Space and weight limitations are the constant
companions of those living in RV's for an extended period. There
are no end to the gadgets that can make your RVing life easier.
Unfortunately, each of these occupies space and adds weight.
Georgia loves to read. However, books are very heavy
and can occupy a great deal of space. She has found that most private RV
parks offer a book exchange (most public RV parks don't). After finishing a book, Georgia now
trades it in for a book that she hasn't read. This has the side benefit
of reducing expenditures.
Most of our modifications have added weight to the trailer.
This is not good since it reduces the ability to carry "stuff" in the trailer.
Most RVers are constantly battling the weight and space issue. GVWR
and carrying capacity should be two items of extreme concern to anyone
purchasing an RV. It is amazing to see the number of large RVs with 1000 pounds or less carrying capacity. You can add
1500-2500 pounds
of "stuff" in no time. The more storage space you have the more "stuff"
you can tuck away, thereby exacerbating the weight issue.
I have found that a 24 volt cordless electric drill (Craftsman
from Sears) with an adjustable torque setting and a high torque/low speed
setting is a wonderful aid. I use it to adjust the jacks on the Hensley
Arrow hitch and to raise and lower the BAL jacks on the Airstream.
Of course, it also serves as my drill. It is a little heavy.
I suspect that an 18 volt drill would work as well for most purposes.
If you are a heavy user of the internet, full-timing still
presents a significant communications problem unless you spend multiple months
in each location, which we don't. Two-way satellite internet
service, which has been available to the general public with a fixed location
for some time, will shortly be available to RVers. Although it is expensive, it solves a major communications problem experienced by
many who travel extensively in RV's.
