Category: RV Life

It’s been a while since my last post (I really need to get better at staying on top of this), but I’ve now taken the RV out three times. The first couple of trips were mainly to ensure I had everything needed for weekend camping. The gear list has grown a bit, but I think the best investment so far has been getting Starlink.

After some consideration, I decided to go with the Starlink Mini versus the standard version. The portability and having everything integrated into one unit made the Mini more appealing to me, especially since I didn’t want to deal with additional equipment. However, it does come with a pretty hefty monthly price tag. I’m currently paying $170 per month for unlimited data, but I’m tracking my usage closely. If I don’t end up using more than 170GB per month, I’ll probably switch to the $50/month plan and just pay $1 per GB over that, which could lower my bill significantly.

I also don’t plan on pausing the service, even during months I’m not camping, because it’s a great backup option in case I lose internet at home. It gives me peace of mind knowing I can still work and stay connected when needed.

One of the other things I’m working on is getting the Starlink Mini set up for use in my Jeep. I’ve seen people online using Starlink inside their Jeeps, saying that it works through the roof. So, I’ve ordered the mounting hardware needed to install the dish in the back of the Jeep. I’ll post more updates as that project unfolds—should be in the next few days!

Here is my gear list.  I will update it when I add new items.

Water:
Camco TastePURE 25-Ft Water Hose – RV Drinking Water Hose ( https://amzn.to/47whaNe )
RVGUARD RV Water Pressure Regulator Valve, Brass Lead-Free Adjustable. ( https://amzn.to/47qUEFb )
Water Bottle Pump 5 Gallon Water bottle dispenser ( https://amzn.to/4gq3yH9 )
COSORI Electric Kettle ( https://amzn.to/4eliZ1o )

Camp Ground Communication:
Retevis RB48 2 Way Radio Long Range, IP67 Waterproof Walkie Talkies. ( https://amzn.to/3MFBjXo )

Sewer:
Camco RhinoFLEX 20-Ft Camper/RV Sewer Hose Kit ( https://amzn.to/4ej1u1Z )
Walex Porta-Pak RV Marine Black Holding Tank Deodorizer Drop-Ins ( https://amzn.to/3B2lKGI )

Tools:
DEKOPRO 228 Piece Socket Wrench ( https://amzn.to/3Xi1s3s )
Outdoor Garden Hose Silicone Washer Gasket ( https://amzn.to/4d0QHIB )

Electrical:
RV Surge Protector 50 Amp ( https://amzn.to/47n7R20 )
Outlet Extender with Night Light, Multi Plug Outlet ( https://amzn.to/3MJpcsi )
Cruise Essentials, USB C Travel Power Strip ( https://amzn.to/3BaF5Fz )

Misc:
Magnetic Curtain Tiebacks ( https://amzn.to/4dXYXu9 )

This is a bit of a late post, but I wanted to make sure to share it.

Driving a Class A motorhome definitely has a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, everything starts to fall into place. After I picked up my RV, I made a quick stop at home to grab some supplies like a new water hose and a few essentials. Then, I headed straight to a local campsite to begin my first weekend trip.

For these first few outings, I’m still working on outfitting the RV with everything I’ll need—especially since I don’t plan on towing a vehicle behind. Setting up the RV at the campsite was more straightforward than I expected. I backed it into the spot and hooked everything up with ease, which was a pleasant surprise for a first-time RV owner.

During the first weekend out, I met some fantastic people who shared some valuable tips. One of the most important pieces of advice? Always have a water pressure regulator. The water pressure at many campsites can be extremely strong, and without a regulator, you run the risk of damaging your RV’s pipes. Luckily, another camper let me borrow one for the weekend, and now I’ve made sure to have two in my RV at all times.

One other tip for beginners: for your first few trips, it’s best to camp close to home and bring along a vehicle to make any quick runs for supplies. Trust me, you’ll end up needing things you didn’t even think about. For example, on my first weekend, I picked up a folding outdoor table that’s been perfect for cooking and storage. I’m actually planning to get another one, as one just wasn’t enough!

Another great addition was an ice maker—this has been a total game changer. It keeps drinks cold without needing to store them in a cooler. For now, I’m using bottled water in it because I’m not entirely sure about the quality of campsite water, and I want to make sure the machine stays in top condition.

I’ll be making a recommended gear list here on LoneStarRVLife.com for anyone interested in what I’m using. I’m heading out for another camping trip this weekend, and I’ll keep posting updates here as much as I can.

Well, today is the day! I’m finally picking up the Class A Motorhome/RV. It’s about a 2 ½ hour drive away, and I’m excited to get on the road and bring it back. This weekend, I’ve already booked a spot at a local campsite, so the plan is to head straight there after picking it up and kick off my first camping trip.

The seller messaged me earlier today, letting me know he’s taken the day off so I can pick it up whenever I’m ready. Now, I’m just waiting for the bank to open, and once that’s sorted, I’ll be hitting the road to bring home the new RV. Looking forward to this new adventure!

For the past couple of years, I’ve been looking at all types of RVs. I’ve explored brand new models, used ones, pull-behinds, and drivable RVs. The brand new ones are definitely pricey, and after some thought, I’ve decided I’d prefer a drivable one. So the big question became: Class A or Class C?

I think I’ve found a Class A 2006 Damon Challenger 353F that’s being sold at a great price. It’s a little larger than what I originally planned on. If everything works out, this could be the perfect start to my RV journey!