Sizing It Up--Blogsters Really Shrink It Down


Pardon the contradictory blog title here, give us a second to explain. For the last several years we've been fulltiming in a 28' fifth wheel. Mind you, it's an older rig, built before slide outs were the rage. Of late, two of us plus a fairly large (and self-centered) cat have been trying to live and operate a business out of that 28' feet of space. It hasn't been easy, and we've done more than just a little "kicking around" of maybe getting a rig with slide outs.

Still, as small as those 28 feet seem, we have been missing the "old days" when we traveled about the west with a much smaller rig--a truck camper. We went places where angels put on their hiking boots and saw some spectacular sights. It was never a problem, "flipping a U turn" if we saw something that we wanted to go back and look at again. We did hundreds of travel stories and it was just too easy. Once we got into the fiver though, those quick U turns were a thing of the past. We missed a lot of opportunities to research and write about things we saw on the road.

So a few months ago, we picked up a "project rig." A much abused truck camper with what we hoped was "potential." We've worked on it, and it's certainly worked on us, but hey, now we're ready for the first big trip, roughly 3,500 miles starting with a convention in Glendale, Arizona and thence to the Pacific NW. As is our habit, we try to "move in" to an RV a few days before we leave on a major trip--well, that's what we "use to do," when we had a land-based home. So now we're moving out of the fifth wheel and into the truck camper.

Can you say: Anxiety? Stress? Raised voices? Looking back onto those "tough days" in 28 feet seem pretty laughable right now. Where on earth do you put a 5 gallon pail of cat litter in an 11' truck camper? How many pairs of socks will I need between laundry days? Should we toss out a lot of those plastic water bottles we've been refilling? And who has to share the dinette seat (living room seat, visitor's seat--all rolled into one) with Ithmah, the 17 pound pussycat?

I dunno, I guess you really don't miss your water.

Dreaming of an RV Related Career? How About Generator Service?

Generac Power Systems Inc. is generating more than power these days. The Wisconsin manufacturer has thrown open the doors to its new Generac University for generator service technicians. Apparently seeing a shortfall of qualified techs, the firm is offering a four-week intensive training course at its company headquarters. Subjects? Sizing, installation, troubleshooting, and repair.

What's interesting is the company will provide qualified students free training, room, and two square meals a day. After successfully completing the course, the company may give assistance to graduates to locate jobs with Generac dealers. What's the catch? Those who qualify will be asked to pay $200 for training materials. (For students who successfully complete the course, the materials fee will be refunded.) What's it take to qualify? Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma (or equivalent). Have an interest or knowledge of basic electrical principles. Have a knowledge of basic math and a mechanical aptitude, and enjoy working with your hands.

Generac spokesman, Mike Carr, told Fulltime RVer that the college is on ongoing program, but will not last indefinitely. He urges those with interest in the coursework to e-mail MCarr@Generac.com
Editor's Note: The original e-mail address we were given by Generac proved to be dead. The current email address is temporary until they tell us something new--it's a good one for the company, and we're sure it'll encourage the good folks at Generac to check their e-mail system.

Fulltimers Candid Comments on Motorhome Fulltiming

Jose and Jill fulfilled their dream: Out the window went the "corporate lifestyle." They sold their townhouse and moved into a 40' motorhome, pursuing the fulltime lifestyle. Now after a few years on the road, they have their own views--based on experience--of the pros and cons of fulltiming in a motorhome.

From the ever-changing scenery, to matters of indoor living--like furniture, the Two Js have set out their likes and dislikes on one of their website pages. While some of their lists of raves and rants are motorhome specific, others touch on the the matter of RV living itself--so don't cut it short if you're planning on fulltiming in a fifth wheel.

Jill and Jose's site is not limited to a short discussion about the pros and cons of motorhomes, they have a fairly wide assortment of RV topics they cover. Check out their website.

Photo your-rv-lifestyle.com