We have arrived

Theo · 02-24-2005, 05:13 PM

at our work kamper location - I filled in a resume, on Friday, at 15:30.. By 12:00 Saturday, I knew I was coming here.. We arrived this afternoon, at 12:05, and are settled in - de winterized, with not much problem, other than my own stupidity cost us the Reverse Osmosis system - I forgot to detach the filters, and didn't drain it... Foolish me only remembered, when I turned on the water, only to find both filter housings broken, and water pouring out.. So, no RO, until we find parts.
But, other than that small problem, we are happily back in the trailer, full time, the house on the market, and the determination not to bother getting another one.

Theo

maxandgeorgia · 02-24-2005, 05:41 PM

Can you tell us about your work kamper plan? I filled one out for us for summer for a couple of national parks, but our time is still so limited, we'll probably not hear.

balrgn · 02-24-2005, 05:48 PM

Wow, Keep us informed! Where are you located?

Theo · 02-24-2005, 06:58 PM

With my background in the military, and as a defense consultant, I was not sure of my chances, but the KOA in Carlsbad, NM needed a security man. I apparently fit exactly, and was welcomed with open arms. I am very pleased - the Kampground is a 10.. very clean, very well maintained, and now with a security minded security guard. They require a minimum of 4 hours per night to give me full hookup, free internet, discounted propane, and other things that have not sunk in yet.. I intend to do more than 4 hours though.. I don't want to get bored

So, any of you arriving here this year, say hi, to the security guy.. (you just need to look for the "long, long trailer")

The Medium duty truck I just bought towed the trailer beautifully - no problems at all, and smooth as can be. The F250 managed very well, but downhill was a bit of a problem - that truck has the Ford problem of terrible brake life, so it could get hairy. This monster has no problem at all - huge brakes, disks all round, massive rotors, and a sensing Allison tranny giving pretty good braking effort.

It is so kool to be a kamper.. I get my nice shirt tomorrow, and keys to prowl around with.

Theo

balrgn · 02-24-2005, 07:20 PM

Hope you can post some pics of snowless weather! (and your set up)Have a great time, Lucky Dude!

Theo · 02-25-2005, 07:50 AM

I will have to wait for the pictures - the wet and miserable weather arrived, same time we did.. There have been flurries, as well as lots of rain - the solar panels did not charge yesterday, and I have not put the new converter in yet, so today will be the time for that job.

Theo

maxandgeorgia · 02-25-2005, 03:43 PM

Congratulations, THeo. Keep us updated about the work kamper experience, please. Not many have posted here about that, but I'll bet there's interest! Enjoy your new surroundings

85MH325 · 02-25-2005, 03:49 PM

Congrats Theo! Sounds like a sweet deal! There is help for your F250 brakes... I put a set on my Excursion from here: http://www.raceshopper.com/sp_rotors.shtml
and haven't regretted it for a second. The difference is night and day!

Roger

Theo · 02-25-2005, 08:18 PM

Thank you, Roger, I will check out that link. I put new rotors on the truck the first week of December, didn't put more than 3,000 miles on the truck, and need to get them turned again. That was one of the deciding factors in not getting another Ford - the brakes on this Kodiak really are huge. Sarah was more impressed than I was, I suspect - she drove today, and commented on how sharp the brakes were..

Theo

Theo · 03-08-2005, 12:10 PM

I can't post a new thread.. this is so annoying.....

anyway, for those of you interested in Work Camping:

If you have a few months to spare, either end of the year, or between, try out work camping. There are openings for ALL types of people out there,and the life is very enjoyable. Think of all the nice times you had on an RV site, somewhere, then think that, every day. Working a few hours a day for a few days in a week, and you live there free.

KOA is always looking for work kampers, so try out KOA dot com.. Look for opportunities nearby, or further afield, and spend value time, with your spouse, just camping with a bit of work.

My situation is great - I get two days off, which really means three, because I work in the evenings - 7 to midnight, which gives me all day off. So my two days off, Monday, and Tuesday, give me until 7pm Wednesday, to go sight seeing, off road exploring, or just driving round the wonderful scenery of Southern New Mexico.

A couple pulled onto this KOA last week, and were taken on asw work kampers immediately - they just showed up, and asked. Most parks need help, so try any of them and see if you are lucky...
try these websites:
http://kamper.workatkoa.com/
http://www.workamper.com/

The first got me a position here in Calsbad KOA, in 3 hours... That cannot be beaten.. go for it.

Theo

Theo · 03-31-2005, 12:00 AM

The price of diesel, has prompted us to get a better mileage vehicle, to supplement our Medium Duty... so we have become the proud owners of a '97 Chevrolet K1500, Z71 Stepside pick up truck....

My lady is very happy - I got it for her, specifically, as she has not had her own pickup before.. The sight of her beaming with pleasure, the first night when we brought it home is worth every penny.

If this worked, this is a happy camper....