The RVing Lifestyle Appreciates You!

A Special Thank You For Your Comments!

Thanks for the kind words everyone! I appreciate all your comments, you’re sharing, and you’re support. I have so many comments that I can’t possibly reply to everyone with my work schedule so I will try to answer all questions in this post. I use a free WordPress blog with a simple theme called Spectrum. I do not and will not have ads on my site but, I do not mind WordPress or Adwords using a text line for their ads. This is a free information site that I started for my customers at work to help them, I am very happy that everyone else enjoys the information. I work for General RV Center in the Jacksonville Florida area; I’m a Sales Consultant with 12 years’ experience. I’m also a computer technician with many years’ experience rebuilding, repairing and upgrading computers.  I am knowledgeable in Microsoft software and Operating systems, htlm and xml with that being said it does not make me an expert just knowledgeable and happy to help anyone that need it.

I have had several comments from people having issues opening my site with the text, images and format. I can assure you it is not on this end. It has to do with your browser settings, multiple browser usage on your computer. You could have a Worm or Trojan or both. If you have a hacking problem, it will be with your computer and not WordPress.  You may have a Keylogger Worm that your virus program will not notice because it has been corrupted. The only way to get rid of a worm is to reformat your operating system, you cannot restore it because it will also restore the Worm or Virus. I use only one browser, Firefox as my default and Google as my search engine to have fewer problems. You also have to limit the cache, which is your Offline Storage. I limit it to 250MB that’s it and I clean it at least 10 times a day. I do not have a theme on my browser or do I change color or text.

Blogging Tips

Keywords, Tag Clouding, and Pinging are important to your traffic. Here are some free SEO tools and Ping-o-Matic that have really helped me. WordPress has just about every plugin you can think of, Google it. I like WordPress blog themes the best. The WordPress dashboard is fairly easy to use and has many tools that you will need to learn, it’s not that hard. For those that do not know htlm, WordPress would be best for you, it is free take advantage of that until you get to know your way around. I always have my keywords in every articles in bold letters especially the first and last sentence, and at least 3 keywords linked to my home page.  I link related sites to the article. I think the most important tip is to follow other blogs and leave a comment. That will link you with the crawlers. Good Luck to you all and thank you very much! All my contact information is listed on my “About” tab on the Home page. Please keep the comments coming; they are appreciated. 

Barbara Andrews.

Good Clean Dirty Fun!

Western North Carolina in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.

If you are looking for something to do with the family. Plan your next Vacation or Trip to Franklin  North Carolina mining for gems. Here is a link to several RV campgrounds.  A good place to start for the basic information is at the Franklin Chamber of Commerce’s Gem Mining Page. However, there is other information that is important to know as well. First, know that at only a few of the mines will you be mining in native dirt. Most mines are “salted/seeded” with the tailings from other mines overseas. About the only completely native operations remaining that I know about in the area are Mason’s (not to be confused with Mason Mountain) and Cherokee. Some of the others will offer a combination of native and salted material, while with others you may be dealing with entirely salted material.

What does this mean for you, and how should you base your decision on where to go? Personally, I prefer to go for the native stuff at Mason’s, I have not been to Cherokee yet but, plan to this May. Although you will not find nearly as much, you have the chance of finding something VERY good. This option is best for purists, serious rockhounds, and those with good attention spans. With the salted material, you will find much more, but as it is stuff that has already been gone through, your chances of finding something extremely valuable are quite slim. However, it isn’t to say it is all junk (especially if you buy some of the more expensive salted buckets), and you may get more than your money’s worth. Keep in mind, however, that with salted it is more of a grab-bag than true mining. But if you only have a little time and are just interested in the experience and coming home with some souvenirs that look neat, and particularly if you have children in your party, the salted operations may be a better choice.

Mason’s Ruby and Sapphire Mine

Mason’s Ruby and Sapphire Mine – My favorite mine! This is the only dig-your-own operation where you are allowed to go into the mine itself to dig your own dirt… this place can be a lot of work (especially in the early spring when things can be very muddy), but tons of fun and definitely worth it! For adults, it is $30 a day with no admission fee, $15 for kids, and once again, bring cash. They also have food and drinks for sale at very reasonable prices. The water is very cold as their site mentions, but they do have extra gloves on hand, which really come in handy. This mine is in a really beautiful location, but is a bit out of the way– be sure to look for the yellow signs directing you to the mine, as the area is very easy to get lost in. This mine is actually open all year round, weather permitting, but be careful about attempting the roads (Airport to Olive Hill to Upper Burlington) if the weather is snowy or icy.

This mine was opened to the public in 1942, and a long time before that, it was once mined by Tiffany & Co. The sapphires that come out of here are mostly in the lavender to pink color range (it is mostly sapphires, rubies seem very rare. Though of course they are the same mineral, corundum crystals, only true red ones are called rubies, the rest being sapphires). You can get some very valuable stones out of here– the small facet quality pink sapphires that come out of here can run up to $400-500 a carat or more. Most of the stones you will find here will have a hexagonal shape, often enlongated. Most will have some coating on them, but keep your eyes out for any hint of that pink or purple coloring. As the mud here is quite tough, you will have to put extra effort into making sure your stones are cleaned. Good material in the mine tends to run in horizontal layers. Look for lighter grey soil, rather than the deeper red, and if you find a good location– keep an eye out for lots of mica in the screen, and sapphires in the vein material– dig around there in the same layer. The staff is very helpful– you may come across some older reviews bashing the place, but since the new management has taken over, things are agreed to be  MUCH better.

With regards to the mining itself, be SURE to completely clean your dirt in your screen. Most operators at the mines will pound this into your head, anyways, as it is something that causes many to miss seeing gems. You may be on the lookout for different things at different mines, so if you have no clue, ask for help or to see some samples before starting (and at many places the staff will also help you by looking through your “tailings,” i.e., the stuff you have already gone through). As an important rule of thumb though, bear in mind that rubies and sapphires will often have a six-sided shape and are heavy compared to other stones. You may want to bring a container for holding your finds, even though mines will usually provide them if needed; a Ziploc will work just fine, as will film canisters and medicine bottles for smaller stuff.

I’ve found that it is a good idea to bring a small hand shovel, as well. Some mines provide them, but some don’t, and they really come in handy for getting dirt from the buckets into your screen. Depending on the time of year and the weather, things like sunscreen and insect repellent can be useful to bring too. Basic materials like the screen, and shovels at dig-your-own operations, will be provided. Be sure that you know your destination mine’s accepted methods of payment– if it is cash only, you may find yourself backtracking quite a ways to find an ATM. Though it might seem obvious, be sure to find out the hours and season of the mine you wish to visit; April-October is the usual season, but  Mason’s Ruby & Sapphire Mine are open all year. Bring plenty of fluids and snacks.  Barbara Andrews.

Lifestyle of the Not So Rich And Famous

Where Strangers Become Friends & Friends Become Family

RVers and Family campers are known as the “Friendliest People in the World”.  Strengthening family bonds through shared activities in the out-doors!  For some, home is where they park their RV. I love to see the joy in people when delivery day has come. The tedious RV research and search is over finding that perfect unit or close to perfect unit to meet the family needs and wants. The vacation or outing has been carefully planed schedules have been shuffled to get away from it all. Picking up the RV is truly a happy occasion especially for the first time buyer trekking into new territory.

I would like to feature the Pime Time LaCrosse bunk house since it is one of our biggest sellers at General RV.

LaCrosse Features

ETERNABOND CONSTRUCTION
LaCrosse Luxury Lite is built with Prime Time’s Eternabond Construction Technology. Every wall, floor and slide-out roof is made up of welded aluminum framework that is then laminated together in order to build a stronger, longer lasting Recreational Vehicle.

WALK ON ROOF
LaCrosse has a fully walkable roof system with 5″ crowned trusses. A one-piece insulated air conditioning duct system is blanketed with a generous layer of R-14 fiberglass insulation.

THERMAL PACKAGE PLUS
LaCrosse’s enclosed underbelly is heated with a 2″ heat duct vented from your furnace to protect your enclosed holding tanks, water lines, and dump valves from the elements during colder weather.

BUS STYLE SLAM BAGGAGE DOORS
You don’t have to buy a Diesel Motor Home to get the security and convenience of Bus Style Slam Baggage Doors.  These 1″ thick doors also have a uniquely keyed lock that won’t be the same as your neighbors.

ELECTRIC AWNING
You will love the push-button convenience of Prime Time’s electric awning.  Complete with adjustable arms to allow for water drainage, you will find this feature standard on LaCrosse models.

ELECTRIC STABILIZER JACKS
Prime Time takes the work out of leveling your trailer with the convenience of Electric Stabilizer Jacks.  Luxury and value are combined with this LaCrosse standard feature.

30″ WIDE ENTRY DOOR
LaCrosse offers one of the widest entry doors on any Lite Weight travel trailer. This 30″ wide model makes it easy to carry large items like coolers without banging and scraping your hands.

MAX SLIDE
No sacrifices are required with LaCrosse.  Incorporating over 13 feet of floor space, the MAX Slide Room offers a full size Air Mattress Hide-A-Bed and the industry’s largest U-Shaped Dinette.  Live (and sleep) like a king with MAX Slide.

UNIVERSAL DOCKING STATION
LaCrosse provides Best In Class convenience of having all your water connections, cable connections and outside shower in a lockable, all-in-one, easy to use compartment.

“EZ TOW” AXLES
LaCrosse offers EZ Tow – another Prime Time innovation designed to minimize the vertical “bouncing” effect that is transferred to the tow vehicle when traveling over rough road surfaces, potholes, or railroad crossings.

ALUMINUM WHEELS
We think you will agree, LaCrosse Luxury Lite will look awesome pulling into the campground with it’s automotive styled aluminum wheels!

OUTSIDE KITCHEN OPTION
Outside entertainment and dining is easy and convenient with Prime Time’s innovative Outside Camp Kitchen.  You’ll find a sink with running hot and cold water, a large refrigerator, a slide-out stove, and tons of storage for all your essentials.

DSI GAS/ELECTRIC WATER HEATER
The Atwood 6 Gallon Gas/Electric water heater is designed to provide a maximum amount of hot water. This remarkably efficient model recovers water at the rate of 18 gallons/hour!

EASY ACCESS LOW POINT DRAINS
No more crawling under your trailer and trying to unscrew awkward cap fittings. With a simple ¼ turn, these easy to reach drain valves allow you to quickly and easily drain your water lines and fresh water tank.

LP QUICK DISCONNECT
Hooking up an LP gas grill or other LP burning appliance is convenient with the LP Quick Connect fitting that runs to the back of every LaCrosse.

OUTSIDE ENTERTAINMENT
Your entertainment options are multiplied with LaCrosse’s exterior television hook-ups and stereo speakers.

SOLID SURFACE COUNTERTOPS
LaCrosse’s E-Stone countertops are a uniquely engineered product that combines an amazing residential look with lightweight durability specifically designed for use in a Recreation Vehicle. E-Stone is certified to meet strict UL flame spread and impact requirements.

POTS and PANS DRAWERS
The amount of galley drawers in a LaCrosse is “second to none”. You will find in every floorplan a 12″ Deep X 19″ Wide pot and pan drawer underneath the gas oven. In the case of the 318BHS model a second pot and pan drawer is located underneath the refrigerator!

LARGE KITCHEN PANTRY
LaCrosse’s abundant kitchen storage is complimented with extra convenience by making the kitchen pantry shelves removable so you can decide what goes where when “loading up” for your next trip.

HIDE-A-BED WITH STORAGE DRAWER
Without a doubt, the style, comfort, and convenience of LaCrosse’s air mattress Hide-A-Bed is tops in the industry. Customer’s love the huge, additional storage drawer built in under the sofa seat.

AIR MATTRESS SOFA
Your comfort and convenience is ensured with this Air Mattress Hide-A-Bed.  Plus, the engineers at Prime Time have incorporated a highly convenient storage drawer and worked closely with our suppliers to create a folding mechanism that eliminates pinch points.

MAX SLIDE
No sacrifices are required with LaCrosse.  Incorporating over 13 feet of floor space, the MAX Slide Room offers a full size Air Mattress Hide-A-Bed and the industry’s largest U-Shaped Dinette.  Live (and sleep) like a king with MAX Slide.

87″ BOOTH DINETTE
Because of the additional room that MAX slide provides LaCrosse is equipped with a GIGANTIC 87″ booth dinette. There is plenty of room for the whole family to enjoy meal time or game time!

FREE STANDING DINETTE OPTION
With LaCrosse’s MAX Slide, the free standing dinette and chairs are a popular option. LaCrosse offers so much more room to maneuver the chairs and dine in comfort verses the competitor’s free standing dinettes!

“DO MORE” DINETTE
LaCrosse’s dinette table drops down to the perfect height to serve as a coffee table or it can easily fit through the entry door for use underneath the awning!

SLEEP & PLAY
Upright it’s a comfortable lounge area complete with drink holders.  Laid down, it’s an extra large sleeping area.  There’s no need to accept a simple bunk room when you can have the industry’s most versatile accommodations – Sleep & Play – found in select LaCrosse models.

Here are some videos from Prime Time I believe you will enjoy if you are looking for that perfect travel trailer bunk house. Barbara Andrews.

The LaCrosse 296 BH

2012 Prime Time RV Tracer 2900BHS

Family Campers Loving Life!

Strengthen Family Relationships

Whether you are tent camping or RV camping the results are the same. Today’s fast-paced life often leaves busy parents searching for opportunities to spend quality time together as a family. Increasingly, families are discovering that vacationing in an RV is the best way to cement family relationships while having a great time. Bringing the family closer together was the top answer for parents when asked what are the most important benefits of family RV camping. Other highly ranked responses were providing a learning experience, teaching kids to respect nature, broadening their horizons, and developing wholesome values.

In a recent research study conducted by Louis Harris and Associates, nine out of 10 current RV owners said RVs are the best way to travel with the family. Perhaps even more significant, 62 percent of survey respondents who have never owned an RV said they also thought that an RV is the best way to take a family trip.

Why do RVs appeal to so many families? Most importantly, RVs allow parents to reestablish relationships with their children by removing life’s daily distractions. On an RV trip, families are not faced with the interruptions of routine home life, yet they have all the comforts of home. RVing families are able to enjoy each others company and kids are free to be themselves, without the distraction of soccer practice, swim team or piano lessons. Owning an RV also means every weekend can be a vacation, allowing quick getaways with minimal preparation and planning.

It takes a lot of energy to cope with the hectic pace of everyday life. The entire family has to have time to put everything on hold, except the family relationship. The RV provides the means to hit the road, leave the daily routine and enjoy quality time together. Many parents also supplement their children’s learning during their RV travels.  43 percent of families cite visiting a historic location for educational purposes. Science and nature centers, zoos and museums were also frequently mentioned. The RV provides the means to hit the road, leave the daily routine and enjoy quality time together.   Barbara Andrews

The Ultimate RV Downsize

Talk about innovative, this shopping cart pop-up would have to take the prize.  Shelter comes in many shapes and sizes as you can see but I totally get it. If our economy continues to decline we will see more of the camper kart pop-ups.

State of Homelessness in America 2011

Since the release of Homelessness Counts: Changes in Homelessness from 2005 to 2007, the Alliance has chronicled changes in the levels of homelessness in the nation and in individual states and communities to chart the progress toward the goal of ending homelessness. This comprehensive examination not only reveals national and state level homeless counts, but also delves into economic indicators and demographic drivers – taking an in-depth look at risk factors for homelessness. Built upon the most recent nationally available data from the federal Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Justice, and other public information sources, this report analyzes the effect the recession has had on homelessness and how it has contributed to an increased risk of homelessness for many Americans.

• The nation’s homeless population increased by approximately 20,000 people from 2008 to 2009 (3 percent increase). There were also increased numbers of people experiencing homelessness in each of the subpopulations examined in this report: families, individuals, chronic, unsheltered.
• A majority – 31 of 50 states and the District of Columbia – had increases in their homeless counts. The largest increase was in Louisiana, where the homeless population doubled.
• Among subpopulations, the largest percentage increase was in the number of family households, which increased by over 3,200 households (4 percent increase). Also, the number of persons in families increased by more than 6,000 people (3 percent increase). In Mississippi, the number of people in homeless families increased by 260 percent.
• After population reductions from 2005 to 2008, the number of chronically homeless people in the country remained stagnant from 2008 to 2009, despite an 11 percent increase in the number of permanent supportive housing units.
• While most people experiencing homelessness are sheltered, nearly 4 in 10 were living on the street, in a car, or in another place not intended for human habitation. In Wisconsin, twice as many people experienced homelessness without shelter in 2009 as did in 2008.
• It is widely agreed upon that there is a vast undercount of the number of young people experiencing homelessness. Underscoring this is the fact that 35 percent of all communities reported that there were no homeless youth in their communities in 2009.

In recognition of the reality that homelessness is most often caused by job loss and other economic factors, this report explores economic indicators for homeless people and people at risk of homelessness. The economic indicators examined in this report point to worsening conditions across the nation and all states. Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and RealtyTrac, this report chronicles the changes in four economic indicators from 2008 to 2009.

Half of all states have multiple risk factors for increased homelessness; that is, they have rates worse than the national average on at least two of five indicators (unemployment, foreclosure, doubled up, housing cost burden, lack of health insurance).
• The presence of multiple economic and demographic risk factors is associated with higher rates of homelessness. In particular, states with high rates of cost burden among poor households exhibit higher rates of homelessness. Ten of the fourteen states with rates of homelessness greater than the national rate also have levels of cost burden greater than the national average.
• California, Florida, and Nevada – states known to have been disproportionately impacted by the recent housing crisis – have both high rates of homelessness and high levels of unemployment, foreclosure, housing cost burden, lack of insurance, and doubling up.

These findings project a disquieting picture of what depressed wages, stagnant unemployment, unrelenting housing cost burden, and the lagging pace of the economic recovery could bring about: increases in homelessness and heightened risk of homelessness for more and more Americans. As the new Congress and the Administration consider steps to revitalize the American economy with jobs, extension of benefits, and access to health care, it would be prudent to take note of these increased risk factors and incorporate homeless interventions into their recovery strategy.

As I have mentioned before their are more first time RV buyers than ever before. It is a very hard choice to give up your big home to downsize to an RV or Tiny House for shelter, and I feel for you but times are changing and if we are going to survive we must change with the times until it gets better.  Barbara Andrews.

Living Large In A Tiny Home

American Innovation!  Give us lemons and we will make lemon-aid with a Tiny Home.

Another option for full time RV’ers or any one that wants to down size. There’s a movement in tiny homes on wheels sweeping the nation. The real estate collapse, the economic downturn, burning out on 12-hour workdays – many people are rethinking their ideas about shelter – seeking an alternative to high rents, or a lifelong mortgage debt to a bank on an overpriced home. Many people have lost their homes and living with family members. Americans are fed up and doing something about it.

There are over 150 builders who have taken building homes to another level, creating tiny homes (under 500 sq. ft.). Homes on land, homes on wheels, homes on the road. There are over a thousand photos, showing a rich variety of small homemade shelters, and there are stories (and thoughts and inspirations) of the owner-builders who are on the forefront of this new trend in downsizing and self-sufficiency. Some are living utility free with solar power and well water. I believe it is the only way to live. I am very excited about these Tiny Homes.

Many people have decided to scale back, to get by with less stuff, to live in smaller homes. You can buy a ready-made tiny home, build your own, get a kit or pre-fab, or live in other movable shelters such as RV’s. There are numerous blogs and websites with news, photos, and plans for tiny homes. If you are thinking of scaling back here’s a different approach, a 180º turn from increasing consumption. there are builders, designers, architects (no less), dreamers, artists, road gypsies, and water dwellers who’ve achieved a measure of freedom and independence by taking shelter into their own hands.

Barbara Andrews.

The Perfect Toy Hauler Solution

The Idaho Tote Dolly. Is the perfect solution for RV’ers who want to take along their 4-wheelers, motorcycles, golf carts or any other recreational equipment. Also you can turn your Pickup truck into a flatbed.  The Idaho Tote is equipped with a Pressure Sensing Steering Axle (PSSA). When pressure is applied from turning, the wheels will automatically steer! The Idaho Tote has an onboard compressed air system which is used to change the position of the axle when traveling forward and rearward.

Affixed to the axle system are 2 Firestone air bags. One is inflated when traveling down the highway. The other will be inflated when you shift into reverse. In addition to the normal stop, turn and tail lights in the electrical plug (which needs to be installed on the rear of the unit to which the Tote is attached) a 10 GAUGE WIRE WITH AN INLINE 30 AMP FUSE is used for the charge wire system. The other is wired into the backup light system. Your onboard batteries in your camper or motor coach are used for the charge wire system. The axle system is designed with king pin slope; this creates posture which makes the wheels want to steer.

Many RV’ers want more options to accommodate their budget. Bigger is always better and to some less is more. If you already have a fifth wheel and want to take your toys  and are considering a toy hauler you might want to look at the Idaho Tote as an alternative. Most RV’ers that I talk to on a daily basis want as much space as the budget will allow. Toy haulers are more expensive than fifth wheels also you are giving up living space to allow for your garage.

If you are the RV buyer that wants the Big Mack Daddy toy hauler with ALL the living space, garage space and bells and whistles, that unit is available for 89 to 100 thousand dollars. In our economy that buyer very seldom walks through our doors. For the most, people are trying to save money and the Idaho Tote will allow you to do that. As a matter of fact you don’t have to have toys to purchase a toy hauler at all. I sold one to a guy that wanted to put a stripper pole in the garage area for his girlfriends. The funniest part of that story is our service department installed it for him.

I personally love the Big Mack Daddy toy hauler. If you want to browse the toy hauler inventory to see why click on toy haulers on the side bar of my blog. If you want a brochure of the Idaho Tote.    Barbara Andrews. Orange Park, Florida.

Every Dream Has A Theme

What exactly is this elusive thing called theme?

The theme of a fable is its moral. The theme of a parable is its teaching. The theme of a piece of fiction is its view about life and how people behave.  In fiction, the theme is not intended to teach or preach. In fact, it is not presented directly at all. You extract it from the characters, action, and setting that make up the story. In other words, you must figure out the theme yourself.

Most of us dream picturing ourselves in a theme that we long for before it becomes a reality. So what exactly is an RV lifestyle anyway?   All sorts of things: RV camping trips, full-service tailgating, a great way to follow NASCAR races, extended vacations, a seasonal home, fulltime RV living…and the list goes on. In fact, there is no list. Your RV lifestyle is what you want it to be.  Its your dream and your theme.

Ask Yourself What You Want

We’re not talking about any in-depth evaluation of inner motives here. Just a little time thinking about what you want out of your RVing experiences. Try the drill of “Who, What, When, Where, How & Why?”

Who! Who else is in this theme with you?  What’s important to them?  Let’s say you’re thinking about buying a camper for affordable RV vacations. Enjoying the great outdoors. Bringing the family closer together. Fishing in peaceful solitude. Just Good Old-fashioned fun. Before you get too carried away… make sure the rest of the family is on the same wavelength. Continue that mental picture in your mind. The specific questions you ask yourself will depend on your circumstances.

What are you going to use an RV for?  How often?  To go where?  For how long?  Will you stay in one place awhile or move every couple days?  If you’re changing to a new RV, what do you want to be different?  What has to be the same?  Are you looking for a change in rig or RV lifestyle?  Are you considering upgrades or accessories (solar panel, awnings, RV furniture, camping supplies)?  What features are important to you?

When do you want to do this?  What time of year, at what point in the future, does it matter?

Where are you going to keep the RV?  Where do you want to go?

How does this fit with other hobbies and interests you have or want to explore?  Do you need to take golf clubs, bicycles, motorcycles, ATV’s, or fishing gear with you?  How are you going to afford it?

Why are you thinking of RVing?  As your everyday lifestyle, or a family vacation, or a way to winter in warmer climates?  Is this for retirement, for now, or a bit of both?  Is the RV to make your NASCAR passion or tailgating more enjoyable?  Is it to try something new and see if you like it?

This is not a test.  Enjoy all this world has to offer. There are no right and wrong answers. You don’t need answers at this point. But Asking yourself some questions starts momentum. It triggers possibilities. It gets ideas rolling around in your brain. Some conversations held with the people who are in this theme with you.

Learn. You have probably heard the expression “Getting there is Half the Fun”. A perfect theme for the RV lifestyle itself. Well, it’s also appropriate in the context of checking things out. The learning about RVing, the anticipation – is truly half the fun so enjoy every moment and good luck with your dream.  By the way, don’t think you have to figure it all out. You will learn as you go  it’s part of RV living.  And it all starts when you take ACTION. So, go ahead and ACT and enjoy your RV lifestyle.

Barbara Andrews, Orange Park, Florida