FIVE STAR RV Service Review: Russel's RV and Auto Service, Kingman, AZ

Russel's RV and Auto Service
4065 North Bank Street
Kingman, AZ 86401
(928) 692-1717
RusselsAuto@Frontiernet.net

This is a company that knows the value of customer service!

I found Russel's through a local newspaper review of their services. Originally, I had taken my Ford Ranger in for basic maintenance, after purchasing it. I was impressed with their ethics and customer service, then. That hasn't changed.

I, totally, admit to being somewhat anal and high maintenance when it comes to my vehicles' care. You know the type: completely lacking in knowledge, lots of questions and too many opinions. The staff at Russel's were patient and smiled throughout all our dealings, both on the phone and in person.

Because this was a used purchase the techs/mechanics went over everything.

Services/repairs included:

Complete post purchase inspection (chassis and coach, inside and out)
Basic maintenance
generator repair
some modifications
tire repair and extended valve installation


As a woman, I am very aware of the possibility that I could be an easy target. The service adviser, John, listened to what I had to say. If he had a question he called to make sure I was on board with his ideas and estimate. He let me know if something needed to be taken care of right away, or if it could wait and gave me estimates for future modifications.

The whole experience was pleasant and stress-free. Everyone, from Sue in the office, to the mechanics and techs were friendly, personable and professional. It was easy to see they were grateful that I chose to support their business

As a side note, they have a comfortable and clean waiting area with snacks and coffee!

John called the following week to make sure I was happy with their service and all systems were go!

Thanks to everyone at Russel's, for the great service they provide.


I hope those of you using RV service repairs will take the time to offer a review of services at RV Service Reviews. Just this morning, I logged on to a forum and someone was looking for a service provider in a very rural area. i was able to provide her with a contact in the area who had recieved excellent reviews.


Blogger issues reared it's ugly head, again this week! Currently, blogger tells me I am not following anyone's blogs and there are no blogs in my google reader. That's on top of the fact that I can't post or comment on your blogs. I am reading along when I find a link to your blog via comments, etc.  Watch for RVly Ever After moving to another blogging service in the near future!

Rubber Tramp Rendezvous 2012, January 10 -24

Last year's Rubber Tramp Rendezvous was so much fun I can't wait to get back there, in January. There's lots to the gathering besides the fun, that was just the icing on the cake. I met so many awesome people that are living my dream; and more awesome people in the planning mode, like myself. These great people were all so willing to share their knowledge, wisdom and experience.

The area in which we camped, at the base of Dome Mountain, was beautiful

We were far from the maddening crowds, yet only minutes away from Quartzsite. The site had easy access to head west to Blythe and Parker, for shopping, if you didn't want to deal with the crowds in town.

The sunrises

and sunsets

were breathtaking, although my camera and skills don't do them justice.

There were activities to interest everyone


Aficionados of Single Malt Scotch attended an educational experience in which they were able to taste both expensive brand names First Malt Scotch and obscure brands enabling them to compare and rate the bottles.


That particular event got funnier as the night got later

If you would like to participate in the 2nd Annual Single Malt Scotch Educational Experience you have a year to pick up either a really expensive or an obscure brand of Single Malt Scotch. Oh hell, just bring a bottle of scotch, next year. We're not that fussy!


The entertainment was non-stop


Thanks to Kaite and Alex we had several community meals that were beyond tasty! Everyone contributed something to help out.


This is the way to start off your day!



For more information with regard to events, seminars, what to bring and location visit click here. There is NOTHING provided. We strive to make this event as green as possible, whatever you bring in you must plan on hauling out.

Of course, none of this would be possible with Bob's two wonderful websites Cheap RV Living and Cheap Green RV Living

In case you missed the fun, here are a few places where you can read about it.

From my own blog, RVly Ever After, in chronological order:
The Best Laid Schemes
RTR2011: Here's What You've Missed So Far
More RTR
Outtakes

Other bloggers who posted about the RTR, include:

HighTek Homeless, the awesome owners of Free Campsites.net

Blars, our very own Techno-Viking
http://techno-viking.com/posts/rubber-tramps/


Laura, who travels in the VW Bus of my dreams
http://lauraswesty.blogspot.com/2011/01/quartzesite-arizona.html


Remy, NOLA's Lost Son, (Where are you?)
http://cajungypsy.blogspot.com/2011/02/rtr-last-morning.html

Suanne, traveling in a Prius and who's mad photograpy skillz are not to be missed
http://suanneonline.blogspot.com/2011/01/rendezvous-at-quartzsite-jan-10-29.html

Bri, Many Wheels on the road to many places 
http://manywheelsbrian.blogspot.com/2011/01/quartzsite.html

Raven’s Roads
http://www.ravensroads.com/tag/RTR201101/


If you love dogs, like I love dogs, Stumpy shared her RTR experience and  introduces the dogs of the RTR on her blog.

Stumpy (right) and part of her posse (Rain on the left and Mia in the center) on their best behavior (for about 30 seconds)



Homer says, "Be here now!"

BBC's 'American Nomads"

Theo's in the shop getting basic maintenance and a few odds and ends taken care of.. I'm thrilled because all systems passed shop's inspection. She was the only RV I gave serious thought to purchasing without getting an inspection done. The logistics of her purchase just didn't allow for it. Not only that, but I didn't even have a mechanically-inclined friend available to go look at her, with me. I was more than a little nervous about the outcome.

BBC's version of the "American Nomad," definitely doesn't include me.



This is a clip from a four part series, that isn't available outside of the UK, to my knowledge.

Wierd Travel Gadgets

Oddee, one of my favorite funny websites list some weird travel gadgets. 

Stumpy's favorite

a heated car seat. I'm pretty sure there isn't much she wouldn't do to have this installed in her navigator's seat.

There are several ways to describe this stash. "Ewwww!" comes to mind, immediately

Seriously, NO-ONE is looking there, for your cash!

As someone preparing for a full-timin' life I am all about conserving space. I think these next three items could be combined.

A WiFi detection t-shirt

A USB powered air conditioned shirt

And the Traveler's Phrasebook T-Shirt

You might think this is only useful for foreign travel. But, I can see a use for it right here in the USA when I think about some of the accents one hears in different parts of the country.

And lastly, for those boon-dockers digging cat holes

It's suggested this travel bidet is for foreign travel. I know there's some full and part-timers out there that might appreciate a splash!

You might also enjoy Oddee's post: 10 Coolest Travel Trailers

Check them out for more weird travel gadgets and more information on the items I have posted.

Goin' Mobile!

We brought Theo (aka Theodora, Dora the Explora or "THE ONE") home on Saturday. I've been attempting to create a blog post, since then but blogger continues to refuse to cooperate.



Theo is a 1988 Jayco, on an E350 chassis with a 460 engine. She shows normal wear, but has been very well maintained. I don't love the floor plan. But, I like it better than the other option (staying in dirtville)

Included in the sale were 6 new tires, 2 new batteries, a new awning and a new flat screen tv with a new DVD player

Since blogger is such a PITA, I am copying most of this post from Stumpy's blog and she'll lead the tour. I'll also add a few pictures that weren't shared on Stumpy's blog.

"Come on in! Wipe your paws and take off your shoes, please."


"Here's my couch!"


"It looks much better with me, on it! Don't you think? It's great that we're both blue!"


"We've got a couple of chairs. They're grey, but we still match pretty good."


"Here's what it looks like from the back looking to the front."


"Here's where we will eat (if it's raining)"


"Where's dinner! I'm hungry!"


"Here's where my slave/chauffeur makes my food and does the dishes."


"I don't know what all goes on in here, the door is usually closed"


"Oh! And here's where I, the Navigator-In-Chief sits!"


Miscellaneous pictures

I have no idea when we'll hit the road, permanently. I am hoping for January but I need to replenish my savings so we have an emergency funds and a cushion. We will be attending RTR2012, for sure!

As I said, blogger has been horrible, for months now. We still read your posts and comment when we can, when blogger lets us. At some point I'll probably open a wordpress blog :( and combine two of my blogs. I'll keep you posted. Comments are still closed, because I can't respond to your comments (ON MY OWN FREAKING BLOG; NOT EVEN ANONOMOUSLY!!!!) Spellcheck is not working either, so forgive any mistakes, please. Maybe I should say anymore than usual.


I'm going home
And when I want to go home, I'm going mobile
Well I'm gonna find a home on wheels, see how it feels,
Goin' mobile
Keep me moving

I can pull up by the curb,
I can make it on the road,
Goin' mobile
I can stop in any street
And talk with people that we meet
Goin' mobile

Keep me moving
Out in the woods
Or in the city
It's all the same to me
When I'm driving free
The world's my home
When I'm mobile

Play the tape machine
Make the toast and tea
When I'm mobile

Well, I can lay in bed with only highway ahead
When I'm mobile
Keep me moving

Keep me moving
Over fifty
Keep me groovin'
Just a hippie gypsy
Come on move now

Movin'
Keep me movin' yeah
Keep me movin', movin', movin', yeah
Movin' yeah
Mobile, mobile, mobile, mobile....

I don't care about pollution
I'm an air-conditioned gypsy
That's my solution
Watch the police and the taxman miss me!
I'm mobile!
Mobile, mobile, mobile, yeah

"Goin' Mobile" Pete Townshend/The Who from "Who's Next," released in 1971

Rant (x 2)

Rant #1
Although I am not looking as obsessively as I was, I am still looking for Theo (THE ONE) I've looked at several over the couple of months and they all seem to have one thing in common: the idiots who are selling them. Is it so hard to relay the information that would be pertinent to the buyer?

Before driving a minimum of an hour to go look at a vehicle, I want some basic facts and a few pictures.

Below is the response I got to my simple questions and request for pictures.








Yeah, NO!!! I am not driving 3 hours, in the heat, to go look at something with no background information and no idea what the TT looks like, AFTER receiving pictures.

Rant #2
The ongoing issues with Blogger, YouTube and Google have sucked the fun right out of blogging. Even when my hands are able I, often-times, can't comment. I have to log out of Blogger to use Google or YouTube. I have to log out of Google, to use Blogger or YouTube and I have to log out of YouTube to use Blogger or Google. In other words, I can only be logged in on one of these websites at a time.

On top of that, I can't upload a picture to blogger 50% of the time. In spite of the fact that blogger says it's "done" the picture doesn't show up. Doesn't matter which format, html or compose, I use. Or how many times I upload.

Blogger/YouTube/ Google could care less about these issues.

Please know that I am reading your blogs, in spite of my inability to comment.  Today seems to be a better day.  I can actually post to my own blog AND upload pictures.  Now we'll go see if I can comment on some of yours!

Thanks for listening to my whine! I'd love some baked Brie with that!

More Free WiFi!!!

A member on the Cheap RV Living forum discovered that some Home Depot stores offer free WiFi!

We can never get enough of that, right?

Go to the store locator page and check the wifi option.

Thanks 4x4Chvy!

Work from (Mobile) Home! Google is hiring!

Google is looking for Ads Quality Raters.

"...As an Ads Quality Rater, you will be responsible for reporting and tracking the visual quality and content accuracy of Google advertisements. Ads Quality Raters use an online tool to examine advertising-related data of different kinds and provide feedback and analysis to Google. Projects worked on may involve examining and analyzing text, web pages, images, and other kinds of information. You will need an in depth and up-to-date familiarity with English- speaking web culture and media. Additionally, you will apply this knowledge to a broad range of interests and topics. Ads Quality Raters possess excellent written communication skills and web analytic capabilities. You will be required to work 10-20 hours a week on a self-directed schedule..."

These are temporary positions. More information is available here

Submit your resumes to Work ForceLogic

Off the Grid: Life On The Mesa

"...Twenty-Five miles from town, a million miles from mainstream society, a loose-knit community of eco-pioneers, teenage runaways, war veterans and drop-outs, live on the fringe and off the grid, struggling to survive with little food, less water and no electricity, as they cling to their unique vision of the American dream…"


Watch the film, in its entirety (107 minutes) - Warning: Adult Content
Off the Grid: Life On The Mesa - Watch the Documentary Film for Free Watch Free Documentaries Online SnagFilms

If you read through the comments, several people mentioned that the documentary only looked at a small portion of the mesa. According to those commentators there are about 1400 residents of the Mesa, most of them living green, environmentally conscious lives.

As a side note, the term, "off the grid," originally referred to living without public utilities such as water and electricity. Many of the negative comments were bashing the community because they still rely on society for many necessities.

What is SnagFilms?

My answer is simple. "More FREE TV!"

SnagFilms tells us they are "...committed to finding the world‘s most compelling documentaries, whether from established heavyweights or first-time filmmakers, and making them available to the wide audience these titles deserve.

SnagFilms.com is a website where you can watch full-length documentary films for free, but we’re also a platform that lets you “snag” a film and put it anywhere on the web. With a rapidly-growing library of thousands of films, each individually selected by our industry expert curators, you’re bound to find films that resonate with your interests. We make it easy for you to find a film that shines a light on a cause you care about. You can then open a virtual movie theater on any website, so any one can watch your favorite SnagFilms for free.

We are also bringing these great films to audiences everywhere through distribution partners large and small – look for our logo around the web as your indication of highest quality professional filmmaking. We are also bringing our library to the full array of devices (check out our free iPad application, for example) and a range of With an increasing array of devices and platforms including cable VOD and iTunes, our extensive library continues to be easily accessible for audiences anywhere, any time.

Additionally, we are excited to announce that this summer SnagFilms, for the first time ever, will be offering narrative fictional films across all platforms.

By combining SnagFilms' innovative platform of free films, widget sharing and filmanthropy, additional availability via transactional platforms, and indieWIRE's iconic heritage, journalistic excellence, and minute to minute breaking news coverage, we are proud to support and strengthen the independent film community.

SnagFilms can be summed up in four words: Find. Watch. Snag. Support.

Find.

Whether using our custom search tools, browsing by topic, or tuning into one of the great channels provided by our partners, with a few clicks you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for.

Watch.

By streaming films worldwide, on-demand, 24x7 and with no software installation or downloading required, we have radically expanded the audience for independent films. All you need is a decent broadband connection. Just click play, go full-screen, and lean back and enjoy our films. And a special collection of newly-released titles are available on our channels on Comcast and FiOS VOD, and iTunes.

Snag.

Widgets let you take your favorite SnagFilms with you wherever you like to go online. Open a virtual movie theater right in your webpage, blog, Facebook or MySpace page, or just about any other place online you can think of.

Support.

At their best, documentaries don‘t merely entertain us, they engage and inspire us to take action. We provide a link for you on each film page to get involved with the film's cause - whether that be donating or finding a place to volunteer - enabling you to take part immediately. And just by embedding our widgets, you’ve donated your pixels and helped support independent film.

If you’re a filmmaker, producer, or a distributor with documentaries in need of distribution, please reach out to submissions@snagfilms.com"

No service? No signal? Out of range? There's a solution!

photo lifted from dreamtimes

LifeHacker is another one of my go to websites. They constantly post tips and tricks on all kinds of subjects, from the kitchen to mobile technology. The writers at LifeHacker dumb down their directions for people like me, who only want to know how (the easy way) without caring about the why and what if.

Recently, Lifehacker contributor Alan Henry shared a method which makes it possible to use your iOS or Android phone even when out of range! Check it out!

You can check an area's signal with help from Deadzones.com

This could be you! (or me) CAUTION! The F bomb is dropped, frequently!!!

An AWESOME Boon Docking/Full-timin' RV Resource

I met Jen and Johnny (aka Hitek Homeless) at the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous in Quartzsite this past January. I may be their biggest fan (and quite possibly a harmless stalker)


One of the many things I love about this couple is their willingness to share information. They've created a couple of fantastic websites that do just that.

Their blog documents their travels with pictures and descriptions of hikes, campsites, and other aspects that may be of interest to travelers of all modes. It also has a page dedicated to work camping resources. Bookmark this page! It lists many resources available with a single click and it has recently been updated.

They also have a wonderful gallery of pictures, taken at their many camp sites, hiking and caving expeditions. I'd be hard pressed to pick my favorite, but I really enjoyed the most recent

A July 4th Rainbow and Hoodoos (picture lifted from Hitek Homeless)

Jen and Johnny are also created FreeCampsites.net. The website incorporates an interactive map of boon docking campsites, which is easily navigated. All of the listed sites have been utilized by Jen and Johnny or contributors. The campsites are rated and any difficulties getting there are noted and discussed. The website is updated regularly as they travel throughout the United States.

They provide a discussion forum to discuss all aspects of RV living and boon docking.

You can stalk follow them on FaceBook, for more frequent updates. If you have a question about a campsite or area they're happy to provide answers.

As a sidenote, if you have the opportunity to camp with these wanderers, the entertainment value, alone, is priceless!


Thanks, you guys, for providing such awesome resources and not having me arrested for stalking! I'm looking forward to the next time!

What Happens In Quartzsite Doesn't Necessarily Stay In Quartzsite

Quartzsite Declares Emergency
Council ousts mayor; online video at center of dispute

It's no surprise to me, nor I am sure, to many others who spent time in Quartzsite this past winter. The rumblings in the belly of Quartzsite, by both residents and seasonal vendors were palpably loud. Things were going to get messy.

7/12/2011 6:00:00 AM
Associated Press
PHOENIX (AP)
"... The far western Arizona town of Quartzsite was in a state of upheaval Monday after the town council ousted the mayor from power and declared a state of emergency, all over an online video that shows a woman being arrested..."

The video below has generated a lot of press for the small town, where many RVin' folk make their winter home.


You can read more by following the link to the Kingman Daily Miner at the top of the post or at AZ Family

I'll have tacos with my Wi Fi, please

Taco Bell to provide free Wi fi


Once again, thanks to The Consumerist, I am in the know.

In a press release, IndoorDirect stated that,"...Taco Bell Corp. and Indoor Direct, Inc. have reached a long-term agreement to be the first to install in-store television network and free Wi-Fi solutions in all 5,600 Taco Bell locations throughout the United States..."

The project is expected to be completed in July of 2015.

Currently, Taco Bell has 14 locations with free WiFi

The 25 Documents You Need Before You Hit The Road

One of the things I struggle with when it comes to road prep are which documents I need to have readily accessible for myself or a loved one, in case of an emergency

The Consumerist comes through again with an post taken from Wall Street Journal/Wall Street Investor. WSJ references death, with regard to the article and graphic. In reality, it's something that would make things easier in case of any type of emergency or catastrophe.

The article goes into more detail, but the graphic really simplifies it.

Graphic by Tim Goldman

Good information whether your traveling, or not!



**Disclaimer
If you're anything like me, you may not need all of these documents if you've unloaded prperty, and most of what you own.