Pirit Heated Water Hose - Product Review

The Pirit Heated Water Hose

I was in the "great" northwest this fall and winter season and was advised that I would need to insulate my water hose and getting some type of heating apparatus because my hose would definitely freeze. Just to keep everything in perspective, I lived in the Portland, OR area where the temperature rarely gets below freezing and when/if it does it doesn't stay there for long periods of time (i.e. days and days). If it gets down to freezing or below it is usually only at night and then during the day it warms up.

As I am new to full-time RVing I didn't know exactly how effective I would be at getting my water hose insulated and heated. I went to the local Home Depot thinking "they will be able to tell me exactly what I need." Not so lucky. They had no idea what I was talking about. They pointed me to a heating apparatus that was for pipes. This may be something that would work, but as it was for pipes and not water hoses I opted not to purchase that. I went online and did a little bit of research and decided the simplest avenue for me would be the "heated water hose." Although the reviews for the heated water hose are not good, for some odd reason, they were on backorder by several hundred and were not sure as to when I would actually receive mine. This wasn't clear until AFTER I had ordered mine. I bought mine from Camping World online. It actually didn't take to long to receive it (but I highly recommend your ordering it in the late summer/early fall if you are interested in purchasing a heated water hose).

99 RV Park Review - Vancouver, WA

This park is conveniently located in between two major interstates in the area: I-5 and I-205 just north of downtown Vancouver and Portland, OR.

Although it is very convenient to be located so close to two interstates, the road noise can get load despite the noise barriers along the interstates (especially on the west side of the park).

Sound barrier wall from I-5

The patrons here are all very nice and pleasant.

Make your list of must haves when purchasing a new RV

It is likely that I spent a bit more on my RV purchase than most. The cost was actually not my primary concern although it did factor in. I originally considered a motor home. I thought it would be the most practical. I had all but made up my mind actually when I thought maybe I should look at the fifth wheel trailers. I was certain that I wanted to purchase new as I wanted a warranty... An extended warranty to be exact. So, I was not looking at the really nice motorhomes at $250,000+. I was looking at the Fleetwood Bounder.

They think I'm stupid . . .

RV Gate Valves - You Should Know

The opening and closing of the gate valves on an RV should be a simple task. Why would they say it's likely my fault they aren't closing properly?

My RV is equipped with loads of "the fancy." I have always loved the gadgets and buttons and electronics. I guess you could say I'm a techie. One of the things that most newer RVs are equipped with, I've been told, is the cable system that opens and closes the gate valves to the holding tanks. There is one old fashioned kind under the trailer that you simply pull push and it opens and closes with absolutely no difficulty whatsoever. I highly recommend having these gate valves if at all possible. When I first purchased the RV, the gate valves that use the pulley system, grey 1 tank and the black tank, went all the way in, flush with the trailer wall (see picture). After about a week, neither of the valves would go all the way back in. In fact, when I took my hand away after pushing in to close the valves, pressure would push them slightly back out. The amount the levers protrude from the trailer are actually more now than in this picture. One of my neighbors here in the campground told me it was like pushing a rope uphill.

Pictures of "Home"

A few of you have asked that I post pictures of my truck and 5th wheel. I appreciate the response to my new blog and I encourage feedback and comments. I really want to know that you are out there and I need your input and guidance and I hope that something that I share may be beneficial to you as well. We are all one big happy camping family and I hope to meet many of you on my journey!

The Beginning of My Journey

I am now one week into my third month as a full-time RVer. So, let me catch you up...

This past summer, I started thinking that I had had enough of the hum drum, day-to-day work schedule and following someone else's rules. I am an educator by trade (accounting to be specific). I have been teaching for over ten years and I enjoy it quite a bit. As I am getting older, recognizing the mortality of my parents and how little time we all have together, I have started to realize that life is so very short.

Therefore, I started to think of ways that I could start enjoying life prior to reaching retirement (if such a thing will even exist when I get to that point). After talking with my friends and family, I decided that fulltime RVing may be the solution. I had "camped" my whole life with my family but never really knew the ends and outs of taking care of the RV.