Monday 11 April 2016

What does a family buy to full time RV you ask?

Very good question, thank you for asking.   I will tell you that this was one of the more difficult posts because I had to learn how to do links and web pictures.  So, I apologize that this is not the prettiest post that we have had but I hope it meets it's objective.  I tried to make clickable links but for some reason, I wasn't able to.  Sorry...I figured the links could just be cut and pasted or once you are in Amazon with one of these links, I have tried to provide as much info as I could so you search. I will learn more by the next time.  :)

Really, we have had some folks ask us what we bought to get started and things that we have found that have become everyday items versus space takers.  Keep in mind that we live in about 225 sq ft and our storage space is quite minimal inside the RV.  Outside the RV is actually less than a normal fifth wheel because we have bunks over the hitch and most fifth wheels have the master bedroom and bathroom over the hitch .  With our bunks over the hitch and our master bedroom and the bathroom in the rear of the RV, we do not have pass through storage as most of the fifth wheels our size.  I don't tell you all of this because I am bored; I tell you this because we have much less space for "stuff"!  So, this leads to the things that we have found to be quite helpful and maybe even a few things that we have found to be a nuisance or just plain pieces of junk. 

I was wondering the best way to approach this and figured that since we bought most of items from Amazon, I would include those links in this post.  I hope this proves beneficial and not difficult for me to display and explain and also for you to read and understand.  Also, they have a marvelous return process and policy so if we steer you wrong, then you can send it back.  :)


Since we have been asked what we have bought, we wondered if we would be able to let others know and also gain a bit of kickback while doing so.  So, we found out that if you (the reader) purchase the items through the links that I have listed, we received a small percentage back.  It doesn't change your price at all or have any affect on your order in any way!  The other neat thing is that if you enter Amazon through any of these links and then buy ANY items (even if it is not the ones that we have listed.  You could enter the link that I have provided for the truck key and buy a bag of rocks and we would still be recognized) we still get a small bit back without affecting your price.  In other words, if every time you want to purchase something through Amazon, if you enter through one of these links or send one of these links to your friends and let them purchase through them (again, they don't have to buy what the link directs them through), it will help us to continue to do what we do.  There is an overall link that will do the same thing. 
It is      http://www.amazon.com/?tag=theclclca-20


If not, no worries!  We still love ya!




Here we go...


One of the things that we found to be invaluable was Amazon Prime.  There is even an Amazon Prime 30 day free trial that let's you try it.  Whatever the case, this has really helped out in allowing us to get our orders very quickly wherever we are and also gives you access to more movies, music, and books for free.  (If you want to purchase the Prime or try the Free Trial, enter through one of the links and then purchase or sign up for free.)




"For the home"

In this section we will show a few of the items that we have purchased for use beginning with the kitchen.  These are all daily use items...almost always numerous times a day.  Again, we had to consider durability and storage space needed for these items when purchasing.  We don't have much space and things bounce around when we travel.  We also had to consider power usage so we weren't flipping breaker all the time when using electric items. 


The Instant Pot is one of our best purchases.  This thing does it all and we love it.  We use it to slow cooks, steams, pressure cooks, sautes, cooks rice, make yogurt, and so much more.  This kitchen item has replaced a few other kitchen appliances and works great!

Instant Pot IP-DUO60 7-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker with Stainless Steel Cooking Pot and Exterior, 6-Quart/1000-watt, Latest 3rd Generation Technology

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SE4SRD6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00SE4SRD6&linkCode=as2&tag=thclclca-20&linkId=NLNI3RUMX4EFHNEA</iframe>


 The second of our best purchases (not necessarily in order) is our Berkey.  We never really know what kind of water we are getting at any given camping place, especially if is coming from well water.  So to always have the best and consistent water, we purchased this.  We also purchased the filters that remove the fluoride from city water and arsenic from other water sources like wells.  We have increased our water usage since buying this and also have gotten away from disposable water bottles.  You can put pond water in this thing and drink it!  We love it!  One other thing is our dog, Leo.  We have found and found through research, that some dogs can be affected by witching their waters continuously from different sources. This way he gets the same purified water every time.  Be sure to purchase glass spigot or you will be looking inside all the time to see how much water is in it all the time.   

Berkey water system (shown with arsenic/fluoride removing filters)



http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BWIX1EQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BWIX1EQ&linkCode=as2&tag=thclclca-20&linkId=3F27AZDNTGOQ2Q3S
 

Berkey fluoride/Arsenic filters (by themselves)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BWIWYBW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BWIWYBW&linkCode=as2&tag=thclclca-20&linkId=SP22ZHONMF6ADZDK

Glass spigot for Berkey

Berkey SG-10 Glass Water Level Spigot for Imperial and Royal Systems

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BWIX0NS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BWIX0NS&linkCode=as2&tag=thclclca-20&linkId=A3QLZVGDIRRGFWTX

Next, we wanted to purchase a coffee machine like a Kuerig but we don't have the space.  We decided against a drip coffee pot for the same reason so we bought a French press.  We actually have liked it much more and we drink less coffee in the mornings because it make a fresher pot of coffee and is a bit stronger that a drip pot. 

French coffee press


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DUHACEE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00DUHACEE&linkCode=as2&tag=thclclca-20&linkId=QXKWFYMGKSVYCWE4


The Single Burner is also a must.  We don't use propane hardly at all becuase electricity is "free" when we pay for a spot.  We only use propane when we are boondocking.  




 Our pizza stone   is multi use.  It serves as a heat "dissipator" in the oven when we place it on top  heating element that normally burns everything on the bottom.  This spreads the heat and cuts down on the burnage.  We can now cook two pizzas in a 15 in oven to perfection!  It also acts as a cutting board and even acts as a serving platter on occasion.


 Our Ninja is another staple.  We use this to grind our wheat berries into flour, popcorn to corn meal/corn flour.  We also do soups and smoothies in different parts of it.  This thing is great!



We have an electric skillet stainless steel that was given to us as we left by our Aunt and we LOVE it!  We love the stainless also because we got away from Teflon a while back and love cooking on it.  Again, we have learned to make just about everything in this and the Instantpot because we try to use as much electricity as possible instead of propane.  


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00453H8TE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00453H8TE&linkCode=as2&tag=thclclca-20&linkId=QJS5ZEIAQFB5XJ3Q



Our Electric kettle  is what we use to warn up our water for the french press.  It is quick and 
is multi use.  We use it for noodles and milk sometimes also. 

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IWOJS9A/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00IWOJS9A&linkCode=as2&tag=thclclca-20&linkId=7AET76JQQJHXP3XK




I know that I have placed the Walkie Talkies rather randomly but it is because they sit in our kitchen.  We use these obviously for hikes and when the kids go off for a bit by themselves.  These have worked great for us also for traveling in two vehicles and have great battery life, sound great and are small.  


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001UE6MIO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001UE6MIO&linkCode=as2&tag=thclclca-20&linkId=TO37TVFNVPLRWKYT


 We bought a few Amazon Kindles before we left for school.  They have proved to be great investments to allow the kids to do school in the vehicle, read books on, or chill with a movie every once in a while. We did but the extended coverage as we live in the woods!

Kindle Fire HD 7&quot;, HD Display, Wi-Fi, 16 GB - Includes Special Offers (Previous Generation - 3rd)


 Along with the Kindles, we use the Kindle Audio books and Amazon Video somewhat often.  This of course depends on wi-fi availability but overall, the Kindles and it's available resources have worked well for us.  

We bought the Shark Vacuum because of it's size and power.  We read many reviews and we settled on it.  We like it because it is small but wish that it had some sort of flexible hose.  It also has to be cleaned out often, like the rest of the Shark line, but works well for our purposes. for the time being but we pretty sure that we wouldn't buy this item again.   


We use an X Chock single to stop the RV from moving.  We also use a single yellow chock but the X Chock seems to do a good job of stopping rocking also.  We like it and are considering a second one.  


 For emergency purposes, we bought Eternabond roof repair.  This is self adhesive and very strong.  We opted for the wider to do a better job of patching a hole, especially if we were boondocking and something happened in the woods. 



When we bought the Mobile Washer, we thought it would be a good investment.  I have to add this to one of our best purchases of all.  LAundry in some places are as much as $5 per load to wash and the same to dry!  WE bought a few five gallon buckets for about $2 and we do small amounts of laundry and hang it out to dry.  Some RV parks won't let youhang it out but then we only do essentials and hang them inside.  This has also been used as a discipline tool.  NO!  Not by swinging it against someone!  To send a child out and have them do laundry serves a few purposes.  It gives them time alone, it's a workout, and our laundry gets done!  








The Over the door organizer has served a few purposes.  WE use one on the bathroom door for massive storage space.  We also took on and cut it in rows, inserted eyelets on it. Rebent some showing curtain hooks. and hung it around the end of the bed for shoes.  This has worked great and has held up well.  



http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002V9194Y/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002V9194Y&linkCode=as2&tag=thclclca-20&linkId=6MBJLIA4GILZLZXJ


 We wondered what we would do about the cheap RV mattress and how it would work for my back.  We bought a Mattress Topper and it has done pretty good on top of the RV mattress.  We are still evaluating the next step but have to closely consider weight, size and other things.  This has worked well.


For doing a bit of a workout we bought a 15  or 20lb kettlebell and  5lb dumbbells.  We also bought a Jump rope.  These have served a purpose when a gym is not near and we are trying to burn some extra s'mores calories.  




 Jump Rope - Premium Quality - Best for Boxing MMA Training Crossfit - Fitness - Speed - Adjustable



We bought a Kingsford charcoal kaddy to use as a trash can.  Ours is black but serves the same purpose as the one in the link below.  The nice thing is that our puppy can't get in it because the lid locks shut.  Also, when we are traveling and it falls over with trash in it, the locked lid keeps it all secure and clean!  It takes a regular 13 gallon trash bag and is very easy to clean.   

Kingsford Charcoal Dispenser Great For 20 L - 24 Lb. Bags
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OSCHOU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000OSCHOU&linkCode=as2&tag=thclclca-20&linkId=YBATXH5RXGSVNMO2


A few outside items... 
We bought this Buffer to keep our RV looking nice and also providing UV protection from the sun.  It is easy to use by Kelly and Zachary and stores nicely.  It even comes with different bonnets included!

Craftsman Sears 10 inch Buffer Polisher Home & Auto Car (10723)





We have never used aero 303 so we thoguht we would give it a try while in Tucson.  IT went on easily and buffed off well also.  We did have some streaking that had to be gone over again but the bottle says that is because we applied too much.  Anyway, we also used it on the tires and everything looks great.  Because of the need to reapply in 4-6 weeks, I think we will use this for the tires, rubber, and maybe roof but use a different product for the rest of the RV.  

303 (30313-CSR) Aerospace Protectant Trigger Sprayer, 32 Fl. oz.


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KN0UOEE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00KN0UOEE&linkCode=as2&tag=thclclca-20&linkId=IP42U5FUN6ZTIDNI


Next time we will use this on the RV .  WE just used it on the truck and it worked great.

Product Details
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BPSW7C/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000BPSW7C&linkCode=as2&tag=thclclca-20&linkId=UUJ5SINR43UXCCOZ


 With cooking outside so much, we had to get an Outdoor table.  Someone that we met (Go Jacksons!) when we first started this journey had these and they were great!  We bought one and use it near daily for different reasons.  It folds up and stores well and is light enough to be moved but heavy enough to stay put in heavy winds.  

With having so many possibilities of electricity problems, we purchased this Voltage tester to have on board.  IT is easy to use and stores well and had a great price point.  



Foods online...
We have done some great things with Dried Wheat Berries.  Like I said before, we grind our own flours and also eat these as sides for dinner.  We even eat them for breakfast sometimes.  It is all in how you spice them!  We have also sprouted them to make our own wheat grass which was amazing!  



We go through many Garbanzo Beans because we eat them for snacks, use them in hummus, use them in soups/chilis, and use them as sides or meat replacements.  These have worked well for us and also sprout easily.  

Other things for the home...


When we are boondocking, we need a nighlight.  Problem is that we have to be more power concious.  We bought these LED Night Light Bulbs to use in our night lights and use them in the 12 converter.  They work very well and are very bright for our needs.  


 One of the first things that we did was replace all of our incadescent lights with LED lights.  The power draw is about one-third as much and they give off great light.  We had 27 individual lights to replace and these cost about $6-$12 each in some places.  We foudn these and jumped right on them.  They work great and we have not had any problems with them.  We bought the 12v -24v instead of just the 12v lights.  There have been some problems with the 12v lights.  


 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EKN8FXC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EKN8FXC&linkCode=as2&tag=thclclca-20&linkId=BZ4OYKMNQNPZNJYM
We also have a few 1156 lights.  These are the same as your standard taillight on your vehicle.  We have a few lights inside that take there also, as many RVs do.  These have worked well but I bought the wrong color and wished that I would have gone with more of a pure white vs the cool white...it looks blue to me and I don't like it.  

HOTSYSTEM 1156 7506 1003 1141 LED SMD 18 LED Bulbs Interior RV Camper White 10-pack

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LEBLI82/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00LEBLI82&linkCode=as2&tag=thclclca-20&linkId=4OJU2NENGVQUWRKL


Buying some sort of dehumidifier is a must.  I did much searching on these and decided on this one.  It has done great for us but we might need another one this year.  This bad boy soaks up some water from the air and is silent!  We were in Virginia in August and it was hot and humid.  This drank water from the air and is still working.  Very pleased with it.  

Ivation GDM20 Thermo-Electric Dehumidifier, 1100 Cubic Feet

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KWKONAG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00KWKONAG&linkCode=as2&tag=thclclca-20&linkId=YT4FTM36K4Q7AASR

One other thing that we bought for the outside is a surge protector.  This is a necessity and will protect an RV from many different problems.  One of the nice things is that it will let you know if the electrical box that you are about to plug into is operating correctly or not.  It also has tripped when it needed to when someone was working on the RV and crossed some wires. Very please with this; this has saved us a few times.   

Technology Research 44750 Surge Guard 30-Amp with Ground
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002OUZK7W/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002OUZK7W&linkCode=as2&tag=thclclca-20&linkId=KWAHTCAQ5U4GHN3K

Toys, Toys, Toys!

Not really, we have only bought a few toys since being our and that was for Christmas.  

Calebs Circuit set was a great buy!  He loves this thing and even helped me understand things a bit more!  





Kamryn's princess mosaics were a hit also.  There are stickers to put onto butterflies and princesses and she loved doing them.  Caleb also has some dragon mosaic of the same but they were dragons.  Very nice projects for them at a good price.  They are still hanging all over.  

Favorite books...


These are Zachary's National Parks books.  He really enjoyed these and we did also.  They are fictional mystery books set in the National Parks.  It is neat to recongize some of the places that the books mention.  


The Kingdom quest books are good Bible Study/devotionals for the kids and are written for different ages.  They keep the kid's attention and are to the point/short devotionals.  

Product Details
Product Details
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1589978072/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1589978072&linkCode=as2&tag=thclclca-20&linkId=7OGJMFHA23YZPZFB


The Preparing for adolescence workbook and book are a marvelous tool to use as a guide for Zachary and I to talk about the changes that boys go through at his age.  A friend at YWAM Virginia recommended this and it is great.  

Product Details

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0800726545/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0800726545&linkCode=as2&tag=thclclca-20&linkId=ZXHBJ2HWH22RFQ3K



One of my favorite books that Kelly is reading right now is Raising a modern day night.  This book helps parent's raise their children in way that teaches boys to be gentleman and learn the ways of the knights-chivalry and respect among other things.  Teaching our children to be gentleman is a great priority in our home and always has been and this book seconds that and has some great points!
Product Details
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1589973097/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1589973097&linkCode=as2&tag=thclclca-20&linkId=MQDXN5DGCRB7H6SO

Odd ball items...

So we lost our set of keys and had to buy a GMC Truck key.  It worked great and I got the instructions and programmed it very simply.  
 We decided early on to go gas instead of diesel.  We also agreed that we would spend a little to gain some horsepower and torque  and one of those items was a Programmer for the truck.  It added great gains and we are very happy with it.  

Superchips 2842 Flashpaq Tuner for GM Diesel/Gas Engine

So, that's obviously not all that we have purchased but I would really like to try and figure out how to do this a better way than the choppy way that I have done it above.  

We are doing well and will be doing a "normal" update soon.  We have great things to share and Great situations that we have experienced.  

Sorry if I bored you with a shopping trip on this one...especially the guys!





No comments:

Post a Comment