Using Class A Motorhome in Cold Weather

[Using Class A Motorhome in Cold Weather]

You may want to consider the cost of using electric heat versus propane. We have recently had a few very cold days in the 30's with a couple of nights in the 20's. At that temperature our electric heat pump will not work and we've had to use our propane furnace. Using our propane for heat, we noticed that our propane supply lasts about 2 weeks at the cost of about $27 to $30 per fill up. In the past when we used our electric heat for our needs and had large electric bills, generally $100 to $120 per month. If you have both, you may want to test out each system for the best cost efficiency.

Best wishes for your full timing. We have been on the road now for 2 years and have no intentions of settling down. It is the best lifestyle.

[What Is The Best Way To Stay Connected Online?]

We are Canadians who spend 6 months over the winter in the U.S. and 6 months over the summer in Canada. We managed to get a Verizon wireless modem (cell technology) in spite of the fact that all other providers refused us because we have no U.S. social security number. Thanks to Verizon for not being discriminatory. We travelled from Arizona cross country to Ontario, Canada without experiencing any difficulties getting a signal. The only exception was deep in the hills of West Virginia where we had no signal for either cell or internet. Monthly rate is $59.95 for 5 Gig. Verizon allows a "no billing" suspension of 6 months per year with a $15 reconnect fee.

The Canadian equivalent is a USB modem provided by either Bell and Rogers. Rogers has better coverage and a stronger signal. The Rogers Rocket Stick is available free with a 2 year contract or $24.95 for a 1 year contract. It is also available without a contract but costs $199. Monthly charges begin at $30 and escalate to $65 depending on your download usage. There is no suspension allowed, but the early cancellation fee is based on the number of months remaining in the contract, to a maximum of $100, which is less than purchasing the modem without a contract. When we leave for the U.S. in the fall I will cancel Rogers and pay the cancellation fee. Next year when we return, I will reconnect on a pay-as-you-go monthly basis as I now own the Rogers Rocket Stick.

Having both providers is the solution for us as we spend our time in both countries. Be careful of roaming charges which are totally unreasonable. In conversation with both Verizon and Rogers, they agree that with roaming, you could easily run up a monthly bill of $1,500 or more.

We still use WiFi where it is free and stronger than our Rogers signal. We found Verizon to be a strong signal overall, however Rogers tends to be a bit weak the farther we get from urban areas. I still get a Rogers signal in our park south of Guelph, Ontario, but I have spoken to other RV'ers in our park who cannot get a signal with their Bell cell phone.

Norman & Monika Wise

Emerald Lake, Ontario (for the summer)

[What Is The Best Way To Stay Connected Online?]

We are Canadians who spend 6 months over the winter in the U.S. and 6 months over the summer in Canada. We managed to get a Verizon wireless modem (cell technology) in spite of the fact that all other providers refused us because we have no U.S. social security number. Thanks to Verizon for not being discriminatory. We travelled from Arizona cross country to Ontario, Canada without experiencing any difficulties getting a signal. The only exception was deep in the hills of West Virginia where we had no signal for either cell or internet. Monthly rate is $59.95 for 5 Gig. Verizon allows a "no billing" suspension of 6 months per year with a $15 reconnect fee.

The Canadian equivalent is a USB modem provided by either Bell and Rogers. Rogers has better coverage and a stronger signal. The Rogers Rocket Stick is available free with a 2 year contract or $24.95 for a 1 year contract. It is also available without a contract but costs $199. Monthly charges begin at $30 and escalate to $65 depending on your download usage. There is no suspension allowed, but the early cancellation fee is based on the number of months remaining in the contract, to a maximum of $100, which is less than purchasing the modem without a contract. When we leave for the U.S. in the fall I will cancel Rogers and pay the cancellation fee. Next year when we return, I will reconnect on a pay-as-you-go monthly basis as I now own the Rogers Rocket Stick.

Having both providers is the solution for us as we spend our time in both countries. Be careful of roaming charges which are totally unreasonable. In conversation with both Verizon and Rogers, they agree that with roaming, you could easily run up a monthly bill of $1,500 or more.

We still use WiFi where it is free and stronger than our Rogers signal. We found Verizon to be a strong signal overall, however Rogers tends to be a bit weak the farther we get from urban areas. I still get a Rogers signal in our park south of Guelph, Ontario, but I have spoken to other RV'ers in our park who cannot get a signal with their Bell cell phone.

Norman & Monika Wise

Emerald Lake, Ontario (for the summer)

[Forgot to empty fresh water tank]

We are vendors for FMCA with a product that you use in the fresh water tank that destroys existing bacterial colonies and prevents the developing of new ones, eliminates bad odor and bad taste to stored potable water supplies. When you use it everytime you put in more fresh water you don't have to worry about emptying the tank, it stays fresh and safe to drink. We live in earthquake country and leave our tank full year round when not traveling. Be careful about useing bleach in the fresh water tank, its hard to get all the bleach taste out.

Please send information and/or website links about the product to springtimeontheroad@gmail.com

Thanks for your help.