Space and weight limitations are the constant companions of
those living in RV's for an extended period. There are no end to the
gadgets that can make your RVing life easier. Unfortunately, each of
these occupies space and adds weight.
Georgia loves to read. However, books are very
heavy and can occupy a great deal of space. She has found that most
private RV parks offer a book exchange (most public RV parks don't).
After finishing a book, Georgia now trades it in for a book that she hasn't
read. This has the side benefit of reducing expenditures.
Most of our modifications have added weight to the
trailer. This is not good since it reduces the ability to carry
"stuff" in the trailer. Most RVers are constantly battling
the weight and space issue. GVWR and carrying capacity should be two
items of extreme concern to anyone purchasing an RV. It is amazing to
see the number of large RVs with 1000 pounds or less carrying
capacity. You can add 1500-2500 pounds of "stuff" in no
time. The more storage space you have the more "stuff" you
can tuck away, thereby exacerbating the weight issue.
I have found that a 24 volt cordless electric drill
(Craftsman from Sears) with an adjustable torque setting and a high
torque/low speed setting is a wonderful aid. I use it to adjust the
jacks on the Hensley Arrow hitch and to raise and lower the BAL jacks on the
Airstream. Of course, it also serves as my drill. It is a little
heavy. I suspect that an 18 volt drill would work as well for most
purposes.
If you are a heavy user of the internet, full-timing
still presents a significant communications problem unless you spend
multiple months in each location, which we don't. Two-way satellite
internet service, which has been available to the general public with a
fixed location for some time, will shortly be available to RVers.
Although it is expensive, it solves a major communications problem
experienced by many who travel extensively in RV's.
