment and More BOOZE. DW is a main stay as is our rescue ****er spaniel. Satellite Dish [DirecTV] comes next. A must have for football Sunday, DW's request. I am a lucky man!!! A light weight step or extension ladder able to reach the roof for repairing the awnings when they need it. Ladder must have ladder muffs so as not to damage the coach. Swim Noodles cut into pieces to install on the corners of slides for head protection. Spare light bulbs, fuses, and some pex tubing repair items.
This is just a few things that I have found over the years is a must.

Oh Yes --- More BOOZE! It's five or four o'clock somewhere!!!

Happy camping.

Pat, Sandy & Zoey Laurendine

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Pat L wrote:
Kitchen Aid Blender for frozen drinks, booze and assorted plastic ware for happy hour. Central vac is a must w/ outside hook up in the basement. Extra cables for TV and repair ends plus sewer and water hoses and etc. A good brass 'Y' valve for water supply. Makes hooking up and extra hose simple for rinsing off things or for the black water flush. Compressor and locking air chuck w/ a good tire gauge. I have an infrared temperature gun to check tire and bearing temps each time I stop. BUG SPRAY! Sun tan lotion w/SPF 45. Jimmy Buffet T shirts and flip flops. OK - I am from Florida. BBQ equipment and More BOOZE. DW is a main stay as is our rescue ****er spaniel. Satellite Dish [DirecTV] comes next. A must have for football Sunday, DW's request. I am a lucky man!!! A light weight step or extension ladder able to reach the roof for repairing the awnings when they need it. Ladder must have ladder muffs so as not to damage the coach. Swim Noodles cut into pieces to install on the corners of slides for head protection. Spare light bulbs, fuses, and some pex tubing repair items.
This is just a few things that I have found over the years is a must.
Oh Yes --- More BOOZE! It's five or four o'clock somewhere!!!
Happy camping.
Pat, Sandy & Zoey Laurendine

OK, Pat.

With all the references to booze above, remind me to never caravan with you somewhere. Oh, wait.....

......you also have a fifth wheel so you couldn't just pop open the fridge for a cool one as you traveled.

Uhhh. You don't happen to keep a cooler in the truck, do you?

Terry

Kathy Doin It · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bissell "Little Green Machine". (makes short work of cleaning carpet "owies" the dog has left us)

Internet, and separate computers.

Wave 8 Catalytic Heater.

W/D.

Basic tool kit.

Portable air compressor.

I'm sure there's more, but these are the first ones that popped into my head. biggrin

Bill Adams · RV-Dreams Family Member

Forgot that one! I should have mentioned our Little Green Machine as well. It's da bomb!

Kathy Doin It · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bill Adams wrote:
Forgot that one! I should have mentioned our Little Green Machine as well. It's da bomb!

That one item has always been on the top of my list of "must haves". After 6 years on the road, there have been many things we've gotten rid of, or things we've realized we can do without, yet still keep, but the Little Green Machine is not one of them.

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Just bought the Little green machine.I actually used it to clean the whole trailer.Took around 2 hours total(had to give my knees a little break) and was very satisfied with the results.The size helped get in places you couldn'tget to with a regular carpet shampooer.It fits in the bottom of the BR closet outof the way so this has been added to our must have items.

2fortheroad · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry and Jo wrote:
Pat L wrote:
Kitchen Aid Blender for frozen drinks, booze and assorted plastic ware for happy hour. Central vac is a must w/ outside hook up in the basement. Extra cables for TV and repair ends plus sewer and water hoses and etc. A good brass 'Y' valve for water supply. Makes hooking up and extra hose simple for rinsing off things or for the black water flush. Compressor and locking air chuck w/ a good tire gauge. I have an infrared temperature gun to check tire and bearing temps each time I stop. BUG SPRAY! Sun tan lotion w/SPF 45. Jimmy Buffet T shirts and flip flops. OK - I am from Florida. BBQ equipment and More BOOZE. DW is a main stay as is our rescue ****er spaniel. Satellite Dish [DirecTV] comes next. A must have for football Sunday, DW's request. I am a lucky man!!! A light weight step or extension ladder able to reach the roof for repairing the awnings when they need it. Ladder must have ladder muffs so as not to damage the coach. Swim Noodles cut into pieces to install on the corners of slides for head protection. Spare light bulbs, fuses, and some pex tubing repair items.
This is just a few things that I have found over the years is a must.
Oh Yes --- More BOOZE! It's five or four o'clock somewhere!!!
Happy camping.
Pat, Sandy & Zoey Laurendine
OK, Pat.
With all the references to booze above, remind me to never caravan with you somewhere. Oh, wait.....
......you also have a fifth wheel so you couldn't just pop open the fridge for a cool one as you traveled.
Ahhh. You don't happen to keep a cooler in the truck, do you?
Terry

First of all I want to thank Howard and Linda for all of their efforts and dedication too the building of this site.

This will be my last intervinson and post.

Good luck and safe travels to all.

Terry since you have an opinion and choose to post it, then I will do the same.

If you have a problem with someone, either keep it to yourself or confront them privately or face to face. Personally after reading your post, blogs, and viewing all of those pictures of your 5ver, and all of those sales pitches, I wouldn't want to even be parked in the same vicinity as you.

Ron

bubbadan · RV-Dreams Family Member

2fortheroad wrote:
Terry and Jo wrote:
Pat L wrote:
Kitchen Aid Blender for frozen drinks, booze and assorted plastic ware for happy hour. Central vac is a must w/ outside hook up in the basement. Extra cables for TV and repair ends plus sewer and water hoses and etc. A good brass 'Y' valve for water supply. Makes hooking up and extra hose simple for rinsing off things or for the black water flush. Compressor and locking air chuck w/ a good tire gauge. I have an infrared temperature gun to check tire and bearing temps each time I stop. BUG SPRAY! Sun tan lotion w/SPF 45. Jimmy Buffet T shirts and flip flops. OK - I am from Florida. BBQ equipment and More BOOZE. DW is a main stay as is our rescue ****er spaniel. Satellite Dish [DirecTV] comes next. A must have for football Sunday, DW's request. I am a lucky man!!! A light weight step or extension ladder able to reach the roof for repairing the awnings when they need it. Ladder must have ladder muffs so as not to damage the coach. Swim Noodles cut into pieces to install on the corners of slides for head protection. Spare light bulbs, fuses, and some pex tubing repair items.
This is just a few things that I have found over the years is a must.
Oh Yes --- More BOOZE! It's five or four o'clock somewhere!!!
Happy camping.
Pat, Sandy & Zoey Laurendine
OK, Pat.
With all the references to booze above, remind me to never caravan with you somewhere. Oh, wait.....
......you also have a fifth wheel so you couldn't just pop open the fridge for a cool one as you traveled.
Ahhh. You don't happen to keep a cooler in the truck, do you?
Terry

First of all I want to thank Howard and Linda for all of their efforts and dedication too the building of this site.
This will be my last intervinson and post.
Good luck and safe travels to all.
Terry since you have an opinion and choose to post it, then I will do the same.
If you have a problem with someone, either keep it to yourself or confront them privately or face to face. Personally after reading your post, blogs, and viewing all of those pictures of your 5ver, and all of those sales pitches, I wouldn't want to even be parked in the same vicinity as you.
Ron

In Terry's defense, I saw nothting wrong with the post, it was a good natured poke of fun and as far as his blog, I for one enjoy reading it. JMHO

Dan

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ron,

With all due respect, please do not leave on my account. The value of any forum is the diversity of ideas and suggestions that comes from the contributions of everyone. Are all of us perfectly aligned in all matters? Of course not. Nor could we say that we can't learn from those that are completely different from ourselves.

While Jo and I have been researching and learning for 3 years with the idea of living full-time in our RV, I will be the first to say that it is doubtful that I will EVER gain enough knowledge for this lifestyle. There have been numerous "new" forum members who have either asked a question or made a comment that gave me a whole new perspective in regards to a topic.

In my profile, I purposely put "Christian" and "conservative" so that anyone looking at it would have an idea of my beliefs. I recognize that my philosophies or political opinions will not be agreeable with everyone. However, that does not preclude me from trying to help those asking for help.

With regards to my response to Pat L.'s post, I know Pat from three different forums, including RV Dreams. I would hope that he knew that I was kidding when I made my comments. On all the forums that I frequent, there is "kidding" from one participant to others on a regular basis. So, if I have offended you with what you thought was a criticism of Pat, I am sorry. It was never meant as criticism.

Terry

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Looks like Ron took his ball and went home.(Deleted his account). I have certain people on most forums I frequent that get under my skin pretty easy but I choose to just ignore them now and not let them chase me away. smile

Melstar · RV-Dreams Family Member

We love you Terry! I knew it was a joke!! If anyone reads your comments on a regular basis they'd know that you love to "poke" a little fun! Isn't that what we're all about....just wannna have fun!!

53 Merc · RV-Dreams Family Member

I gotta agree here. Fun is just another way to spell RVing. However, if you are looking for a way to get unhappy, it is generally easy to find. I could see Terry's post poking with a sharp stick or just stirring the pot. I found it amusing. Oh well, g'bye to the offendees. See ya down the road.

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Just a point.Those of us who have been around for a while understand Terry's sense of humor(might not understand it...but).To someone who is new the comments can seem somewhat highhanded at times.How many of us knew there was a relationship from other forums between the two parties? I was told once myself on another forum that I needed to use a smiley face or something when it may not be obvious I was kidding.It saved me some grief on that forum.Hopefully this will be taken as what it is ...friendly suggestions. smile

Bill Adams · RV-Dreams Family Member

This happens to me usually a couple of times each year. I post to a number of forums and in addition to having to correct bad information based upon my satellite knowledge, I sometimes like to give a little ribbing or make people smile. Well.....that's not always the way it reads on the other end and all the smileys in the world can't fix that. My lovely bride says "people don't get me" and I tend to agree. I don't seem to have a good sense of humor with strangers (on forums and in public). Those that know me, just as you see the others above, "get me". Those that don't know me and don't understand that I always post with the best intentions are sometime offended and even an apology does not help. I hate to see it happen, but it happens. I hate to see that Ron took offense and left but it's nice to see I am not the only one out there that steps in it now and then! biggrin (Just in case you didn't see the humor there!) biggrin

LifeBeganInaWinnebago · RV-Dreams Family Member

It is so easy to offend someone on the internet. All Terry's comments have a little joke so I knew it was just a little friendly ribbing. My rule of thumb if I am offended by a post on the net is to let the person respond with an explanation. I find I have usually jumped to the wrong conclusion and I should not have been bothered. Everyone should be allowed to explain and be forgiven. If you cannot forgive a misunderstanding it is by far your own loss.

Mark

Readytogo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry, Not sure why he got so offended. I've read your post and your blog. I think you go out of your way to help everyone. You are always one of the first to welcome people to the forum.

Bill Adams · RV-Dreams Family Member

No one can get into someone else's head. You just have to do what you do and move forward. Sometimes it really hurts but there's really nothing at all you can do about it except say you are sorry (done and done).

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

First of all, thanks for the support. However, this thread has really gotten off-topic. In defense of myself, should it be needed, anyone questioning my comments could go back and read a lot of what I have written in the past. But, with being in this process for nearly 3 years, I've made a lot of posts. I just ask that people read more before judging from one comment.

Now, one other thing that I should add to the original topic of this thread. If I had to be without this next thing, I would be really devastated.

Beyond my family, I would hate to have to give up friends, both in and out of the RV culture. Thanks to everyone on this forum for being a part of that extended family. Even if we disagree, we are still related.

God bless you all.

Terry

(Reason for edit: Even after looking it up in a dictionary, I still spelled "devastated" wrong. Yeesh.)

-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Friday 6th of May 2011 05:07:06 PM

Idaho556 · RV-Dreams Family Member

W\D expain! not sure what this stand for. don't know got to ask thanks

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

Washer/Dryer ???

Idaho556 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks, could'nt think of what that stood for.

Kathy Doin It · RV-Dreams Family Member

Idaho556 wrote:
W\D expain! not sure what this stand for. don't know got to ask thanks

Oops! I realized after reading this that it was me that wrote W/D. Sorry! I guess it might be from being in the navy, all those abbreviations! smile

Kathy

Ruck · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thank you for all the info y'all post, am new here also, just beginning to fulltime. Does, tongue-in-cheek, sound about right? I also did not take offense in what was said. Ok, I knew W/D, but DH and DW? Must be to do with the Wife and Husband, yeah?

RVRon · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ruck wrote:
Thank you for all the info y'all post, am new here also, just beginning to fulltime. Does, tongue-in-cheek, sound about right? I also did not take offense in what was said. Ok, I knew W/D, but DH and DW? Must be to do with the Wife and Husband, yeah?

You got it right, Ruck. DW=Dear Wife DH=Dear Husband

heyduke · RV-Dreams Family Member

i thought W\D was wife dishwasher.... LOOK I was just kidding..... :)

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

heyduke wrote:
i thought W\D was wife dishwasher.... LOOK I was just kidding..... :)

Be careful with that one. It could be a misprint that should be W/w/D.....

.....Wife with Derringer. (And guess what that would mean....)

Terry

nikkib4fl · RV-Dreams Family Member

I've actually been Googling those acronyms trying to find out what they mean. It figures cuz I'm single! Is a DD (Dear Dog) sufficient? :-O

On a related topic, do you guys really have washers and dryers in your RVs? I'm still not over the satellite TVs...

Bill Adams · RV-Dreams Family Member

Yes, there really are W/D in our RV's. Most units will have a special combination W/D built by Splendide http://www.splendide.com/ but some also have a stacked W/D combo unit. As a full-timing I would consider this to be mandatory (just my opinion) as visiting laundromats and camp ground laundry rooms gets quite tiring.

PD CFK · RV-Dreams Family Member

Yes, we really do have a washer and dryer in our 5th wheel. I love it and wouldn't want to be without it! However, some people have said they enjoy going to the laundry room, and also not having to lose the storage space that the units take up in the rig. Personally, I just can't deal with piles of dirty laundry and do ours most every day. Your choice :) Pat K

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Nikki,

The combination units are available if one's RV only has room for one unit. However, those combo units take a long time to wash and then dry one load of clothes. (Some have said that the time comes into hours, not just minutes.) We have a compartment in our bedroom slide with room for a side by side. Thus, Jo can be washing a second load while the first is drying.

I think that if we were to be in a situation where we could only use a combo, we might have considered none at all and used a laundromat. I guess it depends on how many clothes one has to clean each week.

Terry

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

What Terry said. We have stacked Sears units and wouldn't even consider a home without them. If the rig you are considering doesn't have either the room, or can't handle the weight, you should look for another unit, IMHO.