Returning to the story of Clarice’s first trip preparations, we turn back to April 2021. I had slowly been adding all the things I needed to outfit an RV properly since bringing Clarice home. I added: kitchen utensils, silverware holders, hangers, clothes storage boxes, flashlights, bug spray, shampoo holders, hoses, and command hooks. Honestly, you would not believe the amount of research and purchasing I did just to get to this point! It was a journey!
The shakedown trip was slated for April 9-22! As it was now staying above freezing during the day, it was time to de-winterize Clarice. This consists of flushing the water system to remove the anti-freeze, sanitizing the fresh water tank and installing the undersink water filter. Sounds easy, right?
Water System Preparations
I had bought two hoses, one for the fresh water and one for the black water flush. I had learned that you should NOT use the same hose for black water flushing used for filling fresh water. This meant I also needed two pressure regulators, which would keep the pressure at 30 psi. Plus I wanted to use an inline water filter to remove any impurities before the water entered the tank.
Getting out my new fresh water hose, one pressure regulator and the inline filter, I filled the eighteen gallon tank. Then, I emptied it with the pump to flush the system. Then I filled it again adding a little bleach. At this point, I needed to let it sit for the bleach to sanitize the tank. I put my new toys away after adding blue painter tape around the black water hose. This was a precaution so I would know which hose to use when.
The next day, I emptied the tank again. Then I carefully emptied the under-sink water filter canister of the bleached water and installed the new filter. I was ready to refill the fresh water tank for the trip! So, I got out the toys and refilled it. So far, so good! This is when things started to go a bit wrong.
The Challenge
I turned on the water pump to pressurize the system and turned on and off both faucets. It would not pressurize. The pump would not stop running. Double checking I made sure to turn both faucets on and off several times including both hot and cold values. There was water at the taps. Hmmm..
Having spent a great many years sailing on Lake Michigan, I had dealt with these pumps before. So, I was greatly puzzled. I fiddled around some more, and then I heard it. Every time I turned on the pump, I heard water under the van! This did not make sense and had me fearing the worst.
Next, I called the dealer and talked to Mick. He explained that the water heater values were likely not in the right position. After learning that the water heater is inside the bench seat, I removed the eight screws that hold the cover. I flipped the little yellow switch; and, lo and behold, the system pressurized! Yay!!! The water system was ready!
Leaving home
The evening before I had packed my clothing and put the bike on the rack. With the refrigerator nicely cooled down over the previous two days, I loaded the trip food over my lunch time. I had learned it was necessary to turn on the fridge a couple of days ahead. So, with everything packed, I was ready to head out as soon as I finished work. I was too excited to wait until Saturday morning!
My RAV4 needed to be dropped off at the body shop before leaving. I had a little fender bender on my way to the dentist a few weeks back. It was really embarrassing, as I thought the vehicle in front had made her turn but she had stopped. I looked to my left, seeing it was wide open, I started to go and BOOM! Thankfully, no one was hurt other than my pride. Anyway, the body shop was going to fix her up while I was gone.
So, Victoria drove the RAV4 and I followed in Clarice. After stopping at the bank to get some cash for the trip, I picked up Victoria at the body shop and she got the very first shotgun ride in Clarice to drop her home. Giving her a big hug and a kiss, she went in to get the house ready for the party she was throwing that night; and, I was off on the maiden voyage!
CarPlay and Clearance
I sat in the driveway until I figured out how to get Apple CarPlay to work and show the map. Everything is a learning curve! After fifteen minutes or so, I learned to use the plug, it was not wireless!
Then I worked on using the RV Life app routing tool. I got that working but I don’t like it as much as the apple map app. RV Life did not show the turns on the screen and did not give me the exit numbers. Nor did it say things like, “After the next light, make your turn”. So, I took the wrong (too early) exit.
I quickly learned that the height is going to be a bigger deal than I realized. 10 feet did not seem that tall, but it seems to be, and I need to be very careful. No damage done, just a turn around. I remembered Scott from Go Small Live Large (https://gosmalllivelarge.com/) telling how he had written the word “CLEARANCE” at the top of his drivers side windshield to remind himself of the height. I can see the need now. He has been a big part of my education on vanlife living! (Thank you, Scott!)
Drive and First Night
The drive was windy. Or at least, it felt that way to the van. I did not see the trees moving much though; so, I’m not sure if it was wind or if I had a weight distribution issue. The trucks seemed to be swaying a lot too. I was hoping it was wind as there is little I can change to shift weight. Many items only fit in certain places, and organizing has been a big puzzle. The instant pot only has one place it can call home, and I have the small pot! I’m not sure where I would put a second person’s clothing if there were two of us. I will need to reduce a bit and can use the vertical storage better, too. I guess that’s why they call it a shake down cruise!
Club Walmart in South Bend is a busy place! After clearing the overnight parking with the manager, I was told where to park. It was the only flat part of the parking lot which is along the drive to the COVID pickup area. Cars were constantly going by. I made salad for dinner and tried to relax a bit. It had been a stressful first drive with the wind! So, to my Doctor’s dismay, I bought some chips and dip, pulled the shades down and read a bit. I was spending my first night boondocking and in a Walmart parking lot! I had to chuckle.
Sally gave me this link. I’m excited that I can follow your trip
Awesome, Carol! I hope you enjoy the journey. I’m wearing my Camino bracelet that Sally gave me. It’s to remind me to enjoy the journey and not just look to a destination. Life is a pilgrimage!
Loving your blog!
Thanks, Tammy! I am so glad you are enjoying!
I’m still learning and improving it as I go. I hope you continue to enjoy it!