We had the pleasure of moving to a few places in Mississippi. Our next area was in Oklahoma for a short duration of two months. We managed to go to three campgrounds, but did discover that according to their thoughts, a campground ranged from a gravel parking lot with the hook ups and nothing else to an area with a playground, pool etc. Oh, and some did not allow big rigs like ours since they are concerned that the weight of the truck would damage the road.

Once again there was a casino on every corner.

FYI- we do have a big rig, actually it is a converted semi, you know the tractor trailer type truck. The hitch on the back is strictly for 5th wheel campers not for tractor trailer beds.

While we were gate guarding we had to make an emergency trip back to North Carolina for a family death. During the drive there, we were almost in an accident involving a drunk driver. Before the big rig we had a dodge dually that was great for pulling in all terrains, but as we learned, horrible for stopping. Poor Jim was literally standing up with his foot on the brakes to stop. We had burned the brakes on the camper and had cut them with flying debris from this idiotic drunk driver. She flipped her vehicle through the median and into the oncoming traffic. Except for bruises and a small cut, she was unhurt. Not so for two other drivers. (of course the nurse in me stepped in)

Anyway, we decided we needed more stopping power, thus the rig. The converted semi as in the big things that used to pull tractor trailers was the way to go. The nice part is that because it is converted, and we are not hauling tractor trailers, we did not have to have a CDL driver license according to our domicile state requirements. Oh, I almost forgot- when you are going to be a full-time RVer, which means you no longer have a sticks and bricks home, you need to pick a state that you will call home. You then set up a mail forwarding service, get your driver license and have your vehicles registered and insured. Ask a lot of questions, do your research, it will be an important step.

For example, we chose South Dakota. Our main reason was that there were no state taxes. Now they do have what they refer to as tire tax, so you pay that above and beyond your registration and of course your insurance. I do believe it is something like $4.00 per tire.

The other thing that is important is vehicle insurance. When doing a policy for your camper, check with your agent if there is a replacement value clause. This can save you money down the road. Last year, when we literally broke our camper going through road construction, it was a god send. When I had originally signed up for the policy, there was one of the check spots that was for replacement value and would cost me $54.00 a year. I thought it was a great buy, so went for it.

When we broke our camper, it meant that instead of getting a cheque from insurance for what the camper was worth (after all the depreciation) we got a cheque for what we paid for the camper. On that note, when a construction sign indicates a speed limit- go even slower. And when it involves bridge construction and there is a before and after 'bump' sign, be aware that it could be more than a bump. After crossing the bridge, we had at least a ten-inch drop from the bridge to the road surface. That was enough to bend the frame even at a speed of fifteen miles per hour- thus a new camper/ home on wheels.

To be continued........