However, you will notice that there are certain topics I either cover only peripherally or not at all, such as RVing with kids or disabilities. That’s because I believe in only talking about what I really know and have experienced. There are plenty of awesome places to go online to find the info I don’t cover, from far more knowledgeable sources.
Check back often, as I’m learning something new all the time, and I update as I go. It’s just a single page right now, but I can see where it will very soon turn into more. I hope you find information here that will make your journey easier and perhaps less anxiety-producing.
Preparing
- Short-term, Long-term or Permanent?
- Closing out stationary life
- Planning your exit and entry
- Getting rid of stuff
- Getting the stuff you’ll need
- Deciding on a domicile
- Healthcare, Dental & Optical
- Getting mail and packages on the road
Finances
- Figuring out a budget to get started
- Planning a road budget
- Planning a camping budget
- Working (or not)
- Banking
Buying a Rig
- New or used?
- Features and amenities
- Needs vs. wants
- Travel trailers vs. other rig types
Getting and Staying Roadworthy
- Registration
- Inspection
- Tires
- Lights
- Towing
- Tow Vehicle and Toad Repairs – 1A Auto not only has aftermarket parts that are equal to or better than OEM parts, they also have great prices, quick shipping and—best of all—TONS of easy-to-follow YouTube videos to help you install those parts yourself! I cannot express how useful they are or how grateful I was to find this company. Their customer service is as good as their products, a rare find these days. I discovered them when seeking parts for my newest truck, and will use them forever.
Technology and Power
- Power – Propane
- Power – Electric
- Power – Solar
- Internet
- Phone
Gear
Actually, this category does have its own page. I’ve provided a single place where you can see everything I’ve purchased for my own use, including convenient links to the actual item. Most of these are Amazon links, and full disclosure: If you buy through these affiliate links, I will receive a small commission from your purchase, but it won’t cost you any extra. You’ll just be helping me stay on the road, and I thank you!
- Stuff for you
- Clothing
- Linens
- Bedding
- Cleaning supplies
- Bath & Body supplies
- Stuff for your rig and tow vehicle
- Driving
- Camping
- Storage
- Safety
- Comfort
Road Life
- Eating
- Drinking
- Sleeping
- Working
- Hygiene
- Pets
- Education
- Entertainment
- Recreation!
- Here’s a great tip for telling time outdoors without a watch (provided it’s a clear day).
- Here’s a great tip for telling time outdoors without a watch (provided it’s a clear day).
- Vehicle & Rig Maintenance
- Uninvited Guests
Camping
I only list places or services I have either used or use myself, or know for certain through respected sources are worthy of my recommendation.
- Campgrounds – My reviews of places I’ve actually stayed. These are solely my own observations and opinions, and are not paid reviews.
- Boondocking – I’ve stayed at these off-grid, mostly free or very low-cost places. These are my personal observations, experiences and opinions. Your mileage may vary.
- Memberships – There are many others, but these are organizations and services to which I actually belong. I only make recommendations about those with which I have personal experience, though I may mention others for your convenience. Some of the links I provide here are affiliate links. This means that if you purchase through them, I will receive a referral fee (at no extra cost to you). This helps them keep their membership rolls healthy.
- Thousand Trails
- Escapees
- Passport America
- Family Motor Coach Association
- Boondockers Welcome
- Harvest Hosts
- Gold Prospectors Association of America (GPAA)
Etiquette and Safety
Yep, believe it or not, even in the relatively laid-back lifestyle of full-time nomads, there are rules of good behavior you’re expected to follow as a member of the tribe. Some of these rules—both written and unwritten—are meant to keep you safe; some are meant to keep other people safe from or unperturbed by you; and some are meant to protect wildlife and the environment. Some are meant to preserve natural beauty and wildness, while others are intended to remind you that your rights end where those of others begin. All are pretty much common sense.
I post them here not just so you can know what they are to keep yourself out of trouble, but also so you can decide if these are rules you can live by. Honestly, not everyone can or wants to, and I’d just as soon keep those folks off the road, for their own sake and for ours. Because nomads are a caring, compassionate bunch, and when people get themselves in trouble out here, we will help. But we’d really rather be enjoying our own solitude, peace and joy, instead of helping someone recover from making poor choices out here.
- Campground etiquette
- Boondocking etiquette
- Hiking etiquette and safety
- Road safety
- Camping safety
- Weather safety