Hello, and welcome to the November Newsletter. Hope you're doing OK.
Thanks, everyone for subscribing to and reading my monthly newsletters. If you're new or missed any editions, you can always catch up by visiting the Archive Page.
What's New With Us
This month saw us get really hunkered down for the winter. Come November; the weather starts to rapidly degrade on Vancouver Island as powerful late fall Pacific storm systems roll on in.
Sunny days are a rare treat as most days are cloudy and many serve up bouts of pounding rain and stiff winds. On the plus side, temps aren't too bad, averaging in the 40s for highs and not much lower at night.
So far, we have only had a few nights dip into the freezing range, but with December on the horizon, that is sure to change. Recently we had our first brief snowfall! It was gone by morning but a wake up call to whats ahead.
So around mid-month, I reattached my EZ Snap winter skirting. For those that are interested, I put together a time-lapse video of the removal and reinstallation process.
EZ Snap RV Winter Skirting Removal and Reinstallation Time-lapse
During the month, I also added a few more helpful items to my cold weather RVing arsenal. First, I installed a Drok AC Volt/Amp meter on our main power input wiring.
Since we have only a single 30 amp outlet at this campsite, knowing how much amperage we are currently using is a must to avoid blowing the breaker all the time.
Anne or I can easily glance at the new readout and know if we need to turn off some things before using a high wattage item like the microwave. The goal is to maximize our usage of the included electric power for heating the RV and save on propane costs.
Next, I added a weather cover for the rooftop air conditioner and then a pair of Mopeka wireless LP tank level gauges. The cover will protect the AC and help keep drafts out of the RV. The tank level sensors will let me know when it's time for a refill. The companion smartphone app reads the tank level in %.
In between storms, I try to stretch the legs with a brisk walk out on the local ocean spit.
However, these days I'm often stuck in the RV. So I've decided to go through a pile of old photos and video clips I had from our first big year-long RV trip back in 2011-12.
I'm editing them into what I call a Throwback video series. This was before I was blogging or doing the YouTube thing. The video quality is crude as I only had a cheap point-and-shoot camera but provides a glimpse of our very early days as full-time RVers.
I'm enjoying the trip down memory lane, and it provides some travel type content even though we are stationary this winter. I've published 4 videos so far, with more on the way. Stay tuned.
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Image of the Month
Same day pink sunrise and sunset on the estuary
Ray's Pick - Helpful RVing Website/App
For my fellow Canadian readers. Here is an online RV parts website where I was able to source my Suburban water heater thermostat. They look like they have quite a few appliance parts. They take PayPal, which is nice. Looks like they are located in the Fraser Valley near Vancouver.
(Note: I'm not affiliated with this website in any way - Ray)
Tip of the Month
Camping in Cold/Wet Weather - Getting Rid of Condensation Tips
Spending this winter on Vancouver Island's wet and cool coast, we have to battle the dreaded condensation build-up inside the RV. When the temps dive down outside, and the RV is warm on the inside, it's very easy for water droplets to form on the inside of the poorly insulated outside walls and windows.
We leave our clothes closet doors open and pull the bed mattress a few inches away from the wall. This lets dehumidified air circulate inside and around. I leave a low wattage electric fan heater running as well. It's all about trying to get dry air circulated all around the RV. If you don't, you'll end up with damp cloths and mattress, and soon mold will form.
Also, after showering or boiling things like potatoes or pasta, we run our high-powered Hengs bathroom vent fan or Fantastic vent fan in the kitchen for several minutes to remove the moist air quickly.
So far, with these tips, we are doing well. Even though outside humidity is often in the 90s, inside is a warm and dry 35 - 40%.
Funny of the Month
Throwback funny. Riding me a wild Jack-A-Lope at Wall Drug, South Dakota
Many thanks for reading the November LYRV newsletter. All the best to you during these strange and trying times.
