Rockwood Mini Lite Repairs

 2022 Rockwood Mini Lite 2205S
List of needed repairs keeps getting longer! 

• I just replaced a lot of the plastic exterior trim that covers the screws pon the edges. What a pain in the posterior.
• The fridge door magnets (closures) aren't doing their job. I added latches.
• Almost all of my drawers have new slides, and I have added supports for many of them. Several had zero to little support. 
• Inside my oven ... a piece fell out. I eventually have to reattach it. No hurry!
• Shower door trim keeps getting loose. Who needs to shower anyway?
• Many of the cabinet doors are askew! I'll get to those eventually.
• I fixed the stovetop exhaust fan again. I just bang on the side, and the light goes on eventually.
• The kitchen sink is sagging. I'll fix that soon enough.

https://rvta.myportfolio.com/lazy-palms-ranch-55-rv-community

Lake Ray Roberts State Park

My wife and I took a day trip to Lake Ray Roberts State Park. The Texas State Park is located near Denton (20 miles) and Pilot Point (7 miles). The park offers a large and sandy beach for swimming and wading. There is a picnic and playground area nearby. You have many camping and fun options at Lake Ray Roberts.

Fishing and boating attracts many to the large scenic lake. Annie and I came to enjoy hiking and cycling. If you get hungry and didn't pack a lunch. The nearby tiny town of Pilot Point offered us several restaurants to choose from.

If you are an equestrian, this park has plenty to offer you too! I saw many beautiful horses during my time there. If I had some land, I would consider getting one. How about you?

On a sunny day, there are plenty of folks enjoying the beach and picnic areas.

Link to YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/IddmM7bLtc0

Should I Sell My New Travel Trailer Since I'm Not Using It?

I have had a travel trailer. for about 9 months. The problem is, my schedule and the availability of camp sites. Since I barely use my travel trailer, should I sell it?

I could put the cash from the sale in savings, stocks or in a vacation fund. What do you think?

Again, since I'm not using the RV as much as I had hoped maybe I should sell it. I have come to that important and honest realization. My wife and I are still relatively fit and ambulatory. Tent camping may be a great option until WE CAN'T!

Here's a link to my YouTube video. Thanks for watching.

RVing at Port O'Connor, Texas

Annie and I spent the first week of June at an RV park in Port O'Connor, Texas. Succinctly, the venue was called Port O'Connor RV Park. That's easy to remember.

The Gulf region is known for great beaches and fishing. I enjoyed both. We spent the week not only in Port O'Connor but in Rockport and Seafrift. All three communities are enjoying a boom in residential real estate. Beach front property is relatively inexpensive in Seafrift and Port O'Connor. Rockport, not so much. 

Here are several photos from my week in the region. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comment. Annie and I have been to the area many times. We love it.

Go RVing Team Continues To Reach Diverse Audiences

May 12, 2022 

RV Industry Association Staff

For more than two decades, Go RVing has been the leader in diversifying the RVing audience in an effort to grow and expand the overall market. While the major core target market of RV buyer are families, identifying new potential RVers and engaging with them through traditional and digital media as well as experiential events and social influencers, is key to sustaining the lifestyle cherished by millions of Americans.

Building strong influencer relationships is also key to authentically connecting with audiences. With this in mind, the Go RVing team recently sponsored several influencers on a trip to North Texas Jellystone Park. Some of these influencers, who are bilingual in Spanish, published content about their trip that reached audiences who are also bilingual or speak primarily Spanish. This is another avenue through which Go RVing aims to increase the diversity of potential RVers and connect with its range of audiences. Check out what influencers Brenda Cisneros and Rory Lassanske had to say below about their visit to Jellystone and the benefits of staying in a Park Model RV during their trip.

Mejorando mi hogar (Brenda Cisneros)

Brenda Cisnero highlighted her and her family’s trip to North Texas Jellystone Park, where they enjoyed the various outdoor activities that the resort had to offer, which range from crafts to paintball to games. She also highlighted the Park Model RV that she stayed in during her visit.

Mamá Contemporánea (Rory Lassanske)

Rory Lassanske shared her trip with her followers, where she enjoyed glamping with her family and taking part in the park’s wealth of activities. Rory also emphasized that visitors would be able to stay at the park in their RVs during their visit.

Research from KOA shows that Hispanic (Latino) campers has grown from 1.9 million Hispanic camping households in 2014 to 6.3 million Hispanic camping households in 2020. By working with influencer like Brenda and Rory, Go RVing is able to authentically reach an audience that has shown a growing desire to camp and RV.

Testing My Travel Trailer Electronics

My 3 night Possum Kingdom State Park trip was a success.  I had the opportunity to test my RV electronic systems a 100 miles from my home. All the while hooked up to water and 30 amp shore power. 

I tested my WFCO converter charger, microwave oven, electric water heater, all lights, space heater/fireplace, TV, Go Power charge controller, iRV Technologies radio/CD/DVD player and GE fridge. Thankfully, they are all working fine. During my last camping trip, I had some serious malfunctions. They have been corrected.

I have no plans to come back to this state park. In my opinion, PK reservoir isn't very beautiful (Texas Park Service begs to differ). Nature is not resplendent here. Half of the lakeshore is commercially developed with plenty of homes. There is only one short modest trail. The park is family friendly. There is even a playground, restaurant and store. If you are a boater or angler. You came to the right place. 

Sure was quiet camping without my wife. My wife Annie is fun to hang out with. No plans to go camping solo anytime soon. At PK there was no TV reception. Thankfully there was internet service. I could check for the latest news, post to social media and even stream several movies. 

While camping, I did take quite a few photographs and shot some video. I look forward to hitting the road again. My home on wheels allows me to travel on a budget. I can readily take quite a bit of camera equipment along with me. I have the freedom to capture landscapes, wild life (I need a bigger telephoto lens), infrastructure, people and more while RVing. I'm excited to enter this new phase of artistic life.

Finally Picking Up My New RV

Finally. It's time to pickup my new 2022 Rockwood Mini Lite 2205S travel trailer from Wana RV in Shipshewana, Indiana. On the way there I will be stopping at hotels in Little Rock, Arkansas, Effingham, Illinois and finally in Shipshewana. This San Jose, California boy isn't looking forward to the cold upper Midwest winter weather. 

On the way back, I'll stay at various RV parks and do some boondocking. Most campgrounds in Indiana, Illinois and Missouri will be closed for the winter. Maybe I can relax at DeGrays Lake in Arkansas. Dare to dream. 

Should be fun producing several installation videos. First up is Haloview. I'll be adding their side and observation cameras to the travel trailer mix. I'm super excited about installing my Aolithium batteries. First I have to figure out how to wire them inside the pass through storage. You have to keep them warm and safe. Lithium batteries don't like freezing temperatures.

Here's a link to my YouTube video: https://youtu.be/y_Oe3GEq0Gs

Types Of RV Refrigerators (Most Of 'Em)

 Tell me if I am wrong. There are essentially three types of refrigerators that are popular with RVers.

1) Propane (Gas) Electric: The absorption cooling cycle consists of three phases: Liquid refrigerant evaporates in a low pressure vessel, picking up heat from the interior of the refrigerator. Due to the low pressure, heat required for evaporation is low. Next, the now-gaseous refrigerant is absorbed by a special salt solution. Then the refrigerant-saturated liquid is heated, causing the refrigerant gas to evaporate out. This hot refrigerant gas passes through a heat exchanger, transferring its heat to the outside ambient-temperature air. This heat loss causes the gas to condense back into a liquid, which then supplies the evaporation phase, as the cycle starts over and continues to do this as long as it has heat applied to the burner or heating coil. (From RV Repair Club) https://www.rvrepairclub.com/article/... 2) Residential (120 Volt AC): These refrigerators are like the ones you probably have at home. They may be exactly the same. You plug 'em into a 120 volt socket only. They incorporate a compressor (see graphic above) to cool your food and beverages. Some RVs add an inverter to convert 12 volt battery power to 120 volt AC to power the fridge while off grid. Otherwise, if you are at an RV park with electrical hookups. You are set. No propane needed. Ever! 3) 12 Volt: Similar to residential fridges. DC fridges use a compressor. They do not require an inverter which makes them more energy efficient. Both AC and DC fridges cool significantly faster than a gas electric refrigerator. They don't require that your RV be totally level as compared to propane electric fridges. Here is a link to a company that knows more than I about compressors. https://www.compressorsunlimited.com/... FYI: I am a big fan of combing a DC fridge with plenty of solar and lithium batteries. By the way, there are few other ways to refrigerate your beverages and chow. I didn't talk about them. Your are welcome.

Getting My Travel Trailer ... FINALLY!

Back in March 2021, I ordered a Rockwood Mini Lite 2205S from Wana RV of Shipshewana, Indiana. They noted to me prices would be increased in a month. So place your $1,000 nonrefundable deposit down today, rather than tomorrow. And I did. They said I would get my RV by August. It didn't. 

This week I was notified my RV would be built November 22, 2021. So my wife and I plan to pick up (Fort Worth to Shipshewana, Indiana) our modest travel trailer come early December. That's the plan. It's critical to know that I understand the difference between what the dealership pays and MSRP. I have seen the manufacturer invoices. On my travel trailer back in March the wholesale price would be under $20,000. The MSRP was around $35,000. Today, I am paying $25,000 plus TTL. 

I feel bad for the many RV customers who have been exploited. Sales staff are cruel beasts. Their task masters (managers) are only motivated by profit. I'm hopeful that Devin Puckett at Wana RV continues to hold up to his side of the bargain. That there aren't any surprise price hikes. So far I'm impressed with Devin and Wana RV.

That's me inside a Rockwood Mini Lite 2205S. I like what I see.

My Wife Loves To Knit

I have quite the inventory of wool products that my wife created. They include knit caps, socks and scarves. She has also constructed gloves and mittens for herself. As the magnet illustrates. She is quite dedicated to her craft. Hopefully, she doesn't hold any ill will towards me.

Annie enjoys knitting while watching her favorite TV series, Masterpiece Theater. She also loves to knit in her easy chair and of course while camping. Decades ago, my wife taught fabrics and sewing at UT Austin while pursuing a PhD in Art History.

Annie obviously knows her stuff. She just completed a book on a San Francisco Bay Area fiber artist. The book will released next year by Duke University Press. Busy gal.

New Facebook RVing Group

I started a new Facebook group. It's dedicated to the RVing lifestyle. The group will feature links to my RVTA YouTube videos, blog entries and my travel photographs on RVTA.MyPortfolio.com. Here is a link to my new YouTube group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/rvtraveladventures Feel free to join.

Travel Trailer Must Have Accessories!

Today, I ordered a new travel trailer. A 2022 Rockwood Mini Lite 2205S. Here is my list of MUST HAVE accessories. Yes, I'll have most of these MUST HAVES in the back of my truck when I pick up my travel trailer. The RV black tanks aren't going to dump themselves. 

I plan to stay in Shipshewana, Indiana for a few days to confirm that all systems are working. Did I miss any MUST HAVE accessories? By the way. Shipshewana is in the middle of Amish Country. I've never been there. Should be fun for Annie and I. 

Click on the title for more product information at Amazon.com. 

Travel Trailer Must Have Accessories

If you have suggestions or comments send them my way.

Camco 48751 Wd Hitch Kit Recurve R3 600 Lb.

Jesús,

I would recommend (for Rockwood Mini Lite 2205S) #600 WDH, #48751. We under rate our spring bars by #200, the n#600 spring bars will be compatible with a trailer the weights up to #800 tongue weight. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at the # below. Thank you.

 

Rick Godsey
Camco Customer Service
7500 Business Park Drive
Greensboro, N.C.
800.334.2004 (x) 28107

Camco RhinoFLEX 20-Foot RV Sewer Hose Kit

Camco RhinoFLEX 10-foot RV Sewer Hose Extension Kit 

Camco (22783) 25 Ft TastePURE Drinking Water Hose

Camco 50' 22793 Tastepure Freshwater Hose-5/8 x 50'

Camco (22505) 90 Degree Hose Elbow

Camco Flexible Hose Protector-Eliminates Hose Crimping and Straining

RVMATE Water Pressure Regulator

Camco- 21018 Universal Fit Plastic Water Filter Stand

Culligan RVF-10 Recreational Vehicle (RV) External Water Filter

AshmanRound Shovel 27 Inches in Length, Fiberglass Handle

MorvatHeavy Duty Brass Garden Hose Connector Tap Splitter (2 Way)

HughesAutoformers PWD30-EPO Power Watchdog Smart Bluetooth Surge Protector Plus EPO

Camco(55165) Heavy Duty RV Dogbone Electrical Adapter

Fit System 3891 Deluxe Universal Clip-on Trailer Towing Mirror

TorinT90413 Big Red Hydraulic Bottle Jack with Carrying Case, 4 Ton

Camco(39006) Rhino Heavy Duty 36 Gallon Portable Waste Holding Hose and Accessories

CURT51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller

Tri-Lynx00015 Lynx Levelers - 10 Pack , Orange

Haloview MC7109 MAX 7'' 720P HD Digital Wireless Rear View Camera System

Amazon Basics 10 Liter / 2.6 Gallon Soft-Close Trash Can

So what do you think? I look forward to reading your comments and suggestions. I already have some odds and ends for my new travel trailer. They include some very nice solid rubber wheel chocks and storage bins. I hope you found my shopping list useful. 

I plan to buy these accessories a couple months before the RV delivery date. I'll be giving Amazon plenty of time to deliver my travel trailer supplies. At least, that's the plan!

Arkansas's Lake Ouachita State Park

This past weekend I camped at Arkansas's Lake Ouachita State Park. For my YouTube channel, I had the opportunity to capture on video everything from tent camping sites to luxury cabins. In the video I showed in detail the various facilities including the bathhouses and restrooms. You will also see my wife Annie and I hiking on the various trails. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Here is a link to the nearly hour long video I produced for YouTube. I hope you like it. Please send me your comments, questions and suggestions. https://youtu.be/SGT5iZ0LpXw

Download a FREE high-resolution photo of the Caddo Bend Trail Overlook at Lake Ouachita State Park. The 6258x3137 dpi file is perfect as a screen saver or a print. Click or copy the following Google Drive link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aIsVLgFZLV0bEk8aZ0C9LNxM0kbyB7wg/view?usp=sharing #LakeOuachita #LakeOuachitaStatePark #ArkansasCamping