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Tag: Tiffin Motorhomes

Summer RV Tour 2023: The Journey Along Brother Highway Continues

The week of the Fourth of July marked a turning point in the journey as we set our sights on the return trip. Heading towards Idaho, I embarked on a two-week visit with Jeff Roper in Idaho Falls. The Idaho Falls Luxury RV Park offered a haven, and together, Jeff and I embarked on a fishing expedition on the Henry’s Fork.

The guide’s expertise put us on the fish, but nature had a surprise. An audacious osprey made my fishing experience more enjoyable by snatching one of my prized catches right off my line. The unexpected encounter added a touch of wild beauty to the Idaho waters.

Hanging with Richard and Charlene

Leaving Idaho Falls, the road unfolded its chapters with a promise of more stories. In Island Park, Idaho, I had the pleasure of meeting Charlene and Richard Guidry and their 2019 Tiffin Allegro Red 37PA. A week exploring Yellowstone National Park set the stage for a journey that would unfold into the heart of Wyoming.

A day on Yellowstone Lake with our Yellowstone National Park Guide, Lindsey, became a highlight as Charlene, Richard, and I fished for lake trout and cutthroat trout. Trolling spoons deep in the crystal-clear waters brought forth a bountiful catch, creating memories that shimmered like the ripples on the lake.

Cody, Wyoming, became a familiar stop once again, where Charlene, Richard, and I, along with our motorhomes, hung out for a week and enjoyed one more day of fishing on Lake Yellowstone.

FMCA Rally in Gillette, Wyoming

Our motorhome convoy continued to Gillette, Wyoming, for the grand finale of Summer RV Tour 2023 – the 107th International Convention of the Family Motorcoach Association. Taking RV Basics classes, we discovered more tips and tricks for maintaining our cherished motorhomes. The week became a blend of camaraderie, shared experiences, and the inevitable required upkeep of our beloved RVs. As always, new friends quickly became old friends, and old friends became family. All too quickly, one of the best weeks of the year came to an end.

The Journey Home to Kick Back

Thursday, August 31, marked a bittersweet moment as I bid Richard and Charlene adieu at the Rapid City / Black Hills KOA Holiday. The open road stretched before me, a 1,556-mile journey to the final destination – the Kick Back Ranch & Event Center in Ramer, AL. The miles ahead promised reflections, lessons learned, and the echo of laughter shared with newfound friends.

The journey reached its poignant final destination on Sunday, September 3, when Bertie Bea and I arrived at Kick Back Ranch & Event Center. Summer RV Tour 2023 and Brother Highway took me through 13 states and countless adventures with friends who’ve become family. Once again, the experience was worth the effort. Remember to follow your dreams and live life to the fullest.

Cold Weather RV Preparation

When traveling in the RV in the winter, you must pay attention to the weather because cold weather can affect every system, especially the water system. Through trial and error, including freezing my water pressure regulator, I have been able to mitigate most cold weather issues in Bertie Bea.

Heat

Heat in the RV can either be provided by a propane or diesel fuel furnace or an electric heat pump. In Bertie Bea, there is an electric heat pump that works well when outside temperatures are over 40 degrees Fahrenheit and a propane furnace. Built into the heat pump is a feature that allows propane heat assist, which will automatically switch to the propane furnace. Eighty-five percent of the time, I leave the propane assist feature turned off and supplement it with electric space heaters. But, with the temperatures of the next few days being forecast in the high teens and low twenties, I will opt for the propane assist feature in order to keep the interior of the RV at least sixty-five degrees. I’ll supplement it with the space heater.

Water

With temperatures being below freezing for several days, there are several options when it comes to handling water. I’ve figured out the best method is to just fill up the freshwater tank. Bertie Bea can hold 70 gallons of water on-board which is plenty for three or four days unless running the washing machine. The evening before overnight temps are going to drop below freezing; I will unhook the RV from the external water source, turn on the water pump, and hunker down. The furnace and heating pad will keep the onboard water from freezing.

Inclement Weather

If the weather is calling for freezing rain, sleet, or snow for a period of time, you will need to make sure that the slide toppers are free from snow and ice before retracting them to travel. If you have steps coming into your RV, make sure they’re free of ice and use your handrail entering and exiting so that you limit the chances of slipping and falling.

With a little preparation, your RV will provide you with a warm and snug home on the road even when the weather turns cold. Bertie Bea is wonderfully appointed and prepared for most anything Mother Nature can throw at her.