Newbie heading to RTRs as Volunteer

[OldDesertGal]

I became a car dweller a couple months ago. Took advice of many nomads and stayed local to work the bugs out. Definitely recommend to other newbies.
My work year ends with the holidays. I'm a pet sitter and I've been ecstatic when I've been able to overnight at clients'. I hope to continue my little biz on the road when needed/wanted.

I'll b at the Free Pile - say "hello"!
Teresa

 

[Patrick]

What is Free Pile?

Oh, OK, found this.

http://www.rubbertrampartist.com/the-free-pile-at-the-rtr/
https://homesonwheelsalliance.org/2020rtrs/

 

[highdesertranger]

Welcome Teresa to the CRVL forums! To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips, Tricks and Rules" post lists some helpful information to get you started.

Most of our rules boil down to two simple over-riding principles: 1) What you post should provide good information (like your introductory post), and 2) Any response to someone else's post should make them feel glad they are part of this forum community.

We look forward to hearing more from you.

highdesertranger

 

[Cammalu]

Hi Teresa! I just left Quartzsite for a few days but will be back soon. I think if you put pet sittings notices on the local bulletin boards you could get some responses. Hope to see you out here this year.

 

[OldDesertGal]

After RTRs:
I feel like my mother sent me out the door with a "Go play!" and I heard the snick of the lock behind me.
I stare at the vastness of my 'yard' and experience the fear of freedom.

I'm a poetic mf. Lol

 

[Cammalu]

Are you still in the Quartzsite area?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[OldDesertGal]

It has been a wild ride since RTRs. Best and worst times of my life. Now I'm a tent dweller. I bought a fab Springbar tent. I'd love to communicate with other tent dwellers but not sure how. Different needs and reqs than RVers and vehicle dwellers. Near Flagstaff now.
Teresa
Olddesertgal

 

[rvwandering]

Thanks for the update! There aren't very many tent dwellers on the forum. Try the facebook pages: https://www.facebook.com/groups/womensrtr
https://www.facebook.com/groups/RTRofficial

 

[Ken in Anaheim]

ODG, what's it like with the tent when the desert winds start blowing? I'm really very interested...............Thanks.

 

[GypsyJan]

Congrats on the new tent. I use an SUV tent in tandem with a mini-van modification (cot & rear galley-style kitchen.

If the weather is lousy, I don't pitch the tent. I also don't pitch it if I am only staying in one place for a night or two. I like the versatility of using just the mini-van or a combo of it with the tent. The tent is great for lounging and being able to change clothes and move about. I usually still sleep in the car, as I feel safer and don't worry about storms that way.

 

[jacqueg]

ODG, what's it like with the tent when the desert winds start blowing?  I'm really very interested...............Thanks.

Common solution at Quartzsite  -  don't bother with the stakes that come with your tent. Use these - https://www.homedepot.com/p/SPAX-1-...ant-Coating-Lag-Screw-4571820122037/202041055 with the appropriate large diameter washer. Use your portable power drill with the appropriate socket and adapter and drill those babies into the ground.

F[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]or months t[/font]hat tent will be too intimidated to roll off to greener pastures.

 

[B and C]

I bought 18" rebar with metal rings welded to the sides to hold my awning. Can't remember the name of the place in Quartzsite but I think it was H&H or something like that. I just drove them into the ground. To get them out, I banged on the sides and then twisted back and forth while pulling up with a pair of pliers. They work well in softer ground too. I haven't tried them in soft sand though.

 

[OldDesertGal]

Ken From Anaheim:
When I had large nylon tent the wind noise drove me crazy. I used the screwend stakes but still had trouble in winds 30+ which there often are in the desert.
I WISH I had a minivan as well.

I'm near Flagstaff and there was a fire about 100 yards away from my camp. Firefighters came quickly and took care of it. You can't drive a tent away from a fire in a hurry. Yikes!!

Teresa

 

[highdesertranger]

it seems that no matter how big of a stake I get,  I always need a bigger one.  these are "American Earth Anchors"  stakes.  they are 18" long take a 1" socket to drive.  the diameter of the shank where they snapped is 3/4 of an inch.



these snapped in a storm in Arizona in early February 2020.

highdesertranger

 

[TruckCamper99]

After RTRs:
I feel like my mother sent me out the door with a "Go play!" and I heard the snick of the lock behind me.
I stare at the vastness of my 'yard' and experience the fear of freedom.

I'm a poetic mf. Lol

 that last line made my year!! ?????