Websites we like
Above is our 'dashboard' for easy reference while we're rolling along the interstate.
Below, the collection of sites that we used to put this project together.
Families that have hit the road
The "FOTR" website is packed with resources for families that have made the road, their home. Click the link to visit the website.
Insurance Providers
Miller Insurance Agency
Conversion & RV sites
Technical
solar et al pages How-to pages and references
Air horns Just in case a cat crosses the road
RV Electric/shore power Lots of folks plead ignorance, which could cost big money!
West Marine Commercial grade 12v electrical products ideal for bus/RV applications
Fire Detection AND Suppression from RV Safety Systems - warns of radical temp increase and extinguishes a fire automatically
Roadmaster Blackhawk tow bar and Base Plate for the van we'll tow along as well as Transmission Lube Pump
Pressure Pro Tire pressure monitor to help prevent any tire surprises (see the video below about blowouts)
My Old RV This guy is wild about tweaking his RV experience to maximize the output, of everything. Very detailed, and funny.
Wonderwash for small loads, or in our case, would have to be 24 hour laundry action to keep up; everyone could take a shift.
Mi-Fi internet connection on the road through Verizon. We have one, and it always works when we can't find free access.
WiFi for RV's This handy hardware package is a modified router with 6" rubber duck antenna that collects a weak signal and creates a wireless network for about 50 feet around it. Connect the external 24" mast antenna and it picks up even weaker signals. We built a temporary antenna mast that connects to the window frame while we're parked, and it SUCKS in the wifi signals like a shop vac.
Dashboard button generator
Geocaching is a fun family activity that's like a modern day treasure hunt. Buy a GPS receiver for as little as $80, and you're on your way to YEARS of fun together. We recommend paying for the premium membership at www.geocaching.com, but it's not required to download geocache destinations. Here are some links we've used to make the game more efficient and easy to do, no matter where you are! We could go on for hours about this activity, so if you need more info, contact us- we'd love to share the fun.
We can do a GPS class for beginners if we're in your area and you have a group that we can speak to. We'll bring along a few GPS's to share during the class. E-Mail us about such a class.
Geocaching The website that catalogs geocaches around the world. Free to look and see if there's a cache where you're at right now.
EasyGPS is a free software program that allows you to manage a lot of geocaches/waypoints easily, so you can download a bunch at once instead of doing them one at a time. Example: you plot a route and do a pocket query, then download hundreds of potential geocaches at once to pick from while traveling. Sweet!
Garmin: "What is GPS?" We use the Garmin Oregon 450t and eTrex Legend GPS receivers in our family. Benefits to both. Can't afford one? Email us, we might have an extra receiver to share with you if your story is really good.
This site came to us as a suggestion from some students in Texas at the Brenham Community Center, a clean easy guide to geocaching for kids at Bump Reveal.
We've just started using GeocachingLive on our Nokia E71 phone. This allows live geocache downloads and logging. It's good for travelers, since we can hop out and update the closest geocaches, then find them without a laptop, logging in, downloading to GPS and heading out. We keep a backpack at the ready with geocache swag and pens and whistles for hikes (kids wear 'em). GeocachingLive is in Beta right now, check it out here.
Sites we like, that don't fit a category
Roadtrip Nation puts college age youth in an RV for 6 weeks to interview community and business leaders. Just watch the video and be inspired to get off the sofa. Don't miss the 'About Us' video.