Walking Tour of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge

Thanks for checking out my walking tour of the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge. What a great place for a hike. My wife Annie and I saw beautiful scenery, kayakers, people fishing, various birds and other wildlife. Yes it was hot and steamy, but we both had a great time. We had hoped to see some bison, but no luck. They were apparently on hiatus. Visiting the nature center was a great respite from our usual routine. We look forward to coming back to burn more calories while walking.  

Thanks for watching. I greatly appreciate it. Feel free to contact the nature preserve with any questions, comments or concerns. Here is a link to their website: https://www.fwnaturecenter.org

The Boyhood Home of LBJ: Johnson City, Texas

My wife and I offer a casual walking tour of Johnson City, Texas. This video includes President Lyndon B. Johnson's boyhood home, farm and ranch buildings from the 1800s and Pedernales Electric Cooperative headquarters. I used to work at PEC. I did not shoot any video of downtown Johnson City. Not much to see there. I would head to Fredericksburg for a more beautiful and tasty downtown experience.

Here is a link to the video: https://youtu.be/oU0dLeDkLfo

Apparently, invariably, inexorably, I'll be getting a call from Wana RV. That's supposed to be in August. I ordered a 2022 Rockwood Mini Lite 2205S travel trailer in February. We'll see. By the way. We are paying cash for the TT once it arrives.

I have already purchased most of the items required to operate and transport a travel trailer. Mundane items like the sewage hose to a surge protector are awaiting their intended purpose. Upgrades like more solar panels, a better charge controller and batteries are planned. More money!

I should have plenty of room for most of my newer cameras and tripods. I plan to take my Nikon D800, Panasonic Lumix G85, DJI Pocket 2 and various accessories. On the road, I will focus my lens on capturing a disappearing America. Remnants, hidden in far away spaces.

My wife is excited about our new family member (travel trailer). Can't wait to park it in the back yard alley. We'll work together as a team to make the TT unique. Annie and I are a modern couple. We enjoy working together. One of our first projects is to make the kitchen and storage areas more usable. No girl this or boy that. We'll keep you updated on our RV upgrades on our YouTube channel.

New 2022 Rockwood and Flagstaff Travel Trailers

JUST RELEASED! The exciting 2022 model year changes for the Rockwood Mini Lite and the Flagstaff Micro Lite travel trailers. Many previously optional items are now standard equipment. This year, you can add another 190 watt solar panel. Fantastic! What do you think? #WanaRV

RV Shopping Spree Almost Over

I am pretty much set. I have most of the items I purchased for my new travel trailer. A few more straglers will come later this week. The 90-00-1069 Equal-i-zer hitch will be installed at the dealership for $700. I feel that's a fair price. 

My Mini Lite lists for $36,747 (no freight charges.) I will pay $25k for the privilege of owning one. I'll be sending them a check for $25,700 when they get delivery (August, September ... whenever?) from the Rockwood factory a short stroll away. 

In about a week or more, I'll be hooking up my modest trailer in Shipshewana, Indiana. Yes, I'll be saying hi to all my Amish cousins. No, I can't stay for the barn raising.

New RV Observation Camera System by Haloview

Yesterday, I received my new Haloview MC7109 RV observation camera system. I'll be showing off the product in my next RVTA video. Subsequent videos will detail installation and reviews. So far I'm quite impressed by the specs and quality of the cameras and hardware. Feel free to contact me with any questions. Here is alink to my firstg video on the Haloview Wireless Backup/Observation Camera System. An Introduction! https://youtu.be/FX5k88aQYgA

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.

Cleburne State Park Texas Review & Video

Cleburne State Park is less than an hour South of busy Fort Worth. The state park surrounds the relatively clear water of 116-acre spring-fed Cedar Lake. I feel Cleburne State Park is representative of the Texas park system. This park offers RV sites, (casual/flat and mountain) biking, fishing, picnicking, swimming, hiking and no-wake boating. 

Visitors can reserve a screened shelter or cabin with bathrooms. Several large group picnic areas are also available. Contact the park for reservations and more information. The park offers plenty of affordable camping and recreational options. Frisbee, soccer, softball, volleyball or badminton anyone?

Some RV sites have water and electricity. While others offer full-hookups. Some full-hookup sites offer only 30 amp service while others both 30 and 50. My wife and I did see a dump station. There are showers (indoor and outdoor) and restrooms at several locations. What else does an RVer need?

We look forward to coming back to camp, hike and fish. We're definitely considering bringing our bikes too. My wife appreciated that outside the busy swim area, the park was quiet. 

5800 Park Road 21 Cleburne, TX 76033 (817) 645-4215 Latitude: 32.252365 Longitude: -97.549617 Here is a link that you may find useful: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/cleburne

Link to my YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/fRzBdjM6f-A

Any questions? Feel free to contact me. https://jmmgarza.com/contact

A Day At The Fort Worth Zoo

I was planning on a serene day at the Fort Worth Zoo. It had just rained that morning and it was a Wednesday. To my surprise, the zoo was quite busy with families. The animal chatter was drowned out by the screaming children. I saw parents working overtime trying to keep their little ones safe. For me, thankfully, my parenting days are a distant memory.

Lately, my wife and I enjoy quiet days and evenings at home. We spend our hours busily reading books, writing, editing media and watching the boob toob. Our day at the zoo was definitely a strepitous interlude. Thankfully the animals and scenery were agreeable. If you have the time. Please check out my YouTube video detailing my visit. https://youtu.be/vzTarMNWTHk

Thanks for visiting my blog. I greatly appreciate it. Feel free to contact me with questions comments or concerns. Here is a link you can share to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/RVTravelAdventures

Stop Mold and Mildew: Waykar RV and Home Dehumidifier

Here is the Waykar dehumidifier working in my kitchen. 

I just bought a new WAYKAR dehumidifier for my home. This new dehumidifier will serve double duty since I also plan to use it in my RV. Both environments can take advantage of the moisture reducing features of this Waykar dehumidifier.

Yes, bigger is better when it comes to dehumidifiers. A large unit can suck more moisture out of fabrics, cushions, clothing and carpets faster than a puny dehumidifier. Below are several photos of the Waykar that may be informative. Click to make them larger.

Amazon Link to Waykar Dehumidifier: https://amzn.to/3bRyn86

2021 FunTown DFW RV Party (Show)

 Last week, I spent a day at the FunTown DFW RV Party. The RV show was held inside AT&T Stadium. That's where the Dallas Cowboys play. I feel it was well attended and I saw quite a few new RVs. 95 percent of what was available were towables. There was a half a dozen Class C motorhomes.

It was nice to get out of the rain and see see some new RVs. Here are links to several videos shot during the RV show. Please leave your comments, suggestions and questions. I look forward to reading and responding to them. Click on any video below! #FunTown

RV Mold, Mildew and Dehumidifiers!

Yes, that's my ugly mug in my home studio.
I was shooting a video and recording audio on this subject.

RVTA YouTube Video Link: https://youtu.be/kiXralv9FX8

This article deals with issues of RV mold and mildew. Mold and mildew can be quite dangerous to your health and your RV. I offer you information from the Environmental Protection Agency and the RV Industry Association. Finally, I have links to affordable options to get rid of dangerous moisture in your RV. Feel free to send me your comments, questions or suggestions. 

Getting rid of moisture can be as simple as opening your window on a hot low humidity day. But if it has been raining and humid for several days, you may have to resort to more drastic action to protect your health and RV. I hope this information is useful. Please contact a professional if you have major concerns.

RV Mold And Mildew According To The EPA

What is the difference between Mold and Mildew?

Mildew refers to certain kinds of mold or fungus.  The term mildew is often used generically to refer to mold growth, usually with a flat growth habit.

Molds include all species of microscopic fungi that grow in the form of multicellular filaments, called hyphae.  Molds can thrive on any organic matter, including clothing, leather, paper, and the ceilings, walls and floors of homes with moisture management problems. Mildew often lives on shower walls, windowsills, and other places where moisture levels are high. There are many species of molds. In unaired places, such as basements, they can produce a strong musty odor.

Learn more about mold at www.epa.gov/mold.

RV Industry Association Square Footage Standards

Maximum Square Foot Size Of A Travel Trailer 

State law defining the maximum square foot size for a travel trailer is inconsistent. Some states limit a travel trailer to 320 square feet while others set the maximum at 400 square feet. The maximum size of a travel trailer in the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 1192 Standard on Recreational Vehicles is 400 square feet. The older 320 sq. ft. definition used in some states is outdated and inadequate.

The RV Industry Association supports amending state laws to consistently describe the maximum size of a travel trailer as 400 square feet in the set-up mode.

Maximum Length And Width For RVs

RVs are built to be road-worthy and comply with applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) as well as NFPA 1192 or ANSI A119.5 for park model RVs. RVs have a special exception for “appurtenances” on the width of an RV, such as retracted side awnings or mirrors situated to provide a safe view for the driver along the sides of the RV. These federal exemptions have been adopted by almost every state. Universal laws of this type mean that manufacturers can build to the industry standard and they and consumers will comply with highway laws as they travel across the U.S.

For several years, RVs have been built up to 45 feet long and 8.5 feet (102 inches) wide in travel mode, not including appurtenances (side-view mirrors, retracted awnings, or truck camper tie downs for example), in response to consumer demand for roomier RVs. These longer RVs have not had any impact on RV accident statistics, which continue to bear out the fact that RV owners are among the safest drivers on the road.

The RV Industry Association supports a maximum length of 45 feet for a motorhome, a maximum allowable width of 102 inches plus up to six inches additional for appurtenances for all RVs and a maximum RV combination length of 65 feet.

Dehumidifiers

Active Systems

I have two options for powered dehumidifiers. I originally ordered the hOmeLabs, but ended up keeping the Waykar. Here is a photo and a link.

Waykar 4500 Sq. Ft Dehumidifier

https://amzn.to/33ZylGW

hOmeLabs dehumidifiers are very popular and highly rated on Amazon. They come in different sizes ranging from 1,500 to 4,500 square feet. These dehumidifiers will definitely get the job done. A typical 25 foot travel trailer is approximately 1,500 cubic feet or 200 square feet. Click on the links to see more detailed information on the Amazon website. 

They come in different sizes ranging from 1,500 to 4,500 square feet. These dehumidifiers will definitely get the job done. A typical 25 foot travel trailer is approximately 1,500 cubic feet or 200 square feet. Click on the links to see more detailed information on the Amazon website.

hOmeLabs 1,500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier

https://amzn.to/3wjIudO

hOmeLabs 4,500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier

https://amzn.to/3ym5gn5

Passive Systems

New and Improved Eva-dry E-500 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier

https://amzn.to/3f0Xlnn

DampRid Fresh Scent Hanging Bag Moisture Absorber for Closets - 3 Pack (16 oz. ea.)

https://amzn.to/3hE7tV8

DampRid - 3 Fresh Scent, 3 Lavender Vanilla - Refillable Moisture Absorber - 6 Pack of 10.5 oz cups

https://amzn.to/3fyZFkL

Thanks for checking out my blog. Happy travels. 

RVTA CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/c/RVTravelAdventures

RVTA PHOTO WEBSITE: https://rvta.myportfolio.com

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My New Rockwood Mini Lite 2205S Travel Trailer

On April 28, 2021 I plopped down a $1,000 deposit and ordered a Rockwood Mini Lite 2205S travel trailer from Wana RV. My wife and I have been planning and saving for this day for over 3 years. We expect delivery of the Mini Lite anywhere from August to November. 

There were many considerations in determining our purchase. I must have looked at over a hundred travel trailers before deciding that the 2205S was perfect for us. Let me detail some of my considerations.

UVW/Unloaded Vehicle Weight: The 2205S comes in at a bit over 5,100 pounds dry. I estimate I'll load the travel trailer with about 500 pounds of water, supplies and accessories. My truck has a 7,000 pound towing capacity. Going down the road with the water tanks 1/4 full, I'll be at about 5,500 pounds. That amount of weight should not over stress my truck.

Length: At under 24 feet, the Mini Lite should not be a big fat target for strong gusts of wind. That's a real concern for many RVers. Travel trailer slab surfaces are perfect sails. Obviously, a fishtailing travel trailer is no fun. I originally considered a 26 and 28 foot travel trailer, but decided a shorter one would create less headaches for my Chevrolet Colorado. A mid-size truck.

Price: My goal was to purchase a travel trailer for $25,000 plus TTL. I hit my goal perfectly. If I had a bigger budget, I would of purchased a higher end product. I've had my beady eyes on a Winnebago View 24D. That beauty lists for $185,000. Another RV I loved was the Oliver Legacy Elite 2. That Tennessee fiberglass molded travel trailer typically sells for over $65,000. Definitely out of my budget.

Construction & Amenities: You get what you pay for? In my price range you typically get fiberglass and Azdel construction plus aluminum framing, solid wood door and drawer fronts, a porcelain foot flush toilet, solid surface kitchen countertops, a DC fridge (the 2205S comes with a  Go Power190 watt solar panel, a modest charge controller and a 1,000 watt clean sine wave inverter) a residential queen bed, and in the case of the 2205S two very nice recliners. These comfy seats are in the Perfect TV Watching Position. 

In the end, I kept to my budget and limitations. I found a product that met most of my needs. The Mini Lite is a definite compromise. Like many enthusiasts, I look forward to personalizing my travel trailer. One goal is to make the Mini Lite more boondock capable. Feel free to contact me to share your suggestions, questions or comments.

Go to my RV & Travel Adventures YouTube channel. There you will find various RV reviews and details about my shopping process (including a build out sheet). Please subscribe! Thanks.