New Full Time RVers

[evelk]

Hello!! My husband and I plan to hit the road running at the end of July for full time living in our 1984 Wanderlodge. As a travel therapist, I have found a position out in CA which is where we are headed for the first rotation. My husband works remotely and is an electrical engineer.

We are seeking any and all advice as we are new to this world in living in an RV full time! Our rig is currently at Wonder Works in Knoxville, TN being worked on mechanically.

What do you recommend as far as support for security? Are there any friendly RV security systems that have worked for you in the past? We plan to travel for a couple weeks around the holidays to visit family, but are hesitant to leave the rig without some sort of security system.

Are there any 'must need' items you recommend acquiring before full time living? We are planning to use Star Link for wifi purposes.

As we move into the bus in the next several weeks, any advice on downsizing, storage options, & organization?

We plan to reach out to a sign company to assist us with applying vinyl for the bus nameplate. Any advice with this project?

We are SO excited about this next chapter of our lives, especially in regards to living in our wander lodge. Any advice along the way is greatly appreciated by us 'newbies'!

[Hellcat]

I can’t help you will your full time questions. We are still learning to be occasional bird people. I’m sure you will get good ideas from this group. Welcome to the WOG. I think as bird owners we all could use a good therapist at times.

[Randy Dupree]

When you said you were a "travel therapist" i was thinking we sure need you here!
But i suppose i read that wrong?
You travel to work? Right!

[Randy T]

We full time but are not working and change location daily/weekly/monthly rarely to return, so I'm not going to be much help. But as far as security, hopefully you're parked somewhere in a RV park where you feel comfortable. Let the park know your plans and to keep a eye on it.

[Dieselbird01]

Originally Posted by evelk

Hello!! My husband and I plan to hit the road running at the end of July for full time living in our 1984 Wanderlodge. As a travel therapist, I have found a position out in CA which is where we are headed for the first rotation. My husband works remotely and is an electrical engineer.

We are seeking any and all advice as we are new to this world in living in an RV full time! Our rig is currently at Wonder Works in Knoxville, TN being worked on mechanically.

What do you recommend as far as support for security? Are there any friendly RV security systems that have worked for you in the past? We plan to travel for a couple weeks around the holidays to visit family, but are hesitant to leave the rig without some sort of security system.

Are there any 'must need' items you recommend acquiring before full time living? We are planning to use Star Link for wifi purposes.

As we move into the bus in the next several weeks, any advice on downsizing, storage options, & organization?

We plan to reach out to a sign company to assist us with applying vinyl for the bus nameplate. Any advice with this project?

We are SO excited about this next chapter of our lives, especially in regards to living in our wander lodge. Any advice along the way is greatly appreciated by us 'newbies'!

Hi Elli,

An 84 PT should already have some security features that you could add to...

From the 84 PT owner's manual:

Burglar Alarm/Antitheft Features

The security of your motorhome and contents are assured by an intruder alarm system which protects windows and entry door. Each window is protected by a magnetic proximity switch which triggers an alarm if the window is opened. The entry door uses a door jamb switch which operates when the door is opened. When the system is secured it may be activated from outside the coach by a key-switch adjacent to the entry door. From inside the coach, a master burglar alarm switch may be operated at the front instrument panel. In addition to the alarm system, an anti-theft switch for the ignition circuits (A/T switch on dash) can be operated so that the unit cannot be started. Lastly, the 12 volt Master switch (hidden behind the right side of the dash) can be operated to turn off all but essential 12 volt circuits.

Bedroom Overhead Panel

The bedroom panel is directly above the Head of the bed. It contains two stereo jacks and a volume control, security light switch (illuminates front and rear landing lights, driving lights in front bumper, and rear Halogen parking lights).

[Randy Dupree]

Post 5 by John W is a good one.
Plus the wanderlodge is the safest bus in the world to be in.
The windows are way above ground level and they are laminated glass,double thick.
Its very hard to break into a wanderlodge.

Even the firemen have a hard time getting in.

[wandermore]

I keep a screen running that shows the side camera with a view of the door on most of the time when parked.

Never answer/open the door without verifying someone's intents. You can do that through the window next to the door. I have found that most people at the door are best ignored.

Search MDVR if you are intent on security cameras. A cheap dash cam goes a long way too.

I also have a Ring security system installed on our bus. It works very well and has backup battery and cell. We mostly use it for the motion sensor to know if a child has left their bed.

[Randy Dupree]

did someone use a "ring" camera a while back?
nogas maybe?

[bcoop272]

I'll chime in for what it's worth - I am currently using a Roku alarm system in my WB and a couple Roku/Roku 360 cams.... all work like a champ and are very inexpensive. That coupled with a couple wireless temp and fire/CO2 sensors have made for a great setup. The alarm system has the option for it to be professionally monitored for $99 per year or self monitored through their app which works well.

[Vonhitch]

Originally Posted by evelk

Hello!! My husband and I plan to hit the road running at the end of July for full time living in our 1984 Wanderlodge. As a travel therapist, I have found a position out in CA which is where we are headed for the first rotation. My husband works remotely and is an electrical engineer.

We are seeking any and all advice as we are new to this world in living in an RV full time! Our rig is currently at Wonder Works in Knoxville, TN being worked on mechanically.

What do you recommend as far as support for security? Are there any friendly RV security systems that have worked for you in the past? We plan to travel for a couple weeks around the holidays to visit family, but are hesitant to leave the rig without some sort of security system.

Are there any 'must need' items you recommend acquiring before full time living? We are planning to use Star Link for wifi purposes.

As we move into the bus in the next several weeks, any advice on downsizing, storage options, & organization?

We plan to reach out to a sign company to assist us with applying vinyl for the bus nameplate. Any advice with this project?

We are SO excited about this next chapter of our lives, especially in regards to living in our wander lodge. Any advice along the way is greatly appreciated by us 'newbies'!

When in california (Im in northern ca 40 mins east of sac) try to find a private property with hookups. Guy I know little closer to sacramento has three spots he rents in loomis last I knew all were rented. Two traveling nurses and a linemam occupied those spots. I would stay out of a trailer park it will be either crazy expensive or full of crackheads. At least thats what see around here. I think a private lot will also feel more homelike.
Dave