My name is Cathy Harris and I teach Business Ownership through my line of Seminars and Workshops and I have two business books. I do believe these two professions, RV Inspectors and RV Techs will be in high demand especially after what has just happened in this country.
After the 2008 financial crash, many chose the Nomad lifestyle and turned to Car, Van, and RV living so I feel it will be the same this time, which will create many opportunities for RV Inspectors and RV Techs.
Many have said the Baby Boomer generation was the best generation. As a Baby Boomer myself, I believe this to be true. Some have regular monthly incomes so they have been able to go RVing with their grandchildren and other family members and just relax — as they see more than just their backyards.
Many Baby Boomers have been able to retire from jobs they held for 30 years so they have monthly pensions and monthly Social Security checks. Many are retiring at the same time so the RV industry has always had a fresh supply of customers to buy RVs.
As many employers today allow their employees to work remotely from their homes, the average age for RVers is 45 and these individuals are tech-savvy. However, today also many middle-aged women are fastly becoming the largest group of RV consumers out there.
Many Generation X’s, Millennials and Generation Z’s are being born into the RV industry and are benefitting from the growth and opportunities in this industry.
The RV industry is not as dismal as many people think. There is a lot of opportunities in the RV industry for growth. However, this growth needs to be regulated.
Many travelers still want to go RVing, not just as weekenders, and despite what has happened with Camping World, they still want to become ‘Full-Time RVers’.
You have industries like Nascar that use campers and RVs during their events so the demand for RVs and motorhomes will never decrease.
The owners of Cracker Barrel Restaurants and Bass Pro Shops, who also owns Cabelas, who are RVers themselves, are offering up their national parking lots for RVers to park there overnight for FREE after their establishments close for the day.
Other business establishments like HarvestHosts.com (665 Wineries, Breweries, Farms, and more) and Casinos (CasinoCamper.com) have partnered with the RV industry to gain customers and clients to build and grow their businesses so you can also park at these establishments for FREE, but is invited to partake in their services and products. Many other businesses are looking to also go this route.
Many homeowners, especially those who register at www.BoondockersWelcome.com, who own land is welcoming RVers with open arms to park on their land and enjoy themselves for FREE. Other landowners are also looking to turn their land into hangouts for RVers.
Despite the Camping World fiasco, many campgrounds and parks are being built because of all the interests in traveling Full-Time in RVs. There are tons of jobs being built and a major need for RV technicians (also called ‘mechanics’) and inspectors.
As an RV Tech, many RVers complain about the length of time it takes to fix their RVs. Some even have to sit out the entire season because of repair. Therefore, this profession has always been in high demand.
There are many opportunities to open up training schools or academies to educate everyone on the RV industry – how to buy; how to fix; how to inspect; etc.
As an RV Inspector in order for others to find you and give yourself legitimacy, it might be best to be listed with a group of professionals, for instance, at https://nrvia.org/locate.
Because of the demand, some have even chosen to start their own RV Inspector and RV Tech schools, for instance, https://nrvta.com. An RV Training Academy in Athens, TX –https://nrvta.com is a training academy outside of Dallas for people who own RVs.
They will also help RV technicians and RV Inspectors get their certifications and start their own businesses. These are great business opportunities for all men and women.
The training is a 5-day LIVE CLASSoffered by this couple. They also offer an online class at a lower rate ($300). They even offer an RV park for RVers and for those arriving in cars, they have other places for them to stay or RVs for them to rent — while they attend classes. Many new potential RVers attend the classes even before they buy an RV.
This group is even working with FEMA (government contracts) to inspect trailers that they wanted to give to people who had experienced damages from hurricanes. This is what you call a lucrative career. This is how real business owners think and anyone can get into these types of jobs or businesses.
It’s imperative that we take #BabySteps and open up these schools and academies ourselves. We need to learn to do these repairs ourselves on our own RVs, even if we have ‘extended warranties.’
Or the only other choice RVers will have as they travel throughout the country is to google “RV Repair Shops” or “RV Mobile Repairers” in the area and take a chance on these repairers being ‘knowledgeable’ and ‘ethical’.
Being stationary as an RV Tech has its perks, but so does being mobile. Marketing will be key for both of these professions. Not only should you market your business on the side of your vehicle, but also in local newspapers, RV radio shows and podcasts, but don’t forget to form relationships with Campgrounds and RV Parks, who can send referrals your way.
Cathy Harris is a #VanDweller living ‘The Good Life.’ Her blog website is www.SimpleLifeRVing.com. She is also an Empowerment and Motivational Speaker, Advice Columnist at DearCathy.com, Non-GMO Health and Wellness Expert, Business and Love Coach and Self-Publishing Expert and the author of 26 non-fiction books at www.AngelsPress.com. Her books cover topics such as family and community empowerment, health, youth and adult entrepreneurship, writing/publishing, workplace discrimination, whistleblowing, government, law enforcement, domestic and international traveling, politics, media, beauty, car buying and selling for women, aging/retirement – just to name a few. She offers seminars, workshops, and consultations at www.CathyHarrisInternational.com.
Not Obtaining A Piss Container/Bucket Up Front:This should have been the first item that I bought — once I became a van owner. However, I still woke up some mornings in the beginning and tried to make it to gas stations. After doing this a couple of times, I quickly obtained a piss container and a $5 bucket from home depot and a plastic toilet seat cover from Walmart. Because I was raised in the country in rural Georgia and never had an indoor bathroom, I had no issue with relieving myself in this manner. I made it a point to buy garbage bags and double or triple them up and just dump every day or two. I use baking soda for the smell and have went up to 5 or 6 days without dumping because of it.
Not Obtaining A Wash Basin Upfront:I can’t believe since coming on the road the last six months, because I go to gyms quick often, I haven’t had any desire to go to a hotel or a family member’s home to take a bath. Before coming on the road, I wasn’t a fan of showers and was taking 3 baths a day, but you will get used to your new lifestyle fairly quickly out here on the road. I feel really pampered when I go to the gym and as long as you feel you are nurturing and pampering yourself — you will be okay. After obtaining a piss container/bucket, buying a basin to wash up in will be essential. Having a clean body will make this lifestyle more doable. I did not go out and buy a wash basin until maybe a week. At first, especially when I traveled, I made it a point to use sinks in gas stations to wash up. I remember the first time I went 7 days without being in the gym or taking a bath. It was indeed a new day for me, but after growing up without running water and using a tin tub to wash up, I realized quite quickly that this lifestyle was indeed doable. I did not even want to take showers at truck stops initially, but now (at $8 to $15) — besides gyms, truck stops especially Pilots/Flying J’s, are some of my favorite places to wash up.
Not Buying A Power Box (Jackery 500) Upfront: I had been looking at different power boxes for months, even before I got on the road, but I was overwhelmed with what to buy. The reviews on Amazon and YouTube.com was so confusing until I actually put my choice on the back burner — while I concentrated on other things. This was a big, big mistake that I would regret later on. After 90 days (3 whole months), I had no other choice but to make this purchase. I had the money from the very beginning, but just did not know which to buy. After the Jackery 500 went on sale on Amazon for $400 instead of $500, I jumped at the chance to buy it. It took me a couple of more weeks to test it to see if the two main appliances (a “Blender” I bought from Amazon.com and my “Steamer” I bought from Walmart) would work with it. I had my doubts after continuing to watch several more reviews. Both were very inexpensive so I felt I really did not have anything to lose, however, I knew I needed to change the way I was eating and eat more healthier. After trying both out I was quite surprised that they both worked and really happy that I would no longer have to depend on being around grocery stores at meal times and that I would be able to prepare my meals more naturally (juiced and steamed) on the road.
Not Buying Lights Upfront: Before getting on the road, I had given away several lamps (small and large) before leaving my apartment because I did not know that I would be able to use these with my power box (Jackery 500). Not having a power box for 90 days also gave me a reason not to purchase any kind of lights. I had to literally depend on my phone flashlight the first couple of weeks of van life so I was fumbling around in the dark most nights and even tried to get everything done before dark. Eventually, I did go into Walmart to the camping section and found a great selection of camping lights that I put throughout the van. These looked just like regular socket lights back home on the wall so I was quite pleased with my purchase.
Not Buying Containers or Plastic Drawers Upfront: I was inundated with so many decisions that I did not want to buy anything for the van until I got my bed in it. That decision put me back several days. I eventually had to make a decision and was just hoping it was the right one. Because my bed was so low to the floor, I would have had to buy special containers to put under my bed so that lead me to just purchase plastic containers and dressers to put upfront, until I was ready for my permanent build. This left nothing under the bed so luckily that space came in handy when I had to store more supplies for #Corona (toilet tissue, paper towels, more food, etc.).
Getting Gas When Tired: One of the hardest lessons I had to learn was to pay attention to what I was doing especially when I got gas. Most RVers and Van Dwellers should get gas the night before if they plan on having a big trip the next day. So after I took a nap at a grocery store and was about to go into my #StealthCamping spot for the night, I got gas. Because I was tired, the backside of my van scrapped against one of the yellow barriers at the gas station. Again, the van was so big and long and it stuck out everywhere, so initially, I had trouble parking it. But after that fiasco, I paid more attention especially when I was around gas stations. Luckily the damage was not that bad.
Not Knowing My Van Height:Well like most RVers or Van Dwellers, until I bought my van, I never paid attention to signs that tell you the height when you can drive. These signs are not just posted on freeways before you get to low hanging bridges, they are posted on most places where there is some type of cover — even at fast- food driveways and car washes. I went into a car wash one day and realized the top of a pole that they had there was scraping the top of my van when I came out. I got out and look around and figured out the last time I was there, I actually went in another side — that was higher. Luckily, it was a low-hanging pole that I don’t believe did any damage up there, but I won’t know until I have my Maxx Aire Deluxe fans or solar installed and then hopefully they will cover the damage.
Not Knowing Tag Procedures in My State: I bought my van in Atlanta instead of Texas, but had my #HomeState address in Texas so that posed a big issue for me enjoying my van life initially. The tag office gave me the run around from the very beginning and because the car dealership where I bought the van in Atlanta had horrible customer service, my tag experience was not very well. The car dealership had to send temporary tags to me twice. The first time I ended up driving without tags (expired tags) for a few days so I was at risk to get a ticket. After I finally received the tags, I found out from the tag office that they would have mailed them to me if I had to move on to another state, but yet even after going to this office and calling on the phone, they never told me this. After spending 80 days in Houston waiting on my tags, which was the closest big city to Livingston, TX, where my address was located, I just wanted to be out of Houston.
What I Did Right
Bought the Right Vehicle: Many RVers and Van Dwellers have regrets after purchasing either a van or RV. Many go on to another vehicle within the first 1 to 2 years, however, up until 1 to 2 months of getting on the road full-time and ‘teaching from the road’ in my new youtube platform, I was #TeamRV(Class C) instead of #TeamVan. I am very satisfied with my purchase. Many times I #StealthCamp and there are so many vehicles out there that look exactly like my commercial Dodge Promaster 3500 Cargo Van. So unless they are writing down tag numbers this has allowed me to be able to park at many more places.
Do a Temporary Build First:Some people are fortunate enough to be able to obtain their van then build it out permanently before getting on the road, but I did not have this luxury. Despite conducting 7 months of research on youtube, google and reading books, I just did not have all the pieces for the puzzle to be able to build out my van permanently upfront. I needed more time to think about what I really wanted to include in the van so I am glad I waited.
Bought the Hooks and Bungee Cords from Walmart:My expertise was never building anything out so I knew when it came to building out my van, there wasn’t much that I would be able to offer. However, one of the best — if not the best choice I made was buying the hooks and bungee cords from Walmart and putting them throughout the van. Because it was a Promaster Cargo Van, it already had the holes to place the hooks in so until I can get a permanent build-out (hopefully, by fall 2020) or a next stage setup — including 2 Maxx Air Deluxe Fans, Controller, 2,000 to 3,000 Watt Inverter, 2 AGM Batteries, and Refrigerator — my temporary setup will work just fine, however, I will need to follow 70-degree weather around the country.
Bought the Jackery 500 Power Box: There are all types of power boxes out there. It was a great decision to buy the Jackery 500 power box as my first power box. However, if I had waited I would have been able to buy the Jackery 1000, which would have been even better.
Did Not Use Propane:I knew from day one that I did not want propane in my van. However, I just did not know how I would stay warm or even eat without it. It took 90 days for me to figure out the best and correct way to eat without propane when I bought my powerbox (Jackery 500) and I told you above how I spent many nights freezing because I refused to put propane in my van. Unlike other van lifers who use propane to cook with and to keep warm, many buy the Mr. Buddy Heaters (that comes in 3 sizes) or the Olympian Wave 3 (or 6) Catalytic Heaters, I wasn’t certain if propane actually leaked off some type of poisonous heavy metal. If you have to crack windows and let air in when you use propane and these types of heaters then naturally there is some type of toxin or poison in the air so this is what I was trying to avoid. My goal was to look at my new lifestyle and still incorporate my healthy habits and to me having good air quality around me was very important.
Put Reflectix Around My Ice Chest: Putting reflectix around my ice chest was indeed one of the better decisions I made. Now instead of getting ice every 3 to 4 days, I can actually do this every 6 days.
Put a Comfortable Bed in It: One of the first things a car dweller, vanner or even RVer should look at is their bed and ask themselves — “Will It Be Comfortable?” I am so glad I was able to bring my bed with me. I thought about it for months and had I gotten the type of RV (Class C) that I wanted, there is a good chance that I would have had to cut off the ends of my mattress. Once I went #TeamVan, then I had no doubt that I could bring my comfortable bed with me.
Bought A Sleeping Bag/Long Johns: Because my lease at my Senior Apartments in Orlando ended on October 1, I had no other choice but to start my journey off in cooler weather. However, I do prefer cooler weather over hotter weather any day so I have no regrets starting out in the Fall/Winter months. The only time I really remember camping out was in the military over 40 years ago so because I was very inexperienced when it came to camping, I had no idea that a Sleeping Bag and Long Johns (Cuddl Duds) should have been one of my first purchases. It took almost freezing to death in Houston — to realize that so again if you decide to get out here on the road, a Sleeping Bag and Long Johns (Cuddl Duds at Walmart) are quite essential to this lifestyle especially if you start your journey off in cooler weather.
Used the Verizon Mi-Fi (Jetpack): There were several options on the table for me to be able to get on the internet, but this one seemed fairly easy. My goal was to always be around an area (city or rural), where I could get online so I am satisfied choosing this option. I have had very little issues with not being able to use it with my laptop, tablet, and phone.
Stockpiled Supplies: Even before Corona hit on Mar. 3, 2020, I was pretty much stockpiling supplies especially water, toilet tissue, paper towels, baby wipes, garbage bags, detergent, bath cloths, batteries (double and Triple A’s), healthy foods, packaged foods for emergencies, vitamins and supplements, etc. so it is always good to have a fresh, supply of goods on hand.
Cathy Harris is a #VanDweller living ‘The Good Life.’ Her blog website is www.SimpleLifeRVing.com. She is also an Empowerment and Motivational Speaker, Advice Columnist at DearCathy.com, Non-GMO Health and Wellness Expert, Business and Love Coach and Self-Publishing Expert and the author of 26 non-fiction books at www.AngelsPress.com. Her books cover topics such as family and community empowerment, health, youth and adult entrepreneurship, writing/publishing, workplace discrimination, whistleblowing, government, law enforcement, domestic and international traveling, politics, media, beauty, car buying and selling for women, aging/retirement – just to name a few. She offers seminars, workshops, and consultations at www.CathyHarrisInternational.com.
The reason many people buy an RV instead of becoming a Car or Van Dweller is so they can have more space and all the comforts of home. Not staying cool while you are out there on your part or full-time adventures is not what RV, van or car dwelling is about.
Tips to keep RVs and Vans cool include:
Point RV or Van west when you pick a spot, especially when boondocking.
Try to park near grass versus near blacktop.
Install a second air conditioning unit and make sure the air conditioner is tuned up.
Avoid opening the door as much as possible.
You can camp by the ocean and get the breeze coming off the ocean.
You can camp in the mountains where there are higher elevations and you will be cooler.
Use a humidifier. Remember that humidity is the enemy of RVs. It destroys RVs.
Use more ventilation. The more ventilation — the better.
Run a fan (or two) as well. It makes a big difference.
Get ahead of the heat. Keep windows opened at night if there is a breeze and run a fan before it gets too warm in the day. This could trap cool air in an RV.
Use blinds, curtains especially blackout curtains, and day-night shades, and/or black out your windows with reflectix. Home Depot has some foil-lined bubble wrap that works extremely well at blocking heat and sunlight or use the silver insulation from Lowe’s to cover your windows and keep the heat out. You have to cut it to size and it will make your RV or Van dark and much cooler. It works great in cold weather too. Also, get reflectix for your skylight.
Use blackout curtains to separate the cab from the rest of the RV or Van.
Always cover the windshield.
Put aluminum foil in the vents on your roof, which will reflect the heat.
Take a garden hose up on top of your RV rig and wash the radiator inside and out and remove all debris from your unit.
Ask to park in the shade at campgrounds and parks. Park your RV in the shade when you can, unless you need the solar on top to power your RV. If you have portable solar, park RV in shade and place solar panels in sunlight.
Try to get in a pool at campgrounds and parks or go to local gyms, LA Fitness, YMCA, 24-Hour Fitness, Anytime Fitness, etc.
Use RV awnings to block out the sun and add more awnings by using shade-cloth. Put a second awning on the other side of the RV or Van and small awnings on the windows. You need an awning on the side where the refrigerator is located to keep cool air in the refrigerator.
Don’t cook indoors. You can use a butane stove outside.
Use micellular cleansing water to keep cool. Keep it in the fridge and use it on your arms and legs.
Use freezer ice cubes.
Until you can buy enough solar to run one or two air conditioners, become a Snowbird and chase 70 degrees around the country.
Cathy Harris is a #VanDweller living ‘The Good Life.’ Her blog website is www.SimpleLifeRVing.com. She is also an Empowerment and Motivational Speaker, Advice Columnist at DearCathy.com, Non-GMO Health and Wellness Expert, Business and Love Coach and Self-Publishing Expert and the author of 26 non-fiction books at www.AngelsPress.com. Her books cover topics such as family and community empowerment, health, youth and adult entrepreneurship, writing/publishing, workplace discrimination, whistleblowing, government, law enforcement, domestic and international traveling, politics, media, beauty, car buying and selling for women, aging/retirement – just to name a few. She offers seminars, workshops, and consultations at www.CathyHarrisInternational.com.
Did you know that many people will start the New Year off by joining a gym and by the month of March (some by Valentine’s Day) they will already be out of there?
Why You Should Engage in a Detox Program?
If you are apparently overweight with very low energy, then don’t go to the gym but instead engage in a detox program first. This process will take anywhere from 1 to 2 to 3 weeks depending on the type of detoxification program you choose from a health food store.
Remember your health begins in your colon so a colon cleanse (detox) should be a priority while you work your way up to a liver and kidney detox.
Detoxification (detox for short) is a natural healing process needed more than ever in today’s toxic world. Just as the outer environments in which we live can become polluted with trash, violated with industrial chemicals, our inner environments (our bodies) can become filled with toxic garbage as well.
Many of these toxins come from our diets, drug use, and environmental exposure. By engaging in a detoxification program we are actively assisting and supporting the body in its own natural cleansing actions to help in ridding the body of substances that may be detrimental to our health.
Learn how to find all the health food stores in your neighborhood and the type of detoxes you should purchase by reading the article at the end of this article or the health book.
Couch Potato Lifestyle
It’s estimated by many experts that this will be the first generation that WILL NOT outlive their parents. The main reason is Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) found in 90% of foods in grocery stores which have no nutritional value and leading a sedentary (sitting posture) lifestyle.
A sedentary lifestyle or “the couch potato lifestyle” has contributed to over 200,000 PREVENTABLE deaths a year. The leading causes of death for people with heart disease, cancer, stroke, kidney disease, liver disease, and diabetes are most strongly influenced by lifestyle.
What to Do Before Starting an Exercise Program
Before starting any type of regular exercise program see your doctor first to make sure your body can take working out. Remember to always start off slow (start off walking) then work yourself up over the next few weeks and months to a more intense form of working out, if and only if, you are in shape for that type of workout.
If you have been sedentary for some time, try exercising in water. Water aerobics are excellent for those who are overweight or who find walking or running difficult.
Some easy ways to add physical activity to your daily routine include:
Park the car farther away from your destination.
Get on or off the bus several blocks away.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
Take fitness breaks instead of cigarette or coffee breaks. Walk, stretch or do some office exercises.
Perform gardening, yard work, heavy house cleaning, or home-repair activities.
Exercise while watching TV. For example, use hand weights, a stationary bike or treadmill, stretch, or perform body-weight exercises such as crunches, push-ups and squats.
Keep a pair of comfortable walking or running shoes in your car and office. You’ll be ready for activity wherever you go.
Walk while doing errands.
Know the Dangers of Working Out in a Gym
Many people will start the New Year off by joining a gym and by the month of March they will already be out of there. Why? Because they should have engaged in a detox program first so they could gain the long-term energy they will need to pace themselves.
Did you know you can freeze your membership at most gyms if you don’t plan on attending for a while? Fitness gyms have memberships for $20 or $30 a month and you don’t have to sign a contract (LA Fitness, Gold’s Gym, YMCAs, etc.). But be careful when working out in a gym.
Some of the dangers of working out in a gym include:
-Underqualified staff or physical trainers (untrained staff members pretending to know what they are doing) -Bacteria on equipment (including exercise mats so bring your own or clean off mats) and in showers (always wear shoes) -Faulty equipment (many persons have been paralyzed from using faulty equipment at gyms so pay attention and don’t exercise when you are sleepy or too tired).
Wear the Right Equipment to Work Out
It’s very motivational to have on the right equipment when you are working out especially your shoes. If you plan on starting a walking program then invest in walking shoes.
Sports Authority has a great selection of workout clothes and tennis shoes for under $60. If you have a foot injury then chances are you will stop working out altogether so invest in expensive socks so your feet can feel comfortable.
If you plan on starting an aerobic program then buy cross-trainer shoes. If you plan on running everyday then invest in running shoes.
Don’t forget that water bottle so you can sip water throughout your workout. Wearing the right equipment will help you feel good about yourself and will help you get results even sooner.
Warm It Up
Make sure you warm-up before exercising. Your warm-up is just as important as your workout, however, with busy schedules, people forget to stretch and heat up their bodies. Many just settle for a few toe-touches which can leave them in pain or injured.
A good warm-up will provide increased flexibility and will activate the necessary muscles for training and competition. It also speeds up your blood flow and causes your core temperature to rise, which will prepare you to train at your highest levels. Good preparation makes for a great workout.
Preventing Soreness When Exercising
Getting sore after exercising will not only keep you from continuing to exercise, it might make you stop all together. Therefore, to prevent soreness remember to use natural remedies for soreness versus the over-the-counter creams that can leak into your blood system and cause your body to become toxic.
For instance, always keep Epsom salt by your bathtub to use when you go home from the gym and for muscle cramps rub pure, unprocessed olive or flaxseed oil into your muscles before and after strenuous exercise.
The Right Way to Lose Weight
In order to lose weight, you must exercise. When you look at the people that are successful at losing weight and keeping it off, they are active, plain and simple.
Being overweight is caused most often by overeating and under-exercising. Excessive weight can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, some forms of cancer, diabetes, and gallstones.
Get Some Type of Cardiovascular Exercise
The more fit you are, the longer you are likely to live. Being fit usually means you engage in some type of “cardio” or “cardiovascular” exercise. Cardiovascular exercises are any type of exercise that gets your heart rate up and keep it up for at least 20 to 30 minutes.
Everyone should be engaged in some type of cardiovascular exercise (fast or power walking, running, aerobics, swimming, bicycling/spinning, etc.) at least 3, 4 or 5 days a week for 30 to 45 minutes.
Learn more by reading my health book “How To Take Control of Your Own Life: A Self-Help Guide to Becoming Healthier Over the Next 30 Days” (available as an e-book or paperback book at www.AngelsPress.com) or read the e-article below.
How To Engage in A Complete Detoxification Program – E-article by CathyHarrisSpeaks.com
Cathy Harris is a #VanDweller living ‘The Good Life.’ Her blog website is www.SimpleLifeRVing.com. She is also an Empowerment and Motivational Speaker, Advice Columnist at DearCathy.com, Non-GMO Health and Wellness Expert, Business and Love Coach and Self-Publishing Expert and the author of 26 non-fiction books at www.AngelsPress.com. Her books cover topics such as family and community empowerment, health, youth and adult entrepreneurship, writing/publishing, workplace discrimination, whistleblowing, government, law enforcement, domestic and international traveling, politics, media, beauty, car buying and selling for women, aging/retirement – just to name a few. She offers seminars, workshops, and consultations at www.CathyHarrisInternational.com.
Many RVers and especially truckers don’t trust GPSs. They have even told stories about how they had to back up on highways to keep from going under bridges that they couldn’t fit even after posting it in GPSs.
So your best bet is to use one of the other two apps below by putting in your height and length:
AllTrails (To find hiking trails. Subscription is $29.99 a year).
Weather Apps
Windy.com (gives you 3-hour updates, wind speed, wind directions, wind gust, and Hurricanes forecasts)
The Weather Channel
Weather
My Radar
Weather Bug
Apps To Monitor Gas
You will save gas as long as you stay in one location so if you stay weekly or monthly, you will save gas.
Apps to help you monitor your gas include:
Gas Buddy
Fuelly
Gas Guru
Gas Cubby
GasPricesTriple.com
Just some of the Memberships and Apps for RV and Van Dwellers include:
Escapees/Xscapers: Escapees is the popular mail forwarding services for RVers. They have several big events a year so subscribe to their e-newsletter and join their group. Membership fees are around $39 a year and they have a $10 sign up fee. Escapees is more about community than it is about savings. This RV club offers get-togethers to help RVers connect. It also offers ongoing education courses, a job board for finding work on the road, and, of course, discounts at about 1,000 parks nationwide. This membership is best for retired and full-time RVers. You need to be staying at RV parks for a good chunk of the year to get the most out of its benefits, as the majority of what you’re paying for are community-based activities and not discounts.
Good Sam: $27 a year with $10 off. They have 26 campgrounds. Good Sam is the biggest name in the RV industry, with over one million members in The Good Sam Club. It includes a 10% discount on over 2,000 Good Sam parks. In addition to its RV club, Good Sam offers roadside assurance and insurance programs (sold separately). Like many larger organizations, however, its reputation is a bit tainted. The reason mostly concerns the legitimacy of its famous “Good Sam Rating” it gives each of its parks.
Passport America:$44 a year. You get 50% off 1600 campgrounds in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico and they have a referral program. Passport America partners with campgrounds willing to sell campsites at half price during non-peak seasons in order to maintain capacity year-round. With most RV sites in the US costing over $30 a night, it only takes a couple of stays a year using this pass for it to pay for itself. The downside to this discount camping club is that most of the parks willing to sell sites half off aren’t exactly the best kept. This is exacerbated by the fact that Passport America has no user reviews for listings, so choosing a park through them can be a leap of faith.
RV Golf Club: They have over 400 locations so you pay $99 bucks a year.
Thousand Trails: Thousand Trails membership is $575 a year. It takes a fresh approach on how RV clubs operate. Instead of requiring a small annual fee for discounted rates, it asks for a significant investment of nearly $600 in exchange for free camping at their parks all year. Similar to the KOA Value Kard, this membership is only really worth it if you love Thousand Trails campgrounds, which tend to be more luxurious (good for glampers). With just 86 parks across the country and reviews being hard to comprehend, however, staying at a Thousand Trails campground can be hit or miss. This group can bring down the cost of campsites.
HarvestHosts.com:These are winery, farms, breweries, etc. Memberships are $50 a year. (Owner name is Joel). They only take up to 5 RVers a night so you need to make reservations. You need to buy wine, cheese, and other products, while you are there.
Unique RV Camping: Membership is $49.00 a year. You sign up one time for a year. Then you get another list and app for wineries, organic farms, and museums where you can stay overnight for FREE. Some take two to four RVs a night and this place is great. It will help you see more places and see more people.
Army Corps of Engineer Camp Grounds: You get 84 to 100 ft long camps at Army Corps of Engineers. There is a one to 2 weeks max in each park so stay there and move on. It gives 50% off for Seniors and is opened to everyone.
KOA Value Kard Rewards:They are $40 a year. As the oldest campground network in the industry, KOA is known for its family-focused parks available near basically every metropolitan area. KOA parks generally have more amenities than the average campground. Though its campgrounds are normally expensive, their discount card allows you to stay at upscale parks for more affordable rates. However, with a discount of only 10% off, it can take a while to pay this card off unless you’re staying at KOA campgrounds exclusively or are RVing full-time.
Specialty RV Clubs: These RV clubs differ from the traditional models above, offering alternative ways to save money.
–Boondockers Welcome – ($30/year). This membership, as the name entails, is built for RVers who prefer to boondock, or camp without hookups. By paying the annual fee or hosting yourself, you can request to stay at private residences across the country for free. Local hosts that share their properties also tend to know the top attractions in the area. Spots are generally in the driveway of homes, although some are even larger.
–RoverPass Unlimited – ($50/year, $30/month). The newest membership for RVers, Rover Pass Unlimited is the perfect pass for RV renters and full-time RVers alike. The pass earns you free bookings through our reservation software with over 6,000 campgrounds across the US. RoverPass was made particularly for RV renters who aren’t necessarily as familiar with the process of reserving RV sites. Our software was made to alleviate a lot of the frustrations they commonly experience, like playing phone tag with front desk employees and, in the worst case scenario, never hearing back at all.
Disability Pass: Get an “Access Pass” from “America The Beautiful” website. Cost is $12 a night. You need a disability rating. So show proof especially if you are a Veteran. You can save 50% at National Parks, State Parks and Army Corps of Engineers Parks.
Senior Pass: You can get an “America The Beautiful” pass. It is no longer FREE. You must pay $80 for a lifetime membership. If you can’t afford lump payment, just pay $20 a year.
Cathy Harris is a #VanDweller living ‘The Good Life.’ Her blog website is www.SimpleLifeRVing.com. She is also an Empowerment and Motivational Speaker, Advice Columnist at DearCathy.com, Non-GMO Health and Wellness Expert, Business and Love Coach and Self-Publishing Expert and the author of 26 non-fiction books atwww.AngelsPress.com. Her books cover topics such as family and community empowerment, health, youth and adult entrepreneurship, writing/publishing, workplace discrimination, whistleblowing, government, law enforcement, domestic and international traveling, politics, media, beauty, car buying and selling for women, aging/retirement – just to name a few. She offers seminars, workshops, and consultations at www.CathyHarrisInternational.com.
Warehouse districts are great. Some people feel comfortable around truckers. To find google warehouse spaces.
State, City, or Community Parks (Look for signs that say 24 parking)
National Parks
City, County, or Regional Campgrounds
BLM.gov (It’s everywhere but mostly on the west coast). Camp on BLM land with groups of 20 or more people to be safe especially if you are a solo female traveler.
You can do “Driveway or Mooch Surfing” (also “Couch Surfing” — staying on someone’s couch) in a family’ member, friend or someone’s driveway as long as it is approved by city/county, Homeowner’s Association (HOA) and neighbors. Cars and van dwellers can do this easier than larger RVs.
Medical Offices Complexes
Hospitals
Apartments especially Senior Apartments without security or security cameras
24 Hour Urgent Cares
24 Hour Gyms
Strip malls in big cities. Strip malls or shopping malls that are opened 24 hours, but they might have security guards and will probably kick you out.
If you live in a car, van, or even RV, you can go on Craigslist and run an ad that you will pay $100 a month (or less) to park in someone’s driveway or on their land. Tell them you will only show up at dark and leave during the daytime.
Where Not To Stealth Camping
Respect “No parking signs.”
Do not park on private property. Somebody is always looking.
Avoid residential neighborhoods.
What You Need To Know About Parking An RV at Walmart
The app “Allstays” will list Walmarts that allow RVers to stay overnight. Because of the homeless situation, some car and van dwellers and RVers are actually living in Walmart parking lots.
Parking at Walmart is a “Right of Passage” for RVers. Walmart parking is called “Lot Docking.” It might be noisy on Friday and Saturday night.
Many RVers have stayed at a Walmart at one time or another especially when:
They are traveling continuously and it will be easier to get back on the freeway.
When they don’t reach their RV parks or campgrounds before dark. No one wants to try to go to an RV park or campground after dark especially when they are miles off the highway. You never know what might be lurking around if you try to hook up after dark (snakes, alligators, strangers, etc.)
When they run out of funds for the month and need to park somewhere for FREE.
Many truckers have already stopped parking at some of the Walmarts. Walmart is redefining their space. Some Walmarts are no longer allowing RV parking so look at signs then talk to managers or call managers ahead of time. Over 50% are still allowing it but still obtain permission.
They might have local ordinances and many are being passed not to allow parking at Walmart for RVers. The tow signs are the ones with ordinances. The further you go out in the country, the less they would have passed these ordinances.
Because boondocking on WalMart’s parking lot is a hot issue in many towns, following the below simple rules, which will help keep these places open to travelers who want a good night’s sleep before moving on.
Disregarding them, especially making your area look like you’ve moved in for a lengthy stay, is what gets local RV park owners up in arms. They see RVs in a Walmart or other parking lots as revenues they should have had.
Below are Do’s and Don’t of Walmart Parking
Do’s:
Purchase items from Walmart.
Pick up after yourself.
Pick up after pets.
Do park far away from each other.
Don’t:
Don’t stay for more than one night.
When you stay overnight don’t take advantage so be kind to neighbors and don’t run your generator.
Don’t set up camp or have a party.
Don’t pull out your slides.
Don’t pull out your awnings.
Don’t put down hydraulic jacks.
Don’t park crazy.
Don’t pee in a bottle and leave it.
There was an alcoholic family member that ended up killed by the police after camping out in a Walmart parking lot and getting into an altercation.
What You Need To Know About State Parks
You pay $225 for a New Mexico State Park pass for an entire year. It is a hot state so in the winter it will be in teens. However, you can get 7 good months of nice weather. You can stay for 14 days at one site then leave for 6 days then come back to that same site. Some of the sites are right next door to each other.
You can pay $4.00 a day for electric, $8 per day for full hookups (sewer, water, electric, trash, showers, etc.). Out of 30 state park campgrounds in New Mexico, 25 have FREE showers. Nevada also has state park passes.
Boondocking 101
“Boondocking” means camping in your RV with no hookups. You can boondock as long as your on-board resources hold out. Boondocking is also called “Dry Camping” and “Disperse Camping.”
There is basic equipment for dry camping (without hookups) and adding a few optional items can extend your boondocking stays.
US Public Lands App (Then look for U.S. Public Land for Boondocking)
Two Types of Boondocking
One type is parking in more out-of-the-way places, usually for several days or even an extended period of time. Public lands offer many opportunities for boondocking.
The other type of boondocking is often referred to as “blacktop boondocking.” That is when you camp overnight on a Walmart or shopping center parking lot or in a truck stop. Some call it “dry camping” since you are not in the “boonies.”
RVers choose to spend the night on parking lots because of convenience. They don’t have to drive miles off the highway to a campground. Other RVers boondock because of budget reasons.
Many can’t see paying $20 or more a night to stay in an RV park or campground when they are traveling from point A to point B and won’t be using the amenities the park has to offer.
Whichever type of boondocker you are, these guidelines will help you (and your neighbors) have a better experience.
Blacktop Boondocking
Get permission from the manager.
Purchase dinner, fuel or other items as a thank you.
Park away from other vehicles, along the sides of the parking lot. In a truck stop, if there is no designated area for RVs, park off to the side or to the back away from truckers. Truckers will appreciate you not taking their spaces, plus it will be less noisy for you.
Do not get chairs and barbeque out, nor put out your awning. Avoid using your slideouts if possible too.
Stay only one night.
Pick up any trash you have generated.
Escapees.com RV Club provides “Boondocking Etiquette Cards.” You can download and then leave on an individual’s windshield who is not following these guidelines and jeopardizing the rights of other RV travelers as well.
Boondocking in the “Boonies”
When we think of regular boondocking, we think more of camping in wilderness areas, often on public lands. Campgrounds in public lands generally do not provide hookups. The USDA Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) also allow camping outside their designated campgrounds.
Serious boondockers modify their RVs so they can take advantage of free camping in pretty places. Solar panels and an inverter keep batteries charged. A catalytic or ceramic heater is more efficient than the regular RV heater and doesn’t draw down the battery.
Boondockers may have a Blue Boy®, a portable waste holding tank, so they can take blackwater into a dump. They carry water jugs to haul water to their fresh water tanks.
Boondockers learn how to conserve both power and water so they can extend their stays and may even use solar ovens for cooking and heat water with the sun.
Most campers are here for a wilderness experience. They enjoy the peace and quiet. Following these guidelines will help all enjoy their stay as well as protect the environment:
Park in previously used areas. Do not create a new road or parking spot or run over vegetation.
Park away from other RVs so each can enjoy the peace and quiet. If you do have a generator you plan to run, park far away from other RVs and limit your use to an hour or so in the morning and another in early evening. Generator noise carries and is not part of the wilderness experience.
Respect quiet hours. Do not run generators or play TVs or radios loudly after 10 p.m. or before 7 a.m. (RVers Quiet Hours). Some areas may have different quiet hours so check with the agency.
In some areas dumping grey water on the ground is permissible. Always check with the agency first. Dumping black water on the ground is NEVER PERMITTED.
Leave the area cleaner than you found it. Dispose of trash in a trash container after you leave.
Read and follow the agency’s rules regarding fires, collecting firewood, and quiet hours. Respect time limits, which are typically 14 days.
RV groups meeting on public lands should choose an area large enough to accommodate their group without damaging the environment and should respect the rights of nearby campers that are not part of the group.
They should also educate their members, who may never have boondocked before, on ways to extend their battery power without constantly running their generators and on ways to conserve water.
For many RVers, boondocking is the true RV experience. The ability to camp without hookups is one of the advantages of RV ownership. You can camp free of charge and use the systems that were designed to be self-contained.
Using courtesy and common sense can make your boondocking experience, whether on black top or in the wilderness, a good one for you and other RVers.
BoondockersWelcome.com(You can join them for less than $40 a year. Some have land and full hookups or you stay in front of someone’s home. If you have a place for RVs to park, then you should become a host).
Look at their websites for rules. Every region might have different rules. They might not enforce it.
Dos – 4 Rules:
Know rules, areas and time limits.
Obey “No Trespassing Signs”; respect the land; there are hunters, hikers, RVers, etc. so stay on road, don’t mess up vegetation, leave no trace, don’t chop down trees; leave only footprints, etc.
Pack in what you pack out. Don’t leave your mess for someone else to clean up.
Go out and have fun and explore. To help find your RV in parks or while boondocking, many RVers choose to put a flag on their RVs.
Don’t 3 Rules:
Don’t ever block a dirt road. Try to point your vehicle toward the exit and try to reach your site early.
Do not dump gray water. Most gray water is 20 to 30 gallons and it will be going in ONE SPOT. Don’t dump it while boondocking. It will change the eco system. It’s illegal and not good for the environment.
Don’t rely on cell signal. If staying in touch. Get a personal locator. There is Inreach, Spot. etc. Have a paper map to maneuver out further when boondocking because your GPS might not work. Print it out ahead of time.
When you shower you use a quarter of a tank so take “bird baths” or “sponge baths” when boondocking. If you run your generator for 3 hours a day, you should be able to work on a computer for 8 hours. You need at least a 200-watt solar system to start.
Plenty of FREE Land To Live On
Tired of driving – by the way there are plenty of FREE PUBLIC LAND in the U.S. (Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, California, etc.) to settle down on where you can park your car, van, RV, bus, etc. for FREE, while you build a new life for yourself.
The land is called BLM.gov(Bureau of Land Management) land or National Forest land, which is owned by the government, however, you can live on this land for FREE.
A majority of the BLM land is in the west, but there is land in other parts of the country. Check out the website and today because of technology, they have apps to help you find this FREE LAND (See above app section).
You can live there by yourself or park around others who have already chosen this type of lifestyle. There are plenty of caravans and convoys all over the U.S. for women and men to be able to create their ideal communities, especially on this land. Check with Bob Wells on CheapRVLiving.com on these caravans and convoys.
Many Snowbirds, people who follow the weather, put solar panels on Vans or RVs and use the good weather to totally power their vehicles, while they live their daily lives and travel around the U.S..
You should consider leaving cold climates and become a Snowbird and see what it is like to always live in good weather as you travel around the world and see some great sites and meet some great people on the road.
It’s time for us to think as pioneers did back in the day when many people went out west on wagon trains to Oregon, California, etc. to make better lives for themselves.
Just some of the places to live include:
Quartzsite, AZ: Quartzsite, AZ is the home for RVers. The month of January RVers converges onto the area for 3 BIG RV events which last all month — the Women Rubber Tramp Rendevous (RTR), Rubber Tramp Rendevous for men and women, and a big RV show afterward. The group Escapees.com celebrate a big New Year’s celebration there.
Some of the places might be limited to a 14 day stay, except LaPosa long-term stay in Quartzsite, AR, where there is a fee. However, for that fee of $180 a year (or $40 for two weeks), you can stay from September 15-April 15. After April it gets too hot so many RVers head back home or to higher elevations to stay cool.
Yuma, AZ: You can pay $80 for the year in Yuma, AZ. Depending on what area you are in, after 14 days
you might have to move. In the state of Arizona you need to move 25 miles away from that spot after 14 days.
Colorado: In the state of Colorado you need to move every 14 days at least 45 miles away. But after 14 days, you can go back to that SAME CAMPSITE or area.
New Mexico: In New Mexico you can pay $225 a year for up to 7 months of nice weather. They have 25 shower facilities on the land so if you live in your car or van, that’s all you need.
Like other BLM or National Forest land, you just need to move around every 14 days in some cases. Some of the spots might be right next to each other.
Why, AZ: You can also pay $550 a year to live in a place two (2) hours outside Tucson, AZ called Why, AZ. You can stay in tents, cars, vans, RVs, on buses, etc. on BLM or National Forest land.
You will have access to FREE water, FREE showers, FREE wi-fi, and trash pick up. There is a dumpsite or you can use a portable ‘blue boy,’ to dump your gray and black tank. There are also services that can come out and dump for you.
From September to April the temperature can be bearable in Why, AZ. There are no FREE power hookups and temps can get up to 110 degrees so everyone usually has at least 200 watts of solar or they run generators to keep cool. Remember in RVs at least 25 feet long, many do install a second air conditioner.
Three Lakes: You can camp for FREE from September to March in three lakes, which is southwest of Disney about 90 minutes.
Too Old To Travel
If you get too old to travel, Livington, TX, the home of Escapees.com RV mail forwarding services is offering Assisted Living for RVers. I suspect many of these services will pop up as many car, van, boat dwellers and RVers embrace this minimalist lifestyle.
See you on the opened road — SimpleLifeRVing.com with Cathy Harris. Let’s “Simplify and Go.”
Cathy Harris is a #VanDweller living ‘The Good Life.’ Her blog website is www.SimpleLifeRVing.com. She is also an Empowerment and Motivational Speaker, Advice Columnist at DearCathy.com, Non-GMO Health and Wellness Expert, Business and Love Coach and Self-Publishing Expert and the author of 26 non-fiction books at www.AngelsPress.com. Her books cover topics such as family and community empowerment, health, youth and adult entrepreneurship, writing/publishing, workplace discrimination, whistleblowing, government, law enforcement, domestic and international traveling, politics, media, beauty, car buying and selling for women, aging/retirement – just to name a few. She offers seminars, workshops, and consultations at www.CathyHarrisInternational.com.
There are many people who will rob or harm you in the wild. There are bears, cougars, boars, wolves, snakes, and gators that are hungry.
Get a Concealed Weapons Permit (if required in your state) and carry a small pistol in your pocket at all times. A .22 will make enough noise to make someone run, but you will need a 9mm or .40 with a well-placed shot to kill a criminal or wild animal. Get trained and practice on a regular basis. This can also come in handy if attacked by a bear, wolf, snake, or cougar. A pistol will cost $150-$500.
If you are on a low budget, you can get a scary looking pellet gun at Walmart for $20- $80.
This will not kill anyone but you could blind an attacker if you were good enough to shoot their eye. The hand cockers are fun to shoot, but may not scare a criminal away. I would go for a $50 CO2 model and keep in pocket.
A $1 folding knife from Dollar Store.
A $10 Pepper Spray on your key ring or in your pocket from Walmart.
Several $1- $10 flashlights. I have one shaped like a billy club that is by my driver’s seat at all times ($24 Walmart). Lights in the eyes at night will confuse a criminal or animal. Go for the brightest ones.
A $1 whistle on key chain or in pocket will confuse a criminal or animal.
7 A $15 compressed air horn on key chain or in pocket will confuse a criminal or animal. These can be found in the Walmart Boating department.
Take a self-defense course or Judo. Sometimes it’s free in local communities.
Use an ink pen or screwdriver. If you thrust into the neck or eye can slow down a criminal or animal.
A double sock full of $10 worth of pennies or nickels (or a $10 hammer) can do some damage when swung to hit the head of a criminal or animal and the impact does not hurt you like hitting them with your fist.
A $15 jogger’s alarm allows you to set off a loud noise.
Many electronic remote key fobs have a panic button on them.
A dog can be worth their weight in gold.
A $15 Solar powered motion detection light for your home can sit on you dash or hood and may scare off a criminal or animal if you are in the woods.
Put a Marine or Army sticker on your front and back bumpers. No one wants to pick a fight with a well-trained VET.
A $330 Taser or $40-$120 Electric Shock Flashlight is a non-lethal way to stop an attacker.
Know your environment and neighborhoods. There are parts of some towns I would not drive my vehicle through in broad daylight, let alone overnight. There are some places in the wilderness that are frequented by some people that may not be friendly.
Park in a manner that won’t allow you to be blocked in by another vehicle. Be able to drive fast in forward or reverse to rapidly escape. Know your surroundings and escape routes. If you feel uncomfortable, listen to your gut. Lock up at night and have a designated place for your keys. While stealth is great, don’t park in a hidden place. Put gear away in the vehicle when not in use. Have defensive tools accessible.
Bear Spray can be used on both 4 footed and 2 footed predators.
Remember, the average response time to a 911 call is 30 minutes or more.
The average response time of a pistol is 1400 feet per second. You can stop an attacker in less than 5 seconds.
The bottom line, you have to be able to protect and defend yourself when camping.
(Wasp Spray is only a defense against Wasps not attackers – google it)
Practice using all the above so you are comfortable, prepared, and are safe camping.
I am not paranoid but I also believe in being prepared. Google the following:
– 11 campers have been murdered on the Appellation Trail.
– A man was murdered in his tent with his 2 little girls watching and 10 other campers shot.
Whether you are in the woods or the city, there are still some crazy people in the world that will rob, rape or murder, regardless of the location.
It is better to have something, and not need it than to NEED SOMETHING and not have it.
I carry a can of Fix-a-Flat, spare tire, and fire extinguisher for the same reasons.
Cathy Harris is a #VanDweller living ‘The Good Life.’ Her blog website is SimpleLifeRVing.com. She is also an Empowerment and Motivational Speaker, Advice Columnist at DearCathy.com, Non-GMO Health and Wellness Expert, Business and Love Coach and Self-Publishing Expert and the author of 26 non-fiction books at www.AngelsPress.com. Her books cover topics such as family and community empowerment, health, youth and adult entrepreneurship, writing/publishing, workplace discrimination, whistleblowing, government, law enforcement, domestic and international traveling, politics, media, beauty, car buying and selling for women, aging/retirement – just to name a few. She offers seminars, workshops, and consultations at www.CathyHarrisInternational.com.
On October 1, 2019, I will be taking off for another horizon and #Adventure. I will be #GoingWest from Orlando to Oakland and will take 90 days to get there.
As I make my way slowly west, I will be seeing some beautiful sites, making great friends along the way and seeing family and old friends.
By the time I make it to California, it should be time for the yearly “Rubber Tramp Rendezvous (RTR),” a large gathering of RVers, Van and Car Dwellers in January 2020. This is a great chance to embrace the #NomadLife. So show up in a car with a tent if you have too.
Texas (Houston) will be my #NewHome state and I will be going back there once or twice a year (more like every 9 months) for doctor’s visits and other personal business. However, as a Veteran, I can go to the doctor’s office in any state.
I lived in Houston, TX over 30 years ago when I was still married as a young mother with two small kids. I did not want to return to Texas – not quite yet — after spending 1 year in Dallas and 3 years in Austin, but I guess we all need to revisit our past and move one.
I love this time of year around my birthday, October 6, (63) and other holidays, especially when all the leaves start changing colors. You got all the holidays back to back – my birthday (Oct. 6), Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. I absolutely love it!!!
I go into some type of #HappyTrance during this time of year. The weather cools off and it’s also time for #BootSeason. I love wearing boots in cool weather. It’s also cool enough where you can wear a wig with comfort.
Despite being born in and living in the state of Georgia for 40 years, Florida will always be my #GoTo state. As most of you know I have been living in the Orlando, Florida area for one year after living in Austin, TX for 3 years and Dallas for 1 year.
This is my 4th time living in the state of Florida. I lived in Tallahassee for 2 months before, Tampa for 6 months and Miami for 5 years and now one year in Orlando and all of it has been a #Beautiful experience for me.
Despite going through 11 years of workplace abuse in Atlanta, GA (TheCathyHarrisStory.com), I was the most happiest in my #WorkLife in Miami for 5 years with Customs more than any other location (Houston, TX, El Paso, TX, Miami, FL, Atlanta, GA) in my 27-year federal career.
Because I love to travel, I always wanted to call at least 3 to 4 states #MyHome. After driving around the country for a year in 2013, I had decided on Florida (Orlando), North Carolina (Charlotte) and Pennsylvania (Philly) – to be my #HomeStates.
I always wanted to see California so I am on my way out there now (#GoingWest) — so I can very well add it to the states I would like to call home. I can’t wait to see the water and scenery (#TeamBeach).
I have only lived in Charlotte for 2 weeks but other relatives and friends live in the North Carolina area so I have been there many times and always wanted to live in the Charlotte area.
North Carolina has the cleanest restrooms and rest areas out of all the states that I have traveled. I just thought I would put that in there.
For some reason, Florida has always been GOOD TO ME. I think the reason Florida is one of those states and areas that can get my #CreativeJuices flowing is because of its beauty.
From the way the breezes rise off the water, to the way the sun comes up through the trees in early morning — what a beautiful, beautiful site.
When I left Florida in 2014 after taking a 6 months break after being on the road for an entire year, I was really productive at that time also.
My goal back then was to travel to a new state every 6 months. I was going to sign a 6-month apartment lease or just move in with a roommate and just travel to a different state every 6 months and meet the locals, however, plans changed and I ended up getting off the road temporarily and moved to Austin and Dallas.
Back then I wasn’t thinking about RVing. I never explored the possibility of moving into a Van or RV until now. Sometimes in life, we have to stop and ‘smell the roses’ or just look at all our options.
I have been retired since 2005. Had I known this #NomadLifestyle existed back then — I know I would have acted sooner and embraced the #Nomad and #GypsyLifestyle.
I have always been a #Nomad and #Wanderer at heart, especially since the military. However, sometimes we are put in positions and sent to places to fully allow ourselves to heal and come up with #ActionPlans for our lives.
Had I never went to Austin, TX and lived with a guy who was a Sergeant Major, E-9 in the military, I don’t know if I could have faced my demons from the military or even have had the courage to finish my military book “Military Dirty Little Secrets: My Tour of Duty.” The book was so painful to write that it took me 40 years to write it and I am hoping it will be my #LastPainful book.
Keeping a Strong Body as You Age
Florida like most states has its issues. Eventually, I would like to move my doctor’s visits and personal business back to Florida. However, Florida has the worst VA.gov medical system that I have seen so far on my travels.
They call me a #TravelingVeteran because I had been seen at other VA.gov systems (Tampa, Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Detroit, New Jersey, etc.). But the Orlando VA.gov level of care is something that needs to be investigated.
Despite having plenty of people around me, I pretty much went into isolation some days in Florida over the last year. This is because I still felt I had one more thing to do with my life (SimpleLifeRVing.com) and sometimes your elevation may require your isolation. Sometimes you need to turn your home into a #LearningCenter to feed your inner soul and spirit.
One thing I learned for sure in Atlanta in 2008, three years after retiring from my job, when I ended up housebound and bedridden at the age of 50 years old, which started my natural #HealthJourney, is that you have to take steps everyday to make sure your body, mind, and soul have what it needs not just to survive, but to function properly. This is a daily task and unless you pay attention — your body, mind, and soul will give out on you.
Getting healthy and staying healthy is a struggle for everyone — including me. Because I was exposed to ‘second-hand’ cigarette smoke in my Senior apartments for one year, I had to struggle to stay healthy.
Benzene — the contaminant that comes from smoking can do a job on the human body especially the kidneys.
I had two injuries while living in Florida during the past year and I am grateful and thankful that I had these injuries at this time in my life.
These injuries were nothing but lessons and a #WakeUp call for me to do what I needed to do, #StayOnTrack and pay even more attention when it came to how I treated my body.
I had a groin injury from lifting too much weight at the gym and when I took off to run one day because I had not stretched probably or enough, I pulled a butt muscle. It took 6 to 8 weeks each to heal both of these injuries.
The good part about it is that despite the fact that the VA.gov in Orlando, Florida had a bad medical system, it did have an adequate physical therapy department — where I was able to learn exercises that would strengthen my body for many years to come.
I was in the right place at the right time to get these lessons. And that is what life is. It is a lesson and unless you pay attention, your life could be over with — in an instance.
Last Ride for Seniors – #FinalDestinations
We all must do our part and force politicians to do the right thing by Seniors. Remember we all will get old one day. We must do our part to make sure that as Seniors age, they can live out their lives with #Dignity.
If we don’t make these changes now or if we are not raising our kids, grandchildren and other relatives to be #Kind and #Compassionate — then who will make the changes?
Many of you might not know it but when Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, many found a new home in Florida so the state is extremely FULL OF PEOPLE — especially Seniors. I guess the same will happen with #HurricaneDorian and the people from the Bahamas.
As soon as a new Senior apartment building is constructed in my area and they open their doors for business, they already have a 6-months to 1-year waiting list for Seniors desperate to find a home.
Even my Senior Apartments were once a hotel so they have had to turn buildings and other establishments into homes for Seniors in the state of Florida.
I have a one-bedroom studio/efficiency, however, they originally catered to prisoners and homeless people — 55 and older — then they started allowing other Seniors to move in.
I worked with men for over 30 years in the military and with U.S. Customs (TheCathyHarrisStory.com), but when I moved in these Senior apartments, I wondered why men here looked at me the way they did — like they wanted to jump me.
It was more than the usual looks and stares. Many seemed to have something sinister about them. One guy especially would talk loud outside my door as if he wanted me to hear him and come out outside.
I ended up in an argument with him for disrespecting my privacy and reported him to the office. Later I found out he had spent 17 years in prison.
Then I found out many of the men here had been in prison for up to 15 and even 20 years. When I found this out, I started carrying myself much differently – started being more safer, especially at night.
After my one year lease in Orlando, Florida living in Senior apartments, I realized that I needed more than ever to keep having ‘meaning in my life’ and living in an apartment or another dwelling was hindering me from ‘living my dreams’ of being on the #OpenedRoad.
As soon as I signed the lease, it was like I just gave up my #Freedom — never again. I always wanted to live in Senior apartments to see if I could assist them in any way, but living here did nothing but made me want to go on more #Adventures and see even more beauty in my life while seeking out more fun, happiness and to be totally stimulated fully – mind, body, and soul.
It’s one thing to embrace your age and it’s another to completely give up on life. What I saw over the last year in my Senior apartments are people who had totally given up on life.
Not only where their fond memories of life behind them, they indeed had come to the end of their roads — many at the age of 55. I did not want that to be my story.
I heard them rejoice when the first of the month rolled around because they were paid. But by the 10th of the month, I heard them trying to borrow cigarettes from others because by then — they were #Broke. That’s no kind of life to live.
There was a beautiful park and a trail for walking or running next to our apartments, but many did not even bother to try to get on the elevator and come out and walk around the park to get some exercise.
Many would come out at least twice a day to walk their dogs so sometimes the dogs got more exercise than them.
I watched these Seniors go from walking with a cane to using a walker to having to use a wheelchair. Many arrived in good shape — walking everyday, but once they saw everyone else with canes and walkers, they went and got one. So the type of people you hang out with does make a big, big difference — especially as you age.
Many did not even bother to get dressed everyday. They would just sit outside their doors in their nightclothes or be on breathing machines. So for many Seniors in my apartment complex, it was their #LastRide.
Ambulances were here every week taking many Seniors away to hospitals or to their #FinalDestinations. So again, at 62, all of this urged me to seek out even more adventures in my life and to continue to live my life to the fullest.
It’s time for all of us to come together and come up with a #BrainBank full of options to live our best lives ever. #Joy, #Peace, #Happiness.
I hope you join me on my new journey as I ‘Teach From the Road’ with youtube.com. Make sure you tell your family members, friends, neighbors, and colleagues about my NEW JOURNEY. I hope my videos are educational as well as entertaining.
Again, Thanks Florida and I will definitely be back. Follow me as I travel around the country and ‘Live the Good Life’ in a car, van and RV.
Cathy Harris is a #VanDweller living ‘The Good Life.’ Her blog website is SimpleLifeRVing.com. She is also an Empowerment and Motivational Speaker, Advice Columnist at DearCathy.com, Non-GMO Health and Wellness Expert, Business and Love Coach and Self-Publishing Expert and the author of 26 non-fiction books at www.AngelsPress.com. Her books cover topics such as family and community empowerment, health, youth and adult entrepreneurship, writing/publishing, workplace discrimination, whistleblowing, government, law enforcement, domestic and international traveling, politics, media, beauty, car buying and selling for women, aging/retirement – just to name a few. She offers seminars, workshops, and consultations at www.CathyHarrisInternational.com.
I have always had a ‘wandering spirit’ ever since I was in the military. So for my 63rd birthday on October 6, it was my plan to move into an RV and sign up for an RV class to learn more about RVs. However, since the classes are filled until next year, I won’t be purchasing an RV at this time.
I can write a book in a week, make a man’s tuxedo for a sewing project in a few hours, take great photos and videos, crochet beautiful items, shoot a weapon perfectly, but when it comes to fixing stuff or being mechanically inclined, I barely know the difference between a phillips and flathead screwdriver.
And as a #GirlyGirl, I am not really trying to learn these skills at this point in my life. So at 63, unless I have #TravelBuddy accompany me to take care of RV repairs, I decided to wait on purchasing an RV for now.
Oh there were plenty of offers or volunteers to ride along with me (believe me), but I wanted to get back on the road as a ‘solo female’ to renew my mind, spirit, and soul and connect with other women on the road, since my #TargetAudience for my empowerment and publishing business, AngelsPress.com, is #Women.
Cars vs. RVs
After starting my RV research appropriately 7 months ago, it took me months to figure out that many in the RV industry also call a generator – an “inverter.” They both work hand-in-hand. The main difference between ‘inverter generators’ and a ‘conventional generator’ is the noise levels.
Amps, batteries it’s all confusing to me. I even have a #SisterBook (two parts) on cars “A Woman’s Guide to Buying a New or Used Vehicle: Everyday Secrets You Should Know”(Part I and Part II).
I really wrote these books because of how I personally have been cheated in the past by mechanics so I thought the books would help others — especially women — maneuver in this ‘uncharted territory’.
Part I of this book provides everything you need to know about buying a “new” or “used” vehicle.
Part II of this book deals specifically with maintaining and caring for your vehicle once you buy it — so it will have a ‘good retail value’ when and if you decide to sell it or trade it in.
According to car experts, African American women pay on average at least $6,000 more for a new car than others — African American men pay $4,000 more — White women pay $2,000 more — while White men pay $2,000 LESS. This book will level the #PlayingField for anyone looking to buy a new or used vehicle – especially all women.
So I have dabbled in trying to figure out the car industry, but the RV industry — it’s a totally different ball game. They make these cheap RVs and don’t even check them before they come off the line. They just shipped them to a state and then they go on the lot for sale.
Cars get recalled too, but RVs are not regulated like cars so they can end up being a #MoneyPit. Unlike the car industry where cars are made in Germany and Japan, there is NO COMPETITION in the RV industry so they are free to do what they want. So again, I don’t want to rush into any decision to buy an RV or at least not until I feel comfortable that I can fix certain things.
The good thing about being a ‘Nomadic Gypsy Wanderer’ is being adjustable to make changes. I wanted to go ahead and educate you on another important topic before moving into an RV — living in a car or van. I wanted to make sure you were well-informed on living life as a Normad, Gypsy, and Wanderer in either of these.
As an #InformationJunkie, my mind is always working and coming up with GREAT IDEAS to put out in the universe. So what will I be doing after my one-year lease is up at my Senior apartments in Orlando, FL in October 2019, I will be moving into my car – #CarLiving and/or #CarCamping along with staying with family, friends (couchsurfing.com), and at hotels — as I travel west (#GoingWest) to Bob Well’s or CheapRVLiving.com
I am so looking forward to my #NewAdventures on the road. Living in a Car, Van or RV can be a wonderful life. I want the experience of doing all three – #CarDwelling, #VanDwelling, and #RVing (SimpleLifeRVing.com).
And remember this will be my first time driving to the west coast — so I am so excited. By the time the RTR gets finished in January 2020, I will decide if it will be #TeamVan or #TeamRV.
A lot of you have seen me do some challenging things since being on my mailing list in 1998 and at 63, this might just be one of the most ‘out-of-the-box’ decisions I ever made — to #CarCamp.
But remember #LeadersLead by example. Leaders venture into ‘uncharted’ territories and help others transcend boundaries and create options. And that is what living in a Car, Van or RV is all about – #Options and building a #Kind and #Brave movement.
Just know when I do #CampCamp, I will be doing it with a ‘sound mind and body’. It can be hard on building relationships especially if you live in a Car or Van, but remember these are #YourAdventures, you are not on this earth to please anyone else.
Many individuals are loving this lifestyle, saving money, eating organic foods and seeing some wonderful sites and making great friends along the way. What a life!!!
And I do have two daughters up north in dwellings that I can visit — especially when I feel like I need to relax in a bathtub. However, I will be getting a hotel probably weekly — just to recoup from my travels.
I have an 800 credit score so I can go out tomorrow and move into another apartment complex, condo, duplex, townhouse or even buy a house. But none of those are what my desires are — at least not at this time in my life. So again, understand up-front, I will be #CarCamping of ‘sound mind and body.’
This should be no issue for me because of the following:
I was born in the deep woods of rural Georgia as a #Survivalist. As a ‘black-sheep‘ child with 8 siblings, I grew up as a ‘loner’ for the first 17 years of my life and nature was indeed my friend. We did not have running water in the house until much later on and we never had an indoor bathroom. I had to learn to defend myself early on in life not just from society, but from my own family.
I am ex-military, which means I am used to traveling.
I carried a weapon for over 25 years on my job and was an ‘expert shot’.
I drove a government vehicle for over 20 years on my job so I enjoy driving.
I traveled around the country by car to 15 states for one year in 2013 and stayed at hotels, with family and friends, so I am used to traveling.
I go to the gym 4 or 5 days a week so I can still squat, bend and lift stuff.
I am 5’8′ inches in height and usually sleep balled up on my right side so I can deal with cramped spaces.
I just lived in a Studio/Efficiency apartment for one year so I should be okay living in a small space.
As a Holistic and Natural Healer, and Non-GMO Health Expert, I haven’t turned a stove on in 12 years so preparing meals in a small space should be easy for me.
What I want to do before I buy my first RV is to show my audience — YOU GUYS — how you can successfully live in a car or van and be TOTALLY HAPPY with your life’ choices.
My Nomadic Lifestyle – #BeFree
Camp camping for me could be a way for me to conduct research for a new book on #CarDwelling or it just could be a way to show others how to survive.
I always wanted to be one of those persons that were a ‘ray of sunlight’ or a ‘beacon of hope’ for the downtrodden – #Humanitarian. After all — without hope, what do people really have?
For those who can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, I want you to know that your life will indeed turn around for you again. You just have to get out of bed everyday and put one foot in front of the other and first and foremost – #EmbraceChange and #ChaseHappiness. Just remember, however, that change starts with you.
Remember, even though I will be #CarLiving and/or #CarCamping as I #GoWest, I will be spending a majority of my days OUT OF THE CAR. My goal is simply to connect to #GoodPeople and nature again. My mind, body, and soul have been missing both for far too long.
What I really would like to do is help Bob Wells from CheapRVLiving.com – who is around my age, create a #KindMovement. Not just a #KindMovement, but also a #BraveMovement.
Like Bob what I believe is — if we don’t get back to a more ‘primitive style of living’ or living a natural or #HolisticLifestyle, we all are going to perish off this planet. And that has been my message from day one — throughout all my platforms – AngelsPress.com, CathyHarrisInternational.com, SimpleLifeRVing.com.
I will be holding Strategy Meetings, Think Tanks and Masterminds for women as I travel from Orlando to California for the next 90 days. Reach out if you want me to stop in your city and work with your group.
I will also be seeing some beautiful sites while meeting some great new people and seeing my family and old friends along the way.
Join me as I #HeadWest and start ‘Teaching From the Road’ in my NEW PLATFORM at SimpleLifeRVing.com.
I am what they call a true #Nomad, #Gypsy, #Wanderer, with a ‘freeing’ and ‘caring’ spirit. It’s actually in my blood. I will be showing you ‘first-hand’ how to live ‘The Good Life.’
You can follow me at the below links and make sure you share these with all your family members, friends and others that you truly care about. I appreciate all your support. Love you, love you, love you.
Cathy Harris is a #VanDweller living ‘The Good Life.’ Her blog website is SimpleLifeRVing.com. She is also an Empowerment and Motivational Speaker, Advice Columnist at DearCathy.com, Non-GMO Health and Wellness Expert, Business and Love Coach and Self-Publishing Expert and the author of 26 non-fiction books at www.AngelsPress.com. Her books cover topics such as family and community empowerment, health, youth and adult entrepreneurship, writing/publishing, workplace discrimination, whistleblowing, government, law enforcement, domestic and international traveling, politics, media, beauty, car buying and selling for women, aging/retirement – just to name a few. She offers seminars, workshops, and consultations at www.CathyHarrisInternational.com.
Road Trip anyone??? We all have dreams of places we want to see or go one day. At 62 I really don’t have a #BucketList. However, as an avid traveler, it’s been my dream though for a long time to drive out west to California to my #DreamState to see the scenery and water — not just Cali, but the entire west coast.
Wouldn’t you know it — just when I prepare to #GoWest, they start having earthquakes again. When I went on the road for an entire year in 2013 to 15 states, after about 8 months, I realized I would not make it to California so I took it off my states to visit.
Back then I had given myself one year to be on the road, but now I realize it’s my dream to live ‘Full-Time’ on the road. It’s funny how your dreams change and how you need to keep adjusting your expectations and #ActionSteps so you can continue on a path to bring total happiness into your life.
I have flown into California on at least 7 occasions before, however, at those times I held speaking events so I went straight to hotels or to the events without having time to explore the area.
I wanted to start this journey as a continuation of my last “One Year Journey” and since I wasn’t able to go to the west coast at that time – #GoingWest will be my motivation and inspiration to start this new journey on Oct. 1, 2019 — #SimpleLifeRVing.
I have fallen in love with the #VanDwellers and their experiences online so by the time I make it to California or to the Rubber Tramp Rendevous (RTR) in January 2020 in Quartzsite, AZ or California, I will probably decide if it will be #TeamVan or #TeamRV — #MoreAdventures.
Most of you really don’t know why it’s important for me to #GoWest to California. Some people on facebook even accused me of wanting to see #MovieStars. I saw plenty of movie stars while working with Customs for over 25 years and I also saw plenty of them during my 20-year stay in Atlanta.
I could care less about movie stars especially today after most people have turned #RealityShow stars into movie stars. Plus I haven’t watched TV in over 3 years so I don’t know who people are anyway. Others are asking me why go there because people are leaving there in droves.
Besides wanting to see the beauty in this country, the “One Year Journey” in 2013 wasn’t just a ‘One Year Pilgrimage’ for me or a chance to see beautiful sites, see old friends and family members, and/or to build my network by holding seminars and workshops, it was to look up certain individuals in the media, who assisted me in my fight against my job – TheCathyHarrisStory.com.
I wanted to be able to look these individuals in the eyes before I left this earth to tell them “Thanks”. Several of these individuals are out west and I still need to tell them “Thanks for having my back.”
These are just some of my #Heroes and #Sheroes — strong black men and women that had my back when I went up against a giant (aka “The Federal Government”). Because of them — I am #StillStanding.
I am finally on my way west to see my #DreamState
– #California and to #PayHomage to those who have paid homage to me — #BraveMen, #BraveWomen, #WarriorSpirit, #FreedomFighters.
Cathy Harris is a #VanDweller living ‘The Good Life.’ Her blog website is SimpleLifeRVing.com. She is also an Empowerment and Motivational Speaker, Advice Columnist at DearCathy.com, Non-GMO Health and Wellness Expert, Business and Love Coach and Self-Publishing Expert and the author of 26 non-fiction books at www.AngelsPress.com. Her books cover topics such as family and community empowerment, health, youth and adult entrepreneurship, writing/publishing, workplace discrimination, whistleblowing, government, law enforcement, domestic and international traveling, politics, media, beauty, car buying and selling for women, aging/retirement – just to name a few. She offers seminars, workshops, and consultations at www.CathyHarrisInternational.com.
Cathy Harris is a #VanDweller living ‘The Good Life.’ Her blog website is www.SimpleLifeRVing.com. She is also an Empowerment and