Journey of a Life Time

Toilet water usage is minimal compared to most other uses. RV toilets do not use anywhere near the water to flush as residential ones use (they only need to flush about a foot straight down, or nearly so). Showering and dishes typically use the most water, assuming one practices reasonable conservation.

One person, in my class C, can go for approximately a week before the gray water tank needs emptying and the fresh water tank filling. That's using real dishes and silverware, washed once or maybe twice a day, and taking a navy shower each day. Obviously that sort of thing varies with tank size but it might help give a rough guide for the sort of thing you could reasonably expect. (My tanks are probably about average size for a class C, maybe a little larger than average; offhand I think the fresh is 30-35 gallons and the gray and black 20-25 gallons each, but I'd have to look at the placard to be sure.)

Dump stations may be available at some gas stations that cater to RVers, at some municipal wastewater treatment facilities, and at parks and campgrounds even for non-campers (for a fee).

Well, I've been on freecampsites.net for the past three days, looking at all the southern states. NC, SC, TN, GA, FL, AL, MS, LA, TX, NM, AZ, AR, OK, VA. Plenty of free places to rv for two weeks at a time. Will be able to come up with a planned out route to make it to Arizona. Only problem I see is fresh water and a black water dump site, this will have to be planned out with presiece measure. Pleanty of Wal-Marts for supplies along the way.

So, I am thinking to begin with small trips this summer, with-in 150 to 200 miles from home base. Summer and fall seasons to learn what adjustments I WILL have to make for a long trip next year. There are 5 or 6 rv sites with in the mileage range above. Test my rig and myself to see what we both can handle. If gasoline goes up to much between now and then, the party will be over for a long trip.

Deciding what to take with me as far as, clothes and food, not so hard. I will be practicing backing my gear in the cabinets, and anckoring everything down. Galley is important, do not want to break my coffee pot. I better get an old style camp perkilator just in case I do. Dixie plates and bowls with plastic flatware will do. Less water on dishes, more for showers. I'm even thinking a composting commode would be better in my rv.

Dogs, are they a problem ? I've given some thought about the security of my rig and self. Are they much trouble at campsites ? I'm going to look at the local shelter soon, just not sure of the size that would be comfortable in an RV, and be loud when needed.

FREE is the best, but free is not always available.

I like Passport America if I have to pay... $44 a year to join and around 1800 campgrounds to choose from at 1/2 price.

maddog348 wrote:
What???? I must have missed something.

Nah, I'm a dunce and didn't write what I heard in my head as I was typing.

Gulfcoast wrote:
Is Thousand Trails membership FREE... as in no annual fees, no membership fees and no campground fees?

Ahh, crud- I mentioned the yearly dues in my head but didn't get it out into the post.

There is a yearly fee associated with it. It is related to whatever contract you have and membership level you buy.

For something like the OP is talking about, a single zone (or better- 2 zones when TT runs a BOGO) for $600/year (no contract, can easily cancel).

With a $600 investment, you can pretty easily make your nightly rate quite low. As of now, I'm slated for hitting something like $5/night and that doesn't include camping plans for June, July, or August.

Other than the yearly fee, there are not campground fees at most parks (some do charge a few dollars/night if you're on a 50amp spot). Most of the time, if you want to avoid that, you can opt for a 30amp spot. Though, there is 1 park that requires you to be on a 50amp spot if your rig has 50amp service; no dogbone adapters allowed.

What???? I must have missed something.

Is Thousand Trails membership FREE... as in no annual fees, no membership fees and no campground fees?

sleepygeek wrote:
Low cost or free is all I'll be able to afford after this reno of my rv.

...

I looked at the Good Sam's Club, lots of good stuff there, but I am not into resorts style living. I am not into crowds of people, a few at a time is fine with me, and only good folks.

I know you said you're not looking for resorts and want to be away from people, but one thing to consider is a Thousand Trails membership. It's a great way to camp for cheap. We haven't spent any money to camp since January 1st and could have camped for free from Nov 10-Dec 31 if we had so chosen.

We're actually sticking near TT parks for the summer to save money before heading west.

Thanks naturist, and all for the info. $180.oo for 7 months is a great deal. To long for me maybe, but I'll look into that. I guess I could get the deal and move every so often with-in the parameters that it covers. The other members suggestions will cover the space in between here and there. Much planning and calling to do, to set a route for this adventure. Hope there are a lot of Wal-Marts for supplies along the way, LOL. Thanks

If you are 62 or older, all the national parks, COE campgrounds, BLM campsites honor the Interagency senior pass for free admission and discounted usage fees, usually 50% off camping fees. The cost is $80, and it is a lifetime pass.

Most federal campgrounds have 14 day limits on your stay at any one campground, btw. Exceptions do exist, however; eg. BLM near Quartzsite offer $180 for up to a 7 month stay.

In the East, I, too, would suggest freecampsites.net. Also, Allstays.com, which also offers an inexpensive app for smartphones that has filters for various points of interest that I've found particularly useful while on the road.