lappir

Wasn't really asking for investment advice, but about the experiences of those who contribute to this forum. I've found for the most part all members are honest, straight forward and supportive. The answer to almost any question can have "it depends" in it's reply. Thank you very much for your reply. Rod

Would a small inverter to power the 110vac use that much more power on just a Star Link Router? Rod

Where were you in Oklahoma? Rolling Retreats? I'd hoped to get "Flex Armor" on my drome box roof, but things are preventing that this time. Maybe after the HDT Rally in the Fall. I rode there a month or so ago to buy a water pump. Longer ride than I thought it would be, but I had the time. Next time I'll stay away from the 4 lane roads. Rod

Not sure what type you are looking at and how it might help you. I recently met a person who spent a lot of money on a device to assist in parking their small light weight travel trailer and found it to be not even close to being worth the money spent. If you are able to rent one and it works as you like, you then have the option to purchase one. Would be great if the rental place would allow you to buy the one that worked, but that doesn't often happen. Rod

Even if I purchase property it will not change my domicile in South Dakota. I will not be permanently living at any one location until I can no longer travel, at least that's the plan. Rod

Yep. My trailer I think could qualify as a "Mobile" home and I could take the wheels and tires off of it to "Tie" it down. Mentioned that to the "Planning Department" employees I was speaking with. I have their "Code" and it's very grey in it's narrative. Leaves it up to the person in authority to determine what the black and white answer is. Those I spoke with didn't have the authority and the only way to really get the answer is to just do it and see what happens if an inspection is actually done. I was told I could apply for a "Building Permit" to get that inspection, but it seems like a lot of work and maybe money on a property I don't own and would not purchase if the "Permit" was declined. Sort of a Rock and Hard Place situation. I'm done looking for now. Maybe in the coming Fall I will have more information on how to approach and also if my youngest is any closer to knowing what she will do with her degree when she is finished with school. My older children live in an area that I will visit in the spring, summer and fall, but cannot live there between Thanksgiving and Easter usually, at least not unless I purchase some expensive land in that area. If the youngest chooses to be closer to her Mom in Florida then Oklahoma, New Mexico, Utah or maybe Colorado may enter the search. Graduation is supposed to be in 2025. Rod

Well the thought of buying property in this location took a big hit today. You can "Park" your RV for unlimited time on certain designated areas, but you cannot reside in said "Home". At least not within the City Limits of Norman, and they have a large area that back in 1956 the annexed to build Lake Thunderbird. Of course that's the side of town I like the most. There may be ways around, but now that I've stirred the pot I would for sure be looked into if I happened to request a "Building Permit". Rod

Looks like a very nice Volvo, congratulations. Bring it all to the National Rally in October. Rod

Thanks again to all who have participated and for Kirk starting another post and poll for us to share how old we all are. I turned 67 in January and stopped working the year before in February. Applied for the SS payments when I was at full retirement age and right now have no debt. I might borrow a small amount of money for the right property, but only if it has a house on it that I could rent out while still living in my Home on wheels on the property any time I wanted to. Today I met a few of the potential neighbors. One very friendly, one friendly and the other that doesn't associate with the neighbors "Because they all come here and then die". His wife was nice thought. Rod

Thanks for thinking of something I didn't when I posted about the property thing. Age certainly makes a difference. For many years I felt I'd never "Retire" would just keep on working. Now that I've given the not working a chance, it's really not that bad. Rod

But you can put a dish cloth or paper towel between and not get any beeps. Don't leave either there if I'm not right there watching, but it does make clean up of the splatters if you have any a bit more easy, especially if the cloth is damp. Rod

Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and thoughts. I am trying very hard to do my due diligence with the city, county and state to make sure I don't have a surprise later. The property isn't exactly bare land. In 2020 there was a fire and a "Mobile Home" was destroyed. Also at that time the power was disconnected and never turned back on. There is a "Well" on the property, but until power is hooked back up (or maybe I can take my generator out) I won't know if it still works. The most recent owner put an inexpensive metal building up and it looks like never used it. Trash still remains from the fire and I wonder if it was also used as a "Dump" by someone. One of the "Google" earth views shows a pile of something and there are still "Tire" tracks in that area, but it doesn't look like the loaded and moved the stuff. Most likely buried. If I only could determine what it was. Monday the power company is coming out to review what it will take to bring power back. I have spoke with an "Environmental" inspector, but their "Phase 1" evaluation is what I've already done so I'm not paying them $2000 to tell me what I already know. I did not inquire what the "Phase II" evaluation would be where they would actually probe and maybe take some soil samples. Probably a lot more than what the property is worth. The Poll will stop in a month. I will continue to check for replies and post if anything interesting comes up on my side. I've spent the past several winters in the area, but was still working. I've enjoyed this winter not working and am pretty sure that will continue. I won't be staying in the summer months though unless I find a good job that doesn't keep me too busy. Rod

I thought I'd never stop working. But that seems to have changed. I finished my last Travel Contract in February 2023 and haven't taken a Nursing paycheck since. Planned to over the winter, but things didn't work out as I expected and I'm sort of glad. The past year I've been able to survive on the SS monthly payment and have dipped into one of my retirement accounts for a little extra, but the advisor assures me it won't cause me to go "Broke". I've spent the past few winters in the lower Midwest and have enjoyed some cold and snowy weather without the deep freezes of the Midwest where I grew up and am thinking about purchasing a spot to park during the winter months October to May and they I will head to the cooler weather locations during the Summer. If I can finally get the job I've been waiting to interview for in this location, the decision would be made. Since it's still not certain, I'm wondering if I should proceed in the acquisition of one of the two plots I have looked at. I know I will be here again next winter and the spot I have stayed at is in a good location, but it's also near an ambulance service that uses their sirens every single time they go on a call. So I'm asking. Is real estate really the best investment? Rod

Two years ago at the HDT Rally we had to do some bearing work. Luckily there were folks prepared with new bearings, others with the proper tools and a Muffler Shop was found to press out and reinstall the races and to the surprise to most of us they packed the bearings at the same time. Not sure what the cost was, but I think we were happy to miss part of the mess. Even then we all got a bit of grease on our hands and clothing. Marks of honor in my book. Rod

Rob is correct with how the food is heated, the amazing part (to me) is that if there isn't liquid all the way to the rim that area does not get hot until after the container is removed from the burner, and then it doesn't get as hot as the lower portion where there is contact. At least that's my experience. Rod

I'm sure the ones I've used in the past were drinking water safe. But it's been a long time since I bought one. The County Fairgrounds where I've stayed in the past (not during the Fair). does the same thing. They are packed in very tightly for that week and the two or three hydrants have maybe 50 hoses hooked to each. Most do fill their tanks, but some don't and complain about the pressure. Rod

It's a lot less than what I've been quoted, but I may not be comparing Apples to Apples. What I like is it's mostly "plug and play", makes it easier for a DYI. It also gives me my 220/240 volts I need for my Mini Split and hopefully an induction Cooktop this year. Rod

Sorry it took 14 hours for me to reply. I just got on the computer this morning and apparently didn't check before bed. It worked for me so I think it passed the TEST. Rod

I didn't fill it full so the portion above the food stays a lot cooler. I did use protection though. Might fashion a can clamp handle if I start doing it a lot. Rod

Tried something new today and it seems to be working out fine. Has anyone else cooked directly in the "Steel Can" on your induction hot plate? I had a friend who used to cook his "Beans" in the can on his Charcoal Grill all the time and I've used metal mixing bowls to heat water before. Making a can of "Campbells Chunky Clam Chowder" in the microwave and got the pop and splatter. Was heating a bit of water in the can to clean out the remaining soup and decided to take out most of the "Chunks" and finish heating them on the induction. Actually took less time than it would have in the Microwave. Rod

I think the key is to either do it yourself at least once or have it done by a trusted professional and let them tell you how often they think it should be done after they have preformed the task. I found my brand new trailer with not enough oil in my oil bath bearings after my first trip. My mechanic said it shouldn't be an issue when he topped them off and that was 10 years ago. I did have to replace one inside seal since then, but don't remember if that was one of the lowest ones or not. With the quality of many of the builds coming out in various examples, I think it's prudent to inspect even the wheel bearings very soon after getting a new vehicle, trailer or what ever you have on wheels. Rod

Before my Mother passed away, I never had to worry about a place to stay. Since then my younger brother took no time to sell the house and close out the estate as executor. I stayed with him once since then and will not again. Last Friday my Amok Hammock was delivered and yesterday waiting on "Totality" I was able to get it set up before it got dark for 4 minutes. Was able to take a nap while I thought I waited long enough for the traffic to sort itself out, but sadly was wrong. Traffic was still a mess for 3 hours and that's how long it took me to get to the destination. Six hours to get back home. At least I know I can sleep off of the ground as long as there are large(but not too large)enough trees around. Rod Rod

I was preparing to leave on the motorcycle and of course forgot something. Had the Jacket and Helmet on and unfortunately the door didn't latch on my way in. As I got to it both cats were looking out, it's happened often before and I usually would just say "OK, back in the house" and they would comply. This time instead of back in the older Cat decided to jump off the stairs and go under the trailer. I looked and looked but could not see her so I went to my meeting for about an hour and returned expecting to find her sitting my the door. Nope. I looked and looked again and no sign. Even sat outside last night for a couple hours thinking she would come back. Again no luck. My youngest suggested putting the one of my litter boxes outside for the "Scent" and I did that in addition to a carrier she would sometimes sleep in (if the door was left open). I made sure the door would remain open last night. I've notified all the people I have seen outside today and have posted on Facebook in a Lost Pet in my area. She has a Micro Chip, but I'm not sure I remember how, when and where to notify them. I will be looking that up. Have I missed anything? I keep going out every few minutes and looking in her prior hiding areas, but I have a different truck now. When I first saw her she was coming out of my truck at an RV Park in Tahlequah, OK. The park staff said she was probably abandoned there, so I befriended her, took her to the vet for vaccinations and spaying and then kept her inside the RV. After a year she needed a friend and I fostered a family and kept on of the kittens when they were old enough to be adopted. All had been good till Friday. Rod

That's the case at the park I've been at all winter. Never had a neighbor till the "Circus Came to Town" and then had several for a week. I had just filled my fresh tank so told them to not worry about me and I was fine. I was getting ready to pressure was the rig and thought I might as well get another Y, but now I will just unhook after topping off the fresh tank and leave the other hose connected till I'm done. Rod

Even the brass ones I looked at had a similar warning. I did not go to an RV store and have yet to visit the Home Depot. Might do that Saturday when I'm sort of close to it already. Thanks for the replies. Rod