New to Full-Time Living

Thanks

That is "empty".

It might also be under a lift-up step in the stairs to the upper level inside. Mine is. When it is running you should be able to hunt for the sound of the motor. Quiet is not one of their strong points.

Hi Cheri Ann,
Your vacuum system has a tank that is probably in what we call the
basement. That would be to the front of the 5er. It might be mounted
on the wall. You will see a hose going into it. There also would be
some latches on it to emtey it out. :B
Steve

Thanks so much for the last 2 replies. So much good information.

Living in this Mobile Home Community, the RV'rs have the same rules as the mobile homes. So we have electricity, sewer & water and garbage bills. Haven't had those since I had a stick house. When all this outside heat is finally turned off, I will probably use electric heat. Not sure which is more expensive, electric or propane, but the propane tanks are way too heavy for me to lift and carry. The manager said he would be happy to take care of that for me, so I don't want to abuse the propane usage.

In this Big Horn, I have a vacuum system that is called "Forced Air", I think that's what it is called. When vacuuming---where does the dust/dirt go??????

Thanks again for you all taking the time to answer my numerous questions.

Cheryl, love your since of humor.

Hi again.
For the heat, you can pick up a roll of the reflix (? )I think its called. The layered silver stuff at Home Depot or Lowes. Does a great job at keeping the heat out.

For winter, I would let the sun in whenever possible. When we are hooked up to power, we run electric heaters ( the tower laskos ) but that is with free electric. Are you on a meter there? Might make a difference. You will have to calculate.

For the a/c, I just take the pad out and wash it with mild soap every once in a while. Not sure if thats correct, but with ducted air, seems like it would be the same as a home a/c filter. Someone will correct me if Im wrong.

Probably wouldn't hurt to have the units checked. Doubt if it will be that much money. Maybe you can get your RV repair guy to throw in a freebie ;)

If you are feeling froggy, climb up on the roof and check it for rips, openings, exposed screws and cracks around all the pipes. Lap sealant and a caulk gun are your friends. Also check for tree sap... I think it can deteriorate (sp?) the roof if it is rubber.
Just be extra careful up there. No shame in being on your hands and knees ( one of the only times ) :B

Have a great week!

Cheryl

Don't forget to keep the tires pumped to the maximum pressure shown on the sidewall. You can get a portable air compressor at Walmart or auto parts store. At four years, your tires are starting into their golden years, but not a concern if you are not on the road. If you do put it on the road, it is something to think about, but covers and air pressure will extend their life. Use a good digital air pressure gauge as the ones built into the air pumps tend not to be accurate.

Hi Cheri- very sorry to hear the news.

I use the Geo method and recommend it- read about it here. https://sites.google.com/site/cbruni/

I would NOT recommend you put baking soda in your tanks.

Thank you all so much for your advice and comments. I am not living in a RV park. It always seemed that in the RV parks, everyone was very friendly and easy to meet new people. But I am living now full-time in a "Mobile Home Community". The place has 200 sites, only a dozen (scattered thru-out the park) are RV's. The managers here are very nice and helpful as much as they can be. And I have finally found a reputable RV guy that will be helping me.

I do still have the truck that we used for pulling the RV. Not sure I would want to tackle the job of pulling this big RV and then hitching and unhitching. For now I intend to stay in this Mobile Home park, but was wanting information on how to keep this RV in good shape. It is only 4 years old, so it should still be in good shape.

When we had a 19' travel trailer, I would haul it sometimes. But this Big Horn is twice as long and I'm sure more than twice as heavy. I hired a professional to haul from California to Texas.

RE: black and gray water tanks. Yes, I understand to keep the 2 gray water tanks open till close to time to open black water. Then open the black water and after that the gray water tanks. It seems that these instruments are never to be relied on regarding the fullness of these tanks. So I have decided to empty the black water once a week and add 1 tablet each week after emptying the black water. Does that sound right? When dumping, I use lots and lots of water. Do you recommend the store-bought tablets for the black water or just something like Dawn dish-washing soap or baking soda. I have been using 1 store-bought tablet a week.

I am very lucky to have 50 amps here. I do have a chart that gives different appliances on how many amps each has.

Thank you Cheryl for your lovely comment.

The trailer is pretty level, but the RV guy coming in a week or so wants to make it more level. How do you check to make sure the trailer is level? someone told me to put the leveler inside the fridge to check it?????

I did get a "water pressure regulator".

I will get tire covers. Never thought of that.

Now living in good ol' HOT Texas, what care do I need for the roof?

How often do I need to change/wash filter to the A/C? Does it need further cleaning after the summer goes away? I understand that the A/C only brings the temperature down to 20 degrees or so lower inside than the outside temp. Sure gets hot inside when the outside temp. is 104. too hot

Should I have the furnace looked at before the cold weather gets here?

Again, thank you all so much for your help. You have no idea what it means to have all your knowledge close at hand. Sincerely, Cheri

azjeffh wrote:
The best advice I can give is meet your neighbors. I'll bet more will not only be willing to give advice, but able to show you how to do it.

While we are happy to help, the advice above is gold!

I'm sorry for your loss. As others have already said, this is a good group of people with lots of experience. Just ask and someone will have a good answer or will know how to ask you the questions we need to know in order to help out.