RV Life with Barbara and Ken. I sat down with Barbara and asked her everything I wanted to know about RV living. Here is her story. She and her husband Ken lived the RV life and built a wonderful partnership that started as camp hosts in the mountains near Park City, Utah. It was just the two of them going west.
Their first camper was smaller and they towed it behind the truck. “We could cook inside and sleep 2 of us.” They sold that camper and moved up to a 5th wheel. It was a 96 Thor. “We walked into it and we looked at each other and said ‘We’re home’ at the same time. We walked out of there with payments.”
Their motto was, “Pick a direction and go.” Ken had lived on the road and because of his confidence, Barbara also enjoyed traveling the mountains that they both loved.
The Money Reality
It was a bit different with expenses back then. We did “kill the budget a time or two.” Once, they had to wait for their funds to arrive before they could park in the RV Park. “We parked outside of town. We were far enough from the road that we had tons of privacy. We lived like that for 3 whole days until we had some money come in and that was the only time we had to do without. I wasn’t even scared.”
Gas was another surprise. “It was on the lower end of the scales back then,” but that first $100 fill-up was still a shock. (That 5th wheel was a load.) As for memberships and discounts, we skipped them. If an RV Park was available and affordable we stayed. If not, we found a place to park and “sleep like babies. The world was different back then.”
Our fuel strategy was really simple for we used Maverik convenience stores. “We had a nitro card. They were consistently less expensive as the other places.”
Your Daily Living
Let’s talk about the household chores in RV life. First, where did you shop? “We shopped at Walmart. If the town we stopped in didn’t have one (that was a lot of times) we’d hit the local grocery store.” Did you have to do laundry in town? “At the laundromat in the beginning. But then we got a washer. It was the type that fit in the shower. Our clothes were washed, bit by bit.”
What did you wish you had bought that you didn’t? “A better fridge. The one we had is completely broken down now.” (My son lives in the 5th wheel now.) What did you bring that you never used? “Extra clothing. More than 1 set of linens for the bed.”
If you were always traveling and sight-seeing in the mountains, how did you handle the mail and banking? “Mail was sent to my daughter’s address and she’d save it until we came back. Online Banking like Varo is where I had my money go and Ken had one of their cards.”
The Practical Stuff
This is great information. What can you tell me about the hook-ups for what-electricity, maybe propane and water, too? What do beginners get wrong? “Most beginners overlook the details when making their first RV purchase. Most dealers have someone who will walk you through things when you make the purchase or you can make (an) appointment to come and do the same thing.”
Any apps that were absolutely essential? “GPS is helpful. Other than that, whatever you feel you need.” So, how did you find parks and campgrounds? “We relied on two things to find our next stop. Road signs and good memories of places we had loved before.”
I know I’ve seen pets at RV Parks. They must have Pet Policies, did any catch you off-guard? “2 animal limit at most parks. Now, they don’t care but may charge extra if they find out you haven’t disclosed the true number.”
Healthcare on the Road
How do you take care of your health while traveling? What would you tell someone to set up medically BEFORE they leave? “Make sure the insurance you carry covers the lower 48 without prior authorization. Make sure you keep the ER cost for at least 1 ER for each person you are with. Hide that amount somewhere where no one would look and isn’t obvious. Small safe put in closet and anchored securely to the floor (and the chassis underneath if possible). Make sure it’s fire proof so you don’t lose anything that is important. Keep your emergency fund in there as well.”
How did you manage doctor appointments? “Utah appointments were scheduled around our travel route. Ken was a veteran so he was covered no matter where we were.”
That brings us to the subject of prescriptions across state lines. How did you handle that? We had family do the pick-up and mail it to us. Now, it can be done differently from the pharmacy.
The Unexpected
Barbara’s advice is six months of income in the bank before you ever pull out of the driveway. And half as much locked tight and hidden in the camper. You don’t want to get into those funds unless it’s a true emergency.”
What was harder than you expected? “The nervousness when I had to tow on a steep grade.”
What was easier than you expected? “Meeting and talking to people. Even standing between two people arguing at the campgrounds.”
What was your favorite unexpected discovery? “A beautiful canyon on the outskirts of Green River, Utah.”
Any other unexpected ones? “Yes! I was inside the camper. This one had an eating area and a sitting area in a small kitchen area and a bathroom. I’d be surprised if it was longer than 20 feet. I was at the sink. Ken brought Pacho (their dog) inside. Anyway. Went the few feet to the sink area and out of the corner of my eye saw movement. One glance out that window and my heart nearly stopped. “That elk was filling the window space and was staring straight at me. The animal was looking at me. He had to be 7 to 8 feet tall!”
Behind him were 4 others. The one looking at me was not the largest. 2 of the other (elk) were taller than the first and the last one was smaller but not by much.
They all were magnificent. Healthy and aware of their surroundings. They took their time and hung around for about 15 minutes before turning around and walking slowly to the road and left.
Thank you for bringing that (elk) memory back. Gave me a smile.”
What moment made you think that this was absolutely worth it? “He said, she said, but we agreed after our discussions which direction to go.”
For Solo Women Specifically
For safety considerations: What does a solo woman need to know? “No matter where you park in the city, town, or forest, stay aware of everything around you.”
What would you tell a woman considering this alone? “Three things work together. Your body, mind and even that mechanical mind of yours is needed. Start off small and then move up in rigs as you learn more and have a better idea of what you are expecting.”
What RV communities made you feel most welcome? “Small towns and every single one of them rolled out the welcome mat.”
Wisdom from the Road
What do you know now and wish you had known at the beginning? “Even the best adventures have a final mile. No matter who you are, eventually you will still come off the road. Be it health, money, family. Make as many memorable moments as you can.”
What would you do completely differently? “Would have started sooner.”
Advice for the First Timer and General Comments
One thought for someone just starting out. What would it be?” “Be patient. Know what you want, don’t settle for anything, be open to new things.”
Comments from Barbara
Everyone’s journey is different. Some people make a goal of hitting every single state in the lower 48. Others find jobs along the way. Some might even use their social security benefits for life on the road.
We hit every western state before he got too sick to move on. I could not physically tend to the rig.
Our travel was Everywhere and it varied with us not planning and what we saw. Daily expenses also varied for the previous reasons.
Extra supplies, equipment, engine needs, tires? “The usual stuff for a truck. Plus, we had 2 bug-out bags kept in under the bed storage. 72 hour survival type.”
“Also parts for the truck and RV that need to be replaced as they were used, light bulbs or LED lights, food for the dogs, Spare tire or 2 spares if you are running a dually.”
Closet spaces, storage? “Two closets and nightstands are standard bedroom features in most rigs.” Sometimes there is a larger closet and a chest of drawers. Be smart and think about where you will need things the most. Food of course in the kitchen area, living room has storage usually under the pull out couch. Use that for light bulbs and other small things. Above the couch storage use for Games and things you can play inside when the rain hits. Wherever they fit.”
The Legacy
Would you do RV life again? In a heartbeat.
Now, Barbara is passing all her knowledge about RV Life to me as I start my journey. If you wish to read about my own RV adventure, start here. The next step requires my action here.
Thank you very much,Barbara.
I can dream!
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