Geordy, New rv and questions

[Geordy]

Hi
After a couple of years of research and indecision I just took home my class B a few weeks ago. It's a sprinter from Sportsmobile in Fresno. I too am single and totally new to the rving world after many years of tent camping. I haven't done too much with it yet and am still trying to learn how to work its different parts. Am taking it slowly as I have never been mechanical and could easily let myself become overwhelmed. I do love it, however, and hope to have many adventures in the future. I live north of Sacramento and would really like to be able to get together with others nearby to trade advice, learn and have some fun. I think it would be so nice to have mutual support from others in a similar situation as I am totally alone in the beginning of this new life. Anyone interested in joining me?

[MandysMom]

There are several of us in Sacramento region. I live in Roseville and have a Leisure Travel van Sprinter I bought new in 2005. We love it. If I can help in any way, let me know! What year is your Sprinter?
Velda

[Geordy]

Velda
Thank you so much! That would be wonderful because (as you will see in just a moment) I am very inexperienced. As I mentioned, I am trying to take it slowly and only figure out one thing at a time. Last night I decided to test plugging in the van to a power plug in my garage to charge it but the plug was too big to fit the home outlet. So am I right in assuming I need an adapter of some sort? Where would I buy something like that?
My sprinter is new, 2016. I got a very simple build but even so it confuses me!

[Bethers]

Geordy, I split off your post and replies from the other.

Your rig most likely has a 30 amp connection. To plug into a home outlet, you would need a connector to step down to that outlet. And you would not be able to use everything in your rig without, most likely, blowing the circuit breaker to that outlet in your house.

[Cudedog]

Welcome, Geordy!

I too live north of Sacramento.

I did a DIY (Do It Yourself) conversion of a cargo van to a camper van.

Finished the conversion a couple of years ago; haven't been able to travel much due to ill and elderly dogs.

But My Sweet Girl is nearing the end (15 1/2 years, always at my side). I would do anything to keep her with me, she is more important to me than travel. But it is what it is.

Anyway, you and Velda and I should have a get-together sometime soon (before it gets really hot, as it generally does in the Sacramento area in summer).

I would also like to announce my new website, VolcanoTime (I am fascinated by volcanoes, and with so many nearby in Northern California I am itching to hit the road):

http://www.volcanotime.com

I give volcano talks to primary school-age children, specializing in talks for Cub Scouts and Junior Girl Scouts.

If you would like to read a bit about me and my van build, the link is below. Click on the van link.

WELCOME!!

Anne

[monik7]

I live in the East Bay (Dublin) and would welcome getting together. It's nice that we're getting more forum members in our area. As you can see from the pic below, I have a 2012 Itasca Navion iQ on a Sprinter chassis.
Sandi

[Cudedog]

I live in the East Bay (Dublin) and would welcome getting together. It's nice that we're getting more forum members in our area. As you can see from the pic below, I have a 2012 Itasca Navion iQ on a Sprinter chassis.
Sandi

Sandi, I forgot you were so close!

A bunch of us in the area definitely should make time for a mini-get-together.

Can't wait!

Anne

[JudyJB]

My son lives in Napa, and I will be there from June 22 to June 29, and then again from July 3 through July 6. Then we (my son and his family and trailer) are heading to Oregon and Washington.

Any chance you could get together during one of those times? If so, I will drive out to meet with you for the day. Or, I could invite you all out to Napa for lunch. Probably better for us to meet somewhere near Geordy's new RV, though.

[monik7]

My son lives in Napa, and I will be there from June 22 to June 29, and then again from July 3 through July 6. Then we (my son and his family and trailer) are heading to Oregon and Washington.

Any chance you could get together during one of those times? If so, I will drive out to meet with you for the day. Or, I could invite you all out to Napa for lunch. Probably better for us to meet somewhere near Geordy's new RV, though.

It would be great to meet you Judy along with Velda, Geordy and Anne. I'm not too familiar with what's available in that area. Maybe Velda or Anne could make a suggestion. Getting together in a campground might be good for Geordy so she can have an opportunity to try out her new rig and ask questions.
Sandi

[Cudedog]

Wow, sounds like a plan.

I will have to research what (if any) camping is available in the Sacramento area. My favorite place to camp is at the Medicine Lake Volcano, at Hawk's Nest Campground:

http://hawksnestrvcabins.com/

It is where I like to be, right on top of a volcano. Reasonable rates, beautiful county - but a bit remote. Unfortunately, also about a 4 - 5 hour drive from the Sacramento area. The photos on the website are real, though, I know because I have camped there several times.

Judy, Sandi and Velda - would love to meet, have been wanting to meet you ladies for a long time. Would like to meet Georgy, too!

Unfortunately, I'm not sure if Judy's dates will work for me - I am expecting visitors then, so we shall see.

I know there is a campground on the river in Gridley (Gridley is just north of Yuba City, which is north of Sacramento) but I have never been there. Maybe I can take a drive up there in the next few days and check it out. It will depend on the weather also, I think. Gridley (as Sacramento) can be very warm - it was in the 100's there a few days ago, but it has cooled off some currently.

WooHoo!

Anne

[MandysMom]

A get together sounds fun. Depending on days of week and all Mel's many appointments, I will try. Gives me ncemtive to get the van put of the driveway to the tire place to get those new tires. Decide on a place and I'll try.
Velda

[MandysMom]

Just read this again and for sure 4 to 5 hours is too far for me ESP since i would come alone. Mel's eating issues are too complicated for now. But make it close like the Yuba place and I likely can.
Velda

[Pooker]

Hi, Geordy! To add to Beth's info: You can buy the needed electric adaptor at most any RV supply store or Walmart. In Walmart, head to the camping section and ask a clerk to help you find a 30 to 20(15) adaptor plug. House current will not allow you to use everything in your rig that the 30 amp hookup at an RV park will allow, but you can turn your fridge on to get down to temperature before packing your food, and you can use lights, etc. Just don't try to use your A/C, micro, electric heaters, etc.

In the beginning, I wrote instructions for just about everything in a little notebook - step by step. You think you're going to remember everything, but write it down anyway! I have had my "B" for a year now and if I don't go out for a month or two I forget how to hook up the t.v. all the various ways for cable, satellite, antenna.

Pooker

[Rufflesgurl]

HI Geordy - Have fun in your new RV! There are a couple RV places that might be closer for you:

http://www.frenchcamp.com/home.html
http://sugarbarge.com/rv-park-2

It's been 3 or 4 years since I've been to these places - both were nice at that time. Sugar Barge was kind of hard to find but it is on the Delta.

Linda

[Geordy]

Hey All
This is great! Thanks so much for the warm welcome and advice. Can't wait to meet you all. Hope we can make it happen.
G