Episode 125: The Real Costs of Fulltime RVing

Have you ever dreamed about fulltiming, or at least spending extended periods of time in your RV, traveling the country, seeing the sights, free and easy down the road? Well we have news for you: It’s not free. Just how much will it cost to live fulltime on the road in your RV? This week, we talk to an accountant and lawyer who retired at the age of 41 and has been fulltiming with his wife in an RV for the last 11 years. They’ve kept track of every cent he’s spent and he has lots to share on this week’s episode. Our guest is Howard Payne of RV-Dreams.com and you'll want to listen to his excellent advice Also this week, your questions, comments, plus lots of tips and RV news. [spp-player] Show Notes for Episode #125 Feb. 1, 2017 of Roadtreking - The RV Lifestyle Podcast: JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK This week’s tip comes from our friend Ari Adler… Let’s listen: [spp-timestamp time="8:05"] By Ari Adler I have something to share for your tip of the week that folks might find helpful. Often, people are worried about humidity in their RVs depending on the weather they are traveling through. I found a mini-dehumidifier -- called an Eva-Dry -- that’s designed to help keep small areas moisture-free. Although it’s target use is really more for closets or bathrooms, the unit works well inside small RVs like Roadtreks. The Eva-Dry is small and requires no electricity or batteries to operate. It’s designed with a special absorbing silica gel that is odorless and nontoxic. One of the best parts is the little window in the front of the unit that has moisture crystals that start as one color and slowly change to another as the gel absorbs moisture. Once the crystals completely change color, you simply plug the unit into an electrical outlet for about 8 to 10 hours so it can warm up, dry out and renew itself. The manufacturer claims this process can be done many times for years. Jessi and I have used this for several months and it seems to be working well in terms of absorbing moisture and humidity from our 2008 190 Popular. The Eva-Dry can either sit somewhere in your rig, or you can use the included hook to hang it up. The Eva-Dry is available at Camping World and Amazon. Prices vary, but the small version is usually available for less than $25. Here is a link to the unit at Amazon: http://amzn.to/2koahYM Thanks, Ari… and for everyone be sure to send me your tips and suggestions for the RV lifestyle. You can use the “Leave Voicemail” link at Roadtreking.com. Just click it and then use the built-in microphone on your computer or mobile devise to record a message to me. You can do it over as many times as you want, until you are satisfied. And then you just click a button and it comes right to my email inbox. I love hearing from you! Jennifer's tip of the week is brought to you by RadPower Bikes (www.RadPowerBikes.com_… an electric bike manufacturer offering direct to consumer pricing on powerful premium electric bikes. Now with free shipping! LISTENER QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK: A new RVer named Shelly wonders about where to find the least expensive RV parks in Florida and wonders why the only time there are discounts there is during the summer [spp-timestamp time="14:38"] Listener Lisa calls in to talk about all the red tape involved in buying a used RV from a private seller in California [spp-timestamp time="18:17"] And listener Dan asks Mike where he keeps all his toys. Mike talks about a couple of kayak mounts he’s considering (see https://youtu.be/msEJBUO9yz8) for a swing away system, or rvkayakmounts.com, which lets you carry kayaks and up to two bicycle. We’ll have more about RVing with a kayak and the different mount systems on an episode we’re planning for mater in February. The rear mount bike rack Mike currently uses is called the Swagman XC. It holds two bicycles and fits in the rear bumper hitch. [spp-timestamp time="21:52"] Sponsoring this part of the podcast is Van City RV in St. Louis, and their Partner Dealerships Creston RV in Kalispell, Montana, and Wagon Trail RV in Las Vegas. Bringing You the largest Inventory of class B’s from three locations. PET TIP OF THE WEEK Anyone who has ever had a dog or cat wishes just one thing — that he or she has a healthy and long life. Here are five tips we found from PetMD.com that can help your pet do just that: [spp-timestamp time="28:18"] FEED A HIGH QUALITY DIET Pets fed a high-quality diet have a shiny hair coat, healthy skin, and bright eyes. A good diet can help strengthen your pet’s immune system, help maintain his or her intestinal health, help increase his or her mental functions, help keep joints and muscles healthy, and much more. KEEP YOUR PET LEAN. Pets that are overweight are at risk for a whole bunch of health issues. Obesity is the number one nutritional disease seen in pets currently and studies have shown that being overweight or obese can shorten a dog or cat’s life span by as much as two years. Why? Being overweight or o