JdFinley.com

Fulltime RV Living Adventures

Dutch Star Energy Audit

Audits always seem to be a hot topic!! In this case, energy audit is the subject. An energy audit is often referred to as an electrical budget, an energy budget, and even a power audit. Note from JD: Here is post about doing your own energy audit or energy budget. I previously discussed the importance of having… [Read More]

Motorhome Weight

Several people have asked about the weight of my coach. I finally got around to weighing it this past weekend. The big changes that I have made are the addition of the 650 watt solar charging system and replacing one couch with an office/desk. With full fuel, full propane, 3/4 full holding tanks, nearly empty… [Read More]

Headlight Replacement

Note from JD: Long after the new headlight assemblies were installed, it occurred to me that the removal and installation would have been really easy if I had just slid the front clip/generator out.  Hopefully this little idea will help someone!! The headlight assemblies on my motorhome (JBAM) were not in the best of condition…. [Read More]

Sail Repair

I’ve decided to do what I can to learn some canvas and sail repair skills. Of course, I really, really, really hope to return to sailboat living someday so this skill is not just an exercise in killing time. I hope it is something I can actually use someday! I started by picking up a… [Read More]

Creaking Noise

The drawer section in the center of my Newmar Dutch Star dash makes creaking noises. Creaking noises bug me. I finally had enough, got down on the floor, and disassembled that section of the dash to see what could be done. It appeared that the creaking was coming from where the plastic molded pieces of… [Read More]

2015 RV Living Expenses

There are a tremendous number of people interested in the financial aspect of full-time RV living so I have decided to publish my expenses for 2015. However; these numbers do not represent one full year. I started full-timing on March 26, 2015 so the following represents my 280 days – just over nine months –… [Read More]

Battery Watering System

A battery watering system for a motorhome or RV with a large battery bank can be very useful tool! I have four 6 volt house batteries in my motorhome, JBAM.  These batteries provide something around 400 amp-hours of capacity and I put this to good use!  I’ve settled on a once per month schedule for… [Read More]

New Look

It was time for a new look for the website. While it is here – I would not suggest that it is “done”. Send me your thoughts – I’m anxious to hear what people think!

Topper Fabric Replacement

Many RV’s have little awning over slideouts to keep debris and water off the slideout. These little awnings are called a “topper”. A topper automatically deploys when the slideout is extended. I have three of these toppers with one slideout being covered by the main patio awning. The topper fabric on my driver side living… [Read More]

Bath Time

Bath time, again… I last gave my home a good bath back in June, I think. While certainly not filthy, it was time for another bath. Most state parks and campgrounds frown on the typical form of home bathing – using a hose to shower it down – so I’ve reverted to spit baths. At… [Read More]