travel stories with landscape photographic artist
kent j burkhardsmeier
9 more miles
Preparing to RV - My Experience as a First-Time RVer
(June 1 - June 30)
stationary in Del Mar, California
I didn't travel anywhere during June while preparing the newly acquired rig. So, I couldn't say: “9 more miles.”
Instead, it felt more like "9 more days" or "9 more hours" was the rally cry. Some days I needed 9 more days to finish the work necessary to prepare the RV. Other days, I couldn't wait to get on the road and wished there were only 9 more hours until departure.
My wife and I are first time RVers.
We had never owned an RV, pulled a 5th wheel, nor driven a diesel truck until June, 2021. So everything has been new for us. With the Florida condo for sale, we've committed to full time RVing for the time being. But first, we needed to outfit our rig to be our home, transportation, and a studio office.
Where do you begin? The internet—of course!
Searching the internet, lead to some great resources that helped with critical lessons for first-timers, essential RV items, useful tips, as well as RV modification ideas. An RV task list was generated while devouring YouTube videos, subscribing to newsletters, and consuming blog articles.
The RV task list focused on:
Converting the RV queen bed to an RV king bed
Converting the garage space to studio office for two
Creating two secure overhead storage spaces
Replacing stock recliners with Euro-recliners and a dining table
Buying and Installing an RV washer/dryer comb unit
Purchasing two bikes
Setting up a mobile infrastructure
Adding decals to the RV and business magnets to the truck
Provisioning the RV and truck with food, personal items, supplies, etc.
Learning how to assemble sewer lines, shoreline, and plumbing at a campsite
Charlie Noel, contractor out of San Diego, remodeled the bed, cabinet, and garage to our specifications, allowing me time to procure and assemble other components to the RV like the water filtration system.
Of course, learning how to drive, back-up, and park a 40 ft rig was essential before departing. Bob Hill of RV Basic Training provided the insight, guidance, tips, and confidence to pull out on the road.
There are many people sharing their know-how available on the internet. But, these people and sites have been extremely useful for this first-time RVer. I hope to meet them along the way at one of our rest stops.
Content Providers (blog, newsletters, and videos):
Rae and Jason Miller (Getaway Couple)
Tara and Chad (Changing Lanes)
Caitlin and Tom Morton (Mortons on the Move)
Kris and Andy Murphy (Where Wild Ones Roam)
Chris Coleman and Peter Wade (RV Talk)
Chris Dunphy and Cherie Ve Ard (Technomadia)
Products and Technology:
Camping World - Loads of RV related products
Hutch Mountain - Energy saving items for our AC units
MobileMustHave - Best technology for staying connected while mobile
RVLock - Replacement locks
RV Upgrades - Loads of RV related products
TechnoRV - More RV related products
ZARVOX Inc - Vehicle decals
how much longer?
are we there yet?
how far to the next rest area?
“9 more miles”
9 more miles segment is a place where I share random road tidbits along the way during my capturing whispers from nature adventures.
Meanwhile, in case you are wondering "are we there yet?"
My response is:
“9 more miles”